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EXT. BRODY FUNERAL HOME - AFTERNOON
An AMBULANCE truck pulls into the parking lot of the two
story funeral home.
Two WORKERS, one tall, one short, open the back of the truck.
A stretcher is opened and a covered body is placed on it.
PAUL BRODY, a man of limited height, but you can tell just by
looking at him that he's got a mind to suffice, waves the two
workers over to him.
The workers push the stretcher over to Paul, near the first
floor back entrance.
SHORT WORKER
Are you the owner of this funeral home.
PAUL BRODY
Yes, yes, I am. Please, there's an
entrance here to bring the body through.
They all walk inside.
INT. BRODY FUNERAL HOME - BACKROOM - CONTINUOUS
They're are many WORKERS inside, the make up guy, the
enbalmer, etc.
PAUL BRODY
You can just leave the stretcher there,
in the main center.
SHORT WORKER
Okay.
PAUL BRODY
There's probably some papers I have to
sign, right?
TALL WORKER
Yes, just a page or so.
He hands Paul a clipboard with a couple of papers on it.
Paul fills them out as he talks.
PAUL BRODY
Excuse me.
TALL WORKER
Yes?
PAUL BRODY
You just gave me a person named Bruce
Cooper.
TALL WORKER
Yes, that sounds about right.
PAUL BRODY
The Bruce Cooper that went to Haydenfield
High School?
SHORT WORKER
Hey, buddy, we just dump the bodies, we
don't investigate nothin'.
PAUL BRODY
Alright.
(finishes the papers)
Here you go, should be all done.
TALL WORKER
(checks over the papers)
Yes, it all seems to be correct. You have
a nice day, sir.
PAUL BRODY
Thank you, you too.
SHORT WORKER
See you later.
The workers leave the room.
JIMMY, one of the workers, looks over the body with Paul.
JIMMY
Hey, Mr. Brody, you know this guy or
something?
PAUL BRODY
No, well I mean, I used to.
JIMMY
What, you guys used to be friends?
PAUL BRODY
Not exactly. Are any family members
coming to look over the body?
JIMMY
The wife called before, we made an
appointment. She should be over tomorrow
or later tonight.
PAUL BRODY
Okay, thanks.
They look over the body, a morose looking combination of blue
and pale white.
JIMMY
Jeez, what happened to him?
PAUL BRODY
Looks dehydrated.
JIMMY
Looks like the life was sucked out of
him. Look at those veins, they
practically sticking out.
PAUL BRODY
Was he drowned?
JIMMY
I don't know, I don't have any of the
information. Was it on the sheets those
guys gave you?
PAUL BRODY
It might have been, although I didn't
really look at it in too close of detail.
I just kind of stopped caring after
awhile. Understand?
JIMMY
Yeah, maybe the wife knows anyway. We can
ask her when she shows up.
PAUL BRODY
Maybe she does. Roll the body on its
stomach for me.
JIMMY
Sure thing.
(rolls the body over)
Oh, shit.
The back of the body's head has a couple holes in it.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Bullet holes?
PAUL BRODY
Looks like it.
JIMMY
Looks like we got our answer already
than.
PAUL BRODY
Please, Jimmy, it's not really any of our
business to begin with nor is it a big
deal. If you are curious about it, ask
the wife when she gets here later.
JIMMY
Paul, what's wrong?
PAUL BRODY
Nothing.
JIMMY
Really? Because I've never seen you act
like this before.
PAUL BRODY
It's just...I guess I've seen so many
over the years, that I just stopped
caring. You'll understand when you're
older.
JIMMY
All of a sudden you feel like this?
PAUL BRODY
It's been building slowly over the years.
JIMMY
Okay. Can we talk outside for a second?
PAUL BRODY
Sure.
They walk outside.
EXT. BRODY FUNERAL HOME - CONTINUOUS
They walk toward the front of the funeral home.
JIMMY
You know I don't believe you.
