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                             BLOOD AND WINE



                              Written by

                            Nick Villiers





                                                   SECOND DRAFT

                                              DECEMBER 12, 1994



          FADE IN:


          A PAIR OF HANDS
          men's hands, nicely groomed, hold a small white terry
          towel spoiled by blood-red spots. The hands rinse the
          towel in a copper bar sink. The stains soften but stay.
          A tan jacket sleeve, spotted the same way, moves INTO
          FRAM. The hands dab the wet towel at the spots, with no
          more success, and throw it into the sink. It falls half
          in, still dripping the stains a drop at a time to the
          floor.

          ALL IN CLOSEUP
          The owner of the hands walks to a wine rack, opens a
          bottle of white wine, drizzles the wine on the jacket
          sleeve. The stains disappear. He hangs his jacket on a
          hook and walks from

                         THE CELLAR
          and up the narrow stairs. His FOOTFALLS ECHO against the
          unadorned cement block walls. We see his shape, mid-
          forties, powerful, his shirt pulled out. He's carrying
          the open bottle by the neck.

          2 INT. WINE STORE - NIGHT

          Still seen from behind, the man emerges from the cellar
          into a contrastingly elegant space with a wood-beamed.
          ceiling, vaguely European. He walks along a narrow aisle
          of wooden diamond bins. As the space widens his foot hits
          something in his path. He bends to find a shoe. He
          glances about nervously. There are shutters on the
          storefront windows. Shoe in hand, he tightens the
          shutters. We see his profile, a good-looking man.
          He walks toward a brighter room at the back of the store,
          the Tasting Room. Now he retrieves a pair of women's
          trousers from the floor, and as he straightens up we see
          his entire face, genial, venial, redeemed by his smile.
          ALEX GATES. He speaks nonchalantly toward the room.

                         ALEX
          Twenty people tonight. I got a
          South Beach widow, a plastic surgeon --
          they actually came together.

                         (A BEAT)
          These people -- all they really want
          is something to brag about at dinner
          parties.
          He swigs from the bottle of white wine, grimaces, detours
          behind the counter, and spits the mouthful into the
          plastic lined wastebasket. He throws the bottle away.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           2.

                          2

                         2 CONTINUED:
          There's a basket of baguettes on the counter. Alex breaks
          off an end and chews it to rid his mouth of the taste of
          the wine. Still chewing, he walks toward the tasting
          room.

                         ALEX
          There I was, passing the wine,
          passing the bread, I suddenly felt
          like the priest at Masst Or maybe
          Mass started out as a wine tasting,
          and Jesus was a salesman. what do
          you think?
          He goes into

          THE TASTING ROOM
          It seems empty except for a large wooden table, folding
          chairs in disarray, open bottles clustered at one end of
          the table. A chalkboard on the wall has CHATEAU
          BEYCHEVELLE written across it at the top, vintages listed
          underneath. The woman's voice that replies is
          Gabriella's.

          GABRIELLA (0.S.)
          (with a throaty laugh)
          Maybe I should get dressed.
          Leaning against the corner is a woman wearing only her
          panties and a shirt. In her mid-twenties she has striking
          South American looks. GABRIELLA VASQUEZ. She's sipping
          red wine from a plastic glass.

                         GABRIETM
          I don't want to spoil a religious
          experience.

                         ALEX
          -- Ever heard of Georges Duboeuf?
          He throws away some of the glasses.

                         ALEX
          Duboeuf has a nose and a palate --
          like a gift from God. He can taste
          a single grape before the harvest...
          and describe the beaujolais it's
          going to produce.
          She laughs.

                         GABRIELLA
          Oh, you have competition.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           3.

                          2

                         2 CONTINUED: (2)

                         ALEX

                         (SLIGHTLY ANNOYED)
          You know how many bottles I have in
          this store? Open any one of 'em,
          I'll tell you the vintage and
          vintner, b
          lindfolded.
          He bends down to pick up the chunks of baguette strewn on
          the floor. He doesn't see her slip off her panties.
          She walks behind him, twirling them into a tight band.
          She whips them over his eyes. He laughs.

                         GABRIELLA
          Okay. Show me.

                         ALEX
          Victoria's Secret 95.
          She passes her glass under his nose.

                         ALEX
          Gabriella, I picked these wines.

                         GABRIELLA
          So what is it?

                         ALEX
          All I can smell is your perfume.
          She laughs.

                         GABRIELLA
          I'm not wearing any.

                         ALEX
          I even bought it for you.
          She opens her shirt. She's not wearing a bra. She lowers
          her breast to the glass and then to his mouth.

                         GABRIELLA
          Tell me now.
          He kisses her wet breast.

                         ALEX

                         (WITHOUT HESITATION)
          Beychevelle '83. Lot of body. Very
          aggressive.
          He pulls off the panty blindfold, kisses her on the mouth
          softly, then fully.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           4.

                          2

                         2 CONTINUED: (3)

                          GABRIELLA

                          (LOW)
           -- I lo e y u, Alex.

                          V O

                         3

          3 INT. WINE SHOP - NIGHT (LATER)

          Alex is unlocking the door for Gabriella. Dressed, she
          looks younger. They're awkward with each other.

                         GABRIELLA
          Don't think you have to say it
          because .1 say it, Alex.

                         (SMILING BRIGHTLY)
          Doesn't mean anything..

                         ALEX
          It means something to me.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (EASED)
          We're good together, aren't we.
          Alex lets out a breath.

                         ALEX
          Oh, yeah... We're pretty good.
          He kisses her goodbye, unlocks the door. She goes out to
          her Honda Civic. Alex doesn't wait to see her drive off
          before he heads back to finish cleaning up the tasting
          room.

                         4

          4 INT. TASTING ROOM - NIGHT

          Alex straightens the last chair and starts to extract air
          from the open bottles. He hears a quiet CLANK of METAL.
          Instantly alert, he reaches for his jacket and turns off
          the-light.

                         5

          5 INT. WINE SHOP - NIGHT

          Behind the cash register Alex opens a drawer and takes out
          a revolver. ze thumbs the safety off. The NOISES RECUR,
          like someone trying to break in through the back door from
          the parking lot. Alex slings his jacket casually over the
          gun.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           5.

                          6

          6 EXT. WINE SHOP - NIGHT

          Alex throws open the back door; he's counting on the
          element of surprise.

                         HIS POV
          His red Cadillac convertible is idling nose.to the chain
          locked across the parking lot. A MAN in his twenties,
          whose tropical shirt fairly glows under the security
          lights, is using a pair of bolt cutters on the chain.

                         ALEX

                         (ADVANCING)
          You think you're gonna steal my car,
          asshole?
          The younger man whirls around.

                         YOUNG MAN
          You scared me, man.
          A middle-aged man, a REPO MAN, calls out lazily from
          behind the wheel.

                         REPO MAN
          This is not your car, sir. This car
          belongs to the Star Leasing Company.
          Alex buries the gun in the rear of his waistband as though
          he's rubbing his stiff back and cranks his smile to a
          higher wattage than the security lights.

                         REPO MAN
          I can collect either the money or
          the car. Given how much you owe, I
          figure it's the car.
          The younger man has almost hacked through the chain.

                         ALEX
          Pop the. trunk.

                         REPO MAN
          We inventory the property at the
          yard.
          He keeps his eye on the chain, ready to gun the engine as
          soon as the exit is clear.

                         ALEX
          I just want to show you something.
          Worked by the combination of natural curiosity and Alex's
          charm; the repo man pops the trunk and gets out of the
          still-running car.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           6.

                          6

                         6 CONTINUED:
          In his hand he has the locking "Club" Alex usually uses to
          secure his. steering wheel. He's not stupid. Amused, Alex
          takes a step back, palms up.

                         YOUNG MAN
          What are you doing?
          The repo man ignores him and looks in the trunk.

                         ALEX
          Do you drink?

                         REPO MAN
          Not on the job. What is this,
          booze?

                         ALEX
          Two cases of single malt whiskey
          aged in the barrel before he was
          born.

                         REPO MAN
          The Caddy's overdue.

                         ALEX
          So are you. Drink it with the kid.
          Teach him what smooth is. Enjoy
          yourselves. Isn't that worth a few
          days' breather...

                         (A BEAT)
          My accountant's a fuck-up. So am I,
          maybe, for not firing him.
          The bolt cutters clip through. The chain falls.

                         YOUNG MAN
          We're clear.

                         7

          7 INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT

          Alex is driving fast, top down, Samba MUSIC loud on the
          STEREO. He keeps time on the wheel as the Miami skyline
          cruises by.

          EXT. CADILLAC - NIGHT

          Alex turns into the garage of an expensive condominium
          building before the gate has slid all the way open. The
          TIRES SQUEAL as he powers the car around the corner.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          7.

                         8

                         8 CONTINUED:

          A DUCATI MOTORCYCLE
          hogs his space. Alex lays the car in tightly. He has to
          squeeze out the door. He bumps the Ducati. It starts to
          topple; he grabs it before it goes over.

                         9

          9 INT. CONDO - NIGHT

          Alex lets himself in. The entry ALARM starts to BEEP. He
          turns it off and resets it. The light has been left on in
          the kitchen.

                         10

          10 INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

          JASON, a handsome, troubled 17-year-old with long, dark
          hair, is filing barbs off a pile of fishing hooks on the
          center island. He looks harder and wiser than his years.
          Tackle is strewn everywhere. Some spaghetti remains in
          the pot it was cooked in and Jason's knife is standing
          upright in it. Alex walks into the kitchen. He makes an
          effort to be pleasant, although he's irritated by the
          mess, by the motorcycle.

                         ALEX
          It's late, Jason.

                         JASON
          I'm going out tonight.
          Alex exhales.

                         ALEX
          You can't'fish all night and work
          all day.

                         JASON
          Working for you doesn't exactly tax
          my mind.

                         ALEX
          No wonder you drop bottles.

                         JASON
          Fire me.

                         ALEX
          Do you do it on purpose?

                         JASON
          Fishing bought me my bike.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           8.

                          10

                         10 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          I almost knocked it over trying to
          get out of the car.

                         JASON

                         (SARCASTIC)
          I wasn't sure you were coming home.

                         SEVERS
          The TOASTER OVEN DINGS. Jason takes out a muffin,
          it in two with his fishing knife.

                         ALEX
          Use a regular knife.

                         JASON
          This has a better edge. Feel it
          (pointing it at Alex,

                         BLADE FLAT)
          -- feel it.
          Their voices are rising.

                         ALEX
          Pointed, it's a fucking weapon. Put
          it away.

                         JASON
          Hell with you.
          Jason exits to the stairs.

                         ALEX
          And keep your voice down. Your
          mother's asleep.

                         STAIRS

                         JASON
          If you got home on time once in a
          while, maybe she could skip the
          chemical help.
          Alex is also on the stairs.

                         ALEX
          You have no idea, none, zip, what
          goes on in a marriage.

                         JASON
          Yeah, well, I'm learning more than
          I want to.

                         (CONTINUED)'

                         

                         

                         

                         

           9.

                          10

                         10 CONTINUED: (2)

                          LANDING UPSTAIRS

           SUZANNE (O .S=.. )
          Now what are you arguing about?

                         SUZANNE
          is a pretty young woman in her late thirties with a sense
          of humor and irony. She's chemically relaxed, but not
          stupefied. She pulls a robe around herself, modest in
          front of her son; and although her body's not spectacular,
          like Gabriella's, she has a trim. athletic build.

                         JASON
          It's not an argument.

                         ALEX
          I asked him to clean up downstairs.

                         SUZANNE

                         (SOOTHING ALEX)
          Maybe he hadn't finished-

                         ALEX
          A modicum of cooperation, you know?

                         JASON
          A modicum. What's that. Modicum my
          ass.
          He pushes past his mother toward his own room. Suzanne
          follows him down the hallway, leaving. Alex behind.

                         SUZANNE
          I don't like that tone from: you.

                         JASON
          Then go to bed.

                         ALEX
          Hey!

                         JASON

                         (RIGHT BACK)
          What!

                         SUZANNE
          It's too late for this.

                         ALEX
          Jason has gone into his room. He slams the door.

                         CHOOSES
          enters his bedroom. Suzanne, alone for a-moment,
          to enter Jason's room.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           10.

                          11

          11 INT. JASON'S ROOM


                         SUZANNE
          He's my husband.

                         JASON

                         (SOFTLY)
          I know, Mom.

                         SUZANNE
          -- I still love him.

                         JASON
          Whatever.
          She walks out.

                         12

          12 INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT

          Alex stands under water as hot as he can stand, parboiling
          himself. Eyes squeezed shut, he lets out a long breath.
          His life demands more energy than he has anymore. He
          soaps himself thoroughly.

                         13

          13 INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Suzanne hears the front DOOR SLAM. Jason's DUCATI STARTS
          UP and ACCELERATES away. Alex comes out of the bathroom
          in a towel.

                         SUZANNE

                         (FONDLY)
          Lie down, I'll give you a back rub.
          She stumbles slightly against the bed, catches a bed post
          for balance, flops back on the bed with a laugh.

                         SUZANNE
          -- maybe I'd better lie down.
          He bends down to kiss her, then heads for the television.
          Suzanne props herself up on her elbows. He pops a
          cassette into the VCR: porno, she assumes. She does her
          best.

                         SUZANNE
          I liked the twin nurses. There was
          kind of a story.
          Alex brings the remote control back to bed.

                         ALEX
          You'll like this one better.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           11.

                          13

                         13 CONTINUED:
          He hangs his towel on a doorknob, slides into bed, starts
          the tape, which begins with sweat-slick dancing girls at
          Carnival. To Suzanne's astonishment, it turns out to be
          a travelog.

                         SUZANNE
          Rio?

                         ALEX
          I've been so busy. We could sneak
          away for a week.. Would you like
          that?

                         SUZANNE
          If we really go. Last time I
          packed, we went nowhere.

                         ALEX

                         (SLEEPILY)
          Last time was different.

                         SUZANNE
          (watching the tape)
          The beaches -- I thought we had a
          beach. I read how the hotels keep
          spotters on the roof with scopes, to
          keep thieves away from the guests.
          They can look at every inch of your
          body through the scope.
          (with a low laugh)
          Do you mind that I like that? Alex?
          He has fallen asleep. Tenderly she draws the sheet to his
          shoulder and settles down to watch the rest of the tape.

                         DISSOLVE TO:

          14 EXT. BOAT - DAWN 14

          On the flying bridge of an old fishing boat, Jason eases
          the throttle to idle speed. The engine quiets down. The
          SWELLS SLAP harder against the wooden sides. The boat
          dips and dances to the music of the water.
          Jason swings down the ladder. He sets up his linis to
          troll. The starry dome of the sky is starting to brighten
          around its rim. Jason leans on the transom and stares at
          the flat, silvery wedge of wake. He breathes out a word.

                         JASON
          :. Bite...

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           12.

                          14

                         14 CONTINUED:
          Nothing happens. He doesn't move. Then the top of one of
          the rods shivers slightly, goes still. Jason delicately
          fingers the rod like a blind man reading Braille, to feel
          for vibration. A smile pulls at his mouth. He steps
          behind the rod. The fish hits.

                         JASON

                         (CALLING OUT)
          Henryl Fish ont
          The line screams out. Jason's ready. He sets the hook.

                         JASON
          Time to go to work, man! C'mon.
           A tall, black drifter appears from-below, still yawning,
          scratching. HENRY, 33. He wears a red Panama hat that's
           weathered his head for some time.

                         HENRY
          Who we got?

                         JASON
          Let's find out.
          He hauls back on the rod, the line rises from the ocean,
          they both recognize the fish at the end.

                         HENRY
          Fucking sharks. Miami's fished out
          of the good stuff. Damn.
          He spits over the side. Jason grins.

                         JASON
          This one's got more to worry about
          than you do.
          He starts to reel in the fish. Henry moves to the wheel.-

                         HENRY
          Just shoot 'Jaws' in the water. I
          want to know the sucker's good and
          dead 'fore he sets a fin in my boat.
          You got a barb on that hook? .

                         JASON
          Oh, yeah.
          Jason braces for the fight.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           13.

                          15

          15 EXT. DOCK - MORNING

          Jason and Henry are cutting the shark with the speed and
          dexterity of professionals.

                         HENRY
          The Gulf, man, that's the place.
          And what makes you think fifty-fifty
          is right? My boat. My gas.

                         JASON
          My skill.
          (slicing off the fins)
          ... My fins.

                         16

          16 EXT. FISH MARKET - LONG SHOT - MORNING

          Jason and Henry slap their catch onto the Fishmonger's
          slippery counter. The market's noisy, men shouting. We
          see the negotiation from a distance.

          17 EXT. DOCK - DAY (MINUTES LATE) 17

          Jason and Henry walk through the hubbub.

                         HENRY
          You cool?

                         JASON
          I'm cool.

                         HENRY
          We cool.
          Jason guns his Ducati.

          18 INT. WINE STORE - DAY 18

          Alex comes out of his office.

                         ALEX
          Rob, has Jason shown up?
          A man's French-accented VOICE answers him from the store.

          ROBERT (O.S.)
          Not yet.

                         ALEX
          You have his paycheck there?

                         ROBERT
          All ready.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           14.

                          18

                         18 CONTINUED:
           Alex takes it, and rips it up.

                          19

          19 INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT - DAY

          The Chinese CHEF in the busy, steamy kitchen is inspecting
          the shark fins Jason has brought him. Jason is anxious to
          finish business and go.

                         CHEF
          You no like my company? Fine. Who
          cares. Bring me more fin, you
          retire. You no want to retire?
          Good. Don't charge starving Chinese
          so much for these things.

                         JASON
          You ever caught a shark?

                         CHEF

                         (BIGGER)
          You ever cook one?

                         JASON
          Lemme -- lemme show you something.
          Jason pulls up the sleeve of his denim jacket to display
          a fresh gash across his arm.

                         JASON
          He was already gaffed onto the side
          of the boat, good as dead. Two
          hours dead! And I was still too
          close to the mouth. Revenge is the
          last instinct to go, did you know
          that?
          The chef shrugs and shows his thumb, missing a joint.

