SCRIPT TITLE

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Address Phone Number

EXT. NEW YORK APARTMENT BUILDING EMERGENCY EXIT - DAY Cold heavy rain STRUMS a rusty staircase. Horns BEEP and sirens WAIL in the distance. Another grim day in New York City.

CRASH! Glass SPLINTERS FLY. An ASSAILANT dressed in baggy white track clothes shields his face- as he JUMPS through a window. Our ASSAILANT is TREVOR- Petty gangster and low-life. Trevor lands softly on the platform. Graceful. Almost catlike. He GRUNTS, and plucks a piece of glass from his elbowtossing it away. Behind him, an angry male VOICE yells. VOICE (O.S.) NYPD! Stay where you are! Trevor PANTS- he hasnt ran like this in a long time. His breath wisps up into the cold damp air. He glances down- the stairs are broken. So much for the fire escape. And its too high to jump. He does not look back, but up: Escape. Trevor climbs the staircase and pulls out a beat-up looking .38 Special. Not a second later, JOHN MCCLANE CHARGES through the same window. He lands heavily, but loses his footing on the wet CRUNCHY glass and slides- CLANG! He SLAMS into the railing. GRUNTING in frustration, McClane scrambles back up, breathing heavily as he CLAMBERS up the staircase. MCCLANE Youre too old to be chasing bad guys, John... Now two floors up, Trevor is stuck. He desperately tries lowering the ladder: jammed. The windows are boarded up- he cannot go anywhere. McClane is closing in. Trevor aims his .38. CRACK! Trevor shoots at McClane- missing him by inches as it RICOCHETS off the steel. McClane slides into cover and draws his service weapon. Water drips in his eyes. MCCLANE (CONTD) (To himself) Dammit, I cant see shit! (Beat) Why didnt you retire yet, John? Go some place warm, you know? Maui, maybe?

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He CLICKS the safety off. McClane wipes his brow with his jacket sleeve and aims at Trevor. He squeezes a shot off. CLANG! It misses Trevor by an inch- on purpose. Trevor jumps back, but he has nowhere to hide. Panicked, Trevor YELLS and snatches off five shots down at McClane. BING! BANG! CLANG! CLANG! RING! The noise is deafening. McClane ducks down, wincing. MCCLANE (CONTD) Jesus Christ! Trevor stops firing. McClane can hear the TWINKLING of spent shells hitting the landing. Out of ammo. McClane wipes his eyes and chuckles to himself. MCCLANE (CONTD) (To himself) Out of ammo. Thank Christ. McClane runs out of cover and advances, his pistol raised. He smiles at Trevor. The rain picks up, and McClane walks up the stairs. MCCLANE (CONTD) Out of bullets? (Beat) Too bad. My Glock was just warming up. Trevor looks down at McClane, hurrying to reload his piece. He drops shells as his cold, wet hands fumble the weapon. CRACK! McClane squeezes off a shot. The shot hits close bythe railing RINGS out around him. Trevor ducks- shells fly everywhere, PINGING as the fall down through the platforms to the alley below. McClane advances, wiping rain from his face, but keeps his aim. MCCLANE (CONTD) Im a much better shot than you, Trevor. (Beat) Now drop that piece of shit .38 before you blow your god damn hand off! Trevor looks at his weapon: banged up, rusty and unloaded. He tosses it off the stairs into the alley below. It THUDS on a dumpster, scaring a stray cat.

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Trevor flicks back his hood. Not quite middle aged, but closea scruffy beard and gold teeth. The rain doesnt let up. Trevor scowls at McClane. McClane stares right back. They are now a few feet apart. The rain PATTERS off McClanes jacket. MCCLANE (CONTD) Dont do anything stupid. Its raining, and I dont have the patience I used to. Now hands behind your back. Trevor SNARLS and tries to sucker punch McClane. He sees it coming and THWACKS Trevor in the nose with his pistol. Trevor YELPS, holding his bleeding nose. McClane smirks. TREVOR You piece of shit! You broke my nose! McClane laughs. MCCLANE No I didnt. You fell on the stairs. I saw you. (Beat) Now, lets try this again: Dont do anything else stupid. Hands behind your back. McClane tightens the cuffs harshly. Trevor winces. McClane leads Trevor down the stairs. Blood washes down Trevors face as McClane follows. Trevor eyes the alleyway, and sees a dumpster. McClane can read his mind as he glances down, and prods him in the neck with the pistol. MCCLANE (CONTD) Dont make me shoot you. (Beat) Ill have to fill out all these forms- its a nightmare. Really. (Beat)) And its Saturday. Poker night for me. Now move it. Trevor reluctantly trudges onward. TREVOR Yo fuck you, pig! I didnt do shit! And my name aint Trevor its B-

