Ryan Ostrovsky
INT. PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE - DAY
FADE IN
The PSYCHIATRIST (experienced eyes) sits behind a wooden desk, speaking urgently to CALEB (kind, intelligent, worn out). The entire room is drab, like this world. His voice is drowned out by ambience.
CALEB (V.O)
What's he saying?
Caleb continues to stare, slightly furrowing his brow.
CALEB (V.O) What am I doing here?
We drift away to bookshelves on the wall.
CALEB (V.O)
He must know this is a waste of both of our time. Why is he still talking?
The Psychiatrist writes out a prescription.
CALEB (V.O)
That precious time he values so much. I'm taking it from him. He will never get this time back.
Caleb looks up at the clock.
INT. DAY - CLASSROOM
The clock says 11:34.
CALEB (V.O)
It's almost 12.
ZOOM OUT
Several students are studiously taking notes.
CALEB (V.O)
People will want to start having lunch soon.
Caleb looks back from the clock and sees a girl typing.
CALEB (V.O)
That must be what she's waiting for. Lunch. Then she'll be waiting for her food. Then she will wait traffic to clear up on the way home, then for sleep to come, and then for death. That's all anyone can do: wait for death. Even if it involves shorter series of waiting in the meantime.
Caleb walks out of the classroom and begins closing the door behind him.
INT. FAST FOOD PLACE - DAY
Caleb is flipping burgers. He knows he's better than this.
CALEB (V.O)
So why haven't I spared myself the boredom of waiting?
Back to: Psychiatrist's Office
INT. DAY - HOME
Caleb finishes closing the door behind him as he enters his house.
CALEB (V.O)
I think about it often, like a tourist might consider visiting a foreign country.
He walks up to the sitting area where his girlfriend, ALLIE (approachable, mature, introverted), is writing her response to a court summon. She doesn't lift her head.
CALEB (V.O)
Casually. Thoroughly.
As Allie continues filling out her paperwork, Caleb just stands there like he's awaiting direction. Allie lifts her head and has a drowned-out conversation with Caleb.
CALEB (V.O)
Be more tedious, Allie.
Caleb seems dismissive in his response. Allie seems defeated in hers. Caleb exits the conversation. He goes to his bedroom
and falls onto his bed.
INT. DAY - PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE
Caleb is back in the Psychiatrist's office.
CALEB (V.O)
Why is he still talking?
Caleb looks at the time. It is 11:35.
CALEB (V.O)
The clock can't save me this time.
The Psychiatrist writes out a prescription.
CALEB (V.O)
Something needs to change.
Caleb is holding the prescription as he walks out of the office. The wind takes it as he loosens his grip.
INT. SUBWAY STATION
As people rush to be on time for the subway behind him, Caleb stares at a poster on the wall. It depicts a glorious factory with text: ' '. Medicorp: Medicine For A New Generation
End of Montage
EXT. MEDICORP - DAY
The factory stands exactly as it was in the poster.
CALEB (V.O)
I'm a passenger. Sometimes I fade out of reality and wake up somewhere new.
Caleb walks into frame towards the building.
CALEB (V.O)
Like Medicorp.
He walks through the halls of the building, speaks with a secretary, picks up a Medicorp card, and is escorted away by the nurses.
CALEB (V.O)
It's easy to think that fate had a hand in me ending up here.
Caleb is strapped into a chair and a belt is tightened around his bicep. He surveys his situation.
CALEB (V.O)
Or maybe just bad luck.
A light is shined in Caleb's eyes. The DOCTOR (shady, jocular, cluttered mind) inputs a last-minute statement and a syringe approaches Caleb's arm. It is labeled '22-C'
Cut to BLACK - 22-C -
INT. J & D LAW FIRM - DAY
DAVID (stern, high status,) and LANCE (loyal, competitive) walk alongside each other through a well-lit hallway. They pass lettering on the wall: 'J&D Law Firm'. They travel at a quick pace with upright postures.
DAVID
This time it's gonna be someone's job on the line.
LANCE Everyone's gotta be the hero.
