Harbinger Creek

HARBINGER CREEK
by
Tom Batt
FADE IN.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Title: Black Hills, Dakota Territory - 1876
A ladybird crawls curiously over a dirty hand. The hand spins

as the ladybird makes it way onto the palm.
It opens its wings and flies off.
JACKSON REYNARD (27) watches the ladybird depart his palm and
disappear amongst the leaves of the trees.
He is crouched on one knee at the edge of a woodland. He

wears a U.S. Army uniform of the 4th Infantry Regiment. His
beard is unkempt and his head scraggy.
A Company of soldiers stand around him, talking and smoking

as they wait impatiently. CAPTAIN ROBARDS (30s) approaches
them.
ROBARDS
Attention!
Jackson stands to attention. The other soldiers fall silent,

stub out their cigarettes and straighten.
COLONEL LANDON (50s) rides his large war horse toward them
and stops. His large grey handlebar moustache hiding his lips
as he speaks.
LANDON
Apologies for keeping you waiting
gentlemen. I’m sure you’re eager to
get stuck into some Redskins and
that time is now upon us. On the
other side of this wood is a Lakota
village which we believe is
harbouring the leader known as
Sitting Bull. It is imperative we
capture him alive, anyone else is
considered collateral damage.
Remember these people are savages,
they rape and murder whites, they
do not see you as human and so it
is only fair for you to treat them
in kind. Captain Robards, if you
will.
ROBARDS
Alright, privates, move out.
2.
The soldiers rest rifles on shoulders and start marching

deeper into the wood.
EXT. WOODS - LATER
The soldiers reach the edge of the woods. Robards raises a

fist gesturing for them to hold their position.
Landon takes a pair of binoculars from his saddle bag. He

peers through them. Just past the tree line by a flowing
river is a small community of teepees.
Natives go about their business, washing clothes in the

river, cooking food on a large fire, several men are carving
a boat.
Landon puts the binoculars away.
LANDON
Remember, Sitting Bull must be kept
alive. When you’re ready Captain.
ROBARDS
On my order, open fire.
Jackson glances over at Robards nervously as he and the other

soldiers look down the sights of their rifles. Robards raises
his hand holding it aloft for several seconds. Suddenly he
whips it down to his side.
ROBARDS (CONT’D)
Fire!
The soldiers fire off round after round toward the village.
The Natives scream in terror and scatter as bullets tear
through teepees and ricochet off the ground.
Natives are struck by gun fire, everyone is targeted.
Jackson is staring down his sight, scanning the horrifying

scene of death. His finger rests on the trigger, but he’s
unable to pull it.
Robards fires from his service revolver. He turns to Jackson

to see no gun fire.
ROBARDS (CONT’D)
Private, fire that Goddamn weapon!
Jackson glances over at Robards terrified. Robards turns his

revolver onto Jackson.
3.
ROBARDS (CONT’D)
Now, Goddamnit!
Jackson looks back down his sight and starts firing randomly
at the village, careful not to hit anyone. He spots a young
woman standing in the centre of the village frozen with fear.
She looks around at the carnage unsure what to do.
The sound of a bugle is deafening. Jackson watches as a large

horse crashes into the young woman trampling over her. He
looks up from the gun sight to see a cavalry charge into the
village.
They crash through teepees, smash into Natives swinging their

swords.
ROBARDS (CONT’D)
Charge!
The Company of soldiers run toward the village. Jackson runs

with them as they continue to fire as they move.
By the time they get to the village there is barely anyone

left alive after the cavalry have finished.
CUT TO:
EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE - DAY
Jackson stands amongst dead bodies scattered on the ground.

He looks around in horror at lifeless women and children.
Landon appears from a teepee frustrated.
LANDON
He’s not here. He must have left.
Landon approaches Robards.
LANDON (CONT’D)
Take any survivors prisoner. Burn
everything else.
Jackson watches his fellow soldiers roughly grabbing two

young Native women and a boy and tying their hands together.
They are led away as other soldiers torch the teepees.
Jackson hangs his head in shame.

4.
EXT. U.S. ARMY CAMP - NIGHT
Soldiers celebrate their victory drinking and singing by a

fire. Jackson watches them from within his tent as he writes
in a journal.
He puts the journal and pencil down and exits the tent. He
makes his way to the outskirts of the camp to where the
latrine is, but his attention is caught by a noise. A
distressed mumbling from within a nearby wood.
Jackson decides to investigate. He finds a lantern lighting

two men as they laugh quietly watching one of the female
Native prisoners. She has been severely beaten and is half
naked, her hands still bound behind her. One of the men is
buttoning up his pants.
JACKSON
What’s going on?
The two men turn to him startled. One of them is Private

CLAYTON REESE (20s). He approaches Jackson with intimidation.
CLAYTON
You need to walk away right now.
JACKSON
What are you doing to the prisoner?
CLAYTON
That’s none of your concern,
Private. So just turn around and
leave, right now.
Jackson glances at the young women who appears to be

gesturing for help with her eyes. Jackson takes a step back.
CLAYTON (CONT’D)
That’s right. Keep walking, boy.
Jackson turns around and walks away. Clayton sniggers and

turns back to the prisoner.
CLAYTON (CONT’D)
I think it’s my turn again.
EXT. U.S. ARMY CAMP - NIGHT
Most of the soldiers have passed out around the camp. Bottles
of beer scattered about.
5.
Jackson sits in his tent packing a bag. He puts his journal

inside and ties it up. He slings it over his shoulder and
exits the tent.
Jackson creeps through the camp to the nearby tree line and
disappears inside.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Jackson treads carefully through the woods. The dying fire of

the camp behind him. Up ahead in the moonlight, he catches a
face. He ducks behind a tree and waits.
He holds his breath and looks either side of him to see 20-30
Natives armed with rifles, tomahawks and bow and arrows
slowly making their way toward the Army camp.
Once they have passed Jackson he shimmies around the tree to

the other side and continues walking deeper into the woods.
He takes one last look back at the camp before disappearing
into the darkness.
EXT. HARBINGER CREEK, THOROUGHFARE - DAY
Title: Ten Years Later
Harbinger Creek is a small town located in the high plains of

Dakota Territory. It has a Saloon with Bakery attached,
Marshal’s Office and Jail, Post Office/Telegraph Office,
Livery, Church, General Store, Undertakers, Bank, Doctors,
Butcher’s and the Mayor’s Residence.
The townspeople are gathered in the street where a

celebration is in full swing.
Bunting hangs across buildings. A banner is stretched across

the street reading ‘Harbinger Creek Celebrates 1 Year
Anniversary of Miracle Day’. A band plays music on a stage.
Men and women dance with each other.
Jackson (30) dances with VICTORIA DENNEHY (28). He wears a

deputy Marshal badge.
The music stops and they bow to each other. They burst out
laughing and exit the dance floor.
VICTORIA
You certainly know how to show a
woman a good time, Jackson Reynard.
6.
JACKSON
You make it delightfully easy, Miss
Dennehy.
MARSHAL EMMETT REYNARD (60s) approaches them grinning.
EMMETT
Now there’s a sight for an old
man’s eyes, a young couple in love.
Reminds me of your mother and I
during our courting days.
They smile.
EMMETT
Although I remember she wasn’t too
happy when I broke the news I was
to become Marshal. That did not go
down well. I hope you don’t have
the same issue when my son decides
to keep the peace in this town.
VICTORIA
I’ll support him, whatever he
chooses.
JACKSON
Me as Marshal? They have you, Pops.
EMMETT
Not forever. This old man is
nearing retirement. Somebody’s
going to have to fill my boots.
In the distance watching them from afar is ELIZABETH JESSOP

(25). She stands alone holding a drink, staring at them
longingly.
Jackson glances up toward her. She smiles. He looks away. She

turns away disappointed.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY
WILLIAM MUNSFORD (30) enters the master bedroom where he

finds MAYOR BARRETT DENNEHY (50s) standing in front of a
mirror straightening his suit.
WILLIAM
Mr Dennehy, they’re ready for you.
Barrett takes a deep breath before grinning at himself in the

mirror.
7.
BARRETT
Then let’s not keep the people
waiting.
He heads out the door followed by William.
The band on stage stop playing. William steps in centre

stage.
WILLIAM
Ladies and Gentleman, if I could
have your attention please. Our
honourable Mayor would like to make
a speech. Let’s give a round of
applause for Mayor Dennehy.
The townspeople clap as Barrett steps onto the stage. He

absorbs the applause before gesturing them to stop.
BARRETT
Thank you, thank you. As I look out
among your faces, I realize what a
blessed town we are, to have such
warm, kind-hearted people.
Unfortunately 1 year ago the state
of our homes and businesses did not
reflect that. We were deteriorating
at such a rate, it looked like many
of our buildings would be
condemned. And then to add insult
to injury the creek dried up. I
remember we were all worried at
first, we were sure that was the
final nail in our coffin, but then
we discovered gold in the sediment
and our prayers were answered. We
called that day, Miracle Day. Sure,
it wasn’t enough to spruce this
town to its finest, but it was
enough to save it. Today we
celebrate as we look over the town
we adore so much and now many
generations to come will continue
to do the same. Anyway, I believe
I’ve spoken long enough, so kick up
your heels, drink some liquor and
let’s keep this party going long
into the night.
Everybody cheers and claps. Barrett steps down from the

stage. The band restarts their playing.
8.
Victoria is approached by MRS DONOVAN (60s).
MRS DONOVAN
Victoria dear, would you mind going
to the bakery and collecting more
cakes? Folk are consuming them at
quite the formidable rate.
VICTORIA
Of course, Mrs Donovan.
MRS DONOVAN
Thank you, dear.
Victoria kisses Jackson on the cheek.
VICTORIA
I’ll be right back. Don’t go
anywhere, I want another dance with
you, Mr Reynard.
Victoria rushes off toward the bakery.
MRS DONOVAN
You really are quite the couple.
Emmett tells me you’re planning to
propose.
Jackson smiles. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a

ring. He shows Mrs Donovan.
MRS DONOVAN
What a beautiful ring.
JACKSON
It was my mother’s.
EMMETT
Alma would have adored Victoria.
She’d be honoured for her to have
the ring.
MRS DONOVAN
I’m sure she would. And what of
Victoria’s father.
Jackson glances over at Barrett stepping down from the stage.
JACKSON
He is unaware of my intentions.
MRS DONOVAN
Best keep it that way, until she
says yes at least.
(MORE)
9.
MRS DONOVAN (CONT'D)

He’s a stubborn one, but he’ll come
around eventually.
A voice calls out.
VOICE (O.S.)
Mrs Donovan?
Mrs Donovan glances toward the voice before turning back to

Jackson and Emmett.
MRS DONOVAN
Excuse me. Those pastries aren’t
going to serve themselves.
Mrs Donovan walks away. Emmett stares at Jackson and smiles.
EMMETT
I’m proud of you, Jackson. You’ve
grown to be a fine gentleman. I
know your mother is looking down on
you smiling.
JACKSON
Thanks, Pop.
Emmett pats Jackson on the shoulder and walks away before he

sheds a tear.
Barrett moves through the crowd shaking hands with various

people. JOSHUA GRANT (40s) approaches him in a stressed
state.
JOSHUA
Mr Dennehy.
BARRETT
Joshua, are you enjoying the party?
JOSHUA
I was wondering if I could speak to
you privately. It’s about my wife.
BARRETT
How is she?
JOSHUA
Not good.
BARRETT
I’m sorry to hear that.
JOSHUA
Well-
10.
BARRETT
Listen Joshua, today is a day for
celebrating, not business. Can it
wait until tomorrow when I’ll be
more accommodating?
JOSHUA
I guess.
BARRETT
Good, come see me at my home,
tomorrow.
Barrett walks away greeting more townspeople. Joshua hangs

his head and heads off.
Jackson watches people dancing. Elizabeth sidles up beside

him.
ELIZABETH
Hi, Jackson.
He glances at her briefly, not happy to see her.
JACKSON
What do you want, Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH
I just wanted to talk.
JACKSON
I’ve got nothing to say to you.
ELIZABETH
Why are you behaving in this
manner? I thought we had something
special.
Elizabeth begins to play with the collar of his coat. Jackson

slaps her hand away.
JACKSON
Don’t vex me. Just go. I don’t want
to be seen with you.
ELIZABETH
Please, Jackson.
JACKSON
No. You need to forget what
happened, as far as I’m concerned,
it didn’t.
11.
Jackson walks away. Elizabeth holds back tears as she watches

him.
Jackson is at the other end of the town where it’s quieter.

He heads toward the bakery, but his eye is caught by
something lying on the floor in the alleyway between two
buildings.
He takes a closer look to find Victoria lying on the ground

unconscious. He dress soaking blood around her midriff.
JACKSON
Oh dear God.
He falls to his knees and tries to revive her. His hands

covering with blood as he shakes her.
JACKSON
Victoria. Victoria.
A WOMAN (30s) appears and spots him by Victoria’s body. She

screams as she sees the blood.
Jackson oblivious to the woman’s cries, notices a broken

necklace chain on the ground, the pendant missing.
Emmett, Barrett and two deputies, JED (20s) and HARRISON

(30s) arrive and look down in shock at Jackson hanging over
Victoria’s lifeless body. The blood on his hands.
BARRETT
No!
Barrett barges Jackson out of the way.
BARRETT
What have you done to my daughter.
My beautiful girl.
Barrett cradles Victoria in his arms, upset.
Jackson steps back, still in shock.
Barrett turns to Emmett.
BARRETT
Marshal, arrest him.
Jackson remains speechless.
Emmett stares at the Mayor in shock.

