Risky Moves New Draft

FADE IN:
DARK GARAGE
And OLD MAN in a dress tuxedo sits roped to a chair,

stuggling. A lightbulb on a string twirls above him --
shadows bounce off the walls.
An UNKNOWN MAN in a dark Ski Mask moves into the frame and
begins to pour some Scotch down the old man’s mouth.
The old man spits it out -- it dribbles over his crisp tuxedo
shirt.
SKI MASK MAN

I thought you liked vintage single
black malt Scotch, old man.
It’s from your collection.
The Old Man grunts. Ski Mask Man looks at the label, takes a
swig.
SKI MASK MAN (CONT’D)

Not bad. 1975 Glenroth, 475
buckerooss a pop. Chump change for
you, eh? Want some more?
The old man shakes his head. Ski Mask Man pulls out a Taser
Gun, lets a jolt rip at his ribcage. The old man gasps.

Good fucking decision.
The Ski Mask Man pours some more liquor down the old man's
throat.

Now how do you feel about getting
some fresh air?
The old man is passed out, dead to the world.

I knew you'd agree. Woohoo! Time
for a ride in your Bentley.
Varrrrroooom.
Ski Mask Man cuts the Old Man’s bindings, shoves him into the
driver's seat of a sweet Bentley convertible. He tightens the
seat belt, puts the Old Man's hands on the wheel and starts
the motor.
CUT TO:
CR Revision 2.
EXT. COASTAL ROAD - dusk
OLD MAN’S POINT OF VIEW
A winding, descending, precipitous road reveals itself in

DOUBLE VISION.
The speedometer climbs: 60... 70...
Miraculously, the man awakens. Scared out of his wits, he

manages to grip the wheel. His EYES widen as his car swerves
back and forth across the road.
The MERCEDES BENZ
...swerves between the lights of an ONCOMING CAR and a TRUCK,

and barely escapes a collision.
A stony CLIFF borders the asphault up ahead -- it hangs over

the ocean far below.
A DARK SPORTS CAR
in hot and angry pursuit, screams up from behind.
The MERCEDES BENZ
Swings perilously along the edge of the precipice. It’s front

left wheel hangs dangling over the edge.
THE DARK SPORTS CAR
Suddenly shoots forward and slams into the Mercedes’ rear

end, sending it tumbling over the edge, careening off the
cliff.
Ski Mask Man hops out of his car to witness the devastation.
Ski mask man

Bye bye, cheapskate.
As the car sinks and slowly disappears into the water, he

pulls out the Scotch bottle, takes a celebratory swig.

Hmmm. Good to the last drop
FADE TO
BLACK/DISSOLVE:
CR Revision 3.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

High-energy upbeat MUSIC accompanies MIKE LOWRY, 18,
(description) and four other boys, who move as a unit in SLOW
MOTION across the floor.
MIKE (V.0.)
When I transferred to Valley Hills
last year, I was the first player
off the bench. Now I’m gonna start
as a Senior.
DELMAR (tall, thin, black) and ANIMAL (tall, muscular, white)

slap five.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Our Forwards are Delmar and Animal.
Von Joseph is our Center.
VON, 6’9” and awkward, looms behind the others. He manages to

avoid a near-collision with a diminutive girl, but almost
falls on his face in the process.
MIKE (CONT’D)
He’s... well, at least he’s big.
EDDIE, a Latino, is the shortest in the bunch -- he’s a slick
dresser with a perpetual grin.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Then there’s Eddie, our point man.
Voted class flirt for two straight
years.
INTERCUT BASKETBALL GAME (SATURATED COLORS)
MIKE (CONT’D)
He runs the team, gotta handle like
a yoyo.
Eddie dribbles around the opposition to cross mid-court until

he’s fouled.
SWISH PAN
MIKE jumps off the bench.
MIKE (CONT’D)
And me. There’s better athletes,
but not many better shooters.
SCOREBOARD
CR Revision 4.
Home team trails 63-65. 3 seconds left to play.
ON THE COURT
Eddie whips the ball through his legs and dishes it to Mike,
who launches a distinctive fade-away jump shot from way
beyond the three point line. SWISH. Mike is immediately
mobbed by his teammates.
HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY
Mike’s features have a protective, hungry edge.
MIKE (V.0.) (CONT’D)

Now Coach wanted me to do most of
the scoring. I could live with
that. In fact, my Senior year was
cut out for me. Get my grades up,
get a scholarship...
(cute girls walk by)
... and maybe find a girl I liked.
MIKE LOOKS DIRECTLY AT US.
MIKE (V.0.) (CONT’D)

I didn't know shit. Let’s just say
things didn’t quite work out the
way I expected.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Empty. A huge "GO KNIGHTS" poster hangs on the wall.
The class bell RINGS. Students pour out of their classes.

Mike emerges, clutching an exam paper. Eddie catches up to
him.
EDDIE
Hey, where you headed?
MIKE
Gotta see the Counselor, then
check-in with Matt over at the
newspaper.
EDDIE
Cool. Hey, you guys are tight.
Maybe he can get me some pub’, too?
Mike gives him a thumbs up sign.

CR Revision 5.
INT. COUNSELOR’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike sits before MR. SIMMS, your usual overworked counselor.

Simms peruses his academic folder, which makes Mike anxious.
MIKE
I really need a scholarship. You
think those problems I had ...
MR. SIMMS
... 3.4 GPA, solid. Good pre-SAT. A
Letterman. What are you worried
about?
Simms looks at his watch and puts Mike’s folder away. Mike
takes the hint and gets up to leave, but he’s still anxious.
MR. SIMMS (CONT’D)

You’ll be fine. Let’s talk again
when you’re filling out your
college applications.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER ROOM - DAY
MATT BENDER, 18, short, quick witted, proofs a copysheet.
Beside him is DANA SULLIVAN. Dana is 17, cute, pert, with

dark hair, with and a distinguishing mole over her mouth. A
Canon EOS digital camera is slung around her neck.
Mike enters the office, but waits until they conclude their
conversation.
DANA
I don't do sports, Matt. I don't
know sports. Dumb jocks running
around in shorts... no.
MATT
Dana, I just need you to take some
action shots during the first half
of the opener. Schwartz can take
over when he gets back from his bar
mitzvah thing.
DANA
I'm into Architecture. Portraits.
Collage.
CR Revision 6.
MATT
So photograph the gym, then do the
players, and paste ‘em together.
Come on, you'll like it.
DANA
I have to get to class.
Mike joins them.
MATT
Hey Mike. Remember Dana?
MIKE
Sure, hi Dana. Don't mind me, I'm
just a basketball player.
DANA
Oh. I didn't really mean that--
MIKE
That's okay, I'm not really a jock.
MATT
Nah, Mike's just the best outside
shooter this school’s ever had.
DANA
I’m confused. You're on the team,
but you’re not a jock?
MIKE
Basketball is... it’s my self
expression.
Dana, after gauging his sincerity, is intrigued.
DANA
Oh. Well, Matt, I still have to
run.
(looks at Mike)
I’ll be back to help you with the
mock-ups tonight. See you guys.
Mike watches her walk off - hot legs. Matt notices. Mike
bumps Matt's offered fist.
MATT
Check it.
MIKE
Yeah, thanks.
CR Revision 7.
MATT
Remember trig last year? She even
liked you then.
MIKE
Yeah? I could live with that.
Mike, Eddie, Von and Delmar carry workout bags to the locker
room. They HEAR someone playing inside the gym.
VON
Somebody's already on the court?
Delmar opens the gym doors.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - DAY
That SOMEONE lays in a basket. JASON HAWKE’s 18, with a cocky

demeanor. He moves with supreme athletic grace, which masks
his off-court insecurity.
DELMAR
No way! I don’t believe it.
EDDIE
You know this guy?
DELMAR
Jason Hawke. He was at Uni last
year. Got invited to the NIKE CAMP,
man. He's good.
EDDIE
So what's he doing in our house?
(to Jason)
Hey, whassup?
The ball bounces over to them. Eddie tosses it back sharply.
JASON
I’m Jason. You guys wanna play some
one-on-one before practice?
EDDIE
We think team here.
Jason shrugs, turns, and swishes another shot. Mike and his
teammates walk away.
CR Revision 8.
MIKE
What position does he play?
DELMAR
Shooting Guard... Sorry, bro’, you
got competition.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - NIGHT
The team practices drills.
Jason's father, AL HAWKE, (40’s, arrogant) watches intently

from the stands.
A WHISTLE. COACH HARRIS (wiry, 30's, ambitious), takes

charge, moves in front of the squad.
COACH HARRIS
Okay, scrimmage. Jason, you go with
the B team. Your man is Mike.
Jason and Mike grapple for position. Eddie tries to pass to

Mike, but Jason chest-bumps him with every step.
Eddie makes his move. He drives to the hoop behind Mike's

pick, which slams Jason backwards. The rebound bounces to the
B team and the two squads race back down to the other end of
the court, where Jason jams his elbow into Mike's chest in
retaliation.
Jason suddenly breaks down court.
JASON
Ball! Ball! Now!!
Jason gets the ball, cuts to the hoop, fakes a blind-pass,

soars for a reverse lay up. Mike comes in late, fouls Jason
as the BALL bounces off the backboard and slips into the net.
Al pumps his fist and then quickly makes his way down to the
court despite a noticeable limp.
ASSISTANT COACH JAMES (30's, a good lackey) acts as referee.
ASST. COACH JAMES

Foul on thirty-two. One shot.
Mike scowls. Al chats up Jason at the sideline, nods at Mike.
AL
Now talk some smack. Take no
prisoners.
CR Revision 9.
Jason nods, heads to the free throw line, glares at Mike.
JASON
Hey, why do you remind me of my
breakfast?
(no reply)
'Cause you're toast.
Jason casually swishes the free throw.
Mike quickly in-bounds the ball to Eddie who starts up the

court. But Jason swoops in to pick the ball clean and heads
to the bucket. Three quick fakes against Mike and Jason
easily tosses it through the net.
JASON (CONT’D)
That's just my Wonderbread move,
Toast. Ready for some real game?
A WHISTLE. Coach Harris can scarcely hide his excitement.
COACH HARRIS
Jason, you switch teams with Mike.
Eddie and Delmar exchange glances as Mike angrily spins away.
AN HOUR LATER:
The scrimmage continues. Al chats up Assistant Coach James.

They watch Jason.
COACH JAMES
He’s good, Al. Really good.
AL
I taught him everything he knows.
I had a full scholarship to play at
Pitt ... ‘till I ripped up my knee.
Al eyes narrow with pride.
AL (CONT’D)
So he's gonna do it for me ... us.
Jason dribbles through his legs and drills another shot.

(space)
WHISTLE. Coach James joins Harris. The men smile.
COACH HARRIS
Ok, hit the showers. Good practice.
(low)
Damn good practice.
CR Revision 10.
They discreetly low five.
Eddie watches Mike trudge off towards the locker room.
ANGLE
Jason pushes through the other squad members to join Mike.
JASON
Hey, nice shooting, Toast.
MIKE
Get out of my face, okay?
JASON
Just said you're a good shooter.
MIKE
Look, you want to take it up
outside?
Eddie and Delmar quickly yank Mike away and lead the team
into the locker room. Left alone, Jason joins his dad.
AL
You okay? What was that BS of his?
JASON
We both got a little jacked.
AL
Forget it, he’s jealous.
JASON
Leave it alone, dad.
Jason turns away and heads to the locker room. He spots Dana
taking askew-angle photos of a "KNIGHTS" pennant in the
hallway. His eyes widen.
JASON (CONT’D)
That baby's got back!
Dana senses Jason and whips her camera around to click a shot
of his dog-in-heat demeanor. FREEZE on the shot.
DANA
Gotcha.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
Everyone is unusually quiet. Jason finishes dressing. Eddie

glances over from the next locker.
CR Revision 11.
EDDIE
You have a nice game, man.
Mike glares at Eddie from the bench.
JASON
Thanks. See you tommorrow,
gentlemen.
Jason snatches up his gym bag and is gone. The remaining

players gaze around unhappily. Eddie starts over to Mike who
waves him off -- he doesn't want to talk.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Mike walks out from the gym as Matt and the Coach finish an
interview. Harris joins Mike.
COACH HARRIS
Mike? I don’t wanna see any more
crap between you and Jason. You
still have a big role to play on
this team.
Mike nods. Harris slaps him on the back and splits. Matt
saunters over and offers Mike his fist for their bump. Mike
slowly obliges.
MATT
Hey, look, Jason’s got one thing
going for him. Ball. But you have
lots of talents, lots of--
MIKE
Matt, I'm not that special.
INTERCUT: GYM/HALLWAY - NIGHT
Al, waiting for Jason by the entrance, HEARS them talk.
HALLWAY
MIKE
What if I just broke his leg?
THE GYM ENTRANCE
Al overhears Mike, scowls angrily and hobbles off.
THE HALLWAY
Mike shakes his head.

CR Revision 12.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Oh, hell, I didn't mean that.
MATT
You sure?
(grins)
Ha! It’s gonna be okay. Hang in
there. You’ll get that scholarship
one way or another.
MIKE
(finally smiles)
Alright, man. If you say so.
MATT
I do. I gotta go. Later.
As Matt disappears inside, Mike turns, SEES Dana turn the

corner down the hall. He starts to wave -- but just as Jason
appears, walking beside her.
MIKE
Who is this guy?
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Jason follows Dana outside to the sidewalk. Awkward with

girls, Jason comes on strong with Dana to overcompensate. She
doesn't like it.
JASON
So, I just thought, you and me--
Dana spots Mike in the parking lot.
DANA
Excuse me. I have to see a friend.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Dana approaches disappointly, just as Mike's RED '69 MUSTANG

races away.
INT. MIKE'S MUSTANG - NIGHT
Mike flicks radio stations as he drives -- nothing but

commercials. Brakes angrily before a stop sign.
Mike stares ahead moodily.
MIKE (cont’d)
Wonderbread move?! WTF!?
CR Revision 13.
EXT. HILLS - NIGHT
Very dark. No traffic. Just silhouetted outlines of WEALTHY

HOMES set back from the road. The Mustang races into frame.
INT. MUSTANG - NIGHT
Suddenly, Mike HEARS a car, echoing in the canyon, shifting

gears, going very fast. Suddenly...
AROUND THE CORNER
A 500 SERIES M-CLASS BMW appears, racing recklessly right at

him.
Mike downshifts, brakes and turns hard into a VERY LONG SKID
that carries him just past the BMW.
INT./EXT. MUSTANG (EXT. HILLS ROADSIDE) - NIGHT
Shaken, Mike angrily hops out of his car.
MIKE
Jesus, what the hell were you
thinking?
DYLAN HAMILTON, 17 -- tall, charismatic, entertaining and a

real promoter -- hops out of his car and approaches Mike.
DYLAN
Dude, you alright?
MIKE
Yeah, I guess.
DYLAN
Sorry, man, usually no one's on
this road this late.
(grins)
And I like to go fast. Very fast.
MIKE
Yeah, right... well, I'm okay. No
harm, no foul. Later.
DYLAN
Hey, I'm really sorry. I’m Dylan.
Dylan extends his hand. They shake.

