PANDORA'S COURT, Howell Justice (Screenplay) Formerly, IT'S THE LAW

PANDORA’S COURT
Howell Justice
Screenplay
by
Sam Bass
Registered Sam Bass

WGAe 2018 Broadway
Little Rock, AR. 72204
501/240-3253
501/952-2056
sambass155@sbcglobal.net
“PANDORA’S COURT”
FADE IN:
EXT. 9TH ST. BAR, LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS, CIRCA 2008 – NIGHT
BUTCH PERRYMAN, a mid-twenties rustic man needing a shave

walks from the bar that flashes a colorful neon sign behind
him – “9TH STREET BAR & GRILL”.
Butch is drunk, but still composed. He passes several

street people that enter-act with him. Butch moves on,
smiling.
Butch continues a short distance down the dimly lit street

littered with candy wrappers and beer cans. He turns into a
dark paved parking lot overshadowed by a tall unkept
building and trees. He stops next to his old dark colored
car.
Butch’s tattooed arm reaches to open the door.
The image of a large, muscular man, wearing an over coat

steps behind Butch. He jerks Butch around and hits him in
the stomach. Butch doubles over from the pain.
The big man grabs Butch by the throat and straightens him
up. He slams him against the car and hits Butch hard across
the face.
Butch's assailant hits him again knocking Butch to the

ground and then kicks him in the ribs. Butch weakly tries
to resist.
The big man steps back slowly and suddenly kicks Butch
again in the stomach. The blow is so hard the air gushes
from his lungs.
The man bends over Butch, while he lies face down. His
muscular hand pushes Butch's face against the tarmac
grinding it into the small gravel and fine pieces of broken
glass.
The cruel figure stands and walks away casually, leaving

Butch gasping in pain.
Butch is cut and bleeding. He weakly pulls himself up

holding his ribs grimacing from the pain.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Butch touches his wounded face and sees that his hands and
knuckles are cut and bloody.
He drags himself into the car.
INT. BUTCH’S BLUE CADILLAC
Fumbling, Butch puts the key in the ignition and starts the
engine. He weakly puts the car into gear and drives away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF 9TH STREET BAR AND GRILL
A police cruiser drives slowly down the street flashing

their spotlight. It covers various vagrants sitting on
concrete walls and curbs.
CUT TO:
INT. 3RD ST., DOWNTOWN NINE-ONE-ONE DISPATCH CENTER
Phones are ringing. Ten dispatchers talk on telephones

while police radios sound off from incoming calls.
A middle-aged FEMALE DISPATCHER picks up a ringing phone.
FEMALE DISPATCHER
Nine-one-one emergency. May I help
you?
An anonymous female voice (Ms. Buchanan, a character

introduced later.) speaks over the phone.
MS. BUCHANAN (TELEPHONE V.O.)

There's a lot of noise at my neighbors
apartment. I think someone is hurt.
It's at twenty-two forty Harmon Street,
Golden Arms Apartments, one ten.
The phone hangs up and buzzes.
FEMALE DISPATCHER
Ma'am. Ma'am!
The dispatcher looks at her computer screen.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
FEMALE DISPATCHER P.O.V.
The computer monitor displays – AUDIO RECORD NUMBER 312456,

NO CONNECTION AT 8:00 P.M., RETAIL PRE-PAY CELLULAR PHONE,
NO CUSTOMER NAME AVAILABLE, NUMBER - 501/555-3620, SIGNAL
LOCATION - 2210 WEST 10TH STREET.
BACK TO SCENE
The dispatcher begins to speak into the dispatch microphone.
FEMALE DISPATCHER
Unit thirteen-thirty. Respond to disturbance.
Possible injuries. Twenty-two forty Harmon
Street, Golden Arms, number one ten.
MALE POLICE OFFICER (RADIO V.O.)

Thirteen-thirty responding. Send back-up,
Thirteen-thirty out.
FEMALE DISPATCHER
Ten four, thirteen-thirty.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. GOLDEN ARMS APARTMENTS, BUTCH PERRYMAN HOME
Butch drives into his parking place and stops. He turns off
the engine and gets out. Butch weakly walks to his
apartment.
EXT. 9TH STREET ALLEY NEAR BAR
A police cruiser emerges from the alley its light bar

flashing and then the siren sounds off as it speeds down
the city street.
INT. BUTCH PERRYMAN'S APARTMENT, NUMBER ONE TEN
Butch enters his jumbled aging apartment.
It is partially lit by a streetlight and decorated with

velvet Elvis pictures hanging on the wall.
Butch stumbles as he turns on a lamp and looks down.
(CONTINUE
)
CONTINUED:
He sees the bloody body of a woman beaten beyond

recognition.
Butch wilts to his knees beside the bloody body.
BUTCH
Casey, Baby!
Foot-steps are heard as Butch bends over the dead woman.
Two police officers step inside the apartment behind Butch.

They see the body and draw their weapons.
Butch looks up. He appears defeated. Tears are running down

his bleeding face.
POLICEMAN NUMBER ONE, a thirtyish tall man, holds his gun

on Butch. POLICEWOMAN NUMBER TWO, a mid-twenties woman
officer puts her weapon away and pulls Butch up roughly.
She puts the handcuffs on him.
Butch is in shock. He is limp and submissive.
Policeman number one puts his weapon away and the two
officers take Butch out.
Policewoman number two takes her hand carried radio out and
speaks into it.
POLICEWOMAN NUMBER TWO

Dispatch, this is thirteen thirty.
DISPATCH (RADIO V.O.)
Go ahead thirteen thirty.
POLICEWOMAN NUMBER TWO

Send a coroner. We have a possible
murder victim at Harmon Street,
Golden arms, Number one, ten.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. 3RD ST. DOWNTOWN POLICE STATION BOOKING DESK
ATTORNEY BOB HOWELL, a fortyish, athletic looking and
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
light skinned Choctaw Indian man stands at the booking

desk. The area is sterile, everything is all paint and
metal. He self-consciously presses his slightly wrinkled
suit lapel with his hand.
JOHN, the mid-twenties, uniformed police clerk pushes

papers toward Bob.
JOHN
There you are counselor, Candy Cross?
She’s all yours.
Bob takes the police clerk's pen and signs the papers.
John smiles at Bob.
Bob smiles and shrugs his shoulders.
BOB
Thanks John, I think.
The two police officers that arrested Butch bring him in

for booking past John and Bob.
Bob looks at Butch’s battered face. Butch turns and shows

more of his bloody unshaven profile.
Bob watches as Butch is roughly pushed to the booking desk.

JOHN
She'll be out in a minute, Bob.
Bob nods and steps back still watching the two police
officers holding Butch at the booking desk.
Policeman number one takes the handcuffs off of Butch.
POLICEMAN NUMBER ONE

Empty your pockets.
CANDY CROSS, a middle-aged, attractive and well-dressed

prostitute comes out of a side door from the jail. She
smiles and looks toward Bob.
CANDY
Hi honey.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob is still looking at Butch's face. He turns slightly to

his client and nods. He smiles and continues looking at
Butch.
Candy smiles and looks at Butch then back to Bob pulling

gently on his coat.
CANDY
(continuing)
Welcome to the real world of cops
and robbers, sugar baby.
Bob looks back at Candy. Candy gives him an affectionate

hug.
CANDY
(continuing)
Sorry to call you so late baby, but
you're my lawyer, ya know.
Butch glances at Bob.
Butch’s eyes are red and blood shot from his grief and the
blood on his face is still fresh from the bleeding wounds
on his face and head.
Police officer number two gets the desk clerks attention.
POLICE OFFICER NUMBER TWO

Book him. Suspicion of murder. The
detectives will be by later with
any other charges.
Candy speaks to Bob.
CANDY
Listen baby, walk me to the bus. These
streets aren't safe.
Bob is amused.
BOB
What about me?
Candy takes him by the arm and they walk toward the door.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BOB'S SMALL CITY HOUSE
Bob rolls his small economy car to a stop near the front of
his house. He gets out and walks to his front door. As he
opens the door slightly, the radio inside the house plays.
Bob hears a noise behind him and turns to see.
His car is being towed away. The sigh on the door of the
tow truck reads - "A-1 REPO SERVICE."
Bob runs toward the street as the tow truck moves away.
BOB
Hey.
Bob stops. He looks on frustrated.
The tow truck disappears around the corner.
CAROL, Bob's shapely dark haired girlfriend stands in the

doorway of the house dressed in a robe that is open in the
front showing her panty and bra.
CAROL
Bob, what's going on?
Bob hangs his head and walks back toward his house.
Carol waits impatiently.
Bob looks up at her as he walks inside.
BOB
Nothing, just another day at the
office.
She rolls her eyes and closes the door
DISSOLVE TO MORNING:
EXT. COUNTY COURT HOUSE – MORNING
A city bus stops in front of the court house and a few

people get off. The last person is Bob. As he steps from
the bus, he presses his wrinkled lapel with his hand and
walks toward the courthouse.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. COUNTY COURT HOUSE - AFTERNOON
The courthouse’s stark marble hallway is filled with

several waiting people and a few attorneys, all waiting to
get into the courtrooms.
Bob steps from a stainless steel elevator door as it opens

near a group of people.
He sees his client, CHERRY. She is a very pretty this

morning, dressed in a short skirt and tight top. Cherry
leans against the hallway wall.
Cherry looks up and sees Bob. She smiles and stands

straight as he walks beside her.
CHERRY
Hi, Bobby.
She straightens his wrinkled suit coat.

CHERRY
(continuing)
Nice wardrobe.
Bob is serious.
BOB
Hi, Cherry. You got the money to
pay your fine?
Cherry is confident.
CHERRY
Sure do honey. I hope the judge lets
me off with a fine. I hear he's a
real puritan these days.
Bob smiles at her humor.
BOB
Don't worry, I already made a plea-
bargain with the D.A.
Cherry pats Bob on the back.
CHERRY
Thanks, sugar. You're the best.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The bailiff opens the court room doors.
Bob looks at the doorway. He pushes Cherry’s arm.
BOB
Let's go, show time.
Cherry smiles nervously and walks into the courtroom with

Bob.
INT. COURT ROOM – MORNING
Bob and Cherry walk down the isle.
Cherry sits on the courtroom bench with the other people

who have walked in. A rumble of people talking can be heard
throughout the courtroom.
Bob walks to a large desk near the judge's bench and across
from the assistant district attorney. The assistant and Bob
exchange smiles.
A bailiff stands and walks to the center of the room and

speaks.
BAILIFF
Quiet please. All rise The Honorable
Judge Peter Buchanan presiding. Court
is now in session.
The people get quiet and stand for the judge to enter.
The judge, an athletic looking man of thirty-five enters

from a side door and takes his seat at the judicial bench.
The bailiff sits near him in front of the bench.
The judge looks through papers on his desk top and looks at
the Assistant District Attorney.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Please take your seats. Is prosecution
ready in the Alice Cherry Boatman case?
All of the people sit down in the background as the
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Assistant District Attorney stands and walks to the front

of his desk.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Your honor, the district attorney's
office has agreed to accept a guilty
plea for a fine and time served.
The judge looks at Bob Howell.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Do you concur defense counsel?
Bob looks up at the judge.
BOB
Yes, your honor.
The judge looks at Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Present your client before the
bench.
Bob is courteous.
BOB
Yes, your honor.
Bob motions for Cherry to come forward and then moves in

front of the judge's bench.
Cherry gets up and walks to Bob's side. She is concerned.

