Savage tracks

Savage Tracks Act I By Malcolm MacLeod

FADE IN: INT. UPSCALE NYC OFFICE (2010)-NIGHT An OLD ITALIAN MAN sits behind a desk in his spacious, dimly lit office, looking out over the NEW YORK CITY skyline. He’s sipping scotch, neat. Across from him sits a well dressed, YOUNG BLACK MAN with a sour look on his face. He’s hunched forward and shifts around in his seat. It’s clear he doesn’t want to be here long.

YOUNG BLACK MAN So, you got somethin’ for me old man?

Snorting audibly, the old man reaches into his desk, pulling out a simple post-it note. He slips a gilded fountain pen out of his suit pocket,then pauses to take another drink. He writes some short notes on the paper and slides it across the desk. It reads: 10/21/10, 11:00pm, #1393-2432.

OLD ITALIAN MAN There. Don’t be late.

Without a word, the young man shoves the paper in his pocket and stands up nonchalantly. Looking down at the man sitting across from him, his snarl turns into a wide grin for a moment. He nods, then saunters out of the room.

FADE TO BLACK: INT. TOM’S APARTMENT-DAY (EARLY MORNING) An alarm rings out at 4:00am.

TOM FLANAGAN Grahhh! NO! Shaken from a deep sleep, TOM FLANAGAN flings his sheets across the room and wrestles with his pillows, searching for his phone. His girlfriend CHIARA GASPARZA is sleeping next to him, and she stirs angrily. Stumbling out of bed, Tom knocks over an empty 40oz in the darkness on his way to the bathroom. Olive skinned and in good shape, he spends more time than the average man moulding his black hair into a coif. He brushes his teeth and douses himself in cologne simultaneously. Returning to his closet he pulls on a blue jumpsuit that reads his name beneath the words, NJ TRANSIT. TOM FLANAGAN (Sleepily) All right, uh. Keys, wallet, cell...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

2.

Looking around his kitchen Tom spots a POWER BAR and tears open the wrapper, chomping into it like it’s the last thing he’ll ever eat. Zipping up his uniform he sprints out the door to an old pick-up. He backs out of the driveway aggressively, then stops abruptly.

TOM FLANAGAN Ah fuck. Today? Maybe...

Leaving his car in the middle of the street, Tom races back to the apartment. Yanking open a kitchen drawer he pulls out a small velvet box. Inside sits a ring with a modest diamond on top. He stares at it intently, with a furrowed brow and pursed lips. Another alarm goes off at 4:15am. He snaps out of his trance.

CHIARA GASPARZA (From the bedroom) (O.S) Babe, what are you still doing here? Go to work.

TOM FLANAGAN On my way. See you soon. I’ll call.

Love you!

Tom looks once more to the ring.

TOM FLANAGAN Nope! No. Not today.

Looking up at the ceiling and signing the cross on his chest.

TOM FLANAGAN She’ll come around, right?

CUT TO: EXT. RAMSEY NJ TRANSIT STATION-DAY (MORNING) As the sun peaks over the horizon, the trains start to pull up for maintenance. Tom sets to work, tinkering with the trains, tightening this and that, oiling up the wheel-sets and securing luggage compartments.

Passengers arrive and depart throughout the morning. Tom takes his first cigarette break, as the train for PATERSON leaves the station behind him. His buddy CYRIL LOUISO saunters over with his mop and soap bucket.

CYRIL LOUISO Whaddup grease monkey?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

3.

TOM FLANAGAN Ah you know, same shit different day. Speakin’ of which, flush any good turds today?

CYRIL LOUISO Man no joke. It’s a serious issue.

You try dealing with other peoples’ shit on a daily basis! Who knew it came in so many colors man? I’m tellin’ you.

TOM FLANAGAN That’s repulsive bro. Why you gotta tell me that?

CYRIL LOUISO Oh. Excuse me Sir Thomas, did I offend you?

TOM FLANAGAN It’s almost lunch, you’re gonna upset my stomach.

CYRIL LOUISO Don’t give me that. I don’t remember Tipsy Tommy being so squeamish.

TOM FLANAGAN What did I tell you about that nickname?

