Paul Myerberg
(864) 541-7777
changes21st@att.net
SUPER OVER BLACK:
"Do unto them as thou hast done unto me." Lamentations 1:22
INT. LOS ANGELES - CHEAP HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
In the dark, an alarm clock glows red: 1:22. Sharing the 1st
bed of 2, CATHERINE "CAT" BISHOP, late 20s, radiates a fresh-
scrubbed innocence despite the current distress in her voice.
CAT
How many dead?
Her fist tightens around the bed sheet. Every phrase molds a
new line of concern onto Cat's face as a MAN'S wavy image
reflects in the shiny black clock face.
MAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
My buddy tracked the enemy to
their village. Slaughtered
everyone, to be sure he avenged
who killed his friends.
Cat peers into her husband's forlorn eyes: BOB BISHOP, the
Man's Voice, late 20s, olive skin, hair as dark as his story.
CAT
And he's your buddy?
BOB (MAN'S VOICE)
It got worse.
CAT
Bob, it can't be any worse.
Bob winces in disagreement.
CAT
Can it?
BOB
As he left, he heard a baby cry,
then another. He turned back--
Cat presses her hand over Bob's mouth.
CAT
I don't wanna hear one more word.
Do not tell me this!
In the 2nd bed, AMY GOODMAN, 14, smart as a whip:
AMY
Sis, you already know what happens.
CAT
Sorry we woke you, Amy.
(to Bob, quieter)
How does a guy get that lost?
BOB
(sympathetic)
Cat--
Cat squeezes her hands over her ears, accompanied by a soft,
echoed SYMPHONY of OTHERWORLDLY EXPLOSIONS and SCREAMS.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Forging Bonds in the Shadows
INT. AIRPORT - CORRIDOR - DAY
THE NOISE OF A PASSENGER JET LANDING. SUPER: 4 YEARS LATER.
Spiritually-wounded DENISE, 20s, alloy leg, marches with Cat
past airline posters. Both women in Army uniforms, Cat's a
Ranger's. In Cat's arms, 4-months-old WILLOW BISHOP, red
hair, pale-white complexion -- completely unlike Bob.
FEMALE ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Welcome to Los Angeles
International Airport.
Cat reconnoiters the area for possible threats. She braves a
heavily scarred left side of her face, plus hearing aid...
Which rivets the fascination of a YOUNG GIRL, 5, with her
own hearing aid, pulled along by her PARENTS. Young Girl
gawks at Cat's disfigurement, her medals.
Cat sends her a friendly wink, pretends to "call in" regarding
military air support.
CAT
Bravo One, friendlies in area.
Denise nudges Cat's arm, makes Cat face her.
DENISE
What did the docs warn us?
CAT
(facetious)
Stop the drugs if we can.
DENISE
(chiding)
Cat!
Cat shrugs knowingly.
CAT
When you forgive the guy who took
your legs, I'll forgive mine.
DENISE
You'll really do this to yourself?
Cat thoughtfully bounces Willow in her arms.
CAT
To them, Denise. Every single
one.
Cat whirls and leads Denise past a WORKER who scrubs a spray-
painted, red-knife image off a wall.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Negotiation at Night
EXT. TOUGH NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
Graffiti'd walls, garbage in gutters. In civvies and a leather
jacket, Cat loiters at a 3-story walk-up apartment which
screams danger. She snaps toward FOOTSTEPS. A banger with a
TATTOO ON HIS FACE of a bloody knife, sneers disdain.
TATTOO
Wednesday a week, your man will
be at a peer-support meeting.
CAT
What's his name?
Tattoo waves a notepaper with an address, rubs his fingers
together in a "Where's the money?" Cat counts $400 from a
wallet with much more inside. Tattoo's eyes shimmer.
TATTOO
Four for me, four for the guy who
put us together.
CAT
That's not the deal.
TATTOO
You know your trouble? You're too
trusting.
Tattoo whips out a knife.
TATTOO
I was stupid like you but I got
wise.
CAT
You know your trouble?
Tattoo grins.
CAT
You're too dumb, to know you're
still stupid.
Tattoo's smile fades as he spots the gun in Cat's hand. He
lunges the knife at her. Cat pulls the trigger. BOOM!
Still on his feet, Tattoo peers down at the gaping hole in
his chest. He peeks up at Cat, and collapses.
Cat grabs Tattoo's note: an address but no name.
She glances at Tattoo's body, shivers in thought.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Tension in Tranquility
INT. CAT'S APARTMENT - DAY
In the doorway of a simple, shaded bedroom, Denise braids
her hair as Cat's ravaged face crinkles into a smile over
Willow, asleep in her crib. Slowly moving over Willow's head
is a nursery mobile of angels and cameo photos of Bob.
Cat grabs a package of strawberries from her backpack.
CAT
Organic, Dee. But please wash
them first.
DENISE
You're still always so polite.
Cat picks out a rotten berry, drops it in the trash.
CAT
It's the least I can do before I
start a fight.
Denise scoffs.
CAT
My husband died believing in the
little niceties.
Cat removes her 9-millimeter semi-auto from its safe, slides
the gun and holster into her backpack, and studies Willow.
CAT
I'll be late tonight.
DENISE
You gonna need bail?
CAT
Pray for peace, prepare for war.
CRACK, a sharp earthquake shakes the walls. Willow fusses.
CAT
Shhh, Willow. It's okay, baby.
The baby quiets. Cat turns back to Denise.
CAT
I'm glad you know. I don't feel
so alone.
Denise replies with an embrace.
Car in front?
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Circle of Guilt
EXT. MEETING HALL BUILDING - NIGHT
An empty 3-story, block-deep building. Decaying late-19th
Century, used to be vibrant light-industry. "No Trespassing"
signs hang crooked.
INT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT
Windows high on the wall, glow like evil eyes, lower windows
sealed with concrete block. The cavernous main floor is mostly
empty aside FIVE MEN, THREE WOMEN who sit uneasily in a circle
of folding chairs.
One of the group, Cat surveys the rest for her target.
SAMMY, 30s, notebook in lap, fidgets with a microphone hidden
under his jacket. He forces an air of wisdom over whatever
he's hiding.
Next to last in the circle, HEATHER, 20s, wiggles nervously
in her seat and intros herself.
HEATHER
Heather, London, All American
now.
Sammy nods, gestures to last-in-line KALIE, late-20s, 50
years' life experience.
KALIE
I'm Kalie. Life gives... lessons.
SAMMY
Thank you. At your feet you'll
find a rope.
In one chair, ÁNGEL, 50, a well-beat boxer with a double
helping of attitude:
ÁNGEL
To hang us with? Wouldn't be my
first.
Sammy twitches a smile.
Kalie studies Ángel. Ángel compares Heather's tits with her
lips as she dabs on lip gloss. Cat scans the group... but no
one meets her eyes.
SAMMY
Everyone here caused the death of
a fellow human being. Accident?
Intentional? Neglect?
ÁNGEL
Mine was legal.
SAMMY
That might matter to you, but not
to the dead.
An Hispanic man with a cold, blank stare rocks back in his
chair, shifts hateful eyes onto Sammy.
ÁNGEL
(frowns)
How 'bout you, Sammy? You kill
someone?
Sammy picks up "his" rope.
SAMMY
This belonged to my brother. I'm
here to finish what he couldn't.
ÁNGEL
"Couldn't"?
SAMMY
(sigh)
Africa. Missionary. Probably
stepped on the toes of the wrong
medicine man.
Sammy dangles the rope thoughtfully.
SAMMY
This was on the bank of a river,
next to a note forgiving me for
not being as good as him.
Sammy's eyes lock on Ángel, who nods, surprisingly softened.
SAMMY
Humans, choose a partner and
they're always there to pull you
out -- or let you down.
Two Hispanic men gesture to team up. Cat studies them.
SAMMY
Whatever got you here -- healing
is the ultimate revenge.
Cat drifts mentally, sighs.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Taco Talks and Sibling Wisdom
(FLASHBACK) INT. BOB'S CAR - NIGHT
21st-century East Los Angeles passes in the freeway
background. In the shotgun seat of a 12-year-old sedan, Cat,
no scars, searches on her phone. Bob drives. His army uniform
sways neatly on a hook. Amy chimes in from the rear seat.
AMY
If you respect your sergeant,
maybe he'd respect yours. What do
you think, sis?
Cat enlarges a menu on her phone, grins with pride at Amy.
CAT
Unless he's got you in a corner,
avoid him.
AMY
Hate makes you stupid--
CAT
Mexican! Two blocks from the
freeway.
BOB
Tacos!
CAT
Second exit.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Into the Unknown
(FLASHBACK CONTINUES) INT. BOB'S CAR - MINUTES LATER - NIGHT
Cat and Amy watch, windows closed, as Bob passes through a
block of HOMELESS tents and SHADY FIGURES in doorways.
BOB
(to Cat)
You sure about this?
They clear past boarded-up buildings. The GPS speaks:
GPS
Turn right in 400 feet... Turn
right.
Cat shrugs a "Must be."
As Bob turns into a side street, Amy notices a lookout with
PRISON MUSCLES, 30s, mumble into a cell phone.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Desperate Measures
EXT. HALE STREET - NIGHT
After Bob passes, Prison Muscles and a THIN GANGBANGER, 20s,
hustle a "Road Closed" street barrier back onto the blacktop.
Bob slows the car halfway up the low-rise housing. Sewer
construction blocks the road. FOUR GANGBANGERS, military-
style weapons in hand, stink-eye Bob's car.
INT. BOB'S CAR - NIGHT
Cat grabs Bob's hand.
CAT
Please, get us out of here.
Bob shifts into reverse. TWO MORE BANGERS step behind so Bob
would have to run them over to continue.
Bob clunks it into Drive. The banger with a Tattoo on his
face of a bloody knife (late teens here), steps in front.
SEVERAL GANG WOMEN appear. Cat locks the doors. CLICK. Tattoo
leans on the windshield.
TATTOO
You're not Escobar.
BOB
Who?
Tattoo scans the car, whispers to Prison Muscles.
PRISON MUSCLES
It's not him.
TATTOO
They seen the guns, they seen us.
Cat hits the "9" on her phone. Bob's hand covers the dial.
Outside, Tattoo's eyes turn colder.
CAT
(a warning)
Bob...
AMY
We have worse at school.
CAT
Amy, please...
An ARMED BANGER aims an AK at the windshield from the shadows
of construction.
AMY
Uncle Bob, look.
Bob brushes the grip of his 9-millimeter semi-auto.
CAT
The police--
BOB
One gun to 20 -- bad odds.
Bob draws his firearm... and slides it between the seats.
BOB
Best if they don't see it.
CAT
Don't you dare get out.
Bob scoffs, "as if..."
AMY
You both need to learn from the
young blood. If you don't have
love...'
Amy slides from the car, closes the door behind her.
CAT
Amy, no!... Bob...
Shocked, Bob spins out through his door.
BOB
Amy!
Cat locks the doors with a LOUD CLICK. Through the window,
Cat watches Bob and Amy as Prison Muscles and Tattoo, stalk
into their faces. Cat keys her cell phone, which connects to
the vehicle's Bluetooth: "Dialing 911." The Bluetooth RINGS.
Prison Muscles knocks Bob down with a right cross.
CAT
Shit.
Cat mashes the car's panic button. The CAR HORN BLARES
INTERMITTENTLY. Thin Gangbanger grabs Amy.
AMY
Get off me. Stop!
CAT
AMY!!!
Amy screams. A WOMAN'S VOICE shouts:
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
Do it, G.
A VOICE SOUNDS OVER THE CAR'S BLUETOOTH:
VOICE OVER BLUETOOTH
This is 9-1-1. What's your--
A PUNK IN A WIFE-BEATER SHIRT shatters Cat's window with a
gun butt, rips open the door.
He PUNCHES Cat, flings away her phone. Punk pushes her back
across the seat, paws at her. TEARS FABRIC.
CAT (O.S.)
No. Get off. Please!
Four seconds of SILENCE... Cat fires Bob's gun into Wife
Beater's chin. BOOM. Blood erupts over the windows, the
ceiling...
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Night of Despair
EXT. HALE STREET - NIGHT
Most of the gang scatters. Covered in blood, Cat skids from
the car. Gun limp in her hand, she staggers to Bob, beaten
bloody, dead.
Cat trembles, strays to Amy who bleeds from the nose and
mouth, a knife wound to her chest. Cat drops to her knees.
CAT
(whispers)
Amy.
(crying)
Amy, can you hear me?