Cherry looks at Bob then the judge.
The judge closes his file and hands it to the bailiff

standing nearby.
He then looks at Cherry and speaks sternly.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
Ms. Boatman, Prostitution is a
Plague on the courts. A plague
we don’t condone.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Cherry looks at Bob, very concerned.
The judge glares at her.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
However, I will honor the district
attorney's lenient offer to you this
time with one exception.
Cherry and Bob look at each other.
The judge looks down his nose at the Cherry.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
If you ever appear before this court
again, for any reason. You will serve
the maximum jail term allotted. This
case stands as presented. Two-hundred-
fifty dollars and time served.
The judge slams the gavel and speaks quietly but directly
to Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
Get your suit pressed next time you
come to my court.
Bob nods.
BOB
Yes, your honor.
In the background, the bailiff speaks.
BAILIFF (V.O.)
Next case, please. State verses
Clyde Butch Perryman.
Bob looks at Cherry with relief.
CHERRY
That was close.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob is sincere.
BOB
Maybe you should consider another
line of work.
Cherry concedes by nodding. They turn and walk away. In the

background, two attorneys go to the judge’s bench and begin
to talk.
Bob and Cherry continue to walk toward the exit.
The judge looks up and sees Bob leaving.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Mr. Howell.
Bob stops and turns.
The Judge is stern.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
This court is appointing you to
represent, Mr. Butch Perryman. He
is in the county jail without
counsel.
Bob is surprised.
BOB
Your honor, I…
The Judge interrupts and is Kurt.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Mr. Howell, you have been appointed
by this court. Try being an attorney
on a real case.
Bob appears beaten.
BOB
Yes, your honor.
The Judge looks at Bob sternly.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Attorney Howell, you are an America
Indian? (Bob nods) Represent your
people better.
Bob smiles in agreement then turns and walks out with
Cherry. They pass CALVIN CANTRELL, a forty something
American Indian man. He is dressed in a nice suit and a
Polo shirt. Calvin appears to be a very simple man with a
crooked smile. He watches as Bob and Cherry pass by.
EXT. COURT ROOM HALLWAY - DAY
Bob's head is down as he exits the court room into the

hall. Cherry stops and pulls on Bob’s arm. He looks at her.
Cherry opens her purse, pulls out some folded bills and
stuffs them in Bob's suit pocket. She pats him on the chest
and walks away.
Calvin watches Bob while he stands beside the courtroom

doorway. He approaches Bob.
Calvin is a little awkward and almost shy.
CALVIN
Bob Howell?
Bob turns and looks at Calvin. Calvin stops in front of Bob

with his eyes looking at the floor and then Bob.
CALVIN
(continuing)
I'm Calvin Cantrell and well… I want
to be your investigator. Aunt Minnie
said you would help.
Bob is completely amused at this prospect, but he remains

courteous.
BOB
That's very nice. Are you talking
about my Aunt Minnie Keen.
Calvin nods.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CALVIN
Yes, our aunt. I’m Omoda’s son.
We’re cousins.
Bob put out with Calvin.
BOB
Who's going to pay you, cousin?
Calvin is shy, but persistent.
CALVIN
You don't have to pay me! I’m rich.
Aunt Minnie thinks I need a new life.
Bob looks Calvin over still trying to be kind. He tries to

make him understand.
BOB
Calvin, please understand I don't
need an assistant. Besides, there
is no money for anything. But
thanks for asking and tell Aunt
Minnie hello.
Bob smiles at Calvin and walks away toward the men's

bathroom.
Calvin follows rambling on.
CALVIN
But, Bob, Aunt Minnie said you would
help and she said I should help you.
She said all I need is to be around
good people like you.
Bob looks at Calvin as if he is crazy and enters the

bathroom.
BOB
Aunt Minnie says a lot.
Calvin smiles.
When the heavy bathroom door closes, it shuts in Calvin's

face.
INT. COURTHOUSE BATHROOM
Bob walks to the urinal and positions himself.
Calvin enters the bathroom talking. He stops near Bob.
Bob stares at him.
CALVIN (V.O.)
Bob.
Bob is weary of Calvin as he responds.
BOB
Yes.
Calvin continues to push.
CALVIN
Well ah, Bob, is it okay if I stay
and help?
Bob is put out while still urinating.
BOB
I'm kind of busy here, Calvin.
Calvin is kind and shy.
CALVIN
Please, Bob I need to do this. I’m
sure this would help us both. Your
Mom, Phyllis and Minnie said you
needed the help and I’m unemployed.
Probably can’t get a job unless I
buy the company anyway.
Bob zips up and looks sternly at Calvin.
BOB
I know my mom’s name. Okay Calvin, but
you have to pass a drug test and a
background check at your expense and
then if you pass, you will do exactly
what I say for no pay and stay out of
the way. Indian or not, blood or not
you gotta tow the mark.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Calvin smiles.
CALVIN (V.O.)
Okay, I'll do it! Then if I do
good we can renegotiate.
Bob goes to the lavatory and washes his hands as Calvin

watches.
BOB
Don’t push it.
Bob looks at him and starts to speak, Calvin interrupts.
CALVIN
I thought…
Bob interrupts Calvin.
BOB
Calvin.
Calvin stops and is silent. Bob looks at him.
BOB
(continuing)
Calvin, come to my office and I’ll
brief you on our case. Do you have
a place to stay?
Calvin’s face shows curiosity.
CALVIN
Ah, Bob?
Bob is short.
BOB
It's in the phone book. Twenty
nineteen Claiborne. Where are
you staying?
Calvin is thinking.
CALVIN
Holiday Inn.
Bob smiles.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CITY JAIL
Bob walks into the police department’s attorney/client

conference room for his court appointed meeting with Butch
Perryman. He sits down at a desk set-up for attorneys to
meet with their clients.
SAM BAKER, a heavy built guard opens the door of the

secured conference room.
Butch walks in wearing handcuffs with chains that bind his

hands to his sides and more chains that hobble his legs.
The guard escorts Butch as he hobbles to the table and sits.
Bob is shocked at the sight of the chains.
Another guard watches Bob and Butch from behind a safety

glass at the end of the room.
The guard turns and walks toward the door.
SAM
Here he is counselor.
Bob is angry with the guard. He recognizes him and calls

him by name.
BOB
Sam, get these chains off. He's not an
animal.
Sam speaks as he walks.
SAM
Sorry, Orders from the top.
The guard exits.

BOB
I thought the asses were on the bottom.
BOB P.O.V.
He looks over Butch's swollen and bruised face.
Bob shakes his head.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
I'm, Bob Howell, your attorney.
Butch nods meekly.
BOB
(continuing)
What are you charged with?
Butch is defeated. He speaks softly.
BUTCH
Murder.
Bob looks into Butch's eyes.
BOB
Did you do it?
Butch shakes his head no.
BUTCH
No, I loved Casey. She was…
Bob looks at his file.
BOB
Tell me what happened, so we can
piece this together. I'll pick up
a copy of your file and the police
reports to see what they have.
Butch nods his head yes, slowly.

BUTCH
Well, it started the other night.
I…
DISSOLVE TO:
Bob is nodding his head, yes.
BOB
Do you know who beat you?
Butch appears defeated.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BUTCH
No, I never saw his face. It was
dark.
Sam, the guard walks into the room.
SAM
Bob, you have a call at the front
desk.
Bob looks up and acknowledgments.
The guard leaves. Bob stands and closes his beat up

briefcase. He looks at Butch.
BOB
Okay Butch, I'm going to do my best
to help you. Just hang in there.
Butch nods solemnly. Bob pats Butch on the shoulder. Butch

looks up.
BUTCH
All right. If they don’t kill me
first.
Bob smiles.
BOB
I’ll talk to the judge and D-A to
get you some protection. Just hang
in there. Sorry, gotta run.
Bob walks out. Butch nods and remains seated. He hangs his
head.
CUT TO:
INT. COUNTY JAIL, FRONT DESK
Bob walks to the front desk where a female police officer

greets him.
POLICEWOMAN
You may take the call on this phone.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
She points to the phone on the booking desk.
Bob picks up the telephone.
BOB
Thank you,
(talks into the
phone)
Hello.
Bob's girlfriend, Carol is calling.
CAROL (TELEPHONE V.O.)

What kept you?
Bob mumbles.
BOB
I ah.
CAROL (TELEPHONE V.O.)

I've had enough. You never come
home when you say. Your clothes
are on the porch. So just get on
with your pitiful life.
The line goes dead. Bob looks at the phone and hangs up. He
is sad. Bob walks out.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BUS STOP BENCH, FRONT OF COURTHOUSE
Bob walks down the tree lined sidewalk and street toward
the bus stop bench.
Bob sits down beside a small elderly woman and smiles at

her. She turns her back to him. He presses his wrinkled
lapel with his hand.
Bob opens his briefcase and takes out a sandwich and a

small can of orange juice. He closes the case and uses it
as a table. Bob relaxes and takes a bite of the sandwich
then stares off into the distance.
Bob can see Calvin carrying a briefcase in the distance.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Calvin also has a camera around his neck and a wide smile
on his face as he approaches.
Bob is exhausted with the thought of Calvin, but relaxes

and decides to deal with him.
Calvin stops between Bob and the older woman. He looks at

her.
CALVIN
May I sit down, ma'am?
The older lady looks at Calvin as if he is weird.
Calvin smiles and sits down. He looks at Bob and back at

his briefcase.
Bob continues to eat his sandwiches. He smiles at Calvin.
Calvin opens his briefcase, gets a sandwich out and begins

to eat identical to Bob.
Calvin puts his half eaten sandwich away and pulls out a
huge snowball cupcakes and begins to eat, getting chocolate
and white cream around his mouth and dropping it in his lap.
Bob looks at Calvin and looks away.
The older lady appears grossed out and looks away.
Calvin looks at Bob.
CALVIN
(continuing)
Good lunch,
(holds up cake)
Snow balls.
Bob smiles and nods. He chews his sandwich staring into the
distance.
A pretty young woman, SHARON TAFT, the assistant district

attorney, walks by and sees Bob. She stops.
Bob is still staring into the distance, holding his

sandwich.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
SHARON
Having breakfast?
Bob looks up at Sharon, surprised.
Sharon looks at Calvin curiously. She looks back at Bob.
Calvin is smiling at Sharon.
BOB
Ah, Yes.
Sharon extends her hand.
SHARON
I'm, Sharon Taft.
Bob fumbles with his sandwich, drink and the briefcase. He

stands and shakes Sharon's hand.
SHARON
(continuing)
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…
The woman on the bench looks at him like he may have brain
damage.
Sharon smiles very big.
BOB
Are You the new assistant D.A.?
Sharon is pleased he remembers.
SHARON
Yes, well nice to see you.
Calvin looks up at Sharon and Bob.
Bob decides to introduce them.
BOB
Oh, Ms. Taft. This my Cousin, Calvin
Cantrell.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
She smiles and shakes his hand.
Bob and Sharon smile at each other nervously. Calvin sits

down.
Sharon, still smiling, starts to walk away.
Bob wants to let her know he likes her.
BOB
I'll see you around.
(he hesitates)
The courthouse.
Sharon turns back toward Bob smiling sweetly in

acknowledgement and walks on.
Bob sits down again as he watches her walk away.
Calvin takes his camera and begins to shoot pictures of

Sharon's butt as she walks away.
Bob looks at Calvin for a moment then pushes his camera out
of its line of focus.
BOB
(continuing)
Will you stop with the ass shots?
Calvin smiles. He stops taking pictures.
CALVIN
Are you in love, Bob?
Bob looks strangely at Calvin.
BOB
Calvin, I hardly know her.
Calvin looks at him mischievously.
CALVIN
Do you want to have her babies,
Bob?
Calvin Grins.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob shakes his head.
Calvin takes a handkerchief from his pocket and blows his

nose very loud and long then wipes his mouth looking at Bob.
CALVIN
(continuing)
I have information on Perryman.
Bob rolls his eyes. He looks away, then has a thought and
then looks back at Calvin.
Calvin is still seriously staring at Bob.

CALVIN
(continuing)
The street people say the cops are
in on a frame up of Perryman.
(Calvin smiles)
Talking drums. Maybe I should say
talking bums.
Bob nods un-amused while in thought. Calvin blows his nose

again. The older lady is discussed. She gets up and walks
away.
BOB
Do you know who?
Calvin looks up. He shakes his head, no. He smiles at Bob

with chocolate cupcake between his teeth as he puts his
handkerchief away.
Bob just looks at Calvin. Calvin has a blank stare for a

moment.
CALVIN
What?
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BOB'S HOUSE – AFTERNOON
A city bus stops on the corner near Bob's house. He gets

off and walks toward his small run down house.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
As he walks, he can see suitcases and boxes sitting on the

porch.
Bob sadly shakes his head as he walks to the porch. He

knocks on the door and speaks to Carol through the door.
BOB
Carol, Carol please. If you are in
there. Call, Harry at the Yellow
Cab and tell him to pick me up.
Carol speaks with a firm tone.
CAROL (V.O.)
I'm not here, go away.
Bob perks up.
BOB
Please, Carol. I'm sorry. I understand
how you feel. I'm not too happy with
myself either. Please, just call Harry.
Carol is still strong against Bob.
CAROL (V.O.)
All right Bob, I called. Please go
away now. I can't see you or we'll
start over again.
Bob slowly picks up his luggage and starts moving them

across the un-mowed lawn, to the curb.
A yellow cab pulls up and stops. HARRY, the driver, a thin,

happy man gets out and walks toward Bob.
Bob looks up sadly.
Harry smiles and takes part of Bob's load.
HARRY
Hi, Bob, you're lucky I was in the
neighborhood. What’s wrong got a
little trouble in paradise?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob nods.
Harry is supportive.
HARRY
Don't worry, Buddy. You're an all
right guy. Things happen sometimes
when you deal in love.
Harry opens the trunk of the cab and puts Bob's things
inside. They both go back for the rest of the boxes.
Bob and Harry talk as they pick up the boxes and walk back
to the taxi.
HARRY
(continuing)
You know what I do when there's
trouble?
Bob is amused.
BOB
Shoot yourself?
Harry smiles and wages his finger at Bob.
Bob shuts the trunk.
BOB
(continuing)
Thanks for coming, Harry. Will you
take me to my office?
Harry nods in acknowledgement. They get into the cab and

drive away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CLAIBORNE ST., OLD THREE-STORY OFFICE BUILDING – DAY
Harry's taxi rolls to a stop in front of the building. Bob

and Harry get out.
Harry opens the deck lid. Harry and Bob pick up suitcases
and boxes and start inside.
INT. OFFICE BUILDING HALL
The elevator doors open. Bob and Harry get off the elevator.
Mrs. Cooper, the landlady, an older, tough looking lady is

standing in the hall. She talks as she walks up to Bob and
Harry.
MRS. COOPER
There you are Bob Howell. I've been
looking for you. Your rent is over due.
Bob is distressed. Harry stands by holding the suitcases.