CYRIL LOUISO I mean, I’ve seen you do some deranged shit. It suits you. It always has.

Cyril shakes his head, reminiscing with a smile on his face.

DISSOLVE TO: EXT. "DON BOSCO PREP" (1995)-DAY-TRACKING Tom and Cyril, age 15, walk out of DON BOSCO PREP, an all boys high school, amidst a crowd of maroon and white collared shirts emblazoned with the CROSS. Cyril pulls out a BAG OF WEED as they turn the corner behind a local strip mall.

YOUNG CYRIL I told you I’d come through this time!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

4.

YOUNG TOM Don’t start thinkin’ you’re like, Biggie now or some shit. Let me see that.

He snatches the bag from Cyril, then leans in for a closer look.

YOUNG CYRIL You see the size of those crystals?

That’s how you know it’s the real deal.

YOUNG TOM Let’s spark up then. Damn, I should’ve told Carl to come along.

YOUNG CYRIL Lil’ bro can tag along next time.

C’mon.

The two sneak into the woods behind the strip mall. Cyril pulls out a small METAL PIPE and crams some bud in the end.

He lights it and it begins to CRACKLE. He holds the hit in and passes the pipe to Tom, who does the same.

CUT TO: EXT. STRIP MALL (1995)-DAY Tom sprints out of a liquor store, struggling to hold onto three 40oz. bottles of beer in each arm.

YOUNG CYRIL Holy shit you actually did it! Oh my god!

YOUNG TOM (At the top of his lungs) Run motha-fucka! Whooooo!

The STORE OWNER runs out the door after them, but can’t keep up. He stops, heaving in the parking lot.

STORE OWNER (Breathing heavily) I’m callin’ the cops! You fuckin’ punks.

Tom hears this and stops for a moment, facing the man from across the parking lot. His pupils are like saucer pans.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

5.

YOUNG TOM I ’aint no punk...bitch!

CUT TO: EXT. RAMSEY NJ TRANSIT STATION (2010)-DAY Tom slams his palm against his forehead and begins massaging his temples with regret.

TOM FLANAGAN ’Ey. That was a long time ago. Not to mention, that shit you gave me, was laced with crack!

CYRIL LOUISO Well...I didn’t know that at the time.

Cyril stops to think for a moment.

CYRIL LOUISO It was that kid SHAMEL! From Paterson. He sold me the bad batch.

TOM FLANAGAN Shamel?

CYRIL LOUISO Yeah, remember? He got expelled for stealing Cobb’s Beamer. He was a grade above us.

TOM FLANAGAN Aw yeah. I remember now. He got picked up, after parkin’ it at K-Mart right? Wonder what happened to that kid.

CYRIL LOUISO Why don’t you ask your old man? I bet he knows most of the cons that did time at OCJ. I think that’s where they sent him.

CUT TO:

6.

INT. "ORANGE COUNTY JAIL" (2000)-NIGHT SHAMEL MCFADDEN, the young man from our opening scene, walks up to a desk. Prison guard AIDEN FLANAGAN addresses him. He flips through McFadden’s papers.

AIDEN FLANAGAN (Irish Accent) Shamel McFadden. Good name.

Turning the page, he adjusts his glasses.

AIDEN FLANAGAN Five years, grand theft auto. Out on good behavior. Good for you lad.

Shamel nods with a blank stare.

AIDEN FLANAGAN Says here you went to Bosco. Maybe you knew my boys. Carl? Or Tom? Aiden grimaces slightly as he says Tom’s name.

SHAMEL MCFADDEN Man. All those ma’fuckers weren’t worth my time. Especially no lil’ piglets. Am I good to go?

AIDEN FLANAGAN Good? Well I doubt that, but you can go. You sure you didn’t know Tommy?

Shamel merely stares him down.

AIDEN FLANAGAN Too bad. I bet you would have gotten along real well.

Aiden sighs, handing Shamel his effects. He buzzes the young man out the door and watches him walk out into the evening.

CUT TO: EXT. UPSCALE NYC OFFICE (2010)-NIGHT Shamel walks out of the NYC high rise after his meeting with the old Italian man.

7.