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McClane smacks Trevor on the back with his pistol. Trevor buckles to his knees. MCCLANE Bad T. Yeah, I know who you are. You date rape girls and sell stolen TV sets. Right, T? McClane helps Trevor back up to his feet and they continue their descent. MCCLANE (CONTD) Trevor Winston Jones, 36. Wanted for armed robbery, sexual assault, aggravated assault- the list goes on. Trevor shakes his head. TREVOR Nah man, that aint on me. I dont know what youre talking about. MCCLANE Uh-huh. A fine upstanding citizen like yourself must know your rights off by heart, Ill bet. Or would you like me to read them to you? Trevor huffs. TREVOR I didnt know you could teach a fuckin pig to read. McClane laughs, then pushes Trevor down the stairs. Trevor falls hard, onto the broken glass- He GRUNTS in pain. McClane calmly walks down the stairs, smirking. MCCLANE You never read Animal Farm, I guess. Or Babe. (Beat) I love that movie. Used to watch it with my kids- back when they didnt hate me. McClane hauls Trevor onto his feet. Trevor yells at McClane. TREVOR Yo fuck you, man! My shit is all cut up cos of you! Im filing for Police Brutality! I think my arm is broke!

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MCCLANE Well, in my police report, extreme weather will play as a major factor in how you got hurt trying evade a senior detective. (Beat) Now, do you know your rights? Or should I read them to you? Trevor is at the window. MCCLANE (CONTD) You have the right to remainMcClane steps on one of Trevors unused bullets. SQUEAK! McClane loses his footing and trips. Trevor sees this and boots McClane in the hand. His pistol CLANGS as it drops and lands in the alley below. Trevor kicks McClane in the face before he can react. TREVOR Whats up now, bitch? McClane tries a haymaker. Trevor ducks it and knees him in the guts. McClane buckles. WHAM! A knee to the face. McClane goes down. Trevor feeds McClane kick after kick. McClane is dazed and stunned. Trevor winds up and BOOM! Another kicks to the head. TREVOR (CONTD) Oh, Baby you know that one hurt! (Beat) Now get up and take whats comin to you! McClane slips and slides in rain and blood. Trevor waits as McClane stands up slowly and shakily. He is bloody, cut up and soaked. He shakes his head like a wet dog. MCCLANES POV. Our vision is blurry and twisted. We hear loud, distorted high pitched RINGS. McClanes rapid THUMPING heart and laboured BREATHS. We see a foot fly at us, chest level. WHAM! EXIT MCCLANES POV. McClane SLAMS into the railing with a CLANG as he is booted once more. Hes dazed and helpless- a boxer on the ropes.

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TREVOR (CONTD) Not so fucking tough without your gun, are you? He head butts McClane with a CRACK. McClane buckles to one knee. Trevor STOMPS McClane in the chest one last time. McClane fails to keep his grip on the railing and tumbles over the edge. Like a rag doll, McClane bounces off a closed dumpster and SPLASHES into a puddle in the alley. He is out cold. FADE TO BLACK. 2 INT. DARK ROOM. TIME OF DAY, UNKNOWN. 2

Senator Abraham Marcus, (50s) sits handcuffed to a chair. Bloodstains on a once nice suit. Broken glasses. He has a set of electrodes attached to his temples. The wires disappear into the tile floor. A single 40 Watt bulb shines above him, and all around him is darkness. CRESCENDO! The chorus of Ride of The Valkeries, by Richard Wagner TEARS through the silence. FLASH! Light fills the room from all angles. Warm. Blinding. Like the gates of heaven. The music fades, and a male VOICE ECHOES in the room. VOICE(O.S) Wakey, wakey. Abraham jolts to life as we hear the TICK TICK of electric current that tears through his body. His back arches and he writhes in the chair- his shoes SQUEAK on the tile. Instantly scared and alert. He struggles to be free and screams. VOICE(O.S) (CONTD) Sit still! The current is turned on again, and Abraham yelps in agony. His bladder lets go, dripping down his left leg. 5 seconds pass. It stops. Abraham struggles to gain composure. Hes sweaty, dirty and cant see. He winces in the light- nothing. He looks down at his arms. ABRAHAM Why am I handcuffed to a chair? Who are you?

