SAVING MARCUS

by

C.L. GREEN

Clinton L. Green
5029 N. 86th Dr.
Glendale, AZ 85305
(480)217-0764
gavjor2000@yahoo.com 

EXT. ARIZONA MANSION – DAY

A sprawling private manor with exquisite landscaping.  A NURSE and CLEANING LADY converse as they exit the stunning two-story paradise.

INT. MANSION BEDROOM - MORNING

JEFF NAPIER, (50’s) graying and sophisticated enters the vast room carrying a food tray.  He’s wearing an unbuttoned dress shirt with cufflinks and slacks.  

He places the tray in front of his wife, CELESTE, (30’S) lying frail and sickly in a massive bed. 
 
                         JEFF
                Good morning, good looking.

                         CELESTE
                Good morning, liar.

Jeff takes a seat on the bed next to her and touches her face.

                         JEFF
               I’ve decided to do what you asked.
               I have a conference in Cleveland
               Wednesday. ... I’ll ride down to
               Columbus and speak with Marcus about
               Dimitri. I still think it's a mistake.
               How can a man like him handle a boy
               With special needs?                             

Celeste moves the food tray and pulls her husband into an embrace.  He squeezes her and breaks down sobbing.                         
                         
EXT. STATE PRISON – DAY

A vast, massive gray monstrosity surrounded by miles of stonewalls and barbed wire fencing.  

Newly released ex-cons walk out from a forbidding iron gate.  Some get on a travel bus, others ride away with family and friends.

An ELDERLY CONVICT hugs his ADULT CHILDREN who’ve come to greet him after years of incarceration.  

MARCUS COLEMAN, (30’S) smallish but muscular, in state issued jeans and shirt, walks past this reunion, looking for a familiar face of his own.  He spots his man, SWOOP, (50’S) tall, slick in dress and demeanor approaching.

                         SWOOP
               Marco, look at you, nigga.  
               Lookin’ like you been on some 
               damn vacation. 

                         MARCUS
               Vacation in Hell.  Been a long 
               time, Swoop.

The two men give a rough hug and start walking.

                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               There’s a man the streets call, 
               Swoop, and who Marcus considers 
               his best friend.  I know it won’t 
               be long before he has his grip on
               Marcus, swaying him back into a
               life of crime, and I know nothing
               good will ever come from his bond
               with this Swoop.  
                            
EXT. COUNTRY HIGHWAY – DAY

An immaculate red E-Class Mercedes with fancy rims cruises the highway.  

INT. MERCEDES – DAY

Swoop drives, bobbing his head to hard-core Hip-Hop.  Marcus is looking out the passenger window at all the unconfined countryside. 

                         SWOOP
               I’m tellin’ you, Marco, we ‘bout
               to come up on some serious money.
               You hookin’ me up with Winslow’s
               bout to pay off major.  He’s 
               puttin’ me in on this upscale hotel
               restoration deal.  You believe 
               that shit?  Me in some square-ass
               suit and tie.
                         MARCUS
               Sounds good, man, but you gotta
               be careful fuckin’ with Winslow.                         
               I saw him come in that prison a 
               bitch and leave a beast.  Make no 
               mistake, you fuck up business with
               him, and he’ll take us both out.

                         SWOOP
               Anyway, Winslow’s throwin’ a party
               tomorrow night.  He wants you there 
               so he can honor you.

                         MARCUS
               I don’t know ‘bout all that.
                         
                         SWOOP
               You wanna get some pussy or 
               get high first?  Shit, do‘em both 
               together.  It’s your day, nigga.  
               Good to have your ass home.                               

EXT. INNER CITY NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT  

The sounds of the hood are alive on this street: sirens, traffic and people shouting. 

Swoop’s Mercedes turns onto a residential street and pulls into the driveway of a modest duplex.

INT. MERCEDES – NIGHT

Swoop snorts some coke from a tiny zip loc bag with a golden pocketknife.  He offers Marcus some.  Marcus shakes his head in decline and gulps a bottle of beer. 

                         SWOOP
               You sure no bitches tonight?                            

                         MARCUS
               No, I’m cool. ... Damn, all the 
               lights out in there.  First she 
               don’t ride out with you to pick me
               up, and now she don’t even wait up.

               
                         SWOOP
               You know Maxine, man.  She ain’t
               changed.  The key is under the
               the mat.  I had some maintenance 
               done on your piece of shit car. 

                         MARCUS
               You didn’t pimp my ride?

                         SWOOP
               Nah, I know you don’t have any 
               style, drivin’ that faggody shit.           
               You sure you don’t wanna stay wit’
               me, ‘til you get a spot?
                       
                         MARCUS
               Thanks, Bruh, but Maxine can put 
               up wit me a couple months. 
                                         
                         SWOOP
               Here, take this.
 
Swoop hands Marcus a brown paper bag from under his seat.

                         SWOOP
               Some money to hold you a minute.
               A new trigger, too.  Take a week
               or two to get acclimated, then
               I'll put you back to work.

Marcus removes a Glock 9mm from the bag.  He admires the gun a moment.

                         MARCUS
               Thanks, bruh.  I appreciate this. 
 
                         SWOOP                     
               You know you're my dude.  

The men fist bump and Marcus gets out the car. 

EXT. DUPLEX DRIVEWAY - NIGHT                          
                         
                         SWOOP                     
               Come by the store tomorrow, drunk 
               ass.  We'll talk some business.

Marcus throws up a peace sign.  Swoop cruises away. 

INT. STAIRWAY – MOMENTS LATER

Marcus climbs the stairs to the sounds of a man and woman having WILD SEX. 

INT. HALLWAY  

Marcus walks past the loud bedroom and shaking his head.
    
INT. BEDROOM 

The light flicks on a simply furnished room.  Marcus removes his shirt and walks over to the bed.  He caresses the comforter and then tosses himself on the bed, appreciating the cushion.  He smiles.  Life in the free world.                 

INT. COLEMAN KITCHEN – MORNING

MAXINE COLEMAN, (50’S) voluptuous and proud of it, is standing over the stove, in shorts and t-shirt cooking bacon and eggs.  She’s doing this while smoking a joint and dancing to OLD-SCHOOL R&B.

Marcus creeps up behind her in only a t-shirt and jeans.                       
                         
                         MARCUS
               Kind’a loud last night, Maxine.
               You still like ‘em young?

Maxine doesn’t turn around.
  
                         MAXINE
               Old-ass man can’t do nothin’ for 
               me, ‘cept make me a beneficiary 
               on his life insurance.

She turns around and they hug long and tight.  Maxine hands Marcus the joint.  He takes a couple of hard hits.
                                                 
                         MAXINE
               Since you was a baby, your mamma’s 
               cookin’ could always wake your ass   
               up.  Grab some plates.

Marcus puts the joint out in the sink and pulls plates from the cabinet.  He hands the dishes to Maxine.  She piles food on a plate and hands it back to him.                        

                         MAXINE
               You look good, Marcus.  How I look?
                        
                         MARCUS
               You still got it.

The DOORBELL RINGS.

                         MAXINE
               Sit down and eat.

Maxine turns the music off and goes for the door.  Marcus sits and eats.  After a moment, Maxine returns.
                         
                         MAXINE 
               Somebody’s here for you.                          
                                                  
                         MARCUS
               Who is it? 
    
                         MAXINE
               Jeff Napier?  Look like your PO.
               I left his ass on the porch.

                         MARCUS
               I’m not on paper.
                           
Marcus walks out the room with a mouth full of food.

EXT. PORCH – MOMENTS LATER

Jeff is standing in a business suit and tie, watching a couple of BOYS tossing a football next door.  In the background, a limousine waits for him in the driveway.  Marcus comes to the screen door.                       
                                                  
                         MARCUS
               Yeah?   

Jeff turns around.

  
                         JEFF
               Hello, Marcus.  I’m Jeff Napier,
               Celeste’s husband.

Marcus looks him over, and then at the limo.
                         
                         JEFF
               I’m alone. 

                         MARCUS
               Yeah, what’cha want, man?

                         JEFF
               Can I have a few minutes?  It’s 
               serious.

Marcus looks him over again.  He holds the door open.  Jeff walks in.

INT. LIVING ROOM – MOMENT LATER

The room is over-decorated with expensive furnishings.  There’s a salon chair and dryer for home hair-dressing.  Jeff steps in and waits for Marcus’s direction.                          
                                                  
                         MARCUS
               You can sit down.  Want somethin’?      
                         
                         JEFF
               Glass of water would be appreciated.

Marcus goes for the water.  Jeff takes a seat.  He looks around the room and rubs his finger on an end table, checking for dust.
                              
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               It took more than one argument for 
               Jeff to merely mention Marcus’s 
               name.  On our wedding day, he made
               me promise that I would never try 
               to contact him again.  I made that
               promise.
               
Marcus returns and hands Jeff a glass of water.

                         JEFF
               Thank you.

Marcus sits while Jeff takes a pill and sips his water.                            
                         
                         JEFF
               High blood pressure.   
              
                         MARCUS
               Why you here, man? 
                      
Jeff stares at Marcus a beat.
                         
                         JEFF
               Celeste...  She’s dying.
 
Marcus rubs his head. 
                                                    
                         JEFF
               Pancreatic cancer.  She’s reached 
               the state of acceptance and is 
               under hospice care from home.
              
                         MARCUS
               How much time she got?

                         JEFF
               A month at best, her doctors say.
 
Marcus thinks a moment.                                            
                         
                         MARCUS
               Again, why are you here?
  
                         JEFF
               To try and bring my wife peace. 
                                             
                         MARCUS
               And that’s got what to do with me?                   
               
                         JEFF
               She wants to make amends with you
               before she ... before she passes.  
               She’s never forgiven herself for 
               moving on without you.   

                         MARCUS
               I put all that shit behind me.
                                      
                         JEFF
               Well, unfortunately, she hasn’t.
               She wants you to meet Dimitri.  
               He’ll be on Spring Break next
               week, and she would like for him
               to spend it with you. 

                         MARCUS
               Just like that?  Not a picture, 
               call, or visit.  A day out of 
               prison, and now I’m good enough? 
                                                   
                         JEFF
               You’re not a victim, Marcus.  You 
               put yourself in that prison.  
                       
                         MARCUS
               I need you to watch your mouth
               in here, alright?  
               
Jeff raises his hands in surrender.                

                         JEFF
               Please understand, it’s a real
               struggle for me to be here.
               I’m against this whole idea.                       
                         
                         MARCUS
               The boy even know who I am?                      
                         
                         JEFF
               She insisted on telling him about
               a year ago.  I think she knew she
               wasn’t well before the diagnosis.       

Marcus sits back in his chair.                       
                         
                         JEFF               
               Dimitri is amazing, gifted child
               with superior intelligence.  He
               has an IQ of one sixty-seven.
                   (beat) 
               That's considered high genius
               category, if you're not aware.

Marcus is picking lint from his jeans, not interested.                  
                         
                         JEFF (CONT'D)
               This is her last request, Marcus.   
               Do you understand that?                       
                         
                         MARCUS
               Can’t do it.  Won’t do it.
                         
                         JEFF
               Just take a day or two to think
               about it.  And if you’re worried
               about money—-             
                         
                         MARCUS
               I don’t want your money, man.  My
               answer is no now, and it’s gonna 
               be no two days from now. 

Jeff takes a deep breath.                         
                                                 
                         MARCUS
               My breakfast is gettin’ cold, so... 
         
                         JEFF 
               I told her if you wanted to be  
               involved, you would have attempted
               long ago, but she thinks she can
               save you from something. 

Marcus examines his hand.

                         JEFF                 
               You're a fortunate man, Marcus.
               I could never father a child of
               my own...  When Celeste passes, I 
               intend to put all my resources in 
               obtaining full custody of Dimitri.  
               This may be your last chance to 
               your son.                     
                        
                         MARCUS  
               Do whatever you need to do, man.
               As far as I’m, concerned, I don't 
               have a son.
                                                                                             
The men sit quiet a moment.
                             
                         JEFF
               Well, I told her I would try.
               
Jeff stands.  He takes a business card and picture from his wallet and places the items on the coffee table.                         
                         
                         JEFF
               Just in case. 
              
Marcus walks to the door and opens it.
 
Jeff straightens himself and walks over to Marcus. 
                       
                         JEFF
               Personally, I think you made the 
               right decision.  It would be 
               awkward having a child around
               that's smarter than you.

                         MARCUS
               Get the fuck out.

Jeff walks out.  Marcus closes the door on his heels.  He walks over to the coffee table and looks down at the picture.
                         
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               I haven’t stopped crying since
               Jeff told me Marcus wanted nothing
               to do with Dimitri.  I guess the 
               Marcus I knew and loved died in 
               that prison.  The Marcus that 
               couldn’t wait for my delivery, and 
               who swore he’d never leave his son.

INT. COLEMAN GARAGE 

Blackness gives way to sunlight as the garage door powers open.  Maxine and Marcus stand outside looking in. 
               
                         MAXINE
               I can take you to the BMV. I don’t 
               have a head ‘til this afternoon. 

                         MARCUS
               Nah, I wanna drive.  I used to 
               dream I was drivin’ in the joint.  
               You still burnin’ women’s hair out
               for money, huh?  

Maxine gives Marcus a playful push.

EXT. INNER CITY STREET – DAY

Marcus drives a faded, black ‘98 Volkswagen Beetle past the hardened and hopeless people of this neighborhood.  He stops at a traffic light.        
                          
A group of YOUNG THUGS step in the crosswalk as the light turns green, hoping for anyone to protest.  

A crazed looking teen-ager makes eye contact with Marcus.  He stops and lifts his shirt, showing his gun.  Marcus looks at the boy without fear.  The thug moves on, confused.  Marcus drives away.

INT. VOLKSWAGEN – NIGHT 

Marcus is driving, taking in the city lights.  His phone VIBRATES.
                        
                          MARCUS
               What’s good, Swoop? ...  I don’t 
               feel like that shit...  Alright,
               where’s it at?             

EXT. WINSLOW’S PARTY – NIGHT

A private manor surrounded by wooded acres.  There’s a mixture of luxury cars parked out front, and then there’s Marcus’s Bug, the misfit.

INT. WINSLOW’S DINING ROOM – NIGHT

The room is dominated by a long, powerful table and occupied by well-dressed people sitting with fancy champagne glasses in front of them.  

WINSLOW (40’S), woman pretty, business suited, is standing at the head of the table, loving all the attention.  

Marcus is seated at his side, improperly dressed, in jeans and no-collar shirt.
                             
                         WINSLOW
                    (toasting)
               Everyone please raise your glasses 
               high and toast Marcus’s homecoming.
               For if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t
               be the success that I am today. 

Winslow raises his glass in dramatic fashion.

                         WINSLOW
               I owe this man.  To Marcus!

                         THE GUEST
               To Marcus!

Everyone drinks his or her champagne.  Marcus takes a weak sip.  Winslow pats him on the back.

INT. WINSLOW’S OFFICE – NIGHT

Winslow is behind an executive desk finishing his count on a pile of money from a briefcase.  Swoop sits before him, bobbing his head to the MUSIC BOOMING from downstairs.
                         
                         SWOOP                    
               We’re good?                         
                         
                         WINSLOW
               We’re good.  Your office will be
               ready in a couple of weeks.                      
                         
                         SWOOP
               That’s what I’m talkin’ about.

                         WINSLOW
               I hate to be redundant, Richard 
               but, again, I need you to cut
               all illegal ties in the next two
               months.  I have certain investors
               who won’t tolerate street-money.

                         SWOOP
               Don’t worry.  I’ll be ready.      
            
Winslow points to a security monitor in the room.

MONITOR

Marcus is sitting alone in a throng of partygoers, sipping on a cocktail, completely out of place. 
                             
                         WINSLOW (O.S.)
               And Marcus?  If you need him to 
               help you clean up, will he do it? 