14.
MIKE
(at his car)
Mike. It's all good.
Mike slides back behind the wheel, turns his ignition key.
The engine responds haltingly with a couple of "ching-chings"
followed by rapid metallic clicking. Then nothing.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Now what?
Dylan strolls over and pokes his head in.
DYLAN
Sounds like a solenoid. They get
sketchy in old cars like this. But
it's a nice car, bro.
MIKE
Yeah, thanks.
DYLAN
Pop the hood. Maybe I can help.
Dylan hurries back to his car as Mike releases the hood and
steps out. Dylan returns with a hammer.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
You know what a solenoid is?
MIKE
(raising the hood)
Electrical.
DYLAN
Right. Sends the juice to the
starter.
He taps on the solenoid a few times with the hammer.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Sometimes this works. Try it.
Dylan admires the car as Mike goes back inside.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Dude, it's a '69, isn't it!?
Awesome!
This time the car STARTS UP. Dylan shuts the hood.
CR Revision 15.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Listen, I just live a couple of
minutes away. Come on over and have
a brew. I owe it to you.
MIKE
I don’t think so. Thanks anyway.
Dylan shrugs, moves away, stops.
DYLAN
Don’t I know you somewhere?
MIKE
I donno. Basketball?
DYLAN
Right! I saw your picture in the
papers. You’re the deadeye! Forget
your worries, man. I got brewskis,
ice cold... come on.
MIKE
I don’t know. It's been a long day.
DYLAN
Exactly!
EXT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mike parks and gets out. Behind him is a very large front
lawn and very long drive-up road leading up to a MANSION.
Mike’s blown away.
MIKE
Nice pad.
DYLAN
It's alright. My mom bought it when
the last husband kicked off.
He glances at Mike. Mike shrugs.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Know how many husbands she's had?
Five. And now she's alone again.
Know why? Because somebody always
pays ...
He opens the DOOR. A nasty DOBERMAN lunges out with a vicious

growl and scares the shit out of Michael.
CR Revision 16.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Deno! Come here baby!
Dylan squats down to greet his dog who licks him wildly. He
clearly loves Deno.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Don't worry about him, he won't do
anything... if I'm around.
(stands)
Let's go up to Paradise.
WEBCAB POV:
INT. DYLAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A teenagers fantasy room come true: We HEAR cue balls being

struck as we MOVE past three linked Apple computers, an
ornate custom bong, retro arcade games, a home entertainment
system with oversized surround speakers and A large flat-
screen TV.
A James Dean poster hangs on the wall. Red corner lighting

saturates everything.
END WEBCAM POV:
They play pool. Dylan racks and shoots.
DYLAN
So this Jason guy has you driving
around at night, huh?
Mike shrugs, hiding his irritation.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Know what I'd tell myself? That
it's only friggin' high school,
dude. Me, I'm gonna be a
millionaire by twenty-two. Screw
that, twenty-one.
MIKE
Yeah? How?
Dylan rattles a ball into the side pocket and blows on his
stick like a gunslinger. There's one ball left.
DYLAN
Internet! Just need startup bucks.
MIKE
The Net's no money guarantee.
CR Revision 17.
DYLAN
Yeah, but I got this awesome social
networking idea -- it’s going to be
the next Facebook!
MIKE
Whatever, it looks like you can
afford it.
DYLAN
I need big bucks, like for an IPO!
Or I'll sign up some cool bands and
hit the road with them!
MIKE
So what's holding you back?
DYLAN
My friggin’ mother. Bitch hordes
all the money. Screw it.
Dylan shoots -- the eight-ball ricochets off his target and

drops in the pocket.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Shit! Winner gets to choose.
MIKE
Choose what?
DYLAN
The drug of your choice. Let me
guess...
Grinning again, he goes to the Webcam.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
I'm into recording my life, but for
you, I'll keep this off the record.
Dylan flicks off the system, then taps out a coke vial.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
How about some ace Bolivian?
MIKE
Uh, no. Thanks.
DYLAN
I bet you're worried about those
piss tests they give jocks. Right?
MIKE
Whatever.
CR Revision 18.
DYLAN
OK bro’, we'll be creative. This'll
cure all your problems -- Tijuana
Special.
He takes out a white spray-can with a long valve from his

backpack.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Whippits. Nitrous oxide, dude!
(at Michael's look)
Come onnn!! Last chance to break
training.
Mike hesitates, finally takes a hit. Soon, they’re both

making funny NITROUS OXIDE voices.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
I'm Donald Duck!
Dylan puts on a Loony-Tunes MASK.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Quack, quack, quack!!
MIKE
Whoahh!! Am I ripped!!
DYLAN
(laughs hysterically)
Me too!!
Dylan removes his Donald Duck mask, aims a laser gun around
the room, then turns and aims it at Mike’s chest.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Hey, what's your first memory?
Suckin’ on your momma’s titty?
Mike laughs.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Mine was seeing my mother doing a
guy.
(beat)
Hey, I gotta new Wii game at the
Expo in Vegas. Had it customized by
the guys at Nintendo. Let’s do
it.
They slap on wrist straps, grab the controls and start to bob
and weave.
CR Revision 19.
They LAUGH THEIR HEADS OFF until spent, then finally fall
back on the couch.
Dylan reaches over to a humidor, pulls out a nicely wrapped

CUBAN CIGAR and taps it.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Dude, if you want some chillin'
brewski’s, goferit...
He points to a mini-refrigerator. Mike returns holding a

couple of foreign-labeled beer bottles.
MIKE
What's this stuff?
DYLAN
It's an exclusive Chinese brew.
China, that'd be a good place to
send that Jason dick, right?
MIKE
Nah, it's not that. He's just...
he's really a good player but he
won’t shut up about it. And now I’m
on the bench. And I was really
hoping to get a scholarship this
year. You know, maybe not UCLA, but
some good school.
DYLAN
Then big mouth shows up.
MIKE
Yeah.
Mike spots something odd on one of the MONITORS -- a PICTURE

of a conservative Asian woman: MISS FUJIKAWA, PERSONAL
HISTORY, COUNTRY DAY PRIVATE SCHOOL FACULTY.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Files on your teachers? Cool. She’s
kinda hot!
Dylan grins, but quickly closes the file.
DYLAN
Gotta keep the big picture in
perspective.
(switches subjects)
Hey, did I tell you this computer’s
clocked so high it needs to be
nitro-cooled!
CR Revision 20.
They HEAR a car drive up. Dylan hurries over to the window.
POV DRIVEWAY
A JAGUAR parks in the circular driveway.
Dylan’s Mom, MICHELLE HAMILTON -- brunette, 30’s, gorgeous,

with a hard face belied by doe-like eyes -- gets out from
behind the wheel. She’s with a YOUNG BLUE COLLAR GUY. Arm in
arm, they weave up to the house.
Dylan jams the shade down hard.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
You know the only thing holding me
back from being a multi-millionaire
earlier? Her! Screw it. You been
to Vegas lately? I want some
action. Wanna go now?
MIKE
Tonight? What time is it, anyway?
Dylan shows Mike his watch.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Oh shit, I gotta get home!
DYLAN
Hey, we’d have fun!
MIKE
I’m sure. Nah, it's a school night!
My dad'll be trippin' if I hang out
any longer.
DYLAN
Oh, yeah, sure. Hey, but let's do
it again. How's tomorrow night?
MIKE
Uh, okay. Sure.
Dylan leads Mike to the door, but he stops there.
DYLAN
Find your own way out? Cool?
Mike
No problem.
Dylan shuts the door.

CR Revision 21.
INT. DYLAN’S HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT
Mike’s eye’s light up at the bottom of the stairs.
Dylan’s mom, Michelle, looking impossibly HOT, stands in the

arms of the younger blue collar guy. His face is buried in
her breasts.
She notices Mike -- and offers an utterly voluptuous, almost

predatory smile. The moment lingers before Mike gulps and
finally moves on.
INT. DYLAN’S ROOM -- NIGHT
Dylan hovers over an aquarium. A rattle snake makes it way

towards a pair of hamsters. Mike laughs as it stalks its prey
and then visciously engulfs one of them.
Then he notices that Mike has left his LETTER JACKET behind.
He runs with it to the window.
DYLAN
Mike! Your jack--
But Mike has already started his car. Dylan shrugs, examines
the jacket thoughtfully, then slips it on and admiringly
models it before the Webcam.
EXT. MIKE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mike parks before a humble, one-story home. He trips over his

feet while getting out. He straightens up, pops a breath mint
and goes inside.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - STUDY/BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mike’s father, JIM, (description) sits in his study watching

ESPN. Sports photos of Mike adorn the walls, trophies litter
the bookshelves. Jim is Mike’s biggest booster.
Mike treads lightly through the living room, knocks his knee
into a piece of living room furniture. Ouch!
Jim calls out from the study to Mike.
JIM
Home pretty late, aren't you?
MIKE
(busted)
I had some car problems
CR Revision 22.
Mike stumbles into his bedroom. Jim drops by, stands at the
edge of Mike’s bedroom.
JIM
Anything serious?
MIKE
Nah. Nothing major - the solenoid
again. Been a long day, dad, gonna
catch some shuteye.
JIM
Hey, Mike? Something’s come up at
the office, I might have to miss
your first game.
MIKE
(wry)
I wouldn't worry too much about the
opener, Dad. Really.
Jim
Well, if I don’t make it, knock ‘em
dead. Good night.
Mike passes the WEEKLY KNIGHT room, sees Dana in the back
with Matt, hesitates. A GIRL'S HAND pokes him from behind.
JENNIFER (O.S.)
You moron!
JENNIFER CRANE (18, a busty live wire) is Dana's best friend.
MIKE
Huh?
JENNIFER
What are you waiting for? Just ask
her out, okay?
MIKE
She doesn’t care for jocks.
Jennifer challenges him.
JENNIFER
OK. But if you don’t ask her out,
I’m sure that new kid in town,
Jason, will.
CR Revision 23.
THIS connects -- Mike frowns as Jennifer takes off. He shakes

his head and walks inside.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - WEEKLY KNIGHT ROOM - DAY
Mike spots Matt outside the darkroom and walks over. Matt
talks to Dana off-screen.
MATT
So are those photos ready yet? I
need to proof before publishing.
DANA (O.S.)
They're in the fix. I just have to
wash them. Okay?
MATT
Oh. Hey, someone wants to talk to
you. Open up.
Mike’s face turns red. Matt grins. The door opens an inch.
Dana looks at Mike mischievously.
DANA
Hi.
MIKE
Hi.
DANA
Umm... Want to come in for a
second?
MIKE
Sure.
DANA
Hurry. Close the door!
INSIDE THE DARKROOM
The light provides an orange overcast. Dana inspects a photo

in her tray. Mike watches curiously, his eyes adjusting to
the semi-darkness.
DANA (CONT’D)
(grins)
So what did you want?
Mike gathers up his courage.

CR Revision 24.
MIKE
Well ... I was wondering if you'd
like to go out with a jock, even if
...
DANA
I don't know. Would I have to watch
ESPN highlights on our first date?
Mike smiles, moves closer to her.
MIKE
You're making this pretty hard, you
know.
Dana grins.
Dana
Do I make you nervous, Mike?
Their bodies brush against one another in the close quarters.
DANA (CONT’D)
Possibly.
MIKE
Maybe in a good way?
DANA
Possibly.
MIKE
Well, in that case there’s a big
party at Dave Sutherland’s Saturday
night. He has a pretty big house
with a pretty big tv. We could
watch ESPN there, or explore, or
mix and match, or whatever.
Dana
OK.
Mike smiles, Dana returns it
Mike glances down at one of her photos.
MIKE
How did you get that effect?
DANA
I toned it. You know, you have nice
cheekbones. I bet you'd photograph
well.
(MORE)
CR Revision 25.
DANA (CONT'D)
(he smiles shyly)
Yes.
MIKE
Yes?
DANA
Yes.
EXT. COUNTRY DAY PRIVATE SCHOOL - DAY
Swank, immaculate, with expensive cars in the parking lot.
INT. COUNTRY DAY PRIVATE SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
MS. FUJIKAWA (30’s, Asian, attractive) paces in front of her

English class. The students are clad in preppy uniforms.
MS. FUJIKAWA
When Shakespeare said, "To be or
not to be", what did he mean?
Anyone?
A LOUD SNORE erupts from the left side of the room. Ms.
Fuzikawa walks over to Dylan. The class, used to his boorish
behavior, watches with great anticipation.
MS. FUJIKAWA (CONT’D)

Dylan? Dylan!
Dylan “awakes” with a start, falls right out of his chair.

The kids laughs uproariously -- a pair in the back discreetly
slap five.
MS. FUJIKAWA (CONT’D)

To the office... again... now.
Dylan looks at her in mock alarm, pratfalls as he stands,

further delighting his classmates.
Then he ambles towards the exit, purposely bumping into the

flag and ceremoniously catching it like a rock star’s
microphone before it touches the ground. Once again, the
class erupts in laughter.
INT. COUNTRY DAY PRIVATE SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Dylan sits across from Principal EDWARD DAVIS (50's, tall,

stately). Davis is a no-nonsense disciplinarian.
CR Revision 26.
DAVIS
So you probably think your mother's
generous endowment to this school
will excuse your abhorrent
behavior. But you're wrong. One
more incident and you will be
expelled. Questions?
Dylan shakes his head "no".
DAVIS (CONT’D)
Good. I think we understand each
other. I'll excuse you for the day -
I highly suggest you reflect
seriously on this.
Annoyed, Dylan jumps up and ambles to the door.
Davis cracks his knuckles as Dylan exits.
EXT. HILLS - DAY
Dylan's BMW flies by at 90 mph.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Dylan tosses slices of meat to Deno.
Michelle enters, nursing a drink. She's tired and upset.
MICHELLE
Principal Davis called me. He
thinks you're trying to purposely
get yourself kicked out of school.
But You're going to college next
year, Dylan, whether you like it or
not.
DYLAN
(dryly)
I gotta D average.
MICHELLE
From a very good private school.
DYLAN
You know what? Being jerked in and
out of fourteen other schools and
dragged around wherever you wanted
wasn't so great for my social
adjustment.
CR Revision 27.
MICHELLE
I'm sorry, Dylan. I wish I'd been a
better mother then. I really do.
DYLAN
Well, I'm glad. ‘Cause since you
were always gone chasing down
husbands, I had to learn how to
figure out stuff myself.
MICHELLE
I was looking for security, ‘hon.
And love. And people do things they
don't always understand. I grew up
very poor ...
DYLAN
Stop the violins, mother! I know
the damned story. Grandma was a
hooker in Baltimore, and nobody
knew who your crappy father was,
and you got all motivated and ...
here we are!
He raises his arms to embrace the immensity of the room. She

looks away, distraught.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Well, I'm motivated, too. I got my
own plans! But I need money!
MICHELLE
What you need is discipline! That's
why you’re going to college!
DYLAN
(sarcastically)
Not if I get kicked out of school,
first. Then what?
MICHELLE
Then... you'll be on your own
financially.
DYLAN
YOU--!! That is so unfair! You
didn't used to be like this!
MICHELLE
I know. And I was wrong. Very
wrong.
(beat)
Dylan? Honey, let's both try to be
better people now, okay?
CR Revision 28.
She awkwardly tries to hug him. He pecks her cheek in

response. They sort of smile.
DYLAN
But, mom... I really don’t want to
finish high school. I have this web
idea that can make millions!!
MICHELLE
Dammit, Dylan! You'll graduate from
high school and go to college or
you won't get a damn dime! Is that
clear!? And if you don't
straighten up right now, I'm going
to send you to a Scared Straight
program!!
Dylan freezes, really scared.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
I’m not kidding, Dylan, it's my
last resort!
DYLAN
You don't care, you just use
people! Especially me! But I'm not
gonna be your next victim this time
around!
Dylan rushes out of the room. Michelle shakily downs her

vodka.
EXT. ENTRY ROAD TO DYLAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mike drives up. Michelle's Jaguar races out and roars off in
the opposite direction -- like mother, like son.
Mike walks up the steps. An ornate door swings open. Dylan

lights up. Mike grins back.
DYLAN
Dude.
Dylan abruptly turns inside. Mike follows uncertainly.
INT. DYLAN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Mike hits a pool ball.

CR Revision 29.
MIKE
Hey, did I leave my jacket here?
Dylan seems to ignore the question.
DYLAN
Jacket? Yo, it’s whippet time.
MIKE
No, thanks. I gotta go.
DYLAN
No way!
Dylan takes a whippet-hit, falls dramatically to the ground,

cocks open an eye. Mike has to grin. Dylan jumps back up.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Hey, we ought to go into business
together, Mike, and rule the web.
Let's do it! We'll be rich!
MIKE
I thought you already were.
DYLAN
I told you, my mother's got me
plugged. She doesn't give me shit.
Dylan's eyes are dilated -- he's starting to get off big-

time. He rushes to his closet, maniacally searching for
something.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Hey, wanna go to Vegas?
MIKE
Man, I’d love to, but ...
DYLAN
So... how about London! I know
hotels, the chicks. Bro’, let's do
it. I don't need her, we can be in
London tomorrow! Or Paris!
He yanks out a knapsack and gleefully flings a PILE OF MONEY

at Mike.
MIKE
Wow! I wish I could, but I have b-
ball practice on Saturday... and
you know what I’m up against.
CR Revision 30.
DYLAN
(disappointed)
Oh.
Dylan slams the closet door shut.
MIKE
You all right, man?
DYLAN
Yeah. It’s my mother! The bitch is
strangling me, man!
Dylan abruptly moves to the DARTBOARD. He grabs a dart from

the board, walks back to position himself, and aims -- misses
by a mile. Hands one to Mike, who gracefully throws a bulls-
eye and smiles.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
I bet you could shoot anything.
MIKE
Beginner’s luck.
The boy’s toss darts from behind their backs, over their
shoulders, through their legs. Dylan keeps missing wildly -
on shot narrowly misses hitting the cat, who scurries away.
Dylan tapes a PHOTO onto the center.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Who’s that?
DYLAN
Guess.
THE PHOTO shows his mom, MICHELLE, age 26, dressed in a

bikini and wearing a big diamond on her finger. She looks
hot, drop-dead gorgeous, slutty and nouveau-rich.
MIKE
That's your mom? Wow!
DYLAN
Yeah. Throw one. Anywhere you hit
her, I'll give you a hundred bucks.
Before Mike can respond, Dylan fires a dart: BULLSEYE -- it

lands right between Michelle's eyes.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Hey, bro’, you ever think about
making life easier?
CR Revision 31.
MIKE
Sure. All the time.
DYLAN
You know, like, getting rid of all
your problems?
MIKE
I guess.
DYLAN
Exactly, bro, it's like you can
read my mind! Awesome! I take care
of a-hole for you, and you take
care of my mother!
Mike stares at Dylan, then at the dart stuck in Michelle's

forehead. Too weird. Mike laughs.
Mike
Right, very funny.
DYLAN
Seriously, two guys take care of
each others' problems. No
connection between them. Nobody'd
ever know. Is that perfect, or
what!?
MIKE
In our dreams.
(checks the time on his
cellphone)
Wild. Listen, dude, I gotta run.
Dad’s got dinner on the stove.
DYLAN
But it's a genius idea. Right, bro?
MIKE
Oh, yeah, absolutely genius. You're
too much, Dylan.
Mike taps knuckles with Jason and walks out, shaking his
head. But Dylan grins happily.
Jason flicks a button on his computer -- up comes the "VALLEY

HILLS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DIRECTORY". He scrolls down to
"JASON HAWKE". He opens up the file - lingers on an action
photo of Jason playing basketball ...
CR Revision 32.
INT. PARTY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SATURDAY NIGHT
A large living room filled with riotous, partying kids.
Jason walks unsteadily past a couple making out at the

doorway, clutching a bottle of Chivas Regal, He's lonely,
horny and drunk.
He spots his fellow teammmates: Eddie is charming a girl.