                         CHEF
          -- Work's a dangerous thing.
          (smiling with lots of

                         TEETH)
          Nice fin, Jason.
          He tosses the fins in a cauldron of boiling water, slaps
          the CASH REGISTER on the side. It RINGS.

                         20

          20 EXT. RESTAURANT - DAY

          Jason jams on his helmet and starts his. motorcycle, guns
          it down the street.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          15.

                         20

                         20 CONTINUED:

                         MIAMI SKYLINE
          Jason weaves through traffic, expert enough to take
          chances that goose the adrenalin.

                         21

          21 EXT. WINE SHOP - DAY

          Robert and Alex are loading cases of wine into the trunk
          of the Caddy when Jason skids into the parking lot. He
          takes off his helmet.

                         ALEX
          Just get in the car.

                         22

          22 INT. CADILLAC - DAY (TRAVELING)

          Jason has fallen asleep while Alex drives. Alex picks up
          Jason's hand. Jerking awake, Jason tries to pull away,
          but his reflexes are sleep-slowed. Alex sniffs Jason's
          fingers, wrinkles his nose, lets Jason have his hand back.

                         ALEX
          You stink.

                         JASON
          I washed.

                         ALEX
          There's Wash IN Dries in the glove
          compartment.
          Jason opens the compartment, finds the packets, opens one,
          rubs his hands.

                         ALEX
          ... I'm trying here, Jason -- I
          really am. When you didn't want to
          go to college, I took your side, I
          said fine -- I mean, I -didn't finish
          college, and I've done all right.
          I gave you a job', a steady check,
          which is more than anybody else has
          done. And what do I get back?
          Shit. I've tried to teach you the
          business -- the care, the finesse...
          Jason laughs dismissively.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           16.

                          22

                         22 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          Well, look at it this way, Jason,
          someday you'll have your boat and
          I'll have my vineyard, and the best
          part '11 be they're nowhere near each
          other.

                         JASON

                         (SATISFIED)
          I'll send you a Christmas card.

                         ALEX
          Save the stamp.
           They turn into the driveway to an expensive development.

                          23

          23 EXT. SECURITY BOOTH, CORAL GABLES - DAY

          The Cadillac rolls to a stop at the ate. A tough, but
          amicable-looking armed guard in his forties, MIKE, opens
          the window of the air-conditioned booth. His RADIO is
          tuned to the FOOTBALL GAME.

                         ALEX
          Hi, mike -- what's the score?

                         MIKE

                         (CHECKING THE

                         APPOINTMENT BOARD)
          Dolphins down by nine, minute forty
          to go. It's over.

                         ALEX
          Don't underestimate Marino.
          Mike ticks off the appointment, raises the gate.

                         MIKE
          I told you, they don't have it this
          year.
          With a wave of acknowledgment for Mike, Alex.. drives onto
          the grounds.

                         ALEX

                         (YELLING BACK)
          • Judas!
          Grinning, Mike routinely writes down the license plate
          number.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           17.

                          24

          24 EXT. CADILLAC - DAY

          Alex cruises past a collection of oversized villas, and
          turns into the driveway of the gaudiest. He and Jason
          climb out of the car. Alex opens the trunk. He loads two
          wine cases into Jason's arms, takes the third himself.
          They haven't said a word to each other.

                         25

          25 EXT. VILLA - DAY

          Alex rings the intercom with his elbow. Gabriella's VOICE
          CRACKLES in response.

          GABRIELLA (V.O.)
          on the intercom)
          Who is it?

                         ALEX
          Wine delivery.
          The INTERCOM CLICKS off. They hear FOOTSTEPS approaching.
          The door opens. Jason's eyes focus. He's hooked.
          Gabriella is smiling at Alex. She has her arms full of
          clean burp cloths.

                         GABRIELLA
          Oh, the boss himself!

                         ALEX
          (with a modest chuckle)
          How are you?
          She glances politely toward Jason, not at all expecting
          what she sees. A circuit connects between them.

                         ALEX
          Gabriella takes care of Baby Reese.

                         (TO GABRIELLA)
          This is my stepson, Jason.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (VERY CORRECT)
          How do you do.

                         JASON
          Hi.

                         GABRIELLA
          Is the wine for the boat? Come
          through the house.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           18.

                          26

          26 INT./EXT. VILLA - DAY

           They follow her inside. Jason takes in the richness of
           the place, but is more focussed on Gabriella. They exit

                         TO T
           he lawn which leads to a dock.

                          27

          27 EXT. REESES' BOAT DAY

          A sleek, ocean-going yacht is tied up at the dock, the
          crew unobtrusively at work. FRANK REESE, a powerful,
          confidant man in his mid-sixties, is sitting with his
          INSURANCE AGENT at a table on deck where policies are
          spread out next to a jewelry box. Reese's expensive 35-
          year-old wife DINA has turned her chair to sun her legs
          while she plays with the BABY.

                         DINA
          -- what's the point of having it, if
          I can't wear it, Frank?

                         AGENT

                         (DEFERENTIALLY)
          You can wear it anywhere you like,
          Mrs. Reese -- except out of the
          country.
          Gabriella leads Alex and Jason aboard. Frank likes Alex
          and is glad to see him. Alex can't help glancing at
          Dina's long legs.. She smiles.

                         FRANK
          Alex, should we insure the wine
          while we're at it?
          His arms tired,'Alex is happy to set down the case.

                         ALEX
          Aren't you covered on your home
          policy?

                         GABRIELLA

                         (TO JASON)
          I'll show you, come on.

                         AGENT
          How much wine are we talking about?
          Jason follows Gabriella down below, the VOICES on the deck
          fading.

          DINA (O.S.)
          Why bother insuring it? Let's drink
          it instead.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          19.

                         28

          28 INT. BOAT - DAY

          It's quiet inside, not tasteful but impressive, like
          everything else of the Reeses. Jason takes a stab at
          conversation.

                         JASON
          Big boat.
          Gabriella laughs and looks over her shoulder at him.
          They're both kids.

                         GABRIELLA
          ugly, isn't it.
          He grins and relaxes, looks around.

                         JASON
          The fittings are definitely -- yeah
          on the ugly side. But damn, she's
          solid.

                         GABRIELLA
          Oh, a boat type.

                         JASON
          (proud, defensive)
          I like.boats.
          Gabriella shows him the climatized, built-in wine closet
          next to the galley. He starts to rack the bottles while
          she watches. He talks to stop her from leaving.

                         JASON
          So where you headed?

                         GABRIELLA
          I'm not going, 'I can't go.

                         JASON
          They don't want to take the baby.

                         GABRIELLA
          I•don't have a green card, I can't
          leave the country. Baby goes with
          an American nurse. I house-sit.
          It's fine.

                         JASON
          You don't like them.
          Gabriella laughs.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          20.

                         28

                         28 CONTINUED:

                         GABRIELLA
          God. I'm obvious. I just don't
          like working for people, but that's
          life.
          He chafes under authority the same way she does.

                         JASON
          Doesn't have to be.

                         GABRIELLA
          Maybe not with a rich stepfather.
          He laughs.

                         JASON
          Worst kind.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (CORRECTIVELY)
          No.

                         (A BEAT)
          You don't appreciate what you have,
          Jason. It's very poor where I came
          from.

                         JASON
          Where's that?

                         GABRIELLA
          Venezuela. Do I look it?

                         JASON
          I don't know, I never been there.

                         GABRIELLA
          Well, I don't. My mother's Indian.
          The India kind of Indian.

                         (LAUGHS)
          Imagine a house where the father
          asks 'What's for dinner' in Spanish,
          and the mother answers 'Curry' in
          Hindi. 'Que hay para cenar' she
          says, 'Murgee, masala, ghaal.' He
          says, 'No es importante.' No wonder
          I'm nuts.

                         JASON
          You don't seem too nuts.
          She laughs.

                         GABRIELLA
          You don't know mel

                         (OOR1TINUED )

                         

                         

                         

                         

          21.

          28 CONTINUED: .( 2) 28
           They're suddenly both very aware that they're alone
           together.

                          29

          29 EXT. BOAT, THE DECK - DAY

           The agent is putting a magnificent diamond necklace in a
          velvet pouch that he fastidiously cinches and ties.
          Alex looks away from it to take a bottle out of the
          remaining case on deck.

                         AGENT
          -- so back to the safe it goes --
          Dina lifts up the baby and smells its bottom.

                         FRANK
          Dina, that's disgusting.

                         DINA
          The alternative is using your
          fingers, Frank. which offends you
          more?
          Alex laughs. Frank pushes back his chair.

                         FRANK
          Don't encourage her, Alex. Her
          mouth is big enough.
          Dina is hurt.

                         FRANK
          (to the agent)
          I'll show you that painting in our
          stateroom.
          The agent follows him away.

                         ALEX
          (kindly; to Dina)
          Do you want to see the label?
          She hides her hurt by not looking at him.

                         DINA
          Just open the bottle, Alex. Pour us
          both a glass. I'm not allowed to
          drink alone.
          When she turns her head and looks at him, she's flirting.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           22.

                          30

          30 INT. BOAT - DAY

          Jason has almost finished storing the wine. Gabriella is
          sitting on a bar stool at the galley,. listening to him,
          snared by the quiet passion in his voice.

                         JASON
          -- when you're skimming along the
          water, nothing between you and the
          bottom of the sea but a layer of
          wood, your thoughts... end. All
          that noise inside your head?
          Gabriella nods, understanding exactly.

                         JASON
          . . . Stops.
          Dina's VOICE booms over the INTERCOM, startling both of
          them. The BABY is FUSSING. Gabriella makes a gesture of
          apology to Jason.

          DINA (V.O.)
          Gabriella? Are you down there?

                         GABRIELLA
          Yes, Mrs. Reese.

          DINA (V.0.)
          The baby needs you. And bring a
          pacifier for Frank.

                         GABRIELLA
          Right there.
          She slides off the stool.

                         JASON
          You should come out with me
          sometime.
          She smiles without answering and goes topside. His eyes
          follow her. A Deckhand comes down the ladder with the
          remaining case of wine for him to stock.

          31 EXT. BOAT - DAY 31

          Gabriella. lifts the fussy baby from Dina, her hands sure
          and calming. She coos nonsense to his little ear as she-
          reaches for the diaper bag and slings it over her arm.

                         GABRIELLA
          He.'s ready for his nap.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           23.

                          31

                         31 CONTINUED:
          Frank and the agent return from another section of the
          boat.

                         FRANK
          You doing up to the house,
          Gabriella?
          (off her nod)
          Want to take this with you?
          He sweeps the policies into a large manila envelope, drops
          the 'pouch in with them, ties the string, hands it to her.

                         FRANK
          Put it on my desk.
          He looks at his wife with her glass, Alex with his glass,
          and doesn't like it. His voice hardens slightly.

                         FRANK
          Are we all set, Alex?

                         ALEX
          I'm going to check the storage room,
          see what else'll travel. I know I
          put some vintage Armagnac in there,
          maybe some Porto?
          He heads down the gangplank.

                         FRANK
          He's a vendor, Dina. It's like
          drinking with the help.

                         DINA

                         (DISARMING HIM)
          Did you pick the wine, sweetie?
          It's lovely.
          Frank grins, pleased. His hand curves around her
          shoulder. He has forgotten about the other vendor
          present, the agent.

                         AGENT

                         (AWKWARDLY)
          So I'll messenger over the rider for
          your signature --
          Frank laughs out loud, in a better mood:

                         FRANK
          -- You still here?
          Dina laughs, too.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          24.

                         32

          32 INT. VILLA, UPSTAIRS - DAY

          Gabriella settles the baby on his side, the only Reese she
          likes. She starts to close the shutters. Lullaby MUSIC
          is playing on the baby's TAPE DECK.

          IN THE HALLWAY
          She closes the nursery door as softly as possible. A
          man's hands go around her throat. Her gasp dies
          stillborn. It's Alex, kissing her.ear, holding Dina's
          diamond necklace to her neck.

                         ALEX

                         (MURMURING)
          Did he ever come on to you?

                         GABRIELLA

                         (ANGRY)
          Don't sneak up on me that way!

                         ALEX
          Look how beautiful you are. He's an
          idiot if he didn't.
          Now she sees the necklace.

                         GABRIELLA
          What are you doing?
          She snatches the necklace away from him and fairly runs
          down the hall to Frank's study.

          IN THE STUDY
          She tries td stuff it in the pouch. Alex is right behind
          her.

                         GABRIELLA
          You're going to get me fired and
          deported.

                         ALEX
          Just put it on for a minute. Look
          at yourself.
          She slaps at his hands half-heartedly, but it's so
          tempting.

                         ALEX
          See what you deserve.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (SUCCUMBING)
          We're both crazy.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           25.

                          32

                         32 CONTINUED:
          Alex moves her hair away. She lets him hook the necklace
          around her neck. He reaches over to open the closet door,
          fitted out now as a file cabinet, but with the original
          closet mirror still in place. The safe is visible.
          Gabriella stares at her reflection, Alex behind her,
          watching her. The necklace changes her posture. She
          angles her chin slightly, twists back her hair. Diamonds
          suit her.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (TITILLATED)
          It's vulgar.

                         ALEX
          into her ear)
          Not against your skin.
          He starts to pleat her T-shirt loose from her jeans. She
          doesn't resist. They watch each other in the mirror.

          JASON (O.S.)
          -- Alex? They're waiting for you!
          Alex blows out a frustrated breath.

                         ALEX
          Ah... shit...
          He hurriedly unhooks the necklace and puts it back in the
          pouch, gathers up the insurance papers and Polaroids that
          had spilled and slides them back in the envelope with the
          pouch.' Gabriella is tucking in her T-shirt. She closes
          the closet door.
          Jason's VOICE is closer, more impatient, at the bottom of
          the stairs.

          JASON (O.S.)
          Alex!

          33 INT. VILLA, STAIRCASE - DAY 33

          Alex appears at the top of the stairs, surprising Jason.

                         ALEX
          I was in the bathroom.
          He walks down the stairs. A wooden case of liquor is by
          the terrace doors, where he left it.

                         ALEX
          Give me a hand, will you? I'm not
          as young as you are.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           26.

                          33

                         33 CONTINUED:
          He goes out the door ahead of Jason, leaving him to carry
          the case. Jason hears a DOOR CLOSE upstairs as he lifts
          the case. He looks up.

                         HIS POV
          Reflected in the tall entry mirror, Gabriella's back as
          she walks away down the hall.

                         RESUME SCENE
          His face tightens. He follows Alex.

          34 INT. RESTAURANT BACK ROOM - NIGHT 34

          A poker game is breaking up. Five players, Alex among
          them. He's done all right. DAVE -- an older man -- has
          lost. He tosses down his cards.

                         DAVE
          I'm out, I'm home.

                         ALEX

                         (SYMPATHETICALLY)
          You play for the possibilities,
          Dave. So do I. Or else why get up
          in the morning.
          VICTOR SPANSKY neatly stacks his modest winnings. He's
          tall, thick-shouldered, 55, with a gray crew-cut, tinted
          glasses, and a smoker's cough. He does nothing in a
          hurry.

                         VICTOR

                         (TO DAVE)
          You didn't lose that much.

                         ALEX
          There's an optimist in every game.

                         DAVE

                         (PISSED)
          Alex, I don't appreciate --

                         ALEX
          (overriding htm,

                         UNRUFFLING HIM)
          No, I'm saying... the guy who
          sits down at the table with a
          loser's attitude... loses even if he
          wins -- which he won't. He's got no
          juice flowin'.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           27.

           34,

                         34 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX (CONT'D)
          He's got peepee in his veins! Life
          for that guy's a habit and stained
          pants. You know what I mean?
          Dave laughs, feeling better.

                         DAVE

                         NOT

                         ALEX
          Try.

                         DAVE
          Good night.
          They all AD-LIB "Good night," "See you next week," etc.,
          as they file out. Alex and Victor are the last in the
          room. Alex puts on his jacket.

                         VICTOR
          Paltry pickings tonight.
          Alex looks at the small amount of cash on the table.

                         ALEX
          You want to cut for what's here.
          Victor chuckles..

                         VICTOR
          Sure. Why not.
          He pushes his cash forward into a pot with Alex's. Alex
          fans the deck across the table.

                         ALEX

                         (CONVERSATIONALLY)
          What-are you doing with your life,
          Victor?.
          Victor makes a small gesture, indicating the cards.

                         VICTOR
          This, more or less.
          He pulls a card -- he has good hands -- and turns it up.
          A king of spades. A smile tugs at his mouth.

                         VICTOR
          Beat that.
          Alex produces the Polaroid of Dina's necklace from his
          inside jacket pocket.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           28.

                          34

                         34 CONTINUED: (2)
          He flicks it on the table next to Victor's king. Victor's
          gaze clicks from the photo to Alex, back to the photo. He
          slowly reaches out and picks it up.

                         VICTOR
          Very pretty. I remember when it
          was the cover of the auction
          catalogue. The Duchess of Windsor's
          baubles. Bought for a young wife,
          I remember. Who I'm sure worked
          just as hard as the Duchess.

                         ALEX
          it's appraised at a million three
          hundred thousand dollars.
          a laugh.
          Victor tosses the photo back on the table with

                         VICTOR
          And they say there's no inflation.

                         ALEX
          I have access.
          Victor shakes his head no.

                         VICTOR
          I'm retired.

                         ALEX
          And broke.

                         VICTOR
          I don't need that much.

                         ALEX
          Bullshit. You need as much as I do.
          Victor's eyes blink behind his glasses.

                         VICTOR
          What kind of access? For
          curiosity's sake.

                         ALEX
          I have a friend in the house.

                         VICTOR
          A girlfriend. How sweet.

                         ALEX
          I�can distract her.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           29.

                          34

                         34 CONTINUED: (3)

          VICTOR .
          I don't trust women, as a svecies.
          I'd;have a spotless record if it
          weren't for a woman.

                         ALEX
          She'd never know, I don't want her
          to know... I like her too much.

                         VICTOR -
          I don't trust amateurs, either..
          He gets up and walks to the door.