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VOICE(O.S) Who I am is not important, Who I have, however, is. The lights go out, plunging Abraham into darkness. His rapid breathing echoes throughout the black. Seconds pass. A blinding light shines ahead of Abraham, and a silhouette walks toward them. It is a crying young WOMAN, bound and blindfolded. A MAN holds her with a gun held to her head. Abraham struggles to see. His then recognizes her and begins to weep. ABRAHAM Jane! No! No! No-no-no-no-no! JANE is sobbing. She is pushed forward- her feet tied together. She sniffs back tears and snot as she talks. JANE Daddy! Help me! Abraham screams and bucks in the chair- the handcuffs slicing his wrists as he tries to get free. ABRAHAM You cocksuckers! Who are you? (Beat) What do you want from me? (Beat) Is it money? Blackness surrounds him once more. Jane screams, but is silenced. The lights return. She is no longer there. Abraham SOBS uncontrollably. VOICE(O.S) I don't want the people's money, Senator. It's not your money to give. (Beat) I want something else. ABRAHAM Anything! Anything! I'll do anything you ask, just let my daughter go! Abraham sobs- his head slumps to his chest. Silence.

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VOICE(O.S) Do you know what is worth more than money in todays world? Abraham says nothing. VOICE(O.S) (CONTD) No? (Beat) Reputation! That's important! (Beat) And you, Senator have a shining reputation. 98% approval ratings. The bees knees. An honest to goodness decent man in politics. (Beat) Some say you will be the next president. (Beat) I think its time to test the peoples fondness of you. ABRAHAM What do you want me to do? VOICE You will get an earpiece. You will do what I say, when I say it. (Beat) You failCRACK! A deafening GUNSHOT rips through the room. Abraham flinches in fright, GASPING. Jane SOBS through the speaker. VOICE(O.S) (CONTD) I kill your daughter. ABRAHAM sobs, nodding his head. ABRAHAM Please... Please don't hurt her! I'll do it! I'll do anything you ask! The lights go out- all except the bulb above Abraham. He peers into the black. ABRAHAM (CONTD) When do you want me to start? A dart hits Abraham in the neck. He becomes drowsy, his eyes close.

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VOICE(O.S) Now. FADE TO BLACK. 3 INT. EMERGENCY WARD - BROOKLYN HOSPITAL CENTRE - DUSK. Bruised and cut up, McClane is asleep. He has an I.V in his arm and a ventilator in his nose. ZEUS CARVER sits by his bedside, slouched in a chair. He is reading a well-worn copy of "The Detective" by Roderick Thorpe. The ward room is divided by a curtain, and the light level is low. Machines BEEP and off screen patients COUGH and CHAT. A young male DOCTOR peels the curtain back. Happy go luckyWHISTLES, and he sports a neatly groomed beard. He carries a file folder tucked under his arm. DOCTOR Knock knock. Zeus puts his book down, and reaches out to shake the Doctors hand. The Doctor takes it, shaking it firmly and smiling warmly. ZEUS Hello, Doctor.? DOCTOR Gruber. James Gruber. Zeus reacts to his name slightly, but tries to not show it. The Doctor notices it, and his smile broadens. DR. GRUBER I'm sensing a familiarity of my name. Zeus takes off his glasses and cleans them. ZEUS Yeah, we uh... Ran into one in Harlem a while back. Oh, 10 years thereabouts. Simon. We toured the city. Played some games. Dr. Gruber checks on McClanes vitals as he talks with Zeus, taking notes. He switches the lights onto full power in the room. Zeus shields his eyes for a moment. Dr. Gruber smiles. 3

