Film (Screenwriters) Forum Royal Silvers

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. WEST BALTIMORE MARYLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1987 - DAY

Ghetto school/neighborhood scene. CHILDREN are making their exit from school. The school is in a high-crime environment filled with boarded-up rowhomes. We are focusing on two African-American students (TORRANCE "BEAR" HARRIS, 9 and MALCOLM JOHNSON, 9) as they walk home from school. The children are in uniforms (beige polo shirts, black pants, brown belts and brown shoes) however, Bear is sporting a pair of Jordan sneaker and Malcolm is wearing a small peace necklace.

MALCOLM 

Mosses Malone is the greatest of all times, hands down.

BEAR

See now you’re hallucinating, my man M.J. can ball circles around that buster.

Malcolm sucks his teeth.

MALCOLM

Negro please, before your mother bought you those sneakers you was a Washington Bullets fan --what happen?

BEAR

I just give credit where it’s due.

The two continue their walk home. The crowd of children thins out.

MALCOLM

(jokingly)

Sound like you’re kissing Jordan a*s to me.

Malcolm childishly mocks Bear with kissing noises as they continue their walk.

BEAR

See --that kind of talk is going to get you jacked one day.

MALCOLM

(upset)

If I do get jacked it won’t be by you.

They both stop in their tracks and stare each other down like they’re about to throw down.

Bear brushes it off and changes his tone.

BEAR

That’s not what I’m saying.

Malcolm steps closer in Bear face.

MALCOLM

(upset)

Then what are you saying?

Bear sucks his teeth.

BEAR

Never mind that, come on.

The two continues to walk home and make small talk. All of their peers are no longer in sight.

MALCOLM

Your mom is gonna go ballistic when she finds out that you snuck them J’s to school.

BEAR

She’s not going to find out that’s why we’re taking this shortcut, remember?

MALCOLM

How’s an extra four blocks shorter?

BEAR

Man, just come.

As the two turns into an ally an older African American GANG MEMBER decked in gold jewelry and sporting an all black tracksuit cuts them off and five YOUNGER GANG MEMBERS follow their leader.

LEADER

Can I help you two with something?

Bear stands paralyzed with fear. Malcolm isn’t frightened.

MALCOLM

Nah, we’re just trying to get home my brother.

Malcolm tries to walk past the leader but a member shoves him to the ground.

Malcolm gets up and grills the member that shoves him. Malcolm realizes that the gang member was a former classmate.

MALCOLM

Tony is that you?

TONY

It’s Tone now.

The leader walks closer towards Bear.

LEADER

Now that you’re acquainted, let’s talk.

The leader looks down at Bear shoes and grin.

LEADER

Yo little dude, you sure do have some big feet. Those sneakers are looking about my size.

The leader grabs the back of Bear neck.

Bear starts to panic and begin to hyperventilate.

Malcolm lunge towards the leader but Tony and another member stops him.

MALCOLM

(shouts)

Come on man, leave him alone!

The leader turns towards Malcolm.

LEADER

(shouting)

Handel that fool!

Tony sucker punches Malcolm. The two begins to fight. The other members ambush Malcolm after Malcolm knocks Tony out.

Bear tries to help his friend but the leader stops him with his fist.

The leader turns towards Tony.

LEADER

(shout)

Get your face back! --Dead him!

Tony hops up and pulls out a butterfly knife from his back pocket and stab Malcolm repeatedly in his torso.

The leader stands over Bear then pulls out a revolver and aims it at Bear head. He attempts to shoot but it jams.

--click, click, click.

The leader hits Bear right eye with the butt of the gun and began to yank his shoes off.

Bear appears unconscious.

The gang members scatter as police sirens catch them by surprise. Bear cracks his eyes and turns his head towards his deceased friend and grabs his hand.

Malcolm stares lifelessly at the sky.

Bear closes his eyes tight as the EMT’s and cops race to the scene.