12.
BARRETT
Marshal!
Emmett looks over at Jackson, confused and then turns back to

Barrett unsure what to do.
BARRETT
Somebody arrest him. He murdered my
daughter.
Jed grabs Jackson and handcuffs him. Jackson looks around

confused.
JACKSON
I didn’t-
The two deputies lead Jackson out of the alley.
Jackson is escorted through the town by the two deputies,

followed by Emmett. The townsfolk watch on in confusion at
Jackson’s arrest.
Barrett follows, carrying Victoria’s body. The townsfolk gasp

in horror. He hands her over to two other men, who go over to
help. Barrett watches as Jackson is led into the Marshal’s
office.
INT. MARSHAL’S OFFICE - DAY
Jackson is put inside a cell, the door locked shut. Emmett

stares at him.
JACKSON
Pop, I didn’t kill her.
Emmett turns away and leaves. Barrett enters and storms over
to the cell. He stares daggers at Jackson.
BARRETT
I’ll see you hang for this.
Jackson grabs the bars leaning in closer.
JACKSON
I didn’t do it.
Barrett grabs Jackson’s deputy badge and rips it from his

coat. He exits the office.
13.
EXT. RAILROAD - DAY
A pocket watch ticks away in the fist of a scarred hand. The

lid is closed.
KELLY GRISSOM (50s) puts the watch in his pocket. Clayton

Reese sidles up beside him, sporting an eye patch over his
left eye.
CLAYTON
How long?
GRISSOM
Any minute now. It’s so close I can
almost taste it.
Grissom stretches his left leg wrapped in a brace.
They are staring toward a railroad. Grissom stands by his

horse for support.
Behind them stands several more men, armed to the teeth.
Mexican JAVIER NAVAS DELGADO (40s), Ex-slave MOSES BANNER

(40s), Chinaman QIANG (30s), Irishman SEAMUS O’DONNELLY
(30s), the attractive MISSY DELPHINE (40s) and the young
“KID” WILSON (19). Plus five more guns for hire.
The sound of a train whistle alerts them. They cock their

weapons and prepare themselves.
Grissom turns to one of the guns for hire crouched by a

detonator. He nods. The detonator plunger is pushed down.
An explosion on the track rips through the rails leaving them

distorted.
The train skids along the track, screeching to a halt just

before the broken rails. A single armoured car attached to
it, the words ‘U.S. Army’ written on the side.
One of the guns for hire rushes over to the driver’s cab and
jumps up.
INT. TRAIN DRIVER’S CAB - DAY
The driver steps back as a revolver is pushed into his face.

The gun for hire smiles at him.
14.
EXT. RAILROAD - DAY
Grissom looks over to another gun for hire and nods for him
to act.
The second gun for hire carries a pack of dynamite over to

the armoured car.
A small hatch opens in the armoured car and a rifle slides

out. The gunshot echoes and the second gun for hire collapses
to the ground with a bloody chest.
Grissom is startled by the shot.
Suddenly the armoured car door slides open and 20 men in

suits carrying rifles jump out firing toward them.
Grissom’s men shoot back and a gun fight breaks out between
them. Grissom jumps onto his horse.
GRISSOM
Get out of here.
Grissom turns and his horse sprints off. The others run back
to their waiting horses and follow him. The three remaining
guns for hire are killed by the suited men who only seem to
suffer a few casualties.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Grissom and his men cut across a field. Clayton rides up

close to Grissom.
CLAYTON
What the hell’s going on? Those
were Pinkertons. How could they
have known?
Grissom stares intently ahead of him.
GRISSOM
We were set up.
INT. MARSHAL’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Jackson sits on a crude bed, his head hanging, mourning

Victoria.
Harrison sits with his feet on the desk, trying not to fall
asleep.
15.
The door opens, startling Harrison. He looks over to see

Emmett standing by the door staring at Jackson. He turns to
Harrison.
EMMETT
Go home, get some rest. I’ll take
over here.
HARRISON
Are you sure, Marshal?
EMMETT
Go on.
Harrison jumps up from his seat and rushes out the door.
Emmett approaches the cell, picking up a set of keys from the
desk. Jackson stands and moves closer.
JACKSON
I didn’t kill her. You have to
believe me.
EMMETT
I do believe you. I know you
wouldn’t harm a hair on that girl’s
head. Unfortunately, Dennehy will
never see it that way. He’ll do
whatever it takes to see you swing
for this. I can’t let that happen.
Emmett unlocks the door and opens it.
EMMETT
Your horse is waiting outside. I’ve
loaded it with what I can, it
should hold you for a few days. Get
on it and ride.
JACKSON
And go where?
EMMETT
It doesn’t matter where. Far away
from here is enough.
JACKSON
But-
EMMETT
You don’t have a choice. I won’t
watch you die. Please, just go.
Jackson steps out of the cell. He looks at his father. They

embrace in a hug.
16.
EMMETT
Come on now. You have to go, before
someone sees you.
Jackson releases his father.
JACKSON
What are you going to tell them
when they find out?
EMMETT
I’ll think of something.
Jackson nods. He heads for the door.
EXT. HARBINGER CREEK, THOROUGHFARE - NIGHT
Jackson climbs upon his horse. He takes one last look at the
town and then rides off into the night.
EXT. RANCH HOUSE - DAY
Grissom stands outside staring at the modest house.
He is surrounded by Clayton, Javier, Moses, Qiang, Seamus,

Missy and “Kid”.
They stand in a row watching the house, waiting.
GRISSOM
Carver! It’s Grissom. Get your God
forsaken ass out here now!
They wait, watching the door, but there is no reply.
GRISSOM
You got five seconds.
Silence.
GRISSOM
Light it up.
Moses, Seamus and Javier light Molotov cocktails and throw

them through the windows of the house.
The building catches fire quickly, the blaze roaring high.
Clayton hands a rifle to Grissom. He cocks it.
CARVER (50s) bursts out the door with a six-gun, his face
black from the smoke.
17.
Grissom is too quick for him, shooting him in the knee. He

stumbles to the ground throwing the six-gun.
Grissom limps over to him.
He kicks Carver over onto his back.
GRISSOM
You set me up, you son of a bitch.
Did you really think you’d get away
with it?
CARVER
I had no choice. They threatened my
family.
Screams come from within the house, a woman and a child

calling for help.
GRISSOM
Sounds like your family aren’t too
happy with your choice either.
CARVER
Please, let me help them.
Grissom steps back and gestures for Carver to move.
GRISSOM
Sure, go ahead.
Grissom watches as Carver tries to get to his feet, but he

collapses back to the ground. Grissom’s men all laugh.
CARVER
Please, they don’t deserve to die
because of me.
GRISSOM
Hey, I’m not stopping you from
walking in there and saving them.
The screaming gets worse, more blood curdling. Carver tries

to block it out as he climbs to his feet once again. He
manages to stand, but after taking one step his leg buckles.
He bursts into tears and tries crawling, but suddenly the

screaming stops. Grissom looks over at the house then back
toward Carver.
GRISSOM
Sounds like you’re too late.
18.
CARVER
You son of a bitch.
GRISSOM
Time to say goodbye.
Grissom points the rifle at Carver’s face and cocks it.
CARVER
Go to hell.
GRISSOM
After you.
Grissom fires.
Clayton approaches to take the rifle from Grissom.
Grissom turns to his men.
GRISSOM
Let’s get out of here.
They all turn and walk away from the burning building as it
begins to collapse.
INT. MARSHAL’S OFFICE - DAY
Barrett, Emmett, Jed and Harrison stand staring at the open

cell. Barrett turns to Emmett with a suspicious look.
BARRETT
He escaped?
Emmett looks away.
BARRETT
Jed, Harrison. Go after him.
Jed and Harrison look at Barrett, then toward Emmett looking

for permission.
BARRETT
Don’t look at him. Do as I ask, or
I take both your badges.
Emmett nods.
EMMETT
It’s okay.
Jed and Harrison grab their jackets and head out. Barrett
steps closer to Emmett leaning into his ear.
19.
BARRETT
He will hang for what he did. I’ll
see to it.
EMMETT
You have no proof he killed her.
BARRETT
Kneeling by her cold body is all
the proof I need. Open your eyes
Marshal, your son is a murderer.
Emmett grabs Barrett by the lapels and throws him up against

a wall.
BARRETT
Go ahead. And you’ll be swinging
next to him.
EMMETT
Get out.
Emmett releases him. Barrett straightens himself.
BARRETT
You won’t be Marshal for much
longer Emmett. I suggest you spend
your last days doing the right
thing.
Barrett exits. Emmett picks up a whiskey glass from the desk

and launches it across the room, it smashes on the wall.
EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY
Jackson sits tired on his horse. They approach a small

stream. Jackson climbs off and leads the horse to take a
drink.
As the horse laps up the refreshing water, Jackson crouches

down and splashes his face. He takes a drink and then sits
down contemplating.
He reaches into his coat pocket and takes out a pocket-watch.

He flips it open to reveal a picture of Victoria. He takes
the engagement ring from his pocket. He looks at it briefly
before taking a deep breath.
20.
INT. JOSHUA’S BUTCHERS, BEDROOM - DAY
Joshua sits beside his wife, MARGARET (40s) who is laid up in

bed. She looks pale and unwell, holding a blood stained hanky
to her mouth. He reads Pride & Prejudice to her.
JOSHUA
It is a truth universally
acknowledged, that a single man in
possession of a good fortune must
be in want of a wife.
She begins coughing violently. Joshua puts down the book and
comforts her.
JOSHUA
There, there, dear.
MARGARET
Oh Lord. I think I feel worse.
JOSHUA
I’m going to get you a doctor.
MARGARET
We can’t afford it, Joshua.
JOSHUA
I’ll ask for help, from the Mayor.
MARGARET
No, Joshua. I don’t want you asking
people for charity. It’s not their
problem. Times are tough as it is
for most folk around here.
JOSHUA
We have no other option. I can’t
bear to see you like this anymore.
Margaret places a hand on his cheek and smiles.
MARGARET
You’re a special one Joshua Grant.
May the Lord look kindly on you.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY
Barrett sits on a couch in the living room. His head hangs,

deep in thought. A empty glass in his hand.
William knocks and enters followed by Joshua, who holds his

hat in front of him, playing with the material nervously.
21.
WILLIAM
Mr Mayor, Joshua Grant is here. He
says you asked him to come today.
Barrett does not look up.
BARRETT
What do you want?
William exits. Joshua steps closer.
JOSHUA
I’m sorry to bother you Mr Mayor,
but it’s my wife, you see. I think
she’s getting worse. Doctor
Thompson has done all he can, but
for her to have any chance of
getting through this, he recommends
I get her to a Sanatarium. Of
course, that won’t be cheap and
we’re far from affording it.
Business hasn’t been good lately,
I’ve been unable to open most days
due to tending to Margaret so I was
wondering if you’d-
Barrett looks up at Joshua.
BARRETT
My daughter is dead. I am to bury
her this afternoon. I am in
mourning and you come here begging
for money?
JOSHUA
I'm very sorry for your loss, but I-
BARRETT
How dare you.
JOSHUA
Please, Mr Mayor.
Barrett stands and heads over to a drinks cabinet. He takes a

deep breathe.
BARRETT
I’m sorry, Joshua. I don’t mean to
be unkind. I understand your
predicament, but I have no money to
give you.
Barrett pours himself a large whiskey.

22.
JOSHUA
I’m not asking you to dip into your
own pockets. I was hoping maybe
there was a little something left
over from the town treasury.
BARRETT
You mean the gold?
JOSHUA
Yes. I could pay you back as soon
as possible.
Barrett picks up the glass. He turns to Joshua.
BARRETT
Look around out there, everything
was used to prevent this town from
further damage. There is nothing
left-
JOSHUA
But-
BARRETT
Joshua, as much as I’d like to, I
cannot help you. This town’s funds
are dry.
JOSHUA
But-
BARRETT
Good day, Joshua. I suggest you
leave before I lose my temper as I
am currently in a very fragile
state of mind and liable to do
something I may later regret.
Barrett stares daggers at Joshua. He has no choice, but to

skulk away like a wounded animal.
Barrett downs the whiskey.
Jackson is crouched down by a bush. Silence all around him.

He stares down the sight of his rifle.
In the distance a deer stands alone nibbling at the grass.
Jackson focuses. He slows his breathing.

23.
He pulls back on the trigger. The rifle fires.
The shot misses the deer completely, scaring it off.
JACKSON
Shit.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Grissom stands in a lavishly decorated office with gold leaf

and red satin. His fingers play with the brim of his hat
nervously.
The door opens and GOVERNOR CALHOUN (40s) enters. He wears a

sharp suit and is well groomed. Calhoun approaches a desk and
rummages through the drawers.
CALHOUN
Mr Grissom, I can’t say I’m
surprised to see you, although I am
surprised to see you empty handed.
I was hoping you’d come here to
give me my money.
GRISSOM
I’m sorry Governor, but there was a
problem.
CALHOUN
I don’t like to hear of problems,
only solutions.
GRISSOM
I need a bit more time.
CALHOUN
Time is something I’m reluctant to
give you more of, Mr Grissom. I’ve
given you so much already, my stock
is low.
GRISSOM
I just need another month.
Calhoun takes out a cigar from one of the drawers and lights
it.
CALHOUN
You know the other day I found out
my dog has fleas and it made me
think our relationship has become
much like that between a dog and a
flea.
(MORE)
24.
CALHOUN (CONT'D)
You see I’m the dog and I provide
comfort and security, but you as
the flea are giving me nothing in
return. For a relationship to work
it has to be what’s called
symbiotic, in other words you
scratch my back and I’ll scratch
yours, but you’re not scratching my
back and I have one hell of an
itchy back. In the case of my dog,
I had the fleas exterminated. Do
you understand?
GRISSOM
Yes, it’s just-
CALHOUN
Have you forgotten how this
arrangement works? It’s quite
simple, you go out and perform your
dirty deeds, you give me my cut and
in return I quash any arrest
warrants or bounties. You don’t
have to be a mathematician to
understand it.
GRISSOM
I understand.
CALHOUN
Then why are you here giving me
excuses? You’re overdue payment and
I’m draining patience. If I don’t
have my money within the next two
weeks, I will ensure that every
warrant is reinstated and the
reward for your capture dead or
alive is doubled. Is that clear?
GRISSOM
You’ll have your money.
CALHOUN
Then get out there and find it.
Calhoun storms out of the office.
EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT
Jackson sits by a fire eating a piece of bread.
He feels the cold and wraps a blanket tight around his

shoulders.
25.
A boot treads next to him and a gun is pointed to his head

and cocked.
HARRISON (O.S.)
You shouldn’t have run. Get up.
Jackson raises his hands and slowly stands, the barrel of

Harrison’s gun jabbing at his head.
Jed takes Jackson’s gun from its holster, then steps back
pointing it at him.
JACKSON
Come on boys. You really think I
killed my wife?
HARRISON
It don’t matter what we think. Just
what we’re told. Mayor wants you
back behind bars.
JACKSON
Well, fellas. I’m going to have to
disappoint you there.
Jackson whips round knocking Harrison’s gun away from his

head. He punches Harrison and then grabs him, pulling him in
front using him as a shield.
Jed aims his gun, but is reluctant to shoot for fear of

hitting his friend.
Jackson and Harrison grapple. Jackson takes hold of

Harrison’s wrist forcing the gun away. Harrison fires off a
couple of shots as the gun is flailed erratically.
A shot hits Jed in the foot. He screams in agony, collapsing

to the floor.
Harrison throws his head back cracking Jackson on the nose.