PAUL BRODY
Believe me on what? I already told you
what's going on.
JIMMY
Oh, come on.
PAUL BRODY
I don't know what you're getting at
Jimmy, but I advise you that if you want
to keep your job here, don't step over
the boundaries.
They're at the entrance.
JIMMY
Look, I know I haven't been hear that
long, but I've been here a hell of a lot
longer than anyone else has, and I know
you. I've never seen you act like this.
PAUL BRODY
Like what?
JIMMY
So lifeless in reaction. Now, come on,
just tell me what's up.
PAUL BRODY
(takes in a deep breath)
Alright, sit down.
They sit on the front steps.
PAUL BRODY (CONT'D)
That man in there, that body. I knew him.
JIMMY
Was he a friend.
PAUL BRODY
(a little laugh)
No.
JIMMY
What's so funny?
PAUL BRODY
Back in high school, he kind of used to
pick on me.
JIMMY
You had a bully in high school?
PAUL BRODY
Sort of. I mean, it was no big deal, just
once in awhile he'd pull some stupid
prank on me. I've learned to let it go.
It's just, seeing this now, it's freaked
me out a little.
JIMMY
I see.
PAUL BRODY
So, please, just go in there, and prepare
the body.
JIMMY
Yes, sir.
Jimmy walks away.
Paul just sits there, staring at the traffic.
INT. COOPER HOUSEHOLD - AFTERNOON
SUPERIMPOSE: ONE DAY EARLIER
BETHANY COOPER sits on her staircase, just staring with a
sullen face at the door.
The door opens, Paul Brody comes into the house with his wife
JENNA.
They all hug each other.
JENNA
Are you okay?
Bethany can barely keep herself from crying.
BETHANY
Yeah, I'm trying. I'm just glad it's
over, that's all.
JENNA
Yeah.
BETHANY
Come on, let's go into the kitchen. I'll
make us some coffee.
They walk into the kitchen.
INT. COOPER HOUSEHOLD - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
It's a well sized kitchen filled with lots kitchenware,
plates, etc.
A POLICE OFFICER is standing in the kitchen, just looking
around.
BETHANY
Officer Lakes, this is Paul and Jenna
Brody.
OFFICER LAKES
Hi, nice to meet you.
PAUL & JENNA
Hi.
BETHANY
I'll go make the coffee.
JENNA
Oh, let me help.
The two ladies go searching around the cabinets.
Officer Lakes and Paul sit down at the main table.
OFFICER LAKES
You believe this shit?
PAUL BRODY
What happened?
OFFICER LAKES
His body was in a river for a month
before we found him.
They start making the coffee.
JENNA
What river?
OFFICER LAKES
Wampatamo. It's up north, 'bout an hour
from here.
JENNA
(to Paul)
Honey, isn't that where you two used to
go fishing?
PAUL BRODY
Yes, it is, but we haven't gone fishing
in years. What was he doing up there?
OFFICER LAKES
We're still not sure. May I ask what your
relationship is to the Cooper family?
PAUL BRODY
Well, my wife was friends with his wife,
and I guess out of just me and him being
around so often, we ended up becoming
friends.
JENNA
Oh, but they weren't friends before that.
In fact, Paul didn't really like him at
all.
OFFICER LAKES
You knew him before hand?
PAUL BRODY
We went to the same high school.
OFFICER LAKES
Oh, well, you know, people outgrow things
like that. It's not very uncommon for
enemies to become friends later on.
PAUL BRODY
Yeah, he was a pretty good guy.
BETHANY
Who would do something like this?
OFFICER LAKES
We have a couple suspects. One guy has
been known for killing people up by that
river for quite awhile now. We have
evidence against him for quite a few
cases and to tell you the truth, this
looks to be the one that killed your
husband.
BETHANY
Why Bruce, though? I mean, why? He never
hurt anybody. He was calm and considerate
and nice.