The camera zoom close up on Bear bloody and bruised eye than morphs into a 30 something-year-old Bear sacred eye. The camera zooms out showing a muscular all grown up Bear thrashing five gang members behind an abandoned gas station in the middle of the desert.

A crowd of members watches on and cheer. A dapper African-American gentleman (MARSHALL DAWSON, the 40s) is standing behind the crowd silently watching on.

EXT. LAS VEGAS DESERT GAS STATION - DAY

Bear ends the jumping with a fatality by slamming a member on his head.

We hear the gang member (TRACEY) neck brakes.

CRACK!

ACT I

EXT. LAS VEGAS DESERT GAS STATION - DAY

The four survivors surround Bear with their guns drawn. Bear has two massive 44 out and motioning them at the four members.

Marshall applauds and walks out from behind the crowd.

MARSHALL

Now that’s what I call a show.

Member #1 (COREY) walk towards his lifeless chum and checks his pulse.

COREY

(shouts)

Yo --Tracey ain’t breathing!

Member #3 (TORREY, 20s) freaks and aims his piece at Bear face. Bear put his guns on Torrey chin and smirks. Torrey c***s his piece.

MARSHALL

Drop it Torrey.

TORREY

(shouts)

F**k that! Blood for blood!

MARSHALL

Come on, let’s handle this like gentlemen. Now put that gun up before somebody gets hurt.

TORREY

(shouts)

Nah this is the only way, Marsh!

BEAR

You heard your boss boy.

TORREY

Come on Marsh --let me smoke this fool.

Bear taunts Torrey by kissing at him.

Torrey gun hand began to shake anxiously as single tear rolls down his cheek.

MARSHALL

You want me to make it right, right.

Marshall pulls out his pistol.

Torrey nods impatiently.

MARSHALL

(shouts)

Blood for blood right!

TORREY

(shouts)

Hell yeah!

Marshall puts the gun to Corey’s head and fires a single shot. Corey drops like a sack of potatoes.

MARSHALL

There you go, my cousin for your brother. Blood for blood --are you happy now?

Torrey and Bear are still aiming their guns at each other.

TORREY

Not even close.

Marshall walks between Bear and Torrey and points his gun at Torrey’s forehead. The other members aim their guns at Torrey as well.

MARSHALL

Do you want to join your brother --brother?

Bear laughs sarcastically.

Torrey begins to breathe heavy, his nostrils flare and looks back and forth at Marshall and Bear anxiously. Torrey jams his gun in the front of his pants and covers it with his shirt.

MARSHALL

(jokingly)

Now kiss and make up.

Torrey glares at Marshall then hauls a single haymaker at Bear face.

Five gang members grab Torrey.

Bear laughs as he wipes the blood from his lip.

TORREY

(shouts)

It ain’t over --you hear me! It ain’t over!

Torrey wrestles free then storms off and speeds off in his black Mercedes.

Marshall turns towards the gang.

MARSHALL

Bury the bodies fellas.

The gang members drag the two dead members away.

MARSHALL

Welcome to the family.

Bear tucks his guns in the back of his pants and shakes Marshall’s hand.

MARSHALL

Are you ready for your first assignment?

BEAR

Yeah, what’s the move?

MARSHALL

I need you to meet with a lady friend of mine.

BEAR

Does this lady have a name?

MARSHALL

Tonya.

They both walk towards Marshall black and chrome Phantom.

BEAR

Then what?

MARSHALL

Tonya will fill you in on the rest.

BEAR

That’s it?

MARSHALL

No. Then I need you to meet me at my house so we can get ready for the drop-off. Hopefully, my scallion brothers will agree to the new fee.

BEAR

How much does this assignment pay?

Marshall looks down and rubs his chin.

MARSHALL

If all goes well, 250k

BEAR

Tell me where to go.

Marshall reaches down into his pocket and pulled out an old track phone and tosses it to Bear.

BEAR

What is this?

MARSHALL

This is your work phone, it has Tonya number in it. Call her and let her know that I’ve sent you.