Cat face distorts in anguish, her breath quickens. As silence
envelopes her, a shape moves in behind.
CAT
(sobbing)
Amy.
Tattoo aims his gun at the back of Cat's head.
Panting in breaths, Cat tugs strands of Amy's hair from her
dead lips, straightens Amy's hair as Tattoo's finger tugs on
the trigger.
A POLICE SIREN APPROACHES. Before Tattoo can fire, Prison
Muscles nudges him... and they hurry off.
Cat wails in agony.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Shattered Trust
INT. MEETING HALL - BACK TO PRESENT - NIGHT
Sammy turns to Cat with a tone of encouragement.
SAMMY
Cat, you want to start?
CAT
What?
SAMMY
If you'd rather someone else...
Cat surveys Ángel, the 2 Latin men and the others.
CAT
My little girl--
BOOM! A HEAVY METAL DOOR SLAMS SHUT.
ROSA, 40's, outgoing, clean sweater, a smudged cross of ashes
on her forehead, approaches the group past a line of coat
hooks which occupy one wall. On the hooks: Cat's knapsack,
locked; jackets, another backpack with a medical logo.
ROSA
My mom always said I'd lose my
way to my own funeral. I'm Rosa.
Sorry.
SAMMY
If you could pick someone to buddy
with...
Rosa's gaze settles on Cat.
ROSA
You need someone?
Cat shrugs a "Why not?"
SAMMY
Cat? What's your wound?...
Cat instinctively touches her scarred face.
SAMMY
Your emotional wound.
CAT
My mom's oncologist was also
Catherine, but all the Cats in
the world couldn't--
ÁNGEL
You're here 'cause Mommy died?
CAT
If I shove my boot up your ass,
would that get you to shut up?
SILENCE as Heather's eyes widen and Ryan's jaw drops.
ROSA
(softly)
You go, compa.
Ángel raises his hands in mock surrender.
SAMMY
The key to making this work,
humans, is "Peer Support."
HEATHER
Why do you call us "humans"?
SAMMY
So we don't forget what we are.
The scarred, left half of Cat's face flinches.
SAMMY
(to Cat)
If you don't feel safe with your
story, we can move on.
CAT
Let some fresh fish take point.
Sammy shrugs in query. DIEGO, 20s, pragmatic, smart, grins.
DIEGO
Fresh fish won't know better not
to volunteer.
RYAN, 40's, relevant in suit and tie, raises his hand. The
group settles their watchful eyes on him.
RYAN
I trade stocks. 800k last year.
SAMMY
And your wound?
RYAN
(smirks)
After studying the week's stock
charts, I picked up a hitchhiker.
Scruffy little thing.
Cat narrows her eyes, a sudden squall brewing.
RYAN
She said she was 14.
Cat's fists tighten in outrage.
RYAN
Scruffy went down on me right
there while I was driving. Forgot
all about my losing week.
The SOUND of an approaching RUMBLE alerts Cat and the group.
An earthquake hits. People jerk, walls sway. Cat drops to
the floor. LOW, GUTTURAL, SCRAPING SOUNDS grate from below.
Kalie grab at her chair. The room shakes for 8 seconds. The
quake ends.
A moment of silence. Cat gets to her feet, adjusts her hearing
aid. Ryan, halfway across the room, moseys back. Heather
laughs nervously.
PEER GROUP VOICES
I hate L.A./ You get used to it./
That was a five, four and a half./
Is this building safe?/ Do we
want to get out of here?
RYAN
If there's a bigger one, go to an
inside wall or get under a table.
Cat shifts to reconnaissance mode, evaluates GALLO, 30s, the
2nd Hispanic. Gallo's cold, blank stare suggests he's killed
any number of times.
GALLO
What table?
Cat scans the area. No table in sight.
SAMMY
Everyone okay? Heather?
HEATHER
I'm good.
Sammy and Ryan take their seats.
SAMMY
Ready to go on? Ry?
RYAN
Scruffy zipped me up as we drove
to her place. Wild, wild thing.
Shaves below.
Cat's fist tighten. Ryan meets her glare with a twinkle in
his eye.
RYAN
You know how exciting that is for
a guy?
ROSA
She musta been impressed with the
suit, like we all are.
RYAN
She could make a hash pipe from a
tube of toothpaste, a gun from
spare hardware parts. She came 5
times. Do you?... Rosa?
CAT
(to Sammy)
This is therapy? What kinda--
SAMMY
Cat, we don't judge here. Like in
the Bible--
CAT
She was 14! That's rape!
SAMMY
If you can't play by the rules,
I'm going to ask you to leave.
If Cat's eyes were a knife, they'd cut Ryan's throat.
CAT
(furious)
Ryan? Please, go on. You have
your finger on the pulse of this
group. I'm an 1162, physically
unfit and have no...
Cat pulls down her anger.
CAT
...idea of right or wrong.
Kalie looks to Sammy to say something. He stays silent.
Through a crack in Ryan's nonchalance, his pain shows.
RYAN
Just 'cause you shut down, doesn't
mean no one else...
CAT
(prompting him)
She came 5 times.
Ryan scratches his fingernails into his wood chair arm.
RYAN
I've never had a woman, or girl,
get off on me like she did. It
made me even harder.
Cat assays Ángel's face.
RYAN
Daybreak she had a grin like when
your cheeks lock in a smile. All
the old men who fool around with
underage girls, who was I to judge?
Cat slams her fist into her own leg. THUMP!
A RUMBLE. The room shakes. The quake intensifies.
THE GROAN OF WOOD. CRACK! A jolt snaps Cat off her chair.
Plaster drops from the ceiling. A fixture falls. Sparks! The
force of the shocks violently throws people.
CRASH! BANG. THUD! A THUDDING CRASH nearby.
QUIET. Emergency lights flare on. Soot pirouettes on drafts
of air. OUTSIDE, CAR ALARMS HOWL FOR AID.
Cat, on the floor, takes in a breath -- bad choice, as she
sucks in more dust.
Kalie, forehead bleeding, brushes off a "Heart-A-Nurse" pin
on her blouse. Heather gets to her feet.
HEATHER
Talk about a rock concert.
SAMMY
Kalie, you okay?
CAT
Check everyone.
Cat scans the dim room. Walls cracked. The floor has lifted
3 inches along a jagged line. Plaster AVALANCHES from a wall.
Ryan moans from the back. Cat coughs through dust and debris
toward where part of the 2nd floor caved in.
A massive joist with reinforced concrete attached, pins Ryan,
who winces in pain. Cat kneels beside him.
CAT
Sammy! SAMMY!
(to Ryan)
We'll get you out of here. Kalie!
We need you.
Sammy pales at the sight of Ryan under the slab.
SAMMY
Ry, can you get out?
RYAN
(sarcasm)
Sure, piece of cake.
Kalie skillfully checks Ryan's vital signs. Cat pulls out
her phone. No signal.
CAT
Anyone got 911?
Sammy studies his phone.
SAMMY
No signal....
(yelling out)
People, 9-11?
CAT
Everyone, give us a hand!
Cat, Sammy, Rosa and Gallo pull up on the edge of the mass
which pins Ryan.
SAMMY
On three. One... two... three.
They grunt in effort. The slab won't move.
GALLO
Fulcrum and lever.
CAT
Go.
Gallo's eyes show life. He rushes off.
Ryan spits blood. His gaze locks on Cat.
RYAN
You know you angle the right side
of your face at people when you
talk?
CAT
You being an asshole?
RYAN
Probably.
Cat scoffs.
RYAN
You still have it in you, don't
you?
Cat shifts back.
RYAN
Assholes have asked questions
like that before.
KALIE
(looking at Cat)
I haven't. Keep talking, Ryan.
RYAN
You served. You still have the
heart to kill.
That turns Rosa's head.
RYAN
Come on, Cat. What's it--
(winces in pain)
What's it feel like?
Cat clenches her jaw but... the guy could die.
CAT
They ran out of meat. Fed us lots
of carbs. You off someone, you
burn calories.
The group exchanges glances.
SAMMY
Once you ate, you have to kill?
CAT
No "has to." But once you cross a
line, pulling the trigger's like
making love without the cuddling.
RYAN
God, this hurts!
HEATHER (V.O.)
(calling out)
Hey, guys! GUYS!
SAMMY
(sharp)
What, Heather?
Heather's at the now bent and distorted front door.
HEATHER
We're trapped.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Shadows of Guilt
INT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT
Diego wanders toward Heather at the front entrance.
Cat spots blood on the floor near Ryan's head. From outside:
the SCREAM OF SIRENS heading away.
RYAN
You could kill someone right here,
as easy as I can sell short.
Ryan's eyes droop halfway closed.
CAT
Finish your story.
RYAN
(re: the group)
Look at them... Ready to break
down and ask forgiveness. At least
you wear murder with pride.
CAT
Whatever you think you see, is
not because I took out my share
but because I didn't get the rest.
Ryan exhales sharply at the remark.
At the front door, Diego glances back at Cat.
SAMMY
You're sorry you didn't kill more?
CAT
Punk goes after your sister: ooo,
you mess them up. Idiot cuts you
off on the freeway, you feel like
doing them but you don't. Turban
lobs a grenade, you...
SAMMY
You what?
CAT
Only question: How will God judge
you? And are you ready to pay the
price?
RYAN
(impressed)
And I thought I was cutthroat.
Cat's expression says that she said too much.
RYAN
One last question: the dying man's
request. How'd you get the face?
Cat gives Kalie her water bottle, Kalie wets Ryan's lips.
CAT
Twenty-two straight hours. Full
camo, face paint. Choppers off
the west ridge. Machine fire a
couple clicks east. A T-Man comes--
RYAN
T-Man?
CAT
Taliban.
Cat taps her nose.
CAT
I smell him coming, duck as he
stabs. I flip the aggressor into
a rock, ram my knife in him so
effing hard, it takes 30 seconds
to work the hilt out from his
chest to retrieve my blade.
RYAN
You're like watching a show.
She touches her scars.
CAT
I shouldn't have felt so cocky.
Next thing there's incoming. Boom.
Boom. Not sure which one hit me.
RYAN
Like it was nothing.
Rosa removes her clean sweater, slides it under Ryan's head,
shows Cat the blood on her hand.
Ryan gropes Cat with his eyes.
RYAN
Bet you do, don't you? 'Least
once in a while. You seem like
that kind of woman.
CAT
To do what?
RYAN
Shave your muff.
Cat's cheek quivers.
CAT
You were telling us about the 14-
year-old.
RYAN
(flinch of pain)
Didn't care how old. What matters
is when love smashes ignorance.
CAT
Love?
RYAN
Next morning, I woke up, in her.
I began to move in and out, she
didn't respond. Wanna guess?
CAT
She was dead.
RYAN
I was afraid I strangled her --
one of the games we p[layed. I
like wild.
(pained inhale)
My DNA inside her cooling body.
Only no fingerprints on her throat.
ÁNGEL
Fingerprints show on a throat?
Rosa watches Cat with empathy.
SAMMY
They could've charged Ry with at
least murder two. Instead...
The group exchanges glances.
CAT
...You thought peer support might
impress the judge?
RYAN
Coroner said, "Compressive
asphyxiation."
CAT
She couldn't breathe?
RYAN
Complicated by arrhythmia -- a
broken heart.
(cough)
Her sex history, Romeo and Juliet
law and 45K for the lawyer. I got
probation.
Ryan groans, loudest he's been.
CAT
Can I do anything?
RYAN
You up to a blow job?
Cat doesn't react in the least.
SAMMY
(scolding)
Ry.
CAT
If you smothered her, it wasn't
from lack of love, but because it
happened.
RYAN
How do you know that?
CAT
Death's my best friend.
Ryan laughs painfully. Air HISSES from his lungs.
CAT
Ryan?
Ryan stays silent.
SAMMY
Ry. Hey, man, you okay?
Kalie slides her finger onto Ryan's carotid artery.
KALIE
I'll call it. 8:32.
Cat covers Ryan's face with Rosa's sweater.
Rosa crosses herself. Kalie writes the time in a notepad.
Sammy rubs his eyes.
Ángel sighs, watches as Kalie rocks back, momentarily drained.
He nudges her.
ÁNGEL
What kind of nurse job you do?
KALIE
Unemployed kind. I caught a
prescription mistake at a hospital:
Resident MD wouldn't listen,
patient died, I got fired.
ÁNGEL
Don't seem fair.
Gallo returns with a two-by-four and a couple of bricks.
Cat and Rosa stare at Ryan's corpse. Sammy moves close.