                         SWOOP (O.S.)
               He’s loyal.  If I need him, he’ll
               do what need done.                  

                         WINSLOW (O.S.)
               I once saw him bite the lips off
               a man twice his size in the cage.
               He’s a savage, that Marcus, but  
               he’s loyal, you’re right about that.  

EXT. WINSLOW’S PARTY – NIGHT

Marcus exits the mansion, weaving through incoming guest. 

Swoop hurries behind him. 
        
                         SWOOP
               Where you goin’ Marco?  Party
               just started jumpin’.

                         MARCUS
               Too many people too soon.                       
                         
                         SWOOP
               C’mon, man, I was gonna surprise 
               you.  Lil’ Ricky’s on his way over. 
                        
                         MARCUS
               Your son, Lil’ Ricky?

                         SWOOP
               That’s right, Lil' Ricky.  We 
               started talkin’ again this past
               year.  He finally forgive me for
               all that shit that happened with 
               his Momma.
                         MARCUS
               That’s good, man.  I’ll see him
               later, though.  I need some space
               tonight.
                    
                         SWOOP
               Well, go bowlin' with us 
               tomorrow night?
                      
                          MARCUS
               Cool. I’ll do that.

Marcus gives Swoop some dap and walks away.  Swoop watches him.
                   
INT. BOWLING ALLEY - RED BOWLING BALL

The shiny ball rolls down the lane into a STRIKE.  Swoop celebrates his small triumph with a James Brown dance, spinning and sliding across the floor.  He walks over to his son, RICKY (20’S) tall and skinny.  They low-five each other.

                         SWOOP
               Not bad for an old-g, huh?

                         RICKY
               You’re still behind.

                         SWOOP
               Well, I’ma about to whoop that ass
               as soon as I get us more beer.

                         RICKY
               I got this one, Pops.

                         SWOOP
               Boy, you don’t spend money in my
               company.

Ricky shrugs and smiles.  

                         SWOOP
               Hey, man...  I love you.  Alright?

                         RICKY
               Yeah, alright, Pops.

Swoops goes for the beer.

ENTRANCE AREA

The place is filled with people laughing, drinking and eating as they bowl.  Marcus walks through the crowd looking for Swoop.  An aggressive young WOMAN grabs his arm in an attempt to flirt.  Marcus smiles, but keeps on moving. 

Swoop walks up to him, carrying a pitcher of beer and cups.

                         SWOOP
               I was startin’ to wonder if your
               ass was gonna show.
                        
                         MARCUS
               I had to buy some clothes, so I
               could stop lookin’ like a convict.  
               Where’s Ricky?                         
                         
                         SWOOP
               Over there.  C’mon.

Swoop hands Marcus the cups and leads the way.

                         SWOOP
               I saw that little honey throw you
               some play.  I ain’t seen you with
               a woman since that Celeste.  You
               gone gay?

                         MARCUS
               Nah, man.  If I was gay, you
               wouldn’t be able to sit down.  I 
               just don’t need all the confusion 
               that comes with these females.

                         SWOOP
               Maybe you can help me talk Ricky
               outta gettin’ married.  He’s all 
               love-crazy like you were with
               that woman.

                          
                         MARCUS
               Why you act like gettin’ married
               is suicide?

                         SWOOP
               Shit, ain’t it?

In the foreground Little Ricky is examining a bowling ball.  Swoop points to him.
                              
                         MARCUS
               Damn, look at him.  Lookin’ just  
               like your ass.

                         SWOOP
               Yeah, ain’t it somethin’?

Out of the crowd comes a MAN wearing a low-fitting baseball cap and jacket.  He walks up behind Ricky and –-

SHOOTS HIM

in the back of the head, sending brain matter flying.  The alley erupts into complete CHAOS.  People start running, screaming and pushing in a violent frenzy. 

Swoop squeezes through the stampede towards Ricky.
 
Marcus rips his way through the crowd, elbowing and punching people from his path in pursuit of the shooter.

EXT. BOWLING ALLEY – NIGHT

A woman runs out the exit carrying kids in each arm, followed by the panicked mob.  A man falls to the ground and before he can get up, Marcus runs on top of him out the door.   

In the parking lot, Marcus dodges cars as they speed away.   He looks around searching for the shooter.  He’s gone.  Marcus runs back inside.

INT. BOWLING ALLEY – MOMENTS LATER  

Marcus hurries over to Swoop.  He stops.

SWOOP

Holding Ricky’s bloody body.  He’s in complete shock.           

INT. FUNERAL HOME – GUEST REGISTRY

Marcus’s hand signs beneath the lone signature above it, Richard L. Williams.

VIEWING ROOM

The quiet, elegant room displays a closed pearl casket.  The mortician enters followed by Swoop and Marcus, both in dark suits.
                                     
                         MORTICIAN
               I’m sorry, but please keep your
               visit to no more than a half
               hour.  The deceased’s family—-

Swoop hits the man with a deadly stare.  
                      
                         MORTICIAN
               I mean, his mother’s family will
               start arriving soon.  They were
               explicit in their orders regarding
               you being here.

Swoop goes in his pocket and hands the man a few bills.            
                         
                         SWOOP
               I won’t need long.

                         MORTICIAN
               I'll start the video display.
 
The mortician leaves the room. 

                         MARCUS
               I’ll let you have some time before 
               I pay my respect. 

Swoop walks to the casket.  Marcus takes a seat.  He looks up at still shot PICTURES of Ricky’s life in various stages, with his mother, family and friends.  Swoop isn’t present in any of the photos.  A loud GROAN comes from Swoop as he mourns at the casket.
Marcus remains still, his gaze transfixed on the haunting images of an absent father.  The pictures have an effect on him.  He looks over at a broken Swoop.  
  
EXT. FUNERAL HOME – DAY

A large converted house in an old neighborhood.  Swoop and Marcus stand outside the entrance.  

                         SWOOP
               I hate leavin’ him in this 
               dump.  I could have paid for 
               somethin’ top-notched.

                         MARCUS
               It’s not too bad.                     

                         SWOOP
               You think I would’ve been a good
               father?  I mean, if I had been 
               around Ricky while he was growin’  
               up.                                          
                         MARCUS
               Yeah man, no doubt.

                         SWOOP
               We were just startin’ to get close, 
               you know, like a real father and 
               son.  

                         MARCUS
               You wanna go get some drinks?
                                        
                         SWOOP
               Nah.  I think I just wanna be
               by myself awhile.

                         MARCUS
               Alright.  I’ll check on you
               later then.  
              
The men hug and walk away in different directions. 

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT               

Marcus is laid back in the tub, soaking in steaming water and bubbles.  There’s a washcloth draped over his face.  
He removes the cloth and gulps a beer.  He picks up Dimitri’s picture from the tub's ledge.

PICTURE

A wide-eyed boy wearing glasses, a tie and a wide smile.

MARCUS

He studies the picture.

LATER - MORNING

There are no bubbles left in the water.  Marcus is still looking at the picture.   He places the picture on the tub’s ledge and looks at Jeff’s business card next to it.  After a moment, he picks the card up and starts pressing numbers on his phone.
                       
                         JEFF (V.O)
                     (awakened)
               Hello? 
       
                         MARCUS
               Just one week, right?
                 
                         JEFF (V.O.)
               Marcus?  What are you doing?                                   
                         
                         MARCUS
               I’m takin’ a bath.  You can’t do
               that in correctional facilities. 
               You said a week, right?

                         JEFF
               What time is, yes, one week, but—-
                         
                         MARCUS
               Send him.
                                 
                         JEFF (V.O)
               There with you?  Are you sure?
                         
                         MARCUS
               No, but send him anyway.

                         JEFF (V.O.)
                    (disappointed)
               I’ll call you with the arrangements.
               Celeste will be pleased. 
              
                         MARCUS
               I don’t talk to her.  I’ll have
               the boy call her, but me, no.

                         JEFF (V.O.)
               The boy’s name is Dimitri.

                         MARCUS
               I know.  I gave him the damn name. 
                                                 
Marcus flips the phone closed and puts the cloth back on his face.
      
                         CELESTE (V.O.)                
               I don’t know what prompted Marcus
               to change his mind about Dimitri’s
               visit, nor do I care at this point.
               I’m just grateful that he’s 
               willing to meet his son.
                
INT. MANSION CORRIDOR – DAY

Celeste, in her robe, balances herself with a cane as she reaches a closed bedroom.  She knocks.  Nothing.  She walks in the room.

INT. DIMITRI’S ROOM

It’s not the typical domain of an eight year old kid.  The room is orderly with a book shelf filled with hard cover literature.  Near one of many large windows there's a professional telescope on a tripod.   

DIMITRI (8), glasses, in a polo shirt and Dockers is at his desk working on his desktop computer.

Celeste enters the room and manages over to him. Dimitri ignores her.

                         CELESTE
               What are you working on there?

                         DIMITRI
               A musical composition.
                                                
                         CELESTE
               A day hasn't passed without my
               amazement of you... Look at me
               Dimitri. 

Celeste gently takes him by the chin.                      
                                                 
                         DIMITRI
               Why do I have to go? 

                         CELESTE
               You don’t have to, but I’m asking
               as a favor for me. 
                       
                         DIMITRI
               What if he gets arrested while I’m
               there?  He’s a criminal, isn’t he? 
                  
                         CELESTE
               We’ve all done things we regret.
               Marcus is no different.  I regret 
               taking you from his life.    
                    
                         DIMITRI
               I have a father.  I’m a Napier. 
                                         
                         CELESTE
               Yes you are.  You’re a Napier with
               Coleman blood.

                         DIMITRI
               What if, you ... while I’m there?  
                                               
                         CELESTE
               I promise I won’t.  God will just
               have to wait on me.

Dimitri begins to cry.  Celeste smothers him with kisses. 

INT. ARIZONA AIRPORT GATE – MORNING

An assortment of travelers are in a boarding line, Jeff and Dimitri are among them, holding hands as they wait.      
               
                         JEFF
               You sure you’re not scared flying 
               alone, because I’ll fly with you? 
                        
                         DIMITRI
               No, Dad, I’m fine.  According to
               the NTSB, the chances of dying in
               a commercial airlines crash is one
               in twenty-nine point four million.
               I'll take those odds.

Jeff shakes his head and smiles.
                         
                         JEFF                             
               Okay Robot, but if anything goes wrong,
               you call me and I’ll be there within
               hours to pick you up.  Okay?

                         DIMITRI
               Okay, I will.

                         JEFF
               Did we forget anything?  You have 
               money, debit card, cell phone, 
               insurance cards.  Did I forget 
               something?

                         DIMIRTI
               No, Dad.  I’ll be glad when this 
               is over.

                         JEFF
               Me, too, I miss you already.
                    
                         DIMITRI
               I love you, Dad.

                         JEFF
               I love you too, Robot.                       
                              
INT. OHIO AIRPORT GATE – DAY              

A MAN greets his young SON fresh out the jet way with a hug and kiss.

Marcus observes them as he waits.

In the foreground, a FEMALE REPRESENTATIVE emerges with Dimitri.  Marcus spots her and his estranged son.  He watches the boy in awe.  After a moment he signals the rep.                      

                         REPRESENTATIVE 
                  (approaching)                        
               Mr. Coleman?                        
                                                 
                         MARCUS
               That’s me.

                         REPRESENTATIVE                  
               I believe this handsome young man
               belongs to you.  I need your ID 
               and signature please.
   
Marcus produces his ID and signs a form.  Dimitri looks at the floor.

                         REPRESENTATIVE  (CONT'D)
               Well, I believe Dimitri here is
               the smartest boy I've ever met.
                     (joking in low voice)
               It must be terrifying being his
               parent.

Marcus forces a smile -- if only she knew.

                         REPRESENTATIVE (CONT'D)
               It was nice meeting you Dimitri,
               and thank you for the science
               lesson.  You gentlemen enjoy your
               visit together.

The representative walks away.  Marcus attempts to hug Dimitri, but he backs away.
                         
                         MARCUS               
               You’ve got your mother’s eyes.
               How was that plane ride? 
       
                         DIMITRI
               It was fine.                        
                                                 
                         MARCUS
               I’ve never been on a plane.

Dimitri gives him nothing.  They stand awkward a beat.       

                         MARCUS
               Okay, uh, let’s get your luggage.

INT. VOLKSWAGON - DAY

Marcus drives, nervously tapping the steering wheel.  Dimitri is on his phone, trying to whisper. 
                      
                         DIMITRI
                    (into phone)                    
               But he’s weird...  Okay, okay, I
               will.  Love you, too, Mom.  Call 
               you tonight.  Bye.
                    (to Marcus)
               This is a '98 Volkswagen Beetle.

                         MARCUS
               Wow, you know your cars, huh?  I 
               bought this car from your mother.
               That’s how I met her.  I saw her 
               put the sale sign in the window. 
               
Dimitri continues to look out his window.                         
                        
                         MARCUS
               You want some music?                                                
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I don’t care.
                         
                         MARCUS
               Whatcha like, Fifty Cent? Jay-Z?                 
                               
                         DIMITRI
               I like jazz. I prefer tangible 
               musicianship over synthesized
               studio beats.

Marcus takes his eyes off the road to give the boy a strange -- what the hell look.

                         MARCUS
               Jazz?  What kind of kid--

                         DIMITRI
               My Dad introduce to me to the
               genre.

                         MARCUS
               Your dad, huh?

                         DIMIITRI
               Yes, my father.  What should I 
               call you while I'm here?

                         MARCUS
               Marcus will be cool.                          

Marcus powers on the radio and pumps up some HIP-HOP.  Dimitri pulls an IPOD from his book bag and plugs his ears.   
       
EXT. DUPLEX – DAY

Marcus carries the suitcase up the porch steps.  Dimitri follows, wide-eyed, apprehensive of the strange environment.                        
                             
                         DIMITRI
               You have half a house?
                         
                         MARCUS                         
               Yeah, but don’t worry, you’ll have 
               a whole bed and whole toilet.

INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM – MOMENT LATER

Marcus and Dimitri enter. 
                                           
                         MARCUS
                    (calling out)                    
               Maxine.  Swoop.

Swoop strolls in from the kitchen followed by Maxine.  He bends down to face Dimitri, extending a closed fist.                     
                         
                        SWOOP
               I’m your Uncle Swoop. 

Dimitri makes a fist and bumps knuckles with Swoop.  

                        DIMITRI
               I’ve always wanted to do that.
               
Swoop looks at Marcus –- this kid is weird.  Marcus shrugs.  

Maxine steps to Dimitri and looks him up and down. 
                        
                         MAXINE
               So, you’re the one all the fuss
               is over.                      
                                                 
                         DIMITRI
               You’re my grandma?
                            
                                                              MAXINE  
                                               (to Marcus)
               He talk like a little white boy.
                     (to Dimitri)                   
               Call me, Maxine.  I’m too young 
               for that grandma shit.
                
                         DIMITRI                    
               Maxine.                         
                         
                         MARCUS
               Well, c’mon ‘lil man, let’s get  
               your stuff put up.

                         MAXINE
               Dinner’s ‘bout ready.  Don’t be up
               there too long. 

Swoop and Maxine watch Dimitri as he goes upstairs.

                         MAXINE
               That boy’s a damn nerd.                      
                         
INT. GUEST ROOM – DAY

Dimitri is looking out the window as Marcus hangs clothes from the suitcase into a small closet.
                         
                         MARCUS
               Is the guest room alright?  If 
                                     it’s  too small  we can switch 
               rooms.   I’m used to little space.
                        
                         DIMITRI
               Why did you go to jail?
              
Marcus stops hanging cloths.
                           
                         MARCUS
               Mostly ‘cause I beat a man with a 
               steel pole.                    

                         DIMITRI
               Why’d you do a thing like that?
                            
                         MARCUS
               He stole money from Swoop.
                   
                         DIMITRI
               So, why didn’t he beat the man
               with the pole?