Jackson is forced to release his grip, stumbling back onto
the ground.
Harrison turns ready to shoot. Jackson picks up a small log

and swings it across smashing it against Harrison’s forearm.
Harrison drops his gun and holds his arm in pain.
He drops to his knees, whining. Jackson stands up, he gives

the log another swing, this time across Harrison’s head.
Harrison falls to the floor, holding his head.
Jackson picks up his gun and grabs his things. He climbs onto
his horse. He takes one last glance at Harrison and a
screaming Jed.
26.
JACKSON
You can tell the Mayor, I won’t
hang for a crime I didn’t commit.
He should focus his time on finding
the real killer.
Jackson rides off into the darkness.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
The main street is busy, full of people going about their

day.
A stagecoach pulls up at the side of the road. William steps

out carrying a briefcase. He looks around in awe of the busy
metropolis.
He directs his sight to a hotel in the distance and heads

toward it.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
A poker table. More chips are thrown into the middle, where a
pile is forming.
Grissom, Clayton, Seamus and Javier sit at the table holding

cards, smoking and drinking.
There is a knock at the door.
GRISSOM
Get the door, Moses.
Moses opens the door. William stands forlornly. He removes

his hat.
WILLIAM
Good afternoon, I’m William
Munsford. I’m here to see Mr
Grissom.
GRISSOM
Do come in, Mr Munsford.
Moses steps aside to allow William to enter.
GRISSOM
Pull up a chair.
27.
William makes his way through the room. He glances toward

seating where Qiang sharpens his knives, “Kid” Wilson is
cleaning his guns and Missy takes a sip from a glass of
whiskey.
She winks at William as he sits at the table.
GRISSOM
Are you a gambling man, Mr
Munsford?
WILLIAM
Not really.
GRISSOM
On the contrary. You’re taking a
gamble walking into this room.
William gulps. Grissom smiles. He returns to the game,

dealing out cards.
GRISSOM
So, what can I do for you, Mr
Munsford? Your telegram was very
brief.
WILLIAM
I have a proposition for you.
GRISSOM
Enlighten me.
WILLIAM
I come from a small town. Harbinger
Creek, do you know it?
GRISSOM
I know it.
WILLIAM
Did you hear the town struck gold?
Grissom cannot help but look William in the eyes.
GRISSOM
That I did not hear, but now you’ve
certainly garnered my attention.
WILLIAM
The reason you didn’t hear is
because the town agreed to keep it
quiet. They didn’t want to attract
prospectors from far and wide.
28.
CLAYTON
How do you keep a gold rush quiet?
WILLIAM
We’re not a very popular town. We
don’t get many outsiders. There
wasn’t much chance of word
spreading, which was a good thing
for us. The town was in a sorry
state and so they used what they
found to renovate homes and
businesses. It saved the town.
GRISSOM
Why are you telling me this?
WILLIAM
Our delightful Mayor, Barrett
Dennehy skimmed a little something
for his own personal use. He has it
stashed away ready for retirement.
CLAYTON
How do you know this?
WILLIAM
I was assigned treasurer of the
gold. I noticed what was discovered
did not equal what was spent. I
went to the Mayor to question this
and he dismissed me. It was then I
suspected him.
GRISSOM
So what do you require of me?
WILLIAM
I know your reputation. I know what
you can do. I want you to ride into
town, and force the mayor to hand
it over. You then kill him and keep
the gold as payment.
GRISSOM
How much is this gold worth?
WILLIAM
At my estimate, ten thousand
dollars.
Grissom smiles.
29.
GRISSOM
What exactly are you getting out of
this?
WILLIAM
I’ve spent too long in the shadow
of that man, doing all the hard
work so he can take the credit. You
kill him, the town needs a Mayor.
GRISSOM
And you see yourself in that role?
William nods.
GRISSOM
You’re so sure they’d elect you?
You’re already plotting the current
mayor’s demise.
Grissom’s men laugh.
WILLIAM
While you’re in town, make
yourselves at home. Outstay you’re
welcome, cause some trouble, upset
the locals. I’ll then step in and
negotiate for you to leave. You
ride out, I look good and I’ll be a
shoo-in as the new mayor.
GRISSOM
You’re a slimy son of a bitch, but
as long as there’s money involved
I’m interested.
Grissom grins.
WILLIAM
Excellent. Will you be ready to
ride at dawn?
GRISSOM
We’ll be ready.
WILLIAM
Okay. Good afternoon, gentlemen.
GRISSOM
Good afternoon, Mr Munsford.
William stands and exits the room. Grissom turns to Clayton.

30.
GRISSOM
I don’t like him. Like a snake in
the grass. When we get the gold,
kill him as well.
Clayton nods.
EXT. MARSHAL’S OFFICE - NIGHT
The streets are empty. Music can be heard emanating from the
saloon.
Emmett stands on the porch of the Marshal’s office. He takes

long puffs from a pipe.
Jed and Harrison ride over. Harrison is bleeding from his

head and he holds his arm. He slides off his horse and then
helps Jed off his.
He supports a limping Jed as they make their way onto the

porch.
EMMETT
What happened?
HARRISON
That boy of yours is a real son of
a bitch.
EMMETT
Careful, that’s my dear departed
wife you’re insulting.
HARRISON
Sorry, Marshal.
Harrison helps Jed inside the building. Emmett watches them

enter and then turns back smirking.
He hears a smash come from behind one of the buildings. He

makes his way round the back.
He finds Joshua trying to climb into the broken window of a

shop.
EMMETT
Joshua?
Joshua stops, startled.
EMMETT
What in God’s name are you doing?
31.
JOSHUA
I’m sorry, Marshal, but I’m
desperate. I need money. I need to
get Margaret to a sanitarium. I
can’t stand seeing her sick no
more.
EMMETT
Joshua, this is not the way. You
can’t go breaking into people’s
homes and businesses.
JOSHUA
I don’t have a choice.
Emmett approaches Joshua and wraps a comforting arm around

him.
EMMETT
We’ll find the money, Joshua, we’ll
get donations from the townsfolk,
but you can’t be stealing. It’s not
right, what would Margaret think?
Joshua bursts into tears.
JOSHUA
Oh God, you’re right.
MARSHAL
Come on. Go home, be with your
wife. I’ll see what I can do about
getting her the help she needs.
JOSHUA
Thank you, Marshal. I’m sorry about
the window.
EMMETT
Never mind about that, we’ll get it
fixed. No harm done. Now go home.
Emmett watches Joshua slink off into the dark.
INT. JOSHUA’S BUTCHERS, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Joshua enters. Margaret is asleep in bed. He tiptoes over to

her and crouches down by the bed.
He places a hand on hers and quickly becomes worried.
JOSHUA
Margaret?
32.
He nudges her awake, but she does not stir.
JOSHUA
Margaret? Please, wake up.
He places a hand on her face, whipping his hand away in

shock.
Margaret remains still.
Joshua bursts out crying. He drops his head on her lap.
EXT. HARBINGER CREEK, CEMEMTERY - DAY
Joshua stands in front of a fresh grave. A small cross has

been planted in the ground. He lays a bouquet of flowers
down.
Emmett watches in sorrow from afar.
Jackson is still riding. He is tired and weak struggling to

stay upright.
In the distance he spots a horse standing alone by a cliff

edge. He pulls his horse in the direction toward it.
As he nears, he finds the horse covered with supplies.
He climbs off his horse and approaches the waiting animal. He

rubs it’s neck.
JACKSON
Hey. What are you doing out here
all alone, boy?
A grunt coming from the cliff edge alerts him. He carefully

steps closer and peers over.
Clinging a few feet down is a Native American, AKECHETA

(30s). Akecheta looks up at him nervously, struggling to hold
onto the jagged rock face.
Jackson steps back from the edge. Akecheta almost slips, but
manages to cling on.
A rope drops down next to him. He looks over at it and

quickly grabs it.
He is pulled up the cliff and over the top. Jackson holds out
his hand. Akecheta takes it and is pulled to his feet.
33.
Jackson smiles and nods. He turns and heads back to his

horse.
AKECHETA
You saved my life. For that I am
eternally grateful.
Jackson nods.
AKECHETA
How can I repay you?
JACKSON
There’s no need. I just did what
anybody else would do.
AKECHETA
I don’t know about that. I’m sure
many folk would leave someone of my
skin to plunge to my certain death.
JACKSON
Maybe you’re right.
AKECHETA
I will stay by your side until I
can return the favour.
Jackson turns to Akecheta.
JACKSON
You don't have to do that.
AKECHETA
Yes I do. I believe kindness must
be returned. From this day forth I
will not leave your side until a
day comes where I can save your
life.
Jackson thinks for a moment. He looks at a couple of rabbits

hanging on the side of Akecheta’s horse. He looks back at the
native.
JACKSON
You any good at hunting?
Akecheta smiles.
AKECHETA
Of course.
JACKSON
I’m Jackson.
34.
Jackson holds out his hand. Akecheta looks down at it and

smiles. They shake hands.
AKECHETA
Akecheta.
The townsfolk go about their day. Joshua is about to enter

the saloon, when something outside of town catches his eye.
In the distance, eight men on horses head toward town.
Joshua disregards them and enters the saloon.
As the men on horses near, they are revealed to be Grissom

and his gang.
They trot through town, receiving nervous stares from the

townsfolk.
Grissom looks over his shoulder at his gang.
GRISSOM
Me, Clayton and Missy will pay the
Mayor a visit. Moses and Javier
head to the telegraph office, make
sure we don’t get any visits from
the Pinkertons while we’re here.
The rest of you entertain
yourselves.
Grissom, Clayton and Missy continue on toward the Mayor’s

house whilst Moses and Javier head toward the train station.
The rest hold up outside the saloon. They climb off their
horses and hitch them.
They all make their way inside.
INT. SALOON - DAY
Seamus, Kid and Qiang approach the bar. Sitting further down
is Joshua drowning his sorrows. The bartender, NED JESSOP
(50s) steps over cleaning a glass.
NED
What can I get you?
SEAMUS
Give us three whiskeys, two
fingers.
35.
Ned puts down the glass and racks up two more. He grabs a
bottle of whiskey and starts pouring.
NED
You boys from out of town?
SEAMUS
That we are.
NED
What brings you to our neck?
SEAMUS
We’re here to collect something
from your delightful Mayor.
NED
What would that be?
SEAMUS
Gold.
Ned laughs.
NED
You must be mistaken. There ain’t
no gold in this town.
SEAMUS
That’s not what we’ve been led to
believe. We heard you folk had
quite the bonanza. Apparently this
Mayor of yours has kept a little
stash for himself.
Joshua looks over upon hearing this.
SEAMUS
He’s been holding onto it, but
we’re here to relieve him of his
burden.
Ned stares at Seamus confused. Seamus winks and downs the

whiskey. Kid and Qiang down theirs. They slam the glasses
down.
SEAMUS
Another.
INT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE - DAY
Moses and Javier enter the building, where an OPERATOR (60s)

sits at a desk writing.
36.
MOSES
All telegrams in or out of the town
are hearby cancelled.
OPERATOR
On who’s order.
MOSES
On the order of Kelly Grissom.
OPERATOR
But you can’t, people have
important messages.
JAVIER
Not anymore.
Javier pushes the old man out of the way. He and Moses
proceed to smash the equipment with the butts of their
rifles.
EXT. MAYOR’S HOUSE - DAY
Grissom, Clayton and Missy climb off their horse and make
their way up the steps of the porch.
William steps outside. He looks around ensuring no one is

watching and gestures them to enter.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE, STUDY - DAY
Barrett sits at a desk writing. William enters the room

followed by Grissom, Clayton and Missy.
WILLIAM
Mr Dennehy, you have visitors.
Barrett looks up confused by their presence.
BARRETT
Who are you?
Grissom removes his hat.
GRISSOM
Pleasure, Mr Mayor. My name is
Kelly Grissom. These are my
associates, Clayton Reese and Missy
Delphine.
BARRETT
What do you want?
37.
GRISSOM
To put it quite plainly, we’ve come
for your gold.
BARRETT
What gold?
WILLIAM
The gold you’ve been hiding.
Barrett stares daggers at William.
BARRETT
What are you talking about?
WILLIAM
If only this town knew how corrupt
you are.
Barrett stands.
BARRETT
Whatever this man has told you,
he’s lying. I don’t have any gold.
All the gold that ever passed
through Harbinger Creek is gone.
I’m sorry gentlemen and lady, but
there is nothing here. Not that I
would give it to you anyway, if
there was.
Grissom turns to William waiting for an answer.
WILLIAM
He has it. I know he does.
Grissom takes a seat.
GRISSOM
Mr Mayor, are you at all aware of
my reputation?
BARRETT
No, I’m not. And I don’t care. I’d
like you to leave, immediately.
GRISSOM
That’s a shame. It would have made
this so much easier.
BARRETT
You don’t scare me.
38.
GRISSOM
Oh, you should be scared. The last
man who told me that, never spoke
again. You’re close to joining him.
BARRETT
Leave, before I call the Marshal.
GRISSOM
I can tell you’re not listening.
Clayton, gouge out his eye.
BARRETT
What?
Clayton storms toward Barrett and grabs a letter opener from

the desk. He grabs Barrett round the back of the neck and
points the sharp object at his eye.
CLAYTON
I can tell you now. Ain’t nothing
hurt like losing an eye.
Clayton is about to gouge him-
BARRETT
Wait, wait. I’ll give it to you. I
have the gold, I’ll give it to you.
Clayton releases him.
GRISSOM
Where is it?
The sound of a crowd is forming outside, people calling for

the Mayor to come outside. Missy peers out the window.
MISSY
There’s quite a crowd outside. They
don’t look happy, must be for him.
GRISSOM
I guess word has spread. We’ll be
happy to relieve you of the
evidence.
BARRETT
Let me get rid of them. Then I’ll
give you what you want.
GRISSOM
Make it quick, we’ll be watching.
Barrett heads for the front door.