Marshall hops in the back of his Phantom. The Phantom pulls off.

Bear walks towards his red Doge Challenger and hops in. Bear lifts up his stick shift stick and pulls out a cellphone from the secret compartment. He dials a Washington DC number.

INT. FBI AGENT OFFICE/BEAR CAR - DAY

A white FBI agent (STEVEN JACKSON, 50s)answers the phone.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Agent Jackson.

BEAR

(into phone)

Shield 22410.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Harris, what’s up? What’s the 411?

BEAR

(into phone)

The 411 sir?

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Come on, give up the goods.

BEAR

(into phone)

I’m in.

STEVEN JACKSON (into phone)

And?

BEAR

(into phone)

Marshall has killed his cousin.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

S**t --is there a body location?

BEAR

(into phone)

He’s buried behind an abandoned gas station in the middle of the desert.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Is there anything else?

BEAR

(into phone)

Uh, yeah --I might be a drug mule.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Which drug?

BEAR

(into phone)

I’m not sure just yet.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Who are you supplying it to?

BEAR

(into phone)

The Mafia.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Which one?

BEAR

(into phone)

I’m not sure, but we will be doing a delivery today.

STEVEN JACKSON

(into phone)

Good, record and document every criminal activity and keep me posted.

BEAR

(into phone)

Captain.

STEVEN JACKSON

Yeah.

BEAR

This is off the records.

Steven stops recording their conversation.

STEVEN JACKSON

Shoot.

BEAR

I killed a member.

STEVEN JACKSON

Did he threaten your life?

BEAR

It was during the jumping.

STEVEN JACKSON

Forget it.

BEAR

I didn’t mean to...

STEVEN JACKSON

Screw him. He was assaulting a federal agent. You did what you had to do.

BEAR

You do believe me, right? It was an accident.

STEVEN JACKSON

Harris, get your head together. Nobody will ever know, now do your job so we can put these b******s under the jail.

BEAR

Yes, sir.

Bear hangs up his phone and place it back in its secret compartment and drives off.

CUT TO:

ENT. ROYAL SILVER CASINO - DAY 

Thirty suited Sicilian men ages from 18 to 60 are sitting around a table in a dark room. They are discussing the Kings delivery. VITTORIO "VITO" Sr, the 40s talking about the drug deal to the mob and his right-hand man (LEO, 50).

VITO

I’m sure everybody is aware why I’ve called for this meeting today.

Paolino interrupts Vito.

PAOLINO

The jungle monkeys want a raise.

VITO

Show some respect! My ex-wife was uh --you know...

LEO

African-American.

VITO

Yeah --so have some respect, okay.

Paloino plops back into his seat and folds his arms.

Vittorio glares at Paloino before continuing on what he plans to discuss.

VITO

Like I was saying, the Kings are not pleased with their salary and Marshall is demanding an increase.

Paloino slams his hand on the table.

PALOINO

(shouts)

No freaking way, we’re already paying them more than they deserve!

Vito throws a bottle of red wine at the wall behind Paloino.

Paloino cowardly ducks.

VITO

(shouts)

Enough! One more word out of you I will have Dante slit your freaking throat and piss down it, capisci?

Dante smiles.

LEO

How much of a raise?

VITO

5 Million clams.

Everyone in the room groans and hiss.

VITO

You telling me --that’s why I want everybody to bring a piece at the negotiation just in case.

LEO

In case what?

VITO

They decline our offer.

PALINO

(shouts)

Screw them n*****s!

Vito turns towards Dante.

VITO

Dante, can you please shut this bum up.

Dante walks toward Paloino.

PALOINO

Are you serious?

VITO

Very.

Dante forcefully grabs Paloino out of his seat and walks him towards the door. Palino tries to break free from Dante grasp but is unsuccessful.

PALOINO

Come on Vito, is this even necessary.

VITO

(shouts)

Shut him up already!

Dante pulls his silencer out of his coat and fires a single shot into the back of Paloino skull. Paloino falls flat on his face. 