DAVID
Well I've got my fill of these acts of courage. From now on 15% of our budget goes towards security, got it?
LANCE
I've been pushing that for months, David.
They arrive at a well-furnished office. Someone sits in the leather chair behind a desk reading the paper.
DAVID (sarcastically)
Can I help you?
Caleb puts away the newspaper. He seems to have tended to his appearance, and to his confidence.
CALEB
Yes. Allison Tate came in seeking help and you dropped her case.
DAVID
Get out of my office before I have you arrested.
CALEB
By all means.
He holds up a leather-bound book
CALEB
We can be cellmates.
Lance grabs the book and begins flipping through the pages.
CALEB
10 years' evidence of money laundering.
LANCE
You couldn't have gotten this legally.
CALEB
I did what anyone could have done. Honestly, I'm surprised nobody found this before I did
David grabs Lance by the arm.
DAVID (lowered voiced)
Get this guy shut up, dead, or behind bars. Understand?
Lance pulls out his phone and dials security.
CALEB
I've got an honest question for you.
DAVID What?
CALEB
Are you looking to hire someone?
Lance looks to David. This is their guy.
SECURITY (V.O)
Hey Lance what's the problem?
DAVID
Forget it.
David shuts off Lance's phone and contemplates.
DAVID
You get one shot. If you fuck us over, you're dead. That's it. Got it?
LANCE
Uh, David can I get a word with you? Lance and David exit, walking to David's office.
LANCE You can't be serious.
DAVID
He's got an engine, Lance. You might be able to learn something from him.
LANCE
He's the enemy. He wants to expose us for everything. They arrive at his office.
DAIVD
Lance, I end up playing poker with most of our "enemies". Why don't you just look at it as keeping our enemies closer or something.
LANCE
And what happens when he spills it to the cops?
DAVID
He won't do that.
LANCE How do you know?
DAVID
I was in his shoes once. Trust me, he won't.
Montage:
EXT. STREET - DAY
Caleb walks down the street with confidence. His life is finally turning around.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Allie is cooking in the kitchen. Caleb grabs and kisses her.
ALLIE
What was that for?
CALEB
I love you, Allie. I don't say that enough. I love you.
Allie smiles.
ALLIE
I..I love you too.
INT. FAST FOOD PLACE - DAY
The owner is washing dishes behind a counter. Caleb places a burger on the counter and rings the bell.
CALEB
Order up!
The words ' ' have been written in ketchup On Two Week's Notice the patty.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
The teacher is lecturing about economics. Caleb sits defiantly among a sea of diligent students. He takes his bag and heads for the door.
TEACHER
Mr. Bennet, can I help you?
CALEB (walking out) Nope. Never could.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Caleb stands in an elevator, rising to the top.
INT. J & D LAW FIRM - DAY
Lance is buried in work, a messy stack of paperwork at the corner of his desk. Caleb struts past him.
End Montage
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Caleb sits down in the leather chair of his new office. David walks to his office and knocks on the doorway.
DAVID
Dinner tonight at Grayson's. Very important company. Be there.
Caleb nods as David exits. He then goes into the bathroom, locks the door, opens his briefcase and takes out a syringe. He ties his belt around his arm and sticks the needle into his vein. He lets out a scream.
INT. GRAYSON'S RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Two glasses clink. David, ROBERT and PETER(schmoozers, successful), Lance, Caleb, and colleagues are having dinner. There is laughter in the background.
DAVID
It's a nightmare believe me. I didn't choose to be a great lawyer.
He and his colleagues laugh.
DAVID
No but things are going smooth as ever.
David shoots a knowing glance at Caleb.
ROBERT
Come on, David give us your secret. J&D hasn't seen numbers this good since since the emissions.
CALEB (abruptly) Customer loyalty.
The table comes to a screeching halt.
CALEB
That's all it really is. If you know your client and they can trust you, it changes everything.
Caleb takes a sip.
ROBERT
Who is this guy?
DAVID
Caleb's been working in accounting for the last six months or so.
PETER
Any coincidence that that's the exact time your numbers began to skyrocket?
DAVID
None whatsoever. Caleb's the best there is. It's as if he were sent by god.