39.
Barrett steps out onto the porch to find most of the

townsfolk waiting outside for him. Grissom, Clayton and Missy
step outside behind him.
BARRETT
What is the meaning of this?
NED
What’s this about you stashing some
of the gold for yourself?
The town bank manager MR JAMESON (50s) pushes his way to the
front.
MR JAMESON
That’s the town’s gold. We still
have buildings that need repairing.
The crowd jeer with him.
Barrett raises his hands to calm them.
BARRETT
People please. Whatever you’ve
heard I can assure you they are
merely rumours. All the gold this
town had is gone. I would never
deceive you and keep some for
myself. This town means everything
to me.
MR JAMESON
Who are they behind you? Did they
help you steal the gold?
BARRETT
Just business associates. Nothing
untoward.
Joshua pushes his way to the front of the crowd and draws a
gun.
JOSHUA
You son of a bitch.
He shoots Barrett in the head. He collapses to the floor.

Clayton draws his gun and shoots Joshua dead.
The crowd backs off in shock. Mrs Donovan tends to Joshua on

the ground, but it’s too late. Emmett makes his way over and
pushes through the crowd along with Jed and Harrison.
40.
EMMETT
What in God’s name is going on over
here?
GRISSOM
Ah Marshal, just the man we need.
I’m afraid your Mayor has been
murdered, but not to worry the
suspect in question was duly
executed.
EMMETT
And you are?
GRISSOM
The name's Kelly Grissom.
EMMETT
Well, Mr Grissom. Would you mind
explaining to me what you’re doing
in my town, causing trouble?
GRISSOM
I’m here on business. I’m here to
collect something in the Mayor’s
possession. Gold to be exact.
EMMETT
Really? Well I’m sorry to
disappoint, but there’s no gold
here. I’m going to have to ask you
and your friends to leave.
GRISSOM
I can’t do that Marshal.
EMMETT
If you don’t leave, I’ll have no
choice but to arrest you.
Grissom opens his arms in welcome.
GRISSOM
Then arrest me.
Emmett climbs the steps onto the porch and removes handcuffs
from his belt.
Missy steps toward Emmett and smacks him in the face with the
butt of her rifle. Emmett falls to the ground unconscious.
Jed and Harrison approach Emmett to ensure he’s okay.

41.
GRISSOM
Thank you dear. People of Harbinger
Creek, listen up. My name is Kelly
Grissom, you may have heard of me.
We will be here until we get what
we came for. I suggest until then,
you accommodate my men, it’s in
your best interest that you do.
Hopefully, we won’t be here too
long.
MR JAMESON
Any gold the Mayor had belongs to
this town.
Grissom grins.
GRISSOM
Not anymore.
Jackson and Akecheta sit by a fire. A rabbit cooks on a spit.
Akecheta removes the rabbit from the fire and cuts chunks of
meat from it. He passes some to Jackson.
JACKSON
Thanks.
Akecheta cuts some for himself.
JACKSON
What were you doing hanging over a
cliff edge, anyway?
AKECHETA
There was a plant growing below,
good for medicine. I was attempting
to reach it.
JACKSON
Pretty dangerous just for a plant.
AKECHETA
It’s a very rare plant. It can cure
many ailments.
JACKSON
You’re Lakota Sioux, right?
Akecheta grins and nods.

42.
AKECHETA
You know your tribes.
JACKSON
You’re a long way from home.
AKECHETA
I have no home. My village was
attacked by white soldiers. I was
the only survivor.
Jackson hangs his head.
JACKSON
I’m sorry to hear that.
AKECHETA
So, I’ve been wandering the lands,
looking for my purpose. What about
you?
JACKSON
What about me?
AKECHETA
A man who cannot hunt, should not
roam too far from those who can
feed him.
Jackson thinks on those words a second.
JACKSON
I had to leave my home, the town I
grew up in because I was accused of
a crime I didn’t commit.
AKECHETA
I see.
JACKSON
They didn’t even give me a chance
to explain. I had to leave, just to
escape the noose.
AKECHETA
People are fickle creatures. Do you
wish to return?
JACKSON
There’s no going back, not now. It
looks like I’m going to be out here
alone for a while.
43.
AKECHETA
You’re not alone.
Jackson cracks a brief smile.
JACKSON
You know if we’d have met ten years
ago, I'd have probably killed you
by now.
AKECHETA
Why?
JACKSON
I fought against your people, in
the Great Sioux War. We were told
you were savages, that you'd do
unspeakable things to us if we were
caught alive. I despised you
people.
AKECHETA
What changed?
JACKSON
One evening I witnessed soldiers
torturing and raping natives, and I
realized we’re no different.
Neither one better than the other.
I decided I couldn’t be a part of
the conflict anymore. So I walked
away.
AKECHETA
You deserted your people?
JACKSON
I’m not proud of what I did, but at
the time it was better than
fighting a war I no longer believed
in. I guess I’m good at running
away from problems.
Jackson hears his own words and shakes his head.
AKECHETA
I too thought white men were
savages, my past experiences left
only one opinion of you, but you
saved my life today. You didn’t
have to, but you did. It’s
incredible how one simple act can
change a man’s perspective.
44.
JACKSON
When all is said and done, we’re
all human.
Akecheta picks up his cup of water and raises it toward

Jackson. Jackson picks up his and they clink cups before
taking a sip.
Grissom stares out the window at the town. The townsfolk move
around cautiously.
He turns to face William who is sat on a chair nervously.

Missy sits with her feet up on the desk.
GRISSOM
So where is the gold?
WILLIAM
I told you I don’t know. The mayor
was the only person who could tell
you. Now he’s dead.
Grissom takes out his gun and approaches William.
GRISSOM
Then I guess you’re no use to me.
William jumps up from his chair and backs away.
WILLIAM
Wait, it has to be around here
somewhere. I can find it.
GRISSOM
You sure of that?
Grissom cocks his gun.
WILLIAM
There’s no way he would’ve stored
it anywhere else. He’d like it
close.
Grissom contemplates for a moment. He uncocks and then

holsters his gun. He nods.
GRISSOM
That’s what I’d do.
45.
WILLIAM
I can find it. You don’t really
want to leave here empty handed, do
you?
GRISSOM
Then find it.
William nods erratically.
WILLIAM
Yes, sir.
William looks around the room. He starts tearing it apart

pulling cabinets over and opening drawers.
Grissom sits down on a couch and exhales with frustration.
Missy smiles removing her feet from the desk. She stands and
massages Grissom’s shoulders.
MISSY
I think you need relaxing.
GRISSOM
Do the leg.
Grissom lifts his braced leg and slams it down on the coffee
table. Missy walks round and kneels down. She starts rubbing
his leg. He grins.
INT. SALOON - DAY
Grissom’s gang are enjoying themselves, at the expense of

Ned, standing at the bar wiping it down.
Seamus, Clayton, Moses, Kid and Javier sit at a table playing

poker. Qiang sits in the corner quietly sharpening his
knives.
Elizabeth approaches to collect glasses from the table.

Javier grabs her wrist.
JAVIER
Well, where have you been hiding
since we arrived?
He pulls her down onto his lap. She squirms, but his grip is
tight.
Ned watches Javier run his hands over his daughter, he

reaches under the bar for a sawn-off shotgun.
46.
A knife zips past his head and into the wall behind him. He
looks at the protruding blade, then turns his head to look at
its origin.
Qiang stares at Ned. He stands and slowly walks toward him.

The poker players watch Qiang as he walks around the bar.
Qiang still focused on Ned, reaches under the bar and grabs
the shotgun. He places it on the bar-top.
Seamus stands and takes the shotgun impressed.
Qiang shakes his head and tuts at Ned. He removes his knife
from the wall and returns to his seat. He proceeds to sharpen
his knives.
SEAMUS
You’d be wise not to try anything
barkeep. It won’t end well for you.
Seamus sits back down placing the shotgun down in front of

him. Javier is staring at Ned, he grins.
JAVIER
I think it’s about time I tasted
what this town had to offer. Come
on, chica.
Javier stands, still gripping Elizabeth’s fist. He pulls her

toward the stairs as she pulls back.
Ned storms around the bar and attempts to chase, but Clayton
pushes his chair out from the table to block Ned’s path.
CLAYTON
I wouldn’t if I were you. You don’t
want to upset him, he’ll only take
it out on her. I suggest you get
back behind that bar and pour us
another round of drinks.
NED
You haven’t paid for the last
round.
Clayton draws his gun and cocks it.
CLAYTON
I’ll happily pay in lead, but the
transaction won’t be pleasant.
Ned turns and skulks away back behind the bar. He starts
pouring drinks with a shaking hand.
47.
Clayton uncocks the gun and re-holsters it.
Seamus lays down his cards grinning at his winning hand.

Three aces and two kings.
SEAMUS
Full house, aces over kings.
Seamus laughs as he reaches out to take the pot.
KID
Cheater.
Seamus freezes and stares daggers at Kid.
SEAMUS
What did you call me?
KID
You heard.
SEAMUS
Nobody calls me a cheater.
KID
Well, you are. There’s no way you
were dealt those cards.
SEAMUS
I don’t cheat. And I don’t
appreciate the accusation. You
better apologize.
KID
I ain’t apologizing for jack. Admit
you cheated, you cheater.
SEAMUS
Don’t call me that.
KID
Cheater.
Seamus roars with anger. He dives across the table lunging at

Kid. Glasses crash to the floor and cards and money fly into
the air. He pushes kid off his chair and the two begin to
wrestle on the floor.
Moses and Clayton watch them unimpressed.

48.
Akecheta sits meditating, humming softly. Jackson stares at

the picture of Victoria in the pocket watch.
Akecheta’s falls silent, his eyes open wide.
Jackson frowns.
JACKSON
Something wrong?
Akecheta focuses forward.
AKECHETA
I sense pain and suffering coming
from the North.
JACKSON
The closest thing North is
Harbinger Creek.
Akecheta turns to Jackson with a concerned look upon his

face.
AKECHETA
I feel terror and fear in the wind.
Maybe we should investigate, see if
they require help.
Jackson shakes his head.
JACKSON
I can’t go back there. They think
I’m a murderer.
AKECHETA
They could be in grave danger.
JACKSON
And what am I supposed to do?
AKECHETA
Help them.
JACKSON
They don’t want help from me. I had
to get out of there to escape an
unwarranted execution.
AKECHETA
Are you guilty of the crime?
49.
JACKSON
No.
AKECHETA
Then you had nothing to run from.
By returning you can prove that to
them. Open their eyes and question
their convictions.
Jackson shakes his head. He turns away unconvinced.
JACKSON
I don’t know. They seemed pretty
firm in their convictions. I doubt
they’d even accept my help.
AKECHETA
When desperate for help, people
will seek it anywhere they can find
it. You said it yourself, you run
away from problems. Perhaps you
should try running toward one.
Jackson thinks.
AKECHETA
Are there not people there you
still care for?
Jackson looks at Akecheta.
JACKSON
We head over there and we survey
the situation first. If nothing’s
afoot, we move on.
AKECHETA
Of course.
Jackson begins tearing down the camp.
EXT. WILDERNESS - LATER
Jackson and Akecheta ride their horses hard across the dry
terrain, kicking up dust.
Grissom enters the Mayor’s office. William is searching

through books, casually flicking the pages.
50.
GRISSOM
This is taking longer than I’d
hoped.
A flustered William snaps.
WILLIAM
I’m going as fast as I can.
Grissom frowns gritting his teeth.
WILLIAM
Yes, Mr Grissom, sir. I’ll speed
up.
William scurries out of the room.
Whilst the rest of the gang enjoy themselves in the saloon,

Moses and Kid patrol the streets.
Kid glances over at the saloon, the music and laughter

irritating him.
KID
Why do we have to patrol the town
whilst they get to have all the
fun? I’m better than this, I can
shoot a deer between the eyes from
500 feet. I’m not a kid anymore,
this isn’t fair.
MOSES
You think this isn’t fair? I’ll
tell you what’s not fair, being
taken from your home and shipped
halfway across the world. Being
forced to toll cotton fields until
your fingers are sore and your back
aches. Having the threat of death
looming over you if you so much as
protest. From where I’m standing
kid, your life seems pretty fair to
me.
Moses walks away.
At the edge of town Jackson and Akecheta approach a building,

hiding behind it.
Jackson peers across the town.