Dante fires five more shots to the back of Paloino’s head.

Everybody gaze in silence.

VITO

A simple punch to the face would have been nice.

Dante manically stares at Vito in silence.

Vito pulls out a cigar and sparks it.

VITO

(shouts)

Clean it up!

Dante drags Paloino out the room leaving a trail of blood and brain matter behind him.

Vito leans back in his chair and smokes his cigar.

VITO 

Any questions?

CUT TO:

EXT. SUBURB NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

Bear is sitting in his car parked outside Tonya house. He pulls out his work phone and calls Tonya.

BEAR

Yo Tonya this is Bear, Marsh homie.

We can hear Tonya on the line.

TONYA (V.O.) 

(over phone, filtered) 

Alright, come to the door.

Bear gets out of his car and walks toward Tonya home. Bear pounds on the door, shortly after TONYA flings the door open.

Tonya 20s is dressed like a tomboy. She is small but feisty.

TONYA

Why the hell are you knocking like the feds for? I hope you brought some identifications with you!

Bear looks at Tonya confusingly.

BEAR

Marshall sent me.

Tonya pulls out a pistol.

TONYA

I’m not going to ask you again --id, please.

Bear reaches into his pocket slowly.

Tonya aims the gun at Bear’s manhood.

TONYA

Hurry up before dick and balls paint the welcome mat.

Bear pulls out his wallet and flashes a fake driver license which he is making a cough off guard expression. Bear makes the same facial expression as the license.

Tonya laughs and opens the door wider.

TONYA

Now you may enter.

Both Bear and Tonya enters the house.

INT. TONYA HOUSE - DAY

The house is decked out with expensive furniture with all the works. Before Bear steps on the fur rug, Tonya stops him.

TONYA

You can’t walk pass here until you take your gear off.

BEAR

Oh yeah, my bad.

Bear take’s off his sneakers and attempts to take another step.

Tonya stops him.

TONYA

Now the rest.

BEAR

What my socks?

Tonya twirls her finger at Bear.

TONYA

Everything.

Bear stares at Tonya for a second and begins to just strip down to his boxers. Bear attempt to take off his boxer but Tonya stops him. She peeks in the front and the back of his boxers.

BEAR

You like what you see.

Bear spin around slowly.

TONYA

Yeah.

(pause)

No wire.

BEAR 

(jokingly)

What’s next --a lie detector test?

TONYA

You know what that’s not a bad idea.

Bear stares confusingly/surprised at Tonya answer.

TONYA

Maybe another time, now follow me.

Tonya leads Bear to her basement.

Bear focused on every detail as he follows.

They both enters the basement. The basement is filled with half naked Latin women packaging tons of heroin.

TONYA 

(shouts)

Ayo, Peppy le pew!

A thick mustache Spanish man (TRAVIS, the 30s) comes from the back.

TRAVIS

(shouts)

Screw you!

Travis looks at Bear.

TRAVIS

Who’s the clown?

TONYA

This is Marsh new mule.

TRAVIS

He doesn’t look like a mule.

TONYA

And you don’t look like your name is Travis.

TRAVIS

I’m hurt.

TONYA

You’ll be alright, where’s the King’s package?

TRAVIS

Follow me.

Travis leads Tonya and Bear towards the back of the basement. There are 12 briefcases lined up on the table.

TONYA

Open them.

Each case has 24 gold bricks in it.

Tonya shakes the bricks it to make sure that the drugs are in there.

TONYA

Have some --I can ensure you this is the real deal.

BEAR

No thanks --I’m good.

TRAVIS

What are you a cop?

BEAR

Nah, I just don’t get high off my own supply.

TONYA

That’s good, Marsh would kill you if you start dabbling in his pockets. Now I just need you to get dressed and back your car up to the door so we can load it up.

BEAR

Cool, I’ll take one out on my way.

Tonya hands Bear a briefcase.