Bob looks away for a moment and sees Calvin standing in
front of his office door.
BOB
I know, Mrs. Cooper. I just got here
I'll be down in a few minutes to talk
to you.
Mrs. Cooper moves toward the elevator.
MRS. COOPER
Be sure you do and bring money. I
won't wait this time.
Mrs. Cooper pushes the elevator button and waits.
Bob looks on with a defeated look.
Harry rolls his eyes in disgust.
HARRY
Charming.
Calvin cheerfully rushes past Bob and Harry carrying his

new briefcase.
Harry and Bob are surprised as Calvin passes. They just

stand in place and look on.
Calvin pulls an envelope from his pocket with his free hand
as he rushes toward the elevator.
Calvin jams his arm between the elevator doors. They close
on his arm.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Mrs. Cooper is shocked as she peers through the small

opening between the elevator doors.
MRS. COOPER P.O.V.
Calvin’s eye is staring through the opening. His arm

protrudes through also holding an envelope.
CALVIN
I have money!
BACK TO SCENE
Mrs. Cooper looks closer at the Envelope.
MRS. COOPER
For what, my dental work?
Calvin smiles sheepishly.
CALVIN
No, I am prepared to pay Bob's rent.
But you got here first.
Mrs. Cooper opens the envelope checks the contents and

gives a fake smile.
MRS. COPPER
Thank you, Mr. do-gooder. How efficient,
pick-up a receipt down stairs.
Calvin is still smiling and tries to remove his arm. He

can't get it out. Calvin stops trying and just looks
pitiful.
Mrs. Cooper looks at Calvin with a cruel smirk and pushes

the open button on the elevator.
The door opens. Calvin takes his arm out.
Bob looks at Calvin.
BOB
Calvin, what did you do?
The elevator doors closes and Mrs. Cooper is gone.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Calvin looks kindly toward Bob.
CALVIN
Taking care of business? Aunt Minnie
says I should do more of it.
Bob returns the friendly glance.
BOB
I'm sorry you did that, Calvin. I'll
get it back to you.
Harry looks on in wonder.
Calvin smiles very big.
Bob looks at Calvin and Harry. He motions for them to

follow him into his cluttered office. They all walk toward
the entrance.
Harry looks at Calvin as if he is very strange.
HARRY
Hi, Calvin. I'm, Harry.
Calvin smiles at Harry.
CALVIN
Yes, you are.
INT. BOB'S OFFICE – DAY
Bob, Calvin and Harry enter the office. It is decorated in

1940's legal.
Bob sees a note in his typewriter. He sets down the

suitcases and boxes, pulls the note from the typewriter and
begins to read.
Harry sets his load of luggage down and stands beside Bob.
HARRY
What is it, Bob?
Bob reads intensely.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
My secretary quit. She says the
neighborhood is dangerous and she would
complain about the pay, but there was
none.
Harry is passive about the secretary. He didn't like her

anyway.
HARRY
It could be worse, Bobby. She could've
stayed.
Calvin looks at Bob with a helpful look.
Bob smiles.
BOB
Thanks, Harry. You've been a good
friend. How much do I owe you.
Harry is kind toward Bob.
HARRY
Forget it Bob. You've helped my family
lots of times. Besides I owe you.
Bob is touched.
BOB
Thanks, Harry.
Harry and Bob look at each other for a second, then shake
hands and smile.
Calvin looks touched by the whole thing.
HARRY
Well I've got to go Bob. Call me if
you need anything.
Harry walks to the door and steps outside.
Bob and Calvin watch Harry leave.

Calvin looks at Bob.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CALVIN
I heard from a good source in Butch’s
neighborhood that his girlfriend was
sleeping with a married cop.
Bob smiles and acknowledges.
CALVIN
(continuing)
Well, I’m going for more clues. Every-
body at home says hello.
He watches Calvin walk away. Bob is thinking to himself.
He sits at his secretary's desk and picks up the phone

messages. He looks through them, lays the notes back on the
desk and looks ahead with a stressed out, blank stare.
Tears well up in his eyes and roll down his cheeks as he
sits silent in the dim office.
The phone rings, Bob looks at it. It rings again, he puts

his hand on it. It rings again, he hesitates and picks it
up.
BOB
Hello.
Butch Perryman's sister, Ann, is calling.
ANN (TELEPHONE V.O.)

Is this, Mr. Howell’s office?
BOB
Yes, this is, Bob.

I'm glad I found you. I'm Ann Perryman,
Butch's sister.
BOB
How may I help you Ms. Perryman?
It's Butch. He's been beat up at the
jail. They put him in the hospital.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob wipes the tears from his eyes.
BOB
Yes, I'm sorry. I'll go there right
away and find out what happened.

Thank you, Mr. Howell. Something
isn't right. It's like the police
have already convicted, Butch.
BOB
There's nothing new about that, Ms.
Perryman. I'll take care of it, don't
worry.

Thank you, Mr. Howell. I know he's
innocent. Please help him.
Ann hangs up, the phone buzzes. Bob appears concerned and
stares into the distance.
BOB
I will.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. JAIL HOSPITAL – AFTERNOON
A guard opens the jail cell door and Bob walks into the
jail's hospital ward. Bob continues to walk down the bed
lined isle. He sees Butch and walks to his bedside.
Butch's face is more scratched, bruised and swollen than

before. He slowly opens his eyes.
Bob looks startled at the sight of Butch's face. He speaks

softly.
BOB
What happened, Butch?
Butch is stronger now.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BUTCH
Three guys in the cell jumped me
and the jailer said I started it.
Bob gently touches Butch's arm.
BOB
I'll get to the bottom of this. I'm
sorry, Butch.
Butch’s word plead with Bob.
BUTCH
I didn't kill Casey. Someone is trying
to railroad me.
Bob comforts him.
BOB
Relax Butch, we have an arraignment in
a couple of days. I'll take care of it.
Bob turns and walks away.
BUTCH
Mr. Howell.
Bob stops and turns around looking at Butch.
BUTCH
(continuing)
What ever Casey was or did she didn't
deserve what happened to her.
Bob sadly acknowledges and walks out.

DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Bob walks into the police department past the front desk.
The desk sergeant watches him as he passes.
Bob walks down a long hallway past police officers booking

prisoners, prisoners being taken to jail cells and
detectives leaving the area. He stops at a door with a sign
that reads "DETECTIVE DIVISION".
INT. DETECTIVE DIVISION OFFICES
The room contains ten metal desk, six of which are occupied
by plain clothes detectives answering phones and shuffling
papers.
Bob looks around the room. He sees a door labeled "CAPTAIN

HAROLD". He walks toward the door.
The detectives watch Bob as if he should not be there.
Bob stops in Captain Harold's doorway.
Bob looks at the middle aged, well dressed, arrogant chief

of detectives. Bob nervously presses the lapel of his
wrinkled suit with his hand.
CAPTAIN HAROLD, a typical middle-aged detective with

graying dark hair looks up and over his reading glasses
from the file he is reading.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Yes.
Bob regains his confidence.
BOB
I'm, Bob Howell, attorney for Butch
Perryman.
Captain Harold smiles as if he is making fun of Bob. He

removes his reading glasses as he speaks.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
I know, Mr. Howell, so.
Bob looks at him with a question on his face.
BOB
I would like to speak with the
detectives that investigated the
Perryman/Lynch case.
The detective is rude.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Fine, talk to them.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob is firm.
BOB
So have them come in.
The captain ignores Bob’s request.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Mr. Howell, your name sounds like
Cowboys and Indians.
(he smiles)
When they come in I'll have them
call you.
Bob stands firm.
BOB
Captain those detectives are
important to my clients arraignment,
which is day after tomorrow. I can't
wait.
Captain Harold smirks.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
We'll call you.
Bob is angry.
BOB
I’ve had it with the bureaucratic
dance, get the detectives or I get
the Judge to assure your cooperation.
Captain Harold smiles.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Relax, have it your way.
(he picks up the phone
and dials an extension)
Get detectives Brown and Akin in
here A.S.A.P.
Captain Harold hangs up the phone and leans back in his

chair, looking confident.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob walks out of the captain's doorway and looks around the
detective’s office. He sees two desks pushed back to back.
The name plate on the desk facing him reads: “DETECTIVE
BURNS".
Bob walks to the desk and sits in a chair beside it.
Captain Harold stands in his doorway watching Bob and

smiling.
Bob crosses his legs. He relaxes and sees a hole in his

shoe. He discreetly and quickly sits his foot back on the
floor. Bob is embarrassed he sits up straight and looks
around the room.
The detectives are watching him.
Bob presses his wrinkled lapel with his hand.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. POLICE DEPARTMENT – NIGHT
Bob is walking out the police department front exit. He

walks across the street under a street light and down the
sidewalk.
As Bob walks he approaches a rough looking street person
sitting next to a building.
The street person stares at Bob as he walks by.
EXT. CITY STREET
Bob continues to walk down the sidewalk watching people as

they pass and others sitting in remote areas of the dirty
street.
He stops in front of an all night cafe and looks inside

before he goes inside.
A hand taps his shoulder from behind.
Bob jumps from fright and whirls around.
Calvin is smiling at Bob.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob catches his breath.
BOB
Jesus, Calvin you scared the hell
out of me!
Calvin grins.
A car horn honks, Bob turns toward the sound.
Sharon Taft stops her new BMW and rolls down the power
window. She leans over to talk to Bob.
SHARON
Hi.
Bob looks again, not believing he knows anyone of that

caliber. Calvin looks at Sharon in unison with Bob.
Sharon smiles and opens her car door from inside.
SHARON
(continuing)
Don't go in there. Come with me. I
know a great place.
Bob hesitates and presses his lapel with his hand looking
at Sharon.
SHARON
(continuing)
My treat. I don't want to eat alone.
Bob smiles, walks to the car and gets in.
Calvin steps off the curb beside Sharon's car. He looks in

the window at Bob.
CALVIN
What should I do, Bob?
BOB
Go home, Calvin. You are off duty.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Calvin smiles very big.
CALVIN
A guy told me a judge was at the
Perryman house a few days before
the murder. He saw the car.
Bob waves as they drive away.
He watches the car drive away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ELEGANT FRENCH RESTAURANT
Sharon's car stops in front of the restaurant. A well-

dressed valet walks out and takes the keys from Sharon. She
and Bob get out of the car.
Bob looks around nervously at the possible cost of this

evening. Sharon smiles, takes Bob's hand and walks inside.
INT. ELEGANT FRENCH RESTAURANT
Bob and Sharon stop beside the maitre’d. He looks at them.

A beautifully decorated restaurant is in his background.
MAITRE’D
Yes, may I help you?
Bob is nervous and starts to speak but is interrupted by

Sharon.
SHARON
Taft.
The maitre’d smiles.
MAITRE’D
Yes of course. If you and the
gentleman will follow me.
The maitre’d walks toward Sharon's table. Bob and Sharon

follow.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob presses his lapel as he nervously looks around.
The maitre’d stops at the table. A waiter walks up. The

maitre’d pulls Sharon's chair out and seats her, the waiter
repeat the process for Bob.
Another waiter sits water glasses on the table and pours

water from a pitcher.
Sharon watches Bob and smiles.
The waiter hands Sharon a menu, then Bob. The waiter

leaves.
SHARON
Are you comfortable, Bob?
Bob is nervous. He smiles as the waiter walks up.
WAITER
May I take your order sir?
Sharon smiles and looks kindly at Bob and the waiter.
SHARON
It's my birthday and I get to order. We'll
have champagne and escargot. Followed by
filet of sol.
Bob smiles with guarded approval. The waiter smiles and

leaves.
SHARON
(continuing)
So, Bob tell me about yourself.
Bob looks uncomfortable.
BOB
Well let's see. I grew up with loving
parents. Got a job, finished college
and law school, while washing dishes
at night and here I am. How about you?
Sharon smiles.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
SHARON
Well, my father is a native American
and a senior partner in his law firm.
My mother is a yuppie type housewife
and that equals children that are
lawyers in my family.
Bob smiles.
BOB
Me too.
She smiles.
SHARON
What, an Indian, a housewife or a
lawyer.
Bob smiles.
BOB
A part Choctaw Indian and a lawyer.
Sharon smiles.
The waiter arrives with their meal and sets it before them.
A second waiter pours champagne.
A third waiter place’s their napkins.
Sharon looks at the waiter and begins to talk inaudibly to

him.
EXT. ELEGANT FRENCH RESTAURANT
Calvin starts to go into the restaurant. The maitre’d looks

at Calvin and wags his finger at him to keep him out.
Calvin backs out of the door and walks down the street.
INT. ELEGANT FRENCH RESTAURANT
Bob hears a tapping noise on the restaurant window. He

turns and looks.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB P.O.V.
INSIDE TO OUTSIDE - It’s Calvin, he is tapping on the

window with a credit card.
BACK TO SCENE
Bob is surprised.
Three other couples near the window notice Calvin.

A woman sitting near the window smiles in amusement and
points at Calvin while getting her partners attention. Her
male partner looks and smiles at a grinning Calvin in the
window.
Calvin smiles very big and holds the credit card for Bob to
see. Pointing at it suggesting Bob may need to use it.
Bob looks slightly embarrassed and motions for Calvin to go

away.
Calvin smiles and holds the credit card up again.
Bob motions for Calvin to go away.
Calvin moves out of sight.
Sharon looks at Bob.
Bob turns his attention to Sharon.
A waiter walks to their table with a bottle of red wine and

pours for Sharon and then Bob. He completes serving the
wine and walks away.
SHARON
Are you all right, Bob?
Bob smiles nervously.
BOB
Yes. I thought I saw something
outside.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Sharon silently acknowledges and looks at Bob lovingly.
SHARON
I propose a toast. To, Bob Howell,
a great attorney.
Bob looks at Sharon.