Delmar and Von notice him, but turn away. Jason responds by
taking a long, surly drink from his bottle.
A FRESHMAN (14, gangly) bumps into him.
JASON
Watch where you're going, huh?
FRESHMAN
I’m a freshman, I'm supposed to be
fucked up!
The Freshman staggers off. Jason scowls, then spots Dana in

the kitchen with a group of kids and heads over.
INT. PARTY HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Mike and Dana watch a huge FOOTBALL PLAYER chug down a

bottle of tequila and grin. Mike cozies up to Dana -- so far,
so good, they’re having a good time with each other tonight.
DANA
You're not going to try?
MIKE
(grins)
I may be competitive, but I'm not
suicidal.
Jason enters and goes to Dana.
JASON
Hey, girl.
DANA
(civil)
Hi, Jason.
JASON
Whatcha doing?
DANA
(nods towards Mike)
Just hanging... with him.
CR Revision 33.
JASON
Who? You're with Toast?
Mike whirls around.
MIKE
Do me a favor. The name is Mike.
JASON
Michael... Toast.
MIKE
Hey, what's with you?
JASON
Nothin’.
He flicks Mike's collar.
MIKE
(measured)
I know you’re drunk. But do us all
a favor and get lost.
JASON
I can't help it if you're jealous.
MIKE
Maybe it's the other way around.
Jason purposely flips Mike’s collar again. Mike loses his

cool and shoves him back -- Jason stumbles back awkwardly.
KIDS
Fight! Fight!
Jason recovers, charges back. Mike steps aside to avoid him,

but can't resist slamming Jason's back.
Jason staggers, but manages to lock his arms around Mike’s

head. Mike escapes. Then they pummel each other until Matt
and Dana finally jump in.
DANA
Stop it you guys!
Matt wedges between them.
MATT
Break it up! Mike, he's bombed out!
MIKE
(steps back)
Right.
CR Revision 34.
DANA
Come on, Mike, let's go... watch
ESPN.
EXT. PARTY HOUSE/int. Mustang - NIGHT
Dana ouches his cheek as he settles behind the wheel.
DANA
You’re bleeding.
MIKE
Don't worry about it.
He turns the ignition; it stutters -- the ENGINE WON'T START.
DANA
What did that sound mean?
When it finally does, Mike breathes a sigh of relief.
MIKE
It means I should have this car
fixed.
EXT. PARTY HOUSE - NIGHT

UNKNOWN POV:
Mike’s Mustang takes off. SOMEONE takes notice. Their

attention shifts to THE PARTY HOUSE.
Jason walks out, his unsteady progress “helped” by a couple

of kids. Jason shoves them away, lurches forward to his
YELLOW CAMARO. He fumbles for his keys.
INT. MIKES MUSTANG (EXT. DANA'S HOUSE) - NIGHT
Mike’s parked in front. He puts his arm around Dana.
MIKE
Now what do you think about jocks?
Dana smiles.
DANA
I promise I'll never accuse you of
that again. You really don't even
seem like one, except--
CR Revision 35.
MIKE
Just keep me away from Jason,
right?
Uncomfortable, Dana changes the subject.
DANA
Matt says you're a great shooter.
That must have taken a lot of
practice.
Mike looks off for a moment, then opens up.
MIKE
I needed to get my mind off some
stuff, so I found basketball.
(beat)
My mom died four years ago ... her
plane crashed into a mountain in
Pennsylvania. She was a tutor for
the U.S. ski team.
DANA
Oh, Mike! It must have been awful!
MIKE
We were all really close. My dad
was really messed up after. And I
started getting into trouble.
DANA
Like what?
MIKE
Dumb junior high stuff. I was
busted smoking pot.
DANA
Bummer.
MIKE
Yeah, I've gotta police record
back there. And then... it's like,
you hear about people, when
something really bad happens, they
start to play guitar all day long.
You know?
DANA
(softly)
Yes.
CR Revision 36.
MIKE
So my Dad and I moved into an
apartment. And there was a hoop
nailed up behind the building.
DANA
So you shot baskets all day.
She's misty. Wants to touch him, but... it's their first

date.
MIKE
I'll walk you up.
EXT. DANA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
They move silently to the door, turn to each other.
DANA
I had a really great time.
MIKE
Me too. Yeah... well, good night.
They move to each other and kiss. Just touching lips at

first, then it builds. Both are glassy-eyed when they part.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Well... good night.
DANA
Good night.
Mike takes a couple of steps away, looks back. She hasn’t

stopped looking at him.
DANA (CONT’D)
Oh, damn... Wanna come inside...
for ten minutes?
He grins, makes a silly "yes" face. He turns off his cell

phone as he follows her inside.
INT. DANA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Dark. Romantic. They stand in the middle of the room.
MIKE
Your parents aren't home?
CR Revision 37.
DANA
Mom’s started working nights. I see
my dad in the summer.
He nuzzles her neck.
DANA (CONT’D)
Maybe we shouldn't, uh...
MIKE
Shh... it's just us. And that's not
so bad.
He wraps his arms around her protectively. She melts into

them with a sigh.
EXT. HILLS - NIGHT
The yellow Camaro blasts around a corner.
INT. CAMARO - NIGHT
Jason drives with one hand, pumps his fist to the booming
MUSIC.
JASON
(singing)
Don't need nobody... don't need
that girl... Don't need anyone, I'm
King of the World...
Suddenly, he’s distracted by something up ahead: HEADLIGHTS

ILLUMINATE SKID MARKS, which lead to an OLD PLYMOUTH that has
spun out off the road.
Steam BILLOWS from the engine. A MALE BODY lies at an awkward

angle on the ground beside it -- blood seeps from his pores.
Jason brakes. He hesitates for a moment and then begins to

backup off the road.
EXT. HILLS - NIGHT
Jason parks, leaves his HEADLIGHTS on, tentatively approaches

the body, checks out the CUTS and BLOOD on the victim’s face.
JASON
Hey... you alright?
A MOAN. Jason bends down for a closer look. THE VICTIM smiles
weakly -- it’s Dylan!
CR Revision 38.
JASON (CONT’D)
Tough corner, dude. Sorry--
DYLAN
(low, another moan)
Help me... up...
JASON
You sure?
Dylan nods. Jason shrugs, bends down and helps Dylan to his
feet. Dylan holds on for support.
DYLAN
... in my car...
Jason drags Dylan to the old car. Dylan feebly motions

inside.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
In there...
Jason squints - he spots Mike's letter jacket. Removes it.
JASON
Hey. That’s one of our letter
jackets.
Dylan, suddenly drops his veneer. He reaches into his pocket

and brings out a TASER GUN. Places it RIGHT BEHIND JASON'S
NECK. Pulls the trigger.
PFFFT!
Jason crumbles to the ground. Dylan looks down at the fallen

star with disgust and kicks him in the face.
DYLAN
Oh gee, so sorry.
Dylan kicks him again a couple of more times for good

measure.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Gee, guess you can't shoot very
good now, huh?
Another vicious kick.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Now you can't fuck so good, either.
He picks up a broken side-view mirror on the ground and takes

a look at himself.
CR Revision 39.
He pulls out a handkerchief from his back pocket and wipes

away the phony "blood" and “cuts” on his face.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Halloween should be my birthday.
WHAP. One last kick.
Then Dylan reaches into his car and pulls out a pair of
gloves, a camera and two bottles of Smirnoff vodka.
He lifts up Jason, puts the letter jacket on Jason, then

moves around the body like a fashion photographer snapping
PHOTOS.
Satisfied, he sets the camera aside, grabs Jason by the heels

and DRAGS him along the ground.
INT. CAMARO - NIGHT
Dylan props Jason's limp body into the drivers seat. The head
slumps back. He takes a swig from the Smirnoff bottle, pours
the rest into Jason’s mouth and on his face. Jason MOANS.
DYLAN
Bro’, don't you be complainin’.
It's one-hundred proof.
He continues pouring across the dash, finally emptying the

bottle in the back seat.
He then leans Jason forward to put his weight on the gas

pedal.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
What you driving an automatic for?
That’s so pussy.
Dylan turns on the engine. Jams Jason's foot down and jumps
away.
The car takes off at 40 MPH and then SLAMS in to the Canyon
Wall, some seventy-five yards away. Jason's BODY crumbles at
the impact.
Dylan shakes his head sorrowfully, takes a swig of vodka.
Dissolve to:
Dylan pulls off Mike's letter jacket from Jason's body. It’s
not easy - Jason is pinned by the STEERING WHEEL, his face is
a mess. Dylan sighs.
CR Revision 40.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Dude, you forgot your seat-belt!
INT./EXT. MIKE'S MUSTANG (EXT. SUBURBS) - NIGHT
Mike cruises down an empty street, glances at the dashboard:

one a.m. He pulls up to a stop sign. Then the ENGINE abruptly
stops. Mike can't believe it. Tries to turn it over, but it
won't start.
MIKE
Oh, shit.
He gets out and pops the hood. Finds the solenoid and taps it
with a hammer. Hurries back inside the car.
Mike turns the ignition... zip. He gets out, slams the door
in frustration and starts walking.
EXT. MIKE'S HOUSE - NIGHT (ONE HOUR LATER)
Mike trudges wearily up to the house and goes inside.
INT. MIKE'S BEDROOM/DANA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT (intercut as

necessary)
Mike throws his car keys down. Pulls out his phone and flips
the on-switch. The phone almost immediately RINGS, startling
him.
MIKE
Hello?
DANA (O.S.)
Hey...
She sounds a little nervous.
MIKE
Hi.
DANA (O.S.)
It's two a.m. Where have you been?
I've been calling.
MIKE
The car stalled out and I must of
turned off the phone ... never
mind. How are you?
CR Revision 41.
DANA (O.S.)
I've been worse.
She giggles.
MIKE
Same here. Thanks for inviting me
out tonight.
DANA (0.S.)
Mike, I don't want you to have
gotten the wrong idea--
MIKE
(joke)
You mean the right idea?
DANA (0.S.)
You know what I mean... It's just,
I don't want you to think--
MIKE
Shh. Dana, listen. I like you too.
A lot. Okay? We should do it again
sometimes.
DANA (O.S.)
Yeah?
MIKE
Yeah. See ya at school. Night.
DANA
Night.
He hangs up. Flops back on his bed, a big grin plastered

across his face. Life is good.
EXT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - DAY
Massive and gloomy.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

Michelle walks to Dylan’s bedroom door. Looks at her watch.
Then she knocks and enters.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Dylan is sprawled across the bed, completely out. Deno, his

pet Doberman, sleeps at his feet. Michelle tiptoes away.
CR Revision 42.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Mike walks to the entrance. Kids mill around in groups and

talk in hushed tones. Something feels wrong.
Mike continues past a crowd, which is clustered outside the

student newwpaper office. He ees Dana hurry out of the Weekly
Knight.
DANA
Hi!
MIKE
Hi. What's going on? Did someone
die, or something?
DANA
Jason was in a car wreck after the
party. I guess he drank too much.
MIKE
What?!
DANA
They say he's in a coma. I gotta
go. Field trip. Call me later?
MIKE
Sure.
Dana kisses his cheek and darts away past Matt, who sidles up
to Mike. The boys grin ruefully.
MATT
So what happened? You wouldn't
settle for breaking his leg?
MIKE
Funny guy.
(beat)
He may be a jerk, but I wouldn’t
wish that upon anybody.
MATT
This whole school's trippin'.
MIKE
Yeah.
Eddie comes out of the office, looks at Mike.

CR Revision 43.
EDDIE
Coach wants us in the gym. There’s
a cop who wants to talk to the
team.
(aside)
Hey dude, I know it wasn't you.
He laughs and hurries off. Mike rolls his eyes at Matt.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - DAY
The team stands nervously on the sideline. Coach Harris walks

in with the DETECTIVE ED VANDEGRIFT (40's, tall, deceptively
amiable.)
COACH HARRIS
Listen up. After practice we're
going to the hospital to see Jason.
Now, men, this is Detective
Vandegrift. He wants to ask some
questions.
He nods to the Detective who stands in front of the group.
DETECTIVE VANDEGRIFT
Guys, as you've no doubt heard,
your new teammate, Jason Hawke, was
seriously injured in a car
accident. Did anyone see him after
he left the party?
No one responds.
DETECTIVE VaNDEGRIFT (CONT’D)

OK. I understand there was a fight
at this party. Anyone witness it?
Several heads swivel towards Mike. Vandegrift takes notice.
DETECTIVE VANDEGRIFT (CONT’D)

They're looking at you. What’s your
name?
MIKE
Mike Lowry.
Detective VANDEGRIFT
Was there some kind of problem
between you two, Mike?
Mike doesn’t respond. Eddie intervenes.

CR Revision 44.
EDDIE
The problem was the dude Jason was
shit-faced drunk, sir.
Everyone laughs. The tension eases.
I've heard that, too. Well, if any
of you hear anything, please
contact me. Coach, Thanks for your
cooperation.
As Vandegrift steps away, Harris turns to his team.
COACH HARRIS
Okay, our first game is in two
days, men! Short practice, regular
time, then the parking lot at
seven. Let’s hit the floor.
INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
The team walks uneasily down a corridor behind a NURSE, (50s,

heavy set), who leads them to Jason’s room. She nods to
Coach Harris and leaves.
The Coach looks in -- what he sees, pains him.
COACH HARRIS
Okay, guys.
The team filters inside.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Mike moves up to see JASON IN BED. Jason’s head is covered

with bandages. A chest protector immobilizes his upper body.
Tubes protrude from his mouth and nostrils, and from beneath
the sheets.
The team is bummed. Harris puts on his best face.
COACH HARRIS
Jason?
AL (O.S.)
He still can't talk, Coach.
Al Hawke shoves past them. He’s been grieving , and raging ,

for two days.
CR Revision 45.
AL (CONT’D)
Can’t tell me who did this to him.
COACH HARRIS
It was an accident, Mr.--
AL
No accident!! My boy has reactions
like a friggin’ test pilot -- he’s
a great driver. And wasn't nobody
who didn't like him.
He swivels around to Mike.
AL (CONT’D)
Except you.
MIKE
Look, Mr. Hawke, I've--
AL
Shuttup, I know what's going on! I
know you threatened him! He was too
good for you! All of you!
Al makes a move towards Mike -- Coach Harris steps in to hold

him back as the nurse hears the commotion and races in.
NURSE
Stop, stop! Mr. Harris, I must ask
you all to leave. Right now.
AL
Damn good idea.
Mike feels Al Hawke's eyes burning into him as they walk out.
INT. hospital - HALLWAY - NIGHT
The team collectively exhales.
EDDIE
"Friggin' great driver"!? He
couldn't see ten feet ahead of him
when he left that party.
DELMAR
Yeah, Mike, that old A-hole's outta
his mind. Don't let him get to you.
Mike grimly nods.