                         VICTOR
          Don't take it personally,. Alex. I
          don't trust the phone company,, the
          jury system, or the Israeli
          government. So why should I trust
          you.

                         ALEX
          Because I know a good thing when I
          see it.
          Alex flips over a card. It's the king of clubs.

                         ALEX
          Victor...
          Victor has been distracted by Alex's proposition. Now he
          comes back to scoop up his money. Alex sweeps the cards
          back into a stack, leaving only the photo on the table.

                         ALEX
          ... But this is fifty-fifty..

                         35

          35 INT. CONDO, JASON'S ROOM - NIGHT

          Mid-masturbation, Jason is distracted by the BEEPING of
          the entry ALARM. He glances at the bedside clock that
          reads 12:30. His excitement subsides,. he rolls onto his
          stomach.

                         36

          36 INT. CONDO, DOWNSTAIRS - NIGHT

          Alex detours toward the dark kitchen.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           30.

                          37

          37 INT. CONDO, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Suzanne is reading in bed. The door opens slightly. She
          looks over, her mouth draws in. A bottle of champagne
          wags around the door, followed by Alex and a pair of
          champagne flutes.

                         ALEX
          I saw the light still on. I'm glad
          you're up.

                         SUZANNE
          (eyeing the champagne)
          What'd you do this time?
          He's too pumped to take offense.

                         ALEX
          C'mon, c'mon, be nice.

                         SUZANNE
          Whenever you open champagne -- it's
          such a giveaway.
          He pours her a glass.

                         ALEX
          I told you I was playing poker
          tonight.
          He hands her the glass. She takes a sip.

                         SUZANNE
          You know, I've-never actually seen
          you play poker -- maybe poker
          doesn't even exist. Maybe it's just
          a cover story men use.
          He laughs.

                         ALEX
          I won.

                         SUZANNE
          Hey; lightning strikes.
          He fills his glass.

                         ALEX
          Let's not get into this, honey.
          Her voice is tired.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           31.

                          37

                         37 CONTINUED:

                         SUZANNE
          I was charging the groceries today,
          and they kept the card. We'd been
          cancelled.

                         ALEX
          I know --
          He reaches for his wallet.

                         SUZANNE
          I felt about as big as an ant.
          Alex takes out a credit card.

                         ALEX
          I got you a new one.

                         FROM HIS
          He holds out the card, which she slowly takes
          fingers.

                         SUZANNE
          It's the third time this year.

                         ALEX
          Everything's about to change.
          Suzanne has heard that too often from him.

                         SUZANNE
          Alex, what are we doing together?
          We don't talk --

                         ALEX
          all the time!

                         SUZANNE
          -- we don't fuck -- we don't even
          eat dinner together anymoret

                         ALEX
          I am making an effort heret

                         38

          38 INT. JASON'S ROOM

          Jason throws himself out of bed and turns on his STEREO,
          cranks the volume. He doesn't want to hear their VOICES.

                         39

          39 INT. MASTER-BEDROOM

          Alex and Suzanne hear the MUSIC. He rubs his hand through
          his hair.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           32.

                          39

                         39 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          Did you never have a fight with his
          father?

                         SUZANNE
          (hard, flat)
          No.

                         ALEX
          -- A saint. I should've guessed.
          Must be at the right amid of God
          this very minute.
          Suzanne doesn't bother replying. She turns off the light,
          pulls the sheet to her shoulders. Alex sits down on the
          window seat to enjoy the champagne in the dark.

                         40

          40 INT. WINE SHOP, ALEX'S OFFICE - DAY

          Alex is on the phone.

                         ALEX "
          -- the humidifier wasn't holding a
          steady percentage, there may be a
          problem with the regulator -- so I'd
          better check it right away.

                         (SMILES)
          ... Sure, this afternoon's fine.
          Hanging up, he rocks back in his chair and squeezes his
          eyes shut. Then he rests his forehead against the heels
          of his hands for a moment, considering what he's
          considering.

          41 INT. WINE SHOP - DAY 41

          Alex walks through. Jason's on a ladder stocking the
          shelves.

                         ALEX
          You want to hand me down a good
          cognac? I'm going out to the
          Reeses.

                         (REJECTING JASON'S

                         CHOICE)'
          No, gimme the Pierre Ferrand.
          Jason starts down the ladder.

                         JASON
          I'll deliver it for you.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           33.

                          41

                         41 CONTINUED:
          Alex is surprised and pleased by Jason's sudden
          helpfulness.

                         ALEX
          He wants to talk.
          He dusts off the bottle.

          42 INT. VILLA - DAY - 42

          Alex follows Dina down a narrow service hall to the wine
          room. She talks without looking back at him.

                         DINA
          -- enough of an investment in there --

                         ALEX
          -- not to want to take a chance,
          with a month away. That's what I
          thought.

          AT THE WINE ROOM

                         DINA

                         (NEUTRALLY)
          A month alone with Frank.
          Alex chuckles as he starts to inspect the humidifier.

                         ALEX
          Second honeymoon.

                         DINA
          The first one was bad enough.
          She's standing too close to him, but he has no room to
          maneuver away. He fiddles with the box.

                         ALEX
          -- It may need a part replaced.

                         DINA
          Nice suit. You always dress well,
          Alex.
          She brushes the lint off his jacket and leaves her hand
          there.

                         ALEX

                         (GENTLY)
          --,Dina... this is not a great idea.
          Used to getting her way, she's not easily dissuaded.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           34.

                          42

                         42 CONTINUED:

                         DINA

                         (SEDUCTIVELY)
          How can you tell?
          She moves up against him. Alex can't will himself to
          resist. His knee automatically separates her legs. He
          reaches out to close the door.

                         43

          43 INT. VILLA, THE HALLWAY - DAY

          Gabriella is-returning from the laundry room with an arm
          load of clean crib sheets. Knowing Alex and Dina are
          inside the wine room, she stops and knocks on the door.

                         GABRIELLA
          Mrs. Reese? The baby's ready for

                         YOU-
          A long moment later, the door opens. Dina and Alex are
          reassembled, but there's a tension and a breathlessness
          about them Gabriella recognizes.

                         DINA
          -- Thank you, Gabriella.
          Dina spies some interaction between Gabriella and Alex,
          and her pretty face hardens.

                         DINA
          Did you leave him by himself?

                         GABRIELLA
          Just to get his sheets.

                         DINA
          That's the maid's job.

                         GABRIELLA
          He's in his playpen.
          Dina sweeps out.

                         DINA
          Baby jail.
          She looks over her shoulder to make sure Gabriella is
          behind her.

                         DINA
          Are you coming?

                         (TO ALEX)
          Thanks, Alex. You'll walk yourself
          out?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          35.

                         43

                         43 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          Have a good cruise. I'll take care
          of this.

                         DINA

                         (BRIGHTLY)
          See you in a month.
          Alex watches the two women move down the hall.

          GABRIELLA AND DINA
          turn the corner.

                          DINA
           You're not very happy here, are you.

          BACK TO ALEX
           as he yanks a wire loose from the humidifier.

                          44

          44 EXT. VICTOR'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY

          Alex climbs the open stairs, heads down the cantilevered
          walkway, knocks at Victor's door.
          For an instant Alex doesn't recognize the uniformed
          repairman who opens it: Victor, disguised.

                         VICTOR

                         (TICKLED)
          Like it?

                         45

          45 INT. APARTMENT - DAY

          By daylight the apartment looks shabby.

                         VICTOR
          I think I look younger, don't you?

                         ALEX
          You look ridiculous.

                         VICTOR
          Fine. I don't have an ego.
          (zipping up his

                         UNIFORM)
          -- As long as I don't match my mug
          shots.
          A shadow of anxiety passes over Alex's face.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           36.

                          45

                         45 CONTINUED:

                         VICTOR
          You want to change your mind?

                         ALEX
          No.
          Victor opens the front door.-

                         VICTOR
          After you.
          As Alex walks toward the door, he catches sight of a free-
          standing hospital respirator in the bedroom. He looks at
          Victor, who waits for him with an unchanging smile. They
          go out together.

                         46

          46 EXT. SECURITY.GATE - DAY

          The Cadillac pulls up, Alex driving, Victor beside him.
          Mike is not in the guard booth, the gate is closed.

                         47

          47 INT. CADILLAC - DAY

          They wait in the heat.

                         ALEX
          -- Is your makeup melting?
          Offended, Victor reaches over to honk the horn. Alex
          stops him, opens the driver's door.

          48 EXT. GATE - DAY 48

          Alex goes into the booth, finds the appointment board,
          checks off "Gates Wine -- Repair," and presses a button
          that opens the gate.

          49 INT. CADILLAC - DAY 49

          Alex slides back behind the wheel. Victor is resting his
          head on the back of the seat.

                         VICTOR
          Brilliant, Alex. We've violated the
          law before we even get started.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          37.

                         50

          50 EXT. REESE VILLA - DAY

          Down the side of the house, the dock. can be seen, empty.
          Alex rings the front bell. victor is carrying a tool kit.
          There's no answer. Alex rings it again.

                         VICTOR
          Tell me we're at the wrong house.
          Alex raises a hand to wave, Victor turns.

                         THEIR POV

                         GOLF
          Mike, the guard, is rolling toward them on a security
          cart. He pulls over.

                         RESUME SCENE

                         ALEX

                         (ALL CHARM)
          There you are, Mike.

                         MIKE
          Don't flip the gate like that.

                         ALEX
          I was helping you out. I checked
          off the appointment, didn't you see
          it?
          He rings the doorbell again.

                         MIKE
          They sailed out this morning.

                         ALEX
          I know., but the nanny's supposed to
          be here --
          Victor rolls his eyes, unseen. The nanny.

                         MIKE
          -- The Venezuelan? They fired her.
          (with a snigger)
          Don't pay to be too good-looking in
          these jobs.
          Victor interrupts the gossip. He -sounds exactly like a
          repairman.

                         VICTOR
          I got a schedule to keep, Mr_ Gates.
          Is this gonna be another day?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           38.

                          50

                         50 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          It can't wait.

                         (TO MIKE)
          He'll lose his entire wine
          collection if the humidifier isn't
          fixed.

                         MIKE

                         (TO VICTOR)
          What's your name?

                         VICTOR
          Harold Freeman.
          Mike notes the name "Harold" stitched onto his coveralls.

                         MIKE
          Okay. Stay here. I'll get the
          keys.
          He rides away on his cart. Victor sits down in the shade
          to wait. He stifles a cough.

                         VICTOR
          Dear God. A cop on the job.

                         ALEX
          You all right?

                         VICTOR
          (a little too sharply)
          Why wouldn't I be?

                         51

          51 INT. WINE STORE, CELLAR - DAY

          Jason is filling a wine order when he hears a woman's
          VOICE murmuring upstairs, and recognizes Gabriella's.

                         52

          52 INT. WINE STORE - DAY

          Jason comes up out of the cellar. Gabriella is passing a
          note to Robert.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (MID-SENTENCE)
          -- where he can reach me.

                         JASON

                         HI
          She turns her head, and he sees that she has been crying.
          His smile goes.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           39.

                          52

                         52 CONTINUED:

                         GABRIELLA

                         (EMBARRASSED)
          Hi, Jason.

                         JASON
          You looking for Alex? You missed
          him.

                         ROBERT
          I told her.
          The PHONE RINGS. Robert answers it; wine business. He's
          out of the conversation.

                         GABRIELLA
          I was supposed to let him into the
          Reeses'.

                         JASON
          So now you're in trouble.

                         GABRIELLA
          No, I'm not.
          She's walking toward the door.

                         JASON
          Then why've you-been crying?

                         GABRIELLA
          I just got fired, all right?
          She goes out.

          53 EXT. STREET - DAY 53

          Jason follows her toward her car parked down the street.

                         JASON
          Congratulations.

                         GABRIELLA
          You don't know anything!

                         JASON
          You hated it there!

                         GABRIELLA

                         (INFURIATED NOW)
          I liked.the money! I liked having
          a.roof!

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           40.

                          53

                         53 CONTINUED :
          GABRIELLA (Copt' d )
          Now I have to go stay at my cousin's
          place -- my cousin, her husband,
          their four kids, and two cats. I
          hate cats.

                         JASON
          What's wrong with cats?

                         GABRIELLA
          They shed on the couch I'll have to
          sleep on. You know how long it took
          me to find that job? Everybody
          thinks they're running for office.
          You don't have papers, they don't
          even want to meet you. And the only
          real way to get legal is to get
          married. Do you understand?
          He opens her car door for her.

                         JASON
          So let's go get married.
          Gabriella looks at him. They connect.again; it scares
          her.

                         GABRIELLA
          ... Are you old enough to vote?
          She slides behind the wheel.

                         JASON

                         (TARTLY)
          You're not too much older. Are you
          going past the wharf? You can gimme
          a ride.
          He's already walking around the car to get in the other
          side. Gabriella smiles in spite of herself and reaches
          over to unlock the door for him.

                         GABRIELLA
          (as he climbs in)
          Aren't you working?

                         JASON
          It's my lunch break..

                         GABRIELLA
          Well, let's not tell the boss I
          stole you.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           41.

                          54

          54 INT. CAR - DAY (TRAVELING)

          Gabriella drives fast and well.

                         JASON
          Did you do something? Or was it
          just...

                         GABRIELLA

                         (NODDING)
          Just. They said they.were --
          downsizing.
          Jason laughs.

                         JASON
          Like they're a factory?

                         GABRIELLA
          The size of their staff? It is.

                         JASON
          Hang a left.

                         GABRIELLA
          Not for the wharf.

                         JASON
          I know. Just turn!
          She whips the car through the turn, narrowly missing
          another car.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (SHOUTING)
          Idiot!

                         JASON
          -- Cool.
          She laughs; she's starting to relax.

          55 INT. REESES' WINE ROOM - DAY 55

          Alex and Mike watch victor checking out the humidifier,
          making a meal of the diagnosis. He notices the wire Alex
          sabotaged but doesn't remark on it.

                         ALEX
          Can you fix the thing, Harold? Or
          does it have to be replaced?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           42.

                          55

                         55 CONTINUED:

                         VICTOR
          I'll tell you after I see the
          condition of the pipes. Coolant
          might be leaking. Where's the attic
          access?

                         56

          56 INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

          Victor's legs disappear up into the attic as he hauls
          himself off a step stool and up through the hatch in the
          ceiling. Mike and Alex watch him go. victor is heard

          COUGHING.

          VICTOR (O.S.)

                         (DISTANTLY)
          Goddamn fiberglass --
          His head drops through the hatch.

                         VICTOR
          -- Either of, you know how to kill
          the water to the house?

                         MIRE
          Oh, yeah, yeah, sure.
          Mike starts down the stairs. Alex signals to Victor that
          he's going with him and follows Mike away. Victor waits
          until he hears the DOOR CLOSE before dropping down through
          the hatch and heading for Frank's office.

                         57

          57 EXT. MIAMI RIVER - DAY

          Gabriella watches Jason walk with a long stride toward
          Henry's boat. She likes the way he moves. Henry is
          nearby drinking beer with some Haitians. Jason talks to
          him for a moment. Henry glances down the walkway to
          Gabriella, then hands Jason his. keys. Jason gestures to
          Gabriella to come down.

                         58

          58 ' EXT. VILLA - DAY

          Mike is shutting off the water while Alex watches when
          another GUARD, mid-30's, turns the corner.

                         GUARD

                         (TO MIKE)
          What are you doing?
          Mike looks up, wet and muddy.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           43.

                          58

                         58 CONTINUED:

                         GUARD
          I been waiting for you. My shift.
          His uniform is crisp, and his nature is alert and
          suspicious.

                         MIKE
          The valve's stuck.

                         GUARD
          That's the sprinkler valve.
          Mike climbs out of the bushes with injured dignity.

                         MIKE
          Okay, you do it.

                         GUARD

                         (QUIETLY)
          Is he the homeowner?

                         ALEX

                         (CHEERFULLY)
          No.

                         59

          59 INT. FRANK'S OFFICE - DAY

          Victor, wearing surgical gloves, is in the file closet
          cracking the safe. He has re-wired the alarm wire with
          electrical clips to avoid breaking the circuit. He smears
          the sweat off his forehead and leans back in close to the
          dial, rotating it carefully back and forth until the
          tumblers fall. It opens. victor sifts through papers,
          foreign currency.

          ALEX (O.S.)

                         (CALLING OUT)
          Harold?
          Victor hears the FOOTSTEPS coming up the stairs. He keeps
          searching, but the pressure tells, and his breathing
          becomes a wheeze.

                         60

          60 INT. LANDING - DAY

          The new guard follows Alex onto the landing. They hear a
          DOOR SHUT. The guard instinctively touches his gun.

                         ALEX
          Down there, wasn't it?
          The guard doesn't let him change direction.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           44.

                          60

                         60 CONTINUED:

                         GUARD
          Keep going.

                         61

          61 INT. HALLWAY - DAY

          victor drops down onto the stepstool in front of them as
          they round the corner.

                         VICTOR

                         (BREEZILY)
          You can turn the water back on.
          It's not the pipes.
          Wearing work gloves, he repositions the hatch cover.

                         GUARD
          Nobody's supposed to be in the house
          unaccompanied.

                         ALEX
          Is that our fault?

                         GUARD

                         (GRUDGINGLY)
          No.

                         ALEX
          All right, then.
          The guard glances up at the hatch. In that moment victor
          winks at Alex; he scored.

          62 EXT. HENRY'S BOAT-- DAY 62

          Jason drops anchor in turquoise waters off a sand bar, no
          other boats around. Gabriella takes in the idyllic
          surroundings.

                         JASON
          You can learn on the fish around
          here, but you can't eat 'em.
          They're junk fish.

                         GABRIELLA
          Will you teach me?
          He laughs.

                         JASON
          Oh, you think you're ready for that
          kind of commitment?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          45.

                         62 CONTINUED: 62
          She grins and shrugs.

                         GABRIELLA
          I'm only investing an afternoon.
          She takes in the landscape, breathing in the lovely
          isolation.

                         GABRIELLA
          Where are we?