BOB
No, to Sharon Taft. The nicest
person I have ever met and Happy
Birthday.
They look at each other lovingly. Bob and Sharon pick up

their forks, Sharon begins to speak.
SHARON
I hear you have a murder case
coming up with Judge Buchanan.
He's tough.
Bob is serious.
BOB
Yes. Plus he doesn't like me. Makes
it worse.
She smiles.
SHARON
You know his mother was a judge. I
hear, around the court house, that
even though she's retired, the lady
is still influential.
A few feet away Calvin enters the front of the restaurant

and begins talking inaudibly to the Maitre’d. The Maitre’d
appears to be talking harshly to Calvin. Calvin discretely
hands him money. The Maitre’d smiles and motions for two
waiters to move a table for Calvin.
The waiters moves a table and one chair to an area near Bob
and Sharon.
Calvin walks to the table and is seated by a waiter.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob takes a drink of red wine when suddenly the sight of

Calvin trying to get his attention shocks him.
CALVIN
Psst! Psst!
Bob spills the wine on his wrinkled suit and white shirt.
Sharon reaches trying to help wipe the wine off his shirt.
While helping, Sharon looks out and sees Calvin and smiles.
Calvin smiles and waves a small hello.
Bob mimics a smile. He turns back to Sharon as she sits.
SHARON
Bob, isn’t that little man your
cousin?
Bob is serious.
BOB
The cousin from hell!
Sharon laughs slightly.
SHARON
He looks so lonely. Would you like
to invite him over?
Bob is stressed.
BOB
No!
Sharon smiles again.
SHARON
That's not very nice.
(she looks out and moves
her lips for him to read)
Would you like to join us?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Calvin points at himself and looks over his shoulder and

back at Sharon. He smiles very big.
Sharon acknowledges and gestures for Calvin to come to the
table.
Sharon looks at Bob smiling.
Bob smiles and gestures and okay for Calvin to join them.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. COURT HOUSE – MORNING
Bob walks down the hall toward the courtroom, carrying a

disposable cup of coffee.
Sharon appears from a side door. She steps into the hall
and sees Bob.
Sharon walks behind Bob and speaks.
SHARON
Bob.
Bob turns and stops facing Sharon. They bump slightly

spilling the coffee on his dingy shirt, leaving a small
stain. He smiles and wipes the stain with his hand.
BOB
Morning.
Sharon is glad to see Bob.
SHARON
Sorry? Hey, good luck today.
(she moves away)
Well I've got to go.
Bob smiles broadly. He watches Sharon as she walks away.
Captain Harold walks past Bob.
Bob turns around and runs into Captain Harold spilling his
coffee again.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Good morning, Howell. You down here
to bail out another one of your high
level ass merchant clients.
Bob looks coldly at Captain Harold, brushes at the coffee

stain and turns to walk into the courtroom.
Captain Harold watches, smiling.
Bob gives him a look of contempt and goes inside.
Bob walks into the court.
A few people sit around the gallery. Bob notices Ellen

Buchanan, the judge’s mother, a well dressed, graying lady,
very pretty in her late fifties.
Bob walks on toward his desk near the judge’s bench. A

young woman, Ann Perryman, stops him before he leaves the
gallery.
ANN
Mr. Howell, I'm Ann Perryman, Butch's
sister. I'm worried, you've got to help
him.
Bob tries to console her.
BOB
I will, Ann. I will.
Bob turns and goes to his desk, sits down, opens his
briefcase. He takes out files from under his smashed
sandwich.
Bob looks up as a clean cut, well dressed, young assistant

district attorney enters and goes to his desk.
Bob watches Sam the jail guard bring Butch into the court
room. He is still wearing the chains.
Butch hobbles toward Bob. His face is swollen, scratched

and bruised.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob stands appearing angry.
Sam seats Butch, very roughly. Bob speaks to Sam.
BOB
Take the chains off. You make him
look guilty before we start.
Sam is firm.
SAM
No way, Bob. Judges orders.
Sam walk away.
BOB
Screw him. We'll see about this.
(he looks at Butch)
Hang on a few minutes Butch. I'll
talk to the judge.
Butch is resigned to his fate.
BUTCH
Don't worry about it, Mr. Howell.
They're going to railroad me anyway.
Bob shows his determination.
BOB
No they won't. Just hang on.
The bailiff stands and speaks.
BAILIFF
Court is now in session. Judge Peter
Buchanan presiding. All rise.
All of the people in the courtroom stand.
Judge Buchanan enters and takes his seat. He looks around

the courtroom.
BAILIFF (V.O.)
(continuing)
Take your seats.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Ellen Buchanan smiles proudly at her son.
Judge Buchanan smiles at his mother.
The Bailiff speaks.
BAILIFF
(continuing)
The hearing of State vs. Perryman
is ready to be heard.
The judge looks at Bob and then at the assistant district

attorney.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Is prosecution ready?
The D.A. stands and looks at the judge.

Yes, your honor.
He sits.
The Judge continues.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Defense?
Bob stands and answers.
BOB
Yes, your honor. May I approach
the bench?
The judge motions for him to approach.
Bob walks to the bench. The assistant district attorney

walks up beside him.
BOB
Your honor, I protest the cruel and
harsh treatment of my client. He is
in court wearing chains and the
guards are excessively cruel.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The D.A. likes Bob and is willing to give him a break.

Your honor the prosecution has no
objection.
The judge is abrupt.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
I'm sorry counselor, but this prisoner
has a history of violence since he's
been in custody. I will not jeopardize
innocent people.
Bob pushes.
BOB
I strongly protest, your honor.
The judge is uncaring.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
So noted. Get on with your case Mr.
Howell.
Bob pushes.
BOB
Your honor!
The Judge cuts his eyes toward Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
I don't want any argument.
Bob’s words fight back.

BOB
Your honor, the damn guards jerk and
push him around. His…
The judge is angry.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Not one word! I have your protest noted.
Present your case.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob is angry. He walks back to his seat and sits down.
The assistant district attorney takes his seat.
Bob looks at Butch.
BOB
I'm sorry, Butch.
Butch nods.
SLOW DISSOLVE TO:
The judge looks at Bob and then the assistant district

attorneys, seated at their desks.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
It is the opinion of this court. There
is sufficient evidence presented to
carry this case over for trial. You may
get the court dates from the bailiff or
my clerk after 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. Court
will stand in recess for thirty minutes.
The judge strikes his gavel on the bench. Bob looks on.
Butch hangs his head.
BOB
I'm sorry, Butch. Just hang in there.
Butch acknowledges solemnly.
The judge gets up and leaves.

The bailiff discreetly passes by Bob's desk as Bob stands.
He slides a small note over the desk to Bob.
Bob picks up the note and wads it up in his palm.
Sam, the guard jerks Butch up from the desk.
Bob protests angrily.
BOB
(continuing)
That is not necessary.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Sam smiles and stops.
SAM
Something wrong, Bob?
Bob glares at Sam.
BOB
If you continue this mistreatment of
my client, I will have you up on
charges. Do you understand?
Sam look at him unsure.
SAM
Yes sir.
The two officers take Butch out of the room.
Bob watches as they leave, then he opens the note.
ECU NOTE - "CHECK THE 911 CALL ON THE NIGHT OF THE MURDER.
LISTEN TO IT CLOSELY."
Bob looks at the note curiously and then looks around the
courtroom, everyone is gone.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BOB'S OFFICE – AFTERNOON

Bob sits at his secretary’s desk listening to the nine-one-
one call.
C. D. PLAYER (MS. BUCHANAN V.O.)

There's been a lot of noise at the
neighbors apartment. I think someone's
been hurt. It's at twenty two forty
Harmon Street.
There is a sound of the phone hanging up and a buzz.
Bob listens with a questioning look, He ejects the C.D.
CLOSE ON THE C.D.LABEL - 9-1-1, AUDIO NUMBER 312456, 8:00
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
P.M., RETAIL PRE-PAY CELLULAR, NO CUSTOMER NAME, NUMBER -

501/555-3620, SIGNAL LOCATION - 2210 WEST 7TH STREET.
He puts it in his pocket. He stands and walks out of his

office solemnly.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CITY STREET NEAR COURT HOUSE
Bob walks down the sidewalk with his head down. A large
guard dog appears in a store window and barks viciously
causing Bob to jump.
Sharon yells to Bob as she crosses the street.
SHARON
Bob, Wait. I'll walk with you.
Sharon walks beside Bob and they walk on.
SHARON
(continuing)
You don't look too perky today.
Bob smiles.
BOB
I'm not. I've got only four weeks
to find evidence to clear an innocent
man. Besides, what are you doing out
here in this area?
Sharon looks up at Bob.
SHARON
I work here. Hey listen. I overheard
something that may help you.
Bob is grime.
BOB
Like what, a confession?
Sharon is cheerful.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
SHARON
No, I overheard two street cops
talking about a wealthy looking
woman, in a blue Cadillac. she
visited Butch Perryman's apartment
several times when he was gone.
Probably visiting his girlfriend.
Bob perks up.
BOB
God, thanks Sharon. That may help
Butch's case.
Sharon is serious.
SHARON
It's only hearsay, but maybe
something will come of it.
Bob looks at Sharon and looks toward the street as Captain

Harold drives by.
Captain Harold stares at them from his detective's vehicle

as he passes.
Bob looks at him intensely.
BOB
There goes a jerk.
Sharon looks at the captain as he drives away.
SHARON
Forget him, just take care of your
case. You’re in Judge Buchanan’s
Pandora’s Court. Stay sharp.
Sharon kisses Bob on the cheek.
Bob gets a large smile on his face.
Sharon walks toward the parking lot and her car.
Bob crosses the street to the bus stop. A bus drives up and
stops, Bob gets on.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The scroll on the front of the bus, above the windshield,

reads "HARMON STREET".
INT. CITY BUS - DAY
Bob walks down the isle of the bus. He takes a seat next
to a window on the curb side.
The bus pulls away from the stop.
Bob is comfortably riding along when suddenly he hears a

knock on the window. Bob looks out and sees Calvin riding a
bicycle beside the bus wobbling as he knocks on the window.
Bob motions for Calvin to stop and go away.
Calvin keeps pedaling hanging onto the bus dodging parked

cars as they speed down the street.
Bob see a bridge coming up from the corner of his eye. He

looks at the bridge. He turns toward Calvin with a panicked
look on his face. Bob open the window.
Calvin is watching Bob.
CALVIN
A guy told me a cop beat Butch in
the parking lot the night of the
murder.
The bus starts across the bridge.
BOB
The bridge, Calvin! The bridge!
Calvin waves.
Bob tries to wave him off.
Calvin waves again.
Bob yells to Calvin.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
No, Calvin the bridge.
Calvin looks up shocked and cuts off the road down a grassy
embankment and finally stops and falls over.
Bob is concerned as the bus speeds away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HARMON STREET - LATE AFTERNOON
Bob gets off the bus, it pulls away from the curb and rolls
down the street.
A street sign on the corner, above Bob's head, reads

"HARMON ST."
Bob looks around the old neighborhood, then walks to the
nearest house.
He stops at the front door and knocks. He pulls out a

wrinkled business card.
A gray haired older woman opens the door with the safety
chain still attached.
Bob smiles and hands his business card to her.
BOB
Ma'am, I'm Bob Howell, an attorney.
I'm investigating the Casey Lynch
murder.
(he points down the
street)
Down the street at twenty two forty.
Are you familiar with the incident?
The lady is friendly.
OLDER LADY
No, I don't know anything.
The older lady shuts the door.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob looks on as he hears the dead bolt lock.
CUT TO:
Bob knocks on another door. A man answers and shakes his

head, no, as Bob talks.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SMALL FRAME HOUSE – NIGHT
Bob loosens his tie and presses his lapel with his hand as
he prepares to knock on the door. He knocks. An older man,
HARVEY PAINE, answers the door.
HARVEY
Yes.
Bob smiles.
BOB
Hello, I'm Bob Howell. I'm investigating
the Casey Lynch murder that happened two
doors down from you.
(he gestures)
Could you help me with any information?
Harvey answers quietly.
HARVEY
Well, I don't know anything. I'm
sorry.
Harvey's seven year old grandson, TERRY SATTERFIELD is

standing behind him.
TERRY
I know her. She was nice.
Bob and Harvey look surprised. Bob kneels down.
TERRY
(continuing)
I walked to the store with her
all the time.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob tries to get on Terry’s level.
BOB
Did you ever see her with anyone else.
Terry is eager.
TERRY
Yeah.
Bob pushes him verbally.