SAMMY
You guys okay?
Rosa gives a small nod.
SAMMY
Cat?
CAT
Ryan strangled his victim. She
was my sister's age when Amy died.
Rosa embraces Cat. Sammy joins both.
Somewhere outside, a POLICE LOUDSPEAKER:
POLICE LOUDSPEAKER (O.S.)
Slow down!
Cat breaks from the group hug.
CAT
That's not that far.
ROSA
Three blocks.
Cat questions Rosa with a jerk of the head.
ROSA
When you hear it all the time,
you get good.
SAMMY
Why aren't the cops here?
Cat's watchful eyes slide to the cracked floor.
CAT
Anyone have phone service?
Sammy checks his cell, as do Gallo and Kalie. Their
expressions read, "Nu-uh."
Heather adds a shake of her head.
HEATHER
That's not all...
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Locked In: A Struggle for Survival
INT. MEETING HALL - FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
Diego picks up a chip of brick from the wall.
Heather and Sammy watch Cat and Rosa push against the metal
door. It won't budge.
DIEGO
(to Cat)
We already tried that... While
Ryan was trying to get you to sit
on his face.
Rosa snaps the back of her hand into his arm. Cat notices.
DIEGO
What?
CAT
Dictionary-dot-com put Ryan's
photo under "sexist pig." Those
kind of men should be spied out,
labeled and banned from society
till they turn human. That doesn't
mean I'd let him die alone.
(re: the door)
Let's do this.
Cat, Rosa and Sammy slam shoulders to the stuck door. A SNAP
and... Lath and plaster sheer from above. Gallo hustles up.
GALLO
Stop! The whole wall's on that.
Cat shrugs a question.
GALLO
Lintel's sagging on the frame,
which is held up by the door.
CAT
("yes... but")
I see what you're saying.
GALLO
You don't trust me?
Gallo wedges the two-by-four under the frame to shore it up.
One last kick to the two-by-four.
SAMMY
Gallo's a contractor.
More debris sifts down.
GALLO
Couple weeks from my license. We
tap another way out.
Cat swings to Sammy, who seems to agree.
HEATHER
Are we all gonna die?
ROSA
(disdain)
Just you.
Cat whips out her cell. Still no signal.
CAT
No one has service?
SAMMY
I usually get 2 bars in here.
DIEGO
So much for gettin' up early.
CAT
We past your bedtime?
DIEGO
I run lines before the family's
up. Scene study...
Diego glances at the earthquake-raised floor.
DIEGO
If there's classes.
Rosa peeks up from her cell phone,
ROSA
(to Gallo)
G, how 'bout you?
Cat's attention flicks onto Rosa... SOUND OVER, from Bob's
car ambush, the Woman's Voice shouts:
WOMAN'S VOICE (V.O.)
Do it, G.
G checks his phone, shakes his head. Across the room, Kalie
cleans blood from her hands.
Heather holds her iPhone like a dead puppy.
Cat surveys the blocked windows.
DIEGO
(to Cat)
Excuse me: You "didn't got the
rest"? As in, killed the rest?
CAT
(wondering:)
You left before Ryan asked me.
DIEGO
I heard.
CAT
You been thinking about that all
this time?
DIEGO
Who were you talking about?
CAT
Something my spotter in the Army
said, in reference to shots two,
three, four. That's the cream
kill.
GALLO
(to Cat)
You lose it and wanna "kill the
rest," give a warning so we can
get out the way.
Cat squeezes out a smile.
CAT
You'll be the first to know.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Tension and Connection
INT. MEETING HALL - COATHOOKS - NIGHT
Cat's fingers labor to unlock her knapsack. She betrays a
slight tremor as she reaches in past her gun holster for a
bottle of water. She clenches her fist, steadies her hand,
and takes a good swig. Cat hears Amy's voice in her head:
AMY (V.O.)
Hate makes you stupid.
Cat stares off, processing Amy's words, her breath slow and
measured, but her trigger finger kneads the backpack fabric.
She inhales, focuses on the people across the room from her.
CAT
(to herself)
Which one are you?
Rosa squeezes Cat's shoulder. Cat jerks sharply in reaction,
and she relocks her pack.
ROSA
You remind me of our gang pastor,
always in the middle between sides
ready to shoot.
CAT
You're in a gang?
ROSA
Scorpions. Little east of downtown.
Cat studies the ash on Rosa's forehead.
CAT
Gang but Catholic?
ROSA
In Spiritus Sancti. I like the
feel of the priest's finger making
the cross.
Rosa offers a fist bump. Cat completes it.
The building shakes. RUMBLE. Rosa follows Cat's squint up at
the intact windows high above.
ROSA
They didn't break.
CAT
Let's not be under them when they
do.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Tension in the Shadows
INT. FIRST FLOOR - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Sammy leads Cat and Diego toward a red glow. Gallo and Rosa
give additional light from their phones. Fallen plaster and
textured ceiling panels CRUNCH underfoot.
An EXIT sign lights the end of the hall.
CAT
How long are those batteries good
for?
SAMMY
Hmm, 90 minutes.
Sammy and Cat reach the corridor's elbow... Part of the
collapsed second floor blocks the way... the direction in
which the Exit sign points.
CAT
Climb or dig?
GALLO
Go for it.
CAT
Not exactly a risk taker, are
you, Gallo?
GALLO
When I need to.
Cat glowers at him.
GALLO
Better watch how you eyeball me.
CAT
Friendly fire coming up?
GALLO
Just watch the eyes.
Sammy lights Gallo's face with his cell, swings it to Cat.
SAMMY
Humans...
GALLO
Some people just don't get along.
Cat breaks eye contact with Gallo.
CAT
Let's scout further. There
blueprints for this place?
SAMMY
Be lucky if there's a mop.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Breaking Through
INT. FIRST FLOOR - CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OFFICE 104 - NIGHT
Gallo, Diego and Rosa watch Cat try the entrance to 104. It
won't budge.
CAT
Anyone good with locks?
Gallo kicks the door open.
GALLO
Week six: "Doors and Security."
CAT
What happened to "Don't breathe,
or the building'll come down"?
GALLO
This wall's non-load bearing.
Decent question.
Cat gestures "After you."
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Climbing Chaos
INT. OFFICE 104 - NIGHT
Cat and Diego follow Gallo and Rosa through the doorway.
Collapsed shelves and spilled storage boxes block the way
past. A roach scurries to cover.
DIEGO
Looks like my kid's toy box.
CAT
Over there should be an outside
wall.
A RUMBLE sweeps closer. The mountain of documents shifts.
CAT
(re: climbing)
Anyone volunteer?
GALLO
I'm still not stupid.
CAT
(to Diego)
Two brave men, two women.
Cell phones lit, Diego peers at the unstable mounds.
DIEGO
Actors in leg casts don't get
jobs.
CAT
Rosa?
ROSA
I got your back.
Cat picks her way up the unstable hill of shelving and boxes.
ROSA
Careful, compa.
Cat glances back, "catching" Gallo's eyes on...
CAT
Stop looking at my ass.
GALLO
It tight as it looks?
Rosa hits Gallo's arm.
Cat heads higher. As she approaches the peak, Cat tests the
overhead plaster. A LOUD CRACK. The ceiling spiders like
broken glass. Dust wafts down along with:
ROACHES... THOUSANDS...
The insects bounce off Cat, crawl, run, scurry, as she slaps
them away, paws at her face. She slips, goes down and then...
Except for one or two, the roaches are gone.
ROSA
Cat, you okay?
CAT
Great.
ROSA
You need help? I'll come up.
Cat hunches near the top of debris, waves Rosa off.
GALLO
Any studs broken?
Cat pushes against a joist.
CAT
These things are iron.
GALLO
What's above?
CAT
Another floor.
(re: further in this room)
I have light at my 12. Maybe a
window.
A couple more brushes of her body to ensure no roaches and...
Cat claws higher toward the glow.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Confinement of the Heart
INT. OFFICE 104 - BACK AREA - NIGHT
Cat frowns: Amy, bathed in light, shrugs in Cat's direction.
AMY
Why, sis? Why haven't you visited?
Cat closes her eyes, shoves down any chance of tears.
AMY
You're stupid if you think I don't
miss you--
GALLO (O.S.)
You still okay over there?
Cat peers at where "Amy" was. Only a plug-in flashlight, lit
when the power failed. And...
A window!
Cat slides down an avalanche of boxes, clicks open the window
latch. Forces the frame open.
Outside: security bars. A brick wall five feet ahead. Cat
shouts through the window:
CAT
Hello? Anyone out there?... Hey!
Anyone?
Cat waits for a reply. Inside, she barely hears.
GALLO (O.S.)
Chica is mental.
ROSA (O.S.)
Watch your mouth.
Cat turns her hearing aid on full blast, but can't make out
the new murmurs in Spanish between Rosa, Gallo and Diego.
CAT
I'm coming back.
Cat picks her way up the trash, found flashlight in hand.
She loses her foothold, slides down the mountain, unable to
stop, back toward the window.
Cat starts up again past a couple roaches, peers back to...
The barred, empty window.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
The Flashlight Fumble
INT. OFFICE 104 - FRONT SIDE - NIGHT
Rosa, Gallo and Diego turn as Cat comes into view at the top
of the heap. Cat gets sideways, tumbles out of control, loses
the flashlight.
Diego and Gallo catch Cat before she hits ground.
DIEGO
Whoops.
Cat's flashlight CLUNKS to the floor. Gallo grabs it up.
GALLO
You didn't have this before.
CAT
You been watching that close?
GALLO
You been watching us.
DIEGO
We wanna talk, or get out?
Gallo wraps his fingers around the light, tests it like a
roll of quarters and punches his hand.
GALLO
This'd hurt.
Cat balances herself, holds out her hand for the flashlight.
CAT
Please.
Gallo slowly, deliberately, returns the light to her.
Rosa cocks her head toward Cat as if wondering something.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Cold Justifications
INT. THIRD FLOOR - STAIRWELL AND CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Emergency lights glow. Climbing, Ángel makes a fist for Kalie.
ÁNGEL
...so I popped him.
KALIE
The guy died?
He yanks open the door to the floor, holds it for Kalie. In
the hallway, bricks seal what used to be a window.
ÁNGEL
Glass jaw had five kids. I'm
supposed to let him stab me?
Ángel kicks at the blocked window... Solid.
ÁNGEL
(sigh)
Commission yanked my license.
KALIE
Doesn't seem to bother you -- the
glass jaw dying.
ÁNGEL
I beat people for the living, why
would I cry over one?
Genres:
["Drama","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Tension in the Dark
INT. FIRST FLOOR - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Gallo and Diego lead. Rosa slows Cat with a tug on her jacket.
ROSA
Ryan was right. You're here 'cause
of hate.
CAT
Ryan's dead. Can't be more wrong
than dead.
ROSA
Which one are you after?... Gallo?
Cat tightens her mouth.
CAT
Why would I trust you?
ROSA
Compa, we either buddy, or we
don't.
CAT
What's "compa"?
ROSA
Buddy, pal. Used it on a sex friend
once.
Cat twitches a smile.
CAT
Tonight was recon the enemy, not
engage. How do you know those
two?
ROSA
Gallo at one of them truce
meetings. Never seen Diego before.
A LOUD CRACK. The building RUMBLES internally as it settles.
ROSA
(re: the building)
This is bullshit.
Cat's flashlight searches the ceiling...
ROSA
Which one you got it in for?
CAT
That's a discussion for another
moment.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Confronting Shadows
INT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT
Shadows flicker against peeling paint. A worried Ángel,
Heather and Kalie confront Sammy. Rosa, Gallo, Cat and Diego
join the discussion.
ÁNGEL
(to Sammy)
San Joaquin?
SAMMY
Monday, as a field mechanic for a
potato grower. I arranged for
someone to take my place here.
HEATHER
You were going to dump us?
A SHARP JOLT. A scurry of debris falls.
CAT
Gallo, you're the contractor.
What's the escape plan?
GALLO
Without a body bag?
CAT
(to Sammy)
We scouted a room with files to
the ceiling. When do they clean
it out?
SAMMY
(shakes his head)
Another bankrupt company.
Ángel scowls in disgust.
CAT
Any tools we can use?
SAMMY
The owners once mentioned a car
but I never saw it, much less
tolls to work on it.
CAT
In the garage?
Sammy shakes his head.
SAMMY
The garage floods.
ROSA
How can you not know where a car
is?
SAMMY
Owners were more concerned with
keeping out drug deals and trip-
and-falls. But...
Cat and Rosa lean in.