                         JASON
          My father used to bring me here.
          She hears something in his tone.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (GENTLY)
          No more?
          Jason concentrates on securing the boat.

                         JASON
          He's dead. He drowned in a storm.
          She shivers involuntarily.

                         JASON
          He was a fisherman.

                         GABRIELLA
          I don't know if I would like boats
          after that.
          He smiles.

                         JASON
          I feel close to him when I'm on the
          water.

                         GABRIELLA
          How old were you?

                         JASON
          -- Eight. I'd just turned eight.
          She takes his hand. He tightens his fingers through hers
          and looks out at the horizon, trying to control the
          emotions her sympathy has roiled. Gabriella senses this.
          She puts her arms around him, kisses him on the cheek.
          They stand, holding each other. Then Jason, on impulse,
          kisses her on the lips.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          46.

                         63

          63 INT. VICTOR'S APARTMENT - DAY

          The KEY is heard in the LOCK, the door opens, Victor and
          Alex come in, giddy with success. Reverentially, Victor
          unpacks-the necklace and holds it up for them both to
          admire; the object of desire.

                         VICTOR

                         (BREATHING OUT)
          - Beautiful. Unusual cut. Look at
          the fire. Hold it up to the light.
          He hands the necklace to Alex, who lifts it up to look at
          it. Victor reaches into a drawer. In itHttheeree'ss a gun
          and a camera. He takes out the camera.
          necklace. The flash jerks Alex's
          picture of Alex with
          gaze from the

                         ALEX
          What the fuck are you doing??

                         VICTOR
          I always take a photograph of the
          goods. To avoid any disagreement in
          the sale. The insurance photo is
          hopeless. You ask yourself how do
          they stay in business.
          Alex advances on him.

                         ALEX
          You put me in the shot.

                         VICTOR

                         (MODESTLY)
          Speaking of insurance.
          Alex is closing on him. His voice is low and menacing.

                         ALEX
          Give me the film, Victor._
          victor's hand glides into the drawer. Alex sensibly stops
          short.

                         VICTOR
          ,(pleasantly)
          We'll tear it up together whet. we
          have the money. Honor among thieves
          is a myth, you know.
          victor's hand reappears, holding not a gun but an airline
          ticket, which he gives to Alex.

                         ALEX
          What's this supposed to be?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         47

                         63

                         63 CONTINUED:

                         VICTOR
          I thought it over. I can't move it.
          I'm on parole. I'm known. You're
          not. So you'll fly to Newark, take
          a shuttle into the city, catch a
          cab, take a walk, find an address,
          I'll give you the name -- pas.de
          probleme, as they say in Bordeaux.
          He's being condescending.'

                         ALEX
          Meaning you're too chickenshit to do
          it yourself.

                         VICTOR
          Maybe I am. All right, I am.

                         ALEX
          Fuck...
          He looks at the ticket.

                         ALEX
          I don't fly economy.

                         64

          64 EXT. BOAT - DAY

          Jason is standing behind Gabriella, helping her cast. His
          arm grazes her breast.

                         JASON
          You can do anything you want out
          here -- you can swim nude, you can
          Her laugh cuts him off.

                         GABRIELLA
          I am not taking my clothes off.

                         JASON
          (flustered, irritated)
          That's not what I meant.

                         ONTO
          He reels the line out of the water. Gabriella climbs
          the rail. She's barefoot. The breeze blows her thin
          dress against her legs.

                         JASON

                         HEY
          She dives into the water. He kicks off his shoes, dives
          in after her.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          48.

                         64

                         64 CONTINUED:

                          HAS HIS
           When they are together, they thetboat�,ela ughing
           i ng her nkl t
           arm under her breasts, pull i o
          together.

                         JASON
          Hey, quit laughin'. I'm saving your
          life here.

                         65

          65 INT. WINE STORE - DAY

          The store is closed. Robert has gone home. Alex opens
          the cash drawer and takes out all the money, fattens his
          wallet. He spies the message from Gabriella. He reads
          it, picks up the phone, punches in the number she wrote.

                         ALEX
          ... May I speak with Gabriella?
          Puedo hablar con Gabriella?
          (making a face)
          No, yo no quiero dejar un mesajo,
          gracias. Voy a llamarla mas tarde.
          ...Si. Buenas tardes.
          He hangs up and speed-dials a number from the typed list
          on the wall.

                         ALEX
          ... Hey, Ted -- it's Alex Gates. I
          need a couple of tickets to New York
          for tonight, first class.
          (his jaw tightens)
          Don't sweat the account, I'll pay

                         CASH --

                         66

          66 EXT. BOAT - DAY

          Jason is sprawled half across Gabriella on the deck of the-
          boat, a seat cushion under her head. He has his hand in
          her panties. She clutches his wrist and pulls his hand
          back into sight. He lifts his head to look at her.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (SOFTLY)
          I can't.
          He sits up, offended.

                         JASON
          You waited long enough to tell me.
          Gabriella arranges her clothes.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           49.

                          66

                         66 CONTINUED:

                         GABRIELLA

                         (FLARING)
          Because it felt good, and I'm an
          idiot!
          He fondly touches her face with the back of his hand.

                         JASON
          No, you're not.
          She scrambles to her feet.

                         GABRIELLA
          I want to go back now. Can we go
          back, please?

                         JASON
          ... Sure.
          He stands up and moves to the helm, his legs stiff with
          injured dignity.
          Gabriella sits down on the bench, the cushion clutched in
          front of her.
          Jason sneaks a look back at her. With her hair wet and
          her makeup washed away, she looks younger than he does.
          She's resting her chin on the edge of the cushion.
          He switches on the engine and eases the boat forward over
          the anchor, engages the power winch. The CHAIN starts to

          CLANK.

                         JASON
          I'm sorry.
          She turns her head toward him.

                         GABRIELLA
          What?

                         JASON

                         (LOUDER)
          I'm sorry!

                         GABRIELLA
          Me, too.

                         67

          67 EXT. MIAMI RIVER - DUSK

          A bridge has parted. Underneath, the boat makes its way
          on the opalescent water.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          50.

                         67

                         67 CONTINUED:
          Skyscrapers swagger down either side of the river, their
          windows bright squares against the darkening sky. The
          signal BELL SOUNDS.

                         68

          68 INT. GABRIELLA'S COUSIN'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          The dinner hour. The table in the mean little house is
          too crowded and too noisy; the television on the buffet
          can hardly be heard. Gabriella's Cousin and her Husband
          are arguing in Spanish, in a good-natured marital way, the
          Kids too busy teasing each other to notice. One Kid gets
          up to raise the volume on the TV set even louder.
          Gabriella carries her plate into the kitchen to escape the
          noise. The Husband makes a gesture to his Wife that says
          Gabriella's snooty.

                         69

          69 INT. THE KITCHEN - NIGHT

          Gabriella stands at the counter, listlessly finishing her
          dinner. The PHONE RINGS. She answers it.

                         GABRIETMA

                         HELLO --

                         70

          70 INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT

          Alex talks into the visor speaker-

                         ALEX
          I got your note. Fuck the
          Reeses. We're taking a trip, honey.
          Pack a bag. I'll pick you up in an
          hour.

                         71

          71 INT. COUSIN'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          The tension drains from her face; rescued.

                         GABRIELLA
          Where are we going?

          ALEX (V.O.)
          Does it matter?

          GABRIET•T.A

                         (LAUGHING)
          Not Anywhere you are, I want to be
          there.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          51.

                         71 CONTINUED: 71

          ALEX (V.O.)
          Ohio.

                         GABRIELLA
          Sure.

          ALEX (V.0.)
          Don't worry, it's not Ohio.
          She laughs.

          72 INT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT 72

          Suzanne turns onto their street, pulls into the garage.
          She sees Alex's Cadillac already parked.

          73 EXT. CAR - NIGHT 73

          She locks her car and walks toward the elevator, carrying
          a department store shopping bag. The garage is darker
          than she likes. Her HEELS ECHO against the cement walls.
          She walks a little faster.

          74 INT. CONDO - NIGHT 74

          Suzanne lets herself in. Alex didn't set the alarm. She
          sets the bag on the couch, next to his jacket. She's been
          a wife too long not to tidy up after him. She picks up
          the jacket to brush it and hang it correctly, and glimpses
          the airline tickets tucked in the inside pocket. Suzanne
          smiles, moved. The tickets to Rio. She takes a peek to
          see the dates. Her face changes. She drops the jacket in
          a heap on the floor. She hears ALEX MOVING around in the
          bedroom above and starts up the stairs, her rage climbing
          with every riser. She can hear him HUMMING.

          75 INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT 75

          Alex zips his passport into an outside compartment where
          he can reach it. He has almost finished packing. As he
          reaches for his underwear, he startles. Suzanne is
          leaning against the door frame.

                         SUZANNE

                         (CONTROLLED)
          Where are you going?
          Alex recovers quickly.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          52.

                         75 CONTINUED: 75

                         ALEX
          Napa. I got a problem with a
          supplier. Boutique wineries --
          they're all owned by ex-lawyers.

                         SUZANNE
          Via New York?
          She holds up the tickets.

                         ALEX
          I need to see the wholesaler.

                         SUZANNE
          You're amazing, you really are. Now
          how are you going to explain 'Miss
          Vasquez?'

                         ALEX
          Honey, I don't have to. I will, out
          of courtesy. It's Mrs., and she's
          fifty years old, Suzanne. She's the
          agent.

                         SUZANNE
          God, I could even believe you, if I
          wanted to.

                         ALEX

                         (HARDER)
          I don't want to fight with you on my
          way out the door. I don't have time
          for this.
          Yanking the tickets out of her hand before she can react,
          he pushes past her with his bag. She follows him down the
          stairs.

                         SUZANNE
          I put Terry's life insurance money
          into that store -- and you spend it
          on your goddamn girlfriends while my
          checks bounce.
          Alex whirls around at the bottom of the stairs.

                         ALEX
          I worked my ass off for you with
          that store. Eight years of twelve-
          hour days and one-day weekends! So
          don't tell me I haven't treated you
          well.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          53.

                         75 CONTINUED: (2) 75
          He picks his jacket up off the floor and shrugs it on.
          Suzanne snatches his car keys off the coffee table.
          Infuriated, he grabs for his keys, but she holds them away
          behind her back.

                         SUZANNE
          -- You're going to talk to me!

                         ALEX
          When I get back.

                         SUZANNE
          With more of your fucking lies! I
          hate you! Wasting my
          (slapping at his arm
          with her free hand)
          -- life!

                         ALEX
          Sssh, calm down --
          She tries to slap him again, but he gets hold of her hand.

                         ALEX
          -- Give me my keys, I need my keys.
          I don't want to hurt you.

                         SUZANNE
          That's all you ever do!
          He twists her hand up behind her back, forcing her onto
          the sofa.

                         SUZANNE
          Go to hell!
          He smothers her into the cushion and twists her hand up
          and up. She grips his keys tighter.

                         ALEX
          (breathless from the

                         STRUGGLE)
          Open your hand, Suzanne.
          Pinning her down, he painfully pries open her fingers.
          She drives her elbow into his face.

                         SUZANNE
          You sonofabitch!
          He hits her back, her nose starts to gush, the keys drop
          to the-floor. He bends to pick them up. Suzanne seizes
          a standing metal ashtray and savagely swipes him across
          the temple.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           54.

                          75

                         75 CONTINUED: (3)
          The blow sends him sprawling to the floor; he doesn't
          move. She is stunned by what she has done. In a panic
          she races up the stairs, the heel of her hand to her nose
          to staunch the bleeding.

                         76

          76 INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Suzanne spills everything out of Alex's suitcase and
          starts throwing in her own clothes, blood-spotting them in
          her haste.

                         77

          77 INT. JASON'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Suzanne jerks out his drawers so fast that she dumps them
          on the floor. She pulls his suit out of the closet along
          with an armful of other clothes.

          78 INT. CONDO, STAIRS - NIGHT 78

          Suzanne drags two suitcases clattering down the stairs.

                         ALEX
          hasn't moved. Suzanne drops to her knees beside him and
          squeamishly lifts his wallet out of his pocket, snatches
          the cash, lets the wallet fall back beside him. Her
          breathing is so rapid and shallow it sounds like whimpers.

          79 EXT. CONDO - NIGHT 79

          Suzanne backs out the door pulling the suitcases, right
          into Jason. She cries out in fright.

                         JASON
          -- Hey, hey.

                         SUZANNE

                         (FRANTIC)
          -- Don't go in therel We're

                         LEAVINGS
          He sees the blood smeared all over her face, her clothe:,,
          and charges past her.

                         SUZANNE

                         - JA-SONII

                         

                         

                         

                         

          55.

          80 INT. CONDO - NIGHT 80

          Ready to kill, Jason is shocked to see the job apparently
          already done for him. He bends over Alex to see if he's
          dead, and is equally sorry and relieved to find out he
          isn't.

          SUZANNE (O.S.)
          I won't wait for you!
          Jason takes the stairs two at a time.

          81 INT. JASON'S ROOM - NIGHT 81

          He yanks his map of the Gulf off the wall and grabs his
          fishing gear.

          82 INT. CONDO, DOWNSTAIRS - NIGHT 82

          Alex's unconscious body blocks the closet. door. Jason
          tries to open it anyway, but Alex is 'too heavy. Seizing
          hold of him, Jason drags him away from the door. The
          jewelry pouch spills out of Alex's pocket. Jason doesn't
          see it. The HORN BLARES, outside. Jason pulls his rod out
          of the closet. As he steps over Alex, he spots the pouch,
          the drawstring loose enough to let the necklace protrude.
          The HORN BLASTS again. Jason swoops up the pouch.

          83 EXT. CONDO.- NIGHT 83

          Jason runs for the car with his gear and climbs in.
          Suzanne peels away before the door is completely closed.

          84 INT. CAR - NIGHT (TRAVELING) - 84

          Jason and Suzanne. She can't look at him. She
          concentrates on her driving.

                         JASON
          What the hell happened in there?

                         SUZANNE
          Is he dead?

                         JASON
          Not enough. What'd you hit him
          with?

                         SUZANNE
          -+ The ashtray.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           56.

                          84

                         84 CONTINUED:

                         SUZANNE (CONT'D)
          (a laugh bubbles out of

                         HER)
          Jesus, an ashtray.

                         (LAUGHING HARDER)
          He-doesn't even smoke!
          On the verge of hysteria, she's laughing so hard, she can
          hardly drive. Tears run down her face, muddying the dried
          blood; she's a holy mess.

                         JASON
          Pull over, pull over.
          He wrenches the wheel and steers the car to the curb.

                         JASON
          I'm driving.

                         85

          85 EXT. CAR - NIGHT

          He gets out and lopes around the car to the driver's side.
          The car recedes down the highway.

                         86

          86 EXT. GABRIELLA'S COUSIN'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Gabriella is sitting on the front step with her suitcase,
          waiting. She rubs her legs as though she has been there
          a long time. The DOGS are BARKING inside.

                         87

          87 INT. CONDO - NIGHT

           The PHONE is RINGING. Alex still hasn't moved.

                          88

          88 EXT. GAS STATION - NIGHT

          Jason is waiting behind the wheel.
          Suzanne gets back in the car. She has pulled a cotton
          sweater over her bloody clothes and washed her face.
          She's presentable again, and subdued. He starts the
          car...

          89 INT. CAR - NIGHT (TRAVELING) 89

          . drives.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           57.

                          89

                         89 CONTINUED:

                         SUZANNE
          Did you figure out where we're
          going?

                         JASON
          We'll head for the Gulf, see what we
          like.
          He sounds like her contemporary, not her kid.

                         SUZANNE
          . I remember your dad saying the
          sand was as white as the whites of
          God's eyes, on the Gulf.

                         JASON
          Do you still miss him?
          Slowly she shakes her head no.

                         SUZANNE
          I can't see his face anymore. I
          can't hear his voice.

                         (DREAMILY)
          -- But when you come home from
          fishing -- with the sea and the salt
          and the engine oil? It's like he's
          walking through the door. I love
          that smell -- I can still smell him.
          She watches the highway posts clack past.

          90 INT. CONDO, KITCHEN - NIGHT 90

          Victor is soaking a dishtowel under the faucet. He wrings
          it out.

                         VICTOR
          Mugged-by your wife. How ironic.

          91 INT. CONDO, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 91

          Victor comes into the room with the wet towel and throws
          it at Alex, who is sitting now on the couch. Alex catch:s
          it, holds it to his bloody head.

                         ALEX
          I'll fucking kill her.

                         VICTOR
          When do the Reeses come home?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          58.

                         91 CONTINUED: 91

                         ALEX
          Not for a month. Plenty of time.
          Victor sighs.

                         VICTOR
          How long a drive is it?

                         ALEX
          To the Gulf? Three hours.
          He removes the towel from his head.

                         VICTOR
          You're going to need stitches. Do
          you have a sewing kit?

                         ALEX
          I'll stop at my doctor's.

                         VICTOR
          I darned my own socks in prison.

          92 EXT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 92

          Suzanne and Jason cross the parking lot toward the coffee
          shop, which anchors a suburban surface mall. He notices
          a jewelry store. They reach the restaurant. He opens the
          door for Suzanne.

                         JASON
          Order something for me, okay? I'm
          stiff, I need to walk around.
          He's already walking away. Concern and exasperation
          cancel each other; she goes inside.

          93 INT. JEWELRY STORE - DAY 93

          Jason approaches the cheerful, elderly JEWELER repairing
          an earring behind the case. The man puts away his smile.
          Jason's long hair and leather jacket offend him.

                         JASON
          My grandmother asked me to bring in
          a necklace of hers --
          Jason takes the velvet pouch out of his pocket, unlaces
          it, spreads out the necklace on the counter. He leans
          forward on his elbows while the jeweler examines it with
          a loupe. When the jeweler looks up, he's angry.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          59.

                         93 CONTINUED: 93

                         JEWELER
          Your grandmother lets you carry
          around a million dollars worth of
          jewelry? Go put it back where you
          found it.
          The jeweler pours the necklace back in the pouch, cinches
          it closed, slaps it on top of the case.