Marcus ignores the question and takes a book out the suitcase.               
               
                         MARCUS
               You readin’ about government on 
               your Spring Break?                        
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I'm an avid reader.  
                                     
                         MARCUS
               I read a lot in prison.
               
Dimitri turns his attention back out the window, unimpressed.
                         
INT. DINNING ROOM – EARLY EVENING  

Marcus, Maxine and Swoop are busy chewing and drinking.

Dimitri picks at his food.
                         
                         SWOOP
               You play any sports, D? 
                           
                         DIMITRI
               Mostly golf and tennis, some 
               basketball.
                         SWOOP
               There’s a tennis court at my condo.
               Maybe you can teach me a few moves?
             
                         DIMITRI
               Sure, okay.

                         MARCUS
               I’ll see what’cha got on the
               basketball court.                          
                                                  
                         MAXINE
               So, how you like bein’ rich? 
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I like it, I guess.  Are you poor?

Swoop and Marcus snicker a bit. 
       
                         MAXINE
               No, I’m rich with good looks and
               friends.   What’s wrong, boy, you 
               don’t like soul food?                
                 
                         DIMITRI 
               I don’t eat fried foods.

Maxine gets up and removes Dimitri’s plate.
                                                
                         MAXINE
               Marcus find him somethin’ to 
               eat.
                       
                         MARCUS
               What kinda food you like, ‘lil man?

INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT – NIGHT

A simplistic family-owned restaurant with a jovial crowd.

Marcus and Dimitri occupy a rear table.  Marcus drinks a beer while Dimitri eats.
                                            
                         DIMIMTRI
               I think I upset Maxine, not 
               eating her cooking.
                        
                         MARCUS                        
               She’ll get over it.                            
                                                  
                         DIMITRI
               Is she really your mother?
                        
                         MARCUS
               Yeah.  Why you ask me that?
    
                         DIMITRI
               You act like brother and sister.  
                                                  
                         MARCUS
               Well, she had me young.  I guess
               that’s why. ... You’re mother 
               brought me here, this place, on our 
               first date.  I was scared, too.  I 
               wasn’t used to a woman like her.
               
Dimitri looks around the restaurant.                      
                         
                         MARCUS
               You’re eatin’ the same plate she
               ordered for me.
                                              
                         DIMITRI
               My father owns a restaurant.  It’s  
               a lot bigger than this place.    

                          MARCUS
               Well, if you want somethin’ more
               to eat, let me know.  I don’t own
               a restaurant, but I can afford
               another plate. 
                        
                         DIMITRI
               Do you have a job?

                         MARCUS
               I’m lookin’ for work.
                         DIMITRI
               What kind of work?

                         MARCUS
               Honest work.

                         DIMITRI
               My father knows a lot of people.
               Maybe he can get you a job at
               this restaurant, since you like 
               it so much.

                         MARCUS
               I gotta go to the restroom.

INT. BATHROOM STALL – MARCUS

He’s standing and drinking from a flask, frustrated.  Someone tugs at the door.

                         MARCUS
               I’m in here!
                       
                         MAN (O.S.)
               Geez, sorry, don’t shoot me.

Marcus collects himself.                                            

INT. RESTRAUNT – LATER

Marcus walks back to the table. 
 
Dimitri is sound asleep, head on his folded arms.
 
INT. GUEST ROOM - NIGHT

Marcus carries Dimitri in, the child’s head resting on his shoulder.  He catches their reflection in the dresser mirror and takes it in a moment.  He continues to the bed and sets Dimitri down.                        

                         DIMITRI
                   (mumbling)
               I have to brush my teeth.
                        
                         MARCUS
               Not tonight.  Go to sleep.
Dimitri passes out.  Marcus removes his shoes and socks before covering him up.  He watches Dimitri sleep a moment before easing to the door.  He turns out the light and starts to close the door but, on second thought, he leaves the door partly open.

INT. MARCUS’S ROOM - NIGHT 
             
The room is dark, save for BOYZ N THE HOOD showing soundlessly from the TV.  Marcus is in his boxers, on top of the covers watching the quiet screen.

SUDDENLY, Dimitri starts SCREAMING.   Marcus springs out the bed and races out the room.

INT. HALLWAY  

Marcus runs through the hall.

INT. GUEST ROOM 

Marcus enters and stops.  

Dimitri is thrashing in his sleep.    
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Mom, please.  Mom, please.

Marcus hits the lights and goes to Dimitri.  He nudges him awake. 
                   
                         DIMITRI                      
               Dad? ... Marcus?                           

                         MARCUS
               You alright?  You were havin’ a
               nightmare.
                
Maxine walks in the room from an evening out in a sexy dress. 
                     
                         MAXINE
               What the fuck is goin’ on? 
                       
                         MARCUS
               I got this, Maxine.
                        
                         MAXINE
               What happened? 
                         
                         MARCUS
               I said I got it.
                                              
                         MAXINE
               We’re gonna speak on this in the
               mornin’, Marcus.
 
Maxine leaves the room. 
                         
                         MARCUS
               You do that a lot? 
                        
                         DIMITRI
               Do what?
                         
                         MARCUS
               That nightmare shit.                       
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I don’t know. 
                         
                         MARCUS
               You wanna sleep with me?
              
                         DIMITRI
               No, I’m fine.

                         MARCUS
               Alright then.  I’m just down the  
               hall if you need me.

Dimitri rolls over and goes back to sleep.  Marcus studies him a beat before walking to the door.  He turns off the light.  This time he leaves the door wide open.                      
                         
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               I worry about my son, not having
               a mother.  A man can’t comfort
               to the degree a woman can. 

EXT. STATE PARK ENTRANCE – DAY

Marcus and Dimitri are walking towards the park's entrance.
                                         
                         DIMITRI
               Nice park.
            
                         MARCUS
               That Jeff dude said you like the 
               outdoors.
                                                
                         DIMITRI
               We were going to Yellowstone 
               before Mom got sick.
                          
                         MARCUS
               Yogi Bear’s home. 
                        
                         DIMITRI
               Whose home?

                         MARCUS
               A cartoon bear, when I was a kid.           

                         DIMITRI
               Never heard of him.  What type of
               animation was he?

                         MARCUS
               What?

                         DIMITRI
               Was he cel animation?  Was he stop 
               animation?  Was he three D?

                         MARCUS
               Dude, he was a cartoon, okay?

They continue to walk a beat in silence.
                                                  
                         MARCUS
               How you dealin’ with your mother
               bein’ sick?   You scared?
                         
                         DIMITRI
               No.  Why?  
                                           
                         MARCUS
               Cause of last night.  I’m just 
               sayin’, you scared about somethin’,
               you can talk to me.                                                 
                         DIMITRI
               You?

                 

                         MARCUS
               Yeah me, man.  You were callin’ for 
               your mother in your nightmare. You 
               wanna talk about that? 
                 
                         DIMITRI
               I have my Dad to talk to, if I
               want to talk.    
           
                         MARCUS
               Okay, I’m just sayin’... 
 
POND AREA - LATER

Dimitri is squatting by a pond, watching frogs.  Marcus is sitting on a large rock beside him, bored.                     
                                                                
                         DIMITRI
               This place is amazing.

                         MARCUS
               Glad you like you it.

                         DIMITRI
                    (pointing)
               Do you see that frog?

                         MARCUS
               Yeah, the bull frog?

                          DIMITRI
                     (exasperated)
               That’s a Rana clamitans melanot.
               A Northern Green Frog.  They have
               Two skin folds, Bull frogs have one. 

                           MARCUS
               A frog is a frog to me.          

Marcus looks at his VIBRATING PHONE.  He turns away from Dimitri to answer.                           

                         MARCUS
               What up, Swoop? ...  I’m with 
               Dimitri, man...  Yeah, alright.  
               Give me an hour.
                              
HIKING TRAIL - LATER

Dimitri spies a deer from behind a tree.  Marcus is nearby, antsy, looking at his watch.
 
                         MARCUS
               You ‘bout ready to leave?

The deer darts off.  Dimitri gives Marcus an angry look.  
                                          
                         DIMITRI
               We have to leave already? 

                         MARCUS
               We’ve been out here two hours.
                       
                         DIMITRI                   
               Fine, let’s go.

                         MARCUS
               You gonna need to stop the little
               bitch shit.  Alright? 

Dimitri’s eyes tear up.
                       
                         MARCUS
               Alright, keep playin’ with your 
               bugs and frogs.            
                        
                         DIMITRI
               Just take me back to your half
               house.    

Dimitri stomps off.  Marcus takes a deep breath and follows.

INT. SWOOP’S CLOTHING & CD'S – DAY

A small inner-city store, with rolls of cd's and stylish urban wear.  There's a heavy-set CLERK sitting behind a register, texting, completely disinterested in the two wandering CUSTOMERS.
Marcus walks in with Dimitri.

                         MARCUS
                    (to clerk)
                Swoop in back?
                         CLERK
                You Marcus?  Hold on.

The clerk picks up a phone and presses an extension.

                         CLERK
                    (into phone)
                Yeah, he's here.

                         MARCUS
                    (to Dimitri)
                Stay here and look around.

                         CLERK
                    (to Marcus)
                Go on back.

Marcus walks to the back of the store.

INT. OFFICE - DAY

The room is half office and half storage room.  Swoop is seated behind a desk, weighing and bagging coke.

Marcus walks in and takes the chair in front of the desk.

                         MARCUS
               What's goin' on?  You gotta
               make it quick.

Swoop hands Marcus a photo.

                         SWOOP
               That's the nigga who shot Ricky.
               He's a nickel and dime thief
               called Chop.  He killed Ricky
               over a two-hundred dollar card 
               game debt.

Marcus looks at the picture.

                         SWOOP
               His address is on the back.  

                         MARCUS
               Can it wait until Dimitri leaves?

                         SWOOP
               That was my goddam son he took!                        
               I need that mutha-fucka to stop 
               breathin' -- tonight, Marco.

Marcus nods.  He pockets the photo and walks out the office.  Swoop continues bagging his coke.                            
           
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               It wasn’t long after I met Swoop 
               that I realized his powerful, 
               unhealthy influence on Marcus.  I 
               could see that he was using him,
               but, Marcus... he was blind.

INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM – DAY

Maxine is planted on the sofa, drinking bourbon and watching reality TV.  She has a CUSTOMER sitting under the dryer.

Marcus walks in followed by Dimitri.  
                                                  
                         MARCUS
               I need you to watch him for me.

Maxine rolls her eyes.
                                        
                         MAXINE
               C’mon and sit down.  My show is on,
               so I’ma need you to keep it low.

Dimitri walks over and flops down next to Maxine.  She keeps her eyes on the TV.  Marcus goes back out the door.

EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT

A ’67 mint-condition black Cadillac sedan is parked near a dumpster.  The windows are fogged as the passenger door opens and two skinny teen-aged boys climb out the back seat.  They hurry off giggling and whispering to each other.

Marcus moves out from behind a dumpster in a black hooded sweatshirt and gloves.  He inches towards the Cadillac, checking for witnesses.  He stops at the car’s rear and looks down at his gloved right hand, which shakes uncontrollably.  Still, Marcus manages to draw the gun from under his jacket.

CHOP (20’S), massive, prison-tatted and dread-locked, climbs out the back seat.  He cleans himself through his zipper with wet-wipes.  He tosses the wipes and spots Marcus.
                        
                         CHOP
                    (holding his arms open)
               I ain’t beggin’ nigga.  Pull
               the fuckin’ trigger.

                         MARCUS
               You just can’t take a man’s son 
               like that and expect to get 
               away with the shit.  

                         CHOP
               I know who you are.  You killed 
               some niggas yo’self.
                         
                         MARCUS
               Yeah, man, I done my share.
      
Marcus points the gun at Chop.  Again his trembles from his nerves on edge.  He pulls the trigger.  Nothing.

                         CHOP
               You fucked up now!

Chop pulls a HUNTING KNIFE from his hind hip and --
               
ATTACKS

He knocks the gun from Marcus’s hand and swings the knife in a downward motion. 
 
Marcus catches the man’s arm and twists it into deformity as BONES BREAK.                                                
                                                  
                         CHOP
                     (screaming)
                Mother fucker!

Marcus snatches the knife from his grip and –- 

STABS  

Chop in the windpipe.  Chop bends over and starts to CHOKE on blood.  He pulls the knife from his throat.    
 
Marcus snatches the knife from his hand and –- 

STABS HIM AGAIN

this time in the heart, dropping Chop to his death.

Marcus stands over him a moment, breathing heavy.  

He kneels down and closes the dead man’s eyes.  Then, he removes the knife and wipes the blood on his victim's clothes.  He checks for witnesses, retrieves his gun, and fades into the darkness.

                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               The prosecuting attorney told the
               courtroom of Marcus’s infamous 
               temper, his tendency towards 
               violence, but I never witnessed it,
               nor did I want to.

INT. GUEST ROOM – NIGHT

Dimitri is on the bed reading a book.  Maxine barges in.                                                       
                         MAXINE
               Hey, Marcus still ain’t back, so  
               you roll with me.  Get your shoes.

INT. MUSTANG – NIGHT 

Maxine is driving, anxiously chomping on gum.
                            
                         MAXINE
               Hand me a piece of candy.

Dimitri hands Maxine a piece of candy from a bag.  She spits her gum in a napkin and shoves the candy in her mouth.
                   
                         DIMITRI               
               My mother would kill me if she
               saw me with a bag of candy.
                        
                         MAXINE
               Your mother’s strict, huh? 
                          
                         DIMITRI
               She’s a health nut. 
                               
                         MAXINE
               Yeah, and she still got cancer.
                         
                         DIMITRI
               You don’t like my mother, do you?
                                                  
                         MAXINE
               You sure do ask a lot of questions. 
               I don’t like what she did to Marcus.
               She got him psyched up about bein’
               a daddy and as soon as he caught 
               that case she was out.             
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Do you like me?

Maxine parks the car.                         
                         
                         MAXINE
               You’re cool.  Now wait here.

                         DIMITRI
               But it’s dark.
                                 
                         MAXINE
               Boy look at all the cars in this 
               lot.  Ain’t nobody gone bother you.
               Here, hold this.  

Maxine removes a mace cylinder from her key ring and hands it to Dimitri.
 
                         MAXINE
               You know what mace does?   
                              
                         DIMITRI
               It causes temporary blindness and
               burns the skin.

                         MAXINE        
               Good, so don’t play with it.  If 
               somebody tries to grab you, you  
               burn their fuckin’ eyes out.

                         DIMITRI
               I’m scared.
          
                         MAXINE
               Well stop it, shit.  You already
               pissed off Marcus, actin’ like
               some goddamn sissy.

EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX PARKING LOT – NIGHT

Maxine gets out the car and locks the door. 

                         MAXINE
                   (knocking on window)                         
               Back in five.

Dimitri ducks down in his seat.

EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX PARKING LOT - LATER

KEVIN (LATE 30’S), Maxine’s boyfriend, steps out his apartment with a GAUDY WOMAN twice his age.  They’re kissing and hugging. 

Maxine runs out from behind a car.                    
                         MAXINE
               Kevin!

                         KEVIN
                    (to the woman)
               You better go.

The woman runs to her car with Maxine in chase.  She jumps in her car and locks the doors.  Maxine KICKS the door and HITS the window.  Kevin grabs Maxine from behind as the other woman PEELS OUT the lot.

INT. MUSTANG – DIMITRI’S POV

Maxine is wrestling with Kevin.  She breaks free and starts swinging wildly at him.  Kevin smacks her.  Maxine, enraged, goes at him even harder.

EXT. APARTMENT PARKING LOT – MOMENT LATER

Dimitri runs into the action.

                         DIMITRI                    
               Get off of her!

Kevin turns around to Dimitri pointing the mace cylinder at him.