SAMMY
The back of the building's boarded
up but each of the 12 sections
has a loading area. They're big
enough to hide a car.
HEATHER
They towed mine.
Sammy questions Heather's non sequitur with a glance.
HEATHER
Scraped off the pavement.
CAT
What are you talking about?
Rosa taps her own temple saying, "Heather's nuts."
HEATHER
I paid my money like everyone
else. I want to be heard.
ÁNGEL
Count's at eight, twit wants her
back rubbed?
ROSA
I say we go up, now. Look for a
way out. We don't need to talk.
Rosa and Diego join Ángel in the "Let's Hurry Group."
HEATHER
I can help.
ÁNGEL
How?
HEATHER
You don't want to listen, screw
you.
Cat sighs. Gallo and Kalie join Diego and Ángel. The "Let's
Hurry" confront Cat, Heather and Sammy.
KALIE
Hospitals gonna be begging for
staff. Let's move.
Another RUMBLE. The building shakes, calms. Kalie and Diego
share a worried glance.
CAT
Gallo, this building gonna last?
GALLO
No.
CAT
How long till it goes?
GALLO
An hour. A day. But it's comin'
down.
Cat sizes up Rosa and Gallo's group.
CAT
What if I huddle with Heather,
you find a way out? Meet here in
40.
Heather scrapes over a chair. Cat and Sammy sit, Sammy
sneaking his recorder to "on," nods a thanks at Cat.
Diego and Rosa's group drifts into the dark of the hall.
Heather nods in the direction the others left.
HEATHER
They're not nice, are they? Not
to even want to hear what I have
to say.
CAT
We're listening.
HEATHER
Me and my clique partied near
Wilshire -- where that rapper got
shot?
Sammy suppresses impatience.
HEATHER
After last call, I hit S-and-M
Boulevard. Guy in a tux steps off
the sidewalk. I punched it so
we'd get by...
Cat's cheek quivers.
HEATHER
A woman driver looks right at me.
"You're not gonna T-bone my Mini,
are you?"
CAT
You ran into her?
Heather takes a moment for a deep breath.
HEATHER
I thought I saw a baby fly through
the air. Tiny pink bootie, like
on a string. All my friends died
too.
CAT
This have anything to do with
getting us out of here?
Heather turns to Sammy.
HEATHER
You mentioned a car.
SAMMY
Maybe.
HEATHER
You drive fast enough, you get
through bodies, walls.
Heather exhales a quick sound of going fast. An eerie grin
twists her face.
HEATHER
My sister drove me to the ER where
they took the dead lady and her
baby, ready to throw myself at
the mercy of their family.
CAT
Hospitals are hard.
HEATHER
I'm in the hall. I heard the pain --
the wailing... Their mother, their
sister, grandbaby, dead -- and
they chose to bicker over politics.
A CRACK from across the room. A RUMBLE. Heather goes on like
she doesn't notice.
HEATHER
The more they went at it, the
more I realized, they were the
other side.
CAT
Heather, I want to hear your story.
But...
Heather arrows Cat a "not you too" glare.
CAT
...The other side of what?
HEATHER
What me and my friends spent
fighting, messaging, tweeting.
They were the people destroying
America. And I killed one of them!
Sammy glances at Cat.
HEATHER
I never said I was sorry. I wanted
them to suffer.
CAT
"Hate makes you stupid."
HEATHER
Excuse me?
CAT
That's what my sister said.
HEATHER
Your sister's right. I hope I can
meet her.
Tears leak past Cat's eyes.
CAT
The building: your plan?
HEATHER
How do I get rid of feeling like
my friends' death was my fault. I
don't want to end up like you?
CAT
Me?
HEATHER
Broken.
Cat flicks a gaze at Sammy, who for now seems... useless.
Cat's resentment toward Heather dissolves into empathy.
CAT
What's your lesson?
Heather touches her face as if, it too were scarred.
HEATHER
I couldn't take looking like you,
always knowing everyone... just
as I looked up, they looked away.
Cat takes several calming breaths.
CAT
Your lesson?
HEATHER
If I help you find the car, and
we get out... maybe that makes up
for the dead.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Confrontation in the Shadows
INT. SECOND FLOOR - HALL - NIGHT
An emergency light flickers out. A second barely glows.
Shadows writhe under Cat's flashlight and Sammy's cell phone.
Imaginary hands reach out. Heather avoids their touch. The
three come to a "T" in the corridor.
CAT
Two this way, one that?
HEATHER
I'm good alone.
(to Cat)
Thank you for listening. If I can
ever return the favor...
CAT
Thanks.
Cat eye-signals Sammy to go with Heather.
SAMMY
(to Heather)
I'll keep you company.
Sammy trails Heather to the left. Cat watches them until
they disappear in the gloom.
Cat FREEZES! A gangbanger aims a gun at her from where Sammy
and Heather disappeared.
Cat angles her flashlight, and "the banger" disappears.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Tension in Room 247
INT. SECOND FLOOR - RIGHT CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Cat reaches what used to be an exit, now bricked solid. The
building shakes and RUMBLES. Cracks appear in the wall. Cat
grabs the doorknob to "Room 247" and unlatches the door.
The tremors stop.
Inside Room 247, a dying rat squirms on the floor. As Cat
watches the rodent, a man's hand clamps onto her shoulder.
Cat whirls, finger-jabs to the throat of: Sammy -- she stops
a millimeter short of crushing his Adam's Apple.
CAT
That's how people get hurt.
Sammy swallows hard. Ángel and Kalie flank Sammy.
CAT
Where's Heather?
SAMMY
Bathroom.
Cat kicks the dying rat from her path.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Desperate Escape
INT. ROOM 247 - NIGHT
No furniture. A trail of dust sifts unnoticed from a
fluorescent light anchor. Sammy, Ángel and Kalie join Cat as
she reaches past a broken window glass to the bars outside.
CAT
Why am I not seeing a release?
SAMMY
That's part of the reason they
couldn't rent the building.
CAT
Can we work the bars free?
SAMMY
If you have a month.
RUMBLE. The building shifts.
More debris from the overhead light drizzles unnoticed.
CAT
How 'bout the roof? There's a
roof, right?
SAMMY
Blocked off, and no way down.
CAT
There's always a way down. Maybe
not how we'd like...
KALIE
Why'd you pick this building for
the group?
SAMMY
I still had my key from when I
worked here.
CAT
No one knows we're here?
Sammy shifts uncomfortably.
A GRINDING SOUND! Still attached on one end by conduit, the
fluorescent fixture hurtles toward the group.
Cat tackles Kalie as the fluorescent light... WHOOSH... speeds
by where Kalie's head was an instant before.
Kalie nods a thank you.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Descent into Darkness
INT. SECOND FLOOR - RIGHT CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Growing worry permeates the group. Cat searches past peeling
walls, her light aimed up. Rosa and Diego follow with Sammy
and Kalie. Ángel's nostrils flare as he sniffs the air.
ÁNGEL
You smell that? Like ammonia and
dog shit.
ROSA
Mister 800k, makin' an impression.
Cat's determination hardens.
CAT
I wanna out before the blowflies
find him.
DIEGO
¿Qué?
ROSA
Moscas de la carne.
A LOUD CREAK reverberates. The walls SHUDDER. Plaster dusts
the air.
CAT
Healers use maggots to treat us
slow-heal patients.
Cat slides her fingers into a deep, damp crack. Sammy spots
the horrified estimation of danger on Cat's face.
CAT
In recovery I had hundreds of
those squigglers eating the dead
parts of my face.
Silence as Cat's words hang in air with the dust particles.
SAMMY
(whispered)
Why aren't you scared?
Cat's finger crosses her lips in a sign of "Be silent."
ROSA
Where's the twit?
CAT
Long time for a pee.
The entire group looks to Cat.
CAT
We need to find her. Now.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Into the Abyss
INT. SECOND FLOOR - LEFT CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Kalie lets the ladies' bathroom door BANG closed, turns to
Ángel and Cat.
KALIE
Nope.
The BUILDING RUMBLES. A nearby wall sheers off, and debris
filters through the air.
Diego, Sammy, Gallo and Rosa brush themselves off.
GALLO
Clock's going tick-tock.
The group searches further down the hall.
CAT
(calling)
Heather?
SAMMY ROSA
Heather? Heather!
Kalie's phone TONES A DEAD BATTERY, and shuts off.
ÁNGEL
Heather!
Walls disappear into darkness. Cat eases toward a hole in
the floor, the edge of which is...
A collapsed stairway.
CAT
Watch the drop-off.
Cat lifts her light. Hard to see but... In the rubble below,
askew, like a broken doll: A female form, face down.
CAT
(into the hole)
Heather? Heather? Hey!
ROSA
Looks like you down there, compa.
CAT
Me?
ROSA
Hair in particular.
Cat peeks over the edge.
CAT
Someone needs to go down.
SAMMY
I'll lend you my brother's rope.
Gallo's eyes go on Cat, as do Rosa's... And Kalie's.
CAT
Did I volunteer?
SAMMY
I'd kill myself.
ROSA
Don't look at me.
Cat nods to Sammy. He rushes off.
CAT
(into the hole)
Heather!
Cat kicks debris to the side. A chunk of floor gives! She
twists back. Diego pulls her to safety.
CAT
Thanks. Quick reflexes.
DIEGO
You should see me in my kitchen
with roaches.
CAT
Good thing I'm not a roach.
Cat and Diego, face-to-face...
Sammy rushes back with the rope.
Cat hands Kalie her flashlight.
CAT
Little light on the subject.
Cat folds Sammy's line in half around her body, tosses one
end off the ledge, hands the other to Ángel.
CAT
Hold tight, please.
Ángel loops the rope around his hand. Diego, Sammy and Rosa
grab the line, and brace.
Cat passes the rope through her legs, backs to the edge.
Kalie brightens a swath in the collapsed stairwell.
Cat eyeballs Diego... Gallo... Rosa... Ángel...
And steps over the edge.
The rope pulls tight. Cat disappears into the pit.
DIEGO
She does have a trust issue.
CAT (O.S.)
I heard that.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Descent into Darkness
INT. COLLAPSED STAIRWAY - NIGHT
Supported by the rope, Cat finds a foothold. She squints
from Gallo's and Kalie's lights above.
CAT
Aim those in front, please, not
on me.
Cat's foot probes for the next ledge.
The shelf crumbles. She drops. The rope snaps tight.
Grunts and groans above.
Cat's face stops an inch off a gnarled length of metal.
ROSA (O.S.)
Cat?
Cat stabilizes herself on a length of rebar.
CAT
Yeah, fine.
ROSA (O.S.)
We got you, compa.
Cat feels the sharp sheet metal, peeks down.
CAT
Ready?
DIEGO (O.S.)
Be careful.
Cat rappels lower, runs out of rope three feet off the bottom.
CAT
Can you give me more?
DIEGO (O.S.)
That's all she wrote.
CAT
I'm letting loose.
ROSA (O.S.)
Cat, no!
Cat releases the knot, spins as she falls...
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Descent into Darkness
INT. COLLAPSED STAIRWAY - BOTTOM - NIGHT
Cat stumbles to her knees, her face at Heather's back.
Something scurries in the dark. Several pairs of beady eyes
stare back... rats shuffle away.
CAT
Kalie, toss me the flashlight.
Leave it on.
The flashlight plummets from Kalie's hand. Cat snags it. She
tests the unstable ground, feels Heather's wrist.
From Cat's expression, there's no pulse.
ROSA (O.S.)
Cat?
Cat finds blood on Heather's back. She looks close...
A knife wound.
Cat slides her fingers through her hair in astonishment. Her
eyes dart toward the others above.
CAT
Light coming up.
Cat tosses the flashlight high.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Beneath the Surface
INT. SECOND FLOOR - LEFT CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Diego, Ángel and Sammy hold the rope taut as Cat reaches
from the hole. Gallo helps Cat roll out onto the floor.
Rosa pulls her to her feet, holds Cat's hand a beat too long.
ROSA
What happened?
CAT
She was stabbed in the back.
KALIE
Oh, my God.
SAMMY
Stabbed?
GALLO
Wait a minute. You accusing...
ÁNGEL
Should we hoist it up?
CAT
It?
ÁNGEL
The body.
Rats scurry in the dark below.
DIEGO
She'll be lighter after dessert.
ROSA
You sure she was stabbed?
Cat's gesture says, "I'm sure."
Rosa gives Cat back her flashlight.
DIEGO
Why would anyone stab the girl?