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DR. GRUBER Sorry, I should have warned you about that. Games, you said? (Beat) Like Simon says? Dr. Gruber laughs warmly and Zeus joins in, hiding his contempt for that long dead asshole. ZEUS Yeah, something like that. Zeus puts his glasses back on and Dr. Gruber turns his attention to McClane, who stirs. He swiftly moves back toward his bedside. Zeus catches Dr. Grubers arm and leans into his ear. ZEUS (CONTD) (Quietly) ) Hey Doc, John and Simon didn't really see eye to eye. Things got pretty heated and I don't think he'll be forgiving him any time soon. Do us both a favour and uh... Don't say your last name. Dr. Gruber nods and Zeus pats him on the arm gratefully. Dr. Gruber approaches McClane. DR. GRUBER Hello there John. (Beat) How are you feeling? McClane is awake, looking around the room. He winces at the lights and shields his eyes. MCCLANE Sore. (Beat) Besides falling off a building I'm doing okay. (Beat) Can you turn the lights down? It's bright. Dr. Gruber flicks a switch and the light level lowers once more. DR. GRUBER Is that better?

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McClane stretches. His joints CRACK and he GRUNTS in satisfaction. MCCLANE A little. Yeah. Thanks. Got any aspirin? Dr. Gruber starts to make notes. DR. GRUBER Sensitivity to light? I take it you have a headache? I won't test your papillary reflex. No need to rile you up. Any other pain? McClane shifts in bed, trying to sit upright. He winces slightly, letting out a breath. MCCLANE Feels like I got hit by a truck. My body aches, but I feel okay I guess. I've had worse. Zeus scoffs. ZEUS I can vouch for that. This guy is a nutcase. Dr. Gruber laughs. McClane reaches his bedside table and takes a few gulps of water from a paper cup. ZEUS (CONTD) Youre lucky. Cobb called me up. Said that some old lady going through the trash found you laying there in the alley and called a beat cop. I didn't think much of it. Sounded normal to me. Zeus grins at McClane, who smirks. MCCLANE Fuck you. ZEUS Cobb said that they picked up the guy you were chasing. They have him in central. Said he'd keep him there you till you got out. McClane sips some more water.

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MCCLANE That's good news. I can't wait. We have some things to talk about. Mainly about where he wants me to stamp "Bad T" onto his ass with my boot. Zeus laughs heartily. ZEUS Bad T? Oh shit, I know that nigga'. (Beat) Sorry Doc. I shouldn't be talking like that in here, but it's too damn funny. Dr. Gruber chuckles, completely unfazed. DR. GRUBER No problem at all. This is Brooklyn. I get called that at least three times a day here. And I'm white. They all laugh. McClane yawns. He reaches for a jug of water, baring his butt in the open hospital gown. Zeus snickers. MCCLANE How long have I been here? DR. GRUBER Two days now. I will be signing the release forms after we discuss a few things, and you can go home with your friend here. MCCLANE Where are my clothes? (Beat) My back is killing me. Zeus quickly grabs a plastic bag and tosses it to McClane, who snatches it and starts to dress. DR. GRUBER I suggest you take it easy for the next few weeks. Im going to send a letter to your captain. Cobb, was it?

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Dr. Gruber takes notes. McClane is wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and an ill- fitting brown leather jacket. He tightens his belt and smirks. MCCLANE Cobb will love that. (Beat) But I could use some time off. DR. GRUBER I will also write you a prescription to help you with any pain. McClane shakes his head. MCCLANE I dont want any meds. Im fine with aspirin, thanks. Dr. Gruber nods. DR. GRUBER Of course. McClane sees a reflection of himself in the window. MCCLANE Zeus. Where the hell did you get these clothes? McClane tugs at the jacket lapel. Zeus shrugs. ZEUS I grabbed what was clean in that pig pen you call an apartment. Compared to the gown you just had on, I'd say it was an improvement. MCCLANE Yeah? How you figure that? ZEUS For one thing, I can't see your lily white ass no more. They all chuckle. Now fully dressed, McClane opens the curtain. He checks his weapon, slides the safety on, then holsters it. Dr. Gruber walks away up the busy corridor. McClane sees him leave and jogs to catch up with him. Zeus follows.