EXT/INT. "GRAND CENTRAL STATION"-NIGHT-TRACKING He makes his way to GRAND CENTRAL STATION, where he boards a train headed for Paterson. He pulls out his phone to make a call.

SHAMEL MCFADDEN (Into the phone) We got the deal bruh. All this work we been puttin’ in boutta pay off.

This GASPARZA dude is big time.

Meet me at the ’BAMAS tonight and we’ll talk details.

Shamel flips his phone shut and discreetly pumps his fist in excitement.

CUT TO: EXT. RAMSEY NJ TRANSIT STATION-DAY Tom looks at his watch, almost time for lunch.

TOM FLANAGAN Well, if he did end up in there, we’re lucky we didn’t join him.

(A beat) You got me into some shit back then man.

CYRIL LOUISO Hey you can’t say it was my fault!

Your reign of terror certainly didn’t stop with the liquor store ya know.

TOM FLANAGAN Stop it will ya. I’m gettin’ my act together.

CYRIL LOUISO In that case. I’ll just smoke this L here all by myself. If my ol’ buddy Tipsy Tom really ain’t in there anymore.

TOM FLANAGAN Hold on now. I can get my act together after lunch. C&D’s?

CYRIL LOUISO You kiddin’ me? Always. Let’s go, you’re buyin’.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

8.

Cyril lights up the blunt as he climbs into Tom’s truck. The first step is practically taller than him.

CUT TO: INT. C&D’S DELI-DAY The boys walk into C&D’s DELI, baked. They scan the wide variety of delicacies offered by DONNA NUNZIO; fresh mozzarella, cannolis, capacola. They’ve been eating there for years, so she knows their orders by heart and is sure to have them ready when they arrive.

DONNA NUNZIO All right boys, I tweaked the sauce today, so let me know what you think. Here ya go.

CYRIL LOUISO Donna, thank you.

Cyril kisses her on the cheek, grabbing his sandwich.

CYRIL LOUISO I got a call comin’ in. Tom I’ll meet you in the car.

Tom takes a hefty bite of his chicken parm, red sauce dripping down his chin as Cyril walks out the door.

TOM FLANAGAN (With a full mouth) More basil right? And, are there two types of cheese on this? Donna, you know what I like.

DONNA NUNZIO I ought to! You clowns have been in here almost every day for...how old are you now?

TOM FLANAGAN Oh, I uh actually just turned 30 believe it or not.

DONNA NUNZIO Dear LORD! You and your brother were so cute when you first started comin’ in here. I always took care of you two when ya’ had the munchies didn’t I? Donna winks at Tom and he nods with his cheeks full of food.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

9.

DONNA NUNZIO Hey, where’s Carl been anyway? It’s been ages since he’s come around.

TOM FLANAGAN Oh. Lil’ bro is off doin’ big things. He actually got a job as an engineer for ALLCARE MEDICAL, so he’s been busy. He and his girl just moved in together.

Tom seems a bit uncomfortable now. Lost for words.

TOM FLANAGAN Anyway Don, have a good one, gotta get back to the grind.

DONNA NUNZIO Well if he comes around, do tell him I said hello, and your parents too.

Donna loves to talk. Tom resigns himself to the impending conversation.

TOM FLANAGAN My mom invited me over for dinner later in the week, I’ll be sure to let her know.

DONNA NUNZIO And what about that girlfriend of yours? That busty little minx from SADDLE RIVER. How you landed a ritzy girl like her I’ll never know.

TOM FLANAGAN Don! You gotta gimme a little more credit. If you were a few years younger I bet I’d have you swooning in no time.

DONNA NUNZIO Thomas!

Donna looks to a photo of her deceased husband hanging on the wall.

DONNA NUNZIO You know Frank wouldn’t like you talkin’ to me that way.

(A beat) (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

10.

DONNA NUNZIO (cont’d) Tell me, how long have you and, it’s Chiara right? How long you been together?

TOM FLANAGAN Five years this month.

DONNA NUNZIO Well. I never expected to lose my Frank, but let me tell you this. We played cat and mouse for years before he finally manned up and did the right thing.

Donna leans on the counter.

DONNA NUNZIO If something feels right don’t wait. Time is precious. That’s all I’ll say.