CR Revision 46.
Mike taps his horn and waves at Delmar and Eddie as he steers
his Mustang onto the road.
A familiar 500-series M-CLASS BMW pulls away from the curb

and follows.
INT. MUSTANG - NIGHT (EXT. COUNTRY ROAD)
Mike cruises down the road. The BMW HONKS and races up
beside Mike’s Mustang. Dylan grins and waves.
DYLAN
Dude! Hey, pull over!
Mike smiles, nods and pulls off to park. Dylan follows.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Mike and Dylan get out.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Wha's up, bro? Guess who’s gonna
be a star?
MIKE
I donno. You? Wassup?
DYLAN
Me, I'm just fine.
Dylan's eyes are wide and bloodshot.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
You, that’s who, silly! Guess who
took care of your little problem?
MIKE
What little problem?
DYLAN
Don’t worry, I found some great
gloves -- you’ll like them too.
Mike looks on, confused.
Mike
What the hell are you talking
about?
CR Revision 47.
Dylan
Don’t worry bro’, my mom has a
thing for young hotties like you.
It will be easy as pie. One look at
you and she will be tossing you
condoms.
Mike
(perplexed)
You want me to fuck your mother?
Dylan
No, doofus. I want you to kill
her.
Mike
(shocked)
Oh, no ...
Dylan
What’s the problem, we had a deal.
I took care of your poor little
Jason, dude. Now it’s your turn
bro’, to return me the favor.
Mike
No way!
Mike shoves past Dylan towards his car.
DYLAN
Where are you going?
MIKE
To the cops!
DYLAN
Duh. Go ahead. You’re the one who
will be arrested.
Mike spins around.
MIKE
We!? I had nothing to do with
anything!
DYLAN
Hey, you're the one who needed a
scholarship. You had the motive.
MIKE
Jesus, you really are one-sick-
crazy-puppy.
CR Revision 48.
Dylan grabs Mike’s arm.
DYLAN
(glowers)
Yeah? Don't mess with me, Mike.
MIKE
Get out of my life!
Mike lurches towards his car, gets in.
DYLAN
(calling out)
Just so you know, I found your
letter jacket. Jason was wearing it
when he crashed his car. In fact,
it has his blood all over it. Good
thing for you that I took it with
me.
Mike rolls up his car window. Apoplectic, he PEELS OUT. Dust

swirls around Dylan in his wake.
INT. MUSTANG (EXT. DOWNTOWN) - NIGHT
Mike is so angry, he can’t see straight -- his hands shake as

he drives.
Suddenly, a TRUCK unexpectedly swerves out of its lane and

comes right at him. He yanks the wheel and skids to a stop on
the side of the road.
MIKE
(losing it)
Fuck you, asshole! Fucking jerk!
Asshole!!
Mike leans back, near tears.
CUT TO:
INT. MIKE'S HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Mike walks in. Jim's at the kitchen table studying a sales

brochure.
JIM
Hey, Mike. Sorry to hear about
your teammate?.
Mike can't even summon a reaction. The land line RINGS. Jim
picks up the receiver, looks at it, hangs up.
CR Revision 49.
JIM (CONT’D)
Hung up. That’s the third time.
Mike nods darkly and starts to his room.
JIM (CONT’D)
Do you want to talk about anything?
MIKE
Not really.
JIM
Okay. Hey, I'll be at the game. I
worked out my schedule.
MIKE
Great... that’s great, dad.
JIM
Sure you don't want to talk?
MIKE
No.
Mike closes the door.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM
Mike throws his jacket on the chair, sits at his computer,

opens his email, sees a message on the screen: “LOOK AT THIS
HERO!”.
He opens it, then gasps in horror. A FULL SCREEN picture of

JASON stares at him, mouth open grotesquely, his face oozing
blood -- he’s wearing Mike's letter jacket.
Mike tries to erase it, but the image remains frozen on his
computer screen.
Mike’s cell phone RINGS. Mike angrily answers.
MIKE
Hello!?
DANA (0.S.)
I thought you were going to call.
MIKE
Right. Sorry, I thought it was
somebody else. How are you?
He walks out, tries to present a facade of normality.

CR Revision 50.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING
Mike wakes up, looks around groggily. Then he remembers

yesterday’s hellish day.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Matt and Mike walk together.
MATT
You're pretty quiet, bro’.
MIKE
Yeah.
Matt watches Mike walk numbly to his classroom, bump into a

bustling girl, apologize, hurry inside.
MATT
Man, that boy's trippin'.
INT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - NOON
Officers SNIDER (30's, redneck-type, balding, intense) and

JONES (40, black, laid back) walk towards an office, hear an
ARGUMENT as they approach.
Detective VANDEGRIFT’S OFFICE
Al Hawke is in Detective Vandegrift’s face.
AL
I told you, I heard that S.O.B.
Lowry boy threaten to break Jason's
leg!
I’ve noted that, sir, but unless
there is another witness...
AL
Who cares?! It happened!
Mr. Hawke, I understand how you
must feel, but there's absolutely
no evidence at the present time
which ties anyone else at the
accident with your son.
CR Revision 51.
AL
Accident?! You don't get it!? You
really don't get it!? Fuck you!
Al storms out past Detectives Snyder and Jones as they enter.
(calling out)
We'll talk again, Mr. Hawke.
(to the detectives)
Let's get some lunch, boys. I need
some air.
INT. DINNER - DAY
The police talk shop burgers and fries.
Any word from the lab?
Officer Snider takes a bite of his burger, which is squeezed

between two donuts. Cheese dribbles down his chin.
OFFICER JONES
Not yet. ‘Course Snider here is
itching to talk to the Lowry boy
OFFICER SNIDER
Lowry has a previous drug record. I
think we should take a closer at
him - maybe the old man is right.
OFFICER JONES
I know, smoking pot leads to
vehicular assult. Snider here has
been eating too many donut burgers.
(laughs)
C’mon Snider, Jason Hawkes had a
1.9 alcohol level and he wasn’t
wearing a seat belt. Let me buy
you a steak, Snyder, you need a
bone
OFFICER SNIDER
Remember Tanya Harding? There’s
stranger things than knocking off
your competition...
It’s a longshot, but let’s do a
little due diligence. If nothing
else, it will get the old man off
our backs.
CR Revision 52.
Pom-pom waving cheerleaders lead students, staff and families

towards the gymnasium.
Nervous quiet. Mike tapes his ankles, glances over at Von who
prays in the corner.
Coach Harris moves to the center of the room and addresses

the team.
COACH HARRIS
Okay, men. Season opener. I know
we've had some adversity, but damn
it, this is the night! We've seen
the scouting report, we know what
we have to do... so let's pull
together and win this one for
Jason!
(beat)
Captain? It's yours.
Eddie takes over.
EDDIE
What Coach says is right. We
sweated our butts off all summer to
get ready for this. So let's do it!
HUDDLE!!
They all jump up and get tight.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT
Mike stands in a lay-up drill line.
ANNOUNCER’S TABLE
Matt sits behind a laptop next to PHIL JOHNSON (40's, typical

suit) who provides both the on-site announcements and the
play-by-play for the local radio station.
Dana is planted under the Knight’s hometeam basket with her

camera.
ON THE COURT
The REF blows the whistle to start the game.

CR Revision 53.
Mike receives the ball, dribbles down the court smartly for a
lay-up. Dana darts out from under the Knights basket to take
a photo of him of the rim before scurrying back to her
position.
Mike’s dad, Jim, stands up and cheers. As he moves to the

opposite line, Mike spots him in the stands, smiles.
CUT TO:
THE SCOREBOARD
Knights lead 31-26, fifteen seconds remain in the first half.
ON THE COURT
Eddie dribbles through a full-court press, pulls up as Coach

Harris jumps off the bench.
COACH HARRIS
Eddie! Three-two! Run thirty-two!
ANNOUNCER’S TABLE
MATT
(to Phil)
That’s for Mike.
Phil speaks into his radio mike.
PHIL
It’ll be a set play for Mike Lowry.
Von gets the ball, passes it out to Eddie, who drives before
dishing the ball off to Mike.
Mike spins free, steps back, shoots. Dana SNAPS a photo:

FREEZE a STILL FRAME of Mike’s release. We HEAR a soft RIP of
the net.
PHIL (CONT’D)
Another three points from the
Knights' shooting guard. who looks
like he’s ready for a big senior
year.
The buzzer sounds, ending the half.
PHIL (CONT’D)
And the Knights go into halftime
leading 34-26.
The Knights squad runs off the court past their excited fans.
CR Revision 54.
Dana follows them, shooting photos and immersed in Mike.

Jennifer watches her, knowingly.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - NIGHT
A 500 series M-CLASS BMW drives in, BLASTING music. Parks in

a HANDICAPPED ZONE. Dylan emerges with a grin.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - NIGHT
Dana and Jennifer exit from the rest room. Dylan, holding a
soda, falls in behind them.
DANA
Want to get something to eat?
Jennifer rubs her tummy.
JENNIFER
Ask me after I lose ten more
pounds. Now quit stalling girl, are
you getting as hot watching Mike
play as it looks?
Dana looks slyly out of the corner of her eye. They giggle.
Very interested in what he sees, Dylan takes a big SLURP on
his drink and follows the hotties into the gym.
As the girls move to their seats, Dana hands off the camera
to Matt.
DANA
That was fun. Can I do it again?
(Matt grins)
How many points did Mike score?
ANNOUNCER’S TABLE
MATT
Fifteen. Six out of ten shooting,
three at the line!
PHIL
Pretty good, alright.
MATT
Watch him at the end if it's close.
He's total clutch.
CR Revision 55.
IN THE BLEACHERS
Dylan sees a kid vacate a seat behind Jennifer and Dana and
instantly swipes it. Dana glances up at him. Dylan smiles
back impishly.
DYLAN
Hello.
She returns his grin, then returns to her chit-chat with

Jennifer. Dylan lowers his hand to touch Dana’s hair, pulls
it back.
SCOREBOARD
Two minutes have elapsed in the second half. The Knights have
extended their lead to 39-30.
THE GAME
Mike dribbles out of trouble and fires the ball to Delmar,

who’s fouled. Mike drifts back towards mid-court.
DYLAN (O.S.)
BIG STAR! BIG STAR! BIG STAR!
Mike looks into the stands and gasps. Dylan, stands, points
his fingers out at Mike, like he’s shooting.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Yaaughh, go Mike! You got a free
education coming, hero!!
Mike pretends to ignore him, but he’s shaken.
SCOREBOARD
Seventeen seconds left to play, the Knights cling to a 63-62

lead.
ON THE COURT
The teams break from their huddles. Knights possession. They

get the ball to Mike who drives up court, shoots and misses,
but is fouled. The REF hands Mike the ball.
REF
One and one.
CR Revision 56.
Mike steps to the free throw line and readies himself to

shoot.
DYLAN (O.S.)
Go MIKE! Go MIKE!
Mike can't keep himself from glancing back at Dylan, who is

now sitting right beside Dana.
DANA
GO MIKE! GO MIKE!
Dylan jumps up -- and pulls Dana with him.
DANA AND DYLAN

GO MIKE! GO MIKE! GO MIKE!
Mike turns away, tries to refocus.
ANNOUNCER’S TABLE
PHIL
Here's Lowry. Eighty-eight per cent
from the line last season.
MATT
Okay Mike, ice it!! Put it away!
ON THE COURT
Mike sets to shoot. Still riled by Dylan’s presence, be

bounces the ball hypnotically ... The referee steps in.
REFEREE
Son, you gotta shoot that ball.
Mike nods, collects himself... aims... and misses everything.

The ball bounces listlessly out of bounds.
ANNOUNCERS TABLE
Phil leans over to whisper to Matt.
PHIL
Clutch. He's missed every shot in
this half.
MATT
Tell me about it ... I never saw
him miss like that.
ON THE COURT
CR Revision 57.
The visitors try to set up a shot.
Mike frantically dogs his man, who gets the ball inside to
their BIG GUY. Big Guy pump-fakes him and Von, spins for an
easy layup... but blows it.
A wild scramble ensues. The BUZZER finally sounds. Mike sags

in relief -- he’s off the hook.
DYLAN (0.S.)
Alright, Mike!
Dylan hugs Jennifer. Dana breaks away and runs onto the
court.
DANA
Hey, what’s the matter, we won!
MIKE
Barely.
Jim joins them and high fives Mike.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Dad! I want you to meet Dana.
As Jim and Dana exchange greetings, Dylan shoves his way up

to Mike.
DYLAN
Hey, you must be Mike, right?
Dylan.
(low)
Air ball? Ball must be slippery.
Mike glowers.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
(calling out)
Hey, everybody! Who wants to party
up in Hidden Hills?!
The kids whoop at “Hidden Hills”, but Mike turns to Dana,

disinterested.
MIKE
I donno, I don't think--
DANA
Oh, come on, it sounds like fun!
MIKE
I just thought we could be ...
alone.
CR Revision 58.
DANA
Well, we can, but after... Okay?
She smiles.
DANA (CONT’D)
Beside, Jen and I need a ride. My
Mom dropped us off.
Mike finally shrugs okay.
INT. MUSTANG (EXT. HIDDEN HILLS) - NIGHT
Mike drives in silence, glancing uncomfortably at the

familiar surroundings. Dana pokes him playfully.
DANA
Boy, you really didn't want to go
here, did you?
Mike shrugs.
MIKE
I guess I just don't like that guy.
DANA
You just met him! Look, he's wild,
but that just means the party ought
to be fun. Jennifer likes him, too.
They look at each other.
MIKE & DANA

She would.
They laugh together, the tension temporarily broken.
INT. BMW (EXT. HIDDEN HILLS) - NIGHT
Jennifer listens to Dylan SING along to his RAP tape.
DYLAN
Hey, I have something for you.
JENNIFER
For me? Really!?
Dylan feels under his seat, brings up a wrapped object. And

realizes he’s made an error. But she’s already grabbed it.
CR Revision 59.
JENNIFER (CONT’D)
This is so sweet. It’s a little
stuffed...
Jennifer finally realizes that this isn’t a stuffed toy

kitty, it's a real stuffed cat. She screams.
JENNIFER (CONT’D)
This is disgusting! Eww! How could
you ...
DYLAN
Chill, it was a mistake, okay?
(changes tact)
Hey, what's your first memory, like
when you were five? Mine was sex.
Jennifer
Let me out please.
EXT. DYLAN'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
The cars pull off the road.
Mike turns to Dana as he negotiates the circular drive.
MIKE
Sorry for being so negative. We'll
have a good time.
DANA
You're a good guy, Mike Lowry.
(grins)
Maybe later I’ll have to make you a
bad man.
Mike grins.
He parks. The moment they’ve opened their doors...
EXT. DYLAN’S HOUSE - NIGHT
They hear Jennifer CRYING.
MIKE
Oh, sh...
Jennifer bolts out of Dylan’s car and rushes to Dana.