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MCCLANE Hey, hey, hey! Doc! Hold up! Dr. Gruber turns around. McClane holds out his hand. They shake. MCCLANE (CONTD) I just wanted to say thanks for your help Doctor... McClane looks at the name tag, and raises an eyebrow when he sees it. Dr. Gruber stands there nervously, drumming his fingers. McClane smirks at Zeus. He is in disbelief. MCCLANE (CONTD) You know I never thought for one second that Id be thanking a Gruber. (Beat) And yet here I am. McClane laughs. Dr Gruber joins him. MCCLANE (CONTD) Thanks Doctor. They shake once more. Dr. Gruber smiles and nods, then leaves. McClane and Zeus head to the front door. MCCLANE (CONTD) I need a drink. (Beat) And you're buying. ZEUS How you figure that? MCCLANE Because. (Beat) I just fell off a building. ZEUS That was your own damn fault. Next time, do what every other cop doescall for back up. MCCLANE Blow me. Zeus chuckles.

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ZEUS Drinks first. They laugh. 4 INT. WALTER COBBS OFFICE - DAY 4

A greying, stressed WALTER COBB signs a vacation requisition form and hands it to McClane. WALTER Play safe. MCCLANE I always do, Captain. McClane smirks and leaves his office. Walter gets up from his desk and yells after him. WALTER And leave your pistol behind! I dont want you getting into any trouble! McClane smirks. 5 INT. AIRBUS ECONOMY CLASS, FLYING OVER CONTINENTAL US - DAY 5 McClane and Zeus are sitting side by side. Zeus is by the window reading "Nothing Lasts Forever" by Roderick Thorpe. Mild turbulence rocks the cabin sporadically. McClane, bored and uncomfortable, looks around the cabin. He sees a scared, three piece suited MAN (40s) behind him gripping his armrest- his eyes closed. McClane taps on his shoulder. MCCLANE Hate flying, do you? The Man opens his eyes and nods nervously, giving McClane the best smile he can muster up. McClane smirks. MCCLANE (CONTD) Me too. I always get nervous. (Beat) But you know what helps me feel better? The plane JUMPS in a little light turbulence. Knuckles white from fear, the Man shakes his head quickly.

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McClane leans in, as if hes telling him a secret. MCCLANE (CONTD) After you get where youre going, take off your shoes and your socks, and make fists with your toes. (Beat) The names John. John McClane. McClane reaches his hand out. The Man looks at McClane quizzically. MAN Bill. Names Bill. Did you say fists (Beat) With your toes? McClane points to his feet. Bill looks at them. McClane wiggles his bare toes and smiles. MCCLANE Yeah. (Beat) I do it when Im flyin too. (Beat) I know, it sounds crazy. But 30 years ago, I was next to some guy on a plane feeling the same way you are now. (Beat) 30 years... Time flies, you know? McClane laughs to himself, rubbing his stubbly chin. Bill nods, smiling nervously. BILL Sure does. The plane cabin JUMPS and RUMBLES again. Bill closes his eyes. McClane is calm. BILL (CONTD) Oh God... McClane doesnt even notice Bill anymore. Hes in his own world. The plane smooths out. Bill calms down and opens his eyes. MCCLANE I was coming home for Christmas. I had this huge teddy bear for my daughter, Lucy. It took up the whole storage compartment.

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McClane gestures the size of the bear with his arms. Bill laughs. MCCLANE (CONTD) Anyway, sorry to keep going on and on. Try that foot thing, pal. It works. Enjoy the rest of your flight. McClane looks at Zeus reading. In the background, Bill hurriedly takes his shoes and socks off. McClane taps Zeus book. MCCLANE (CONTD) What's that about? Zeus lowers the book, sighing. ZEUS A dinosaur. (Beat) McClane, I'm trying to read here. MCCLANE I see that. How long till we land? Zeus looks at his watch. ZEUS Another 2 hours. McClane rolls his eyes and hits his head against the head rest. He GRUNTS. Zeus looks over at him. ZEUS (CONTD) One more thing, McClane. If you are going to sit next to me, put your Goddamn socks back on. It smells like a barn over here. McClane smirks, puts his seat back, and closes his eyes. 6 INT. ABRAHAM'S CAR OUTSIDE ALIZE RESTAURANT - NIGHT. 6

Abraham sits, staring at a photograph of his daughter. She is smiling, standing with Abraham at Niagara Falls. His phone BUZZES, then he hears the Voice speak into his earpiece. VOICE(O.S) Open the glove box. Abraham opens it. Inside, is a Police service issue GLOCK 17 Pistol. Abraham gasps.