CAT
Let's survey it. All those who
thought she was me, raise your
hands.
Cat glances across the men in the dim light.
ÁNGEL
(aimed at Cat)
All those who remember, you wanted
to kill someone...
Ángel raises his hand.
CAT
(to Ángel)
Where were you when Heather died?
SAMMY
So, you think one of us is a
murderer?
CAT
We already know what we are. The
question is, "Which one didn't
stop?"
The group can't help but look at each other...
But especially at Cat.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Tensions Unleashed
INT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT
In a pile: two small water bottles, a pack of gum, Kalie's
first-aid kit, granola bar, duct tape, a two-inch pipe,
matches, a rusted hammer, lipstick, dirty dishwashing gloves.
Cat dumps the contents of Heather's bag: Kleenex, what appears
to be a gold wedding band... a string of condoms, an address
book, a 2" by 3" plastic ladybug.
Sammy fiddles with the ladybug.
Kalie tosses a folding knife into the pile.
KALIE
I still can't believe she's gone.
CAT
Why do you carry a knife?
Kalie scoffs.
She realizes all eyes are on her: Gallo, Sammy, Ángel...
KALIE
You don't think... Ángel, I was
with you.
ÁNGEL
Not all the time.
Kalie pulls on her nurse's pin.
KALIE
I'm a trained professional. Why
would I hurt Heather?
ÁNGEL
Why are you here?
KALIE
I miscarried after a 16-hour shift.
I'm supposed to help people, and
I couldn't keep my own baby alive.
You want to talk about guilt, and
worthless, I'm it. You happy?
Cat uses a tissue to pick up the knife, opens it.
CAT
Smaller than the wound. No blood.
Sorry for your loss.
Diego takes the blade, examines it.
CAT
Why would someone want to kill
Heather?
ROSA
They're nuts?
SAMMY
Could she have stabbed herself?
ÁNGEL
Anyone know her from before?
Diego lobs the knife into the collection.
Rosa checks her phone. No signal. Sammy attempts to pry the
ladybug open.
Diego peers at the windows, way high up. Gallo handles the 2-
inch pipe, places it back with the rest.
CAT
Gallo, you got talent other than
construction?
Gallo grabs his crotch.
CAT
Your dick makes you a tough guy?
Heather wouldn't give it to you?
GALLO
Must be hard to pull the trigger
when you're not sure who's who.
CAT
Never bothered me in country.
GALLO
Bothered me when--
ROSA
Lay off, G.
Cat thoughtfully runs her tongue over her teeth.
GALLO
(to Cat)
Maybe I'll be nice, bring a
birthday present to your niña.
CAT
Bring me one, too, please.
ROSA
And me, cabrón. Mess with mi
compa, you answer to me.
Rosa rubs the ash cross off her forehead.
SAMMY
The enemy is not opposite you.
The enemy is you.
Sammy coaxes the string out of the ladybug -- a PIERCING
SIREN SHRIEKS from the plastic bug. Everyone scrambles:
Kalie covers her ears. Sammy gropes for the string and rod
he just pulled out. Ángel paws for the alarm, knocks it from
Sammy's grip.
GOD, WHAT A PAINFUL SOUND!
Cat grabs her hearing-aid ear in agony. Rosa fumbles for the
bouncing alarm, jostles it further away.
Gallo shatters the ladybug with the rusted hammer.
The NOISE STOPS.
ROSA
We coulda used that to call for
help.
GALLO
Tick-tock.
ÁNGEL
"Everyone has a plan 'till they
get punched in the mouth..."
SAMMY
Sorry.
ROSA
(to Gallo)
Stupid.
Cat picks up lipstick and hammer. Her eyes stray to Rosa.
CAT
Let's find that car.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Breaking Barriers
INT. PASSAGEWAY - DAY
Old plywood sheets bar entrance to the door behind. Cat works
the hammer under a corner and pries.
CAT
Grab the edge, please.
Rosa pulls on the plywood corner as Cat pries further up.
CAT
Thanks for backing me up with
Gallo.
ROSA
He blows before he thinks.
CAT
You know him better than from a
truce meeting.
ROSA
Went out with him once. Makes
una enchilada fabulosa.
CAT
(re the plywood)
Let's do this.
Cat and Rosa tug on the plywood, finally rip it aside.
ROSA
You armed?
CAT
Bring a gun to peer support? That'd
be sick.
Cat moves in past where the plywood was.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Locked Memories
INT. MATERIALS STAGING AREA - DAY
Layers of dust and spider webs. Nearly empty shelves with
faded product numbers, storage bins for wire, massive double
doors at the end.
In the glow from the dawn sky, Rosa checks out a twisted
bicycle frame and a hand pump. Cat peers up at the tiny
transom windows, too high to reach.
CAT
Keep thinking there's got to be a
way to get there.
ROSA
(re: the bike)
Ride out?
Cat lays the hammer near some nails, checks an empty box.
CAT
Why'd you wipe your ashes?
ROSA
I stabbed my ex in the ass.
Cat peeks over. Rosa's not joking in the least.
ROSA
Nine-inch Ginsu. Don't figure
God'll forgive me, even for Lent.
But I can try.
CAT
You kill him?
Rosa rattles the padlock on the oversized doors, hefts the
hammer. Cat gives her space.
ROSA
My little bimba was run over by a
car, trying to get away from my
husband's best bud.
Rosa jerks the hammer up... The head flies off and across
the room. Rosa's heartbreak flips to a grin between them.
ROSA
(a curse)
Me cago en su puta madre. Least G
woulda done the guy himself.
Cat jams the head back on the shaft, gives the tool back to
Rosa, who slams the hammer against the padlock.
Behind them, SOMEONE WATCHES from the shadows.
ROSA
Coroner said 2nd cut of 4 did it.
D.A. said self D.
Rosa hits the lock again... The screws loosen.
CAT
You were protecting your daughter.
ROSA
Ashes are the dust from which God
made us. I get home from church,
add a dash of my baby's remains
from her urn so God knows, I carry
some of the fault.
CAT
We tie ourselves up with guilt,
then forget we gave birth to the
bitch.
Rosa swings the hammer, and tears the lock hasp loose.
ROSA
You do point your right side at
people. But you're a looker.
Rosa touches Cat's lips. Cat pulls back.
CAT
Why'd you do that?
ROSA
Wondered what that scarred mouth
feels like.
Cat tugs at the doors. Stuck. She wedges the hammer in where
the doors meet, pries. One side GROANS open a quarter inch...
Cat claws in her fingers, gets the door to crack open a bit
more. She jams in her arm...
The building RUMBLES. Debris falls, the doors shift...
And bite onto Cat's arm.
CAT
Ouch.
Cat tries to pull back her arm, but can't.
CAT
Rosa.
Rosa grips the hammer, steps forward with the deadly tool...
Cat's attention flicks from Rosa, to what's in her hand.
Rosa tightens her grip on the hammer. Her eyes meet Cat's.
CAT
Can you help me here?
Rosa jams the hammer into the slot, shoves and pries.
The door GROANS, the space spreads slightly... Rosa lays all
her weight into the effort...
The hammer splits...
Cat scrapes her arm free.
CAT
Thanks.
ROSA
What are buddies for?
Somewhere outside, the SOUND OF A CHOPPER. Cat's attention
flicks to the noise, back to the door.
Cat grits her teeth, wedges the split hammer in the crack so
it can't close, and pries at the opening. Rosa joins her in
the effort...
The door GRINDS OPEN.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Unlocking Hope
INT. LOADING AREA - DAY
The HELICOPTER SOUNDS FADE into soft SOFT ECHOESS. Una rata
scurries under a counter. Cat and Rosa spot...
An old Buick Skylark. Tires flat.
CAT
There she be.
Cat and Rosa check the tank-like loading doors to the outside
world: nailed shut. Windows too high, too small.
They push on the loading doors anyway. Unmoving as a vault.
ROSA
Why nail doors shut?
CAT
Why go to war?
ROSA
Why did you?
CAT
For their training, their dime.
Learned a lot. Not to be a victim.
I got an income and health care
for life. What a deal.
Cat tests the car door. Locked.
Rosa on the other side of the Buick. Also locked.
Cat feels under the bumper. Gropes at the top of the front
tire... And comes up with a pair of keys.
CAT
Keys are bites of love. If you
don't have love...
ROSA
What's the rest?
CAT
You're locked out of life.
Cat opens the driver side door.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Beneath the Weight of Memory
INT. BUICK - DAY
Cat slides behind the steering wheel, unlocks the passenger
door, inserts the key in the ignition. Rosa squats outside
the open passenger door.
CAT
No one touches my face anymore.
Except my baby.
Rosa and Cat stare at each other. Where is this going?
A flat shard of plaster, floats awkwardly from the ceiling.
CLICK, it hits the floor.
Under Rosa's gaze, Cat turns the ignition key. DEAD SILENCE.
INT. LOADING AREA - DAY
Cat and Rosa, at the front of the Buick. Hood up: old battery,
wires chewed useless.
CAT
Army's new half-million dollar
Jeep, rats ate the ignition harness--
ROSA
Let's talk about wiring and cars.
Not about what's eating you.
CAT
Careful what you ask for.
Rosa stands strong, dares Cat to get honest.
CAT
Day Two in Country, I stumbled on
Angelina's torso, kicked away a
rat... Angelina was a woman in my
outfit, mother of two. I tripped
over her body just before I saw
her head on a boulder, blowflies
laying eggs in her blood.
Cat bridges the battery terminals with her fingers.
CAT
(re: the battery)
Not even a buzz.
ROSA
Angelina.
CAT
What does it feel like to be
K.I.A.? What if you can still
feel a rat's teeth tear off pieces,
even though you're dead?
Cat studies the fuel pump, removes the radiator cap.
CAT
Or if you're born again, what if
as a baby you still remember your
life before, when you were gang-
raped at 14.
(MORE)
CAT (CONT'D)
In the crib when you come back,
can you still hear your own screams
from the life before? No wonder
my baby cries.
ROSA
You think God would do that to
us?
CAT
This is what I think He expects.
Cat pulls up her shirt. On her belly, tattooed:
"Destroy Hate."
A RUMBLE. Cat yanks Rosa to the side... Just before a chunk
of ceiling slams down where Rosa was a second earlier.
For a moment, Rosa's unable to speak.
ROSA
I owe you.
CAT
Enemy didn't care what they did
to Angelina. What if I say,
vengeance is mine?
Cat and Rosa stand face to face. Rosa blinks.
CAT
You owe me? Let's see.
Cat starts toward the door. Rosa takes a moment and follows.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Confrontation of Truth
INT. WALL WITH LINE OF COAT HOOKS - DAY
Gallo hits on Kalie across the room. Cat, on her own mission,
grabs a stack of 3x5 photographs from her backpack.
Rosa seems unsure where this is going as Cat hands her about
half the photos...
Mug shots of individual gangbangers, surveillance photos of
unsavory punks. Three pix are noted "JAIL."
Rosa's gaze dances between the photos and Cat's intense
expression -- then to Cat's hip -- where there must just be
a gun bulge.
Next photo is a woman gang member with no notation. The next
picture is a YOUNG MAN, handwritten over as "DEAD."
CAT
He screamed "Stop." Same as my
sister.
Rosa's concern ratchets up a bit.
The next picture: Tattoo. Magic-markered, "Dead."
ROSA
This feels like a threat.
CAT
You recognize any of them?
Rosa holds her breath as Cat hands her 2 more. Each with 6
silhouettes, with a "?" on their non-specific faces.
Almost unwillingly, Rosa glances around the room.
CAT
One of them stabbed Heather.
ROSA
Heather? Why...
(realizes what Cat's
suggesting)
You thing, in the dark, someone...
Lord, forgive us our trespass.
Rosa's eyes flick to the last picture in Cat's hand. Cat
holds it up. It's a photo of Rosa.
CAT
A cop friend included your picture.
She make a mistake?
Cat wipes the remaining smudge of ashes from Rosa's forehead.
Rosa knocks her hand away.
CAT
Because we're "sisters," I ask
"are any of these animals going
to help you resolve the emptiness
in your life?
ROSA
Will any of them bring you back
to your baby?
Cat blinks.
Before she replies, Diego, Kalie and Sammy arrive.
KALIE
You have any better luck?
Rosa pulls her gaze from Cat, who puts away the photos. Rosa
glances again at Cat's hip.
ROSA
(to Kalie)
Say again?
KALIE
The top floor's blocked. Like
Sammy said, no roof access, You
find anything?
ROSA
A Skylark that won't start.