                         MAXINE
               Blast his ass Dimitri!                       
                        
                         KEVIN                     
               Wait—-

Dimitri sprays the mace but --  

SPRAYS HIMSELF

He drops the mace and rubs his eyes.

                         DIMITRI
                    (screaming)
               I’m blind!  Help me!  Help me!

Kevin attempts to help Dimitri but Maxine pushes him out the way.
                         
                         KEVIN
                    (coughing)
               Pepper spray.  Bring him inside.
               We gotta wash his eyes out.                     
                                     
Maxine snatches Dimitri up and runs behind Kevin into his apartment.

INT. KEVIN’S STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT

Dimitri is standing on a chair, bent over the tiny kitchen sink with a towel wrapped around his neck.  Maxine is spraying water from the sink hose on his face.  

Kevin is trying to straighten the messy room.  Maxine spies him stash the other woman’s earring in his pocket.  
                         
                         MAXINE
                    (to Dimitri)
          Feelin’ any better down there?

                         DIMITRI
          I think so. My larynx is functioning
          my eyes aren’t burning as much.          

                         MAXINE
          We’ll give it a few more minutes and 
          get outta this place.

                         KEVIN
          I can’t believe you attacked me.
          It’s not like that, Maxine.

Maxine points to the laid out futon and mouths –- fuck you.   
Kevin shrugs.           
 
INT. MUSTANG - NIGHT 

Dimitri and Maxine look straight ahead, quiet as she drives.              
                                                       
                         MAXINE
               You alright?                        
                      
                         DIMITRI
               I’m okay.  I can see now.
                                                                    
                         MAXINE
               Boy, you crazy.  I thought you 
               were a little punk.  Shit, you a 
               gangsta.

Dimitri gives a nervous smile. 
                                       
                         MAXINE
               That was some brave shit you did.  
               You come runnin’ like my bodyguard.
               That took some real balls.  Man,
               you had my back!
              
                         DIMITRI
               Well, you’re my grandma–- I mean,
               Maxine.

                         MAXINE
               When you get old enough to have
               a girlfriend, don’t cheat on
               her.  That was my boyfriend, damn 
               near half my age, got me out here
               like some school girl, chasin’ 
               after his ass... Sorry you got hurt. 
               Can tonight be our little secret? 
                 
                         DIMITRI
               Okay.

Maxine pats Dimitri’s lap.

INT. COLEMAN LINVINGROOM – NIGHT

Maxine and Dimitri are seated on the couch flipping through a stack of photo albums. 
                        
                         MAXINE
               I was pregnant with Marcus here.                          
                         
                         DIMITRI
               You look like a teen-ager. 
                            
                         MAXINE
               I was.
                                                
                         DIMITRI                                    
               And you had sex?                         
                         MAXINE
               By the boatload. 
                         
                         DIMITRI
               What did your parents do?                    
                                                  
                         MAXINE
               My father died when I was six.  
               My mother put me out.  
               
                         DIMITRI
               Where did you go?   Who raised you?

                          MAXINE
               I moved in with my boyfriend, your
               grandfather.  He was older than me
               with his own apartment and a job.                                              
                         DIMITRI
               Then you got married? 
                                                  
                         MAXINE
               No he got scared.
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Scared of what?
                                
                         MAXINE
               Expectations, I guess.  

Dimitri studies her.         
   
                         DIMITRI
               I think I understand.                         

                         MAXINE
               Yeah, you probably do.  Now fix me 
               another drink.
  
Maxine hands Dimitri her empty glass.  Dimitri takes her glass and pours more bourbon.
                                             
                         MAXINE
               I hear we gotta nice zoo here.   
               You wanna see it? 
                      
                         DIMITRI
               Sure, I love zoos. 

                         MAXINE                                   
               Good.  We’ll go tomorrow.                   

LATER

Maxine is teaching Dimitri some dance moves to some R&B.  He’s stiff and without rhythm.  

Marcus walks in, unnoticed.  He watches them having fun a moment before going upstairs.

INT. MARCUS'S ROOM – MORNING

TV SCREEN

A pretty blonde local news reporter is broadcasting from Chop’s murder scene.
                                              
                         REPORTER
               Police are asking anyone that may
               have seen or heard anything in 
               the area to contact their Silent
               Witness Program at 1800 WITNESS.

MARCUS

He’s sitting on the bed in his boxers, watching the TV.  He doesn’t notice Swoop standing in the doorway watching him. 

                         SWOOP
               You okay? 

Marcus turns the TV off. 
                                                     
                         MARCUS               
               I had my gun on safety and almost
               got myself killed.  I was nervous.  
               That shit ain't never happen, 
               Swoop.  It could'a been me, layin'
               in that alley.
               
Swoop walks in the room and takes a half seat on a small dresser. 
          
                         SWOOP
               You’re just rusty.  You’ll be 
               alright.  You gotta gift.  You 
               can pull the trigger.  I ain’t 
               got that.  I wish I had it, but I 
               don’t.  It should’a been me that 
               took that mutha-fucka out.  Stop 
               worryin’.  You did the police  
               a favor.  They’re not gonna bend  
               over backwards for that nigga.

                         MARCUS
               Yeah, you probably right...  But
               no more work while Dimitri's 
               here.  Alright?

                         SWOOP
                I appreciate what you did for me,
                man.   I mean that.  I know I ask 
                a lot.

Marcus spreads his hands far apart, indicating plenty.  

                         SWOOP
               How you doin' with the boy?
                                         
                         MARCUS
               He doesn't want to be here.  

                         SWOOP
               That boy’s used to livin’ the rich
               life.  Don't get your hopes up.              

                         MARCUS
               I stopped that hope shit a long
               time ago.

                         SWOOP
               Good.  Keep it real.  I don’t wanna
               see you get hurt again, bruh.

INT. BASEMENT – DAY

A small, unfinished basement.  Marcus is busy sweating and beating the hell out of punching bag. 

Maxine steps downstairs.

                         MAXINE                   
               We’re goin’ to the zoo.  You wanna 
               go?    

Marcus keeps pounding the bag.

                         MARCUS 
               Nah, ya’ll go on.  You need money?

                         MAXINE
               No...  You sure you don’t wanna go?              
                         
                         MARCUS
               No.
         
Maxine watches him a beat.  She starts to say something, but leaves it alone.  She goes back upstairs.

EXT. CITY ZOO – DAY

Dimitri is feeding a llama in the petting zoo section.  Maxine stands back, covering her nose and mouth with her hand. 
                                 
                         DIMITRI
               Okay, Maxine, your turn.

                         MAXINE
               I don’t want that thing’s tongue 
               touchin’ me.

                         DIMITRI
               Llama’s tongues are too short
               for them to lick.

                         MAXINE
               Is there anything you’re little
               ass don’t know?                         

Dimitri grabs her hand and pours feed into her palm. 

Maxine turns her head away as the llama eats the feed from her palm.
                        
                         MAXINE                         
               Oh hell no. 
                      
                         DIMITRI
               How’s it feel?

                         MAXINE
               Nasty.  Is he done?                       
                                                  
                         DIMITRI
               You’re all out.  You want some 
               more feed?                    
                         
                         MAXINE
               You want a punch in the face?

Dimitri laughs.  A nearby GRANDMOTHER with two young GRANDDAUGHTERS and GRANDSON laughs at Maxine.

                         GRANDMOTHER
               Are you mom?

                         MAXINE
               Grandmother.

                         GRANDMOTHER
               You look so young.

                         MAXINE
               Thank you.

                         GRANDMOTHER
               Well, there’s no greater joy
               than being a grandmother, is
               there?.

Maxine gives a pleasant smile in return.

GORILLA EXIBIT - DAY

Maxine and Dimitri watch a gorilla groom itself.

REPTILE EXIBIT - DAY

Maxine shivers as she and Dimitri observe a python.

CAT EXIBIT – DAY  

They watch a huge lumbering lion, fascinated.

EXT. ZOO EXIT – DAY

Dimitri and Maxine are in the exit line.  
                                                                        
                         MAXINE
               You have a good time?                        
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I had a great time.
                        
                         MAXINE
               I changed my mind on somethin’...
               I think you can call me Grandma.
                                                       
                         DIMITRI
               Grandma.  How’s that sound?

Maxine nods her approval. 

EXT. RECREATION CENTER – MAN DUNKING BASKETBALL

The basketball courts are packed with PLAYERS running and sweating back and forth.

Marcus and Dimitri step on a busted-up half court with no nets on the rim.  

                         DIMITRI
               We’re going to play on this?  

Marcus bounces the ball to Dimitri.

                         MARCUS
               Yup.  Let me see your shot.

Dimitri shoots the ball through the hoop.  Marcus retrieves the ball and throws it back to Dimitri.  Again he shoots it smooth through the hoop.     
                         
                         MARCUS
               Let’s see what you got under
               pressure. 
          
Marcus closes in on Dimitri with his hands behind his back.   
                      
                         MARCUS
               C’mon, I’ll guard you with no hands.

Dimitri tries to dribble past him.  Marcus bumps him with his hip.  Dimitri tries again.  Marcus hip checks him again, knocking him to the ground. 
                        
                         MARCUS
               My fault, you okay?

                         DIMITRI
               I don’t want to play.

Dimitri gets off the ground.

                         MARCUS
               You gone quit ‘cause I put a little 
               heat on you?

                         DIMITRI
               I said I don’t want to play!

                         MARCUS               
               You listen to me, little boy.
               There’s gonna be a whole lot of 
               things you gone hav’ta deal with 
               you don’t want to.  Like dealin’ 
               with your mother’s cancer.  You 
               better get tough quick and fast, 
               to deal with that shit.           
                        
                         DIMITRI
               I’m not playing! 

Dimitri throws the ball and stomps off.  Marcus rubs his head and goes after the ball.

EXT. DUPLEX – DAY

Marcus and Dimitri get out the car angry with each other.  A couple of boys are tossing a football in the connecting yard.  They notice Dimitri and walk over.  One boy is tall; the other is RAY (10), short and stocky.
                          
                         RAY
                   (to Marcus)
               Can he play with us?          
                         
                         MARCUS
               He’s gotta mouth.
                                                 
                         RAY                    
               You wanna hang with us?                         
                         
                         DIMIRTI
               Sure, thanks.                                                                
                         MARCUS
               Stay out front here and out the
               street.  I’ma make you some lunch.                                             

Marcus goes inside.  The tall kid tosses Dimitri the ball and he drops it. 

                         RAY
                                   Nice hands.
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY 

Marcus pulls lunch meats from the refrigerator and bread from a breadbox.  He starts fixing sandwiches.                     
                              
Kids can be heard YELLING from outside.  Marcus stands still a moment and listens.  He hurries out the room.                       

EXT. PORCH – MOMENT LATER

Marcus steps outside.  He sees a group of frenzied kids in a circle in an adjacent yard.  He trots down the porch steps.           

CIRCLE OF KIDS          

                         VARIOUS KIDS
                Hit him! Oooh shit!  Kick his ass!                 

Marcus breaks through the circle and sees –-

RAY ON TOP OF DIMITRI

pummeling him as Dimitri covers his face, not fighting back.

Marcus studies the violence a moment.  The kids, sensing trouble, start to back away from Marcus.
                                        
                         MARCUS
               Get the fuck off him!

Ray quickly jumps off of Dimitri.              
                         
                         RAY
               He started it.

Dimitri lies on the ground crying. 
                         MARCUS
               Get up, Dimitri.  
                        
                         DIMITRI
               I want to go home. 
                         
                         MARCUS
               Get up, Dimitri.  Now!

Dimitri gets up slowly.  Ray runs into his duplex.
 
Marcus looks at Dimitri confused.

INT. COLEMAN BATHROOM – DIMITRI

He’s seated on the toilet seat lid.  Marcus finishes applying salve to his face. 
                                             
                         MARCUS
               Why didn’t you fight back?
              
                         DIMITRI
               I didn’t know how.  I’ve never been
               in a fight.  
                                               
                         MARCUS
               I can teach you how to fight back.
               I can teach you how to make these
               fools fear for their fuckin’ lives.

                         DIMITRI
               I just want to go home. 

                         MARCUS
               You need to stop runnin’ from
               everything.  Stop bein’ scared.

Marcus leaves the room.

EXT. BACK PORCH – DAY

Marcus is on the phone, pacing back and forth.                                
                         
                         MARCUS
               He wants to go home.  He’s soft!

EXT. SCOTTSDALE STREET – DAY

The street is adorned with palm trees and high-end boutiques.  Jeff is driving a two-door convertible Lexus.                         
                         
                         JEFF 
               Soft why?  Because he doesn’t
               act like some sort of thug.
                                             
                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               He acts like some proper, little
               spoiled rich boy! 
                                    
                         JEFF
               He acts like an articulate, well
               behaved child.  That’s what he is.
               You know what?  Fine.   Send him 
               home.  I’ll have him on a morning 
               flight.  You’ll never see him again. 
               I promise you that.

                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               Good.  His ass is all yours.              

Jeff ends the call and is met by a multitude of HORNS as he swerves through a red light.  He realizes what he’s done and collects himself -- damn Marcus.

INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM – DAY

Marcus is seated on the sofa, rubbing his head.  A phone RINGS from somewhere in the sofa.  Marcus reaches between the sofa pillows and pulls out Dimitri’s phone.

PHONE DISPLAY

The incoming call reads: DAD.

MARCUS

He takes the phone upstairs.

INT. GUEST ROOM – MOMENT LATER

Marcus walks in.  No Dimitri. 
 
                         MARCUS
               Shit.  

He hurries out the room.    

EXT. BUSY AVENUE – DAY

The street is loaded with danger, from speeding cars to street hustlers and winos.  Dimitri walks through this chaos, wiping tears, armed with only his backpack.  He catches the eye of more than one predator.  He takes a seat on a bus stop bench, next to a sleeping VAGRANT.

A PROSTITUE walks past him, flicking her tongue.

                         PROSTITUE
                    (to Dimitri)
               When you get older, come see me. 
 
The sleeping vagrant awakes and looks at Dimitri.

                         DIMITRI
               Excuse me, sir, do you know what bus
               goes to the airport?

                         VAGRANT
               You got any spare change?

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – DAY

Marcus is trotting down the street, desperately seeking Dimitri.  A young WOMAN is braiding a young MAN’S hair on a porch.  Marcus stops at this house.

                         MARCUS
               Lookin’ for a boy that look like he
               ain’t from here.

The woman keeps twisting hair.  The man points down an adjoining street.  Marcus runs in that direction.

EXT. BUSY AVENUE – DIMITRI

He’s now alone on the bench crying.  He no longer has his backpack.  People walk by without concern.

MARCUS

He walks up behind Dimitri and takes a seat next to him on the bench.

                         MARCUS
               I was worried about you.

                         DIMITRI
               Some man took all my money and my
               backpack.  

                         MARCUS
               Was he walkin’ or drivin’?

                         DIMITRI
                     (pointing)
               He walked that way.

                         MARCUS
               Then he’s about to have a very bad
               day.  Let’s go.

EXT. BUSY AVENUE – LATER

Marcus walks hard with Dimitri in tow.

                         DIMITRI
               Just forget it, Marcus.  He’s gone
               now.  Just call my Dad and take
               me to the airport.

                         MARCUS
               You’re leavin’ tomorrow.  

Dimitri stops walking.  Marcus stops and looks at him.  He follows Dimitri’s attention to the vagrant stepping out a corner store, carrying Dimitri's backpack.

Marcus hands Dimitri a few bills.

                         MARCUS
               Go in the store, buy somethin’, and 
               wait for me inside.

                         DIMITRI
               But I want—- 
         
                         MARCUS
               Just do it.

Dimitri does as ordered.  Marcus follows the drunk into an alley.

EXT. ALLEY – DAY

The vagrant takes a seat on a discarded box spring and removes a bottle of cheap wine from the book bag.  He opens the bottle and takes a few deep gulps.  He wipes his mouth with his sleeve, enjoying his day when he looks up to –- 

MARCUS 

standing before him.  Marcus kicks the wine bottle from the man’s hand.  The vagrant hands over the backpack.
                          