BOB
Like who?
Terry cheerfully answers.
TERRY
Her boyfriend, Butch walked with
us sometimes.
Harvey puts his hand on Terry's shoulder.
BOB
Anyone else?
Terry thinks for a second.
TERRY
Yeah. A rich lady came to see her,
but Casey didn't like it when she
came.
Bob is kind.
BOB
Did you see her at Casey's a lot?
Terry looks down.
TERRY
Yeah, but I wouldn't stop when her
big car was there.
Bob pats Terry’s shoulder.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
You’re doing well. What kind of
car was it?
Terry smiles.
TERRY
It was blue.
Bob pushes a little harder.
BOB
Do you know what kind it was? Like
a Ford, maybe a Chevy?
Terry points to an older Cadillac.
TERRY
Same as Grandpa's. Only it was
shinier.
Bob and Harvey smile. Bob stands.
BOB
Thanks, what's your name?
Terry smiles again.
TERRY
Terry Satterfield.
Bob pats him on the shoulder.
BOB
Thanks, Terry.
Bob extends his hand to Harvey. They shake hands.
BOB
Thank you.
Mr. Harvey is kind.
HARVEY
You are welcome. I hope we helped.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob pulls out a wrinkled business card and hands it to

Harvey.
BOB
Please call me if you or Terry think
of anything else. Thank you again.
Bob turns and walks away.
EXT. HARMON STREET – DAY
Bob walks down the street.
He stops at a phone booth on the street corner, puts a coin

in and dials his number. The phone rings and a recording of
Bob's voice comes on as he listens.
BOB (ANSWERING MACHINE V.O.)

Hello, this is Bob…
Bob pushes the number two on the phone. He can hear the
recorder speed ahead and stop. His messages begin to play.
A female voice comes on.
CHERRY (ANSWERING MACHINE V.O.)

Bobby Honey. When you get in come
get me. I'm at the city lock up.
You know where. This is a case
for super lawyer. Hurry baby I’m
waiting.
The phone goes to a buzz, Bob hangs up. He smiles and walks
to a bus stop across the street.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
Bob is walking into the police station a bus pulls away

from the curb in the background.
INT. POLICE STATION
Bob walks past police officers and people waiting for
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
various things. A mother and father with their teen son

talk to, the desk clerk, John. Bob passes by and stops at
the bail desk.
John finishes with the parents and goes to the bail desk.
JOHN
Hello counselor. I'll get Cherry, she's
been, waiting impatiently.
BOB
Thanks, John.
John picks up an intercom phone.
JOHN
Bring Cherry up, her lawyer's here.
John pulls out a piece of printed paper and lays it and a

pen in front of Bob.
JOHN
(continuing)
Sign here and she's all yours.
Bob signs the paper.
John looks at Bob.
JOHN
(continuing)
Be careful, Bob. That Perryman case is
getting a lot of help from up top.
Bob quickly picks-up on the importance of the conversation.
BOB
Like who?
John speaks quieter.
JOHN
I don't know, but be careful.
Bob smiles.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
Thanks, John.
Bob is still looking at John when Cherry is escorted from a

side door by a female police officer.
Cherry smiles when she sees Bob. The policewoman turns and
disappears behind the door.
CHERRY
Hello, Baby.
Bob smiles embarrassed as Cherry walks toward him.
Cherry hugs Bob and he and Cherry walk away.
John smiles kindly and shakes his head as he watches them

walk out.
Bob and Cherry walk toward the front door. Bob stops at a
candy vending machine.
BOB
Wait a second Cherry. I've got
to get dinner.
Cherry smiles and stops. She struts her stuff and chews gum
while waiting on Bob.
Bob fumbles for change looking in every pocket. He drops

candy and gum wrappers on the floor as he finally finds a
quarter. Bob bends over and picks them up.
Cherry is watching Bob while digging in her purse for

change.
CHERRY
Nice tushy, Bobby.
Bob looks up embarrassed. Cherry pulls a few quarters from

her purse and hands them to Bob.
BOB
Thanks.
Bob puts the money into the machine and pulls the lever. A
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Snickers candy bar drops out. He takes it out, opens it and

begins to eat.
Cherry looks on, with her hands on her hips.
CHERRY
That’s no kind of dinner.
Bob looks at her sternly.
Looking Bob over.
CHERRY
(continuing)
Now listen. We're going to get a good
meal and buy you a new shirt tomorrow.
All right?
Bob is embarrassed.
BOB
Sure.
Cherry smiles and takes Bob's arm.
CHERRY
All right then, let's go.
Cherry and Bob walk out of the station door arm in arm.
A policeman, Sam, walks through the door and sees Bob.
SAM
Bob, have you heard? That new assistant
D.A., the one you know? She was a hit
and run a couple of hours ago.
Bob looks surprised.
BOB
Sharon Taft?
Sam face lights up.

SAM
Yeah, that's her.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob starts to run out the door but stops.
BOB
The hospital?
Sam points north.
SAM
Memorial.
Bob smiles.
BOB
Thanks, Sam.
(he looks at Mary)
I'm sorry.
Cherry is happy to see Bob concerned about a woman.
CHERRY
Go on baby. Take care of your
woman.
Bob rushes out.
CUT TO:
INT. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Bob walks in the front door into a large lobby. He proceeds

to the information desk. An elderly lady sits behind the
desk.
Bob pushes for an answer.
BOB
Can you tell me which room Sharon
Taft is in?
The lady looks up slowly.

ELDERLY LADY
Yes.
(she looks at the computer)
Two sixteen.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob smiles.
BOB
Thank you.
The elderly lady answers as an after thought.
ELDERLY LADY
Better hurry, visiting hours are
almost over.
Bob acknowledges and walks on to the elevator.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY SECOND FLOOR OF HOSPITAL
The elevator door opens. Bob walks out and down the hall.
He stops at a door which has the numbers "216" above it.
The door is partially open and Bob can hear voices as he
walks inside.
Sharon is talking to Captain Harold. She speaks weakly, but

upset.
SHARON
I've already, told you. I do not
know.
Bob walks to Sharon's bedside.
BOB
What's going on here?
Captain Harold looks coldly at Bob.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
This is a police investigation counselor.
What are you doing here?
BOB
I'm Ms. Taft's attorney.
The Captain chuckles.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Her attorney. Why does she need an
attorney?
Bob is stern.
BOB
My experience for the past few days
indicates that anyone dealing with
the legal system needs an attorney.
Captain Harold looks at Bob coldly.
Sharon watches, totally surprised.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
What do you mean?
Bob barks back.
BOB
Think about it. You're a cop. Or
maybe the problem.
The captain takes a kinder tone.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
I'm trying to find out what happened
to Ms. Taft, Howell.
Bob stands his ground.
BOB
As her attorney. I'm advising her to
say nothing more until I've had a
chance to consult with her and then
speak to someone else.
The captain is still trying to reason.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Counselor, how the hell can I find
out what happened if you tell her
not to talk.
Bob smiles.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
When we consult. We'll call you.
Harold, recognizes the reversed situation. He stares

harshly at Bob, then Looks at Sharon. He turns and walks
out.
Bob watches as the captain leaves, then turns to Sharon.

Sharon is painfully trying to smile.
SHARON
My attorney? What was that about?
Bob smiles.
BOB
He knows. How are you feeling?
Sharon smiles.
SHARON
Sore, Bob, we should talk to him.
Bob’s attitude changes to a tone like he had with the

captain.
BOB
I don’t think so.
Sharon looks straight into his eyes.
SHARON
I think so.
Bob pauses for a moment not liking her siding with Captain
Harold. He changes the subject.
BOB
Do you know who did this?
Sharon is thinking as she speaks.
SHARON
No. They hit me from behind. I'd be
dead if I hadn't been knocked off
the street into a pile of sand at a
construction site.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob speaks in a loving tone.
BOB
I'm sorry you got hurt.
Sharon is more concerned about Bob than her injury.
SHARON
I'll be okay. Are you?
Bob nods.
BOB
Fine.
Sharon consoles.
SHARON
Don't worry about me. Go get'em,
tiger.
Bob smiles. He leans over and kisses Sharon. He stops and

looks at her.
BOB
I'd better go, visiting hours are
over.
Sharon looks at him lovingly.
SHARON
I'm glad you came.
Bob walks out and looks back. He smiles and walks on.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. NOMAD BAR
Bob walks toward the bar, where Butch was beaten up.
The bar’s neon window signs flash. Two people walk inside.
Bob trips over a crack in the side walk and look back as he
walks.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
He slows his walk as he looks around at the parked cars and

the bar entrance. Bob walks inside.
INT. NOMAD BAR
Five blue-collar people sit in various locations around the

room. They are in different degrees of intoxication.
Bob appears a little reluctant, but walks into the room.
CARL, a large bartender looks at him without expression.
Bob looks around the room and walks to the bar. Carl leans
toward Bob.
CARL
Yeah. What’d need buddy?
Bob looks behind the bar.
BOB
Well, ah, Seven-up?
Bartender stares
CARL
What’da ya want in it?
Bob tries to be courteous.
BOB
Seven-up.
The bartender smiles and pulls a Pepsi can from behind the
bar. He pops the top it foams over. The bartender sits it
in front of Bob running over.
Suddenly background music plays from the juke box.
Bob jumps from the new sound in the room and looks around
for the location. He talks to everybody to explain his
jump.
BOB
(continuing)
Boy, I’m a little jumpy.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The bartender smiles as Bob throws a five dollar bill on

the bar.
Carl gives Bob change from his pocket.
CARL
Thanks.
Bob looks up at the bartender.
BOB
Say, do you know Butch Perryman?
Carl clams up again.
CARL
So what if I do?
Bob is a little more nervous.
BOB
I'm his attorney. Do you know
anything about the last night
he was in here?
The bartender softens up.
CARL
Yeah, heard about Butch, but I
don't know nothin.
Bob is more friendly.
BOB
Maybe someone followed him out?
Carl shrugs.
WANDA, a slinky, attractive, young woman wearing heavy make

up and a very tight short dress walks to the bar and leans
near Bob.
She looks over at Bob with great interest.
Bob feels her eyes looking him over and he nervously smiles
at her.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The bartender leans toward Bob.
Carl looks toward Wanda.
CARL
Ask her, she's always after Butch.
Bob acknowledges.
BOB
Thank you.
The bartender smiles at Wanda and looks back at Bob.
BARTENDER
Sure. Old Butch needs a break. I heard
somebody was after him.
Bob looks curious.
The bartender walks to the other end of the bar. Wanda

looks at Bob with more interest than answering his
questions and move close to him.
WANDA
Hi, I'm Wanda.
Bob smiles and nods.
BOB
Hello.
Wanda smiles and flirts.
WANDA
What you doing in a place like
this doll?
BOB
Wanda Do you know Butch Perryman?
Wanda smiles again.
WANDA
Yeah, I like Butch, but he has a
Hang-up on his whore girlfriend.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
Did you see anybody follow Butch
when he left, the last time he
was here?
Wanda looks around the room.
WANDA
No, I would have noticed.
Bob smiles and acknowledges.
BOB
Thank you, Wanda.
Wanda quickly steps up and kisses Bob on the lips.
Bob pulls back from the surprise.
BOB
(continuing)
What are you doing?
Wanda looks Bob over.
WANDA
I thought you were interested.
Bob hurriedly explains.
BOB
No. I'm Butch's attorney.
Wanda thinks for a moment.
WANDA
I know about Butch’s problem. I hear
the cops are setting him up for the
fall.
Wanda pushes her breast out and tries to look sexy rubbing
on Bob.
Bob is nervous and turns his drink over. He fumbles and

sets the Pepsi back up.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
Well, thanks. I gotta get going.
Wanda looks into Bob's eyes.
WANDA
Come on sugar. We could be great
together.
Bob is surprised even further.
BOB
Ah, really I gotta go.
Wanda licks her lips over her bright red lip stick.
WANDA
Try these on honey and you'll never
wear another pair.
Bob is very uncomfortable. He smiles as he walks toward the

door. As Bob gets near the exit, he passes a drunken man
sitting near the front door.
DRUNKEN MAN
Hey, Man don't you like Wanda?
Bob looks at him for second.