CR Revision 60.
DYLAN
Hey, I didn't know.... bitch.
Mike hurries over to Dylan.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Dude!
MIKE
What just happened?
DYLAN
Whatever. She’s wak. But Dana is
cute.
Outraged, Mike quietly warns Dylan.
MIKE
Stay away from her. And out of my
life.
DYLAN
Ha! No can do. We’re locked at the
hip, dude!
Dana glances over from her huddle with Jennifer. Dylan

switches gears, calls out to the crowd.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Let’s party!
People begin to swam towards the house.
Dana and Jennifer continue towards Mike's car. Dylan

approaches them, calls out to Mike.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Bro’, why don’t girls ever give us
the frigging time of day!?
JENNIFER
Fuck off!
DANA
Let’s go, Mike!
Mike walks over and cuts Dylan off from the girls.
MIKE
You heard them.
They bitterly eye one another before Mike turns around and
walks away.
CR Revision 61.
DYLAN
Hey, I haven’t even begun with you.
Don't forget who made you a star.
Mike hopes Dana didn't hear that. As he gets to his car...
DYLAN (CONT’D)
(low hiss)
Mike.
Mike turns. Dylan cocks his finger and “shoots".
DYLAN (CONT’D)
But We can still be friends.
INT. MUSTANG (EXT. SUBURBIA) - NIGHT
Mike drives. Dana sits in the back with Jennifer, who is

still sobbing.
JENNIFER
... disgusting crazy psycho
pervert!
(points)
That's my house.
He parks. As Jennifer wobbles outside, Dana turns to Mike.
DANA
Maybe I should stay with Jen. It's
been a real freaky night.
MIKE
... Sure.
Dana starts to undo her seat belt, stops. She kisses him on
the cheek and then gets out.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING
Mike opens his computer. The AOL mail jingle comes alive,
but with a twisted message: “You’ve got new grades!”
Mike opens the email, stares ashen at his computer: His HIGH
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT has been doctored to a 1.72 GPA.
The AOL Mail Jingle rings again. Mike opens it, sweats: It's
his POLICE REPORT from his pot bust four years ago. Mike
tries to delete it, but the file keeps popping back up.
CR Revision 62.
The AOL Mail Jingle rings on last time -- Mike opens it:
"YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME, HERO. YOU BETTER TAKE CARE OF YOUR
PART OF THE DEAL, or YOU'RE GOING TO FLUNK OUT SENIOR YEAR."
Mike sits shaking, and helpless to do anything about his

predicament.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - DAY
SHAKEY POV
SOMEONE walks forward, produces a screwdriver.
INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY (POV CONTINUES)
The intruder stops at a LOCKER, expertly POPS IT OPEN the

siding. HANDS produce a BROWN PAPER BAG, place it inside,
then SLAMS it shut.
INT. LOCKER ROOM - AN HOUR LATER
The LOCKER swings back open. Mike reaches in, sniffs the
aroma.
He sourly pulls out the brown paper bag. Inside it is a

rolled up baggie, filled with very high quality marijuana.
Eddie appears, en route to the shower... stops. Happily

inhales, then glances to the doorway.
EDDIE
Dude, stash that man! Coach is
coming!
(low hiss)
But save me some, 'kay?
He disappears around the corner.
EDDIE (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Hey, coach! Nice... clothes.
As Eddie stalls the Coach, Mike heaves the bag back inside
the locker and grabs a deodorant can.
He slams the locker shut and sprays wildly into the air.
Coach Harris walks in.
CR Revision 63.
COACH HARRIS
Tonight at practice--
(sniff sniff)
You smell something funny?
MIKE
No.
Mike sprays his pits.
COACH HARRIS
Smells like burning rope, or...
He looks oddly at Mike, finally walks away. Mike sags against

his locker, tightens his fist.
MIKE
That's it. No more.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Frenzied, Mike strides furiously towards the lobby. Someone

taps him from behind.
MATT
Been practicing those free throws?
MIKE
No.
MATT
Hey. What's up?
MIKE
I can't talk about it. I gotta go.
MATT
You're cutting class?!
Mike nods and veers away. Matt stares after him.
MATT (CONT’D)
Hey! Hey, what’s with you?! We’re
friends, right? Maybe we should
talk?
Anguished, Mike gestures “later” and keeps going.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY
The Mustang races out of the lot.

CR Revision 64.
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY
Mike speeds up the road towards Dylan's house, pulls his car
off to the side and into a secluded patch.
Mike edges along the perimeter - the driveway is empty. He

sneaks up to the front door.
LOUD, SAVAGE BARKING erupts. Luckily, Deno, Dylan’s pet

doberman is chained to a post. Mike gingerly tries the door.
No go -- it’s locked.
He slips around to the side of the house and tests a window.

Also locked. He jiggles another one -- it opens enough to
wedge his fingers through. He finally pulls it up.
INT. GUEST ROOM - DAY
Mike shimmies in head-first, drops softly to the floor and

looks around. Everything looks safe -- no one appears to be
around.
INT. DYLAN’S BEDROOM - DAY
Mike slips inside. Remembering Dylan’s video obsession, he

checks the webcam, makes sure it’s off. Then he starts to
rifle through the clothes closet.
MIKE
My letter jacket ...
But he can't find it. Then he sits down and begins to rummage
Dylan’s desktop.
He quickly scans Dylan's high school yearbook -- various

teachers and students are X'ed out. Then he lingers on a porn
printout from Juggs, the big busted men’s mag. He laughs to
himself.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Weirdness. Too real.
He finally turns to the computer, glances at the clock: 2:02.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Okay ... I’ve got time.
He turns it on. A message pops up on the COMPUTER SCREEN:

“ENTER PASSWORD”. Mike scowls.
CR Revision 65.
Then he HEARS a WOMAN’S VOICE in the background. He goes gets

up cracks the door open.
Mike SEES Dylan’s mom Michelle walk out from her bedroom,
holding her cell phone, angling towards a bathroom.
Mike hustles back to Dylan’s computer, turns it off. The he

tiptoes back to the door to leave, peers outside -- and
FREEZES. Michelle is FIVE FEET AWAY from him and approaching
fast.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Michelle stops to straighten a painting before opening

Dylan's door.
INT. DYLAN’S BEDROOM - DAY
Michelle walks in.
INT. DYLAN'S BEDROOM CLOSET - DAY
Mike stands frozen, watching Michelle through the cracks of

the louvered closet door. She discovers the same pile of big
titty porn Mike found and throws them down with disgust.
MICHELLE
(on phone)
I understand, Principal Davis. I
will have a long talk with my son -
this won’t happen again. It’s...
wait one second, sir.
She cups the phone as ESMERELDA (the Hispanic maid, 20s)

carries dry cleaned shirts inside.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
Hang those up in the closet, dear.
Mike gulps and burrows against a side wall as the DOORS OPEN.
Esmerelda hangs the shirts on the opposite side, finally
shuts the doors. Mike exhales, returns to the slats.
Michelle walks out of the room with Esmerelda.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
(on phone)
Go on... What?! Oh, fuck that!
(MORE)
CR Revision 66.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
Pardon the french, but if I have to
hear about him just screwing up one
more time, then he's going right
into a Scared Straight program.
I've had it!!
Mike registers her words as Michelle and Esmeralda leave.
INT. DYLAN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Mike edges back into the room, freezes when he hears Deno’s
SAVAGE BARKING and POUNDING FOOTSTEPS rushing up the stairs.
Deno’s loose!
INT. DYLAN'S bedroom CLOSET - DAY
Mike slams the closet doors shut and flings himself as far
back into the corner as he can. The doors THRASH as Deno,
ferociously hurls himself at them, again and again.
MICHELLE (0.S.)
What’s that dog doing in my house!?
MOUTH FOAMING, GROWLING and SNARLING, Deno tries to rip away

the slats with his jaws, crashing murderously against the
delicate shutters. Mike is petrified.
DYLAN’S BEDROOM
Michelle and Esmeralda run inside. Together they manage to

yank Deno away from the closet and out of the room.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
C'mon, Deno! Downstairs! Now!
Moments later, Mike re-emerges from the closet. He moves

cautiously to the doorway, peers downstairs.
MIKE'S POV
Michelle berates her servant, who is struggling to drag Deno

outside, then gives her a helping hand.
MICHELLE
Come on, get him out! Let's go!
She slams the front door shut behind them.

CR Revision 67.
INT. HALLWAY
Mike bolts downstairs, and into the
INT. GUEST ROOM
Mike dashes to the window and pulls himself back outside.
EXT. DYLAN’S HOUSE - DAY
He looks both ways, then hurries into the woods. Deno HOWLS
(O.S.) in the distance.
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY
Dylan drives back from school. He spots Mike’s Mustang down

the road from his house, driving out of the thicket Dylan’s
eyes harden.
DYLAN
Okay, dude. The game is on.
CUT TO:
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - LATER - DAY
Mike grabs a bottle of water from the fridge, flops onto the
sofa. A KNOCK. He opens the door. It's Dana.
DANA
Hi.
MIKE
Hey. What are you doing here?
DANA
It was sort of weird the other
night. I thought maybe you'd want
to talk... since we haven't,
lately.
MIKE
Okay.
EXT. MIKE'S NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Mike and Dana walk.

CR Revision 68.
DANA
So, where have you been lately,
stranger?
MIKE
There's some stuff going on...
Sometimes it's better to let things
work themselves out before sharing
them.
DANA
What do you mean?
MIKE
So nobody gets hurt.
DANA
Are you seeing someone else?
MIKE
No, no! I just don't--
As they return, they notice a POLICE CAR drive up to Mike’s

house and park. Detective Vandegrift gets out, calls out to
Mike.
Mike? If you have a moment, I'd
like to ask you a few more
questions. Can we go inside?
MIKE
Sure, sure. Uh, this is my friend.
Dana Sullivan.
Hi, I'm Detective Vandegrift.
He shows his badge to her.
DANA
Do you want me to stay outside?
No, I'd like to talk to you, too.
He nods to Mike who unlocks the door. They go inside.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - DAY
Mike and Dana stand nervously before Detective Vandegrift.

CR Revision 69.
I'm glad we're meeting, Dana. We're
interviewing everyone who knows
Jason Hawke. As I understand it,
you did.
DANA
I've see him in the halls, and I
saw him at a party with Mike the
other night, but I wouldn’t say I
know him all that well. What's this
about?
We're investigating into possible
causes of Jason’s accident.
DANA
Jason was drinking at the party.
Everyone saw that.
I understand that. So, the two of
you were at the party, on Saturday
the twenty-sixth? Then what?
MIKE
I took Dana home.
When was that?
MIKE
Around ten thirty.
And where were you around one a.m.?
MIKE
With her.
VANDEGRIFT
What time did you leave?
MIKE
About two.
Dana registers Mike's lie. Vandegrift notices.
VANDEGRIFT
Does that soundabout right, Dana?
DANA
... Yes.
CR Revision 70.
VANDEGRIFT
That's all I need, for now.
(starts to door)
Mike, if you don’t mind, could you
step outside with me, please, for a
just a moment?
Mike follows the Detective outside.
EXT. MIKE'S HOUSE - DAY
Detective Vandegrift puts Mike on the spot.
You didn't tell me that you and
Jason went at each other during
practice. Sounds like there was
real bad blood between you two.
MIKE
I was ticked off. He was aggressive
and I over reacted. I lost my head
a little.
And the party?
MIKE
He picked a fight with me. He was
drunk, I didn't want to--
Did you ever say you wanted to
break his leg?
MIKE
Oh, Jeez... Yes, but I didn't mean
it for real. Sir, I know Jason's
dad is upset -- he was all over me
at the hospital. But I had nothing
to do with what happened to Jason.
Well, you have an alibi. A very
pretty one. We'll be in touch.
A CARLOAD of kids drives by as Detective Vandegrift gets into

his car. As he drives off, the Freshman pokes his head out a
window.
FRESHMAN
Hey Mike, I smell trouble?
CR Revision 71.
The kids laugh. Mike turns back inside.
INT. POLICE CAR - DAY
Detective Vandegrift talks on his cellphone as he drives.
Snider? Mike’s girlfriend said they
were together until two. I think
she’s lying.
OFFICER SNiDER (O.S.)

What do you want to do?
Start cruising him. I’ll put Jones
on the girl. She might crack first.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Dana looks strangely at Mike as he comes back inside.
MIKE
Dana, I--
DANA
Where were did you go that night?
You weren't home at two o’clock, I
kept calling you. You never
answered!
MIKE
I’d turned off my phone. Honestly,
I just had a car problems.
DANA
But you -- This doesn’t have
anything to do with Dylan, does it?
MIKE
No. Why do you say that?
DANA
He was acting so weird around you
after the game. It was like you
already knew each other. And you--
MIKE
Look, I’m sorry you got brought
into this--
CR Revision 72.
DANA
I lied for you!
MIKE
I know.
DANA
I don't think you had anything to
do with Jason's accident, but ...
MIKE
Thanks. It’s true, I didn’t.
DANA
Where were you that night?
She looks at him intensely, wanting to believe him.
MIKE
I told you, my car broke down.
Really. There's nothing else I can
say. You either trust me, or you
don't.
DANA
It’s not easy trusting someone who
won't talk to you.
She glares at him angrily, goes to the door.
DANA (CONT’D)
I think we better slow down.
MIKE
What are you talking about?
DANA
Us.
Dana slams the door behind her.

Dylan looks around, sees the coast is clear. He sets down a
box and begins jimmying open the passenger door to Mike’s
dad’s Ford. He amuses himself as he works.
DYLAN
Trouble, oh we got trouble,
Right here in River City!
With a capital "T"
That rhymes with “P”-”U”
CR Revision 73.
He picks up the box, looks inside, and then empties the

contents in the car.
Dylan (CONT’D)
That doesn’t rhyme with "F"
And that stands for Fucked,
We've surely got trouble, Mikey!
Right here in River City,
Right here! HaHaHa.
Mission accomplished, Dylan closes the door quietly and takes

off into the darkness.
INT. MIKE’S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Mike sleepily puts a trash bag out on the porch, smoothes the
cover over a parked motorcycle. As he turns, Jim rushes out,
wearing a coat and tie.
MIKE
Leaving early, aren't you?
JIM
I’m on the road today. I might be
back late, so--
MIKE
It’s okay, Dad. I’ll even leave
your dinner in the fridge.
JIM
Right... thanks.
Jim steps outside, heads to his Ford. Stops.
JIM (CONT’D)
Hang on for a moment. I want to
talk to you about something.
MIKE
It’s pretty early, Dad. What's this
about?
JIM
I know it's been tough the last
couple of years with Mom gone. But
it'll work out. Including college.
Okay? I know I’ve been busy lately
with work, but if something is ever
bothering you, like school or
college, or anything personal, I'm
here for you.
CR Revision 74.
MIKE
Thanks, dad.
Jim looks directly at Mike.
JIM
Look, son, Detective Vandegrift
called me about Jason Hawke’s
accident. You didn’t tell me about
the scuffles you had with him.
MIKE
Dad ...
Jim
You’re all I have. I can’t afford
to see you regress like the last
time. Tell me you had nothing to
do with is accident.
MikE
I didn’t ... I
Jim registers Mike’s truthfulness for a moment, then checks

his watch and heads for his car. Mike walks with him.
Jim
Look, I’ve got to go to work. You
tell that Detective everything you
know. We will discuss it when I
get back. Good luck with the game.
Mike turns around, crestfallen.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING
Mike shuffles to class. Notices hushed WHISPERS around him.

Staring eyes, staring at HIM. Mike passes a group of kids.
FRESHMAN
After he finished talking to us,the
cop was at at Mike’s house.
ANOTHER KID
Mike didn’t look very happy after
fighting Jason at the party.
The group notices him and quiets. Mike pretends to ignore

them.
Mike spots Dana, who is nearby with Jennifer. He approaches

Dana, takes her to the side.
CR Revision 75.
MIKE
Can we talk? Please.
DANA
I don't think I want to right now.
He looks her in the eye.
MIKE
Just say what you're really
thinking.
DANA
Okay. I don't really know you that
well, do I?
The BELL goes off. Dana shrugs and turns away. Mike stands
alone, crestfallen.
Matt works at a table. Mike walks in.
MIKE
Hi.
MATT
Hi.
MIKE
Matt, I'm having a tough day. Do
you have a moment...
MATT
(cutting him off)
Me too. In fact, I have a deadline.
He pores too-intently over a front page mock up. Mike takes

the hint and moves to the door.
MIKE
I didn’t think you’d ever freeze
me.
MATT
(explodes)
Dude, you've been icing me for
days! The whole school knows that
cops are checking you out! But all
you can say to me is that you’re
having a tough day? Well, me too!
Mike grimaces, starts back, but Matt waves him away.