                          VAGRANT
               That’s all I got.

                          MARCUS
               Empty your fuckin’ pockets!

The derelict pulls out empty pockets.

                          MARCUS
               If I have to search you...

The man digs in his grimy sock and produces a wad of money.  Marcus snatches the cash from the man and pockets it.

                          MARCUS
               Which hand took from my son?

The man starts to raise his right hand, but substitutes it with his left.  

                          MARCUS
               Give me your fuckin’ right hand.

The bum sticks out his right hand and turns away.  Marcus takes his hand and quickly BREAKS four fingers at once.
  
The man attempts to fight back with his left hand, yelling in pain.  Marcus puts his knee in the man’s chest to pin him down.  This time he starts BREAKING each finger on his left hand, one by one.

INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM - DAY
              
Maxine is just starting on a CUSTOMER’S hair. 

Marcus and Dimitri walk in.

                         CUSTOMER
               Hey Marcus, good to see you home.
               Who’s that with you?

                         MARCUS
               My son, Dimitri.

                         CUSTOMER
               I didn’t know you had a son. 
                   
                         DIMITRI
               I’m not his son.

Dimitri runs upstairs.

                         MAXINE
               What'd you do Marcus? 

INT. MAXINE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Maxine and Dimitri are snuggled up in bed, watching a movie.  Marcus steps in the doorway.

                         MARCUS
               Your plane’s at nine forty five.
               We’ll leave here at seven.

He goes away.

EXT. DUPLEX DRIVEWAY – CLOUDY MORNING

Marcus loads Dimitri’s suitcase in the trunk.  

Maxine and Dimitri walk to the car holding hands.
                          
                         MAXINE
               We’re gonna keep in touch, right? 
         
                         DIIMITRI
               Right. 
              
                         MAXINE
                    (hugging Dimitri)
               You spend all the time you can 
               with your mother when you get 
               back. 
                     
                         DIMITRI
               I will. 

Maxine gives Dimitri a kiss and hug before opening the car door for him.  Dimitri gets in.  Maxine closes his door and blows him a kiss.                        

                         MAXINE
               Bye Dimitri.  You call me.

                         DIMITRI
               Okay.  Bye, Grandma.

Marcus closes the trunk and notices Ray sitting on his porch, drinking a can of soda.  Marcus gets in the car. 

Maxine waves as Marcus backs out.

INT. VOLKSWAGON – DAY

Marcus catches Ray flipping the bird at Dimitri.  Dimitri quickly turns away from the insult and goes in his backpack and grabs a golf magazine.                                               

                         MARCUS
                   (driving away) 
               Hey, man, sorry if I upset you 
               about your mother back at the 
               court.  I just wanted to prepare 
               you.  I know what it’s like to 
               lose her.  I know you’re gonna 
               hurt like fuck, but if you feel 
               sorry for yourself, then you 
               weaken yourself.  And then, you 
               crumble.  You hear me?

                         DIMITRI
               Mom’s not going to die.  I’ve been 
               praying ten times a day.  Mom’s 
               going to live because I asked God.

                         MARCUS
               ‘Cause you asked God?
 
Marcus looks over at Dimitri.  Suddenly, his mood shifts to anger and Marcus –-
 
HITS THE BREAKS. 
  
                         DIMITRI
               What’s wrong?
                         
                         MARCUS
               You got some business to handle.
                                                                 
                         DIMITRI
               What business?            
              
Marcus doesn’t answer.  He makes a u-turn.

EXT. COLEMAN DUPLEX – STORM CLOUDS

A light rain starts to fall as THUNDER rumbles.  Marcus’s Bug passes Ray as it pulls into the driveway.  Ray flips Dimitri the bird again.

INT. VOLKSWAGON – DIMITRI

                         DIMITRI               
               Did you forget something?
 
                         MARCUS
               Get out the car, Dimitri.

                         DIMITRI
               Why?                       
                         
                         MARCUS
               ‘Cause I don’t run from nothin’, 
               or nobody -- even if I’m scared. 
               And since you’re my son, you don’t 
               run from nothin’ or nobody either.
                                                   
                         DIMITRI             
               I’m calling Dad.

                         MARCUS
               I’m your fuckin’ dad.  Now get the 
               fuck out the car.

EXT. DRIVEWAY – RAIN STARTING TO FALL

Marcus gets out the car and walks around to Dimitri’s door.  Dimitri locks the door.  Marcus unlocks it with his remote and snatches him out the car.

                         MARCUS
               You’re fightin’ today.  Him or me? 

Dimitri looks at Marcus.  He means it.  Dimitri removes his glasses and hands them to Marcus.                      
                                                    
                         DIMITRI
               I hate you!
     
                         MARCUS
               Good.  Now use that hate on him.               
                   (calling over to Ray) 
               He wants to go again!                    
                                              
Ray sets his soda aside and trots down the porch steps to the front yard.   The rain turns into a DOWNPOUR.                         

Marcus nudges Dimitri and he begins his death march, wiping rain from his face.  He looks back at Marcus. 
 
Marcus points to Ray.  

Dimitri moves on.
 
Ray waits for Dimitri to get in his range and –-

HITS HIM

with a straight right to the nose.

Dimitri stops in shock.  Blood flows from his nose.  

Marcus shakes his head.  This was a mistake.  And then –-

DIMITRI EXPLODES.                  

                        DIMITRI             
                   (yelling and swinging)
               Fuck you!  Fuck you!

Dimitri throws a flurry of wild punches.  Ray retreats, trying to cover himself.  

Marcus stands in total disbelief, getting soaked by the rain. 
                         
MAXINE runs into the action and restrains Dimitri.                    
                                                 
                         MAXINE
               Dimitri stop it!

She manages to pull Dimitri off Ray.

                         MAXINE
               Marcus, what’cha doin’?  Got these
               boys out here fightin’! 
           
                         MARCUS
               Teachin’ him to fight back!
                         
                         MAXINE               
               Go in the house, Dimitri.  You’re
               bleedin’. 
                       
                         MARCUS
                   (to Dimitri)
               C’mon, man.  Way to handle your 
               business. 

Marcus wraps his arm around Dimitri and walks him away.

Maxine examines Ray.  He’s bleeding from his nose and mouth while weeping.                      
                             
                         MAXINE
                    (examining Ray)
               Hold your head back.  Your mother
               home? 
                         
                         RAY                         
               She’s sleep, like always.

                    
                         MAXINE
               Let’s go wake her up.  I hope I
               don’t hav’ta whup her ass, too. 
              
INT. COLEMAN BATHROOM – RUNNING BATH FAUCET

Marcus turns off the bath water.
                                           
                         MARCUS                         
               Dimitri, I need you in here.

After a moment Dimitri enters.   

                         DIMITRI
               Did you call the airport for a 
               later flight? 
                    
                         MARCUS
               No, not yet.  Get in the tub.
 
Maxine walks in and examines Dimitri.                        

                         MAXINE
               You in far better shape than Ray.
               You did the neighborhood a favor.
               That boy’s always puttin’ his
               hands on somebody.

Marcus starts to walk out the room.                       

                         MAXINE
                    (to Marcus)
               I need to talk to you.

Marcus continues out the room.
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I want to go home, Grandma.  
                                           
                         MAXINE
               I know, baby.  I’ll talk to him.
               You get in the tub.  
               
Maxine exits.  Dimitri undresses.

EXT. DUPLEX DRIVEWAY - DAY

Marcus pulls the suitcase from the trunk and closes it.  Maxine walks up to him.
                         
                         MAXINE
               What are you doin’, Marcus?  
             
                         MARCUS
               Keepin’ him here.

                         MAXINE
               You can’t do that.  He’s set 
               on goin’ home.  It ain’t right.
               You got him fightin'?  Like you
               tryin' to teach him somethin'?
               What's wrong with you?  We need
               to be learnin' a thing or two
               from him.
                                           
                         MARCUS
               So, now you’re some kinda 
               parentin' expert ‘cause you went
               to the damn zoo? 

                         MAXINE
               What’s that supposed to mean?                                         
                         
                         MARCUS
               It means you ain’t never been a 
               mother, so don’t start now.
                             
                         MAXINE
               I did alright with you. 
                                          
                         MARCUS
               You were busy chasin’ dick.

Maxine slaps Marcus.  Marcus clenches his fist.  Maxine backs away, scared and hurt.  Marcus snatches up the suitcase and heads for the porch.

INT. MANSION BEDROOM – DAY 

Jeff is on the phone, speaking in a low angry tone.  In the background, a NURSE is giving Celeste a massage. 
                     
                         JEFF
               Stop giving me your street talk.
               We didn’t send him there to fight.
               Send Dimitri home, today, Marcus.
                                                    
                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               I can’t right now.  You said a 
               week, and I want that week.
               Shit, I’m owed that.
               
                         JEFF
               Don’t tell me what you’re owed.
               I’m the one who—- 
                      
                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               Who stole my goddamn son!
                          
                         JEFF
               You left him, Marcus.  The police
               didn’t just pick you up and lock 
               you away.  You chose your life.
              
                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               Your money can’t protect you from
               me, man.  I done told you to 
               watch your mouth.
                                       
Marcus ends the call.  The nurse finishes with Celeste, nods to Jeff, and leaves the room.  Jeff walks over to Celeste.
                 
                         JEFF 
               He’s not sending Dimitri home.
 
Celeste thinks a moment.

                         CELESTE                        
               Good.
                         
                         JEFF
               Good?  Good how? 
                          
                         CELESTE
               Dimitri has twelve thousand 
               dollars in his personal savings 
               account.  
                         (MORE)
                         CELESTE (CONT’D)
               He’s seven years old.  He’s been to 
               six different countries already.   
               He thinks life’s one big fairy-tale. 
                                                       
                         JEFF
               So, I’m supposed to feel bad 
               because I can provide a good life
               for my family?  Because I can be
               a good father?  
                         
                         CELESTE
                    (managing a sharp pain}
               No, but you should try to 
               understand what it feels like for
               a man who can’t do the same.  Jeff                         
               you’ve given Dimitri everything.  
               Let Marcus give him something. He’s 
               found something he can give him, 
               and that’s his toughness.
                             
                         JEFF
               So it’s tough breaking laws and 
               getting locked up?  That’s what 
               you want him to teach Dimitri?  
                                                 
                         CELESTE
               No.  I want him to teach Dimitri 
               how  to respond to life if he ever 
               loses the silver spoon you put in
               his mouth, and to stay strong when 
               they throw the goddamn dirt on my
               coffin! 
       
Jeff SMASHES his phone into a wall and storms out the room.  Celeste attempts to go after him but another sharp pain strikes her back down.
   
INT. COLEMAN GUEST ROOM – DAY

Maxine is by the window, toying with the blinds.                
                                                       
                         DIMITRI
               I’m not going home today, am I? 

         
          MAXINE
No baby, you’re not.  It won’t be 
that bad.  It’s just a few more 
days.  We can hang out, bond
               some more.                            
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I’ll bond with you, but not with
               him.  I hate him.

                         MAXINE
               No you don’t.  You’re just mad
               right now, and actin’ just
               like his ass.

Maxine walks over to Dimitri and pinches his cheek. 

INT. HALLWAY 

Marcus listens outside the bedroom door.  He sets the suitcase down and walks away.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Maxine places a roast in the oven.  Marcus enters the room and walks over to her.                                        
                         
                         MARCUS
               Maxine.

Maxine turns, expecting a fight.  Marcus hugs her and leaves.
   
Maxine smiles.

EXT. MOVIE THEATRE - DAY

Marcus and Dimitri stand in line at the Cineplex.  
                       
                         MARCUS
               Man, they're turnin' all my old          
               comic books into movies.

Still angry, Dimitri gives him nothing.

                         MARCUS
               The one time I met my Daddy,
               he took me out for ice cream and
               a movie.  I don't even remember
               the movie.  I sat there the
               whole time, eatin' popcorn and
               lookin' at him. ...  I didn't
               see him anymore after that.

                         DIMITRI
               What was his name?

                         MARCUS
               His name was Anthony.

INT. THEATRE - SCREEN

A 3D EXPLOSION sends debris flying into the packed audience. 

DIMITRI

He's chomping on popcorn and sipping his drink.

MARCUS

He's sipping a soda and watching Dimitri.  His cell phone begins to VIBRATE in his pocket.  Marcus slides down in his seat, pulls the phone from his pocket and answers it.

                         MARCUS
                     (whispering)
               Yeah, Swoop.

EXT. CINEPLEX - DAY

Dimitri angrily burst out the exit followed by Marcus.         
 
INT. WORKING CLASS BAR – DAY

A dim tavern with a long bar, booths, pool tables and a juke box playing BLUES.  The patrons are hard, loud and drunk early in the day.

Swoop occupies a booth, bobbing his head to the music but looking dead serious.  There’s a filled shot glass and bottle of beer in front of him, even though he’s sipping on a glass of wine.

Marcus slides in the booth.  He slams the shot of whiskey and gulps down half the beer.  Swoop signals for two more of the same.

                         MARCUS
               Alright, hit me.
                         
                         SWOOP
               I’m in a situation that nobody
               can help me with but you, and
               time is runnin’ out.

Marcus swallows the rest of his beer.  He sits back and rubs his head.  

A WAITRESS brings Marcus his refills.  

                         SWOOP
               My tab, Brenda.

Brenda moves to the next booth.  
                                      
                         MARCUS
               Somebody owe you money?

                         SWOOP
               Nah, it’s deeper than that.  I 
               just gotta a call from Winslow. 

Swoop waits for a DRUNK MAN to stumble by.

                         SWOOP 
               You heard about that star corner 
               for State?  The boy who overdosed?  
               It’s gone national news.

                         MARCUS
               One of your people's product?

Swoop nods.
                         MARCUS
               You want me to talk to Winslow?
                         SWOOP
               Nah, He’s set on this thing.
                         
                         MARCUS
               What thing is that?

                         SWOOP
               Correctin’ this problem.

Marcus downs his second shot and looks at Swoop a moment.
                                       
                         MARCUS
               Swoop I told you, not with my
               son here, man.  

                         SWOOP            
               Look, Marco, Winslow’s already 
               made it clear, my name gets in 
               this, and our deal is done, no 
               refund on the money I invested.  
 
                         MARCUS
               Fuck Winslow.

                         SWOOP
               It ain’t that simple.  I’ll be  
               done, Marco.  I need this deal to 
               get off these streets, man.  I’m 
               too old to keep doin’ this shit.

Marcus gulps more beer.

                         MARCUS
               Why didn’t you come see me in 
               that prison?
               
                         SWOOP
               You gone do this now?  I got you
               the best lawyer and kept money on 
               your book.  You know I swore 
               once I got out that pit, I’d never 
               step back in.  You know that.

                         MARCUS
               I swore the exact same thing,
               and two damn weeks out, I already
               got one foot back in.  Why don’t 
               you get Booker or Joe Brown?

                         SWOOP              
               This is too high profile.  Them 
               sloppy niggas’ll leave a trail  
               a mile long and wide.  

Swoop waves to someone across the room.

                         SWOOP
               Besides, Winslow wants you to do 
               it, since you co-signed for me.
                    (beat)            
               I seen you with that boy.  You 
               wanna be a daddy.  You gone need 
               some real bank for that.

Swoop looks around and leans in closer.

                         SWOOP
               I’m talkin’ twenty thousand for
               you to help me with my problem, 
               five deposit now.  After this, I 
               set you up in a decent, legit job
               at the hotel.  Both of us payin’ 
               taxes, off these streets.  I need 
               you on this, man.  Now, I’m sorry 
               but I do.
               
Marcus closes his eyes and rubs his head.