51.
JACKSON
Looks quiet as usual. I don’t see
anything wrong.
Akecheta scans the distance. He spots Moses patrolling along

the front of the general store and watches as he stops to
light a cigar.
AKECHETA
Do heavily armed men regularly
patrol the streets at night?
Jackson looks to where Akecheta points.
JACKSON
No, they don’t.
Jackson pulls his gun from its holster.
Akecheta grabs Jackson’s wrist.
AKECHETA
Wait.
JACKSON
What do you mean wait?
AKECHETA
The man who goes into battle blind,
cannot see death is waiting for
him. It would be wise to understand
fully the situation before
engaging.
JACKSON
We need to speak to someone.
AKECHETA
The Marshal? He would be our best
bet.
JACKSON
I’m a wanted man in this town.
Walking into the Marshal’s office
isn’t a good idea.
AKECHETA
There must be someone you can go
to. Someone you trust.
JACKSON
Maybe there is. Follow me.
Jackson disappears behind the building. Akecheta follows him.

52.
EXT. SALOON - NIGHT
Jackson and Akecheta reach the external staircase and creep

up it. The noise from inside drowning out their footsteps.
They enter through the upstairs door.
INT. SALOON, UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT
Jackson and Akecheta make their way along the hallway.

Jackson stops by a bedroom door. He pushes his ear up against
it and listens.
He knocks.
The door is opened by Elizabeth. She has a black eye and cut
lip. Her eyes widen with delight upon seeing Jackson. She
lunges forward wrapping her arms around him.
ELIZABETH
Jackson, I’m so happy to see you.
JACKSON
Ssh! Keep it down. Can we come in?
Elizabeth releases him, she looks over at Akecheta nervously.

He smiles at her.
JACKSON
It’s okay. He’s a friend.
Jackson and Akecheta disappear inside the room closing the

door behind them.
INT. SALOON, ELIZABETH’S ROOM - NIGHT
Elizabeth sits down on the bed. Jackson stares at her.

Akecheta moves over to the window and keeps watch.
JACKSON
What happened to your face?
ELIZABETH
It’s been horrible, Jackson. I
don’t know how much more of this I
can take.
Jackson sits down next to her.
JACKSON
What’s going on?
53.
ELIZABETH
A few days after you left, these
men rode into town. Outlaws. They
said the Mayor had gold, leftover
from what they found in the creek.
They killed him.
JACKSON
Barrett?
A tear runs down her face as she nods.
JACKSON
Why are they still here?
ELIZABETH
They can’t find the gold. They
won’t leave until they have it.
JACKSON
What about my father? Didn’t he do
anything?
ELIZABETH
He tried, but they knocked him out
cold. They have the whole town
frightened. We don’t know what to
do.
JACKSON
It’s going to be okay, Elizabeth.
Jackson wraps his arms around her.
ELIZABETH
Are you here to help?
JACKSON
I am. Now what happened to your
face?
Elizabeth looks up at him with puppy dog eyes.
ELIZABETH
They’re abusing this town in every
way.
Jackson grits his teeth.
INT. MARSHAL’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Jed and Harrison sit playing cards.

54.
Emmett lies on a bunk in a cell. He regains consciousness,

holding his head in pain.
EMMETT
What in God’s name happened?
Harrison stands and approaches.
HARRISON
Are you okay, Marshal?
EMMETT
I got a pounding headache.
HARRISON
You took quite a hit.
EMMETT
From who?
JED
The dame. She cracked you right in
the face.
Emmett sits up.
EMMETT
Are they still here?
HARRISON
Afraid so.
Ned bursts in.
NED
Marshal, I can’t take this anymore.
You need to get rid of these
savages.
EMMETT
Alright Ned, take it easy.
Emmett stands and makes his way to his desk.
EMMETT
Where’s my gun?
HARRISON
Where are you going?
Jed hands Emmett his six-gun. He holsters it.

55.
EMMETT
I’m going to send these rats on
their way, what do you think?
JED
I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Shouldn’t we just call for help?
HARRISON
We can’t. They smashed up the
telegraph office.
JED
I’ll ride to the next town.
HARRISON
It’ll take days. By the time you
get back this town won’t be
standing.
EMMETT
We’re not asking for help. This is
our town, we’re the law. It’s our
job to deal with this.
Jed and Harrison look at each other nervously.
JED
We’re not used to this, Marshal.
The worst we’ve ever had to deal
with was a couple of drunks
scuffling in the saloon.
EMMETT
You’re deputies. It’s time to stop
being yella and do what you’re paid
for.
Jed and Harrison reluctantly grab their gun belts. Ned

watches as they follow Emmett out of the office.
Emmett storms over to the mayor’s house with Jed and Harrison
in tow.
Akecheta spots Emmett.
AKECHETA
Jackson. Come here.
56.
Jackson approaches the window and looks out. Akecheta points

toward Emmett.
JACKSON
That’s my father.
EXT. MAYOR’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Emmett steps onto the porch and bangs on the front door
loudly. He steps back and waits. Jed and Harrison stand
behind him nervously.
Grissom opens the front door and steps out onto the porch.
Clayton follows him out and stands by his side.
Jackson and Akecheta continue to watch.
AKECHETA
That must be their leader.
Jackson tries to get a closer look at Clayton.
JACKSON
The man with the eye-patch. He
looks familiar.
Grissom grins, looking down on Emmett.
GRISSOM
Marshal Reynard, is it? What a nice
surprise. Good to see you up and
about finally. What brings you to
my door?
EMMETT
Cut the crap. I want you and your
men out of my town. Now.
Grissom’s smile disappears.
GRISSOM
I’m afraid that’s not going to
happen. I have important business
here.
57.
EMMETT
I don’t care. You’re terrorizing
the simple folk who live here. So
I’m going to tell you one more
time. I want you and your men out
of my town.
GRISSOM
Or what?
EMMETT
Or I tell the undertaker to start
digging graves.
Emmett places his hand down by his gun.
GRISSOM
If you don’t turn around and walk
away, he’ll only need to dig one.
Emmett and Grissom stare at each other in silence. Emmett

squints trying to read Grissom.
Emmett draws his gun, but Grissom is much too quick. The
gunshot echoes throughout the town. Emmett stumbles back,
dead before he hits the ground.
Jackson watches in horror.
JACKSON
No.
Jed and Harrison raise their hands in surrender taking a step

back as Grissom still points his gun toward them.
Harrison rips the tin star from his shirt and throws it on
the ground. Jed does likewise. They turn and walk away, Jed
still limping.
Grissom holsters his gun and turns to head inside. As he

enters he glances at Clayton.
GRISSOM
Put him on display. Make sure this
town understands there ain’t no
law, no more.
Clayton nods.
58.
Jackson draws his gun and heads for the door. Akecheta chases
after him. He grabs him before he can leave, and pushes him
up against the wall.
JACKSON
Get off of me.
AKECHETA
You’ll be killed if you go out
there.
JACKSON
As long as I kill him first, I
don’t care.
AKECHETA
You won’t even get within ten feet
of him. Retribution will come, but
we need to be patient. We must form
a plan first.
Jackson breathes heavy.
AKECHETA
I promise you, he will pay.
Jackson holsters his gun.
Akecheta turns to Elizabeth.
AKECHETA
Miss, we need a place to hold up.
ELIZABETH
You can stay here.
AKECHETA
No, it’s too busy, too risky. We
need somewhere empty and quiet.
Elizabeth thinks for a moment.
ELIZABETH
I guess you could stay in Butchers.
He won’t be using it.
Jackson looks up at her.
JACKSON
Why not?
59.
ELIZABETH
They killed him too.
JACKSON
What about Margaret?
Elizabeth drops her head mournfully.
ELIZABETH
She died.
AKECHETA
Come on. We should go. Thank you,
Miss.
As they exit through the door, Elizabeth jumps to her feet.
ELIZABETH
Be careful.
EXT. SALOON - NIGHT
Akecheta helps Jackson down the external staircase. Jackson

hanging his head in sorrow.
Just as they reach the bottom, they freeze. Kid stands before
them lighting a cigarette. As he looks up and sees Jackson
and Akecheta in front of him, he flicks his cigarette at
Akecheta’s face and goes for his gun.
While Akecheta rubs the burn from his eyes, Jackson lunges
toward Kid tackling him to the ground, Kid’s gun slides
across the ground. He punches Kid in the face, but Kid throws
his knee into Jackson’s groin.
Jackson rolls off him onto his back in agony. Kid jumps on
top of him and wraps his hands around his neck.
Jackson gasps for breath. Akecheta wraps his arm around Kid’s
throat and pulls him from Jackson. They stumble back,
Akecheta slamming his back up against the building.
Kid tries to scream for help. Akecheta places a hand over his
mouth. Akecheta tightens his arm snapping Kid’s neck. He goes
limp.
Akecheta releases his arm, dropping him to the ground.
They look at each other.

60.
JACKSON
Come on.
They run off into the darkness.
INT. JOSHUA’S BUTCHERS - NIGHT
Jackson and Akecheta enter closing the door behind them.

Jackson leans up against the wall. He slides down it sitting
on the floor.
Akecheta heads to the window and checks outside.
JACKSON
I should have done something? I
should have stopped him? Instead I
just stood there and watched my own
father die.
Akecheta takes a glass and fills it from a bottle of bourbon

on the counter. He hands it to Jackson.
AKECHETA
Drink this.
Jackson downs it.
Akecheta pulls up a chair and sits.
AKECHETA
When my village was attacked by
white men, my older brother and I
managed to get away and hide. We
watched as they slaughtered my
people and burnt our homes. Then we
witnessed them torture my father. I
couldn’t watch, but I could still
hear his screams. My brother went
to help him, but there was too many
of them. They caught him and
tortured him too. I wanted to help,
but I knew if I tried I would
suffer the same fate. I closed my
eyes and blocked out their screams,
knowing one day I would get
revenge.
JACKSON
And did you?
AKECHETA
I remembered two of the men’s
faces. They were etched in my mind.
(MORE)
61.
AKECHETA (CONT'D)
Years later, I came across a camp
one evening and recognised them. I
scalped them, and listened to them
scream before putting a bullet in
their head. My family’s screams
haunted my nightmares for years,
but now, the only screams I hear
are of the two men I killed.
Retribution will come to those who
are patient, you just have to wait
for the moment to present itself.
Jackson gets to his feet and makes his way over to the
window. He looks over at the Mayor’s house.
JACKSON
I hope you’re right.
The sun rises over the town.
The rooms have been trashed. Bookcases pulled over, drawers

open, papers scattered across the floor.
William sits at the desk, stressed. He rubs his face and

looks forward nervously. He looks down at the floor.
As he stares, he notices something odd about the floorboards.

He stands to get a closer look.
He stamps on the floor board and feels them loose. He grabs

the letter opener from the desk and uses it to pry the
floorboard up.
He lifts up a couple more panels to reveal a safe in the

floor.
William grins.
INT. SALOON - DAY
Ned is tidying the trashed saloon. He glances up at Grissom

who sits at a table alone eating breakfast.
William bursts in and makes a beeline for Grissom. He sits

down opposite him.
62.
WILLIAM
I’ve found it. A safe hidden in the
floor. It has to be in there. I
just need to find the code. He must
have it written down somewhere. He
never had a very good memory.
Grissom draws his hunting knife from it’s scabbard and slams
it down into the table top. It goes straight through a gap
and into William’s thigh.
William grabs his leg in shock.
Grissom leans in close, still holding onto the knife.
GRISSOM
If you ever disturb me when I’m
eating again, I’ll add you to the
menu.
Grissom pulls the knife out.
William collapses to the floor in agony, blood dripping on

the floor. Ned watches with fear.
Grissom turns to Ned.
GRISSOM
Another cup of coffee, barkeep.
Ned gives a panicked nod and rushes behind the bar.
Emmett’s body is presented in an upright coffin outside the

undertakers. A sign is around his neck that reads ‘No Law’.
Akecheta sits on the bed meditating, humming softly. Jackson

sits on a chair by the window staring at Emmett’s body. He
closes his eyes briefly and looks away.
He has a piece of paper and pen in front of him with notes.

It reads: Leader, Eye-patch, Negro, kid. Kid has been crossed
out.
He spots Javier exit the hotel and make his way across the
street to the saloon.
He adds “Mexican” to the list.

63.
JACKSON
Every time I think I know them all,
another crawls out the woodwork.
How are we supposed to do this?
There’s too many.
Akecheta stops humming and opens his eyes.
AKECHETA
To kill a snake, you must remove
the head and the body will die with
it.
JACKSON
What are you saying?
AKECHETA
You kill the leader. The rest will
lose their guidance and crumble.
JACKSON
How can you be so sure?
AKECHETA
I can’t, but from my experience
most men fight on order. Without
those orders and without reward,
they have no reason to risk their
lives.
JACKSON
So, I just need to wait until he’s
alone?
AKECHETA
Precisely, patience is everything.
Seamus lights a cigarette and makes his way round the back of
the saloon toward the outhouse.
He spots Kid’s body on the floor and panics.
SEAMUS
Jesus.
He starts screaming as he runs over to the Mayor’s house.
SEAMUS
Grissom. Grissom.
Grissom steps out of the saloon.

64.
GRISSOM
What’s going on?
Seamus turns and runs over to Grissom.
SEAMUS
It’s the Kid.
GRISSOM
What about him?
EXT. SALOON - DAY
Grissom stands over Kid’s pale body. He crouches down to take

a closer look.
He reaches out and moves the Kid’s head from one side to the
other. It flops.
Grissom drags Kid’s body by his ankle into the centre of the
town.
Many of the towns people look on in horror.
Grissom drops Kid’s leg and looks around at everyone.
GRISSOM
Listen up. Somebody murdered one of
my men last night. I want to know
who, right now.
Everybody looks at each other anxiously. Grissom waits

impatiently.
GRISSOM
I said, I want to know who killed
him.
Jackson looks out the window. He spots Grissom standing by

Kid’s body.
JACKSON
We’ve got a problem.
Akecheta approaches the window to take a look.