                         JASON
          -- Those aren't real diamonds.

                         JEWELER
          Tell your grandmother to bring it
          in.
          The jeweler BUZZES the door to release it. Jason grabs
          the velvet pouch, strides out.

          94 INT. RESTAURANT - DAY 94

          The WAITRESS unloads plate after plate on the table where
          Suzanne is waiting for Jason.

                         WAITRESS
          -- pan san, strawberry waffle, eggs
          over, side of wheat toast, ham
          steak, hash browns, fruit cup, two
          O.J.'s,, coffee, milk --

                         SUZANNE'
          -- Extra syrup?
          Jason returns.

                         JASON
          We'll starve.
          The waitress laughs as she strolls away.

                         SUZANNE
          I'm hungry.
          He's worried about the jeweler.

                         JASON
          Let's pack it up, picnic on the
          beach someplace.

                         SUZANNE
          (with a grin)
          What a romantic.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          60.

          95 EXT. CAR - DAY 95

          As Jason and Suzanne reach the car, he sees the jeweler on
          the sidewalk now, outside the store, gesticulating to a
          sign painter.

                         JASON

                         MOM --
          He wants to tell her he took the necklace.

                         SUZANNE

                         (BREEZILY)
          -- No, 1111 drive.
          The jeweler happens to glance in their direction. Jason
          ducks into the car, unnoticed.

          96 EXT. PIER - DAY 96

          Jason and Suzanne are sitting on a small, rickety pier,
          eating from the takeout boxes open on their laps.

                         SUZANNE
          -- I feel... exhilarated.

                         JASON
          Adrenalin does that.

                         SUZANNE
          -- It ain't adrenalin, it's freedom.
          And she slips her wedding ring off her finger and hurls it
          overhand as far as she can. It drops into the sea.

                         SUZANNE

                         (EXULTANT)
          I don't want one goddamn thing of

                         HISS
          She eats with gusto. Jason is staring at the water.

                         JASON
          I can't believe you did that.

          97 INT. CAR - LATE DAY (TRAVEL?NG) 97

          Suzanne is driving now. She glances over at Jason
          sprawled low in the seat.

                         SUZANNE
          You're quiet.
          She doesn't think he's going to answer her.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         97

                         97 CONTINUED:

                         JASON
          I didn't even say goodbye.

                         SUZANNE
          It'll work itself out. People
          manage. We're here. This is what
          you always wanted.

                         JASON
          -- How much money do we have?
          Suzanne doesn't reply.

          98 EXT. MOTEL - LATE DAY 98

          At the reception window Suzanne is checking in with the
          MOTEL OWNER, a solidly-built, ruddy woman in her fifties
          who shouldn't wear sleeveless blouses. Suzanne has her
          wallet open. Her fingers hesitate at the credit card.

                         OWNER
          There's a cash discount. Ten
          percent.

                         SUZANNE

                         (SMILING)
          Sounds like cash.
          She starts to count it out.

          99 EXT. MOTEL POOL - LATE DAY 99

          Ensconced at a table under an umbrella, Jason is writing
          on a paper towel.

          JASON (V.O.)
          Dear Gabriella. I don't know if
          you'll get this letter. I don't
          know if I'll send it. All I know is
          that for some reason I need to write
          it...

          SUZANNE AND THE OWNER
          cross the parking lot.

                         SUZANNE

                         (CALLING)
          Jase!
          He crumples the paper towel. She holds up the keys for
          him to see.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          62.

                         99 CONTINUED: 99

                         OWNER

                         (ENVIOUSLY)
          I should have given you the king-
          size.
          Suzanne isn't offended.

                         SUZANNE
          He's my son.
          The owner gives her a startled glance.

                         OWNER
          You look great!
          Suzanne laughs.

          100 EXT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 100

          Jason is sitting on the lawn chair outside the room door,
          working on his letter again under the yellow bug light.
          The Coke MACHINE HUMS noisily next to him.

          JASON (V.0.)
          That day on the boat made me realize
          I understand the sea better than I
          do the world.

          101 INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 101

          Suzanne stirs awake, disoriented, spooked.

                         SUZANNE
          Jason?
          She sits up in bed. Jason comes in from outside.

                         JASON
          I'm right here.
          Suzanne shoves her fingers through her damp hair, swallows
          to clear her voice.

                         SUZANNE
          ... I dreamed I was in jail. You'd
          come to see me, you were on the
          other side of the plastic -- like at
          the bank?. And you were talking, but
          I couldn't hear you. I put my ear
          to the holes and I couldn't hear
          you, but your mouth was moving.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           63.

                          101

                         101 CONTINUED:

                         SUZANNE (CONT'D)
          And then I realized you couldn't
          talk anymore. He'd cut your vocal
          cords, like that dog next door.

                         JASON
          What dog?
          She lies down again.

                         SUZANNE-
          When you were a kid?

                         JASON

                         (GENTLY)
          -- I'm on watch. Don't worry.

                         102

          102 EXT. CAR - DAY

          The. car speeds north. Alongside, the Gulf shimmers under
          the mirror of the sky.

          JASON (V.O.)
          -- I know what lure to use to catch
          any fish in the water, but what's
          the lure for a woman? Truth? Lies?

          103 INT. ANOTHER MOTEL - DAY 103

          A tint combed through her hair, the plastic cap tied in a
          rakish bow, Suzanne lays out what remains of her cash by
          denomination. She records the amount in a pocket notebook
          she's using as a ledger.

          JASON (V.0.)
          One morning, just as the sky started
          to lighten --

          104 EXT. PIER - DAY 104

          Jason is fishing.

          JASON (V.0.)
          -- I caught a fish that had three
          hooks grown through his lips. Three
          times he'd gotten away. He kept
          taking the hook.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          64.

          105 EXT. PIER - DAY (LATER) 105

          Jason is gutting and skinning his catch.

          JASON (V.0.)
          It occurs to me that you're the
          fisherman, not me. I can feel the
          tension of the line. I've taken the
          hook just like he did.

                         CUT TO:

          A MAP OF THE GULF 106
          Coastal towns have been crossed out, one after the other.

          107 INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY 107

          Alex, stitches in his head, pores over the map while
          Victor talks on the phone. He circles a new town on the
          Gulf, farther north.

                         VICTOR
          -- eight-faceted cut... quite
          unique... could be the whole piece
          or individual stones, preference for
          the whole piece. Will you put out
          the word?...

                         (LAUGHING)
          No, I'm consulting for the
          insurance company, isn't life
          strange? -- Love and kisses.
          He hangs up. His cheeriness vanishes. He coughs, more
          like a gag, and heads for the bathroom.

          108 INT. BATHROOM - DAY 108

          Victor spits blood in the sink. Then, after catching his
          breath, squirts medicine down his throat with his inhaler,
          exits.

          109 INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY 109


                         VICTOR
          I've called the whole network of
          fences from here to Tampa.

                         ALEX
          Let's hope we'll find her before she
          sells.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          65.

                         109 CONTINUED: 109
          Victor picks up a chair and smacks it down.

                         ALEX
          Hey! What's wrong?

                         VICTOR
          This is not a water-view suite in
          Marbella! Did you notice? There's
          no fruit and champagne from the
          management. I don't see Swiss
          chocolate on the pillows. My
          masseuse is not at the door. And I
          am fucking dying, Alex!

                         ALEX

                         (SHOCKED)
          Jesus. Victor.

                         VICTOR
          I don't intend to cough to death in
          a county clinic because you screwed
          up!

                         ALEX

                         (QUIETLY)
          That's not fair. The plan was for
          you to move the necklace. I
          wouldn't have had the goddamn thing.
          Come on... sit down... try to relax.
          He reaches for victor's cigarettes and crumples the
          package in his fist. Victor looks at his ruined smokes.

                         VICTOR
          I'm not good at giving up things.

          110 • INT. DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT - DAY 110

          Jason eats a sandwich at a'table, working on his letter.

          JASON (V.0.)
          I want to take you out with me when
          the wind's blowing whitecaps and the
          current's running against the wind,
          just to hear your hair slap against
          your skin. When will I see you?
          He glances up.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           66.

                          110

                         110 CONTINUED:

                         SUZANNE
          her hair a better, brighter color under her chef's hat, is
          cooking on the grill behind the counter, kidding the
          customers, enjoying herself. The greasy-aproned OWNER
          pats her rump as he goes by, not for the first time.

                         SUZANNE
          Long arms, short dick, they always
          say.
          One of the Fishermen guffaws. The owner looks pissed. So
          does Jason who witnessed it all.

                         OWNER
          (aside; to Suzanne)
          Can I see you in the office after
          lunch, please?

                         SUZANNE

                         (NOT INTIMIDATED)
          About what?

          111 INT. MOTEL - DAY 111

          Suzanne luxuriates in a. bubble bath, a glass of wine in
          her hand, the bottle next to the tub. She's talking to
          Jason through the closed door.

                         SUZANNE
          I was not-fired, you jerk. I quit.

          112 INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 112

          Jason is prying a diamond out of the necklace with his
          fishing knife.

          SUZANNE (O.S.)
          (with a laugh)
          For about a minute it was very
          satisfying.

                         JASON
          (concentrating on the

                         WORK)
          You did the right thing.

          113 EXT. SECOND JEWELRY STORE - DAY 113

           Jason has put on his suit, changed his looks. He sizes up
          the store.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          67.

          114 INT. STORE - DAY 114

          Jason scans the case as he approaches the JEWELER.

          JEWELER.
          Help you?

                         JASON
          Do you buy estate diamonds?

                         JEWELER
          Sure.
          Jason takes out a zip-lock bag and lays it on the counter,
          one of the diamonds inside. The jeweler takes it out with
          respect and holds it under his loupe. If Jason's nervous,
          it doesn't show.

                         JASON
          It belonged to my mother.
          The jeweler's heard every version. He doesn't care.

                         JEWELER -
          .Price is the same. I can give you
          eighty-five hundred.

          115 EXT. BEACH - DAY 115

          The classified section already folded and marked beside
          her, Suzanne has propped herself on her elbows. She's
          looking out to sea. Talking heads bob like buoys, the
          waders. She notices, some distance away, a man in a suit
          walking along the beach. The image amuses her. He's
          moving in her direction. She finally recognizes Jason and
          raises her hand.

                         SUZANNE

                         (CALLING OUT)
          Hey, sailor...
          She puts on her hat to cut the glare. From under the brim
          she admires his approach.

                         SUZANNE
          (as he reaches her)
          ... Look at you. What's the
          occasion?
          Jason squats down beside her and balls up the classifieds.

                         JASON
          You don't need another grab-ass job.
          I been out talking to peoplel

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           68.

                          115

                         115 CONTINUED:

                         JASON (CONT'D)
          There's charter outfits a coupla
          towns up the coast. (NAMES OF
          TOWNS). They need skippers, they
          need crews.
          She stands up, brushes off the sand, rolls up her towel.

                         SUZANNE
          So we're packing.
          They start walking together. From the water a MAN calls
          out to Suzanne.

                         MAN
          Hey, I thought you were coming back
          in.
          She smiles and waves goodbye.

                         SUZANNE
          ... Too bad. I kinda liked that

                         GUY-
          She and Jason keep walking. He no longer looks like a
          boy.

                         116

          116 INT. BAR - NIGHT

          Alex is smelling his brandy in a booth. He looks
          defeated. Victor swings onto a bar stool. He takes out
          a wallet photo of Suzanne and Jason and passes it across
          to the BARTENDER.

                         VICTOR
          Seen them, by any chance?

                         BARTENDER
          Why are you asking?

                         VICTOR
          My wife and son. He's been selling
          fish around these parts.
          He's totally believable. The bartender feels for his pain
          and takes another look at the photo, shakes his head no.

                         BARTENDER
          She's a little classier than our
          usual clientele, y'know?

                         VICTOR
          Maybe you could pass it down anyway.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           69.

                          116

                         116 CONTINUED:
          The bartender takes the photo.

                         BARTENDER
          Sure, man.

                         VICTOR
          joins Alex in the booth. Victor raises his hand. Alex
          instinctively pulls his head back.

                         VICTOR
          Don't move.
          He leans across the table and plucks the last stitch out
          of Alex's wound. Alex winces.

                         VICTOR
          It's been irritating me all day.
          Did I hurt you?
          Threat implied. Alex stares him down.

          MALE VOICE (O.S.)
          Hey, I know this kid --
          Alex and victor glance over to the bar and see Henry.
          He's looking at the photo Victor passed around.

                         HENRY
          Hunches a catch like a depth finder.
          Victor is already out of the booth.

          VICTOR AND HENRY
          Henry senses money to be made.

                         HENRY
          Who are you?

                         VICTOR
          His father.

                         HENRY
          I thought his father was dead.
          (shaking his head)
          Well, you look bad all right, but
          not dead.

                         VICTOR

                         (DEFENSIVELY)
          Hungover, that's all. I'm his
          stepfather.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           70.

                          116

                         116 CONTINUED: (2)

                         HENRY
          (with a chuckle)
          Oh, man, now I see why he blew town.
          victor's insulted enough to lose his patience and his
          poise.

                         VICTOR
          The question before us is where did
          he go.
          Henry says nothing. He wants to be paid. Victor whips
          out a fifty-dollar bill from his top pocket. Henry
          reaches for it, but victor holds it back, wanting an
          answer first.

                         HENRY
          He wouldn't be on the Gulf. He
          hated the Gulf.
          Alex has moved up to the bar to listen behind him,
          unnoticed. He shakes his head at victor.

                         HENRY
          He's down in the Keys somewhere.
          Victor puts the fifty back in his own pocket. Henry
          stands aggressively.

                         HENRY
          That ain't cool in my book!
          In a swift, unexpected move, victor jams Henry back down
          on his bar stool. The bartender starts toward them. Alex
          slips out the door. The stool and Henry are toppling
          over. Victor catches them both, sets Henry upright.

                         VICTOR

                         (EVENLY)
          Now sit there,. and calm down.
          Victor is ill, but not weak. Henry looks away, the
          classic signal of submission.

                         VICTOR
          Thank you.

                         117

          117 EXT. BAR - NIGHT.

          Alex is waiting for victor outside.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           71.

                          117

                         117 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX

                         (PLEASED)
          They can't be too far.
          Victor stares at him.

                         VICTOR
          I never understand your optimism.

                         ALEX
          Or he wouldn't have lied.

          HENRY (O.S.)
          Hey, mister!

                         ALEX

                         (TO VICTOR)
          I think you made a friend.
          Victor turns around, Alex keeps walking.

                         HENRY
          is in the doorway to the bar.

                         HENRY
          What's it to you if I see the kid?
          Victor smiles.

          118 EXT. DRYDOCK - LONG SHOT - DAY 118

           From a distance we see Jason follow a beefy, jeans-wearing
           salesman into the building.

          119 ' INT. DRYDOCK - LONG SHOT - DAY 119

          The Salesman walks Jason past the vertical rows of boats,
          stacked from ceiling to floor, extolling the virtues of
          his stock. Jason inspects a modest boat, takes out cash.

          120 EXT. GULF - BOAT - DAY 120

          Jason is helming a classic wooden fishing boat, THE
          HERCULES II, old and not too big, but with good lines.
          He's purely happy.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           72.

                          121

          121 EXT. WATER - DAY

          Jason steers toward the beach and drops anchor. There's
          a cabin among the palmettos. No car.

                         122

          122 INT. CABIN - DAY

          Jason comes into the cabin.

                         JASON
          (just to be sure)
          Mom?
          The cabin is silent. He uses his fishing knife to pop
          loose a section of the cheap wall paneling. Behind it, a
          square of sheet rock has been sliced away between the
          studs to accommodate the pouch. He drops the pouch in his
          tackle box. A CAR is heard pulling up. Jason frantically
          starts to jam the paneling back in place. It won't hold.

                         123

          123 EXT. CABIN - DAY

          Suzanne takes a flat of geraniums out of the trunk and
          sets them on the porch. She opens the door.

                         124

          124 INT. CABIN - DAY

          Just as Suzanne steps through the screen door, Jason sees
          that his tackle box is open, the velvet pouch in plain
          sight. He kicks the top closed, bends to lock it.

                         SUZANNE

                         (CASUALLY)
          They'll think you stole it.
          He looks up at her, caught. She's walking toward the
          kitchen sink to wash the nursery dirt off her hands. She
          looks out the window at the boat again.

                         SUZANNE
          Nice boat.
          (over her shoulder)
          Are you allowed just to run around
          with it?
          'His tension ebbs. He picks up his tackle box.

                         JASON
          I forgot my tackle box.

                         SUZANNE
          -- Don't take advantage, Jason.
          They trusted you with the job.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           73.

                          124

                         124 CONTINUED:
           He kisses her quickly.

                          JASON
           It's not a problem.
           He escapes out the door.

                          125

          125 INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

          Alex is sitting on the bed, dialing a number. He can see
          Victor shirtless in the bathroom. (His scars surprise
          us). Victor is trying with effort to suppress a cough.

                         126

          126 INT. CONDO, KITCHEN - NIGHT

          Gabriella is cooking herself dinner.

                         GABRIELLA
          Hello?
          She's greedily grateful to hear Alex's voice.

                         GABRIELLA
          -- Hi! I saw on the news there's
          rain in San Francisco. Are you wet
          and miserable?

                         127

          127 INT. MOTEL - NIGHT

          Exhausted, Alex stretches out on the bed to talk to her.

                         ALEX
          Napa's farther north.
          Victor comes out of the bathroom. He's waiting for news.

          128 INT. CONDO - NIGHT 128

          She leans on the counter, flirting with his voice.

                         GABRIELLA
          Tell me you love me.

          ALEX (V.0.)
          I love you.
          Her smile vanishes.

                         GABRIELLA
          Who just laughed?

                         

                         

                         

                         

          74.

                         129

          129 INT. MOTEL - NIGHT

          Alex holds the phone out to Victor.

                         ALEX
          She wants to talk to you.

                         VICTOR
          Oh, please. Why?

                         ALEX
          Just fucking say hello, okay?
          Victor takes the phone.