Cat and Rosa exchange loaded glances.
CAT
(calling to Gallo)
G... you charge for expert advice?
Rosa narrows her eyes as Cat and Gallo huddle M.O.S.
ROSA
(to Sammy)
When did Gallo and Cat sign up?
SAMMY
Why?
ROSA
She strike you as dangerous?
Sammy straightens, clamps his lips together.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Risky Decisions
INT. LOADING AREA - DAY
Gallo studies the doors to outside, while Cat studies him.
GALLO
Crowbar, Sawzall, scissor lift...
none of which we have. Ramming
through'd be faster...
CAT
But could bring the building down
on us.
GALLO
Bad odds are better than none.
CAT
Everyone here in 10 minutes?
Gallo twitches a smile.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Reflections of Promise
INT. MEN'S BATHROOM - DAY
Bricks fill what used to be a window. Light glows through a
silent exhaust fan facing a within-the-building flue.
Cat unlocks her pack, sighs at the sight of her gun and
holster. She pulls out a thin photo wallet, aims her
flashlight on a snapshot of:
Herself in a military hospital bed, bandaged face, holding
Willow, her infant baby.
Another picture: Willow at about 3-months-old.
Cat peers up at a mirror -- scarred left side of her face,
healthy right side. She aims her flashlight in the mirror so
the beam lights Amy's reflection, standing at the cubicle
behind Cat, listening.
CAT
(to "Amy")
When I get out of this... I'll
come by. I promise.
Cat zips the backpack, SNAPS the lock shut, gun still inside.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Desperate Calls for Help
INT. LOADING AREA - DAY
Cat inflates a flat with the hand pump. Diego removes a wheel
on the Buick. Sammy and Ángel clear the debris that almost
hit Rosa earlier from the car's path.
Outside, the WHOMP, WHOMP, WHOMP of a HELICOPTER tugs
everyone's attention. Kalie jerks toward the outside double
doors. Gallo pockets something off a shelf.
On a street nearby, a POLICE LOUDSPEAKER SQUAWKS:
POLICE LOUDSPEAKER
...make your presence known. If
you can hear... If anyone hears
my voice, make yourself known.
This is the police.
Rosa, Sammy, Ángel and Kalie scream and yell -- at the doors,
at the ceiling.
THE GROUP
Down here/ In the building/ Help!
Help us!/ We're here!
Cat, silent, spots: Debris sifts from above.
CAT
(softly)
The noise...
The CHOPPER FLIES OFF. Ángel whistles. More crap falls from
the ceiling.
THE GROUP
Down below!/ Here!
CAT
Hold on... Quiet!
The BUILDING CRACKS. Flaking plaster dusts the air.
CAT
Gallo, you hear the building shift?
GALLO
Fixed beam unfixed.
KALIE
(at overhead)
Help! Help!
Both watch above for what might fall next. Cat cups her hand
to her hearing aid in order to hear better.
ÁNGEL
How the hell they going to hear
us--
DIEGO
They're gone.
Cat and Gallo both study the ceiling.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Desperate Escape
INT. LOADING AREA - LATER
Cat readies to back the Buick away from the exit doors. Sammy
at the passenger side. Gallo, Ángel and Diego at the bumper.
Kalie behind the steering wheel, hand-cranks the window down.
Rosa nods encouragement to Cat, who takes another check of
the ceiling.
CAT
If something lets loose, get ready
to move. Ready?
Kalie shifts to neutral.
SAMMY
Three, two...
The rest push.
SAMMY
What happened to one?
The group manhandles the Skylark backwards until it stops,
CLUNK, a bit hard, against the rear wall. Sand-like dust,
drifts down from the ceiling.
Gallo and Cat look up.
SAMMY
Fast as we can forward.
CAT
(to Kalie)
In the center, where the doors
meet.
KALIE
Like a needle in a vein.
SAMMY
Three, two, one...
The group pushes. The car gains speed at the massive doors.
IT HITS!
CRUNCH. The doors shed a lung's worth of dust. Cat tests
where the car slammed them. No give.
CAT
What's anyone think?
ROSA
G?
GALLO
(re: the ceiling)
All bets off.
CAT
(to Kalie)
Don't let it hit the back wall.
Cat helps the group strain to reverse the car. It won't budge.
SAMMY
Your foot on the brake?
KALIE
Sorry.
The group rolls the Buick away from the doors.
Kalie stops before the vehicle hits the rear wall.
Cat scans the flagging group.
CAT
Take deep breaths.
SAMMY
Three, two, one...
They push the Skylark forward.
Harder, faster... BOOM! The doors rattle. A board splits.
ON THE CEILING, a new fissure tracks an ominous trail.
Cat claws at the DOOR'S PLANK, breaks a piece away, presses
her eye to the hole.
CAT'S VIEW through the split lumber: Light filters through a
pile of bricks and debris which blocks the way out.
CAT
(through the hole)
Anyone there? Hello?... Sammy?
THE CEILING fissure opens further in spidering directions.
CRACK, POP, POP, POP.
Sammy leans his eye to the opening in the DOOR.
SAMMY
(re: the debris)
Could be from our building.
KALIE
Heather was right. We're gonna
die.
She mashes down the horn. NO SOUND.
CRAAAAACK!
Towering above, the gaps sprint in various directions. Pieces
of concrete and plaster loosen.
CAT
Uh-oh.
BOOM! Large chunks break from lath and beams.
The group scatters. BOOM. CRASH! A slab hammers the Skylark,
CRUNCH, caves in the windshield and part of the roof.
CAT
Kalie!
Cat yanks at the door latch. Diego adds his weight to the
wedged-shut door.
CAT
Kalie? Kalie!
KALIE
I'm okay. I think.
Cat and Diego drag Kalie out through the window.
High above, daylight butterflies through a hole in the roof --
way too far to reach -- too unstable for the group not to
get out of there.
More chunks hammer the ground.
Cat ties a rag to a stick of splintered wood, writes the
word "Help" on the rag in lipstick, and shoves the result
through the opening in the door.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Desperate Escape
EXT. MEETING HALL BUILDING - OUTSIDE LOADING AREA - DAY
The lipsticked help sign hangs limp in the rubble.
INT. LOADING AREA - DAY
Cat grabs the hand pump.
CAT
Let's get the hell out of here.
The last two through the door back into the building, Rosa
turns to Cat.
ROSA
Where to now?
CAT
If this ceiling went there's got
to be another that also fell.
Maybe one we can reach.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Echoes of Loss
INT. LIGHT INDUSTRY HALL - DAY
The ceiling cracked but intact. Cat studies the stains and
imprints on the floor of what used to be manufacturing
machines, windows cinder-blocked sealed. Rosa moves closer.
ROSA
If I was lucky to still be a mom,
I'd have pictures out of my ass.
CAT
I won't forget that image.
Cat takes a moment, sighs at Rosa's "request." Cat lays down
the hand pump, takes out Willow's photos and shows Rosa.
ROSA
(admiringly)
Oh, man... Who's the dad?
CAT
My sniping spotter.
Cat's lower lip rolls.
CAT
All that death over there, and
God's finger came down. Someone
cared. I told Adam I was pregnant
and he danced, boots stomping,
Velcro popping...
POP, RUMBLE, the building shifts. Cat watches the ceiling
for potential collapse. Rosa seems oblivious to the danger.
ROSA
The Army was okay with that?
CAT
After I medevacked, Adam dead,
doc said, "with that fetus dragging
you down," short of a miracle, my
baby and I would both die.
Rosa scoffs.
ROSA
A miracle?
Furious, Cat hurls the pump across the room.
CAT
I said, "If you kill my baby, I
will cut your throat."
Rosa returns Willow's pictures to Cat, who grabs the photos,
shakes off any "weakness," and starts toward the door.
Rosa grabs Cat's arm, holds her still. Cat allows it.
ROSA
When my bimba died, killing my
husband didn't do nothing to bring
her back. Don't make the same
mistake.
Cat winces in question.
ROSA
Love your miracle.
Genres:
["Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Imminent Threat
INT. MEETING HALL - DAY
Cat and Rosa return. In response to Sammy's questioning look,
Cat gives a short shake of her head.
PHOOP-PHOOP-PHOOP a chopper nears overhead... The SOUND GROWS
LOUDER. Kalie stares at the ceiling.
Cat moves to the coathooks -- reaches for her bag.
Spots a knife cut in the fabric of her pack...
Cat undoes the lock, rummages through the sack. No gun.
CAT
(to herself)
Stupid, stupid!
Her eyes dart to Kalie.
CAT
Who did this?
KALIE
What do you mean?
CAT
You've been here. You were right
there.
Kalie shrugs helplessness.
CAT
You want me to believe you saw
nothing?
KALIE
Cat, what happened?
Cat's expression steels.
CAT
(to herself)
Improvise.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Improvise and Survive
INT. SECOND FLOOR - LEFT CORRIDOR - DAY
A rope wedges tight into a closed office door at knob height.
The line stretches across the hall, into the collapsed
stairway. The rope vibrates, slides a 1/2 inch to the side.
INT. COLLAPSED STAIRWAY - DAY
On the other end of the rope, Cat eases further into the
hole, finds a precarious foothold.
She studies the sheet metal which earlier nearly sliced her.
Pushes, pulls on the metal. Jerks her hand back with a
superficial cut.
Returns to work, pulls, pushes...
INT. SECOND FLOOR - LEFT CORRIDOR - DAY
Using the handleless top of the hammer, Cat pounds the piece
of detached sheet metal into a shiv.
Her flashlight dies. Cat fires up her cell phone, and works
by its glow.
She wraps the duct tape from the meeting hall around the
rounded edge of the shiv to create a handle...
Uses the concrete floor as a knife sharpener: SHLIFF. SHLIFF.
BANG! The SOUND of a SHOT.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Echoes of Danger
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Shadows flitter under the gleam of Cat's phone as she edges
forward. Debris CRUNCHES under SOMEONE ELSE'S FOOT.
Rosa appears from the dark.
ROSA
I heard the gun, figured you lied
about carrying.
CAT
Where's everyone else?
A light swings toward them. Cat feels for the shiv.
CAT
(toward the light)
Identify yourself.
Rosa backs against the wall. The light moves closer...
Diego lumbers into view.
DIEGO
You hear the shot?
Somewhere in the distance, Sammy screams:
SAMMY (O.S.)
Help! Up here!
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Standoff in the Shadows
INT. STAIRWELL - DAY
Ascending the steps, Cat glances over her shoulder, Rosa on
her heels. Diego trails. Darkness descends from the landing.
From the shadows, steps...
Gallo. Eyes shark-like, he closes the distance toward Cat.
CAT
Hold it right there.
Cat unholsters the shiv. Diego hovers at her back, he and
Gallo like pincers... Gallo slides his hand into his pocket.
Rosa's gaze snaps between the men. MORE FOOTSTEPS approach
as Gallo pulls...
His phone. He keys it, adds a bit of light.
GALLO
I think it was further up.
The FOOTSTEPS arrive. It's Kalie, eyes dilated with fear.
Before she can speak, an urgent voice floods down the steps.
SAMMY (O.S.)
Up here! 3rd floor!
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Confrontation at the Fountain
INT. THIRD FLOOR - DAY
Diego, Gallo, Rosa, Kalie and Cat reach the top stair. A
human-size shadow looms ahead. Cat inches closer.
The figure spins: Sammy, his eyes wide. He points deeper
into the hall. Cat's light spots a shape crumpled against a
metal water fountain.
CAT
(concerned)
Ángel.
KALIE
Oh, no.
Unconscious, Ángel's chest leaks blood. Cat lights the way
for Kalie to check for a pulse:
KALIE
He's alive.
Kalie and Cat lean in. Ángel's eyes fly open, startling them.
CAT
What happened?
ÁNGEL
Something hit me.
A RUMBLE distracts them. Dust and plaster shake 'n bakes the
area. Cat peers at the wall where a crack creeps lower.
CAT
It's coming down.
CRACK, VIBRATION, SHUDDER... The crack reaches the floor.
The tremors stop. The crack stops.
Cat peers back at Kalie, who examines Ángel's wound. Rosa
edges closer.
KALIE
Back to front, through and through,
ÁNGEL
Was I out?
Kalie tears a strip off her shirt, nods.
ÁNGEL
Is my face red.
CAT
Looks like a nine mill did that.
GALLO
Of course you know guns.
Cat's eyes tighten.
SAMMY
Bad time to fight, people.
Ángel and Cat's eyes snap onto Sammy at the word "people."