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ABRAHAM What do you want me to do with it? VOICE(O.S) It's a gun, genius. You shoot people with them. Abraham starts to panic. ABRAHAM Oh God, oh God! VOICE(O.S) Don't be such a pussy. It's not that hard. Killing's just like fucking: You always remember your first. Then the rest... It's all a sinful blur... The Voice laughs. Abraham carefully pulls the gun from the glove box. VOICE(O.S) (CONTD) Its loaded but the safety is on. Cock it and take the safety off. Abraham struggles to coordinate his shaky hands as he cocks the weapon. VOICE(O.S) (CONTD) Now we are going to start the festivities. (Beat) Look into the window. Do you see that young man laughing? His name is John Tucker, and you are going to kill him. Abraham looks at his mark: Young, handsome. Well-to-do by the looks of him. Laughing and joking with his hot date. ABRAHAM W-why do I have to kill him? VOICE(O.S) You know why. Everything you are doing is to keep your daughter alive. Right now, that is your only concern. Do what I say, when I say it, she lives. Abraham stares at JOHN from his car as he raises a glass to toast his date, laughing.

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ABRAHAM Im not sure I can do this. (Beat) (Yelling) Im not sure I can do this! There is a three second pause. Abraham waits for an answer. VOICE(O.S) You have one minute. And clean yourself up. You look like a homeless person for Gods sake. Abraham hides the gun in his jacket pocket and gets out. 7 EXT. ALIZE RESTAURANT - NIGHT. Abraham ties his tie tight, and buttons up his coat. He smooths his hair and he walks over to the entrance. Abraham is instantly recognized by the MAITRE d'htel, who smiles. MITRE D'HTEL Senator! I did not know you were dining tonight... Will it be for one tonight, sir? The MAITRE d'htel escorts Abraham into the restaurant. INT. ALIZE RESTAURANT. NIGHT. Abraham follows the Maitre d'htel through a sea of busy tables. The restaurant is packed. ABRAHAM Yes, for one, please. But I-I need to speak with a friend first, if you dont mind. VOICE(O.S) Were watching and listening to everything youre doing. You know the rules. 45 seconds. ABRAHAM I know! The Maitre d'htel turns around and looks puzzled. MAITRE D'HTEL Im sorry, sir. What did you say? 7

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Abraham laughs nervously. He shakes his head and shrugs, wiping sweat from his brow. ABRAHAM I didnt say anything. (Beat) Must have been one of the tables. The Maitre d'htel nods, raising an eyebrow. They continue on. VOICE(O.S) 30 seconds. Abraham sees John twenty feet from him. ABRAHAM Im just going to see John now if thats okay. I-Ill be quick. Im sorry. Its important. The Maitre d'htel smiles and nods. Abraham walks over to John. John looks up at Abraham as he stands silently over the table. JOHNS DATE gives Abraham the once over, and is appalled. John smiles. JOHN Can I help you? Abraham says nothing and snatches the gun out of his pocket. Johns Date shrieks. The restaurant falls silent as everyone waits. JOHN (CONTD) Wh-what are you doing? Who are you? Wh-why are you doing this? Abraham tears up. VOICE(O.S) Five seconds. Abraham shakes, but maintains his aim. John looks at Abraham in terror. He knows he is going to die. Abraham hears Jane SCREAMING in agony over the earpiece. Abraham YELLS, then pulls the trigger. CRACK! Blood mists as John is hit in the heart. He falls onto the table, bleeding. Patrons SCREAM and rush for the exit. Abraham stands alone in the once busy restaurant.

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VOICE(O.S) (CONTD) Grab his key card. Its in his left jacket pocket. Abraham rummages through Johns jacket and pulls out the key card. He looks at it. Its blank. VOICE(O.S) (CONTD) Now if I were you, Id get out of there before the cops show up. I have a ride out back inbound. ABRAHAM runs out the front door. 8 EXT. ALIZE RESTAURANT - NIGHT. 8

A service van pulls up. Its marked Las Vegas HVAC Co. The sliding door opens and he jumps inside. The van wheels SQUEAL as it peels out onto the strip.