                         VICTOR
          Hello, dear.
          Alex snatches the phone back from him.

                         ALEX
          Happy? Satisfied? I'm working.

          130 INT. CONDO - NIGHT 130

          His harsh tone unsettles her.

                         GABRIELLA
          I miss you.

          ALEX (V.O.)
          Are there any messages?
          She carries the phone to the counter where she keeps mail
          and any messages and starts to leaf through the stack.
          Her eye falls on a crumpled light blue envelope; she moves
          it out from the pile. It has been forwarded several
          times. And it's addressed to her.

                         GABRIELLA
          It's lonely here.
          There's no return address. She slits it open with her
          thumbnail. A trickle of sand falls out.

          ALEX (V.O.)
          What about the messages?

                         GABRIELLA
          I'm looking!
          Instead, she opens the letter.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           75.

                          130

                         130 CONTINUED:

          JASON (V..O.-)`
          Dear Gabriella. I've started this
          letter a dozen times --

          ALEX (V..0. )
          Gabby?
          She puts down the letter and quickly- finds the message
          memo.

                         GABRIELLA
          Here it is. Mr. Raines called from
          (NAME OF TOWN). He said you-Id know
          what it was about. Do you,- need the
          number?

          131 INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 131

          Sitting up, Alex signals success to Victor and writes down
          the number.

                         ALEX
          Thanks, honey. I'll call-you
          tomorrow. G'd'night .
          He hangs up, excited. Victor has already started to pack.

                         ALEX

                         (TO VICTOR)
          And you had no faith..

                         VICTOR
          I'll save the party hats until it's
          in our hands.

          132 INT. CONDO - NIGHT 132

          Gabriella is reading the second page of Jason's letter.

          JASON (V.0.)
          I look out at the flat blue sea, and
          the darker bl ue where the Gulf
          deepens and I want you next to me.
          •I want to walk across the. sugar sand
          and wade into the water with you
          until the current lifts us and
          floats us, nothing weighting us down --
          as'light and thoughtless as fish.
          Will I ever see you?... Love,:
          Jason.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          76.

                         132

                         132 CONTINUED:
          She's deeply moved. And it occurs to her that she has
          picked the wrong man.

                         133

          133 EXT. VICTOR'S CAR - DAY


                         NEAR THE
          Modest, nondescript. Victor parallel parks
          jewelry store with his usual careful manner.

                         134

          134 INT. CAR - DAY

          Victor and Alex kid each other without rancor for the
          moment.

                         ALEX -
          I miss the Cadillac. Top down. Air
          on.

                         VICTOR

                         (LAUGHING)
          You have pimp's tastes, Alex. At
          least my car's inconspicuous.
          Alex starts to get out. Victor doesn't.

                         ALEX
          You all right?

                         VICTOR
          A lot of these jewelers might know
          my face. It's risky.

                         ALEX
          How about for me?
          Victor takes out the photo of Alex with the necklace and
          holds it up for him.

                         VICTOR
          Nobody's seen this yet.

                         ALEX
          You're sick. I'll do it.
          Alex throws open the door and barrels out of the car.

                          €¢ 135

          135 INT. JEWELRY STORE - DAY

          The jeweler who bought the diamond from Jason lays it on
          a velvet pad for Alex, who's posing as the insurance
          investigator.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          77.

                         135

                         135 CONTINUED:

                         JEWELER
          (with a shrug)
          Said it was his mother's.

                         ALEX
          A seventeen-year-old kid waltzes in
          with a diamond as big as your
          toenail, and you don't wonder?? You
          shouldn't have touched iti You know
          that! All right, okay. When we
          recover the rest of the necklace,
          I'll be back. Do not, do not sell
          it. I'll see what I can do for you,
          Raines.

                         JEWELER
          i appreciate that.

                         136

          136 INT. BAR - DAY

          Victor and Alex are having a beer near the wide-screen TV.
          A game is on.

                         ALEX
          Smart lady. She lets Jason make the
          sale. They get caught, he's
          underage, and she don't know a
          thing. I gotta give her credit.

                         VICTOR
          You have interesting taste in women.
          Alex's gaze wanders to the game, but he can't get
          interested.

                         137

          137 EXT. VICTOR'S CAR - DAY

          It barrels up the highway, passing the same landmarks
          Suzanne and Jason did.

                         138

          138 INT. CAR - DAY (TRAVELING)

          Victor is driving, Alex reading the map. He circles a
          town name. Victor cranes to see it.

                         139

          139 EXT. DOCKS - LATE DAY

          A storm is blowing in, and Jason walks quickly along the
          docks to his boat and swings aboard.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           78.

                          140

          140 EXT. BOAT - LATE DAY

          The waves have already started to slap against the sides
          of the boat. Jason tosses over his fenders and secures
          them to protect the boat from the pilings. He starts
          toward the cabin. The lock has been popped. The door is
          slightly ajar. He hears a NOISE inside. He draws his
          knife.

                         141

          141 INT. CABIN - LATE DAY

          Jason throws open the door. A figure is bent over in the
          galley. It turns, and by the light of the refrigerator
          Jason recognizes Henry.

                         JASON
          Jesus, Henry... What the hell you
          doing?... How'd you know this was my
          boat??

                         HENRY
          I saw you cast off. Good little
          sport boat you got, too. Oh, whoa --
          hear that?

                         JASON

                         (PARANOID)
          Where -- what??
          Henry rubs his stomach.

                         HENRY
          Right here, man. I ain't been
          eating my share since my fishing
          partner ran off. Without so much as
          goodbye/good luck.
          Jason blows out a breath.

                         JASON
          It's complicated.

                         HENRY

                         (NODDING)
          Always is.
          The boat is rockirg now. The WIND has picked up. They
          hear the CLANKING and RUBBING of the other boats. Jason
          starts checking all the hasps and latches while Henry eats
          the sandwich he made.

                         JASON
          So why are you on the Gulf?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          79.

                         141

                         141 CONTINUED:

                         HENRY
          My baby finally sank on me. Right
          at the dock. I thought I'd work
          charter for awhile.
          (moving to help Jason
          with the latches)
          -- Need a crew?

                         JASON
          I don't know. Maybe.

                         HENRY
          That's not why I came looking for
          you.
          Jason is checking the engine. Out of Henry's sight, he
          surreptitiously reaches inside a hidden compartment.

                         HIS HAND
          wraps around the concealed pouch and withdraws, reassured.

                         JASON
          secures the engine hatch.

                         HENRY
          A guy offered me fifty bucks to tell
          him where you were. Sick old
          motherfucker. Big as God. Tried to
          say he was your stepfather.

                         JASON

                         (CAREFULLY)
          Maybe it was.

                         HENRY
          No, no, no, no -- this guy was not
          any kind of family man, if you know
          what I mean. So you're in some deep
          shit, because he wasn't a cop
          neither.

                         JASON
          -- What'd you tell him?
          Henry chuckles.

                         HENRY
          Lots of ways to make fifty bucks.
          Misunderstanding, Jason shoves him up against the counter.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           80.

                          141

                         141 CONTINUED: (2)

                         JASON
          You gonna lean on me, Henry?? Is
          that the plan?
          Henry is hurt and offended.

                         HENRY

                         (WITH DIGNITY)
          No, man, I wouldn't stoop that low.
          And if I'd taken the fifty, I
          wouldn't have to be eating your
          shitbag sandwich neither.
          Jason steps back, ashamed of himself. He sits down to
          recover. Henry looks at him with a friend's concern.

                         HENRY
          You -- um -- you moving contraband,
          Jason?
          Jason shakes his head no.

                         HENRY
          This guy struck me as a serious
          problem.
          A few raindrops spatter the windows. Jason makes for the
          cabin door.

                         JASON
          Take care of the boat?

                         HENRY
          (with a grateful smile)
          Not likely to sink two of 'em.

                         142

          142 EXT. DOCKS - DUSK

          Jason lopes along the quay, toward the businesses at the
          far end. The sky is about to open.

                         143

          143 INT. FISH MARKET - DUSK

          Working behind the counter, Suzanne leans on her elbows,
          chatting up a customer. Jason comes through the back
          door. She turns.

                         JASON
          -- Mom, come on.
          He catches her hand and tows her toward the back door.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           81.

                          143

                         143 CONTINUED:

                         SUZANNE

                         (ALARMED)
          What's wrong, what's happened?

                         JASON
          We"gotta go...
          She anxiously follows him out the door.

                         THE CUSTOMER
          leans back to see around the snack rack that blocked our
          view of him.
          It's Victor. A paper bag under his arm, he goes out the
          front door.

                         144

          144 EXT. FISH MARKET - DUSK

           The rain is sheeting down. Cars fishtail slightly on the
           grease not yet washed from the streets.

                         VICTOR
           reaches his car with a long stride; he can't run.

                          145

          145 INT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT (TRAVELING)

          Suzanne is driving. 'Jason has told her. He glances at
          her sideways. She takes a long breath. The rain speeds
          up. She switches on the wipers.

                         SUZANNE
          ... I should have gone through his
          pockets myself. It didn't occur to
          me. I was in such a panic. If I'd
          found the necklace, Jason? I'd have
          taken it, too.

                         146

          146 EXT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT

          She stops at a light.

                          147

          147 INT. VICTOR'S CAR - NIGHT

          Victor and Alex spot Suzanne's car idling at the
          intersection. Victor is eating an apple from the bag.

                         ALEX
          There.

                         

                         

                         

                         

           82.

                          148

          148 INT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT

          As she accelerates, Suzanne reaches over to pat Jason's
          hand.

                         JASON
          -- I'm sorry.
          She glances in the rear view mirror. Headlights.

                         SUZANNE
          It's okay. I'm the one who hit the
          bastard.

                         HER POV
          A small bridge ahead is almost ready to pivot to let a
          boat pass. She stamps down on the gas pedal. The car
          rockets forward.

                         149

          149 INT. VICTOR'S CAR - NIGHT

          The bridge gate is lowering. Victor guns the car under
          the gate and across the pivoting bridge just as the gap
          opens.

                         VICTOR
          What a thrill.

                         THEIR POV
          Jason's white face is turned toward them in Suzanne's car.

                         ALEX
          Easy, easy -- he'll see us.

                         VICTOR
          It's raining too hard.

                         150

          150 INT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT

          Jason looking out the back window sees only the headlights
          and rain.

                         JASON
          Still with us.

                         SUZANNE
          Maybe it's just a tourist cruising
          around with his head up his butt.
          Neither of them believes that.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           83.

                          150

                         150 CONTINUED:

                         SUZANNE
          ... How about Mexico? The Sea of
          Cortez? Your father fished for
          marlin there. The biggest catch he
          ever had.
           sharp left,
           She sees a side road coming up. She hangs a
           skidding into the turn, traction holding.

                          151

          151 INT. VICTOR'S CAR - NIGHT

          Victor can't make the turn in time.

                         ALEX

                         TURN1

                         VICTOR
          Relax. She's not going anywhere.
          He brakes and calmly reverses in the rain.

                         ALEX
          I just need to talk to her.

                         VICTOR
          Last time you talked, she almost
          crushed your skull.

                          (TRAVELING) 152

          152 INT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT

          Suzanne is driving fast.

                         SUZANNE
          Anything?

                         JASON

                         (CHECKING)
          Not a_car in sight.

                         SUZANNE
          You sure?

                         HIS POV
          The headlights turn onto the road.

                         SUZANNE
           hears his silence and looks back herself just as he looks
          forward.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          84.

                         152

                         152 CONTINUED:

                         JASON
          Mom! Face the road! You're
          drifting!
          She looks back as now bright headlights light them up. A
          truck HORN BLASTS.

                         SUZANNE
          -- Shit!
          She 'spins the wheel to avoid a head-on, but in so doing
          she clips the curb and loses control. She throws an arm
          across Jason to protect him.
           The car rolls onto its top, scraping across the road.

                          153

          153 EXT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT

          The upside-down car rips through a fence, slides down off
          the road. The engine dies. The only SOUND is the
          SPINNING back TIRE and the WINDSHIELD that now caves in.

                         154

          154 EXT. ROAD - NIGHT

          Victor swerves to the side of the road. Alex leaps out of
          the car and runs toward the wreck. Victor follows at a
          slower pace, opening his umbrella. He's still eating his
          apple. He sees a neighboring house light come on in
          response to the crash.

          AT THE WRECK
          Alex is trying to open the jammed door when Victor reaches
          him.

                         VICTOR
          We don't have much time.
          Through the window they can see Suzanne and Jason, both
          unconscious, limbs entangled, covered in glass. Suzanne
          is hemorrhaging from a gash in her side. Her leg twitches
          in spasm.
          Car headlights pass by on the road.

                         ALEX
          We need to get some help!

                         VICTOR
          Already on the way, I'm afraid.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           85.

                          154

                         154 CONTINUED:
          Alex kicks out what remains of the back side window and
          slithers into the car. Victor calls in after him.

                         VICTOR
          Open the trunk, please.
           He walks toward the back.

                          155

          155 INT. CAR - NIGHT

          With the car upside-down, Alex has to reach under the seat
          to press the trunk release.

                         156

          156 EXT. CAR - NIGHT

          The car is rocked far enough forward on its hood to enable
          the trunk to open. The contents cascade onto Victor. He
          starts his search, the apple gripped between his teeth.

                         157

          157 INT. CAR - NIGHT

          His own breathing noisy and shallow, Alex brushes the
          glass away from Suzanne's face.

                         ALEX
          -- Oh, Christ...
          He lifts her shirt to see how badly she's cut and presses
          the heel of his hand against the gash to try to stop the
          bleeding. Her blood spurts through his fingers. With his
          other hand he pats down her body.

                         SUZANNE

                         (BARELY CONSCIOUS)
          Jase...
          Alex checks Jason for her, searching his limp body at the,
          same time.

                         ALEX
          I think he's okay, Suzanne. Just'
          tell me where it is.
          She can't answer. He opens the glove compartment and
          feels inside. He goes through her purse.

                         ALEX
          Goddammit!
          Leaning over the seat, he fumbles with her clothes. He's
          trying to make her comfortable.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           86.

                          157

                         157 CONTINUED:
          Then he reaches down her bra, into her panties, searching.
          Her voice is faint.

                         SUZANNE
          Don't...

                         ALEX

                         (GENTLY)
          Sssh, I have to. Don't be scared.
          I'm not going to hurt you.

                         158

          158 EXT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT

          SIRENS begin to be heard, closing. Victor bends down next
          to the car.

                         VICTOR
          Alex, c'mon, get out of there.

                         159

          159 INT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT

          Alex roars at victor.

                         ALEX
          She's dying, for chrissake!

                         (TO SUZANNE)
          Hear the sirens? Help's coming.
          Just tell me where it is and let me
          get out of your lives.
          She whispers something. He leans in close.

                         ALEX
           What? --
          • She mumbles something indecipherable. He puts his ear
          close to her mouth. The SIRENS are bearing down.

                         SUZANNE
          (only a breath)
          ... Fuck you.

          VICTOR (O.S.)
          We're out of time, Ale7. You can
          stay if you want, but I've left.

          160 EXT. SUZANNE'S CAR - NIGHT 160

          Alex's feet pop out through the window. He's trying to
          shimmy himself backward out of the car, harder than going
          in, the principle of a lobster trap.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           87.

                          160

                         160 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX

                         HELP MET
          Victor grabs his ankles and pulls. Alex starts to
          reemerge.

                         161

          161 INT. VICTOR'S CAR - NIGHT (LATER)

          Parked down the road in a row of onlookers, Alex and
          Victor watch the fire department, working under portable
          lights, pry.Jason and Suzanne out of the car.

                         ALEX
          ... I didn't mean for this to
          happen.

                         VICTOR
          As soon as they see her license
          they'll call you in Miami.
          Alex nods. He can't look away from the scene.

          FADE TO BLACK.

                         162

          162 INT.-HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

          Jason is semi-conscious. His eyes flutter open for a
          second in the dark, then he sinks again.

                         163

          163 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

          Jason resurfaces. Alex is half-asleep in the chair, his
          bloody clothes changed. The newspaper droops from his
          fingers. Jason's voice cracks from disuse.

                         JASON
          what are you...
          He swallows painfully. Alex smiles and gets up from the
          chair. He dreads what he has to tell him.

                         ALEX
          Hey, there... how do you feel?

                         JASON
          Where's my mother?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          88.

                         163

                         163 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          (dodging the question)
          I flew straight back from Napa when
          I heard. You hit your head pretty
          hard.
          Jason struggles to sit up, his equilibrium not fully
          restored.

                         JASON
          Where's Mom? -- How's Mom?
          Alex sits down on the bed with him to break the news.

                         ALEX

                         (QUIETLY)
          I'm sorry, Jason... I'm so sorry.
          Jason stares at him. He hasn't absorbed the fact.

                         ALEX
          She didn't make it as far as the
          hospital.
          Horror and rage flood Jason's face.

                         JASON

          N000!
          He seizes the empty I.V. stand and hurls it at Alex, who
          throws up his arm protectively. Jason tackles Alex under
          his guard, smashing him into the metal dresser. Alex's
          head snaps backward, cracking the mirror.

                         JASON
          -- You killed her, you fuckl
          Alex tries to hold him, eventually in a forced bear-hug.

                         ALEX
          -- Don't, don't --

                         (CALLING OUT)
          I need someone in here!

                         JASON

                         (WEAKLY)
          Let go of me!
          Alex holds him close. He collapses in Alex's arms.
          An ORDERLY hurries in, followed by a Nurse.

                         ORDERLY
          We'll take care of him.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           89.

                          163

                         163 CONTINUED: (2)
           Alex hesitates, then goes out.

                          164

          164 INT. ADMISSIONS OFFICE - DAY

          Alex is conferring quietly with a staff member behind the
          counter.

          165 EXT. SUZANNE'S CABIN - DAY 165

          Victor picks the lock. Alex doesn't follow him inside.

          166 INT. CABIN - DAY 166

          Victor hits every spot where amateurs hide their
          treasures.