BOB
Now I know how women feel.
Bob smiles and walks out.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SIDEWALK AREA
Bob walks down the sidewalk with the bar in the background.
He passes a dark area.
Suddenly a tall man steps in front of him, pointing a knife

at Bob.
Bob stops abruptly.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
TALL MAN
Give me your money!
Bob looks concerned.
Bob
I don't have any. You probably got
more than I do.
The tall man looks dead serious at Bob.
TALL MAN
The money or you're dead!
Bob appears almost unconcerned.
BOB
Come on, there is no money.
The tall man looks closer at Bob.
TALL MAN
Hey aren't you, Bob Howell?
Bob is surprised with a question on his face and nods.
The Tall man is repentant.
TALL MAN
Hey. I'm sorry. I wouldn't hurt
anybody anyway. I'm just hungry.
Bob digs in his pocket. He pulls out two old dollar bills.
BOB
I know, here’s a couple of bucks.
Get something to eat and go to
the mission. They'll help you
till you can get on your feet.
The Tall man looks surprised.
TALL MAN
Hey man thanks. I know you help
people on the street. I'm really
sorry.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob is stern.
BOB
Go on now. Get a life and a job. You
need to get off the streets. You've
gone to far.
The Tall man is sad.
TALL MAN
I know, I'm sorry.
Bob looks at him with compassion.
The man smiles and walks away. Bob shakes his head and
walks toward the city lights.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BOB'S OFFICE – DAY
Bob looks very tired. The phone rings. Bob picks it up.
BOB
Bob Howell.
HARVEY (V.O.)
This is Harvey Paine, Terry's
grandfather.
BOB
Yes, Mr. Paine.
HARVEY (V.O.)
Terry remembered something, Mr. Howell.
I don't know if it helps, but that
blue Cadillac Terry told you about had
a city sticker on the back window.
Bob picks up an ink pen and starts writing.
BOB
It may help. Anything is good. I've
got court tomorrow.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
HARVEY (V.O.)
Terry said he saw the blue Cadillac
Again, driving through the neighborhood.
BOB
Did he recognize who was driving it?
HARVEY (V.O.)
No, but he said sometimes he sees a woman.
Sometimes she's blonde and sometimes she
got gray hair.
BOB
Thanks, Mr. Paine. I'll check it out.
HARVEY (V.O.)
There's more. He remembered the numbers.
Because they were all the same. Seven,
seven, seven.
BOB
That's great, Mr. Paine. That helps a
lot. Thank you.
HARVEY (V.O.)
Any time, Mr. Howell.
The phone hangs up and buzzes. Bob continues to write. He

holds on to the phone. He grabs the phone book and thumbs
through it. He stops and dials a number.
BOB
Yes, parking permits please.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BOB'S OFFICE BUILDING HALLWAY – MORNING
Calvin walks from the elevator and down the hall. He stops
at Bob's office door.
Calvin knocks softly. He looks around waiting for

permission to enter. He knocks again and waits. Calvin
tries the doorknob and finds the door is unlocked. He
pushes it open slightly.
Calvin sticks his head inside.
INT. BOB'S OFFICE

Bob is slumped over with his head lying on the desktop,
facing the door.
Calvin opens the door further and sticks his head inside.
He looks around slowly.
He sees Bob lying there.
Calvin sticks his head in further and looks behind the

door. He sees no one. Calvin softly creeps into the room.
He cautiously approaches Bob. Calvin stands beside Bob
looking down.
The wall clock shows five minutes till nine a.m.
Calvin leans over closer to Bob checking him out.
Bob suddenly opens his eyes.
He is not fully awake and vaguely sees an image of someone.
He is startled. Bob springs up and back.
Calvin is startled he stumbles back over the trash can on

the side of the desk and recovers.
Bob sits up in his chair looking at Calvin.
Calvin smiles.
CALVIN
I thought you were killed.
Bob smiles.
BOB
What are you doing?
Calvin becomes serious.
CALVIN
Waking you up, you're late.
Bob stand up while looking at Calvin. He picks up the phone

and quickly dials a number. It rings. Bob is impatient. On
the third ring a voice speaks, it's Harry.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
HARRY (PHONE V.O.)

Hello.
BOB
Harry, Bob. I know you work nights, but
I've got an emergency. I've got to be
in court in forty five minutes. Will you
come get me. I'm at the office.
HARRY (PHONE V.O.)

Bob? Ah, ah. I'll… okay, ten minutes.
The phone hangs up.
Bob looks at the phone, then hangs it up. He pats his face.
Calvin moves to the desk picks up a C.D. He hands it to Bob.
CALVIN
You'll need this nine-one-one C.D.,
today.
Bob takes the C.D. and puts it in his pocket.
BOB
Thank you, Calvin.
Bob franticly gets everything together for his court case.

Calvin opens Bob's brief case. Bob throws the papers inside.
Bob looks at Calvin and presses his lapels nervously with

his hand looking around his desk. He fixes his tie.
Calvin grabs more papers off the desk. He shoves them into
his briefcase and they rush out of the room. The phone
rings.
Bob suddenly stops and looks at the phone and back at the
hall. Bob gives in and answers.
BOB
(continuing)
Hello, Bob Howell. Oh, hi Sharon,
yes, yes. Thanks I'll see you there.
Bob hangs up and rushes out.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BOB'S OFFICE BUILDING
Bob exits the building. He stops and looks for Harry.

Calvin bumps into him. Bob looks back at Calvin.
Suddenly he hears an engine of a car moaning as it

accelerated.
Bob and Calvin look toward the sound.
Harry speeds from a stop light at the corner toward Bob.

The cab screeches to a stop.
Bob is relieved. He opens the back door and jumps in.

Calvin gets in after Bob and shuts the door.
INT. CAB
Calvin buckles his seat belt.
Harry speeds the cab forward into traffic, throwing Bob

back against the seat.
Bob straightens up.
Harry turns the steering wheel and the cab turns a hard
right around the next street corner.
Calvin sits up straight steady as a rock.
Bob is thrown against the side door.
BOB
Slow down, I'd rather live and be
late.
Harry glances at Bob.
HARRY
Put your seat belt on, baby.
Bob rolls his eyes and ignores Harry.

Harry speed the cab forward, cutting in and out of traffic.
Suddenly he slams on the brakes. The cab quickly stops.
Bob bounces forward, then back against the seat.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
A large gasoline delivery truck in directly in front of

them. Harry honks the horn.
Calvin looks out.
CALVIN
Gee what a time to have gas.
Bob and Harry look at each other.
The truck starts to pull away. Harry pushes on the

accelerator.
The truck suddenly stops. Harry slams on the brakes. Bob

slams forward.
Calvin shakes his head while he looks at Bob and points to

his own seat belt.
Bob sits back onto the seat. Harry sees and opening. He
cuts right and accelerates.
Bob slams into the side door. Calvin smiles and ignores Bob.
Suddenly Harry sees a gas station.
He turns a hard right and screeches to a stop beside the

gas pumps and gets out.
Bob is recovering from the bouncing around holding his

head.
BOB
Why are we stopping?
Harry looks back as he walks toward the gas pump.
HARRY
Fuel.
Calvin and Bob watch Harry.
BOB
We don't have the time for this.
Harry uses his credit card then finishes pumping the gas
and gets inside the cab.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Harry suddenly speeds from the station into traffic. Harry

sees a car in front of him stopped at changing traffic
light. He slams on the brakes. The vehicle slides toward
the stopped car.
The Taxi stops inches away from the vehicle. They all feel
relieved at the same time.
The car in front of them is slow moving from the green

light. Harry honks.
HARRY
Move it, pin head!
Judge Buchanan sticks his head out the window and looks
back at Harry, Calvin and Bob.
Bob sees him and quickly shrinks down in the seat out of
sight.
Harry suddenly speeds around Judge Buchanan and down the

street.
Calvin smiles and waves at the judge as they pass.
Judge Buchanan stares as they pass.
Bob is still hidden. He speaks from the back seat.
BOB (V.O.)
Is he gone?
HARRY
Who?
BOB (V.O.)
The judge, you were honking at.
HARRY
Judge, You mean the slow guy. He’s
gone.
Bob sits up.
Calvin grins at Bob and Harry not saying anything.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The street is bumpy and Bob looks back at a bobbing head

toy dog sitting in Harry's back deck.
Bob looks at Calvin then at the toy dog. Calvin’s head is

bobbing like the toy.
Harry turns into the crowded parking lot and screeches to a

stop.
HARRY
Here we are with ten minutes to
spare.
Bob and Calvin get out of the cab.
BOB
Thanks Harry.
CALVIN
See ya.
Harry waves and drives away.
EXT. COURT HOUSE
Calvin and Bob walk away. Bob rushes toward the courthouse
leaving Calvin to follow.
Bob rushes across the parking lot toward the side entrance
of the courthouse.
A blue Cadillac passes by him.
He slows down to look at it.
The Cadillac parks near the rear entrance.
Bob walks to the rear entrance and passes near the Cadillac.
Ms. Buchanan gets out of the Cadillac and looks at Bob.
Bob doesn't recognize her. She smiles and walks on.
Bob smiles in acknowledgment and looks back toward the

Cadillac.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CLOSE ON - A sticker on the rear window reads "County Court

Parking Lot No. 2" with large numbers printed across the
middle of the sticker.
Bob smiles and walks; on toward the court house, following

Ms. Buchanan.
He watches as she walks inside.
Bob continues looking and playfully skips up the steps to

the courthouse entrance.
DISSOLVE TO:
Bob walks into the crowded courtroom. As he walks to his

appointed desk, he notices Ms. Buchanan.
She smiles at him as he passes. He continues walking to his

desk.
The bailiff is distributing papers to the two D.A.'s and

Bob's desks. Bob looks at the papers as they are laid on
his desk. He looks up at the bailiff, then at Ms. Buchanan.
The bailiff walks away.
Bob continues to look at the papers. Another paper is laid

on top of the desk. Bob looks up as the bailiff walks away.
Bob looks down at the paper again.
BOB P.O.V.
CLOSE ON - a note is scribbled on it: "HER NAME IS ELLEN

BUCHANAN, THE JUDGE'S MOTHER".
BACK TO SCENE
Bob sits up and glances at Ms. Buchanan.
She smiles and looks away.
Bob continues to look.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Ms. Buchanan appears slightly uncomfortable.
Bob looks back to the front as they bring Butch into the
courtroom, wearing chains and tattered jail cloths.
Butch is escorted by two guards to the chair beside Bob and

sat down.
The jury walks in and seats themselves.
BOB
Hello, Butch. Are you all right?
BUTCH
Yeah.
Bob pats him on the arm.
The judge enters. The bailiff stands and speaks. The

assistant D.A. goes to his desk. The last juror takes their
seat in the background.
BAILIFF
All rise. Court is in session. Judge
Peter Buchanan presiding in the case
of State vs. Perryman.
The judge looks around the courtroom.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Take your seats please.
(everyone sits, he
looks at the assistant
D.A.)
Is the State ready?

Yes, your Honor. The State is ready.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Is defense ready?
BOB
Yes, your honor. Defense is ready.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The judge looks Sternly at Bob. Then to the assistant D.A.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
We will hear opening remarks from
the District Attorney's Office.
The assistant D.A. stands and walks forward.

Thank yon, your honor.
(he turns toward the
jury)
Ladies and gentlemen. The defense will
appear confident facing overwhelming
evidence. However, the State will prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that Butch
Perryman, the deceased woman's live in
lover, is guilty of murder in the first
degree. We will show, by his own actions
and solid evidence, that Butch Perryman
is the culprit in this heinous crime.
The assistant D.A. walks back to his desk and sits. He
leans over and whispers to his associate.

(continuing)
This case is over. He's got nothing.
They smile at each other as the judge calls for the defense
to present.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Defense.
Bob stands and walks forward.
BOB
Thank you, your honor.
Bob faces the jury. He presses his lapel with his hand and
walks to the jury box.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Twelve jurors, men and women of mixed races, watch Bob

intently. Bob presses his lapel with his hand again.
BOB
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
today I will prove beyond any doubt,
that Butch Perryman has suffered a
(he looks toward Butch)
great injustice. His rights have been
trampled as an American citizen and he
is innocent of the crime of murder.
Today justice will be served.
Bob walks back to his desk and sits with Butch.

The assistant D.A. looks at Bob smugly and smiles.
DISSOLVE TO:
The assistant D.A. is wrapping up his presentation of

evidence against Butch.

That's all the State has, your honor.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Thank you, Mr. Prosecutor.
(he turns toward
Bob)
Defense, you may call your first
witness.
Bob stands and looks around.
BOB
Defense calls Captain Thomas Harold.
The judge looks at Bob. Then at Captain Harold.
Captain Harold is surprised. He looks first at the judge,

then at Bob.
Captain Harold Stands and arrogantly walks to the stand.
Bob turns to Butch, while Captain Harold is being sworn in,

in the background. He whispers.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
I'll wrap this case up today.
BUTCH
I don't think so, they're after me.
Bob looks confidently at Butch, pressing his lapel with his

hand. Bob stands and moves near the witness stand to
question Captain Harold.
BOB
State your name and profession
please.
The captain is confident.

CAPTAIN HAROLD
Captain William Harold, Chief of
Detectives.
Bob looks at Captain Harold as if he knows something.
BOB
Captain did you know the murder
victim, Casey Lynch?
Captain Harold is surprised and nervous. He speaks softly.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Yes.
Bob looks at him sternly.
BOB
Excuse me, what did you say?
Captain Harold is louder.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Yes, I knew her.
BOB
Were you intimate with Ms. Lynch?
The captain is nervous. He hesitates.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
(continuing)
Did you understand the question?
The captain firmly answers.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
What does that have to do with this
case?
The assistant D.A. stands.

I object, your honor.
Bob turns toward the bench.
BOB
Your honor, I assure the court that
this information is relevant to the
case.
The judge looks down at the witness.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
The witness is directed to answer the
question.
Bob looks back to Captain Harold.
BOB
Were you having an affair with Casey
Lynch?
Captain Harold answers bitterly.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Yes.
Bob gets closer to Harold.
BOB
Were you angry because Casey Lynch told
you that she was in love with Butch
Perryman and wanted to stop seeing you.
Were you intimate?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CAPTAIN HAROLD
No.
Bob looks at the captain and the jury.
BOB
Then if I produced a witness placing
you at Casey Lynch's apartment. They
would be wrong.
The assistant D.A. stands again.

Your honor. I object. Calls for
speculation and it is argumentative.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Sustained.
Bob looks at the judge accepting the decision and continues.
BOB
Captain, is it necessary for me to
produce the witness? Were you at
Casey Lynch's apartment on the
night of the murder.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Yes.
Bob acknowledges. The court begins to rumble with talk.
The judge drops his gavel down.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Quiet in the court.
The court room gets quiet.
BOB
A few weeks back, Ms. Sharon Taft, a
member of the district attorney's staff,
was the victim of hit and run. Are you
familiar with that case?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Harold has regained his confidence.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
I heard about it.
Bob pulls a police report and a small plastic bag

containing a stripe of material from his suit pocket.
BOB
Then it wouldn't surprise you to know
that a clean up porter in the police
department garage found this material
in the grill of your detective vehicle
and upon analysis, it turned out to be
a piece of material from Sharon Taft's
clothing she was wearing the night of
the hit and run.