                         MARCUS
               I don't know, man.  I'm havin'
               trouble gettin' my mind right
               with Dimitri here. ...  And I 
               think about that man, Chop, what
               I did to him.  I know he deserved 
               it, but I still... 

Marcus opens his eyes and looks at Swoop for understanding.

                         SWOOP
               Do you think Winslow will only
               take my money if the police
               tie me to that boy’s death?
               
Marcus swallows the rest of his beer.  
             
                         MARCUS
               Fuck! ...  Is this somebody I 
               know man?

                         SWOOP
               Nah, man, relax.  It’s a white
               dude called Charlie Hustle.                     
               Made me a bundle off those 
               college kids, but now this shit.

Swoop slides Marcus a thick envelope.

                         SWOOP
               Address and picture inside.  He 
               was stayin’ with that stripper,
               Co-Co, Jay used to fuck wit’. 
               She said he moved out and she 
               ain't heard from him.  Stop by and 
               see if she lyin'.  
                   (to another patron)
               I see you playa!
                   (back to Marcus)                      
               When you gonna handle this?  

                         MARCUS               
               I'll take care of it tonight, 
               if I find him  ... but he's the
               last one, Swoop.

                         SWOOP
               Alright, I hear you.

Marcus pockets the envelope and slides out the booth.

Swoop drops his head and exhales.              

EXT. BOOTY PALACE – DAY

A rundown strip club off an interstate with few cars and trucks in the parking lot.
CO-CO (30’S) overweight, blonde wig, walks to her car, carrying her red dancing pumps.  She’s exhausted as she gets in her beat down Buick.

INT. CO-CO’S BEDROOM – DAY

The room is small and messy with wigs and clothes scattered everywhere.

Co-Co enters the room, dripping wet, wearing a towel and her natural black hair. 
She goes to her closet and opens the door to –-
 
MARCUS POINTING A GUN

Co-Co SCREAMS and Marcus shoves her to the floor.  He quickly straddles her, pinning her down.                                                                       

                         MARCUS
               Look at me.  Do you know who I am?

Terrified, Co-Co nods.
                         
                         MARCUS
               Good.  So you know I don’t fuck
               around.  I’m not here to rape, kill
               or steal. I wanna know where I can
               find Charlie Hustle.  

Co-Co mumbles something.

                         MARCUS
               Now, before I move my hand and let 
               you speak, you should know that I 
               can read your face and spot any lie 
               you’re thinkin’, let alone speakin’.
                     (beat)  
               Now, where’s this Charlie?

Marcus slowly removes his hand. 
            
                         CO-CO
               He’s at twelve-sixty-five Bryden
               Road, it’s an old boarding house.   

Marcus tucks his gun away.  He removes a few bills from his pocket and drops them by her head.
EXT. CO-CO’S PATIO – DAY

Marcus walks out the sliding door onto a ragged deck.  He observes his gun hand.  It's shaking again.  
                
INT. VOLKSWAGON – NIGHT

MARCUS’ POV 

Two OLD MEN are playing cards on a porch of a dilapidated boarding house.

A tricked-out Tahoe pulls into driveway.  CHARLIE HUSTLE (20’s), suburban white, trying to act hip-hop, in baggy jeans and jersey, steps out the vehicle and pulls open the garage door. 

He cautiously looks around and then drives the SUV in the garage.  He steps out the garage and pulls down the door.  Charlie leaps up the porch steps and joins the old men in a card game.

EXT. OLD HOUSE - LATER  

Marcus is hiding behind a large bush on the side of the house.  He’s blending into the darkness with another black hooded sweat shirt and gloves.  He takes aim with his gun, only a few feet away from Charlie.

MARCUS’S P.O.V.

Charlie is now alone on the porch, drinking vodka from the bottle.  A young bi-racial girl, SELENA, (9) pony-tailed and cute, runs up the porch steps and gives Charlie a hug and kiss.  Her MOTHER, young and black, joins them on the porch. 
                          
                         SELENA
               Daddy can you take me to Eastland
               Mall tomorrow?  I want a new dress
               for picture day.  

                         CHARLIE
               You still gettin’ straight A’s?

                         SELENA
               Yes.

                         CHARLIE
               Then I’ll pick you up at two.

Selena hugs her father.  

MARCUS

He lowers his gun.  He doesn’t take the shot.

EXT. CITY STREET – DAY

Marcus’s bug follows Charlie’s SUV.

EXT. MALL PARKING LOT - DAY

Marcus and Dimitri walk through the crowded parking lot.                          
                         
                         DIMITRI                  
               Why are we here? 

Marcus spies Charlie going into the mall with his daughter.

                         MARCUS              
               Your mother’s birthday’s the day 
               after you get back, ain’t it?

                         DIMITRI  
               You remember a lot about Mom. 
                                          
                         MARCUS
               She was the best part of my life,
               until I found out I was gonna
               have you.  
              
Marcus and Dimitri sneak a peep at each other.

INT. MALL FOOD COURT – DAY

Marcus and Dimitri carry shopping bags and food trays as they dodge through loud TEENAGERS to a table.  They take a seat and start to eat.

    

                         DIMITRI
               Mom’s going to be surprised when I 
               come back with all these gifts.
                    (beat)
               Thank you.

Marcus, stunned by the gratitude, stops chewing.

                         MARCUS
               Okay, you’re welcome.

After a beat.

                         DIMITRI
               How do you get money with no job?

                         MARCUS
               I’ve been doin’ some odd jobs for
               Swoop, plus I had some money put 
               away, enough to keep me floatin’
               awhile.  

Dimitri bites his hamburger and sips his drink.  Marcus peeps at Charlie Hustle and his daughter at an adjacent table.

CHARLIE’S TABLE

Selena feeds Charlie a French fry.  He playfully chomps on the fry, making Selena laugh.

MARCUS AND DIMITRI

                         DIMITRI
               I saw a carnival across the 
               street from here.  Can we go?               

Marcus takes a call.                   

                         MARCUS
                    (into phone)
               Swoop? ...  Haven’t found him, yet.
               ...  No, it was a dead lead.  
               Alright, I’m on my way.

Marcus ends the call, still looking at Charlie Hustle.  

Dimitri looks at Marcus, disappointed.                             

EXT. SWOOPS’ CLOTHING & MUSIC – DAY

An inner-city store located in a busy, neighborhood-shopping plaza.  Marcus’s car pulls up next to Swoop’s Mercedes.

INT. VOLKSWAGON – DAY
                    
                         MARCUS
               I need you to stay with Swoop
               ‘til I get back.                     
                         
                         DIMITRI
               For how long?

                         MARCUS
               ‘Til I get back.

EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY 

Swoop walks out the store and stops to answer questions from incoming CUSTOMERS.  Dimitri gets out the car.

                         SWOOP
               What’s up, D.?  C’mon and hang
               out wit’ your Uncle Swoop a bit.
                  
Dimitri walks to the front of the store and waits as Swoop walks over to Marcus’s window.
                                                    
                         SWOOP
               Look at this.

He hands Marcus something wrapped in newspaper.  

Marcus unwraps the paper to a –-

SEVERED TONGUE

                         MARCUS
               The fuck is this? 

 

                         SWOOP
               Some fool's tongue who talked to
               the police about Winslow's
               business.  He's warnin' me.   
               Read the damn headline it’s 
               wrapped in.              
               
FRONT PAGE HEADLINE:

POLICE SEEK DRUG CONNECTION IN LOCAL FOOTBALL STAR’S DEATH.
BACK TO SCENE

                         SWOOP
               Time’s runnin’ out.  Let’s get this 
               shit over with.
                   (Beat)
               Charlie’s in a boardin’ house.  
               The address is 1265 Bryden Road.  
               He can’t be here tomorrow, bruh.  
               And get rid of that newspaper.                    
                                
Marcus reverses and drives off.  Swoop watches him a beat before walking over to Dimitri. 
                    
                         DIMITRI
               Where did Marcus go? 
                                                                       
                         SWOOP            
               There’s a small lake loaded with
               trout at my condo.  You wanna go
               fishin'?

                         DIMITRI                      
               That’ll be fine.
                                                        
                         SWOOP
               Cool.  C’mon.

They go in the store.

INT. SWOOP’S MERCEDES - DAY

Swoop drives, puffing on a cigarette.  Dimitri waves the smoke away. 

                                                  
                         SWOOP
               Oh, shit, my smoke bother you?   
           
Swoop throws the cigarette out the window.                         
                                   
                         DIMITRI
                    (appalled)
               You’re littering.  You can get a
               fine for that. 
     
                         SWOOP
               What are you, a cop? ... Hey, you   
               scared of cemeteries? 
 
                         DIMITRI
               I’ve never been to one.                   

                         SWOOP
               The flowers in the back are for my
               son, Ricky.  He’s in a cemetery.
               Mind if we stop by there and leave
               those flowers?  
                      
                         DIMITRI
               I don’t mind. 

EXT. CITY GRAVEYARD – DAY

The gravesite is low-income and unkempt.  There’s graffiti on headstones and a breeze is swirling trash over the grounds. 

Swoop and Dimitri make their way through the burial ground.  Swoop stops.  He studies a piece of paper for directions while holding the flowers.                         
                        
                         SWOOP
               He should be right over here.  

They stand a moment.
           
                         DIMITRI
               You okay Mr. Swoop? 

           

                         SWOOP
               I don’t know if I can see him
               in the ground like that.
                                                   
                         DIMITRI
               You want me to go over first? 
              
Swoop hands the flowers to Dimitri.                         

                         SWOOP
               Fifth one over, Richard L. Williams.
            
Dimitri walks to the grave.

HEADSTONE:  

In Loving Memory of Richard LavelLe Williams.  June, 6 1988 – March 27, 2012. 

DIMITRI

He kneels down and places the flowers on the grave.  Swoop looks on in the background.  Dimitri removes a potato chip bag from the headstone. 

                         DIIMITRI
                   (turning to Swoop)
               Everything’s fine.  He has a nice
               grave.  Are you coming?               
                                                  
                         SWOOP
               I can’t.  I’ll do it next time.                      
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Do you want me to say a prayer?

                         SWOOP
               Yeah, man, okay, that’d be good. 

Dimitri closes his eyes and whispers a prayer.  Swoop watches in the background.

INT. SWOOP’S MERCEDES – DAY

Swoop drives.  He starts to light a cigarette but looks at Dimitri and doesn't.                          
                                         
                         SWOOP
               What’d you say in that prayer?                                   
                         
                         DIMITRI
               I asked God to take special care
               of Ricky, and to let him know
               you’ll see him again someday.

Swoop takes a glance Dimitri, moved by what he said.  He rubs the top of the kid's head.                                  
              
                         SWOOP
               You gotta good heart, D.  Don’t 
               let nobody take that away.  Nobody.
            
                         DIMITRI                
               How did you become friends with 
               Marcus?

                         SWOOP 
                   (in reverie)
               I saw him fightin’ three boys on
               his way home from high school.  
               He dropped all three cold.  Man, 
               he was a tiger. ...  I offered him a 
               ride home, and we’ve been tight ever 
               since.

EXT. COLEMAN DUPLEX - NIGHT

Swoop carries Dimitri, draped over his shoulders, up the porch steps.  He rings the DOORBELL.  After a moment, Maxine opens the door.

                         MAXINE
               Where’s Marcus?

Swoop Hands Dimitri to Maxine.

                         SWOOP
               Takin’ care of some business. 
                         
                         MAXINE
                    (comforting Dimitri)
               Takin’ care of your business?

                         SWOOP
               Goodnight, Maxine.

Swoop glides back down the porch steps.  Maxine watches him.

INT. BOARDING ROOM – NIGHT

The barely furnished room is dark save for a small night-light.  There’s SUDDEN MOVEMENT at the lone window.  The screen is removed and the window slides up.

Marcus climbs in and quickly scans the room.  Nothing.  He puts the screen and window back to their prior positions.  He draws his gun and takes a seat on the floor next to the door.

LATER                             

KEYS FUMBLE outside the door.  Marcus stands to the side, gun ready.  

Charlie Hustle walks in.  Marcus inches further behind the door. 

Charlie swings the door closed and instantly finds –-

MARCUS’S GUN 

jammed in his face.
                     
                         MARCUS
               You fucked up, Charlie Hustle. 

Charlie looks straight into the gun barrow and then closes his eyes.
                         
                         CHARLIE 
               Our father, which art in Heaven, 
               hallowed be thy name...

Marcus pushes the door closed.

EXT. AUTO REPAIR GARAGE – NIGHT

Charlie’s Tahoe pulls up in front of a shack of an office.  The HORN BLOWS.  After a beat, an old man in overalls walks out.  Marcus climbs out the SUV.                  

                         OLD MAN
               I heard you was out?  Didn’t take
               you long to get back to work.
                   (examining the vehicle)
               Ain’t no blood in it, is it?

                         MARCUS
               Nah, it’s clean.                      
                         
                         OLD MAN
               Give you a good price.  C’mon in. 
               Good to have you back.                         
                       
Marcus hands the old man the keys. 

INT. VOLKSWAGON - DAY 

Marcus and Dimitri are in the car.
                       
                         MARCUS
               You wanna go to that carnival?                         
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Is your phone going to ring again?

Marcus takes his phone from his pocket and turns it off.

EXT. CARNIVAL – DAY

The parking lot is filled with bright, spinning lights, games, rides, and people having big fun.

Marcus and Dimitri are in the front cart of an ascending roller coaster.  Dimitri is giddy.  Marcus is uneasy.

                          DIMITRI
               You look scared Marcus.

                          MARCUS
               I’m okay.
                  
                         DIMITRI
                    (mocking)
               Big, bad Marcus is scared.  Don’t
               fall out, we’re going down fast.

The roller coaster reaches a peak and comes to a stop.  Dimitri is busting with excitement, Marcus, tight with tension.  

The ride starts its decent, building furious speed, then bursting into a series of blunt TWIST, TURNS and more sudden DROPS.  

Dimitri, wide-eyed, raises his hands high in the air with each downward spiral.  Marcus’s eyes are slammed shut while his hands cling to the cart's security bar. 

The ride comes to a stop.  Dimitri waits for Marcus to open his eyes.  The security bar lifts, forcing Marcus to let go.  He opens his eyes. 

                         DIMITRI
               The ride is over, Marcus.  Do you 
               need a barf Bag?

Marcus looks around and smiles.  
                                         
                         MARCUS
               That was fun.  Let’s get in back
               line and ride again.                
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Okay, let’s ride.

Dimitri starts to climb out the cart but Marcus grabs his arm.

                         MARCUS
               Hey, man, ... thanks for comin'
               here with me on your Spring
               break.  I know you didn't wanna
               really be here so...  Anyway, I'm 
               glad you're here.

Dimitri isn't listening.  He's looking at the ride's line forming, distracted.

                         DIMITRI
               What?

Marcus just smiles and climbs out the cart.

INT. CARNIVAL PICTURE BOOTH 

INSERT PICTURES:

Marcus and Dimitri caught off guard not looking in the camera.

Marcus and Dimitri smiling into the camera.          

Marcus and Dimitri making funny faces, eyes crossed, tongues out.

INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM – NIGHT

Maxine is sitting on the couch with her feet up, tired.  Marcus comes down the stairs.
                                   
                         MAXINE
               Looks like somebody enjoyed the
               carnival.

                         MARCUS
               Yeah, he had fun.
  
                         MAXINE
               I’m talkin’ about you.

                         MARCUS
               Yeah, me too.  Want me to fix
               you a drink?

After a pause. 
                       
                         MAXINE               
               I poured everything out.  I 
               think I’m gonna quit.

Marcus looks at his mother.  She’s serious.  He sits on the couch next to her.

                                                                    
                         MAXINE
               What about you?   Think it’s about 
               time to start slowin’ up?              
                                                  
                         MARCUS
               I’m tryin’, Maxine.  Tryin’ hard. 

                         MAXINE  
               Good.  We’re gettin’ old, Marcus.  
    