OFFICER LAKES
I know, I know. Do you remember the night
he went out?
BETHANY
Yeah, he said he was going out for
awhile.
OFFICER LAKES
Is that all he said?
BETHANY
That's it.
OFFICER LAKES
Well, I'll be back here later for further
questioning.
BETHANY
Okay. Do you want any coffee before you
go?
OFFICER LAKES
No, but thank you.
The officer leaves.
JENNA
Look, Beth, at least the wait is over,
right? I mean, you don't have to worry
about it anymore.
BETHANY
Yeah, I know. I guess this is better than
it was before.
PAUL BRODY
Waiting can be dreadful.
JENNA
You know, if you ever need anything, you
can stop by.
BETHANY
Okay. I just, I--
JENNA
What is it?
BETHANY
I just don't get it. What was he doing up
there? Why was he by the river?
JENNA
I don't know.
(to Paul)
Did he talk to you about it?
PAUL BRODY
No. He has told me before that he likes
to go fishing by himself though.
JENNA
At night?
PAUL BRODY
I don't know.
Paul's cell phone RINGS.
He walks out of the room to answer it.
BETHANY
I just want him back.
JENNA
I know, sweety. You just gotta' learn to
accept life for what it is now and not
compare it to what was before.
CUT TO:
EXT. COOPER HOUSEHOLD - EVENING
SUPERIMPOSE: THIRTY-THREE DAYS AGO
BRUCE COOPER, tall and thin, walks out of his house, towards
his car. He gets in. There's fishing gear in the back.
INT. BRUCE'S CAR - LATER
Bruce is driving, when his cell phone RINGS. He answers it.
BRUCE
Hello?
PAUL BRODY (O.S.)
Hey, man.
BRUCE
Yo, Paul, what's up?
PAUL BRODY (O.S.)
Nothing much, just hanging around.
Looking for something to do. What are you
doing?
BRUCE
I'm just driving around, maybe catch a
movie. Want me to pick you up?
PAUL BRODY
Sure.
BRUCE
Okay, I'll be there in a couple minutes.
INT. BRUCE'S CAR - LATER
Bruce is driving now, but with Paul in the passenger seat.
PAUL BRODY
(looking in the back seat)
Why do you have fishing gear?
BRUCE
Oh, I just left it in here from last
time.
PAUL BRODY
Oh. Well, this may seem like a crazy
suggestion, but...you want to go fishing?
BRUCE
What, now? It's gonna' be dark out soon.
PAUL BRODY
I've fished at night before. It's
actually a lot of fun.
BRUCE
Paulie, are you just jerkin' my chain?
PAUL BRODY
No, I'm serious, let's do it.
BRUCE
(laughing)
Alright.
INT. FISHING BOAT - NIGHT
Bruce is fishing, while Paul sits by him. They're the only
ones out on the river.
BRUCE
This is pretty cool actually.
PAUL BRODY
(takes a sip of his beer)
I told you man, I told you.
BRUCE
So, what made you decide to do this?
PAUL BRODY
Oh, I guess it was just a spur of the
moment kind of thing.
BRUCE
Well, it was a great idea. Thanks.
PAUL BRODY
Anytime.
Paul grabs another beer.
PAUL BRODY (CONT'D)
(laughing a little)
You know what was funny?
BRUCE
What?
PAUL BRODY
Remember that time back in 9th grade when
you pants-ed me in gym class and all the
girls saw it.
BRUCE
(laughing)
Yeah, that was a riot.
PAUL BRODY
Yeah.
BRUCE
I can't believe you still remember that.
PAUL BRODY
Oh, how could I forget. It was the
shining moment of my life.
BRUCE
(laughing)
Mine too.
Paul forces a laugh.
PAUL BRODY
Can I ask you a question?
BRUCE
Yeah?
PAUL BRODY
Why'd you do it?
BRUCE
What, pull down your pants?
PAUL BRODY
Yes, but I don't mean just that.