CR Revision 76.
MATT (CONT’D)
In fact, I don't feel like talking
right now. Sound familiar?
Mike walks out.
EXT. HILLS - DAY
Jim is driving. UP AHEAD, a BIG RIG pauses at a FOUR-WAY

INTERSECTION.
INT. FORD - DAY
Suddenly, Jim hears a RATTLING sound underneath the passenger

seat. He reaches down -- just as a rattlesnake slithers out
from beneath his seat and snaps at him.. Jim panics, loses
control of the wheel. The car swerves wildly.
EXT. FOUR WAY INTERSECTION - DAY
The big rig blocks the entire intersection as it negotiates a

lumbering turn.
INT. FORD - DAY
The rattler unfolds across the floor-mat. Jim eyes the snake
in horror while trying to steer away from the big rig’s path.
Suddenly, Jim loses control of his brakes. Jim grips the

steering wheel of his car.
EXT. EXT. FOUR WAY INTERSECTION - DAY
The Ford just misses the big rig, and veers directly towards
a Tire Store on the corner.
INT. FORD - DAY
Jim panics, pulls on the emergency brake - no traction!
Suddenly the rattler HISSES, then lashes out at him. Jim

grabs his briefcase with his right hand, clumsily attempts to
keep the Snake at bay.
EXT. TIRE STORE (EXT. FOUR WAY INTERSECTION)
The MANAGER and a FEMALE CUSTOMER look up in horror at the

careening Ford, which bears down at them.
CR Revision 77.
OWNER
He's gonna skid!
The Female Customer screams. The Manager pulls her out of the
way at the last minute.
INT. FORD - DAY
Jim frantically tries to steer away from the store and braces
for the collision.
EXT. TIRE STORE - DAY
The Manager and the Woman Customer watch in horror as the

Ford SKIDS, then CRASHES into a stack of piled up, oversized
TIRES.
Jim staggers out of the car and collapses to the ground. The
Snake slithers out of the car and slowly moves towards Jim.
The Manager and races over to help. He picks up a Tire Iron

from the ground and beats down on the Snake relentlessly -
blood flies. Then the Manager rushes to Jim’s aid.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Mike trudges inside, opens the refrigerator, pulls out a

soda. The PHONE rings.
MIKE
Hello? Hi, Dad... what?!
His expression darkens as he listens.
INTERCUT - A HOSPITAL ROOM
Jim holds a phone as a NURSE hovers nearby.
JIM
... So I'll be hung up here for a
little while.
MIKE
But are you okay!?
JIM
I'm lucky is what I am. What I
can't figure out is how the hell a
rattlesnake could have gotten
inside my car!?
CR Revision 78.
MIKE
... Right.
JIM
Gotta go. I’ll call you later, son.
MIKE
I love you, Dad.
Mike hangs up. He stands very still for a few seconds. Then,
frustrated, he grabs the soda can and throws it against the
floor.
INT. DANA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
A knock. Dana opens the door. Mike greets her.
DANA
Hi. What do you want?
MIKE
We have to talk. Can I come in?
I need your help. I know what you
must be thinking, but... look Dana,
I’m sorry. I’ve been lying to you.
Dana finally relents, and lets him in.
DANA
Did you get Dylan to hurt Jason?!
MIKE
No!
DANA
But did he do it?
(pushing for an answer)
Mike!?
MIKE
Yes! He's crazy. I met him driving
home one night and I was bitching
about Jason taking over my
position.
He said that he would took care of
my problem if I'd take care of his.
(beat)
I thought he was joking - he
wasn’t.
DANA
That’s insane. What was his
problem?
CR Revision 79.
MIKE
He wanted me to kill his mother.
DANA
Oh, my God.
MIKE
I knew he was a loon, but I had no
idea he was totally nuts!!
DANA
Then why not go to the police?
MIKE
Dylan’s blackmailing me. He stole
my letter jacket--it has Jason's
blood all over it. I’m screwed.
DANA
Oh, Mike.
MIKE
That’s why I didn't want you to
know anything about it. I was
trying to protect you ... and Matt.
Dana holds back tears as she reaches out and hugs him.
DANA
What are you going to do?
MIKE
... He's been hacking into people's
files. If I can get into his
computer, I think I can prove I was
set up. But there's a problem -- I
need his password to get into his
computer.
DANA
I think maybe you need some help.
INT. DYLAN'S BEDROOM - DAY
His phone rings. Dylan grabs it.
DYLAN
Hello?
CR Revision 80.
INTERCUT -- MIKE
MIKE
It's me.
DYLAN
Dude!!
MIKE
OK, I get your point, Dylan. A
promise is a promise.
DYLAN
Good fucking decision!
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
The BMW and Mustang are parked on the side of the road. Dylan
shows Mike a HOUSE-MAP.
DYLAN
Here's her bedroom. Get in after
eight. She'll be at a movie.
MIKE
A movie?
DYLAN
Yeah, some stupid retro romance
flick is playing that she loves.
She always sees it alone. So when
she gets back...
He hands Mike a knife, makes a gesture across his throat with

it and grins gleefully. Mike takes the kmife and carefully
examines its blade.
MIKE
What about alibis?
DYLAN
I'll be at a concert. In fact, I'll
jump up on stage so the entire
crowd will see me. If anyone snoops
around, you oughta just have your
girlfriend say you were doing the
nasty.
MIKE
Screw off. What about the Doberman?
CR Revision 81.
DYLAN
Deno. His name is Deno! I'll make
sure he's penned up.
MIKE
Muzzle him too.
Dylan gives Mike a house key, then gives Mike a knuckle’s

tap.
DYLAN
Glad you finally figured out we're
a team.
EXT. FINE-ARTS MOVIE THEATER
“LOVE STORY” is on the marquis.
INT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT
Hokey images on screen: A tearful Ali Mcgraw lays it on th

line to fellow Harvard student Ryan O"Neal:
ALI MCGRAW
"Love means never having to say
you're sorry."
Michelle dabs her eyes, wholly ressponding to tragic romance.
Dana sits right behind Michelle. She can barely contain her
laughter at this outdated melodrama. And, sitting ONE ROW
BEHIND HER is Officer Jones.
EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT
The crowd walks out. Michelle feels emotionally refreshed.

Dana catches her eye, puts on an act.
DANA
What a fabulous movie.
MICHELLE
Isn’t it?
DANA
I wish they’d still make films like
that.
MICHELLE
Me, too. Everyone needs romance.
CR Revision 82.
DANA
Oh, you understand.
They walk a few steps ahead.
MICHELLE
My name is Michelle. Would you like
to get some coffee?
Officer Jones follows them at a safe distance. He pulls out

his cell, places a call to Detective Vandegrift.
EXT. MOVIE THEATER/INTERIOR DETECTIVE VENDEGRIFT’S SQUAD CAR

(INTERCUT AS NECESSARY)
OFFICER JONES
(on his cellphone)
It’s Jones, checkin’ in.
What’s up?
Officer jones
(on his cell phone)
Just wasted two hours of time
watching a sappy movie. Would
rather have been home pulling the
pud.
Detective Vandegrift chuckles.
I’m sure you would. Learn anything
new about Ms. Sullivan?
Officer jones
(on his cell phone)
After the movie, she chatted it up
with some older woman. They’re
having coffee now, probably sharing
love fantasies.
How romantic. See where it leads --
who knows, you might still get your
jollies off.
OFFICER JONES
(on his cell phone)
Right.
CR Revision 83.
INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mike zips up his jacket. He glances out the window and stops
cold -- an unmarked, DARK-GREY PLYMOUTH is parked near a
streetlight. Officer Snider sits inside. Mike checks him out.
EXT. MIKE'S BACKYARD - NIGHT
Mike quietly takes off the cover of his motorcycle and

unlocks it. Then he quietly walks it through a gap in his
neighbor’s CHAIN LINK FENCE and into an alley.
EXT. DOWN THE ALLEY - NIGHT
Mike looks back, sees its safe. Then he pushes the

motorcycle out towards the main road.
INT. POLICE CAR/EXT. MIKE’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Officer Snider nibbles out a sandwich while working a

crossword puzzle. He dimly registers an ENGINE ROAR down the
block, but stays focused on his food and his puzzle.
Deno WHIMPERS off screen as Mike creeps up to the door. He

puts on some gloves, takes out Dylan's key and unlocks the
door.
INT. DYLAN'S foyer - NIGHT
Mike slips inside. Suddenly a YOWLING BLUR FLIES past his

face - a cat! Mike buries a scream. Dylan laughs from the
top of the stairs as the cat lands in the foyer and scrambles
off.
MIKE
What are you doing here?
Dylan saunters down the steps, wearing an outrageous ‘80’s

GLAM ROCK COSTUME.
DYLAN
I just wanna to make sure you'd
show up. Why are you here so early?
MIKE
I just wantto get it over with.
CR Revision 84.
DYLAN
Okay. Where's the knife?
Mike unveils the knife from its bandana wrap. Dylan grabs it,
cuts imaginary holes in the air with menacing glee,and then
points the blade directly at Mike's belly. The he flips it
back to Mik, who takes it.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Cool. Later.
MIKE
Later.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mike watches Dylan drive off from the window, then hurries
pver to Dylan’s computer. He checks his cellphone: it’s 8:00
P.M.
MIKE
Okay. Two hours. No sweat.
He turns the computer on. A MESSAGE BOX pops out: “ENTER

PASSWORD."
MIKE (CONT’D)
Hmmm.
Mike types the city “Las Vegas”. Nada. He keeps trying.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Craps... Snake eyes... Trump...
Donald Trump...
Mike YELLS to keep himself pumped up, typing furiously.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Donald. Donald Duck!
(beat)
Damn, what would he use?
Mike glances around feverishly, spots a poster.
MIKE (CONT’D)
James fucking Dean!!
Jim types it -- no go. The computer still needs a password.
Mike gets up frustrated. He stares blankly out the window,

begins to sweat. Deno sees his shadow on the ground, begins
to growl and bark.
CR Revision 85.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Got it -- that’s it!
Mike races back to the desk and begins typing:
ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN: “D-I-N-O."...
Mike makes a silent prayer, hits a key... NOTHING HAPPENS.

Mike stares glumly at the screen. Then he types: “D-E-N-O."
and hits return.
The COMPUTER SCREEN opens up. A HUNDRED DESKTOP FOLDERS stare

at him, all labeled sequentially. He opens up the “RECENT
ITEMS” folder and notices a gap in the sequencing: “CD 110...
CD 111... CD 113”...
Mike (CONT’D)
Hmmm. Why the gap?
Mike pulls up FOLDER OPTIONS, unchecks the “HIDDEN FOLDERS”

option. Several translucent new folders APPEAR in their
place.
Mike (CONT’D)
Bingo.
Mike goes directly to “CD 112”, which is labeled the

“WIERDNESS" file. CLICKS -- nothing there.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Talk about hiding your secrets ...
Frustrated, he finally stands up and tries to regain his

composure. Determined, he begins to check out the rest of the
room.
MONTAGE (QUICK CUT)
* Mike flipos through the BOOKs and CDs on the bookshelf

* He looks through the CLOSET
* He throws back BED sheets, hoists up the mattress
* He feels beneath the POOL TABLE, checks the pockets
* He checks behind and underneath the SPEAKERS
* He examines the COUCH cushions
* He sifts through the droppings in the Animal cages.
Exhausted, he flops down on the floor and closes his eyes. He

opens his eyes, looks up at the clock -- 9:23 P.M.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Shit. Am I screwed, or what?
CR Revision 86.
He starts to get up again, then freezes after hearing a

minuscule CREAK in the floor rug underneath him. He lifts up
the rug, which unveils a FALSE SLAT on the floor.
He scrambles to the desk, grabs a screwdriver and starts to

work on the FALSE SLAT. It POPS open, unveiling some letters
and AN UNLABELED DISK.
He inserts the disk into the computer, hits ENTER, then

stares at the SCREEN as the "WIERDNESS FILE II" opens up. He
checks out its contents: “BIG HERO”. Then, “CALIFORNIA STATE
PRIVATE SCHOOLS": "COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL"; "PRINCIPAL EDWARD
DAVIS" ...
Mike smiles wickedly as he reads the Principal’s FILE and

locates his personal E-MAIL address. He jots it down, and
then opens Mike’s email and begins typing a letter.
MIKE (CONT’D)
“DEAR PRINCIPAL DAVIS. FUCK YOU,
DICKHEAD,..."
Mike quickly types away. Moments later, Mike reviews his

letter, grins and hits SEND.
EXT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - morning
Dylan drives up in his BMW.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Dylan slips in quietly and starts upstairs.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY
He opens his mother’s bedroom door.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - MICHELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
Michelle is sprawled across the bed, legs dangling, body all

akimbo. Her head seems inclined at an angle under the pillow.
DYLAN
You awake?
No reply. He grins smugly and starts to leave.
MICHELLE (O.S.)
Dylan?
CR Revision 87.
DYLAN
(in shock)
Yes?
MICHELLE
What time is it?
DYLAN
Uh... quarter till eight.
MICHELLE
Oh... you better get to school.
DYLAN
Right. So, how was your movie?
MICHELLE
Oh, it’s such a wonderful film. I
cried again at the end.
DYLAN
(spins away to leave)
Typical. ‘bye.
MICHELLE
And I met such a really nice girl
about your age. We talked so late
that I didn’t get home until past
midnight.
Dylan stops, his antennae come alive.
DYLAN
Maybe I know her. What what did she
look like?
MICHELLE
Brown hair...
DYLAN
How long?
MICHELLE
Above the shoulders.
DYLAN
Yeah? Maybe a mole over her mouth?
MICHELLE
Why, yes!
DYLAN
Lemme guess. Named Dana, right!?
CR Revision 88.
Michelle
(nods)
You know her. She’s cute.
Dylan
I gotta go.
Dylan tightens his fist and grimaces on the way out the door.
INTERCUT: INT. MIKE'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Mike fiddles with Dylan’s disk, flipping it over and over in

his right hand. The phone RINGS -- he’s been expecting the
call.
MIKE
Hello?
DYLAN
You're screwed! I'm gonna plant
your letter jacket right where
Jason was found and I’m calling the
cops!
MIKE
First, you’d better check under the
floor, where your ‘secret files’
disk used to be.
(beat)
I don’t think you want the cops to
see what’s on this disk.
DYLAN
You... ! You're prying into MY
LIFE!
MIKE
Guess we have a Mexican standoff,
dude. You go to the cops and I give
them this disk.
DYLAN
You're DEAD!!
Dylan slams the phone down, yanks up the false slat, sees his
private stash has been tamped with.
He SCREAMS, charges to the CLOSET and digs into the back. He

hoists out a RAINCOAT. Inside it, wrapped in protective
plastic, is MIKE'S LETTER JACKET.
Michelle walks in. Dylan hides the jacket behind his back.
CR Revision 89.
MICHELLE
Dylan, it's getting late! You said
you'd be on time for school!
DYLAN
I'm going, I'm going. Knock, okay?
MICHELLE
Okay. I'm sorry.
(starts to turn, then..)
What's that under your arm?
Caught, Dylan tries to hurry past her but she blocks his
path.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
WHAT are you hiding?
DYLAN
Nothin’!
MICHELLE
Let me see! Oh -- It's a jacket and
it's filthy. Wear another one. You
won't embarrass me by being seen in
that!
(beat)
You know the school's dress code!
Now hang it up or I'll hang it up!
Dylan re-hangs the coat on a regular coat hanger -- as far to

the rear as possible. Then he slams the closet door shut.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
Your breakfast is ready. I'll be
down in a minute. Esmeralda!!
Dylan trudges past her. Michelle goes straight to the closet

and digs around. Esmeralda hurries in just as Michelle fishes
out the letter jacket.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
Esmeralda, dear? Please wash this
filthy thing.
INT. PRINCIPLE’S OFFICE - DAY
Principal Davis turns on his computer, goes through his slow

mail before returning to the monitor. His face drops at what
he sees on THE COMPUTER SCREEN:
“DEAR PRINCIPAL DAVIS. FUCK YOU, DICKHEAD..."

CR Revision 90.
Principal Davis is livid -- his face turns purple with rage

as he continues reading:
"I HAVE ALL THE GRADES FOR THE SCHOOL RIGGED BUT I’M TIRED OF
MESSING AROUND. MAKE ME VALEDICTORIAN OR I'LL CALL A PRESS
CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE HOW YOU'VE BEEN SKIMMING MONEY FROM
THIS OVERPRICED PIECE OF SHIT SCHOOL’S ENDOWMENT FUND AND
PUTTING IT INTO YOUR OWN BANK ACCOUNT. I KNOW EVERYTHING!"
INT. PRIVATE SCHOOL - OUTER OFFICE - DAY
AGNES, Principal Davis's long suffering Secretary (50's,

slightly chubby), hears a LOUD HOWL emanating from the
Principal’s office and jumps up from her desk.
Principal Davis storms out of his office, red faced.
INT. PRIVATE SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
Dylan sits at his desk, nodding off. Principal Davis storms

in, followed by TWO SECURITY GUARDS. Everybody gets real
quiet. Davis scans the room, points an accusing finger at
Dylan.
DAVIS
YOU!!
Dylan stares at him, genuinely dumbfounded.
INT. PRIVATE SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Davis shoves Dylan out of the room. The Security Guards march
Dylan out of the room. The kids gossip in his wake.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Michelle files her nails. The phone RINGS.
MICHELLE
Hello? Principal Davis? What..?
(long beat)
I'll be there in twenty minutes.
She hangs up, stunned. Then re-dials the phone.
INT. DETENTION room - DAY
Dylan sits alone. He pulls out his cellphone and dials.