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               I spoke with Dimitri earlier today.
               He sounded happy.  I haven’t heard 
               his happiness since he learned of  
               my cancer.  If I make it to Heaven, 
               I seriously doubt there could be 
               anything there that can give me 
               greater joy than my son.                       

EXT. COLEMAN BACKYARD - DAY

Maxine and Swoop are setting a patio table.  In the background, Marcus is showing Dimitri how to grill.
                                                  
                         MAXINE
               You see that over there? 
                            
                         SWOOP
               What’s that?                        
                                                  
                         MAXINE
               Marcus being a father to his son.
               You see that?
                               
                         SWOOP
               I see it.  I’m not blind, Maxine.                                  
                        
                         MAXINE
               I used to be blinded by the money 
               you put in my son’s pockets.  I’m                         
               not no more.  Whatever Marcus did
               for you the other night, you make 
               sure he doesn’t do it again.  Hear
               me?  
                             
Swoop tries to laugh.  Maxine remains somber.                              
                         
                         SWOOP
               I hear you.  Here’s the truth.  
               Every time I see Marcus with that
               boy, I see what could'a been with
               Ricky.  There’s not gonna be 
               anymore last night for Marcus, or 
               me.  I’m out the game.

BARBEQUE GRILL

Marcus and Dimitri stand over the smoking grill.    
                         
                         MARCUS
               Okay, turn the steaks, and your
               turkey burgers are ready to come 
               off.

Dimitri does as instructed.

                         DIMITRI
               How’s that?  Am I doing okay?

                         MARCUS
               Yeah, you’re doin’ good.         
    
                         DIMITRI
               Thanks for showing me how to grill,
               Marcus.  
                                          
Marcus looks over at Maxine and Swoop.  They’re watching him smiling.  He pats Dimitri on the back.                    

INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM – DAY

Swoop and Dimitri are involved in a game of chess while Marcus watches a basketball game on TV.
                             
                         SWOOP                        
               Okay, you contemplate your next 
               move while I talk to Marco.

Swoop points Marcus to the kitchen.          

INT. KITCHEN – MOMENT LATER

Marcus takes a seat at the table.  

Swoop opens a cabinet and removes a box of cereal before he joins him at the table.
    
                         SWOOP
               I gotta tell you, Marco, I was
               worried about you on this one.
               I know it was a strain on you.
               You've been second guessin'
               yourself since lil' man got here.

Swoop hands Marcus the box of cereal.                                          
                                                    
                         SWOOP
               I see you’re at a crossroad.  I’ve 
               been at my own for the past two 
               years.  Lot of things I took pride 
               in as a young man, shame me now.

 Marcus pulls a stuffed cereal bag full of large bills from the box.
                         
                         MARCUS
               Looks like a whole lot more here 
               then what you said.
                              
                         SWOOP               
               There’s extra there for you to get
               a lawyer and fight for some kinda
               custody, if you want to.  

                         MARCUS
               Man, I don’t know what to say.
            
                         SWOOP
               Don’t say nothin’.  I owe you 
               everything.  You could have been 
               anything, doctor, scientist,
               anything.  I stunted your growth.
               There ain’t no denyin’ that.            
                             
                         MARCUS
               I appreciate this, man. 
 
                         SWOOP
               Told you I’d take care of you.  Now, 
               excuse me while I get my ass kicked
               by boy genius in there.       
Swoop gets up from the table.                      
                        
                         SWOOP
               I got a free day tomorrow.  Is
               it cool if I hang with ya’ll
               again? 
                   
                         MARCUS 
               You ain’t even gotta ask.

Swoop leaves the kitchen.  Marcus studies the bag of money.

EXT. BACK PORCH - NIGHT

Marcus is sitting on the porch railing, enjoying a night breeze.  Maxine and Dimitri are seated next to each other on porch furniture, eating ice cream cones.

                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               Maxine called me yesterday.  She
               thanked me for sending Dimitri          
               and the second chance I gave 
               Marcus.  And then, she told me she 
               was praying for me.  My son can  
               truly work wonders.                

Marcus’s PHONE RINGS, breaking the peace.  He answers it.  
                           
                         MARCUS
                   (into phone)
               Where you been, man?  Been callin’
               your ass all day...  

Marcus stands, his mood now serious.

                         MARCUS
               Now? ... okay...  I’m be there.
                                                  
                         MAXINE             
               Somethin’ wrong?                         
                         
                         MARCUS                          
               Nah.  Swoop wants me to see some
               property he’s gonna renovate.
                           
                         MAXINE
               You have to go tonight?             
Marcus ignores the question and goes inside.

INT. WALK IN CLOSET – MOMENTS LATER

Marcus is loading guns into a gym bag.  Maxine steps in the closet with him, blocking the door.                           
                         
                         MAXINE
               I knew I should’a got rid of those.
               You need guns to see this property?                                      
                         
                         MARCUS
               Just bein’ careful.

                         MAXINE
               Don’t do this, Marcus.                            
                         
                         MARCUS
               Move, Maxine.

Maxine holds her ground.  Marcus shoves her out the way.
  
INT. BEDROOM 

Dimitri walks in the room before Marcus can get out.                            
                         
                         DIMITRI
                   (to Marcus)
               Can I go?               

                         MARCUS 
               No, not tonight. 
                                 
Marcus starts out the room.  He stops, turns and looks at his mother and son a beat.  He walks out the door.

Maxine wraps her arm around Dimitri.

EXT. DRIVEWAY - NIGHT

Marcus’s Bug backs out and speeds off.

INT. PARKED CAR – NIGHT

A heavy, BEARDED MAN in a pizza delivery shirt is smoking a cigarette as he watches Marcus drive away.  He makes a call.                        
                         
                        PIZZA MAN
                    (into phone)
               He’s on his way.   

The man ends the call, puts out his cigarette, and picks up a pizza box off the passenger seat.

INT. BATHROOM – MAXINE

She finishes washing her face and takes a deep breath. 
  
                         DIMITRI (O.S.)
                    (shouting from downstairs)
               Grandma, the pizza man’s here.

Maxine, puzzled, dries her face and hurries out the room.

INT. LIVING ROOM 

Maxine enters the room and stops.

The Pizza Man is seated on the couch, next to Dimitri, with his arm around him.  Dimitri is shaking from fear.    

                         PIZZA MAN
               Hi Grandma.  Sit down over here, 
               please.  Have a piece of pizza.                         
                         
                         MAXINE
               I didn’t order pizza.
                         
                         PIZZA MAN
               Marcus ordered it.  Sit down.

The Pizza Man mocks a gun with his hand, indicating he’s packing.  He slides over and pats the couch, gesturing Maxine to take a seat between him and Dimitri.  Maxine sits and grabs Dimitri’s hand.  The man makes a call.
        
                         PIZZA MAN
                    (into phone)
               I’m all set here.

EXT. GHETTO STREET – NIGHT

A dead end street filled with abandoned houses.  Marcus’s car pulls curbside and the headlights turn off.  

Marcus gets out and walks to the trunk.  He grabs his gym bag and –-

A GUN BARREL 

is placed to the back of his head.
                         
                         GUNMAN #1 (O.S.)
                Be still.

Marcus releases the bag.

A short, BODY BUILDING MAN, cramped in his clothes, holds the gun on Marcus.  Another GUNMAN pats him down.        
                                                 
                         GUNMAN #2
                You need to ride with us.                                               
     
EXT. CONDEMNED HOUSE — NIGHT 

The house is dark with boarded windows.  Marcus steps up onto the unstable porch with the gunmen behind him. 
The front door SQUEEKS open.

INT. LIVINGROOM – MOMENT LATER

A few candles display graffiti walls and trash-strewn floors.  There’s a small group of men in the room.  TWO MEN are in street clothes, holding guns.  The third man is Winslow, in golf attire and unarmed.  Next to him is Swoop, positioned on his knees, bleeding badly from everywhere.

Marcus walks in followed by the gunmen.  Winslow approaches him, shaking his head.     
                                                  
                         WINSLOW               
               You see what I’m reduced to?  Guns.
               The police are investigating 
               Richard here.  I can’t afford that. 
               My investors will lose all faith in 
               me.  You vouched for him, so here 
               you are.                                                                                    
                         MARCUS
                    (to Swoop)
               You alright? 
 
                         WINSLOW
               No, he’s far from alright, but I
               suggest you worry about you.

INT. COLEMAN LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
                        
                         MAXINE
                    (softly)
               What’s this about?  What are you
               gonna do?      
                         PIZZA MAN
               I’m waiting for a call.  If I get
               the call one way, you go on about 
               your business.  Now, if I get the 
               call the other way, well then...               
 
Maxine looks at Dimitri.

INT. CONDEMNED HOUSE – MARCUS

He’s now laid out on the floor on his back, bloody and swollen. 
Gunman # 2 gives him a kick in the face, busting his lip open.  Winslow stands over Marcus.       

                         WINSLOW
               Marcus the reason you’re still 
               breathing is because what you did 
               for me in that hellhole.  I owe 
               you the chance to rectify this 
               situation.

Marcus slowly sits up. 

Gunman #1 peeps through the front door.
                             
                         GUNMAN #1
               There comin’ up.                                               
                         
                         WINSLOW
               Things are about to get ugly.

Gunman #1 opens the front door and two men enter.  The man in front is Charlie Hustle.  The ARMED MAN behind him is skinny but spooky looking.

Marcus stares at Charlie.  

Charlie looks at the floor.

                         SWOOP
               Marcus?

INT. CHARLIE’S TAHOE – NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Charlie drives while Marcus holds the gun on him.

                         CHARLIE
               Dude, can I talk, please?

Marcus doesn’t answer.
                        
                         CHARLIE 
               What if I just left, got outta                               
               state, or the whole fuckin’ 
               country?  Ain’t no need for 
               bullets, man.  I got a chunk of 
               cash put away I could give you. 
               Man, don’t do this.  I saw you at 
               the mall with your boy.  That was 
               you wasn’t it?  I was with my 
               little girl, remember?  You were 
               with a boy.  You’re a father too.     
    
                         MARCUS
               Shut da fuck up!

Charlie goes quiet.
                        
                         MARCUS    
               You think you could do that?
               Get out of the country? 
                                         
                         CHARLIE HUSTLE
               Fuck yeah.  Just give me the chance.
               I gotta daughter, man, please don’t 
               do this, man.  You got that boy to 
               teach the right way.              
                                          
                         MARCUS
               Keep drivin’.  I need to think 
               on this shit.  You fuck this up,
               I’m the one whose gotta pay.
                             
                         CHARLIE HUSTLE
               Swear to God I won’t fuck up,
               man.  Just give me a chance.
               I wanna live, man, please don’t
               do this.                                      

INT. CONDEMNED HOUSE – NIGHT (PRESENT)                     

                         WINSLOW
                     (to Swoop)
               You told me he was handled.  Now, 
               is it just me, or does he not look
               dead?!

                         SWOOP
               Winslow, man, look...

Winslow points a finger at Swoop.  Swoop stops talking.           INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM – NIGHT

Dimitri's phone RINGS.  He starts for the phone.  Maxine restrains him.

                        PIZZA MAN
               Let it ring.

The bearded man flips through channels with the remote.                                     
                         
                        PIZZA MAN
               Ya’ll wanna watch anything?

Maxine and Dimitri remain quiet.
                                                  
                        PIZZA MAN
               What about this?  Sponge Bob.  My
               niece is addicted to this stuff.

Dimitri starts to cry.

                        MAXINE
               Everything’s gonna be fine.  He’s
               just here for a little while.
                   (to their captor)
               Aren’t you, Mister?

                        PIZZA MAN
               Yeah.  I won’t be long.  Watch
               the cartoon.

Maxine kisses and comforts Dimitri.                      

INT. CONDEMNED HOUSE – NIGHT

Winslow is on the phone while his crew watches Marcus and Swoop.
           
                         WINSLOW
                   (into phone)
               I’m wrapping up some business.  I
               should be there within the hour.        

Winslow ends the call and tucks his phone away.                 

                         WINSLOW
                   (to his crew)
               We have to speed things up.  I
               have business elsewhere...  Paul,
               attend to Charlie there.  Remind
               Marcus how to kill a man.
                            
The short, bulky gunman walks over to Charlie Hustle, cocks and raises his shotgun.

Charlie puts up a hand to plead, but the bulky man –-

SHOOTS 

blowing the hand off before he gets a word out, then the man cocks the shotgun and --                                      

BLAST 

a second shot removing his face, dropping him.

                                                
                         SWOOP 
               Aw fuck!  Winslow, shit!  Okay, 
               he’s gone!  It’s done!  Let’s get  
               back to business.  Alright?!

Marcus grits his teeth, restraining himself.
                                     
                         WINSLOW
               No, it’s definitely not done. 

Winslow takes a 357 revolver from one of the men.  He removes bullets from the chamber and walks over to Marcus.
                         
                         WINSLOW                        
               Get up, Marcus.

Marcus struggles to his feet.                      

                         MARCUS                    
               Get this over, man.  I don’t need 
               to hear anymore of your bullshit.
      
Gunman #2 moves towards Marcus but Winslow signals him to stop.
       
                         WINSLOW
               Just get to the point.  I can do 
               that.            
                
Winslow extends the gun, offering it to Marcus.  Marcus looks at him, confused.  
           
                         WINSLOW
               You got one bullet and two choices.                                                              
                         
                         GUNMAN #3
               Winslow, what da fuck are you doing?

                         WINSLOW
               This is between Marcus and me.

Marcus looks at Winslow’s crew and slowly takes the gun.  The men tighten their aim on him.                       
                         
                         MARCUS
               Alright, What’s this?

                         WINSLOW
               There’s one bullet in that gun. 
               Is it yours or Richard’s? 
              
Marcus takes a step back.  He and Swoop trade looks of desperation.  Marcus whips the gun to --

WINSLOW'S HEAD.  

Winslow’s men all spring into shooting stances.
                         
                         WINSLOW                    
                I have a man with your mother and
                son! 

Marcus looks to Swoop for confirmation.  

Swoop looks away from him.

Marcus cocks the gun’s trigger.  
                                        
                         SWOOP
                   (getting off the floor)
               Marcus!  Goddamn!  No man! 
                         WINSLOW
               Listen to him, Marcus!
                     
                         SWOOP
               You gotta son, man.  I don't no
               more.  C’mon now, be smart.           
                             
Swoop raises his hands and looks at Winslow’s men.  He walks over to Marcus.  
                       
                         SWOOP
               You had nothin’ to do with me bein’ 
               here.  You hear me?   This was  
               always comin’ for me, one way or   
               another.  We both know that.  
                    (pause)                          
               I want you to walk outta here, 
               Marco.  You hear me?  I want you 
               to go home.  I owe you this.  
               That’s my bullet, man.  Ain't no 
               way around it.   

                         MARCUS
               Fuck that, if we go, his ass is
               goin’ first.
                     
                         SWOOP
               Marcus!  I said I need you to walk 
               outta here.               

                         WINSLOW
               Listen to him, Marcus.  Be smart.            

Marcus is breathing fast and deep.  

Swoop is fighting back tears.

                         SWOOP                    
               You’ve always done for me, now
               let me do for you.  

After a moment, Marcus removes the gun from Winslow.  Winslow backs away several feet, relieved.

Swoop moves closer to Marcus and goes face to face.

                         SWOOP
                    (trying to make light)
               Shit, bruh, this’ll give me the
               chance to get some rest.
                    (serious again)
               Now do this, and don’t you ever
               look back.  You live for that boy,
               not die for me.

Marcus looks at the gunmen, still calculating.  He turns back to Swoop.

Swoop shakes his head no.  

Marcus studies him a moment.  He takes a deep breath and places the gun on Swoop’s chest.  His nerves on edge, the gun shakes in his hand.             

                          SWOOP
               I'm ready, bruh.  Do this.