65.
JACKSON
They found the body.
AKECHETA
We should have hidden it.
Jackson grabs the rifle and cocks it.
JACKSON
I’m ending this.
AKECHETA
Wait. This isn’t like shooting a
buck. If you miss, they’ll know
we’re here and we’ll lose the
element of surprise.
Jackson looks at him and lowers the gun.
Grissom scans the towns people among the silence. He spots a

small boy standing by his mother and makes a beeline for him.
He grabs the boy’s hand and pulls him away from his screaming
mother.
He pulls the boy into the centre of the street and draws his
gun.
GRISSOM
I want the man responsible to come
forward right now, or I shoot the
boy.
The boy starts crying screaming out for his mother. His
mother does the same as she is held back by Javier.
Grissom cocks the gun and points it at the boys head.
Jackson and Akecheta are still watching. Jackson gets up and

heads for the door.
JACKSON
I have to go out there.
AKECHETA
No. I will go.
66.
JACKSON
He’ll kill you.
AKECHETA
And you will kill him. You need to
save these people. To do that you
must be alive. Besides, I killed
the boy, this is my responsibility.
He places his hands on Jackson’s shoulder.
AKECHETA
Good luck, my friend. It has been
an honour.
Jackson watches speechless as Akecheta opens the door and

leaves. Jackson rushes back over to the window.
Grissom is still waiting. He lines up his gun ready to shoot

the boy.
GRISSOM
I’m going to count to three. One,
two-
AKECHETA (O.S.)
Release the boy.
Grissom looks over to see Akecheta walk slowly toward him.

His hands are raised.
GRISSOM
Who the hell are you?
AKECHETA
I am the man you seek. I killed
him.
Grissom throws the boy to the ground. He gets up and runs

back over to his mother.
GRISSOM
I don’t remember seeing a Redskin
in this town. Where’d you come
from?
AKECHETA
I arrived yesterday, under the
cover of darkness.
67.
GRISSOM
You should have rode on through.
You made a big mistake killing this
man.
AKECHETA
I did exactly what I intended. I
stand up to tyranny when I see it.
GRISSOM
You think I’m a tyrant?
Akecheta nods.
GRISSOM
Let me show you what a tyrant can
do. Boys, let’s give this Redskin a
slay ride.
Grissom’s men whoop and holler. Javier and Seamus start

binding Akecheta’s hands and feet together with rope.
Clayton brings a horse over.
Jackson watches on with confusion.
Seamus ties a length of rope to the horse and the other end
to the binding around Akecheta’s ankles.
The townspeople are still watching unsure what to do.
Grissom steps closer to Akecheta, their faces almost

touching. Akecheta is expressionless, he just stares at
Grissom.
GRISSOM
This is gonna hurt.
Grissom nods at Clayton.
Clayton whips the horse. The horse bucks and sprints forward.
Akecheta is pulled off his feet and dragged along the hard
ground behind it.
The horse continues to run out of the town as Grissom watches

with a grin on his face.
68.
GRISSOM
Let that be a lesson to everyone.
You kill one of my men, you pay the
ultimate price.
Jackson picks up the rifle and aims down the sight at

Grissom. He takes a deep breath, his finger resting on the
trigger.
He lowers the rifle and drops to his knees, frustrated.
INT. JOSHUA’S BUTCHERS - DAY
Jackson is in the back-room searching through cupboards. He

finds a loaf of bread and takes a large bite.
The sound of the door opening alerts him. He puts the bread
down and stands against the wall by the door.
He peers round to see Qiang looking around the room.
Qiang makes his way toward the backroom. As he enters Jackson

reaches out to grab him, but Qiang’s reflexes are too quick
for him.
Qiang punches Jackson in the stomach and kicks him. Jackson

stumbles back across the room into a table.
He lunges forward to attack again, but Qiang’s movements

counter every one of his attempts.
Qiang goes on the offensive, throwing Jackson around the room

smashing into furniture.
As he lies on the floor catching his breath, Qiang stands

over him and draws two knives.
Jackson gets to his feet. Qiang starts swiping at him with

the knives and he does his best to avoid each slice. He grabs
a chopping board and uses it as a shield.
Qiang stabs the board with one knife. Jackson uses this
opportunity to pull the knife from his grip.
Qiang kicks the board from his hands and stabs him in the
side with the other knife. Jackson screams out in agony.
He grabs Qiang and pushes him back against the wall punching
him in the face numerous times until he draws blood.
69.
Jackson pulls the knife from his side and stabs Qiang in the
chest with it. Qiang squeals before slumping to the floor.
Jackson steps back and looks down at his bleeding side. He

then looks at Qiang’s body.
He picks up Qiang, wincing in pain and throws him over his

shoulder. He heads over to the freezer door and opens it. He
dumps Qiang down inside and steps out closing the door behind
him.
He looks down at his wound.
INT. SALOON, ELIZABETH’S ROOM - LATER
Jackson sits on the bed shirtless, staring into space.

Elizabeth sews his wound with a needle and thread. Every time
she pierces his skin, he winces.
ELIZABETH
I’m sorry about your father.
Elizabeth waits for a response. She finishes sewing and

starts wrapping bandage around him.
ELIZABETH
I told you to be careful. I can’t
lose you, not now.
JACKSON
Where was she buried?
ELIZABETH
Victoria?
Jackson nods.
ELIZABETH
Out in the cemetery. Under the
tree.
JACKSON
Just where she wanted.
Jackson looks into Elizabeth’s eyes.
JACKSON
You know I didn’t kill her, right?
ELIZABETH
Of course, I’ve never seen such
love between two people.
70.
Elizabeth finishes bandaging.
ELIZABETH
There, you’re all patched up.
Jackson looks down at his bandaged waist.
JACKSON
Thanks.
ELIZABETH
You’re welcome.
Jackson starts putting his shirt on. Elizabeth stares at him,

he looks into her eyes.
Elizabeth leans forward and kisses him. He kisses back before

pulling away.
ELIZABETH
I’m sorry.
JACKSON
I should go.
Jackson stands and heads for the door. He turns to look at a

scared Elizabeth still sitting on the bed.
JACKSON
I’m going to get rid of them. I
promise.
Elizabeth smiles.
ELIZABETH
Just don’t get killed trying.
Jackson opens the door and leaves.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Grissom is in bed with Missy, cuddling.
MISSY
I could stay like this all day.
GRISSOM
Me too.
MISSY
I was thinking, if we get this gold-
71.
GRISSOM
When, not if. When we get this
gold.
MISSY
When we get this gold and you’ve
paid off your debt, maybe we could
use the rest of our share for a
small wedding.
GRISSOM
You want to get married?
MISSY
Well, yeah. I thought that was
always the plan. You always said
someone should make an honest lady
out of me.
GRISSOM
Yeah, someone. I didn’t exactly
mean me?
MISSY
You don’t want to marry me.
GRISSOM
I’ve been married before and it
didn’t work out.
MISSY
Don’t you love me?
GRISSOM
Of course I love you. Can’t we talk
about this some other time. My mind
is a little preoccupied right now.
MISSY
If you don’t want to marry me, just
say.
Missy jumps out of the bed and goes behind a changing screen.
GRISSOM
Missy.
Grissom huffs. He gets out wearing his union suit and walks
over to a chamber pot in the corner. He urinates. There is a
knock at the door.
GRISSOM
What is it?
72.
The door opens. Clayton enters. He sees Grissom is mid-

urination and embarrassed, looks to the ceiling.
CLAYTON
The chinaman’s missing.
Grissom shouts over his shoulder.
GRISSOM
Missing?
CLAYTON
Nobody has seen him in a while. We
can’t find him anywhere.
GRISSOM
Well, keep looking. He has to be
around here somewhere.
Clayton nods and quickly exits.
EXT. HARBINGER CREEK, CEMEMTERY - NIGHT
Jackson searches, scanning the names on the gravestones. He

heads toward the tree in the centre and finds Victoria’s.
He crouches down and places a small flower on the grave.
JACKSON
I’m going to find out who took you
from me, I promise.
Voices near the cemetery. Jackson hides behind the tree as he

listens to Seamus and Moses walking past talking.
SEAMUS
Do you think he ran off?
MOSES
Why would he run off?
SEAMUS
I don’t know but it makes more
sense than him just disappearing.
On second thoughts maybe he did
disappear, those chinks are real
mysterious.
MOSES
He’s around here somewhere.
They disappear into the dark. Jackson reappears from behind

the tree and sneaks off in the other direction.
73.
EXT. CHURCH - NIGHT
Mrs Donovan cautiously approaches the rear door of the

church. She ensures no one is watching her and knocks with a
pattern on the door.
The door opens slightly and she slips inside.
INT. CHURCH - NIGHT
A few of the townspeople are gathered. They are arguing with

each other, careful to keep their voices down, but the
arguing increases in volume.
Mr Jameson stands at the pulpit. FATHER MCGINLEY (60s) stands

behind him listening.
MR JAMESON
People please, keep it down.
The volume of the noise lowers until there is silence.
MR JAMESON
The last thing we need is Grissom
and his men breaking down the
doors. Now we need to come up with
a plan to get rid of these brutes,
but we need to do it
diplomatically, all this arguing
will achieve nothing.
NED
I don’t care how it’s done. I just
want them gone.
MR JAMESON
Plus, any gold that poor excuse for
a mayor kept from us should stay in
this town.
A round of agreeing nods passes through the crowd.
MR JAMESON
So, what do we do, to get rid of
them and keep the gold?
Everybody looks around at each other waiting for someone to

come forward.
Mr Jameson looks around.
MR JAMESON
Nothing?
74.
ELIZABETH (O.S.)
I know someone who can help.
They all turn to look at Elizabeth standing by the doors.
MR JAMESON
Who?
Elizabeth steps aside. Jackson appears from behind a pillar.

A large gasp from everyone.
MR JAMESON
What the hell is he doing back
here? After what he did, he should
be six feet under.
ELIZABETH
He wants to help us and I think we
should let him.
MR JAMESON
And what is he going to do?
JACKSON
I’ve already killed one of his men.
MR JAMESON
That doesn’t surprise me, you’re
well versed in that field.
JACKSON
I didn’t kill Miss Dennehy.
MR JAMESON
Then why did you run?
JACKSON
You didn’t give me much choice.
Barrett Dennehy was already tying
the noose.
Mrs Donovan stands up from the crowd.
MRS DONOVAN
Who here really believes Jackson
murdered that poor girl?
MR JAMESON
He was found by her body covered in
her blood.
75.
MRS DONOVAN
That does not mean he killed her,
only that he was the poor
unfortunate soul who found her. He
was going to marry her for pity’s
sake, why would he want to kill
her? Everyone is entitled to a fair
trial and if we were to have a
trial for him right now, I for one
would vote not guilty. Who else
agrees?
Mrs Donovan raises her hand.
MR JAMESON
I don’t think-
MRS DONOVAN
Who agrees with me?
A few hands are raised, gradually more go up until everyone

is in agreement.
Mrs Donovan turns to Jackson and smiles.
MRS DONOVAN
Jackson Reynard, you have been
found not guilty for the murder of
Victoria Dennehy. Now will you help
us rid this town of these ghastly
men?
Jackson nods.
A loud knock on the main doors startle everyone. Clayton’s

voice shouts through the thick wood.
CLAYTON
Open this door. Now!
Mrs Donovan turns to Jackson.
MRS DONOVAN
I think it best you not be here,
right now. Go out the back.
Jackson nods. Elizabeth takes his hand and pulls him down the
aisle to the rear door. They open it and slips outside.
One of the townsfolk unlocks the main doors and pulls them
open. Clayton pushes into the room with Seamus and Moses
behind him.
The townsfolk stare at them nervously.

76.
CLAYTON
What the hell is going on in here?
Father McGinley steps forward.
MCGINLEY
Mass.
CLAYTON
A little late for mass, ain’t it,
Padre?
MCGINLEY
It’s never too late for mass.
Besides this is the only time the
folk aren’t otherwise engaged.
Clayton stares at him and then looks around at the nervous

faces.
CLAYTON
Alright, listen up. This church is
hereby closed until further notice.
You are no longer allowed to
congregate for the foreseeable
future. Now, everyone out.
Seamus and Moses start pushing people out the doors. Father
McGinley approaches Clayton.
MCGINLEY
Please, you can’t ban these people
from the church. They need a place
to worship God.
CLAYTON
Ain’t God omnipresent, Padre?
MCGINLEY
Yes.
CLAYTON
They they can worship him anywhere.
Clayton grins and playfully slaps McGinley on the cheek. He

turns and walks away.
Jackson lies on the bed. He takes a bite from an apple. The

sound of glass smashing downstairs startles him. He pauses.
77.
Downstairs Moses unlocks the front door through a broken

window pane and enters followed by Seamus. They walk around
the shop floor.
Jackson puts the apple down on the night-stand next to a

sandwich. He grabs his gun.
Jackson climbs off the bed and slides underneath.
Moses and Seamus make their way through to the back-room.