CR Revision 91.
INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY
Mike packs up his gym stuff and puts on his civilian clothes.
His cellphone RINGS. Mike answers.
Dylan (V.O.)
(screaming in rage)
They’re taking me away, asshole!
You’re a walking dead man.
Dylan hangs up. CLICK!
Mike looks at phone and smiles. Big Win!
EXT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - LATER - DAY
Mike creeps along the perimeter of the house grounds. He

looks through a pair of binoculars:
BINOCULARS POV
Parked in the driveway are a LIMO and a VAN. The van is

hitched to a trailer; it’s logo reads: “Harris County
Adolescent Resident Treatment Center".
Two men walk out of the house carrying boxes. BO is huge

(20's, farmboy type), the other, HANK, (skinny, early 30’s,
Latino) They drop the bags into the van and go back inside
the house.
Mike breathes more easily than he has in days.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - DYLAN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Dylan tosses clothes into a suitcase. Hank gestures

impatiently for him to hurry up. Dylan rolls his eyes.
DYLAN
(frustrated)
Mom, how could you do this to me!?
I didn’t do anything.
O.S. HIGH-HEEL CLICKS -- Michelle looks inside, livid.
MICHELLE
You're lucky you're going where you
are! Do you realize how much money
I just had to pay Principal Davis
for that goddamn building fund to
keep you out of jail!?
CR Revision 92.
Bo and Hank shift uncomfortably as she storms off, leering at

her ass. Dylan chuckles and points to a framed photograph on
the bureau.
DYLAN
Hey, can I take that picture of the
babe with me?
Hank and Bo swivel around for a look-see. Dylan takes

advantage of the moment, casually turns and surreptitiously
buries something down his pants.
Hank turns back around.
HANK
Nope. No glass where you’re going.
You ready?
Dylan pats down his items, zips up the suitcase

ceremoniously, flings it across the room into Bo's chest.
HANK (CONT’D)
You gotta lot to learn, boy. This
is a court-appointed intervention.
Dylan snarls. Michelle returns with Mike’s jacket.
MICHELLE
Here, you can take this now. I
cleaned the filthy thing. It took a
whole quart of spot remover.
Dylan grabs it -- the LETTER JACKET trembles in his hands.
Dylan stares daggers at her - at all of them - with a gaze of

twisted-hatred.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
What? Even washing your clothes
makes you resentful?
Dylan begins to laugh hysterically and he can't seem to stop.

He finally quiets.
DYLAN
If you only knew. I'll be back.
MICHELLE
Fine, but you won't find me here.
I'll be in Europe. I've put the
house up for sale.
Dylan looks away, abandoned again.

CR Revision 93.
MICHELLE (CONT’D)
Maybe I'll call for you later.
Remember the Hotel Crillion? The
Mary Antoinette Suite?
Dylan pantomimes a grotesque beheading.
DYLAN
Right! What sugar daddy are you
going to shack up with this time?
Michelle’s face turns multiple shades of red. Suddenly, she

breaks out in tears.
Mike creeps up from his hiding spot when he sees Dylan follow
Bo and Hank outside. Hank nods towards the trailer.
HANK
We gotta fill that whole sucker up
before we head back. It’ll take
awhile, so you just sit tight.
Bo gets behind the wheel and admonishes Dylan.
BO
And you oughtn't talk to your
mother that way.
Dylan salutes. Hank shoves him into the back of the van.
As they drive away, Michelle steps outside, still crying,

followed by a CHAUFFEUR, who carries two large suitcases.
CHAUFFEUR
Ms. Hamilton, are you sure that
this all the luggage you're taking?
MICHELLE
Please. I just have to leave now.
He opens the limo door for her and she crumbles inside.
EXT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - ROAD - DAY
Mike ducks behind a tree as the van drives past him. Dylan's
hand emerges from the rear window. He flips a bird to his old
home - or, was it at Mike?
CR Revision 94.
INT. POLICE HQ - DAY
Officers Snider and Jones huddle over their computers,

exchanging small talk.
OFFICER HARRIS
So why are you so crabby, the
girlfriend giving you grief?
OFFICER JONES
Lay off. Menstrual cycles are too
personal to discuss. Period.
Officer harris
Haha. Good one.
Detective Vandegrift walks in the room.
VANDEGRIFT
So... whatdowegot on the Hawke
case?
OFFICER SNIDER
Waited outside Lowry’s house for an
hour or two. Waste of time - the
boy never left.
Officer Jones pipes up.
OFFICER JONES
Followed up on Dana Steven’s lady
friend. Name’s Michelle Hamilton.
Now Michelle is one wild woman --
has a thing for young men half her
age. She’s a widower five times
over, and rich -- last daddio
croaked and she collected big time.
Officer Jones continues.
Officer JONES (CONT’D)

Not as wild as her son. Dylan
Hamilton suffers from traumatic
stress disorder. Model student--
thrown out of a half dozen high
schools.
Officer SNIDER hits a key. PHONE CALL RECORDS come up on the

screen.
CR Revision 95.
OFFICER SNIDER
Now check this out. We looked up
Lowry’s and Hamilton’s phone call
records. Zing! We gotta match.
There were a flurry of calls right
after Jason Hawke’s accident.
Detective Vandegrift takes the information in.
Nice work. Is Hamilton a classmate?
Officer SNIDER
Nope. He goes to that snooty
private school up the road.
(chuckles)
Maybe Hamilton and Lowry gotta
Romeo and Juliet thingy goin’ -- ya
know, sexting, texting?
Officer Jones chuckles. Detective Vandegrift raises an

eyebrow.
Right. Bring in the Hamilton kid
and Mike Lowry tomorrow for a
little face to face chit-chat and
we’ll see if they blow any smoke on
the Hawke case.
Officer snider
No can do. Mom just enrolled
Hamilton into a Scared Straight
program a couple hours ago.
Dana proofs photos. Mike rushes in and lifts her up into his
arms.
MIKE
He's gone.
He looks her right in the eyes.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Thank you, Dana.
Dana
What! What happened?
CR Revision 96.
Mike
He threatened his Principal and his
mom had him locked up.
Dana
Thank God.
She hugs him back and they lock into a kiss that only breaks
when Matt walks in.
MIKE
How's the color man?
MATT
Not bad. How's the shooting guard?
MIKE
Fairly ace.
MATT
Yeah? I overheard you guys.
Unbelievable! What a psycho.
MIKE
I apologize, man. It was for your
own good - I didn’t want to involve
you in my psycho-drama. I'm not
really a jerk.
MATT
I didn't really think so. And since
we've got a game tonight--
MIKE
We do?!
MATT
Yes, we do. So why don't you plan
on kicking some butt, huh?
They raise their hands to slap five. Dana joins in, and,
laughing, they all meet somewhere in the middle.
The Knights and their opponents, the EAGLES, warm up.
ANNOUNCER’S TABLE
Phil nudges Matt. He nods towards a black MAN (30, tall,

buff) dressed in an expensive suit, who makes his way to a
nearby seat.
CR Revision 97.
PHIL
That's UCLA’s Lorenzo Hill. He must
be here to scout the Eagles’ big
man.
MATT
For UCLA? Wow!
LORENZO HILL sits down with his program, checks out the CYRIL
KING, wide-bodied and 6’9" tall. Then he glances over to the
Knights side of the court, just as Mike drains a three
pointer. Another. Matt sidles up the Scout.
MATT (CONT’D)
He has nice form, doesn't he?
LORENZO
I was just thinking that. Who is
he?
MATT
Mike Lowry. Awesome shooter. Fast.
Great on defense. A Letterman, too.
I’ll fill you in.
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
The van speeds ahead
Bo drives. Hank sits beside him. Dylan sits, locked in by his

seatbelt to the back seat.
INT. VAN - NIGHT
Hank glances at the rear-view mirror. Alarmed, he spins

around and rips off Dylan's Donald Trump mask.
Hank
No more funny stuff where you’re
going, boy.
BACK SEAT
Dylan’s FINGERS move down towards his belt buckle with a

safety pin, but stop short when Hank turns around again with
a handful of what looks like towelettes.
HANK
See these?
CR Revision 98.
DYLAN
Yeah. Towellettes? I’m already
pretty.
HANK
Not quite.
Hank tears one of the towellettes off, jams it under Dylan's

nose. Dylan’s head snaps back in reaction.
HANK (CONT’D)
Chloroform pads. We call ’em
Sleepers. Any more trouble from
you, and it’s nighty-night.
Comprende?
Hank slaps five with Bo, then shuts his eyes with a satisfied
grin. Dylan spots a fallen Sleeper on his seat and pockets
it.
DYLAN
Uh, Hank?
HANK
Now what?
DYLAN
I hate to say this but... I really
have to take a crap.
HANK
You're not going anywhere.
DYLAN
Seriously, I need to go.
HANK
You don't give up, do you?
DYLAN
No? Well, I warned you.
Dylan screws up his face and unleashes a VERY LOUD FART.
BO
Hey man, that's gross!
Both guards roll down their windows.
HANK
Stop the truck!
Bo slams to a halt. Hank turns around, and unlocks Dylan’s

seat belt. He hands him a magazine.
CR Revision 99.
HANK (CONT’D)
Get out and take your dump. Don’t
scratch your pretty ass -- or your
new friends where you’re goin’
won’t love ya.
Bo and Hank share a laugh.
DYLAN
Gee, thank you, Hank. Sincerely.
EXT. DESERT road - NIGHT
Dylan steps out, reaches into his pants and pulls out his
TAZER GUN. He keeps it low and out of sight. He approaches
Hank's window.
HANK
What?
Dylan fires the Tazer Gun into Hanks face. Hank keels over.
Bo whirls around in disbelief. Dylan shoots him, too. Then
he blows the tip of the barrel.
DYLAN
Like I said, When you gotta go, you
gotta go.
EXT. GAS STATION - NIGHT
A thirty-five year old DEADHEAD (long hair, tie-dye shirt)

gasses up his psychedelic VW VAN. Dylan walks up, carrying
his suitcase, checks out the van's logos -- all Grateful Dead
emblems. He sarcastically mouths “WOW" to himself.
DYLAN
Garcia lives, man.
DEADHEAD
Right on!
DYLAN
Left off!
DEADHEAD
Way cool.
DYLAN
Dude, I’m hitching to the Dead Zone
in LA. You hear about that?
CR Revision 100.
DEADHEAD
No way! Whazzatt!?
DYLAN
Like a rave, but instead of X
there's relgious acid that's
supposed to be straight from
Osley’s lab.
DEADHEAD
Oh, man! Where in LA!?
DYLAN
It's sort of secret. They're gonna
summon Jerry Garcia's ghost.
DEADHEAD
How do we get there!?
Dylan calls out with a few bars from a classic Dead song.
Dylan
Truckin’, up to LA,
Been thinkin’ you got to mellow
slow.
The DeadHead responds:
Deadhead
Takes Time, you pick a place to,
and just keep truckin’ on.
Truckin’ ...
The deadhead grins, opens the door to his van.
Deadhead (CONT’D)
Hop in, man.
The game is sold out. Officer Snider takes a seat in the
BLEACHERS
which is filled to the brim with excited fans.
The cop stares down at Mike as the ref tosses up the ball to
start the game.
ON THE COURT
Cyril King, the Eagle’s big man, easily wins the tap, but
Delmar darts in to grab the ball.
CR Revision 101.
The Knights work it around until Eddie finds Mike at the top
of the key. He leaps up and shoots... a11 net.
Lorenzo Hill leans forward, intrigued.
The Eagles get the ball to Cyril King, who stands under the
hoop. He fakes, turns, misses a jump hook.
The Knights rebound, race up court, move the ball around.

Mike slides free in the corner, catches a pass and shoots...
Swish!
The Scout is definitely zoned in on Mike now.
Eddie gives Mike a low-five.
EDDIE
That's serious shooting.
MIKE
Thanks.
EDDIE
You just keep getting open for me,
mofo. I'll find you.
Mike runs back up the court on defense, sees Dana in the

stands. She blows him a kiss.
EXT. DESERT -- NIGHT
A line of CARS honk impatiently behind the rambling Dead van.
INT. THE DEAD VAN - NIGHT
"TRUCKIN’" plays on the speakers. Dylan hates it, wishes he

had never brought up the song. And he hates that they're
going forty-five miles per hour. And he hates Deadhead, who
lights up a joint.
DEADHEAD
So, like, I'd already heard that
Garcia's supposed to be, like,
communing with Elvis. And now this!
DYLAN
How about going a little faster,
good buddy? We’re gonna miss the
show.
DEADHEAD
Huh? Here, mellow out.
CR Revision 102.
He passes over the joint to Dylan, who takes a big hit.
DYLAN
I said, “Go a little “faster"?
Deadhead pulls off to a quieter side road.
DEADHEAD
Naw, I'm carrying too much stash.
Don't wanna get busted.
Dylan frowns. He picks up a BUNCH of Grateful Dead CD’s and

old TAPES.
DYLAN
You have their whole collection?
Deadhead grins like he’s the luckiest guy on Earth.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Know what? I HATE these old farts.
And I'm grateful that he’s dead!
Dylan begins tossing the CASETTES and CD'S out his side
WINDOW.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Cassettes spew across the road. Tapes unravel. CD’s CLANK.
INT. BACK IN THE DEAD VAN - NIGHT
Deadhead is in apoplectic shock.
DYLAN
I told you, dude. YOU DIDN'T GO
FAST ENOUGH!!
Then suddenly, Dylan reaches over, yanks down Deadhead's door

handle, and pushes the driver’s door open. Then he gives a
swift KICK at Deadhead, who SCREAMS as he TUMBLES OUT onto
the asphalt.
Dylan pulls the door shut, slides over and takes control of
the wheel.
REARVIEW MIRROR POV
Dylan grins as he leaves Deadheat lying in the desert sand.
He pulls the door shut, slides over and takes the wheel.
CR Revision 103.
Moments later, the Grateful Soundtrack dies as Dylan tosses

another cd out the window. He relights the joint and FLOORS
IT.
SCOREBOARD
Six seconds remaining in the half. Knights 37, Eagles 30.
The UCLA recruiter is glued on Mike, who hits a 25 footer at

the BUZZER.
ANNOUNCER’S TABLE
Matt claps. Phil reads the half time roundup.
PHIL
(into radio mike)
And at the half, the Knights lead
the Eagles. Matt Lowry, with
twenty-eight points, is just
sixteen points short of the school
record! What a performance...
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
Dylan speeds down the desert highway at 90 miles per hour,

his windows rolled down.
DYLAN
WooHoo!
His ungodly SCREAM pierces the arid solitude.
He plugs in a cd into the cassette deck -- up comes Linkin

Park’s "BLEED IT OUT”. LOUD.
The Knights run back into the gym past cheering fans to play
the second half. Dana and Matt greet Mike on the floor.
MATT
Mike! There's a UCLA scout here.
He's watching every move you make.
I think he's in love with you.
Mike follows Matt’s gaze up to Lorenzo, gives a thumbs up to

Matt, then hurries back to rejoin his team.
CR Revision 104.
INT. DEAD VAN - NIGHT
Mike whirls down the highway with a determined look on his

face. He passes a sign that reads: "WELCOME TO VALLEY HILLS".
Dylan
Home sweet home, Mikey. Here we
come.
Dylan approaches Mike's house, abruptly kills the lights.
INT. DEAD VAN - NIGHT
He sees OFFICER JONES sitting in an unmarked vehicle out in

front.
DYLAN
Friggin' cops. Was up, Mikey?
Dylan scowls and slowly turns back around. He looks back into
the rear view mirror -- no one's following.
He turns on the radio. EXCITED CROWD-NOISE blares:
PHIL (0.S.)
That's thirty-five points for Mike!
DYLAN
You're mine, fucker!!
Dylan races off like a wild man.
SCOREBOARD
Three minutes left to play: Knights 67, Eagles 63.
ON THE COURT
Mike hits another free throw!
Eddie steals the inbound pass and finds Mike open. drives at
Cyril King, fakes him off his feet and goes in for the layup.
PHIL (0.S.)
69-63, Knighs lead. Lowry now has
forty-five points, just one shy of
the school record!
CR Revision 105.
Lorenzo Hill cracks a smile, makes a notation in his notebook

as the crowd goes NUTS.
ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR
Dylan bursts in, pushes through the cheering FANS. He scans

the room until he SPOTS DANA. He yanks out his cell phone
and disappears into the CROWD.
ON THE COURT
Eddie steals the ball again, feeds it to Mike with a no-look

pass. Mike is fouled by a frantic Knight defender.
REFEREE
Two shots.
COACH HARRIS
(stands)
Time out!
The teams hurry off the court.
ANNOUNCER’S BOX
Phil turns to Matt.
PHIL
Well, Matt, Mike’s all you said.
MATT
Yeah, and the night's not over!
SIDELINE
The Knights huddle together. The exhausted players lean on

each other for support. Coach Harris maps out an endgame
strategy.
COACH HARRIS
... Full court press after the free
throws.
(to Mike)
Mike, you have four fouls, so play
off your guy. Okay?
Mike nods, grabs a water bottle. He and Dana catch each

others eyes and exchange smiles.
Then...
CR Revision 106.
LOUDSPEAKER (O.S.)
Dana Sullivan, emergency phone
call. Please go to the security
office.
Their bliss turns uneasy. She grabs her camera and hurries
away. Concerned, Mike, moves away from the team to make sure
she’s all right.
Officer Snider starts negotiating his way down through the

bleachers.
COACH HARRIS (0.S.)