          A SERIES OF CUTS 167
          A) Victor's hand lifts the tub drain.
          B) Victor feels the back of a dresser.

                         VICTOR

                         (CALLING OUT)
          It'd be nice to have some help.
          C) Victor unscrews the trap under the kitchen sink.
          D) Et cetera.

          168 EXT. CABIN - DAY 168

          Alex is sitting on the stairs, staring out at the Gulf.
          He gives no indication of having heard Victor.

          169 INT. CABIN - DAY 169

          Victor lays his cheek along the living room wall to
          eyeball it for irregularity. A smile hoists his cheeks.
          He pops the paneling loose. His smile collapses. The
          niche carved between the'studs is empty. He rests his
          head against the wall.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          90.

                         170

          170 INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

          Alex walks down the corridor to Jason's room. He taps on
          the door. There's no answer. He pushes open the door.
          The room is empty, the bed stripped.
          Alex barrels out of the room to confront the tired young
          DOCTOR he sees walking down the hall.

                         ALEX
          Where's my son??

                         DOCTOR

                         (PUZZLED)
          I released him this morning.

                         ALEX
          You let an underage boy with a head
          injury walk out of here by himself??

                         DOCTOR
          It was only a concussion. He's
          fine. He said you were in the
          lobby.
           Nothing to be gained, Alex whirls around and strides away.

                          171

          171 EXT. ROAD - DAY

           Jason is running down the road, his face contorted.

                          172

          172 EXT. BEACH - DAY

          Jason keeps running onto the sand. He kicks off his shoes
          and plunges into the water and swims. Swims until he's
          exhausted and gasping. He tips his head back in the water
          and screams his grief to the pitiless sky.

                         173

          173 EXT. STREET - NIGHT

           A truck pulls over, Jason swings down and waves goodbye.

                          174

          174 EXT. CONDO - NIGHT

          Jason appears, walking down the street. He looks into the
          garage. Seeing Alex's Cadillac, he smiles a tight smile.

                         175

          175 INT. CONDO - NIGHT

          Jason unlocks the door and starts turning of f the alarm
          before the door is wide enough open to trip the delay.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          91.

                         175

                         175 CONTINUED:
          The lights are off. He closes the door and starts up the
          stairs.

          IN THE HALLWAY
          His hand goes into his pocket as he advances on the master
          bedroom. He takes out his knife.

                         176

          176' INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

          He moves toward the bed.

                         JASON
          Wake up, Alex. I want to see your
          face.
          The sheets stir. Jason raises his knife to strike. But
          it isn't Alex in the bed, it's Gabriella. She lets out a
          strangled scream. He whips the sheet off her with his
          other hand. She's naked.

                         GABRIELLA
          Jason!
          (her eyes on his knife)
          -- Don't hurt me. Please.

                         JASON
          Where is he?

                         GABRIELLA
          He went to get you! He's not coming
          back until tomorrow.
          She timidly pulls the sheet over her body. Jason yanks it
          off her so hard it flaps loose from the corners. He
          touches her belly with the length of his knife, the blade
          • flat to her skin. She freezes.

                         JASON
          His car's here.

                         GABRIELLA
          It's been here since he went to
          Napa.

                         JASON
          I keep hearing about Napa. Did you
          ever call him there?
          She shakes her head.

                         JASON
          You don't know where he was.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          92.

                         176

                         176 CONTINUED:
          She swallows to clear her voice. Her- eyes haven't left
          the knife.

          GABRIELLA.
          Why would he lie to me?
          Ever so lightly Jason's fingertips find her skin.

                         JASON
          You didn't waste any time,. did you.
          You moved right in.

          GABRIELLA.
          You don't need the knife.. Put. the
          knife down.
          She knows men and children well enough to demand, not beg.
          Jason has almost forgotten he still. has the knife against
          her. He lifts it and folds it and puts it away.

                         JASON
          I'm going to wait for him, and. I'm
          going to kill him.
          His hand drifts along her body. She doesn't resist.

                         GABRIELLA
          They'll lock you up.

                         JASON
          Yeah.

                         GABRIELLA
          'Away from the sky and the air and
          the sea and the current running
          against the wind?' That was a very
          beautiful letter.
          Jason moves onto the bed, on his knees. beside her.

                         JASON
          Did you show it to him? You two
          have a laugh about it?

                         GABRIELLA
          I never mentioned itl
          Jason's hand curves around her throat,. a, caress, a threat.

                         JASON
          Did you tell him how to find: us-?
          Gabriella knocks his hand away from her throat.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           93.

                          176

                         176 CONTINUED: (2)

                         GABRIELLA
          Not He wasn't interested, he didn't
          care.

                         JASON
          Sure, he did.

                         GABRIELLA
          He was glad she left.
          Jason lies down alongside her.

                         JASON
          He had us followed.

                         GABRIELLA
          W-why?
          He shrugs; he doesn't trust her.

                         GABRIELLA
          How do you know?
          She thinks grief has driven him crazy, and he sees that.

                         JASON
          I'm not crazy.
          Gabriella lays her hand over his on the bed, to comfort
          him.

                         GABRIELLA
          ... I'm so very sorry about what
          happened to your mother.
          His hand skitters away and lights on her ribs.

                         JASON
          Her loss, your gain.
          Furious, Gabriella forgets her caution. She slaps him
          hard enough to throw his head sideways. Jason rolls on
          top of her and pins her down.

                         JASON
          Her home, her bed -- her life.
          He lowers his mouth to Gabriella's neck. His kiss is
          surprisingly gentle. His knee works her legs apart.

                         GABRIELLA
          . Don't do this for revenge.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           94.

                          176

                         176 CONTINUED: (3)

                         JASON
          Let's finish what we started.
          Slowly, he kisses her. She lets her mouth respond: a
          sweet kiss, in spite of the circumstances.
          His fingers scissor her nipple.

                         JASON
          Just don't tell me that you love me.
          He peels off his T-shirt.

                         GABRIELLA
          (in a whisper)
          I love you.
          He gives her a hard look. She holds his gaze and pushes
          his jeans down until he finally kicks them off and they're
          both naked. They begin to make love.

                         GABRIELLA
          Wait.
          Jason doesn't understand. She gently pushes him back.

                         GABRIELLA
          This way.
          She turns on her stomach and guides him back into her.
          Jason moves now rapidly.

                         GABRIELLA
          Slowly.
          Her hand on his ass guides the pace. She hasn't had a
          young man in a long time.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (IN SPANISH)
          What are you doing to me?

                         (IN ENGLISH)
          Don't come, not yet.
          They move as one, their passion enveloping them.
          He makes her come first. Then, when her boay flattens, he
          also comes and he's lying on top of her, his face
          alongside hers, their breath gentling. Finally, they lie
          side.by side.

                         GABRIELLA
          Will you get me a towel? With warm
          water.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           95.

                          176

                         176 CONTINUED: (4)
          He kisses her and gets up. If she didn't love him before,
          she does now.

                         177

          177 INT. THE BATHROOM

          While he runs the water to'warm it, he looks at himself
          naked in the mirror. His face crumples. He no longer
          knows what he's doing.

                         178

          178 INT. MASTER BEDROOM

          He brings the towel back to Gabriella, who wipes herself.
          Her mood, too, has sobered.

                         GABRIELLA
          (after a moment)
          Are you going to kill me, too?

                         JASON

                         (REPELLED)
          No!

                         GABRIELLA
          You'll have to. I'll know. I'll be
          a witness. I'll know you planned
          it.

                         JASON
          -- Would you do that?

                         GABRIELLA

                         (SOFTLY)
          I like-you too much to let you kill
          him.
          Jasonstarts to put on his clothes:

                         GABRIELLA
          I need him, Jason.

                         JASON

                         (FURIOUS)
          You don't -- you don't!

                         GABRIELLA
          I'm not going back to Caracas! You
          don't know how we live there.
          She pulls the pillow in front of her to hide her
          nakedness. He touches her shoulder; she shrugs him away.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           96.

                          178

                         178 CONTINUED:

                         GABRIELLA

                         (GROWING FRANTIC)
          You have to leave now, Jason.

                         JASON
          What are you talking about? This is
          my home. I'm home.
          She stares at him. His face is set. She can't persuade
          him. Jason thinks of his next step, a plan.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (COLDLY)
          This is not your room, though, is
          it.
          Jason starts toward the door.

                         JASON
          You're never going to marry him,
          Gabriella.

                         GABRIELLA
          Watch me.
          He closes the door with a solid CLICK. She starts to cry,
          and still crying, she pulls the sheets off the bed, she
          has to change the sheets.

                         179

          179 INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

           Jason leans against the wall, his eyes squeezed shut,
           listening to her CRY.

                          180

          180 EXT. CONDO - DAY

           Alex carries his suitcase toward the condo.

                          181

          181 EXT. CONDO DOOR - DAY

           Alex puts his key in the lock, opens the door.

                          ALEX
           (as he goes in)
           Gabby?

                         182

          182 INT. CONDO - DAY

          Alex is too astonished to say a word. Jason and Gabriella
          are having lunch at the kitchen table.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           97.

                          182

                         182 CONTINUED:
          Alex sets down his suitcase.

                         ALEX
          I've been looking for you for two
          days!
          Jason relishes this.

                         JASON
          You should've called home.
          Alex advances.

                         ALEX
          How'd you get here?

                         JASON
          Hitchhiked.

                         GABRIELLA
          (too bright and

                         NERVOUS)
          Are you-hungry? Have you had lunch?
          Alex doesn't even hear her.

                         ALEX
          Why didn't you wait for me?
          Jason eats without answering.

                         ALEX
          And what about all your stuff, and
          your mother's?
          Jason swallows, wipes his mouth.

                         JASON
          She doesn't need it anymore, and I
          don't want it.
          Gabriella brings Alex a cup of coffee.

                         GABRIELLA
          How about a sandwich?

                         ALEX

                         (SNAPPISHLY)
          I'm not hungry. Jesus.

                         JASON
          You haven't even said hello to her.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          98.

                         182 CONTINUED: (2) 182

                         ALEX
          (with great control),
          Hello, Gabby.

                         JASON

                         (PROMPTING HIM)
          'Did you miss me, honey?,

                         ALEX
          What are you doing.
          Jason gets up from the table. He's wearing workout
          clothes.

                         JASON
          Nothing.
          He walks out of the condo. Alex and Gabriella are left
          alone together. She jumps in before he can say anything.

                         GABRIELLA
          He just lost his mother, Alex. You
          can't expect him to act normal.
          He steps up beside her and moves her hair off her
          shoulders.

                         ALEX

                         (GENTLY)
          Did you try to make him feel better?

                         GABRIELLA
          (right back at him)
          Yes. I gave him sonlething to eat.
          She walks out and up the stairs to the bedroom.

          183 INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY 183

          Alex comes into the room. She's sitting on the bed.

                         GABRIELLA

                         (SOFTLY)
          ... I feel like I made her die.
          Alex sits down beside her and takes her hand.

                         GABRIELLA
          I wanted her to go away so bad... I
          used to wish she'd die. And then
          she did.
          He lets go of her hand.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           99.

                          183

                         183 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          Oh,. please. I don't need two
          children in the house.
          (noticing her mouth)
          -- What happened to your mouth?
          Gabriella's hand jumps to her lip.

                         GABRIELLA
          Oh. -I bit my lip.
          He takes her lip between his and nuzzles it.

                         ALEX

                         (TENDERLY)
          Where? Here?... Better?
          She tries to laugh and nods. He holds her close.

                         ALEX

                         (CONVERSATIONALLY)
          where'd Jason go?

                         184

          184 INT. CONDO WEIGHT ROOM - DAY

          Jason is working out alone in the little gym when in the
          mirror he sees Alex come through the door. He keeps
          lifting. Alex sits down on the bench beside him. Jason
          ignores him.

                         ALEX
          You have something that belongs to
          .me, Jason -- and I want it back.

                         JASON
          It's not yours.

                         ALEX

                         (HARDER)
          Either way.
          Jason continues to lift. Finally:

                         JASON
          Did you know the thing's worth over
          a million dollars? What a fucking
          stupid way to spend money.

                         ALEX
          I was holding it for someone. These
          are dangerous people.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          100.

                         184

                         184 CONTINUED:
          The bar wobbles with Jason's laugh.. Alex moves behind and
          spots him, unnecessarily.

                         ALEX
          Don't screw around with me, Jason.
          He's in a position to crush Jason's windpipe. Jason
          shoves the barbell up in his face, finishing the set and
          re-racking. He reaches for his towel and wipes his face,
          his expression hidden.

                         JASON
          I don't know where it is anymore.
          You killed the only person who did.

                         ALEX
          It was an accident! What did I have
          to do with it?
          Jason wads up his towel and throws it at Alex.

                         JASON
          There was a car following us!

                         ALEX
          Did you see who was in it?
          Jason shakes his head no.

                         ALEX
          I met one of these guys. Tall,
          weird-looking fucker with.a gray
          crew-cut.
          (letting out a breath)
          These people you don't steal from.
          Whoever was following Suzanne is
          going to come after you, too.
          Haven't you figured that out?
          For the first time Jason wavers.; it's a plausible
          alternative, but one that makes him guilty instead.

                         JASON
          Who are they?
          Alex fastidiously drops the towel in the hamper.

                         ALEX
          Doesn't matter. Give the necklace
          back to me, and we'll split the
          handling commission.
          His ingratiating smile offends Jason. He doesn't trust
          Alex. He shakes his head.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          101.

                         184

                         184 CONTINUED: (2)

                         JASON
          She never told me where she kept it.
          Alex doesn't believe him either. His hand. rests on a
          dumbbell, and for a murderous instant he's about to pick
          it up and use it on Jason. He lifts his hand away.

                         185

          185 INT. VICTOR'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

          Victor is lying on his bed, the respirator beside him,
          while he talks on the phone to Alex. He looks dreadful.

                         VICTOR
          Nice boy like that, the money means
          diddlyshit. And, personally, I
          suspect he'd rather die than tell
          you. So get a blowtorch, and use it
          on the girl until he cooperates.

                         186

          186 INT. ALEX'S.DEN - NIGHT

          Alex sits hunched over the desk, the phone in his hand,
          thinking.

          VICTOR (V.0.)
          .. Just as an example, Alex.

                         ALEX
          He's gonna make a move.

          VICTOR (V.0.)
          When he does, I'll be there.

                         ALEX
          Okay.
          He hangs up and rocks back in his chair.

          187 INT. VICTOR'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 187

           Victor attaches his mask, breathes in oxygen. He turns
          off the light. His breathing deepens.

          188 INT. ALEX'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 188

          Gabriella has already gone to bed. The lights are off.
          Alex slides into bed beside her with a soft groan. He
          reaches for her comfort.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          102.

                         188

                         188 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          (muffled against her

                         SKIN)
          I'm never leaving you again.
          He starts to caress her.

                         GABRIELLA
          -- I'm already asleep, honey.

                         ALEX

                         (LIGHTLY)
          Wake up.
          She realizes he isn't going away. She rolls onto her
          back. Her arms go around him.- Alex kisses her, long and
          deep.

                         GABRIELLA
          Can he hear us?
          Alex's tone turns. Jason is causing him another problem.

                         ALEX
          I think he's probably figured out
          why we sleep in the same bed, Gabby.

                         €¢ GABRIELLA
          He misses his mother.

                         ALEX
          ... So do I.
          Gabriella props herself up on her elbow.

                         GABRIELLA
          What?

          ALEX .
          I wish she was alive and happy and
          someplace else.
          Gabriella lies down again and makes herself comfortable
          against him. He tries again to interest her body.

                         ALEX
          We need to go somewhere, just us.

                         GABRIELLA
          Where?

                         ALEX
          I'm buying a vineyard in France.
          Have you ever been to Paris?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          103.

                         188 CONTINUED: (2) 188
          She rolls onto her stomach, indirectly blocking his
          frontal exploration.

                         GABRIELLA
          No.
          Alex scoots down next to her, his hand takes possession of
          her ass.

                         ALEX
          We'll stay at the Ritz, we'll eat
          our way through every three-star
          restaurant in town -- a new dress
          every night -- would you like that?
          Gabriella laughs in wonder and turns onto her side to face
          him. They fit themselves together like an old married
          couple.

                         ALEX
          (getting caught up in
          his own fantasy)
          -- We'll drive down through Burgundy --
          follow the Rhone into Provence, wind
          up on the Riviera -- Monte Carlo --

                         GABRIELLA
          -- Princess Stephanie.
          He gives a rueful laugh; she's younger than he easily
          remembers.

                         ALEX
          They have tables at the casino where
          you play baccarat and the bets start
          at a hundred bucks.

                         GABRIELLA
          (with a chuckle)
          You won't be able to afford it.
          You'll have spent all your money on
          my clothes and my jewelry.
          (slipping her leg

                         BETWEEN HIS)
          Ohl Remember Dina's necklace?
          Alex's eyes go cold and watchful, although she doesn't
          notice.

                         ALEX
          Sure.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          104.

                         188

                         188 CONTINUED: (3)

                         GABRIELLA
          I'll wear something like that and
          then if you lose you can throw it on
          the table to cover your bet, like
          James Bond.

                         ALEX
          James had an expense account.
          He rolls onto his back, she lays her cheek on his graying
          chest. He no longer wants to make love.

                         ALEX
          What made you think of the necklace?
          She's drifting toward sleep.

                         GABRIELLA
          I looked good in it, didn't I?
          He pats her shoulder without answering. He won't sleep
          for a while.

                         189

          A SEA GULL
          flaps away with a SCREECH that startles us.

                         190

          190 EXT. DOCKS - DAY

          Jason. is walking along the docks. He turns suddenly.
          Victor melts into the doorway of a shed, but not before
          Jason has glimpsed him. Jason walks faster. A couple of
          Fishermen he knows call out greetings. He hops onto a
          docked boat.

                         191

          191 EXT. BOATS - DAY

          Jason jumps from boat to boat. He pushes them apart so he
          can't be followed.

                         192

          192 EXT. WHARF - DAY

          When he leaps ashore again, he has shaken Victor. Or so
          it seems.