Everything. All of high school. Why'd you
pick on me?
BRUCE
(laughing)
Because I was an asshole back than.
PAUL BRODY
Yes, I'm aware, but why?
BRUCE
I don't know. Look, don't worry about it,
it was a long time ago, and who would
have thought that we'd be friends.
PAUL BRODY
I know, but I'd still like to know. Why
were you so mean to me? Like when you
used my bookbag as a toilet, or when you
threw food at me during lunch. Did you
think I enjoyed it?
BRUCE
No. It was just the cool thing to do,
man.
PAUL BRODY
How do you think I felt?
BRUCE
Probably terrible. Look, you know me now,
so just forget about the past. I was an
asshole back than, but I'm a nice guy
now, right?
PAUL BRODY
Yeah, you're a good friend. I have a
question though.
BRUCE
Yeah?
PAUL BRODY
If you aren't as you say, an asshole
anymore, than why'd you fuck my wife?
Bruce is SHOCKED by this comment.
He gives Paul a blank stare.
PAUL BRODY (CONT'D)
Hmmm? You're not even going to deny it,
are you?
BRUCE
(bows his head in shame)
No, I'm not. Look, Pauley, it was a one
time thing, I swear to you.
PAUL BRODY
Do you really expect me to believe that?
BRUCE
I would hope so because it's the truth.
PAUL BRODY
You say you're my friend, and than you go
behind my back like that?
BRUCE
I'm sorry. I really am.
PAUL BRODY
You have a beautiful wife, yet that
wasn't enough.
BRUCE
Look, I'll make it up to you.
PAUL BRODY
Oh, yeah? How?
Bruce sticks his head out.
BRUCE
Punch me.
PAUL BRODY
Oh, come on.
BRUCE
No, seriously, just punch me in the face
as hard as you can. Just get your anger
out. Please, I deserve this.
PAUL BRODY
I can't.
BRUCE
Just do it.
They stare at each other for about five seconds.
Paul pulls his arm back and than lets go.
BLAM! His fist connects with Bruce's face and knocks Bruce
back.
PAUL BRODY
Oh, man, are you okay?
BRUCE
Yeah. Feel better now?
PAUL BRODY
Yes, I do.
BRUCE
Good, now let's get back to fishing. Now,
trust me when I say this, Pauley, I'll
never touch your wife again, I swear to
God. Please, trust me on this.
PAUL BRODY
I hope I can believe you on this.
BRUCE
You can, trust me.
PAUL BRODY
Okay than. Let's get back to fishing.
BRUCE
You wanna' handle the rod?
PAUL BRODY
No, thanks. You go ahead.
BRUCE
Okay. Can you grab me a beer?
PAUL BRODY
Sure.
Paul gives him a beer and than gets one for himself.
BRUCE
You know, I love fishing. One of the best
things you can do in this world. It's so
relaxing and so peaceful. It's just a
couple of guys hanging out on a boat with
no worries in the world.
PAUL BRODY
Exactly.
During Bruce's speech, Paul has gotten out a SILENCED PISTOL.
He POINTS it at Bruce's head.
BRUCE
God, I love this.
BANG! Paul shoots Bruce in the head. The body falls over on
it's stomach. Paul SHOOTS him again in the head.
He takes the body and PUSHES it off the boat. He throws the
pistol in the river.
He moves the boat towards the nearest land side.
EXT. DOCK - CONTINUOUS
While on the empty dock, Paul kicks the boat away. He watches
as it flows down river.
Paul now turns and walks down a road.
He sticks his thumb out for someone to pick him up.
After a few cars pass by, one pulls over.
DRIVER
You need a ride, mister?
PAUL BRODY
Oh, yes, thank you. Can you drive me to
Wilingham? It should only be about an
hour away tops.
DRIVER
Sure, get int.
Paul gets in the car and it drives away into the night as the
moon beautifully shines upon the dark and mysterious river.