Where's Mike? Come on, get into the
huddle! Team!
Several hands pull Mike back into the circle. They all lock
grips.
TEAM
Knights!
The WHISTLE blows to resume play.
Mike settles in at the line for his free throws. The first
shot rolls around the rim, then finally falls in.
PHIL (0.S.)
(into radio mike)
Lowry hits another free throw.
Knights lead 70-63, with a little
under two minutes to play. Lowry’s
forty-six points ties the Knight’s
all-time scoring record!
Matt stands up, throws his fist in the air. The CROWD
cheers.
Mike takes the ball from the ref for the second shot, bounces
it a few times. Then he hesitates, He sees Dana heading
towards the EXIT, then spots Dylan, lurking near the door!
Dylan locks eyes with Mike, then quickly ducks outside.
Mike turns white.
PHIL (0.S.) (CONT’D)

Just one more for the record!
Mike abruptly throws the ball hard off the rim, missing the
score intentionally. It bounces to an Eagle guard. Mike
tomahawks the kid's wrist -- a real hack job. The whistle
BLOWS.
CR Revision 107.
REFEREE
Son, you've successfully fouled out
of this game.
Both teams gape at Mike as he runs off the court. Officer

Snider picks up his pace.
As Dana emerges, Dylan comes up behind her and covers her

mouth with one of Bo’s Sleeper pads. She faints and Dylan
quickly pulls her away.
Mike hurries past the bench. The Coach calls out.
COACH HARRIS
What the hell was that?!
MIKE
I gotta go, Coach. It’s an
emergency.
Coach Harris watches, stunned.
ANNOUNCER’S TABLE
MATT
(to Phil)
I'll be back.
Matt runs down
THE BLEACHERS
catches up to Mike on
THE SIDELINES
whose progress is stalled by the CROWD.
MATT (CONT’D)
Bro, what's the matter?
MIKE
Dylan has Dana.
MATT
I'm going with you.
CR Revision 108.
MIKE
No! There’s a cop here whose been
casin’ me.
Matt follows Mike’s gaze as Officer Harris makes his way

towards them.
Mike (CONT’D)
Just help me get out of here.
Matt
Follow me.
Matt leads the way. As they approaches the EXIT, Mike’s

swarmed by backslapping fans.
Matt runs interference and Mike sweeps out into the
HALLWAY
Where he’s met by Lorenzo Hill.
LORENZO
Mike Lowry?
MIKE
Yes?
LORENZO
I'm Lorenzo Hill. I'm an assistant
coach at UCLA.
He holds out his hand. Mike stares at it, finally offers his
own.
LORENZO (CONT’D)
... If you can explain that last
foul I’m prepared to recommend you
to be our school’s three point
specialist for the next four years.
MIKE
Uh... A life and death situation?
LORENZO
(perplexed)
Okay...
MIKE
I really have to go.
(starts off) )
But later, okay?!
CR Revision 109.
Officer Snider makes it through the throngs to the gym exit,

sees Mike, but is abruptly jostled aside by a group of young
TEENAGE GIRLS rushing past him.
GIRLS
(squeeling)
Mike, Mike, Mike!
Matt grins.
Dylan drags Dana into the van.
Mike rushes out the
ENTRANCE/EXIT
and into
...just as The Deadhead’s VAN races past him. He sees Dana

slumped against the window. He runs after the van, helpless
to stop it.
Officer Snider runs outside. Looks around, not happy -- Mike

is nowhere to be seen
Mike yanks out his clothes out of his locker, tugs his pants
over his basketball shorts, and grabs his keys.
He darts to an open rear window and disappears outside.
EXT. DYLAN’S HOME - NIGHT
The DEADHEAD VAN is parked in front.
INT. DYLAN'S HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT
DANA slowly returns to consciousness. Her eyes flutter open.
Deno, fastened to a CHAIN-LEASH across the room, emits a loud

GROWL.
CR Revision 110.
Then she spots Dylan, DANCING and SINGING spastically by

himself with his headphones on. Dylan finally notices that
she's awake, removes his headphones and greets her as if
she's his very best friend.
DYLAN
Oh, it’s the sleeping beauty.
(beat)
Do you know what I really would
like, Dana? Honestly? More than
anything in the world!?
Dana is frightened to death, but tries to maintain her cool.
Dana
What?
DYLAN
To be black.
Mike starts grooving again to the James Brown music that

filters out of the phones, lamely attempting to show off his
best moves for her.
Dana forces a smile. His face then turns into a snarl.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
YOU WERE PART OF THE PLOT AGAINST
ME!!
He slaps her. She winces, but refuses to cry. His mood shifts
again, now solicitous. He gently touches her cheek.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
But your face, when you were
sleeping, you were so beautiful.
Come on, let me help you up.
He reaches down. Deno lets out a ferocious growl. Dana looks

on in alarm.
Dylan sees her fearful look and admonishes his dog.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Deno, get in the corner. Lie down!
The dog obediently moves away and curls up.
Dylan turns his attention back on Dana.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
What would you like to talk about?
CR Revision 111.
DANA
Why are you trying to hurt Mike?
DYLAN
Forget that, forget it! Erase it!!
He shoves her -- Dana slams against a bureau, and starts to

cry.
Dylan (CONT’D)
Oh, Christ, a crybaby, Just what I
don’t need.
Dylan ambles off to open the fridge.
Dana looks around desperately. Her eyes widen when she spots
Dylan’s video camera next to her.
She quietly makes her move behind his back -- her FINGER
presses the “RECORD" button: A MONITOR highlights the room.
Dylan turns from the fridge and tosses a treat to Deno, who
absolutely devours it.
Dylan smiles at Dana.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
He likes raw meat.
Mike drives into the HILLS. His brow is covered with sweat.
INT. POLICE STATION - VANDEGRIFT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Detective Vandegrift turns to Officer Jones with a mound of

papers.
Fill these out. We have legal
clearance to bring Hamilton back by
tomorrow. Then I want both of those
boys in the same room.
Two phones RING simultaneously -- each grabs one.
Detective VANDEGRIFT (CONT’D)

Hello? What..?
(to Jones)
It's Snider. He lost Lowry.
(MORE)
CR Revision 112.
Detective VANDEGRIFT (CONT’D)

Officer Jones holds up a note pad
in front of Detective Vandegrift --
Vandegrift’s eyes narrow.
VANDEGRIFT
(to Snider)
Dylan Hamilton just escaped from
the treatment center van. They
think he's armed and dangerous and
heading to his mom’s house in the
Hills. Meet you there.
Dana watches Dylan rock a stuffed animal in his arms - his

pet CAT!
DYLAN
Oh, poor baby. Poor baby. Look,
Dana, I’m caressing my old
friend...
DYLAN (CONT’D)
... that I had to say goodbye to.
Dana nearly throws up when she realizes
DANA
(stalling)
Animals are really great, alright.
DYLAN
What do you like the most about
them? Dana?
DANA
They're so... they're so trusting.
DYLAN
NO! They suck your life out! Just
like all my other ex-friends.
(beat)
You sound a lot like them, Dana.
Your just like Mike. You scare me.
Dana begins to quiver -- she’s frightened out of her mind.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
They love you unconditionally and
they turn on you. All I wanted was
a real friend, Dana. You see?
She doesn’t. He rambles on.

CR Revision 113.
Dylan (CONT’D)
I thought Mom’s last husband Fred
could finally be the father I never
had. I asked to borrow his Bentley
one day so I could impress a date
and he said, “No.” So, just like
the pets who turned on me, he had
to go.
He moves closer to her until his body is right next to her.
Dylan (CONT’D)
Are you going to disappointment
like the others?
Mike parks his Mustang and races across the lawn. He unlocks
the door with Dylan's house key.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mike slips in and quietly tiptoes up the stairs.
Dylan looks at Dana intently. He tilts her head as if to look

at her from a number of perspectives. She holds his gaze,
frozen in fear.
Dylan backs away and then sits down disconsolately on the

floor, rocking back and forth on the verge of tears.
DYLAN
It's been such a hard life.
He looks up mournfully at her.
DANA
Dylan? You must be tired.
Dana kneels down next to him, faking her sympathy, while

looking for an escapre route.
DYLAN
Oh, I am. We should lie down.
DANA
Why don't you lie down and I'll--
CR Revision 114.
DYLAN
You are very pretty.
He caresses her face. She gropes for something behind her.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Such nice skin.
He squeezes her jaw. Dana pushes his hand away. He persists.

She pushes his hand away again. He grabs her.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
SIT DOWN! BE SEXY!
She breaks away, moves to his desk chair, then swings around
with her CAMERA and SHOOTS ITS FLASHBULB into his eyes.
DANA
Gotcha.
Dyland SCREAMS as Dana bolts to the door. Deno growls, lunges

at her. She tears the door open, blocking the dog -- and
COLLIDES with Mike.
Dana staggers back and stumbles to the ground.
Dylan whirls around with a gun in his hand. He points it at

Mike and motions him in.
DYLAN
It's all your fault. You didn't
hold up your part of the bargain,
bro’.
MIKE
We never had one...
DYLAN
YES, We did! You broke it. So
you’re gotta pay... because
somebody always pays whenever they
fuck with me!!
Dyland cocks the gun, aims it at Mike ... then lowers it.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Nah, when I kill, I always gotta be
creative.
He calls out to Deno.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Deno! Sic ‘em!
CR Revision 115.
Deno bears his teeth and begins to growl, furiously trying to

break loose from his chains.
Dylan starts to unfasten his collar.
Dana spots Mike’s TAZER GUN on a table behind her. She

catches Mike's eye. He nods, grabs a cue ball and throws it
at Dylan, hits his shoulder.
Dylan winces in pain, whirls back in surprise. Mike lunges at

him, pulls him away from Deno.
Mike wrestles Dylan to the floor, reaches for the gun. Deno
lunges and SNAPS at Mike, but is whirled back by the chain.
Dana looks for a clean shot with the Tazer.
Dylan's gun FIRES, shattering a mirror behind Mike.
Detective Vandegrift and his men arrive and hear the SHOT.
They draw their guns and rush towards the house.
INT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mike and Dylan continue to struggle for control of the gun,

Another bullet FIRES. Dana drops to the floor.
MIKE
Dana!
Dylan slugs Mike -- Mike crumples to the ground in pain.

Dylan hurries over to Deno and unhooks the mongrel as Mike
scrambles back up to his feet.
DYLAN
(to Deno)
Go!
The dog leaps upwards for Mike's jugular ... but Mike leaps
out of the way and Deno's jaws sink deep into Dylan's throat.
Dylan SCREAMS -- blood streams out of his mouth and throat.
Dana, horrified, shoots the Tazer gun -- Deno drops away,

stunned.
The DOOR swings opens.
Nobody move!
CR Revision 116.
The detective aims his revolver at Mike's head.
DANA
No!!
Detective Vandegrift swings around -- Dana drops the Tazer.
Officers Jones and Snider rush in, stare in shock at the

bloody scene. Officer Jones hurries over to Dylan and feels
his pulse.
JONES
Dead.
Detective Vandegrift nods to his squad, turns to Mike.
VANDEGRIFT
Cuff him. And the girl.
Dana points to the webcam.
DANA
We’re innocent. It's all there!!
Detective Vandegrift gestures to Officer Snider, who hurries

over to the monitor. Dana clutches Mike.
Officer Snider hits PLAY.
THE MONITOR
Shows Dylan waving a gun at Mike and Dana.
MIKE
We never had one.
DYLAN
YES, We did! You both broke it. So
you gotta pay, because somebody
always pays whenever they fuck with
me!!
He cocks the gun, aims it on them, lowers it.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
Nah, when I kill I always gotta be
creative. Deno! Sic ‘em!
The cops WATCH Mike and Dylan wrestle for the gun, hear A
SHOT and Mike’s plea.
MIKE (On WeBCAM)

Dana!
CR Revision 117.
Officer Snider FREEZES the image. Detective Vandegrift

finally turns to Mike.
MIKE (CONT’D)
He hurt Jason, stole my letter
jacket to cover himself -- then he
blackmailed me.
Dana breaks down crying and hugs Mike.
Easy. It's okay. It's okay.
EXT. DYLAN'S HOUSE - LATER
Detective Vandegrift oversees mop-up activity from the porch.

A police photographer takes pictures.
Dylan’s body, covered by a sheet, is carried to an ambulance.
Mike and Dana watch, entwined, leaning on top of a car

bumper. Dana hugs Mike closer.
DISSLOVE TO:
INT. MIKE’S MUSTANG - day
Mike drives with Dana and at Matt. The top his convertible is
down - it’s a lovely day. Mike sports a “UCLA” cap.
MIKE
So I got about everything I'd hoped
for. A full ride, and a girl better
than I’d deserved. The weird thing
is, none of it would’ve been
possible without Dylan. Pretty
weird, huh?
EXT. PUBLIC PARK - DAY
Mike parks in front of a
BASKETBALL COURT
SOME KID is shooting baskets alone.
Mike and Dana and Matt hop out of the car.
Mike grabs up his own ball and joins the KID. Dana and Matt
watch from the sidelines.
CR Revision 118.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Hey.
THE KID
Hey.
MIKE
You’re looking decent.
JASON turns to Mike, hits an easy basket.
JASON
Yeah?
MIKE
You ever hear from that coach?
JASON
They want me. Maybe I’ll need a
year of JC ball to get noticed
again, but I’m getting a
scholarship, too.
Jason connects with another SWISH. Mike takes his first shot.
It goes in too. Dana smiles from the sidelines.
JASON (CONT’D)
So thanks for helping me get my
jump shot back... Toast.
Jason grins.
MIKE
First to ten?
JASON
Bring it on.
Matt blow a whistle. They start to play a game of one-on-

one.
THE END

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FADE IN:

And OLD MAN in a dress tuxedo sits roped to a chair,

SKI MASK MAN

SKI MASK MAN (CONT’D)

SKI MASK MAN (CONT’D)

SKI MASK MAN (CONT’D)

The old man is passed out, dead to the world.

SKI MASK MAN (CONT’D)

EXT. COASTAL ROAD - dusk

OLD MAN’S POINT OF VIEW

A winding, descending, precipitous road reveals itself in

The speedometer climbs: 60... 70...

Miraculously, the man awakens. Scared out of his wits, he

The MERCEDES BENZ

...swerves between the lights of an ONCOMING CAR and a TRUCK,

A stony CLIFF borders the asphault up ahead -- it hangs over

A DARK SPORTS CAR

in hot and angry pursuit, screams up from behind.

The MERCEDES BENZ

Swings perilously along the edge of the precipice. It’s front

THE DARK SPORTS CAR

Suddenly shoots forward and slams into the Mercedes’ rear

Ski mask man

As the car sinks and slowly disappears into the water, he

SKI MASK MAN (CONT’D)

INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

DELMAR (tall, thin, black) and ANIMAL (tall, muscular, white)

VON, 6’9” and awkward, looms behind the others. He manages to

INTERCUT BASKETBALL GAME (SATURATED COLORS)

Eddie dribbles around the opposition to cross mid-court until

MIKE jumps off the bench.

Home team trails 63-65. 3 seconds left to play.

HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY

Mike’s features have a protective, hungry edge.

MIKE (V.0.) (CONT’D)

MIKE LOOKS DIRECTLY AT US.

MIKE (V.0.) (CONT’D)

INT. HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

Empty. A huge "GO KNIGHTS" poster hangs on the wall.

The class bell RINGS. Students pour out of their classes.

Mike gives him a thumbs up sign.

INT. COUNSELOR’S OFFICE - DAY

Mike sits before MR. SIMMS, your usual overworked counselor.

MR. SIMMS (CONT’D)

INT. HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER ROOM - DAY

MATT BENDER, 18, short, quick witted, proofs a copysheet.

Beside him is DANA SULLIVAN. Dana is 17, cute, pert, with

Mike joins them.

Dana, after gauging his sincerity, is intrigued.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

Delmar opens the gym doors.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - DAY

That SOMEONE lays in a basket. JASON HAWKE’s 18, with a cocky

The ball bounces over to them. Eddie tosses it back sharply.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - NIGHT

The team practices drills.

Jason's father, AL HAWKE, (40’s, arrogant) watches intently

A WHISTLE. COACH HARRIS (wiry, 30's, ambitious), takes

Jason and Mike grapple for position. Eddie tries to pass to