Moses spots fresh blood stains on the wood floor. He pats
Seamus on the shoulder and points to it. Seamus looks down.
A rat climbs onto the night-stand and onto the apple. He

apple rolls off the night-stand and hits the floor hard.
Jackson looks behind him at the apple rolling along the

floor.
Moses and Seamus hear the sound upstairs. They draw their
guns. Moses looks over at the staircase and starts climbing.
Seamus follows close behind.
Moses enters the bedroom and looks around. Seamus steps in

after him. Moses spots the fresh food on the night-stand. He
taps Seamus and gestures toward the bed. Seamus prepares
himself.
Moses lifts the mattress as Seamus points his gun, but there
is nobody underneath. The sound of a squeak. Seamus whips
around and fires at a rat scurrying away. He misses. Moses
watches the rat disappear into the wall and smirks.
MOSES
Let’s go.
78.
Moses exits the room. Seamus stops to take one last look at
the room. We see Jackson standing behind the door with his
gun pointing at the door in line with Seamus’ head.
Seamus exits and heads downstairs. Jackson relaxes lowering

his gun.
Moses reaches the bottom of the stairs and looks at the blood
stain. He follows a trail leading to a freezer door.
He opens the door to find Qiang’s body frozen inside. Moses

and Seamus look at each other in shock.
Jackson watches out the window as Moses exits the building

and runs down the street. Jackson starts collecting his
things.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE - DAY
Grissom sits on a couch reading a book. He wears thin reading

glasses.
Moses bursts into the room.
MOSES
Mr Grissom, sir.
Grissom looks up over his glasses.
GRISSOM
What is it, Moses?
MOSES
I found the china man.
GRISSOM
Good.
MOSES
No. He dead.
Grissom frowns, staring off into the distance.
GRISSOM
Gather them outside.
79.
MOSES
Who?
Grissom stares intently at Moses.
GRISSOM
Everyone.
Everybody is standing outside, others are pushed out of their

homes and businesses into the street by Grissom’s men.
Grissom makes his way to the centre of the town. The

townsfolk are lined up. He shakes his head as he walks down
the line.
GRISSOM
I have just been informed that
another of my men has been
murdered. Now I know this time it
ain’t no Redskin, which means it’s
one of you. Whoever’s responsible
step forward now, or I start
shooting people at random.
Everybody looks at each other nervously.
Grissom takes out his gun. He cocks it.
GRISSOM
Very well.
Grissom raises his gun at a young woman, she bursts into

tears. Mr Jameson steps forward.
MR JAMESON
I know who it was.
Grissom turns to him. He lowers his weapon.
MRS DONOVAN
Mr Jameson, no.
GRISSOM
Shut up.
He storms over to Mr Jameson shoving his face close.
GRISSOM
Who?
80.
MR JAMESON
He was a deputy here, until he
left. He rode back into town a few
days ago. He’s been staying in the
butchers.
Grissom points his gun into Jameson’s face.
GRISSOM
How do I know you’re not lying?
Maybe you’re covering your own
back.
MR JAMESON
I’m telling the truth. He’s in that
building.
MOSES
I think he’s right. It looks like
someone’s been living there
recently. We thought it was empty.
Grissom holsters his gun.
GRISSOM
Then let’s take a look.
Grissom stares at Qiang’s body. Moses, Clayton and Javier

stand behind him.
GRISSOM
Get him out of there.
Moses and Javier pick up Qiang’s frozen body and carry him
out.
Grissom enters the bedroom followed by Clayton. Grissom looks

at the sandwich on the night-stand. He walks round the
bedroom and spots the half eaten apple on the floor. He picks
it up and sits down on the bed.
GRISSOM
I want everyone to hunt this guy
down. He thinks he can start
policing this town, not while I’m
here.
81.
Clayton nods and heads downstairs. Grissom takes a bite out

of the apple.
Grissom’s men stalk the town. They burst into buildings.
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY
Moses enters and starts tearing it apart. The owner cowers

behind the counter as his produce is cast across the room.
INT. UNDERTAKERS - DAY
Seamus enters pushing the startled UNDERTAKER to one side and

entering the back room. The sound of rustling, he returns
pushing the undertaker again.
INT. SALOON - DAY
Missy kicks in the bedroom doors upstairs. Each one

containing terrified occupants.
EXT. SALOON - DAY
Elizabeth hides behind the building, clutching a basket. She

watches Grissom’s men hunting. Once the coast is clear she
makes her way over to the church, the bells ringing loudly.
Clayton steps in her way.
CLAYTON
Where are you heading off to,
little lady?
ELIZABETH
I’m going to church.
CLAYTON
Church? Don’t you know the church
is off limit?
ELIZABETH
I’m visiting Father McGinley. To
give him his supper.
Elizabeth pulls back a cloth covering the basket to reveal a

sandwich and an apple.
82.
Clayton rummages around in the basket with his dirty hands,

handling the sandwich and apple to ensure nothing is
concealed.
He looks up at Elizabeth.
CLAYTON
Can’t have Padre starving now, can
we? Run along.
Elizabeth continues on to the church doors. Clayton watches

her as she enters the building.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Elizabeth makes her way down the aisle. She passes Father
McGinley pulling on the bell ropes. She smiles at him, he
smiles back.
She heads to the back of the church and pulls back a rug from
the floor to reveal a wooden hatch. She opens the hatch and
climbs down a ladder.
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - DAY
Elizabeth reaches the bottom, the loud sound of rifle shots

being fired. She finds Jackson practicing his shooting, to
various success on a target painted on the wall.
ELIZABETH
Here, I brought you some food.
JACKSON
I’m not hungry.
ELIZABETH
You should eat.
Jackson ignores her, focusing on his shooting.
ELIZABETH
They’re out searching for you.
JACKSON
I know.
ELIZABETH
It’s only a matter of time before
they find you here.
83.
JACKSON
Then I’d better kill Grissom while
I have the chance. Tonight.
ELIZABETH
Please, be careful.
JACKSON
You don’t have to worry about me. I
know what I’m doing.
ELIZABETH
I have to go.
She kisses Jackson on the cheek, he feels something. He stops

shooting.
JACKSON
Elizabeth.
She stops and turns to him. He looks over his shoulder at

her.
JACKSON
Tell Father he can stop ringing the
bells.
Elizabeth nods. Jackson watches as she climbs the ladder.
Jackson sits down on an old chair and puts down the rifle. He
picks up the plate of food and looks at the pulled apart
sandwich. The white bread covered in black greasy stains. He
turns his nose up in disgust and takes a bite from the apple.
Father McGinley makes his way down the ladder and approaches
Jackson.
MCGINLEY
The young lady says you’re going to
murder that cruel man tonight.
JACKSON
Let me guess, you’ve come down here
to talk me out it. Tell me that
it’s God’s decision who lives and
who dies.
McGinley sits down next to him.
MCGINLEY
Actually, no. God seems to be
ignoring my prayers of late.
(MORE)
84.
MCGINLEY (CONT'D)
He has done nothing to stop that
man and I fear if nobody does
anything, it could be detrimental
to the future of this town.
Somebody needs to step up and act.
Just make sure you watch your back,
I’m sure he’s watching his.
JACKSON
I will, Father.
McGinley pats Jackson on the back and stands.
MCGINLEY
Your father would be proud. He’s
brought you up well. A brave young
man you are. I hope you can save
us.
McGinley turns and heads for the ladder. Jackson takes his
pocket watch out and opens it to take a look at the photo of
Victoria.
The town is silent. Music and laughter can be heard coming

from the saloon. Jackson sneaks across the rooftops to the
roof of the Mayor’s house. He finds an open window and climbs
in.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Jackson makes his way from room to room searching.
Jackson stumbles upon William reading through a book.
William comes across an eight digit number written in the

front page. He smiles to himself.
Jackson’s foot creaks on a floorboard. William looks up at

him.
WILLIAM
Jackson?
JACKSON
What are you doing here?
85.
WILLIAM
I didn’t know you were back.
William stands.
JACKSON
I’ve been back a few days now.
William nods.
WILLIAM
You’ve been killing Grissom’s men?
JACKSON
That’s right.
WILLIAM
You’re making a big mistake. He’s
not to be messed with.
Jackson looks around at the mess.
JACKSON
I suppose you’re working with him.
Easier to bend over than to stand
up.
WILLIAM
The Mayor stole gold. I’m just
getting it back for the town.
JACKSON
Right, for the town. Because you’ve
always been as honest as that
bastard.
William looks over to a gun on a table. Jackson catches him

looking and draws his own gun.
JACKSON
Don’t even think about it.
A window smashes outside, distracting Jackson’s attention.

William uses the opportunity to dive for the gun, but Jackson
is too quick shooting the gun off the table. It flies across
the room out of William’s reach.
Jackson storms over to him and grabs his lapels. He slams

William up against the wall and pushes the barrel of his gun
into William’s chin.
JACKSON
Where’s Grissom?
86.
WILLIAM
He’s not here.
JACKSON
Where is he?
WILLIAM
I don’t know.
Jackson holsters the gun and punches William in the stomach.
JACKSON
Where?
WILLIAM
I told you, I don’t know.
JACKSON
I never liked you.
WILLIAM
The feelings mutual.
Jackson grabs Williams shirt with his other hand, but in the
process pulls the chain of a necklace from under the collar.
A pendant pops out on show. Jackson stares at it with
recognition.
It’s the pendant from Victoria’s necklace. Jackson yanks the

chain snapping it. It looks closer at the pendant.
JACKSON
This is Victoria’s. She lost it the
day she died.
William gulps. He stares at Jackson nervously, breathing

heavily through his nose.
Jackson frowns.
JACKSON
You killed her? You murdered my
wife.
WILLIAM
Look, Jackson-
Jackson throws William across the room. He crashes into a

shelf knocking ornaments to the floor.
Jackson draws his gun pointing it at William.
JACKSON
Why?
87.
WILLIAM
I should have married her. I was
the one that loved her first. We
were meant for each other. Then you
come home from the war and just
take her. It was you, her, the
Marshal and the Mayor, playing
happy families. Where was I, left
on the sidelines, ignored. I hated
all of you.
JACKSON
Why did you kill her?
WILLIAM
I didn’t want to kill her, but she
suspected my plan and was
threatening to tell her father. I
tried explaining to her that he was
no better, stealing from the town,
but she wouldn’t listen.
JACKSON
You son of a bitch.
WILLIAM
If you ask me, that whore is better
off dead than with you.
JACKSON
You shut your mouth.
WILLIAM
I knew about you and Elizabeth. You
lying sack of shit.
JACKSON
Shut up.
WILLIAM
I told her you know, but the stupid
bitch didn’t believe me. She’s up
there right now though, probably
ashamed she ever met you.
JACKSON
I said shut up.
WILLIAM
You’ll never be with her again.
She’s up in heaven, but you’re
going straight to hell. If
anything, I did her a favour.
88.
Jackson screams, he shoots unloading all six bullets into

William. He collapses to the floor.
EXT. SALOON - NIGHT
Clayton is outside the front door smoking. He is alerted by

the gunshots. He sees the flashes of light through a window
and rushes over.
Jackson stares into the distance, he picks up the book with

the code and tears out the page. He hears Grissom’s men exit
the saloon alerted by the shots. He tries to open the window,
but it’s locked.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE, UPSTAIRS LANDING - NIGHT
Jackson exits the bedroom, but hears Clayton rushing up the

stairs. He runs past the stairs, Clayton fires a shot, it
just misses Jackson’s head.
Clayton pursues Jackson into a second bedroom.
INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE, BEDROOM 2 - NIGHT
Jackson is hiding beside the door. He grabs Clayton and

punches him knocking him to the floor. He picks up Clayton’s
gun and aims at him. Clayton scours at him.
Jackson pulls the trigger, but the gun is empty. Jackson

drops the gun and jumps through the open window.
Clayton gets up and pulls another gun from his holster. He

leans out the window and fires at Jackson.
Jackson runs along the roof, dodging the bullets heading

toward him. Grissom’s men spot him and start shooting. He
jumps across to the next building, and disappears.
Grissom stands over William’s body. He shakes his head.

Clayton and Missy stand behind him.
89.
CLAYTON
I saw his face. I recognized him,
but I can’t remember where from.
MISSY
Looks like we won’t be getting our
hands on that gold, especially with
this little rat causing problems.
Grissom trashes the room, throwing furniture around. When

he’s done he stands exhausted, panting.
CLAYTON
We’ll find him. He can’t hide.
Grissom shakes his head.
GRISSOM
No. Get everyone in the saloon.
Now. We’re going to kill that son
of a bitch and then I’m going to
find that gold even if I have to
raze this town to the ground.
Clayton nods and exits hastily.
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - NIGHT
Jackson climbs down the ladder and makes his way over to a
makeshift bed. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
He takes out the pendant from his pocket and kisses it.
He reaches into his other pocket taking out the page from the
book. He studies the number.
INT. SALOON - NIGHT
The whole town has been ushered into the saloon still dressed
in their night-wear. They stand around anxiously as Grissom’s
men stand around them armed.
Grissom bursts into the room seething. He starts walking

around the room scanning faces.
GRISSOM
There is a rat in this town,
scurrying around and killing my
men. Somebody here knows where he’s
hiding and they are going to tell
me.
90.
They all stare at Grissom. He approaches Mr Jameson.
GRISSOM
Do you know where he is?
MR JAMESON
No.
He moves over to Mrs Donovan, her face steely.
GRISSOM
What about you? Do you know where
he’s hiding?
MRS DONOVAN
I wouldn’t tell you if I did.
GRISSOM
Somebody here does, and we’re going
to stay here all night until we
find out who.
Elizabeth slinks back trying to hide behind people. Grissom

catches her attempts.
He makes his way toward her. He grabs her arm and looks into
her eyes. Ned tries to help her, but Javier pushes a gun into
his face.
GRISSOM
Do you know where he’s hiding?
Elizabeth looks away. She shakes her head. Grissom grins.
GRISSOM
I think you do. Where is he?
ELIZABETH
I don’t know.
Grissom slaps her.
Ned watches on in horror.
ELIZABETH
He’ll kill you before you find him.
She spits in his face. Grissom wipes the spittle away.
GRISSOM
Very well. If you won’t take us to
him, you can bring him to us.
91.
Grissom pulls her through the crowd toward the saloon doors.
Several of the towns men try to step in and help, but
Grissom’s men are quick to hold them back.
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - DAY
Father McGinley runs over to a sleeping Jackson. He nudges

him.
MCGINLEY
Jackson. Wake up.
JACKSON
What is it?
MCGINLEY
You must come upstairs, quickly.
Jackson jumps out of the bed.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
McGinley gestures Jackson to look out the window. He does so.
INT/EXT. CHURCH/HARBINGER CREEK - DAY
Jackson sees at the other end of the town, Elizabeth standing

on a stool in front of the mayor’s house with a noose around
her neck tied to the porch roof. Grissom, Clayton and Missy
stand around her waiting.
Jackson looks away in shock.
JACKSON
Jesus.
MCGINLEY
Jesus, indeed. What are you going
to do?
Jackson is deep in thought.
Jackson walks down the street toward the Mayor’s house.