Marcus takes a deep breath.  He closes his eyes then –- 

PULLS THE TRIGGER.

BLOOD SPLATTERS his face as Swoop’s body THUDS on the floor.

Winslow walks over to Marcus and takes the gun from his hand.  Marcus's eyes are still closed.
                                                         
                         WINSLOW
               You and yours will be fine as long 
               as you’re no threat to me.  You’re                    
               no threat to me, are you?

Marcus opens his eyes and looks at Winslow with pure hate.  He  shakes his head no.
                         
                         WINSLOW
               We’ll clean up here.  
                    
                         MARCUS
               I wanna take Swoop with me. 
         
                         WINSLOW
               You know he can’t be found?                        
                         
                         MARCUS
               He won’t be.                     

                         WINSLOW
               Alright then.
                   (to his crew)
               Let’s make it happen.  Get the
               kits and clean this up.

Winslow places his hand on Marcus’s shoulder.            
                                                                          
                         WINSLOW
               I hate this happened, Marcus.
               If there was any other way...

                         MARCUS
               You know that man you sent to my
               house ain’t gonna make it.

                         WINSLOW
               I can live with that.  
 
INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM – NIGHT                         

The Pizza Man’s phone RINGS.

                         PIZZA MAN
                   (into phone)
               Yeah? ...  You’re sure about
               that?  Yeah, I’m clear.
 
The assassin puts his phone back in his pocket. 
  
Maxine moves in front of Dimitri.                  
                       
                         PIZZA MAN
               The call was in your favor...
               Ya’ll have a goodnight.

And with that, he gets off the sofa and walks out the door.  Maxine motions for Dimitri to stay put as she hurries to the door and locks it.  She watches the man leave. 
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Call the police, Grandma.  

                         MAXINE
               He’s leavin’.  We don’t call the
               police in this house.

  The house phone RINGS.  Maxine snatches it. 
                                                 
                         MAXINE
               Marcus?
                                                          
                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               I’m alright, Maxine.  You okay                    
               there?

                         MAXINE
               We’re fine.  Come home, Marcus.

                         MARCUS
               I gotta make a stop.  I’ll be 
               there as soon as I can.

                         MAXINE
               Where’s Swoop?
Marcus doesn’t answer.  Maxine covers her mouth.  
    
EXT. WOODS – NIGHT

Marcus is holding a shovel, standing next to a small electric lamp.  He wipes sweat from his forehead as looks down at Swoop’s body in the freshly dug grave.  He looks around the woods.

                         MARCUS
               I wanted to put you someplace 
               peaceful.  I hope this’ll do.
               I won’t ever forget you.                                 
               
Marcus looks up at the night sky.  He takes a deep breath and starts tossing dirt on what used to be Swoop.     

INT. COLEMAN LIVINGROOM - NIGHT

Maxine is standing in the center of the room with a small gun.  Dimitri is on the couch asleep.  HEADLIGHTS flash in the front window.  Maxine opens the front door and waits.  Marcus walks in.                         
                         MARCUS
               It’s alright.  We’re okay.

They hug each other.  Marcus walks over to Dimitri and kneels by his side.

                         MARCUS
                How bad was it here?  

                         MAXINE
                It was bad.  I gave him Nyquil to
                settle his nerves and get him to
                sleep.  Carry him up to my room.
                Let him sleep with me tonight.

Marcus lifts Dimitri and carries him upstairs behind Maxine.                         

INT. COLEMAN KITCHEN – MORNING

Marcus and Dimitri sit at the table, picking at their breakfast, not saying a word.   

                         DIMITRI
               May I be excused?                    
                               
                         MARCUS
               Wait a minute.  Remember what you
               promised me.  You don’t talk to  
               nobody, especially your mother,
               about last night.  You hear me?
                       
Dimitri nods and takes his plate to the sink.  He brushes past Maxine as he leaves the room.                                               

                         MARCUS
                     (to Maxine)
               I fucked up everything.  He don’t 
               want nothin’ to do with me.  

                         MAXINE
               I’ll try and talk to him.

INT. COLEMAN GUEST ROOM - DAY

Maxine is folding Dimitri’s clothes and placing them in his suitcase while he sits on the bed. 
                        
                         MAXINE               
               I’ma miss you around here.                                              
             
Maxine stops folding and takes a seat on the bed next to Dimitri.

                         MAXINE
               Dimitri, your father has been 
               through a lot in his lifetime.                         
               He’s seen and done things, normal
               people like your mother and 
               stepfather never dealt with. 

                         DIMITRI
               But Grandma--

Maxine covers his mouth with her hand.

                     
                                              
                         MAXINE
               I know you’re a lot smarter then me
               and Marcus put together, but let me
               get this out...  Now, you bein’ here
               has given Marcus’s life some value.                         
               He needs a relationship with you or
               he’s got nothin’ worth havin’.  So,
               I sure hope you’ll give him another
               chance to be your father.  It may
               not seem like it now, but he has
               whole lot of good he could teach 
               you.                
               
She wraps her arm around Dimitri and pulls him close.
                         
                         MAXINE (CONT’D)              
               And, I tell you this, I’m gonna 
               beat my fear of flyin’ so I can 
               visit you down there in sunny 
               Arizona.  That’s a two-day drive 
               and I’m too damn old to be jammed 
               up in a car that long.
					                         
                         DIMITRI
               I’d like that, Grandma.
                         
                         MAXINE
               Good.  I’m glad you’re talkin’
               again.

EXT. WINSLOW'S MANOR – NIGHT

There's a Jaguar and Escalade parked in the circular driveway.  Inside the house sporadic lights can be found.

EXT. WOODED AREA - NIGHT

Marcus is kneeling on one knee watching the house through binoculars.  He's dressed in all black with leather gloves.

BINOCULARS POV

Winslow's BODYGUARD is fixing himself a drink in the living room.  The binoculars scan upwards to Winslow's office.  He's sitting behind his desk, busy on his PC.

BACK TO MARCUS
He lowers the binoculars and moves behind a large tree next to his electric lamp.  Marcus kneels again and starts removing caps from cheap bottles of rum.  He stuffs rags in the open bottles and places them in a satchel. 

With this project complete, Marcus unzips a gym bag and removes a Kevlar vest.  He straps on the bullet-proof and removes various size guns from the bag.  He strategically holsters the firearms on his body.  He looks at his gun hand.  It's steady this time.

Marcus stands and places a ski mask over his face.  He straps on the satchel of makeshift bombs and starts for Winslow's house -- ready for war.  A couple of feet into his march his phone VIBRATES. Marcus moves behind another tree and answers it.

                         MARCUS
                I said an hour, Maxine.

There’s silence on the line.

                         MARCUS
                Who's this?                      
                                                                          
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
                    (sickly)
                Marcus... Are you there?

Marcus removes his ski mask.

                        CELESTE (V.O.)
               Please don't hang up.
                         
                         MARCUS
               Yeah ... I’m here. 
                                                
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               I know you don’t want to talk,
               but I’m kind of short on time,
               so, I thought, maybe...

                         MARCUS
               I’m listening. 

After a beat.

                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               What do you think of your son?

                         MARCUS               
               He’s gotta lotta you in him. 
                                                             
                         CELESTE
               I’m so sorry I took him from you. 
               I was scared...  

INT. COURT ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

A crowded courtroom with a pregnant Celeste in attendance.  Swoop and Maxine sit a couple rows behind her.

Marcus stands next to his attorney as the judge sentences him.  He turns back to Celeste as he is handcuffed and taken away.  She’s crying her soul out. 
                                
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               I’m sorry for my wrongs Marcus. 
               I left you for Dimitri, not Jeff.
               Despite what you may think, I never
               stopped loving you.  Do you think
               you will ever forgive me?

BACK TO PRESENT

Marcus is looking through his binoculars again.
                         
                         MARCUS
               From the moment he got here, I 
               knew you did the right thing, 
               takin’ him far away from me and 
               my fucked-up life.  He’s smart, 
               good and nothin’ like me.  Truth
               be told, If I  was any kind’a man,
               I'd be askin' your forgiveness.

BINOCULARS POV  

Marcus is watching himself standing before Winslow, tied to a chair with rope.  He has wounds to his body and face from Chop's knife Marcus is holding.  Marcus gives him one last crazed smile before he begins to -- 
SCALP WINSLOW               

                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               You’re a good man, Marcus.  You
               just never knew it.

SUDDENLY, Marcus sees himself tied to the chair, and it’s Winslow holding the knife with a maniacal smile.  He takes the knife and digs it deep into and across Marcus's throat. 

BACK TO PRESENT

Marcus lowers the binoculars.  He keeps his eyes towards the house while holding a gun.
                                          
                         MARCUS
               Dimitri's gonna be fine. Don’t 
               worry ‘bout him.
                                      
                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               I know.  It's you I'm worried
               about.  You need saving, and
               it's Dimitri who can save you.
                    (beat)                       
               Marcus, Jeff loves your son more 
               than the world, and he can give
               him just about anything in it,                          
               but if you’re not involved, I
               don’t believe Dimitri can reach 
               his full potential.  Will you be 
               involved? 

Marcus stands, thinking a moment.  He turns away from Winslow's house and releases a deep exhale.

                         MARCUS
               Every day, if he’ll let me. 

Marcus starts unfasten his Kevlar vest.
                        
After a beat.

                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               Do you ever wonder what your
               life would be like if you had’nt
               taken Swoop’s call and stayed at
               the college admissions testing?              

                         MARCUS
               Every day.              

                        CELESTE (V.O.)
               I believe Dimitri inherited your
               intelligence Marcus.  I’m sorry
               I kept him from you.                        

                        MARCUS
               Don’t be, not anymore. 

                        CELESTE (V.O.)
               Goodbye, Marcus.  Enjoy your life
               and our son.

                        MARCUS                         
               Bye, Celeste, and ... thank you.               
                                    
Celeste hangs up.   Marcus stands still, looking at his phone.

INT. WINSLOW'S OFFICE - NIGHT

Winslow is at his desk adding numbers on a calculator.  He senses something and stops working.  

He walks to the window and looks out into the darkness a moment.  He walks back to his desk and hits the intercom.

                        WINSLOW
                   (looking at the window)
               Stay extra alert tonight, Lewis.

                        LEWIS (O.S.)
               Always boss man.

INT. MANSION DEN – DAY

The room is manly with expensive wood and leather furnishing.

Jeff is standing at one of many large windows on the phone with Marcus.  In the foreground, he watches a nurse pushing Celeste in a wheelchair through an exquisite garden with waterfalls.
                                                
                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               Well, you get your son back
               today. 
                         JEFF 
               I can’t wait to see him.
                    (beat)
               Can I ask you something?

                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               Go on.

                         JEFF
               Did you love my wife? 
                                
                         MARCUS (V.O.)
               She made me feel light, not heavy
               all the time.  I liked who I was 
               around her.  Yeah, man, I love 
               your wife. 
    
The line goes quiet. 

                         JEFF
               One more question... Do you think 
               we could ever have a beer 
               together, maybe watch a game?

                          MARCUS (V.O.)
               You buyin’?  

Jeff smiles a little.
                         
                         JEFF
               You know, I believe you’re the 
               reason she held on so long, 
               waiting for your release from 
               prison.  We were both blessed to 
               have been part of such a woman’s 
               life.

Celeste weakly waves to Jeff.  He waves back.  Jeff sets the phone down before breaking into tears.

INT. COLEMAN LIVING ROOM – DAY

Maxine and Dimitri are seated on the couch, putting pictures in a photo album.    
                         MAXINE
               There.  Now you have some pictures
               of the other half of your family. 
                
Dimitri puts the album in his backpack.  Marcus enters, jiggling his keys, uneasy.             
                         
                         MARCUS
               Alright, it’s that time. 
         
                         MAXINE
               C’mon and give me a hug. 

 Dimitri hugs his grandma. 
                        
                          MAXINE
               I love you, my little man.  
                     
                         DIMITRI
               Love you, too.  Bye Grandma.

                         MAXINE
               And remember how to break it
               down.

Maxine does a quick dance move.  She wipes her eyes.

                         MAXINE                     
               I better hear from you.

She kisses Dimitri and hurries upstairs to cry.

                         MARCUS
               You got everything? 
                          
                         DIMITRI
               Yes.

Marcus picks up the suitcase and they walk out the door.

EXT. PORCH – DAY

Dimitri walks down the porch steps watching Ray tossing the football with another boy.  This time, Dimitri flips him the finger.  Ray drops a pass and hurries inside his duplex. 

Marcus follows Dimitri smiling.

INT. AIRPORT – DAY

The gate is crowded with an assortment of travelers.

Marcus and Dimitri stand in line.  
                        
                         MARCUS
               It’ll be any minute now.

Dimitri doesn’t respond.  Marcus takes his hand and Dimitri attempts to pull away.
                         
                         MARCUS
               I need to hold your hand, Dimitri. 
              
Dimitri looks away.

                         DIMITRI
               That man was going to hurt us 
               because something you did, and
               I know you’re the reason Mr. 
               Swoop had to leave town.           
                  
                         MARCUS
               No, I wanted him to stay, but he
               had to go.  That’s the truth, man.                    
                        
                         DIMITRI
               What are you going to do without
               him around?        
                         
                         MARCUS
               I don’t know.  Start over.  

INTERCOM ANNOUCEMENT:  Now boarding for Delta flight 1427 to Phoenix Arizona at gate eight, all special need passengers and unaccompanied minors.            
                                                 
                         MARCUS             
               Hey man, I was thinkin’, maybe I 
               could come to your mother’s 
               funeral, to say bye. ...  Do you
               think that would be okay with
               you?                
               
Dimitri looks up at Marcus.  
                                   
                         DIMITRI
               Okay.
                          
Marcus pulls out the ticket as they move in line, stepping and stopping.  A young female GREETER smiles at Dimitri and extends her hand to Marcus for the ticket.  Marcus holds the ticket.  The young woman waits, confused.
                                                                        
                         GREETER
               Unaccompanied minor, sir?

Marcus nods.
               
                         GREETER
               We’ll take good care of him.   
               
The greeter removes the ticket from Marcus’s hand. 
                                
                         GREETER
               Now, hugs and kisses.

Marcus kneels down on one knee.  Before he can say anything, Dimitri HUGS HIM TIGHT.
                         
                         DIMITRI
               Bye, Marcus.
                           
                         MARCUS
               I love you, Dimitri.

Dimitri pats him on the back.  Marcus slowly stands up.  
The greeter nods to a STEWARDESS to escort Dimitri.
                                                              
                        STEWARDESS
                    (to Dimitri)
               We’re going to have lots of fun.           
                         
Dimitri walks with the stewardess as Marcus watches.  Before entering the jet way, Dimitri stops.

                         DIMITRI
                      (shouting)
               Bye Dad.

Marcus can’t believe what he just heard.  He places both hands on the top his head and breaks into the biggest smile.

Dimitri waves and disappears into the jet way. 

LATER

Marcus watches Dimitri’s plane dissolve into the clouds.  He's still smiling but tears roll down his face. 
          
EXT. COLEMAN DUPLEX – DAY

Ray is tossing the football in the air to himself.  He stops when Marcus’s car pulls in the driveway.  Marcus gets out the car.

                         MARCUS
                    (to Ray)
               Hey, man, let’s throw a few.

Ray passes the ball to Marcus.  Marcus passes it back.  They continue passing and catching.

                         CELESTE (V.O.)
               There goes the Marcus I remember,
               my Marcus.  Tonight, I’ll close my 
               eyes, for the final time, knowing 
               that he has learned what it takes 
               to be a parent: sacrifice, giving 
               up things and people we once 
               treasured for the greater good, 
               our children. ... I'll kiss Dimitri 
               goodnight and goodbye.  I leave him 
               loved.  Jeff, my beautiful husband, 
               will find my body in the morning.  
               I’m at peace with myself, and my 
               god.

END