                         193

          193 INT. CONDO - DAY

          Gabriella answers the phone.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           105.

                          193

                         193 CONTINUED:

                         GABRIELLA

                         HELLO --

                         194

          194 INT. MARKETPLACE - DAY

          Jason'son a pay phone.

                         JASON
          (into the phone)
          -- Come meet me, I gotta talk to
          you. I'm at the Haitian
          marketplace. You know where it is?

          GABRIELLA (V.0.)
          I can't just -- what am I going to
          tell him.

                         JASON
          An thing you want. Don't drive,
          take a cab --
          (as she laughs at what
          sounds like silliness)
          -- I'll wait for you.
          Jason hangs up. He looks around. He doesn't see Victor
          watching from the trinket stand.
          Be walks to the counter where he has already ordered
          coffee and pie. He picks up his fork. He can't eat.
          There's a folded newspaper left behind by another
          customer. He pulls it over.

                         WAITRESS
          Refill, hon?
           He doesn't even hear her.

                          195

          195 INT. CONDO - DAY

           Gabriella goes out the door.

                          196

          196 EXT. CONDO TERRACE - DAY

          Foot up on the lowest crossbar of the balcony railing,
          Alex leans on his crossed arms and watches her step into
          a cab. He's pleased.

                         HIS POV
          Gabriella waves to him.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          106.

          197 INT. MARKETPLACE - DAY (LATER) 197

          Gabriella walks through the stalls, looking for Jason and
          spies him at the counter. The paper is folded beside him.
          She sits down next to him.

                         GABRIELLA
          Okay. Here I am. What is it? Do
          you know how much a cab costs?

                         JASON
          I saw a guy following me... I
          thought you weren't safe. I was
          going to tell you to go stay at your

                         COUSIN'S --
           She starts to swivel off the stool to leave. He grabs her
          hand.

                          JASON

                          (HARDER)
          -- Hey!

                         GABRIELLA
          I'm so sick of this. You'd say
          anything!
          He hands her the newspaper.

                         GABRIELLA

                         WHAT --

                         JASON
          Read it.

          198 INSERT: THE HEADLINE 198
          at the bottom of the page reads, "Duchess of Windsor
          Jewels/Stolen From Socialite," with a picture of the
          Duchess herself in her glory days, necklace around her
          throat.

                         GABRIELLA
          reads the headline and starts to laugh.

                         GABRIELLA
          There is such a thing as justicel
          Dina's necklace. Couldn't happen to
          a better person.

                         JASON
          Alex stole it.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          107.

                         198

                         198 CONTINUED:

                         GABRIELLA
          You really hate him.

                         JASON
          The reason I know is because I stole
          it from him.
          Her eyes widen.

                         VICTOR
          his face concealed among the candles is trying to figure
          out what drama is going on between Jason and Gabriella.
          He can read their faces, but not their lips.

          JASON AND GABRIELLA

                         GABRIELLA
          ... The sonofabitch. That's why he
          went out with me. He was trying to
          use me!
          (the thought hits her)
          They'll think I'm part of it! The
          maid who got fired??

                         JASON
          You weren't a maid.

                         GABRIELLA
          What difference does it make??

                         JASON
          We're going to the Gulf.
           He throws money down for the check.

                          199

          199 EXT. MARKETPLACE - DAY

           Jason guns the motorcycle into the street, Gabriella holds
          him tight.
           Victor's car merges into traffic several cars behind them.

                          (TRAVELING) 200

          200 INT. VICTOR'S CAR - DAY

          victor is enjoying himself a bit. He fiddles with the
          RADIO, finds MUSIC he likes.

                         

                         

                         

                         

          108.

                         201

          201 EXT. CAR - DAY

          The RADIO MUSIC playing, Victor weaves through traffic.
          He keeps the motorcycle in sight.

                         202

          202 EXT. MOTORCYCLE - DAY

          Jason checks in his mirrors.

          IN THE MIRROR-
          He catches sight of victor's car, the same one that was
          following his mother.

                         JASON
          accelerates. Gabriella nuzzles his neck.

          203 INT. CAR - DAY (TRAVELING) 203

          Victor makes a face; he thinks he has been spotted. Jason
          is getting harder to follow. The music ends; An
          ANNOUNCER describes what it was, gives the time. There's
          a BEEP. The NEWS THEME starts up. "On the hour every
          hour, we give you all the news you need..." The announcer
          continues with the lead stories, including the recently-
          discovered jewel theft.

                         204

          204 EXT. STREET - DAY

          Jason jams the motorcycle TOWARD us, PAST us. Behind,
          Victor's car suddenly squeals through a U-turn.

                         JASON
          looks back.

          205 INT. CONDO, LIVING ROOM - DAY 205

          The shutters have been closed, Alex is lying on the couch
          in the dark, having a nap. He's awakened by a nasty
          wheeze. Victor is standing over him.

                         ALEX
          A man with your breeding usually
          rings the doorbell.

                         VICTOR
          There was, is, no time.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          109.

                         205 CONTINUED: 205

                         ALEX

                         (SITTING UP)
          You heard the news.
          Victor pulls one of Alex's golf clubs out of the bag as
          though to admire it.

                         VICTOR
          I know you keep money here
          somewhere.

                         (A BEAT)
          Your stash. Give it to me.
          Alex spreads out his hands.

                         AALEX
          Vic, Vic --
          The golf club catches him in the midsection. Alex cries
          out. The blow folds him forward onto his knees.

                         VICTOR
          The. cops are about to drive up your
          street.
          He brings the club down on Alex's bare foot.

                         ALEX
          (through teeth clenched

                         WITH PAIN)
          There's nothing here to.give you.

                         VICTOR
          Where is it?
          He clips Alex on the other leg as he tries to crawl away.
          The physical effort shortens Victor's breathing. His
          cough sprays blood. He tightens his grip on the club.

                         ALEX "
          Believe me -- I swear to God, I

                         DON'T --
          Victor raises the club over Alex's head, and brings it
          down on the coffee table instead. The glass-explodes. He
          has to push the words out through a•coughing spasm.

                         VICTOR
          I refuse to die in a fucking prison
          clinic!
          Alex staggers to his feet. Victor is struggling for
          breath. Alex jerks the golf club away from him and tosses
          it on the floor.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           110.

                          205

                         205 CONTINUED: (2)
          He puts his arm around victor's waist and helps him to the
          sofa.

                         ALEX
          Come on, this is pitiful.
          Victor drops onto the sofa. He gags on the blood in his
          throat and desperately draws in air.

                         ALEX
          What a mess.
          He picks up a sofa pillow to arrange it for him. Victor
          gives him a grateful smile. Alex presses the pillow down
          over his face before he can react. His feet flail. Alex
          has to lie on top of him to hold him down. A couple
          making out on the couch. The GUN THUMPS to the floor.
          Victor's movements slow, and stop. Alex takes no chances.
          He keeps the pillow jammed down until there's no
          possibility of trickery. Satisfied, he rolls Victor's
          dead body onto the floor, steps over it, and with steady
          hands he opens a bottle of very expensive wine. He pours
          a glass.

                         ALEX

                         (QUIETLY)
          At least you got to die in your own
          clothes, Vic. That's something.

                         206

          206 EXT. TRUCK STOP - NIGHT

          A few Truckers make remarks as Gabriella walks toward the
          bank of phones. "Hey, pretty lady." "Possibility?"
          "She's not your type." She doesn't mind swinging her hips
          a little for their benefit.

                         207

          207 INT. CONDO - NIGHT

          The PHONE is RINGING. Alex sits in a chair in the dark.
          Then he crosses to the phone, picks it up and waits for
          the caller to speak.

                         208

          208 INT. PHONE BOOTH - NIGHT

          Gabriella is watching for Jason. INTERCUT as needed.

                         GABRIELLA
          (into the phone)
          I'm with him.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         208

                         208 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          What took you so long.

                         GABRIELLA
          He has a boat, Alex! It's on the
          boat. The dumb shit wants to turn
          it over to the cops. You know
          what'll happen to me.
          Alex is taking his passport out of his desk.

                         ALEX
          Just tell me how to find you.
           He opens another drawer. There's a gun inside.

                          209

          209 INT. TRUCK STOP - NIGHT

          Jason comes out of the men's room. He doesn't see
          Gabriella for a moment. A couple of truckers block his
          view. Now he catches sight of her. She's coming from the
          direction of the phones, a can of soda in her hand. Their
          eyes meet. She smiles and waves the can, hurries to meet
          h1m.

                         210

          210 EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

           The motorcycle cruises up the coast road. The surf glows
           with plankton.

                          GABRIELLA
           presses her cheek against Jason's back.

                          211

          211 EXT. DOCK - NIGHT

          Jason secures the motorcycle. He puts his arm around
          Gabriella, they walk down the dock to his boat. He helps
          her aboard.

                         JASON

                         (CALLING OUT)

                         HENRY --
          Henry emerges from the cabin. He eyes Gabriella.

                         HENRY
          Oh, my.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           112.

                          211

                         211 CONTINUED:

                         JASON
          This is Gabriella. She's my
          contraband.
          She looks quickly at Jason, who smiles. Henry reaches out
          to shake her hand.

                         HENRY
          Kid's a sucker for dark skin.

          212 INT. BOAT - NIGHT 212

          Gabriella and Jason tenderly make love in the swaying
          cabin.

          213 EXT. BOAT - NIGHT 213

          On watch, Henry finds his gaze sliding to the NOISY
          dockside BAR, its beer sign beacon-bright. The SOUNDS
          BELOW embarrass him. He makes up his mind. He swings off
          the boat and heads toward the bar. He doesn't notice
          Alex's Cadillac idling in the alley. The headlights click
          off, the motor goes silent. The BOATS CREAK against the
          slips.

          214 INT. BOAT - DAY 214

          Jason wakes up with a start. He senses something. He
          slides out from under the sleeping weight of Gabriella's
          arm and pulls on his jeans, reaches up to open the cabin
          hatch.

                         HIS POV
          Alex's foot swinging. More of him comes INTO SIGHT as
          Jason climbs to deck. The financial pages open on his
          lap, he's drinking a Styrofoam cup of coffee and eating a
          donut; the rest of the bag of donuts is next to him.

                         ALEX
          Good morning! I brought donuts.
          Jason is struck silent. He sits down on the side of the
          boat, his arms around his ribs.

                         ALEX
          Oh, it's not as bad as all that.

                         JASON
          She fucking called you.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

           113.

                          214

                         214 CONTINUED:
          Alex shrugs.

                         ALEX
          She has some residual loyalty, yeah.

                         (MODESTLY)
          Which I didn't expect either.
          Jason moves to the helm, switches on the engine. Alex
          quickly finishes his donut. He brushes off his fingers.

                         ALEX
          Where are we going?

                         JASON
          I'm going fishing. Get off if you
          want.

                         ALEX
          No, it's a beautiful day for a boat
          ride. Give us a chance to talk.
          He makes himself comfortable.

                         JASON
          Then make yourself useful and cast
          off the stern line.
          Alex moves to the stern while Jason casts off the bow
          line.

                         ALEX
          This one?

                         JASON
          There's not a lot of choice.
          Alex casts off. Jason backs the-boat into position. He
          sees Henry asleep in the doorway of the marine supplies
          store next to the shuttered bar. Alex rejoins him.

                         ALEX
          -- If we could manage to ignore the
          personal history here, I think we
          could work something out between us.
          Jason turns the boat toward the open sea.

                         ALEX
          You want Gabriella? This is the way
          to have her. Life costs, Jason.
          Love costs. And you love her more
          than I do.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          114.

                         214

                         214 CONTINUED: (2)

                          ALEX (CONT'D)
          (as Jason glances at

                         HIM)
          So stake yourself to a life
          together. Give her what she needs --

                         (SEEING GABRIELLA
          before Jason does)
          -- Hi, honey.
          Gabriella comes up onto deck. She glances bewildered at
          the ocean around them.

                         GABRIELLA
          Why are we --

                         JASON
          -- Shut up! Just shut up!
          She sits on the bench, her face tight and angry.

                         ALEX
          He's feeling like you let him down.
          .She gives Alex a look that silences him. He reaches for
          another donut. The SOUNDS of the ENGINE and the HULL
          hitting the waves substitute for conversation.

          215 EXT. BOAT - DAY (LATER) -215

          Jason finishes setting the lines.

                         JASON
          -- Okay. I'm ready to listen.
          He sits down beside a pole and looks over at Gabriella,
          who has put on a hat. She's staring out to sea.

                         JASON

                         (TO GABRIELLA)
          Alex wants to make me an offer.
          She gives no sign of having heard him.

                         ALEX
          We're giving you a hard choice,
          Gabby. Two rich men.
          Gabriella swivels her head slowly.

                         GABRIELLA
          I don't want either one of you.
          A line quivers. Jason reels in a little.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          115.

                         215

                         215 CONTINUED:

                          JASON
           Something's going to bite, just

                          ABOUT --
           (his biceps tightening)
           -- now.
          And the bait is taken at the moment he said. The line
          reels out very, very fast. He lets the fish run with it.
          Gabriella has turned around to watch. Now Jason reels in
          a little, making the line taut, testing the weight.
          He yanks back. The line rises from the ocean, bringing to
          the surface a big, dark green fish. _

                         ALEX
          Jesus! What the hell is that?

                         JASON
          Hammerhead. Young. Male.
          Jason plays the shark until it's close to the boat and
          thrashing for its life. Gabriella's scared.

                         GABRIELLA
          Help him, Alex.

                         ALEX
          I'd just get in his way.
          His hand comes to rest on her shoulder as Jason expertly
          reels in the bucking hammerhead. She shrugs away from his
          hand. Jason has hooked a ten-foot, three-finned sea beast
          with a spade-shaped head and black eyes on each side. He
          attaches the line to a winch and winds it up onto the
          deck. It twists wildly, knocking things over until it
          slows down and finally lies very still. His chest heaving
          with the effort, Jason looks around. Alex has disappeared
          without either of them noticing.

          216 INT. CABIN - DAY 216

          Alex is searching frantically.

          JASON (O.S.)
          No luck?
          Alex whirls around. His gun materializes in his hand.
          Jason retreats a step.

                         JASON
          Is this your backup plan?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          116.

                         216

                         216 CONTINUED:

                         ALEX
          No.

                         JASON
          You want it so bad, it's yours.
          He pulls out the necklace and hurls it away from Alex.

                         ALEX

                         (MOANING)
          You little prick.

                         217

          217 INT./EXT. CABIN - THE NECKLACE

          skitters along the deck. The shark's body stops it from
          dropping out the open gate in the transom.

                         ALEX
          scrambles toward the necklace.

                         GABRIELLA
          Don't let him have it! He'll kill

                         USL
          Jason grabs her-and holds her with both arms to keep her
          from going any closer. Alex turns his head, puzzled,
          warned. Too late. The shark suddenly thrashes, its jaws
          snapping around him. Gabriella screams with Alex. He
          FIRES his GUN over and over until it's empty. The shark
          continues to tear at him.

                         ALEX
          Help me, help.mel!
          Gabriella runs down into the cabin. Much as he hates
          Alex, Jason can't let him die. like this. He charges.
          forward and straddles the shark, jams the blade of his
          knife into the primordial brain. He twists the handle
          once. The shark dies instantly. Trembling with
          adrenalin, Jason gets off its back. With his elbows Alex
          drags himself out of the jaws. He's badly mangled.. The
          shark slowly changes color to a dull brown.

                         ALEX
          You knew it wasn't dead.
          Jason squats down beside him to access his injuries.

                         JASON
          Mom didn't take the necklace.
          did.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

          117.

                         217 CONTINUED: 217
          Alex struggles to stay conscious.

                         ALEX
          Then you killed her yourself.
          Jason slowly nods.

                         JASON
          And you were in the car behind us.
          Gabriella drops down beside them. She has a flare gun, no
          longer needed, and sheets from the cabin to stop the
          bleeding. She starts to tear them up. She's crying
          slightly.

                         GABRIELLA
          We were supposed to turn him ini I
          didn't think you were going to kill
          him!

                         JASON
          Well, I didn't.
          Alex manages to laugh.

                         ALEX
          Jesus. You set me up. You had her
          call me.

                         (TO GABRIELLA)
          Shit... I believed you.
          Jason pushes to his feet and heads for the cockpit.

                         JASON
          I'll get on the radio.
          Gabriella wraps the strips of sheet tightly around what's
          left of Alex to bandage. She smears away the tears so she
          can see and leaves blood tracked across her face. She
          looks down to see his bloody hand clutching the necklace.
          They look at each other.

                         JASON
          has the microphone in his hand. He's setting course.
          Gabriella appears behind him. She's holding the flare
          gun. She puts it back where she found it, and steps
          beside him and puts her arm around his waist. He lays his
          arm over her shoulders and holds her close while he uses
          the radio.

                         JASON
          This is Hercules II, calling the
          Harbormaster...

                         

                         

                         

                         

          218 EXT. BOAT - DAY

           The boat heads back to port.

                          219

          219 EXT. DOCK - DAY

          At an unused pier Gabriella leans back against the line to
          hold the boat in place. Henry and Jason carry Alex off
          the boat and lay him on the planks. SIRENS can be faintly
          heard. Jason leaps back on the boat. Henry pushes them
          off.

                         CLOSER ANGLE

                         HENRY
          You cool?

                         JASON
          I will be.

                         HENRY
          See ya.
          He and Jason wave goodbye. The boat moves out. Henry is
          left with Alex.

                         ALEX
          (weakly; to Henry)
          What's your name?

                         HENRY
          No way --

                         ALEX
          (still the salesman)
          -- No, listen, listen -- this is
          worth a fortune.
          (thrusting the necklace

                         TOWARD HIM)
          Play the possibilities.

                         HENRY
          Yeah. Good advice.
          And he walks away fast.

                         ALEX
          Wait, don't go! Come back here.
          Come on back!

          Henry's gone. Alex rolls onto his belly and starts
          dragging himself down the dock, too much of an optimist to
          give up hope in a hopeless situation.



Blood and Wine



Writers :   Nick Villiers
Genres :   Thriller  Crime  Drama


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