Bear hurries to put his clothes on then head to the car. Bear pulls out a drug test from a secret compartment in the starring wheel.

It tested positive.

Bear hides the test in the compartment and begins to back the car to the door.

Travis and Tonya start to load the trunk with the briefcases. On the last briefcase, a white teen on a bike snatches it from Tonya and peddles away.

Tonya hops in the passenger seat and demands Bear rides beside him.

TONYA

Go get that fool!

Bear drives beside the punk and Tonya lean over and pushes Bear door open. The punk flies off after the door hits his front wheel. Tonya hops out of the car and kicks the punk repeatedly in his stomach before grabbing the briefcase and hopping back into the car.

TONYA

Let’s roll.

Bear stares in awe at Tonya then looks back at the road and peel tires.

CUT TO:

INT. CHOP SHOP - DAY

Lamborghini’s, Honda’s, and BMW’s all bright and tricked out are parked in a warehouse building. A crowd of men (white and Asian)are meeting.

The leader (DEREK) of the pack is pacing back and forth.

DEREK

The suits are bringing the cash as scheduled.

An Asian man (KYM) that speak very little of English standing affront lime green Lamborghini interrupts.

KYM

How --much?

DEREK

Enough to retire all of us --or at least cover your taste in cars.

KYM

laughs and folds his arms.

DEREK

My mole...

A handsome man, early 30s (CARTER) cuts him off.

CARTER

(shouts)

Your girlfriend!

DEREK

Really --are we gonna do this?

CATER

(jokingly)

Does she have a name? What’s her occupation?

The crowd pokes fun and Ohhhhhh like school girls. Derek smiles.

DEREK

I really hate you guys.

CARTER

No, you don’t.

DEREK

Yeah, I do. Now can I finish?

Carter gives Derek the floor.

DEREK 

Back to what I was saying, my girlfriend told me that the suits are ready for their meeting with some very important people and they have at least 10 million dollars on hand.

CARTER

(shouts) 

Holy hell, that’s a lot of money!

DEREK 

That’s why we have to plan this through. That kind of money won’t come easily.

CARTER 

What’s the plan captain?

DEREK 

We’re gonna need guns.

CATER

No s**t.

DEREK 

I also have waiters outfits with ear buds so some of you can blend in.

CARTER 

And the rest.

DEREK 

Some will enter as customers, some as robbers and some dress as a bali driver’s to help us get away.

CARTER 

When do we strike?

DEREK 

As soon as I get the word from Molly.

CARTER 

(jokingly) 

Thy lady has a name!

The fellas go back to mocking Derek like school girls.

DEREK 

(laughs)

Get out of here.

The men leave while Carter and Derek make small talk.

DEREK

I need you to cut the crap and stay focus. This could be our biggest break or our death warrants so tighten up.

CARTER

(jokingly)

Why so serious?

DEREK

Because I have a lot of good men lives on the line and I don’t want to screw it up because you think this a game.

CARTER

Look, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.

Carter and Derek shake on it.

DEREK

I’m gonna give you a ring when it’s time. Don’t mess this up.

CARTER

I won’t, I won’t.

DEREK

Good.

Carter and Derek depart.

DEREK

Oh yeah.

Carter stops at his car.

DEREK 

Molly strips at the Royal Silvers.

CARTER

You lucky dog.

Derek bashfully brushes it off.

DEREK

I know.

CARTER 

So this girlfriend, do she have a sister or female cousin that’s single?

DEREK

Nope.

CARTER 

Damn it man.

Derek and hops into his car.

Carter gets into his car. Looks around for his sunglasses.

CARTER 

Where did I put them shades?

He opens the glove compartment. His gun and sunglasses fall out. Carter goes to pick up his gun and his CIA badge falls out.

Carter look side to side to see if anybody saw his badge. Carter picks up his badge and slid it in the secret compartment then scoops up his sunglasses.

CATER

I can’t have that happening again.

Carter put on his sunglasses and pulls off.

END ACT I