Your honor. Defense counsel is trying
every case except this one.
Judge Buchanan looks at Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Mr. Marshall, unless you can show
` reason for this line of questioning,
you are instructed to confine your
questions to this case only.
Bob looks directly at the judge.
BOB
Your honor. If you will bear with
me for a moment. I can show this
investigation does tie into the
Casey Lynch murder case.
The judge is stern.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Very well Counselor, but I warn you,
I will not allow this to continue
without relevance.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob turns back to Captain Harold. He holds up the bag and

report.
BOB
This evidence suggests your unit is
the hit and run vehicle. The Police
Commissioner also believes this to
be true, because he passed this data
on to me and to the district attorney
due to you and Ms. Taft's involvement
in this case.
(Bob turns to the judge)
Your honor, I will enter this into
evidence as exhibit "A" and "B" for
future reference.
The judge nods.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
So entered.
Bob turns back to Captain Harold, who is very upset.
BOB
Did you run down Sharon Taft?
Captain Harold is losing his composure.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
No, I don't know what you are trying
to do here. That evidence is phony.
The assistant district attorney looks at the captain.
BOB
Then the police, the crime Lab and
the police commissioner are in this
together against you?
The judge looks at the captain.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
I did not do it. I'm a police officer.
The court room noise gets louder.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The judge's gavel is heard clearly, the courtroom gets

quiet.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Quiet, quiet in the court.
Bob continues his questioning. He looks at the captain.
BOB
Do you own a blue Cadillac?
The judge and the captain curiously look at Bob.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Yes, an older one.
Bob turns his back to Harold.
BOB
That's all I have Captain. Your honor,
I reserve the right to recall this
witness.
The judge acknowledges and watches Bob walk back to his

desk and give Butch a reassuring look.
The judge looks at The District attorney.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Cross examination.
The assistant D.A. stands and walks toward the witness

stand.
FLIP FRAME:
The assistant D.A. is finalizing his questioning.

Then Captain you merely supervise the
Detectives Division, you were not
directly involved in the Casey Lynch
investigation.
CAPTAIN HAROLD
Yes, that's right.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The D.A. turns to the judge.

That's all I have your honor.
The judge looks at Captain Harold.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
You may step down Captain.
(the captain goes to
his seat)
We'll adjourn for lunch, court
will reconvene at one o'clock.
The judge drops his gavel to signal the decision.
Everyone in the courtroom gets up and makes their way to

the exits, talking.
Two police officers walk to Butch and escort him out.
Bob stands and watches as they walk away. He turns, closes

his briefcase and walks out of the courtroom.
INT. COURT HOUSE HALL – DAY
Bob walks from the court to a long bench along the hallway
wall. People are standing around talking all along the wall.
Bob sits down, opens his briefcase, and takes out a

sandwich and a small can of cranberry juice. He closes the
briefcase and uses it as a table to eat on. He starts to
unwrap his sandwich.
An upset woman, CONNIE HAROLD, a thirty year old pretty

blonde lady, Captain Harold's wife, walks down the hallway
asking questions of people as she moves along.
Bob sees her out of the corner of his eye, but continues to
eat.
Mrs. Harold stops and talks to a bailiff. The bailiff

points to Bob. She stomps toward Bob.
Bob looks up as Mrs. Harold stops in front of him.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MRS. HAROLD
Are you Bob Howell?
Bob looks up.
BOB
Yes.
Mrs. Harold is angry, she stoups a little toward Bob to

make her point.
MRS. HAROLD
I'm Connie Harold, Captain Harold's
wife, and I resent you dragging me
and my family into police business.
(she shakes a folded
paper in Bob's face,
Bob sits calmly)
This subpoena is embarrassing. You
are scum, sir.
Mrs. Harold starts to walk away, people are staring at Bob.
Bob appears calm and tired. He looks toward the people and
shrugs his soldiers.
BOB
Mrs. Harold,
(she turns to Bob)
Do you own a blue Cadillac?
Mrs. Harold abruptly turns and walks away.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. COURTROOM – DAY
The assistant district attorney’s are looking at the judge.
The courtroom is as it was before lunch.
Bob is looking at the judge.

JUDGE BUCHANAN
Next witness.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob is thinking and he looks up.
BOB
Your honor, defense calls Terry
Satterfield.
Terry is seated with his grandfather toward the back of the

courtroom. He gets up, reluctantly, and walks toward Bob.
A pretty lady, Casey Lynch, walks into the courtroom, with

Sharon Taft, and takes a seat beside Terry's grandfather.
Terry looks back and sees Casey. He hesitates, looks

surprised, smiles, and continues to walk to the witness
stand and is sworn in.
Bob looks at Sharon, Casey, then Captain Harold and smiles.
He turns to Butch.
BOB
(continuing)
Don’t worry Butch. I’m changing
your life today and this is the
first step.
Butch gives him a weak smile.
Captain Harold looks straight-ahead not noticing.
Terry is being sworn in. Sharon gets up and walks to Bob.
Bob meets her at the rail separating the gallery from the
court. Sharon whispers in his ear for a moment.
The judge speaks in the background as Sharon speaks to Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Your witness is ready counsel.
Bob turns to the judge.
BOB
I'm sorry your honor, I'm ready.
(he turns back to Sharon)
Thank you.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Sharon smiles and walks back to her seat.
Bob turns and walks to Terry.
Terry is concerned. Bob gets next to Terry.
BOB
Hi, Terry. Can you tell the court
your full name?
Terry smiles.
TERRY
Yes sir, Terry Dewayne Satterfield.
Bob speaks to Terry like a friend.
BOB
Where do you live Terry?
Terry is innocent.
TERRY
With my grandfather on Harmon street.
BOB
Is that near Casey Lynch's house?
TERRY
Yes sir.
Bob becomes a little more serious.
BOB
Do you know Casey Lynch?
Terry perks up.
TERRY
Yes sir, we walk to the store together.
BOB
Did you ever see cars there that were
driven by people visiting Casey?
Terry looks at Bob, embarrassed.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
TERRY
You know.
Bob is relaxed.
BOB
Yes, I know. Can you tell everyone
else?
TERRY
Yes sir.
Bob smiles encouraging him.
BOB
Go ahead.
Terry squirms in his seat and settles in.
TERRY
I saw cars there a lot.
BOB
Do you know what kind or make?
The district attorney stands.

I object your honor. This child would
not have the experience to discern
makes of vehicles.
The judge looks at Terry.

JUDGE BUCHANAN
Over ruled. Let’s see. I think boys
his age know a lot about cars.
Bob nods to Terry.
BOB
Go ahead Terry.
Terry thinks for a second.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
TERRY
Yes sir. Blue ones, two Cadillac’s like
my grandfathers.
Bob smiles at Terry.
BOB
Is there something special about them?
Terry wants to help.
TERRY
Yes sir, one had a city parking sticker
on it.
Bob is relaxed in his statement.
BOB
Let’s see if I got this right. Then
there was more than one blue car and
one of them had a city sticker on the
back window and they were both
Cadillac’s?
Terry nods.
TERRY
Yes sir.
Bob smiles to comfort Terry.

BOB
Did you notice anything about the
sticker.
Terry appears confident.
TERRY
Yes sir, the numbers seven-seven-seven
were on the sticker. My grandpa said
the bible says they are good numbers.
Ms. Buchanan looks a little nervous.
Bob looks kindly at Terry.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
Thank you, Terry.
(he looks at the D.A.)
Terry do you see any of the
people that visited Casey. In this
courtroom today?
The assistant D.A. looks at Bob.
The courtroom gets quiet and all eyes are on Terry.
Bob waits patiently.
Terry looks around the courtroom.
Captain Harold is concerned.
Ms. Buchanan is uncomfortable.
Mrs. Harold looks angry but concerned.
Terry points to Captain Harold.
TERRY
He was there!
Bob looks toward the court recorder speaking to the judge.

BOB
Your honor, let the record show. He
has indicated Captain Thomas Harold.
The judge acknowledges.
Bob turns his full attention to Terry.
BOB
(continuing)
Anyone Else, Terry?
Terry looks around the room.
Terry points.
TERRY
She was there.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob looks toward Ms. Buchanan.
BOB
Let the record show the person
indicated is Ms. Ellen Buchanan.
Terry nods his head yes.
The judge is concerned. He acknowledges.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
So noted.
Bob continues with Terry.
BOB
Were they there more than one time?
Terry nods.
TERRY
Yes sir.
Bob has a reassuring look.

BOB
More than three times?
Terry is more comfortable.
TERRY
Yes sir.
Bob comforts Terry.
BOB
Thank you Terry.
(he looks at the D.A.)
Your witness.
The assistant D.A. looks up from the pad he is writing on.

No questions.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
Your honor. I reserve the right to
recall this witness.
The judge is casual.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
So noted.
(he looks at Terry).
You may step down, young man.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
Next witness.
Bob looks uncomfortable.
BOB
Your honor, I have an unscheduled
witness.
The Judge is irritated.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Is this witness relevant to direct
proof of innocence?
Bob is sincere.
BOB
Yes your honor, very relevant and
very important.

I object your honor. We were not
informed of this witness.
The judge looks around the courtroom.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Over ruled, call your witness. I'll
note the state’s objection.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob looks at the judge and at Ms. Buchanan.
BOB
Defense calls Ms. Ellen Buchanan.
Ms. Buchanan gets up and walks to the stand to be sworn in.
The judge looks dumbfounded. He harshly and coldly stares

directly at Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Counsels, approach the bench.
Bob presses his lapel with the palm of his hand as he and
the assistant D.A. approach the bench.
The judge leans forward toward the attorneys. He looks at

Bob and whispers.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
What the hell do you think you're
doing? Are you trying for a mistrial?
Bob whispers.
BOB
I'm discerning justice, your honor.
Your mother is just a small part of
this.
The District attorney assuredly intervenes.

Your honor, the state has no problem
with Ms. Buchanan considering your
reputation of integrity.
The judge speaks to Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
You are jeopardizing this case in
total by calling my mother.
(the judge thinks)
Go ahead, probably get overturned
anyway.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob speaks as he turns away.
BOB
Thank you, your honor.
Bob turns to Ms. Buchanan. The D.A. walks to his desk.
BOB
(continuing)
Ms. Buchanan, do you know Captain
Harold?
Ms. Buchanan is straight laced.
MS. BUCHANAN
Yes.
Bob looks at her curiously.
BOB
Do you know Casey Lynch?
Ms. Buchanan looks into the gallery, not believing her eyes
when she sees Casey.
BOB
(continuing)
Ms. Buchanan?
Ms. Buchanan looks at Bob, now a little nervous.
MS. BUCHANAN
Yes.
Bob steps in front of Ms. Buchanan blocking her view.
BOB
How did you come to know Captain
Harold and Casey Lynch?
Ms. Buchanan becomes very firm in her statements.
MS. BUCHANAN
Casually.
Bob looks at Ms. Buchanan curiously acknowledging.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB
Casually? Would that mean that you
were passing acquaintances or friends
that meet to socialize from time to
time? Just how do you mean casually?
Ms. Buchanan looks a little nervous.
MS. BUCHANAN
Yes. We were all social friends.
The judge is surprised.

Bob is concerned about his next question. He is thinking.
Suddenly he recognizes her voice and pulls the C.D. of the

nine-one-one call from his pocket.
BOB
Ms. Buchanan, isn't it true that
you had an affair with Captain Harold
for more than a year.
Ms. Buchanan is confident.
MS. BUCHANAN
Yes.
Bob looks into her eyes.
BOB
Was Casey Lynch coming between the
two of you.
Ms. Buchanan is still confident.
Ms. BUCHANAN
Yes.
Bob glances at Harold and them back to Ms. Buchanan.
BOB
The evening of the murder, did the
three of you argue over the love
triangle.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The assistant D.A. objects while the court room roars and
the judge bangs his gavel.

Your honor, I object this is going
no where.
The judge looks at the district attorney.

JUDGE BUCHANAN
Over ruled. I want to hear this. Go
ahead Mr. Howell.
Ms. Buchanan looks cold and stern at the jury and then Bob.
MS. BUCHANAN
I am a widow and my standards have
been compromised by living alone
and not getting out much. It is
true that the three of us had a
confrontation over Casey Lynch
sleeping with Thomas and I am
ashamed that I hurt a family, but
I am not stupid enough to kill
anyone over a sexual liaison.
The courtroom roars with conversation.
The judge bangs his gavel.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Order in the court.
The courtroom settles down.
Bob smiles and taps the C.D. on the palm of his hand.
Bob moves to the court recorder/clerk and hands him the C.D.
Bob
Judge, I would like to enter this
Nine-one-one recording of the call
made to the emergency center the
night of the murder about the
disturbance. Mark it Exhibit “C”.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The judge nods.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
So noted. Does the State object?
The district attorney stands and speaks.

ASSISITANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
No objection, the State holds a reserve
to review the evidence at the next recess.
The D.A. sits.
The judge agrees.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Noted.
Bob turns to Ms. Buchanan.
BOB
Ms. Buchanan, what would cause you to
make this nine-one-one call reporting
a disturbance that was already over.
Ms. Buchanan is concerned.
MS. BUCHANAN
I was worried. They were arguing when
I left and I wanted it to stop before
the whole thing got out of hand.
Ms. Buchanan looks at the C.D. the court recorder is

handing to the judge.
The judge looks at the C.D. It is not the nine-one-one

C.D., but a rock-n-roll C.D. Calvin handed Bob in the
office.
The Judge speaks to Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Is this assorted artist C.D. your
way of entertaining this court.
The evidence is withdrawn. No more
screw-ups or you will be found in
contempt.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob speaks to the judge.

BOB
I’m sorry your honor my mistake.
Bob turns back to Ms. Buchanan.
BOB
(continuing)
When you said, Thomas. Were you
referring to Captain Harold?
Ms. Buchanan is straight forward.
MS. BUCHANAN
Yes.
BOB
I have no further questions, your
honor.
The judge speaks to himself.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Thank God.
Bob looks at the assistant D.A. and the judge.
The assistant D.A. turns to Judge Buchanan. He suspiciously

looks around the court gallery and then back to the judge.

No questions.
The judge looks at his mother, she is stepping down from

the witness stand.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
You may step down.
Ms. Buchanan walks to her seat with her head held high. Bob
watches her.
The judge waits a few seconds looking relieved.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
JUDGE BUCHANAN
(continuing)
Next witness.
The assistant D.A. looks with anticipation.
Bob glances around the courtroom.
BOB
I recall, Terry Satterfield.
The assistant D.A. is curious.
Terry looks at his grandfather for reassurance. He gets up

and walks to the witness chair.
Bob gives Terry a friendly smile to comfort him.
Terry sits in the witness chair.
Bob walks beside Terry.
BOB
(continuing)
Are you doing all right, Terry?
Terry tries to look like an adult and nods his head yes.
BOB
(continuing)
Remember-you're still under oath
(Terry nods again)
Terry when was the last time you
saw Casey Lynch?
Terry smiles and looks at Bob curiously.
TERRY
She's right there with my grandfather.
The court room roars with conversation.
The Judge drops his gavel to get order.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Quiet please. Let's have order.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The courtroom gets very quiet with everyone looking at

Casey Lynch sitting with Sharon and Mr. Satterfield.
Captain and Mrs. Harold are staring with surprised looks.
Butch's guards are pushing him back down in his seat. He

continues to look.
Bob smiles at Sharon. Sharon smiles back at Bob.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
What is this?
Bob turns to the Judge.
BOB
Your honor, Casey Lynch is very much
alive. If the city detectives hadn't
been in such a hurry to convict Butch
Perryman, they would have had a proper
medical examination of the body and
known it wasn't Casey Lynch.
Bob looks at Casey.
BOB
(continuing)
Casey left the apartment after arguing
with Captain Harold. She was very upset.
and needed to get away from the turmoil.
Her sister, Beth came to visit and was
waiting for Casey to return. The killer
had not seen Casey, except from long
distance, so they naturally assumed
Casey was at home.
Bob looks back at the judge.
BOB
(continuing)
When Casey arrived today looking for
Butch Perryman. I was taken totally by
surprise myself.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The Judge is firm.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Obviously, this case is in need of a
recess to sort this out.
The D.A. is ready.

May we do just that and discuss this in
chambers?
Bob looks at the assistant D.A. then at the judge.
BOB
Your honor, if I may. I have one more
witness and I will finalize this whole
matter and there will be no need for
anything else.
The judge appear deep in thought.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Call your witness.
The D.A. is frustrated.

Your honor?
The judge ignores the District attorney.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Continue Mr. Howell.
The D.A. asserts himself.

I object!
The judge continues to ignore him.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Over ruled, continue please!
The assistant D.A. is confounded and sits down.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Mrs. Harold is trying to walk out of the courtroom. Before

she reaches the door, Bob speaks.
The judge dismisses Terry while Bob calls his next witness.
BOB
Defense calls, Mrs. Connie Harold.
Captain Harold is surprised.
Terry walks past Bob. He looks at Terry and smiles.
Bob
(continuing)
Thanks Terry.
Terry smiles as he walks to his grandfather.
Mrs. Harold keeps walking toward a bailiff at the courtroom

exit.
Bob watches Mrs. Harold.
BOB
(continuing)
Bailiff, would you escort Mrs. Harold
to the stand?
The bailiff steps forward blocking the door. He takes Mrs.

Harold's arm and escorts her to the witness stand.
Bob watches as they approach.
Mrs. Harold stands beside the witness chair to take the

oath. The bailiff administers the oath.
BAILIFF
Raise your right hand.
Mrs. Harold raises her hand.
BAILIFF
(continuing)
Do you swear to tell the truth and
nothing but the truth so help you?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MRS. HAROLD
I do.
Mrs. Harold sits down.
Bob looks at her for a few seconds.
BOB
Mrs. Harold, did you know about the
love triangle between your husband,
Casey Lynch and Ms. Buchanan?
Tears come to her eyes. She cries softly.
MRS. HAROLD
Yes. I did.
Bob gets closer to her.
BOB
It hurt you pretty bad, didn't it?
Mrs. Harold is almost crying.
MRS. HAROLD
Yes it does.
Harry walks into the courtroom and sits down.
Mrs. Harold watches Harry and Bob closely.
Bob looks knowingly at Harry.
Harry looks back at Bob.

BOB
Mrs. Harold, Do you own a blue
Cadillac?
Mrs. Harold lowers her head.
MRS. HAROLD
Yes.
Bob begins to talk to Mrs. Harold inaudibly.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Mrs. Harold looks at Harry then back at Bob.
Harry watches Mrs. Harold.
DISSOLVE TO:
BOB (V.O.)
Didn't you drive your blue Cadillac
to Casey's apartment the night of
the murder.
Ms. Harold does not answer.
CUT TO:
FLASH BACK TO - A blue Cadillac drives by Casey's

apartment, past another blue Cadillac and an unmarked
detective's vehicle.
CUT TO:
Bob moves closer to Ms. Harold.
BOB (V.O.)
And didn’t you wait until Ms. Buchanan
and your husband left.
CUT TO:
FLASH BACK TO - Mrs. Harold is parked across the street in

her blue Cadillac, watching the apartment.
CUT TO:
BOB (V.O.)
Then when they finally did leave
you went inside.
CUT TO:
FLASH BACK TO - Mrs. Harold walks to the apartment and goes

inside.
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
BOB (V.O.)
And killed Casey's sister, thinking
it was Casey.
CUT TO:
FLASH BACK TO - Mrs. Harold violently beats a young woman

in the face with a thick ashtray while the woman lies
unconscious on the floor.
CUT TO:
Captain Harold is shocked as he watches and listens.
Mrs. Harold raises her head with tears streaming down her
cheeks and speaks very coldly.
MRS. HAROLD
I have two babies. She was ruining my
family. I'm sorry, I…
Mrs. Harold starts crying hard. Bob looks at her tenderly.
BOB
Did you hire someone to beat Butch
Perryman?
Mrs. Harold looks at Bob with a blank stare.

BOB
(continuing)
Did you set him up to be accused?
She still stares blankly. Bob moves closer to her.
BOB
(continuing)
Did you run down, Sharon Taft? Mrs.
Harold, did you kill Casey Lynch's
sister?
Mrs. Harold sobs and jerks her head up wildly.
MRS. HAROLD
Yes! Yes! I'm just sorry I got the
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MRS. HAROLD cont’d

wrong person. I did it all and I
would have gotten Ellen Buchanan
too, if not for your snooping.
Ms. Harold lunges to attack Bob. Bob holds her back. The
bailiff takes her into custody.
The courtroom boils with conversation.
The judge raps his gavel.
JUDGE BUCHANAN
Order, order, this case is dismissed.
Bailiff, take Mrs. Harold into to
holding and release Mr. Perryman with
apologies from all.
Captain Harold rushes toward Mrs. Harold. The Bailiff is

putting handcuffs on her.
Captain Harold tries to speak to Ms. Harold.
She turns her back as the bailiff takes her away.

Another bailiff and the two police officers begin to remove
the cuffs and chains from Butch hands and ankles.
The judge raises his eyebrows and leaves the courtroom.
Sharon Taft goes to Bob's side and embrace's him, kissing

Bob lightly on the cheek.
Butch's sister and Casey rush to Butch and hug him.
Butch shakes hands with Bob as Bob keeps his arm around
Sharon.
BUTCH
Thank you, Bob. I never thought
You could do it.
He looks at Butch, presses his lapel with his palm and

smiles broadly patting Butch on the shoulder.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Bob notices a smiling very classy looking Calvin dressed in

a new suit standing in the back of the courtroom.
The assistant D.A. distracts him as he stands and walks to

Bob.

I'm just curious. The last person that
walked in. Was that your convicting
witness?
Bob looks at the assistant D.A. He unconsciously presses

his lapel.
BOB
You don't expect me to give away my
best poker hand, do you?
The assistant D.A. smiles casually and walks away.

Good work, Bob.
Bob, Sharon,, Harry, Butch, Ann and Casey start to leave
the courtroom laughing and talking.
Calvin walks from the back of the courtroom to Bob stopping

him. A television cameraman and a reporter follow Bob and
Calvin.
The reporter walks to Bob and puts a microphone in his

face. The Cameraman starts rolling film. The logo on the
camera reads: UNIVERSAL NEWS NETWORK.
REPORTER
Mr. Howell.
Bob sees Calvin and turns from the reporter.
CALVIN
You did it.
Calvin is proud.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CALVIN
(continuing)
I’m glad I know you, cousin.
Bob smiles at Calvin and pats him on the back.
BOB
No, we did it. Be sure and tell Aunt
Minnie.
Calvin smiles and walks away.
Two more reporters have arrived they are all talking and
asking Bob questions.
Bob looks at Harry as Sharon moves next to him.
Harry shrugs his shoulders and turns his palms up.

FADE OUT.
THE END

PANDORA'S COURT, Howell Justice (Screenplay) Formerly, IT'S THE LAW

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PANDORA'S COURT, Howell Justice (Screenplay) Formerly, IT'S THE LAW

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PANDORA’S COURT

Registered Sam Bass

BUTCH PERRYMAN, a mid-twenties rustic man needing a shave

Butch is drunk, but still composed. He passes several

Butch continues a short distance down the dimly lit street

Butch’s tattooed arm reaches to open the door.

The image of a large, muscular man, wearing an over coat

Butch's assailant hits him again knocking Butch to the

The cruel figure stands and walks away casually, leaving

Butch is cut and bleeding. He weakly pulls himself up

He drags himself into the car.

INT. BUTCH’S BLUE CADILLAC

EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF 9TH STREET BAR AND GRILL

A police cruiser drives slowly down the street flashing

INT. 3RD ST., DOWNTOWN NINE-ONE-ONE DISPATCH CENTER

Phones are ringing. Ten dispatchers talk on telephones

A middle-aged FEMALE DISPATCHER picks up a ringing phone.

An anonymous female voice (Ms. Buchanan, a character

MS. BUCHANAN (TELEPHONE V.O.)

The phone hangs up and buzzes.

The dispatcher looks at her computer screen.

FEMALE DISPATCHER P.O.V.

The computer monitor displays – AUDIO RECORD NUMBER 312456,

The dispatcher begins to speak into the dispatch microphone.

MALE POLICE OFFICER (RADIO V.O.)

EXT. GOLDEN ARMS APARTMENTS, BUTCH PERRYMAN HOME

EXT. 9TH STREET ALLEY NEAR BAR

A police cruiser emerges from the alley its light bar

INT. BUTCH PERRYMAN'S APARTMENT, NUMBER ONE TEN

Butch enters his jumbled aging apartment.

It is partially lit by a streetlight and decorated with

Butch stumbles as he turns on a lamp and looks down.

He sees the bloody body of a woman beaten beyond

Butch wilts to his knees beside the bloody body.

Foot-steps are heard as Butch bends over the dead woman.

Two police officers step inside the apartment behind Butch.

Butch looks up. He appears defeated. Tears are running down

POLICEMAN NUMBER ONE, a thirtyish tall man, holds his gun

Butch is in shock. He is limp and submissive.

POLICEWOMAN NUMBER TWO

POLICEWOMAN NUMBER TWO

INT. 3RD ST. DOWNTOWN POLICE STATION BOOKING DESK

ATTORNEY BOB HOWELL, a fortyish, athletic looking and

light skinned Choctaw Indian man stands at the booking

JOHN, the mid-twenties, uniformed police clerk pushes

John smiles at Bob.

Bob smiles and shrugs his shoulders.

The two police officers that arrested Butch bring him in

Bob looks at Butch’s battered face. Butch turns and shows

Bob watches as Butch is roughly pushed to the booking desk.

Policeman number one takes the handcuffs off of Butch.

POLICEMAN NUMBER ONE

CANDY CROSS, a middle-aged, attractive and well-dressed

Bob is still looking at Butch's face. He turns slightly to

Candy smiles and looks at Butch then back to Bob pulling

Bob looks back at Candy. Candy gives him an affectionate

Butch glances at Bob.

POLICE OFFICER NUMBER TWO

Candy speaks to Bob.

EXT. BOB'S SMALL CITY HOUSE

Bob stops. He looks on frustrated.

The tow truck disappears around the corner.

CAROL, Bob's shapely dark haired girlfriend stands in the