TOM FLANAGAN I’ll keep that in mind Donna, thank you. Really.

DONNA NUNZIO Have a good one sweetheart.

Tom hugs her and walks out the door to his truck.

CUT TO: INT. TOM’S TRUCK-DAY-TRAVELING Cyril is on the phone with one of his girls. Tom gets in the truck, starts the engine and smirks as he listens closely to Cyril’s conversation as he drives. Cyril eventually hangs up.

CYRIL LOUISO Man, this chick is really doggin’ me. She’s talkin’ about commitment and all that.

TOM FLANAGAN Which one is it? You know, it’s not that bad. ettling down I mean.

CYRIL LOUISO You ain’t met her. And nah, I’m not about that life.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

11.

TOM FLANAGAN It’s that chick from Greenwood Lake I bet.

CYRIL LOUISO Which one?

TOM FLANAGAN The one that was in the boating accident. Real cute but she lost two fingers? Wears a glove. I bet it’s her.

CYRIL LOUISO (Laughing) I’m a sick fuck, what can I say?

Like you used to be! Man I can’t believe Chiara’s had you wifed up so long. Remember the Ramapo days?

TOM FLANAGAN I prefer not to.

CYRIL LOUISO Man, you were savage back then. I’m sick of hearin’ about this damn ring all the time though. You ain’t ready. You used to get all the choice honeys bro!

TOM FLANAGAN Well now I got the choicest of honeys.

(A beat) You know I was thinkin’ about doing it today. Almost brought grandma’s ring to work.

CYRIL LOUISO Is she really that good in the sack? Not your grandma, God rest her soul. Chiara I mean.

TOM FLANAGAN

Tom’s a bit off-put by the grandma crack.

Well, yeah. But that’s not the point. She’s special man.

CYRIL LOUISO (Chuckling) You know how I feel about it, but what’s keeping you? If she’s so special that is.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

12.

TOM FLANAGAN I mean, she doesn’t talk about it.

But according to her friends, her dad really doesn’t like me.

CYRIL LOUISO What’s not to like yo! That’s some shit.

TOM FLANAGAN Yeah. I mean, I don’t really know Gil too well, but I know she really trusts him. So I wanted to get my shit together before, well you know. I do it.

CYRIL LOUISO You could always sling trees with me man. Not bad money!

Cyril flashes a fat stack of cash in his backpack.

CYRIL LOUISO This ol’ wise-guy I know. Down at the Paterson station, he pretty much pays my rent. He buys so much bud!

The truck pulls into the transit station.

TOM FLANAGAN And somehow you’re still a janitor.

Cyril hops out of the truck. Tom closes the door, pauses, then rolls down the window.

TOM FLANAGAN Wait up! I think I got it.

CYRIL LOUISO (irritated) What’s that, grease monkey?

TOM FLANAGAN (Erratically) I’m just gonna force her hand. If she says yes, I’ll have motivation you know. Working towards making things work for the long haul.

CYRIL LOUISO What?! No. Tom you’re talking crazy. Wait!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

13.

TOM FLANAGAN Man I just got a good vibe goin’ on. Have some faith in your boy.

Tom rolls up the window and drives off, a smile on his face.

CUT TO: INT. CHIARA’S HOUSE-DAY The next day, Tom bursts of Chiara’s lavish home. velvet box in his jacket plants a wet kiss on his

enthusiastically through the doors He fiddles nervously with the pocket. Chiara runs up to him and lips as they embrace.

CHIARA GASPARZA Hey baby! I missed you. You didn’t call last night.

She gives him the classic puppy dog eyes.

TOM FLANAGAN Aw, I’m sorry pumpkin.

He pulls her hips in real close to his.

TOM FLANAGAN I just had a lot on my mind.

CHIARA GASPARZA Somethin’ wrong? You hungry?

TOM FLANAGAN Nah, just come sit here for a minute.

CHIARA GASPARZA I was gonna make some veal and risotto, what do you think?

Chiara walks into the kitchen and opens her fridge.

CHIARA GASPARZA (O.S) I got this new show I want you to see its a riot.