A short RUMBLE snares their concern. After a few beats of
silence, Sammy peeks up and shakes his head.
GALLO
(to Angel)
You see who shot you?
Sammy slides his hand in his pocket and... Ángel lunges past
Kalie, and yanks Sammy down, Ángel on top.
KALIE
Ángel, stop!
Ángel rips a tiny microphone from Sammy, tears a digital
recorder from the pocket Sammy slid his hand into. Kalie
watches with shock.
ÁNGEL
What is this?
Ángel shoves the recorder at Cat, and crumples back in
exhaustion. Gallo's light casts wavering strokes off the
fountain and onto the people.
KALIE
(to Ángel)
You want to die?
ÁNGEL
What's on there?
Kalie fashions a dressing. Cat rewinds Sammy's machine and
hits "play."
KALIE (ON PLAYBACK, V.O.)
Resident MD wouldn't listen,
patient died, I got fired.
Cat hits "off," horror mirrored in her eyes.
KALIE
That was private!
ÁNGEL
We're not movin' till this gets
settled.
All eyes except Kalie's swing to Sammy in accusation.
SAMMY
My brother always said how his
patients made mountains--
CAT
"Patients"? You said he was a
missionary.
SAMMY
(haltingly)
It sounded more impressive.
CAT
What else was a lie?
Sammy shakes his head.
SAMMY
San Joaquin's still my next stop.
I'd figure to write a book at
night... I'm sorry. I swear to
God, I...
Sammy's voice trails off, the rest are silent.
ÁNGEL
Why not just ask us?
Sammy eyes drop in shame.
Kalie points her finger at Ángel.
KALIE
First aid and water.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Descent into Uncertainty
INT. STAIRWELL - DAY
Sammy and Gallo support Ángel as they descend. Cat has the
recorder. Rosa and Diego lead the way. Kalie follows.
DIEGO
Who'd wanna shoot you?
ÁNGEL
When I find out -- man or woman...
Ángel nails Cat with his glare.
CAT
Not my style, Ángel.
GALLO
Sniper wouldn't shoot someone in
the back?
Ángel's legs buckle -- Sammy and Gallo take his full weight.
Cat steps aside to let them by.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Tension in the Shadows
INT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT
Kalie lets Ángel sip on the water bottle. Gallo kicks at the
earthquake-buckled floor. Cat skips the recorder to the
beginning, hits "Play."
SAMMY (ON PLAYBACK, V.O.)
...ident? Intentional? Might matter
to you but not to the dead.
GALLO SUBTITLES
(pissed) I felt like shit when you said
"¡Me sentí como una that!
mierda cuando dijiste
eso!"
GALLO
Scum.
Cat takes a deep breath, tosses the recorder to Sammy, who
fast forwards to the end, and hits "Record."
SAMMY
These words are gold.
ÁNGEL
(strained)
Stay down, Sammy.
Kalie's eyes meet Cat's.
GALLO
(to Ángel)
You gonna share that H-two?
CAT
Ángel needs that one.
Cat tosses the second bottle to Gallo.
CAT
Two capfuls an hour per person
should last till morning.
Gallo takes a defiant swig, passes it to Kalie, who measures
a capful. Cat and Gallo eyeball each other.
GALLO
What makes a bitch dumb enough to
kill in some street you never
seen?
CAT
Spilt blood. What's your excuse?
Cat and Gallo know "it's on" between them.
GALLO
Protect my hood.
Gallo pulls up his shirt, reveals 2 bullet scars.
GALLO
These take honor.
CAT
I see "prey on the weak--"
Gallo steps threateningly closer, a switchblade in his hand.
GALLO
Keep pushing.
Cat showcases her newly-crafted knife.
SAMMY
HUMANS! What is wrong with you?
Cat motions to Gallo toward her.
SAMMY
Put the knife away, Cat!
GALLO
Ask her where her gun is.
Rosa steps in front of Gallo.
SAMMY
(to Cat)
You have a gun?
Gallo jostles Rosa out of his way.
CAT
(to Gallo)
No-life, piece of shit--
Rosa shoves Gallo in the chest.
GALLO
(to Cat)
Ain't no difference us, 'cept you
got paid and I didn't. Which has
more honor?
The SOUND of a hovering HELICOPTER interrupts with A NOISY
APPROACH. Vibrations shake the walls. Plaster falls.
The trapped group hopefully peers up.
CAT
That's the same Super Huey.
SAMMY
How do you know?
A GARBLED LOUDSPEAKER VOICE vibrates from above.
GARBLED VOICE
This is the National Guard. If
you need help, signal or wave...
Kalie screams at the ceiling, panic creeping in.
KALIE
Yes! HELP! HELP US!
KALIE/ ROSA/ SAMMY
DOWN HERE! HELP!
The CHOPPER EASES AWAY.
GARBLED VOICE
(moving off)
This is the National Guard. If
you need help...
KALIE
HELP!
Cat places a steadying hand on Kalie's arm.
CAT
We need to get to the roof.
KALIE
(panicking)
You could of shot in the air.
They would've heard. If we don't
get out soon...
Cat snatches Kalie's shoulders, leans in toward her face.
CAT
If I have to go alone, you'll
make it out.
SAMMY
Where is this gun of yours?
The question lingers.
INT. ROOM 247 - NIGHT
On the ledge of the barred window, in the glow of the moon,
Gallo lays out the 2" pipe, a filthy yellow dishwashing glove,
a nail. He screws a pipe coupling to the pipe.
Gallo wraps duct tape around a round of 9mm ammo.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Confronting Shadows
INT. MEETING HALL - DAY
Kalie tends to the feverish Ángel.
Sammy rubs his weary eyes.
Cat notices the coat hooks. Her bag is unzipped. She reaches
in, and pulls out...
A pacifier. Drops it back in the bag. Her hand finds...
A 9mm shell casing... fired.
Rosa sidles up to Cat.
ROSA
Can we order room service?
Scrambled, soft, chorizo, six
glasses of water--
CAT
Guess who's off somewhere.
Rosa scans the room. No Gallo.
ROSA
Maybe you shouldn't go looking
for trouble.
CAT
Since I buried my sister, I haven't
been to her grave, not once.
A shower of smaller debris cascades from the ceiling above.
Cat sees a trace of light coming through from an area of
loosened lath and plaster.
Her face trembles underneath her scars. From elsewhere in
the building, a POUNDING. Cat sets her jaw...
CAT
I need to look for trouble.
MORE POUNDING.
INT. SECOND FLOOR - LEFT CORRIDOR - DAY
Cat feels her way past a crumbling wall.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Confrontation in the Shadows
INT. COLLAPSED STAIRWAY - DAY
In a sliver of light beaming from a crack in a cinder-blocked
window, Gallo gives a last slam into place to a two-by-four
wedged to the ceiling, using a fist-size chunk of concrete
as a tool.
Cat closes in.
CAT
Prey on the weak.
GALLO
Construction 101. Keep your job
from falling.
CAT
It's you I want, isn't it?
Cat peers over the edge of the pit. The bottom swirls with
the movement of rats eating Heather's body.
GALLO
Been hoping if there's a way to
get to the window up there.
CAT
Not like you to risk your ass.
GALLO
You and me saving each other beats
killing each other.
CAT
What billboard you read that on?
Cat's hand hovers near her shiv.
GALLO
Same Tattoo tipped you, tipped
us. That's why we're here, three
against one.
CAT
Tattoo? You related to him?
GALLO
Why you doin' this?
Cat tosses him a locket...
In it: Photos of Bob and Amy.
GALLO
Young puta coulda walked away. A
little the worse for wear--
CAT
A knife took out Amy's spleen.
Gallo lobs back the locket.
GALLO
One of us dies. Both keep our
honor, but a waste. For my people.
For your little girl.
Cat's hand touches her shiv.
Gallo snaps out his knife.
GALLO
I'll let you slide if you tap
out. A thank you, for your service.
CAT
Like wrestling, "tap out"?
GALLO
Go home to your little one...
give her, her pacifier. We don't
visit where you live with that
woman. Tap out.
Cat hesitates.
GALLO
Your Amy was alive when you shot
my homie. We woulda left her be:
used but alive.
Instant fury, Cat kicks Gallo toward the wall. Prepared, he
punches away the two-by-four that wedges up the ceiling.
CRAAACKK.... The ceiling gives. Plaster debris dusts Cat's
hair and eyes.
She slices her shiv at where Gallo was a moment ago, clears
the rubble from her eyes. Blinks.
Gallo's FOOTSTEPS slap away. Cat bolts after him.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Confrontation and Chaos
INT. MEETING HALL - DAY
Cat thunders down the corridor. Gallo waits with Sammy.
SAMMY
(to Cat)
Stop right there.
GALLO
I don't want to hurt her.
SAMMY
I'm on this, Gallo.
(to Cat)
Did you attack him?
CAT
(to Gallo)
He change your diaper?
Sammy looks Gallo off, until Gallo stalks away.
CAT
COWARD!
SAMMY
(to Cat)
How'd you expect to get away with
murder, with all these witnesses?
Sammy extends his hand to Cat, palm up.
SAMMY
Your gun.
CAT
If you're man enough to bleed,
it's yours, no charge. Or get out
of my way.
She pushes past Sammy, who dares not resist, closes the
distance to Kalie and the pale Ángel.
CAT
How you doing?
ÁNGEL
I'm watching you.
Cat grits her teeth.
ÁNGEL
I was wrong. You face people,
don't sneak. You ever want to
spar or something, I go easy.
Cat nods, sidles to Rosa.
CAT
Three of you. Gallo, Diego...
ROSA
G and I shack.
CAT
I should've seen that.
ROSA
G's a liar and a killer, but
sometimes a woman's gotta be held.
Rosa walks off, leaving Cat very much alone.
SOUNDS of a RUMBLE above. A THUD and CRASH.
2 stories up, the windows crack, shed glass which...
CAT
Heads up!
Hits the floor. BOOM...
CAT
Hell's rain.
Dust and pulverized plaster drift from the hallway from
another section of building which just came down.
Cat grabs matches from "the collection." Her eyes flick up.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Breaking Through Desperation
INT. THIRD FLOOR - ANTEROOM DOOR - DAY
The rear back of the building. A sign: "NO EXIT." Cat shoves
on the knob. It won't open.
She kicks at the door. Debris showers from the wall above
the lintel. Cat forces the door open a few inches.
Through the crack, she views the anteroom: broken beams,
shattered studs and demolished concrete lie where they fell.
Cat backs from the door... A MOAN OF PAIN from inside the
debris-filled room.
CAT
Hello? Someone there?
Cat kicks hard at the door -- BOOM! -- separates the door
from its hinges.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Struggle and Reflection
INT. WRECKED ANTEROOM - DAY
Ruined lumber and wreckage. Cat hears a SCRABBLING SOUND
under the rubble. Back to the door, she tosses off a 2x6.
MOVEMENT under the pile. Cat shouts toward the hall.
CAT
Help! Top floor. Help!
She digs at a chunk of concrete, muscles it to the side.
A SCRATCHING NOISE underneath.
CAT
(to the door)
Help! Anyone! Help!
Cat removes a section of plaster board from the debris mound.
She pulls a rock from a pile--
A two-by-four slams into her back, propels her forward.
As she spins, the two-by-four whistles in an arc. She rolls
to the side, and the board crunches into the debris. Cat
leaps up and faces...
Gallo...
Who points the contraption he assembled earlier at her heart.
A 9mm-size pipe primed with a dirty, yellow rubber glove.
He triggers the device. BOOM! Cat dives to the side -- the
bullet barely misses, drills into the wall. Debris falls
from overhead.
Gallo drops the device, advances with the two-by-four. Cat
scoops up a chunk of concrete to defend herself.
CAT
Zip gun. Clever.
GALLO
Your bullet.
CAT
So people would think I killed
myself?
He swings the two-by-four. She blocks with the concrete. A
second blow catches her on the arm. She grimaces painfully.
He spears the board into her stomach, knocks her breath out.
Gallo raises the board for the kill... But hits the ceiling.
Rubble showers down.
Cat drill-punches him in the chest.
He rains blows to her abdomen.
She slams an elbow to his head, jams her fingers into his
neck, at his Adam's apple, uses her legs to lift him against
a fire hose rig.
He paws at the hose, gasps for air. She squeezes his throat,
choking off his ability to breathe.
He taps her arm, chokes out the words:
GALLO
I give up.
She continues to bear pressure on his windpipe.
GALLO
I tap out... swear. Honor.
CAT
Where's my gun?
GALLO
Rosa.