Elizabeth struggles to stand on the stool. Grissom smiles to
himself.
92.
Jackson stops 15 feet away from them. Seamus pops up on a

rooftop to the left of him, Javier appears at a balcony to
his right. They both aim their rifles.
Moses appears behind him aiming his gun.
GRISSOM
Nice of you to finally show your
face. Who the hell are you?
JACKSON
My name is Jackson Reynard.
Clayton perks up upon hearing his name.
GRISSOM
Reynard. Any relation to Marshal
Reynard?
JACKSON
He was my father.
GRISSOM
Oh, I killed your father.
JACKSON
I know.
GRISSOM
I would apologize, but I’m not
sorry.
JACKSON
I’m not looking for an apology.
Grissom laughs.
GRISSOM
Well, here we are.
JACKSON
Here we are.
GRISSOM
You killed two of my men. I can’t
let that pass.
JACKSON
I’m ready to kill more.
Grissom laughs.
93.
GRISSOM
I don’t think so. You walked out
here, now you’re surrounded. I’m
afraid, it’s the end of the line
for you.
JACKSON
You kill me, you won’t get the
gold. I have the code for the safe.
I took it from Mr Munsford before
he died.
GRISSOM
Then I suggest you hand it over.
JACKSON
You let her go first. Then I give
it to you.
GRISSOM
Or I could just kill you and take
it anyway.
JACKSON
It’s in my head. You kill me you’ll
never get it.
GRISSOM
How do I know you’re not bluffing?
JACKSON
If it turns out I’m lying, you kill
me. Let her go, this has nothing to
do with her.
GRISSOM
Well, the way I see it. I hold all
the cards. So I won’t be letting
her go, but you will be opening
that safe.
Grissom nods at Moses.
Moses jabs his gun into Jackson’s back and pushes him a few
steps forward. Jackson spins quickly knocking Moses’ gun to
the side and draws his own, shooting Moses in the stomach.
As Moses collapses to the ground, the gang open fire on

Jackson, forcing him to sprint for cover in the building
below Seamus. He dives through the door, but not before
catching a bullet in the left shoulder courtesy of Javier.
94.
Clayton and Missy take cover.
INT. UNDERTAKERS - DAY
Jackson stumbles to the floor in pain. A rapid string of

gunshots are followed by shattering glass from the windows
showering down over him.
Grissom fuming at the loss of another man, approaches

Elizabeth and kicks the stool from under her feet. She hangs
gasping for breath.
INT. BARBER’S -DAY
Jackson pulls himself to his feet and heads into the back
room.
He ascends a ladder leading up to the roof.
EXT. HARBINGER CREEK - DAY
Seamus is peering over the roof waiting for Jackson to

reappear out the door. He hears footsteps behind him and
turns to see Jackson storming toward him. Seamus tries to get
a shot off, but Jackson grabs the rifle pushing it to one
side.
They struggle, both holding tight to the rifle, pushing each

other back and forth. Neither one is willing to release their
grip. As they move toward the edge of the roof, their
combined weight pushes them over.
They both fall into an empty open wagon, Seamus breaking

Jackson’s fall and cracking his skull open in the process.
Jackson takes the rifle from Seamus’ cold dead hands and
rolls to the side of him.
He peeks through a crack in the front of the wagon and sees

Elizabeth still swinging by her neck, gradually losing the
fight to live.
Jackson peers over the top of the wagon, but shots from
Javier force him to duck back down. He changes his angle and
peers over the side, getting off one shot at Javier, but only
splintering the wood of the banister. He ducks back down to
avoid return fire and cocks his rifle again.
95.
He peers over the side again and fires a shot, hitting Javier
in the chest. Javier tips over the banister and thumps down
on the ground. Jackson ducks back down, avoiding fire from
the others. He changes his angle back to face the front of
the wagon.
He peers over and fires a shot toward Elizabeth missing the

rope by a fraction. He drops back down and reloads.
Elizabeth is beginning to pass out, her eyes closing. Jackson

takes a deep breath and waits for the return fire to stop. He
peers over fires a shot and tears the rope, allowing
Elizabeth to drop to the floor. She intakes big gulps of
oxygen.
Jackson drops back down and makes his way to the open end of
the wagon. He slides off and leans up against it. He cocks
the rifle and peers out the side to fire a round, but finds
it’s empty.
Return fire splinters wood and grazes his left arm. He throws
the rifle to the ground. He glances over toward Javier’s
lifeless corpse and the rifle near him.
Jackson draws his six-gun and sprints across the road, firing
all five of his remaining rounds. He grabs Javier’s rifle,
but catches a bullet to the leg. He dives into the general
store.
Jackson winces in pain at his leg. He drags himself to

beneath the window.
Grissom spots Elizabeth creep into the Mayor’s house. He

turns to Clayton and Missy.
GRISSOM
Go in and get him.
Clayton and Missy appear from cover and start walking toward
the General store, Grissom runs into the Mayor’s house.
Clayton and Missy fire round after round into the windows,
shattering every last inch of glass.
96.
Jackson sits below as he is showered by more glass slicing

his face and hands.
EXT. GENERAL STORE - DAY
Clayton and Missy ease the firing and continue to move

forward cautiously.
Jackson peers out the window and spots his two attackers
approaching. He cocks the rifle and takes a deep breath.
He peers out and aims at Clayton, but finds he has

disappeared. He adjusts his aim toward Missy, but before he
can fire the creak of a floorboard behind forces him to spin
around and fire.
The shot goes too high, over Clayton’s head and into the door
frame he just entered through from the back. Clayton dives
for cover behind a unit of shelves. Jackson crawls for cover
behind another unit.
Elizabeth runs through the house and hides inside a closet.

She finds a gun in a holster hanging. She pulls the gun from
the holster and cocks it. She waits nervously.
Grissom is sneaking around the rooms, with his gun ready

searching for her.
Jackson fires a couple of rounds, but soon runs out of ammo.

Clayton checks his rifle and is also low. He draws his six-
gun and readies himself before jumping out from behind the
unit.
Jackson is one step ahead of him and charges at him, pushing

him up against the wall. Clayton tries to aim his gun, but
Jackson grabs his wrist pushing it away.
As they struggle, Missy bursts through the front door and

takes aim. Clayton fires his gun, causing stray rounds to fly
across the room. One strikes Missy in the gut. She drops her
gun and collapses to the floor.
97.
Clayton drops the gun and pushes Jackson back over the shelf
unit. He grabs him around the throat and begins strangling
him.
CLAYTON
I knew I recognized your face, I
couldn’t place where until I heard
your name. Jackson Reynard, the
deserter. You left us before our
camp got attacked that night, we
got slaughtered and I lost my eye.
What did you lose? Nothing.
Gasping for breath, Jackson grabs Clayton’s face and pushes

his thumb through the patch into his eye socket. Clayton
screams in agony, releasing his grip around Jackson’s throat.
Jackson grabs him and pushes him back, impaling him on the
spikes of a gardening fork.
Jackson is bleeding everywhere, struggling to stay standing.

He walks over to the door and removes Missy’s six-gun from
her holster.
Grissom enters the bedroom with the closet hiding Elizabeth.

He looks around and targets the bed. He lifts the bed
throwing it across the room, but there is nothing beneath.
The closet bursts open and Elizabeth steps out pushing the
gun into the back of Grissom’s head.
ELIZABETH
Drop it.
Grissom drops his gun and raises his hands. He turns around
to look Elizabeth in the eye. He looks at the gun weighing
heavy in her hand.
GRISSOM
That’s a mighty big gun for such a
small hand. I’m surprised your
finger can reach the trigger. I do
wonder if you can pull it.
Elizabeth squeezes the trigger, but the gun just clicks.

Elizabeth is confused.
Grissom snatches the gun from her hand.
GRISSOM
Always check it’s loaded.
98.
He smacks Elizabeth across the face with the butt of the gun.
She collapses to the floor.
JACKSON (O.S.)
Grissom.
He hears Jackson call him from outside. He walks to the

window and peers out to see Jackson waiting for him, looking
worse for wear.
Grissom exits through the front door and down the porch.
Jackson stands, waiting before him.
Grissom stops and stares at Jackson. Jackson places his

revolver in its holster and keeps his hand by it.
Grissom smiles and holsters his gun. He also keeps his hand
ready.
They wait, staring intently at each other.
Jackson goes to draw, but Grissom is too quick for him. A

gunshot echoes and Jackson takes a bullet to the chest. He
falls to the ground.
Grissom grins and approaches the still breathing Jackson.

Grissom looks down at him.
GRISSOM
I guess my aim is a little off
these days.
Grissom aims his gun at Jackson’s head. A loud gunshot

echoes.
Grissom’s smiles droops. He looks down at his chest, his

shirt soaking with blood. Grissom drops his gun before
falling back to reveal a battered and bruised Akecheta
standing behind him with a smoking rifle.
Jackson looks at Grissom lying on the ground and then over at

Akecheta. Akecheta forces a subtle smile.
AKECHETA
I knew I’d save your life
eventually.
Akecheta collapses to the ground. Elizabeth rushes out of the

Mayor’s house and runs over to Jackson, crying. She falls
down to her knees beside him.
99.
The other townsfolk come out to see what has happened. They
are all relieved to see Grissom’s men dead.
Jackson reaches into his jacket and takes out the page of the
book with the code. He hands it to Elizabeth.
JACKSON
This will open the Mayor’s safe.
Elizabeth looks at the page confused.
ELIZABETH
I don’t care about that. I only
care about you.
Jackson smiles. She smiles back.
Mr Jameson and Ned open the safe and find a tin box inside.
They take it out and open it to find it filled with gold
nuggets.
They smile at each other.
EXT. HARBINGER CREEK, CEMETERY - DAY
Jackson stands before Emmett’s fresh grave. He holds himself

up with crutches.
Father McGinley steps up beside him and looks down at the

grave.
MCGINLEY
He would be proud of you, for what
you did for this town.
JACKSON
How’s the Indian?
MCGINLEY
Doctor Thompson has done all he
can, he’s in God’s hands now.
McGinley takes out the Marshal tin star from his pocket and
holds it out to Jackson.
MCGINLEY
I’m sure your father would want you
to have this. You’ve earned it.
100.
Jackson takes the star and smiles. McGinley pats him on the
back and walks away.
Jackson pins the tin star to his shirt.
He walks over to Victoria’s grave. He takes out the pendant

from his pocket and places it on her headstone. He turns to
see Elizabeth watching him. She smiles sweetly.
ELIZABETH
You look like you could do with a
drink, Marshal.
Jackson smiles. He approaches her. She takes his arm and they
walk off toward the saloon together.
FADE OUT.

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EXT. WOODS - DAY

Title: Black Hills, Dakota Territory - 1876

A ladybird crawls curiously over a dirty hand. The hand spins

It opens its wings and flies off.

He is crouched on one knee at the edge of a woodland. He

A Company of soldiers stand around him, talking and smoking

Jackson stands to attention. The other soldiers fall silent,

The soldiers rest rifles on shoulders and start marching

EXT. WOODS - LATER

The soldiers reach the edge of the woods. Robards raises a

Landon takes a pair of binoculars from his saddle bag. He

Natives go about their business, washing clothes in the

Landon puts the binoculars away.

Jackson glances over at Robards nervously as he and the other

Natives are struck by gun fire, everyone is targeted.

Jackson is staring down his sight, scanning the horrifying

Robards fires from his service revolver. He turns to Jackson

Jackson glances over at Robards terrified. Robards turns his

The sound of a bugle is deafening. Jackson watches as a large

They crash through teepees, smash into Natives swinging their

The Company of soldiers run toward the village. Jackson runs

By the time they get to the village there is barely anyone

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE - DAY

Jackson stands amongst dead bodies scattered on the ground.

Landon appears from a teepee frustrated.

Landon approaches Robards.

Jackson watches his fellow soldiers roughly grabbing two

They are led away as other soldiers torch the teepees.

Jackson hangs his head in shame.

EXT. U.S. ARMY CAMP - NIGHT

Soldiers celebrate their victory drinking and singing by a

Jackson decides to investigate. He finds a lantern lighting

The two men turn to him startled. One of them is Private

Jackson glances at the young women who appears to be

Jackson turns around and walks away. Clayton sniggers and

EXT. U.S. ARMY CAMP - NIGHT

Jackson sits in his tent packing a bag. He puts his journal

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Jackson treads carefully through the woods. The dying fire of

Once they have passed Jackson he shimmies around the tree to

EXT. HARBINGER CREEK, THOROUGHFARE - DAY

Title: Ten Years Later

Harbinger Creek is a small town located in the high plains of

The townspeople are gathered in the street where a

Bunting hangs across buildings. A banner is stretched across

Jackson (30) dances with VICTORIA DENNEHY (28). He wears a

MARSHAL EMMETT REYNARD (60s) approaches them grinning.

In the distance watching them from afar is ELIZABETH JESSOP

Jackson glances up toward her. She smiles. He looks away. She

INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY

WILLIAM MUNSFORD (30) enters the master bedroom where he

Barrett takes a deep breath before grinning at himself in the

He heads out the door followed by William.

EXT. HARBINGER CREEK, THOROUGHFARE - DAY

The band on stage stop playing. William steps in centre

The townspeople clap as Barrett steps onto the stage. He

Everybody cheers and claps. Barrett steps down from the

Victoria is approached by MRS DONOVAN (60s).

Victoria kisses Jackson on the cheek.

Victoria rushes off toward the bakery.

Jackson smiles. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a

Jackson glances over at Barrett stepping down from the stage.

MRS DONOVAN (CONT'D)