TOM FLANAGAN I uh. Actually made other plans tonight hon’.

Chiara turns the corner with a look that would strike fear into any man.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

14.

CHIARA GASPARZA What plans?

TOM FLANAGAN (laughing) Relax kiddo. I mean WE, have other plans. I got us a table at AMARONE tonight.

CHIARA GASPARZA (Giddy and flustered) You gotta be kiddin’ me? Really?

What’s the occasion? It’s not even our anniversary yet! What am I gonna wear?

TOM FLANAGAN Hey. Chill out, the reservation’s not ’til eight. We’ve got some time. Let’s uh, head upstairs a while huh?

Chiara gives him a skeptical look.

CHIARA GASPARZA (Playfully) So let me get this straight.You decide to take me somewhere nice for once, and you think I’m gonna give it up. Just like that?

TOM FLANAGAN Pretty much.

The two smirk at one another for a few moments, looking into each other’s eyes. Suddenly, Tom grabs Chiara and flings her over his shoulder, tickling her on the way up the stairs.

She writhes around, laughing uncontrollably, begging him to stop.

CUT TO: INT. CHIARA’S BEDROOM-NIGHT Tom and Chiara lie exhausted next to each other on the bed, their naked bodies intertwined. Tom seems as if he’s ready to drift off, and Chiara breathes heavily as she wipes sweat from her brow.

TOM FLANAGAN (Sarcastically) So, uh. How about that veal?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

15.

CHIARA GASPARZA Don’t you think just ’cuz you’re a good lay you’re gettin’ out of this dinner Thomas.

Chiara hops out of bed and traipses over to the bathroom in the nude. Tom watches her from behind, then looks to the square bulge in his jacket on the ground; the ring box. He looks to the ceiling and mutters to himself.

TOM FLANAGAN (Quietly) You got this man. Just do it.

CHIARA GASPARZA (O.S) You say somethin’ babe?

TOM FLANAGAN Nah. No. I uh, just can’t find my boxers. You got one of my collared shirts here right? I forgot to bring one.

CHIARA GASPARZA You’re unbelievable. But yes, the blue one. In the closet. How long do we have?

TOM FLANAGAN Twenty-three minutes.

CHIARA GASPARZA Tom! What am I gonna do with you?

TOM FLANAGAN You could do that thing you did ten minutes ago? That’d be cool.

Chiara rolls her eyes and slams the bathroom door.

Cut to: INT. "AMARONE RESTAURANT"-NIGHT Tom and Chiara sit across from each other at a candle lit dinner in a vast, dim room with sharply dressed couples wining and dining. Chiara, wearing a tight black dress, is fiddling with her phone while Tom orders.

TOM FLANAGAN I’ll have the linguini carbonara. A bottle of the uh, let’s see.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

16.

Looking confusedly at the wine list.

TOM FLANAGAN The Mendoza Cabernet?

WAITER And you miss?

CHIARA GASPARZA I’ll have the veal, and a side of risotto.

The food and wine comes, and Tom’s big night begins. Their faces lit by candle light, the two laugh, eat and drink.

TOM FLANAGAN Cheers to you, thanks for coming tonight.

They clink glasses.

CHIARA GASPARZA No where I’d rather be. But what’s the catch? I am not complaining, but this is a bit spontaneous for you Tommy.

TOM FLANAGAN I can’t just take my girl out on the town?

CHIARA GASPARZA I mean, lets be real. Dad practically pays for both of us to eat.

TOM FLANAGAN Is that why he doesn’t like me?

CHIARA GASPARZA Who told you that?

TOM FLANAGAN Nobody. I just got a feeling. You never bring me to visit.

CHIARA GASPARZA He’s just a really private guy, and super busy with his firm in New York. And well, he.

She stops a moment.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

17.

TOM FLANAGAN He what?

CHIARA GASPARZA You pulled up to our last dinner with him in a freshly hot-boxed car. You think he took that well?

TOM FLANAGAN I had a few drinks at dinner, I didn’t think it went that bad!

CHIARA GASPARZA Well he doesn’t really.

(A beat) Support us being together.

TOM FLANAGAN And I think that’s wrong. So here goes.

Tom gets on a knee half way through the meal.