She relaxes her grip. Gallo labors in air.
CAT
Rosa?
GALLO
Maybe, maybe not.
Gallo tries to break Cat's hold. She slings him against the
adjacent wall. THUD. The wall buckles and...
The ceiling collapses! Dust and dirt billow into the air.
Cat staggers to Gallo and finds...
His head caved in by a slab of concrete.
Cat feels his carotid artery. A sudden glint from his open
eyes. She jumps back.
Sunlight!
She follows the rays upwards to...
Sun peeks through a gap in the roof.
STEPS CRUNCH behind her.
Stepping over the shattered door... Rosa, Sammy and Kalie,
with the first aid kit.
ROSA
G!
Cat slouches to a seated position, observes:
A SCRABBLING SOUND. Sammy checks the spot where Cat dug: A
rat scurries away.
ROSA
(to Cat)
You couldn't lay off?
CAT
Like you did with your daughter?
KALIE
My God...
Kalie bends over the dead Gallo. She indicates: Clear
fingerprints on Gallo's throat.
Cat glances at her hands.
SAMMY
Gallo came to me for help. He
didn't want to hurt you.
Rosa launches at Cat, slams her with fists, yanks her hair.
Cat spins Rosa belly first to the floor, pins her with
leverage and strength.
ROSA
I'll kill you. I swear!
Cat forces Rosa down harder, pats her down -- no gun.
ROSA
I'LL KILL YOU!
Rosa deflates, sobs.
Cat's shoulders drop. As she watches Rosa, Cat's expression
shifts to incredibly sad.
CAT
(to Sammy)
Take her somewhere to cool off.
(to Kalie)
Stay... Please.
As Sammy helps Rosa away, Cat stacks wood shreds in the center
of the room.
CAT
(re: Kalie's kit)
You have isopropyl in there?
KALIE
Wipes or spray?
Cat and Kalie open individually packed wipes, tuck them at
the base of the wood pile.
CAT
Tell me I'm wrong to forgive her.
Kalie's gaze snaps to Cat like Cat must be crazy.
Cat strikes a match, lights the mass of wood and wipes...
Flame blazes up and she blows at the base.
Flames lower to smoke. Cat blows gently.
The fire goes out.
CAT
How does a woman get that lost?
Kalie and Cat's gazes meet.
They open the last of the packs, stuff them into the base.
Cat strikes another match.
Lights the fire, sprays alcohol on the flames. PHOOM, PHOOM...
The fire dies.
KALIE
No... no.
Cat exhales gently into the core of the wood...
A spot sparks... A flame flares.
Cat unscrews the top of the isopropyl spray, and dribbles it
onto the top of the wood.
PHOOMP! The fire takes. Blazes higher.
Brown smoke feels its way up through the hole in the roof.
Cat adds wood onto the flame, builds it higher. She peers
over at Kalie.
CAT
Don't let it go out.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Shadows of the Past
INT. COLLAPSED STAIRWAY (SECOND FLOOR) - DAY
Sunshine pours on Cat -- the sealed window has collapsed
open. Cat stares as best she can, at the bottom of the pit,
at Heather's body.
Diego wanders near; Cat alerts.
DIEGO
"Lucy, you're in trouble."
CAT
What happened to those days?
DIEGO
Someone my description, held up a
Burger King. Police are ready to
pull the trigger before I get
down in the oil slick wearing my
audition suit. That's "you're-in-
trouble" today.
CAT
You have my 9 mil?
Diego raises his hands, turns. Easy to see he's not carrying.
DIEGO
Someone saw your smoke. Fire
department's on its way.
CAT
Ángel?
DIEGO
Holding. Was me, 5 years ago,
pointed the gun at you.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Shadows of Grief
INT. BOB'S CAR - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
An ARMED BANGER -- Diego -- aims a gun at the windshield
from the shadows of construction.
END FLASHBACK - BACK TO SCENE
DIEGO
Weeks earlier, a car came to our
street, fired a shotgun in the
face of G's little brother.
Couldn't even show the kid to his
mom.
CAT
What'd that have to do with us?
DIEGO
We set a meet with the trigger,
"to make peace." Last thing we
had in mind.
CAT
"Where's Escobar?"
DIEGO
We got him 2 months later.
CAT
They didn't have to kill my sister.
Didn't have to rape her. Didn't
have to kill my husband.
DIEGO
(agreeing)
No.
Cat stiffens as Diego reaches into his pocket and... takes
out his wallet. Slides out a photo of:
A THREE-YEAR-OLD GIRL.
DIEGO
(re: the photo)
Carlota.
CAT
Empress of Mexico?
DIEGO
My Carlota's after La Negra
Carlota, led a slave revolt in
Cuba... My baby nearly died. Fever
104. If I hadn't been there...
Cat winces in empathy.
DIEGO
Your head hopes to kill me, and
your heart needs, "My little girl's
okay"?
CAT
No matter how terrible what he
suffered, how does a guy get that
lost?
Not completely understanding but getting it, Diego nods.
DIEGO
My manager got me two lines.
Director ordered, "Tough. Don't
give a shit." I kept blowin' the
read 'till I backstoried myself
as a banger second, and a father
first. After, the crew applauded.
A tiny grin crosses Cat's face.
DIEGO
I need my chica. Maybe more, she
needs me. Least I can do is not
die.
He pockets Carlota's photo.
CAT
Gallo act also?
DIEGO
Fed me when I was hungry. Protected
me when I was weak. But he became
a cement block pulling me down...
CAT
Is there a point hate makes you
so stupid, you can't love anymore?
DIEGO
I think some people make love
just another 4-letter word.
Cat shows him Willow's photo, hesitates... What's she doing?
Diego grins admiringly at the photo.
CAT
Willow.
DIEGO
Does half of me and you, have to
die?
CAT
Taking away Carlota's dad seems
like what I've been at war with.
Diego reaches toward his back pocket. Cat tenses.
He hands her the nearly empty water bottle. She kills it.
DIEGO
Cops are gonna ask you questions.
Careful what you say.
Cat nods.
DIEGO
Can I throw a Hollywood on you?
Cat frowns in confusion... Until Diego envelopes her in a
hug. Cat reluctantly accepts the embrace.
CAT
Get out of here.
The building RUMBLES... CRACKS crab across the wall.
The shaking stops.
RUNNING FOOTSTEPS behind them...
Rosa slashes Gallo's knife at Cat's face!
Cat barely ducks, grabs the shiv from her holster, drops
Willow's photo.
DIEGO
Rosa, basta!
Rosa stabs forward. Cat fends off the attempt.
CAT
Rosa, no.
Rosa spears at Cat with the knife. Cat grabs her wrist...
Off-balance, they plunge into the collapsed stairway.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Descent into Chaos
INT. COLLAPSED STAIRWAY - BOTTOM - DAY
Cat and Rosa bounce off a side wall... THUD. They hit bottom.
Rosa tries to move, can't quite make it.
Cat pushes to a kneeling position. She blinks away the cobwebs
and stares into:
Three pair of rat eyes, teeth chittering...
Cat hears a CRUMBLE OF DEBRIS behind her, spins... Rosa spikes
the knife into Cat's shoulder.
Cat forces Rosa's blade hand back so the knife pulls out...
She heaves Rosa away. Both women stagger to their feet, knife
still in Rosa's hand.
Cat has lost her shiv...
CAT
Rosa, please. It's over.
Rosa slices at Cat, just misses.
CAT
Rosa--
A rat leaps onto Cat's back. Cat smashes the rodent to the
wall. Rosa stabs at Cat, who dodges the blade. Diego peeks
down from the rim.
DIEGO
¡Rosa, basta!
CAT
(to Rosa)
You're gonna die if--
Rosa slashes at Cat's face. WHOOSH!
DIEGO
¡ROSA!
Cat jams a fist into Rosa's rib cage, emptying her of air.
CAT
If I can forget it, so can you.
Rosa hacks three times at Cat who... kicks Rosa square in
the chest, staggers her back, THUD, to the wall.
Rosa drops her gaze to her chest where 4 inches of rebar
protrude, impaling her from back to front. Rosa's knife CLANKS
to the ground. Her eyes meet Cat's...
ROSA
I hate you.
CAT
I know.
ROSA
I set you up... shot Ángel.
Cat exhales several times, processes the information.
She touches Rosa's hand. Rosa squeezes it like her life
depends on it.
ROSA
No one's held my hand since my
daughter died.
Rosa's eyes go dead. Cat stares sadly into Rosa's face.
Cat probes her shoulder where Rosa stabbed her, and winces.
A MUSICAL PHONE TONE RINGS from the vicinity of Heather's
body. Rats scurry.
Cat searches Heather's corpse. The PHONE STOPS. A moment
later, Cat finds the instrument, dials immediately.
LOOKING DOWN from above, Diego wipes his eyes in empathy.
Cat takes a deep breath of control, catches a solid shape in
the debris, and picks it up.
Her gun.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Climbing to Safety
INT. COLLAPSED STAIRWAY - DAY
Cat "rock climbs" the pit wall. As she nears the edge, Diego
offers her his hand.
Cat pauses...
With Diego's assistance, Cat pulls herself to safety. She
takes a wavering step, and Diego steadies her.
CAT
You tell anyone, I broke down...
you'll miss some teeth.
Diego nods agreement, grins.
Cat picks up Willow's photo.
INT. WRECKED ANTEROOM - DAY
FIREMEN cut through the roof with a power saw, lower a ladder
through the hole. Cat guides the ladder into place.
FIREMAN
Everyone up, who can. Come on,
climb! Fast!
Cat motions Kalie to go first. Sammy and Diego queue up.
CAT
I'll get Ángel.
FIREMAN
Let's go.
A sharp jolt -- the building shifts. Kalie winces over Ángel.
CAT
(to Kalie)
Please, don't argue.
Kalie climbs...
Diego motions Sammy to go next, and follows him up.
Ángel staggers to his feet.
ÁNGEL
No one carries me out.
Ángel struggles up the ladder...
Cat on his butt, pushes.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Aftermath of Collapse
EXT. ROOF - DAY
Cat hands off Ángel to the FIRST RESPONDERS, steps onto the
roof, and inhales fresh air. Almost as if a rope connected
her to inside, her face is pulled to peer down into the hole.
Staring down, she shudders.
The building SHAKES under her feet.
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
COPS block traffic. In a spot clear from the rubble of the
damaged neighborhood, a safe distance from the Meeting Hall
building, a FEMALE E.M.T. bandages Cat's shoulder.
FEMALE E.M.T.
What was it like in there?
Cat takes a moment in thought.
CAT
War.
Kalie holds an I.V. bottle of fluids dripping into Ángel,
while a MALE E.M.T. dresses Ángel's wound.
The meeting hall building gives a LOUD CRACK. Concrete blocks
crumble. A ROAR, A RUMBLE and BOOM, the building falls.
Dust blankets First Responders and the injured.
ÁNGEL
Glad she waited.
KALIE
It's going to take a while to
find those bodies.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
A Sunny Reconciliation
EXT. MEETING HALL STREET - DAY
Sunshine drenches the sidewalk where Cat walks past cops.
SAMMY (O.S.)
Hey, stop!
Cat tenses, not yet identifying the voice. She turns, sees
it's Sammy, and relaxes. They stroll forward.
SAMMY
"There's always a way down."
CAT
That's what fire departments do.
SAMMY
Did you get what you came for?
CAT
Better. You off to Potatoland?
SAMMY
First thing tomorrow. Next day, I
start my book.
CAT
I'd like to show my baby a farm.
A beat, and Sammy shoots her a questioning glance.
CAT
You need a ride?
SAMMY
You trust me after the thing with
the recorder?
CAT
You forgive me for being me?
Sammy holds up his fist and they fist bump.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Moment of Remembrance
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
Cat holds Willow; Denise, Cat's roommate; and Sammy stand at
a gravesite. Etched in the headstone:
"Ezekiel 17-5. 'He placed it by great waters, And set it as
a willow tree.' Amy, 14 years old."
CAT
I miss you, Ames.
EXT. CEMETERY - ROADWAY/ INT. SUBARU - DAY
Cat slides behind the wheel of a 12-year-old Outback, with
passengers Denise, Sammy, and Willow.
Cat stares ahead. Sammy takes a deep breath.
DENISE
There's a biscuit place in Oildale.
Sammy and Cat swing their eyes onto Denise.
DENISE
I did a search.
In the friendly silence, Willow gurgles.
CAT
I love you, too, Willow.
CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, seat belts fasten. Cat starts the engine
and drives off, leaves the dead behind.