TOM FLANAGAN I want to be with you. I want the people you love to know me. I’m sick of my folks and you’re the best thing in my life.

Chiara bites her lower lip and starts twirling the ends of her hair nervously TOM FLANAGAN Chiara, will you marry me? Lets be a family.

CHIARA GASPARZA Tommy. You’re so sweet.

TOM FLANAGAN (excitedly) So ya will?

CHIARA GASPARZA Not now Tom, no. I’m sorry.

She begins to cry a bit, and looks around uncomfortably.

TOM FLANAGAN What? You won’t? Why not?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

18.

CHIARA GASPARZA My dad won’t help me out anymore if I marry you.

TOM FLANAGAN So, who needs him? You love me don’t you?

CHIARA GASPARZA Of course Tom. I, I just couldn’t get used to livin’ the way you do all the time, if I’m bein’ honest.

Tom stands up from his knee, humiliated and angry. With sad eyes he looks to Chiara, then down at his feet.

TOM FLANAGAN Wow. I’m not givin’ up on you. I’ll see you soon, but I gotta go.

Sorry.

He walks calmly over to the restaurant’s entrance, but wrenches the door open violently.

CUT TO: INT. BAMA PROJECTS, PATERSON-NIGHT Shamel bursts through a door into a dark room full of men and women in various states of inebriation. His right hand man MARCUS ATKINS is in the corner hitting on some doped out blonde.

SHAMEL MCFADDEN Marcus. We gotta get upstairs man.

The fuck you doin’?

MARCUS ATKINS Didn’t know you were back cuz.

Let’s talk.

CUT TO: INT. SERVICE ELEVATOR-NIGHT Shamel and Marcus stand in silence, shifting around the elevator as it passes by floors. Strung out dope fiends can be seen through the bars of the elevator on each floor. At the pinnacle, they reach Shamel’s base of operation.

19.

INT. SHAMEL’S SPOT-NIGHT The doors open and the two walk into a humble room with blue light, a television running and a couch that lines the room’s perimiter. In the center of the space is a table, covered with an endless array of drug paraphernalia. Marcus goes to do a line of blow but Shamel stops him.

SHAMEL MCFADDEN Listen up kid. We got a big deal comin’ up here. I need you to hear me.

MARCUS ATKINS Aight man dont stress.

Brushing Shamel’s tight grip off of his shoulder.

MARCUS ATKINS So What’s good?

SHAMEL MCFADDEN It’s time to take this thing up a notch, the ’Bamas ain’t it anymore.

MARCUS ATKINS You see all those fiends out there bruh? Business is booming!

SHAMEL MCFADDEN They’re too comfortable you ask me.

The kids from the suburbs won’t come down here no more with all those lurkers out there. So, I’m makin’ moves to take some new shit to them.

MARCUS ATKINS (laughing) Don’t stop at K-Mart while you’re there aight?

SHAMEL MCFADDEN Hey man I never did like it out there in the burbs but that’s where the real money at. Those kids out there are clueless.

CUT TO:

20.

INT. "KINCHLEY’S PUB"-NIGHT Tom is shit-housed with Cyril at Kinchley’s, their favorite bar. Carl showed up in town unannounced and joined the two friends for drinks after hearing what happened with Chiara.

TOM FLANAGAN (drunkenly) Little brother! You have no idea, how happy I am. To. See you.

CARL FLANAGAN Me too Tommy.

TOM FLANAGAN I’m gonna change. Not much more I can do. This one’s got me hook line n’ sinker man. I’ll turn a new leaf!

Gesturing with his arm he nearly stumbles off his stool.

Cyril is returning from the men’s room and catches him.

CYRIL LOUISO I think I know a guy who can get you a better job with the railway man.

TOM FLANAGAN You serious bud?

CYRIL LOUISO I mean no guarantees, but I sell weed to this guy JOHNNY LABRUNO over at the Paterson station. He hooks up all the guys over there, so he has a lot of pull. Maybe he could help get you on your feet.

TOM FLANAGAN In Paterson?

CYRIL LOUISO Yeah man, they’re always lookin’ for new people. Lot of workers don’t wanna go out there