The table laughs.
Excuse me.
CALEB
Caleb gets up and starts toward the restroom. Lance's eyes follow him.
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
Caleb enters the cramped bathroom stall to get a stashed syringe and shoot up. Lance enters and begins fixing his hair. Caleb grunts; Lance turns around.
LANCE
Caleb?
Caleb is startled.
CALEB
Hey, Lance.
LANCE
You're killing it out there.
CALEB
Yeah you gotta play your cards, right?
LANCE ...right.
Caleb drops the syringe, and quickly picks it up.
LANCE
So, uh, what do you think of David?
CALEB
I'm not getting paid to have opinions on the guy I'm just here to follow orders.
LANCE
I can see why he likes you.
Caleb is about to inject himself.
LANCE
You know--
Caleb stops to be able to respond
LANCE
My folks were never really around as a kid. David practically raised me. He's like a father.
CALEB
Yeah I'm sorry that's rough.
Caleb is about to inject himself again.
LANCE
I have to ask...
Caleb stops again, annoyed.
LANCE
You really came out of nowhere. I need to know how you found us out, I mean its been dangling under the noses of law enforcement for years.
CALEB
Must have been fate.
Caleb injects himself, causing pain. Lance notices his behavior and inches towards the stall.
LANCE
And you're always darting out of the room with such urgency. It's almost...I don't know, like you're dependent on something. What's your big secret?
The door bursts open and Lance tries to play it off. Caleb walks out and washes his hands
CALEB
Lots of vegetables.
Caleb exits. Lance examines the stall, which has no trace of his presence.
INT. GRAYSON'S RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Caleb walks back to the table and sits down to ambient laughter.
ROBERT
Speak of the devil.
CALEB
You were talking about me? I'm flattered.
PETER
Is it true that you just showed up at the firm one day exposing them for money laundering?
Caleb looks to David for confirmation. He doesn't know how confidential he should be keeping that.
DAVID
Gabe you have a very unique set of skills. You would be fundamentally useful in our supplementary business.
Caleb sits back in his chair. He feels conflicted.
CALEB
So how far down does this rabbit hole go exactly?
The associates exchange knowing glances.
DAVID
All you need to know right now is that it involves triple your current salary.
Caleb lets the decision ruminate in his head. He takes a drink. Then he shrugs and raises his glass.
EXT. PARTY - NIGHT
Montage:
Caleb is socializing at a party. There is never a moment where he is unnoticed.
INT. CONFERENCE - DAY
Caleb is making connections with investors. He shakes their hands and introduces himself.
EXT. CURB - DAY
Caleb reveals a surprise to Allie: an expensive car with a bow. Shocked, she hugs him. She seems concerned.
EXT. GARAGE - DAY
Caleb drives a truck filled with illicit drugs into a heavily-guarded garage, and is acknowledged by David upon exiting the truck.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Allie is blow drying her hair when she catches a glimpse of Caleb's briefcase in the mirror. She turns around.
INT. GARAGE - DAY
David has money counters lined up. He is distributing the shares. Caleb grabs a stack David has laid out for him.
End Montage
INT. CLOSET - NIGHT
Caleb opens his briefcase, a lonely half-filled syringe rolls to the bottom. He picks it up gently, like an endangered animal.
CALEB (V.O)
30 cases. It took 30 cases to get me here.
INT. SUBWAY STATION
He is standing in the train station, looking at the remnants of the torn-up Medicorp poster.
EXT. MEDICORP - NIGHT
Caleb walks towards the Medicorp building. It is completely abandoned.
CALEB (V.O.)
And just like that, Medicorp vanished without a trace. Quiet as the wind. (pause)
But my journey can't end here.
Caleb pulls out the Medicorp card in his pocket
CALEB (V.O.)
I just started living.
Caleb calls the number on the card.
OPERATOR (V.O)
We're sorry, but the number you've reached is unavailable. Please hang up-
Disappointed, Caleb hangs up the phone. He notices a wilted rose on the ground.
Back to: Doctor injecting Caleb. The name tag reads Dr. Colin Rose MD.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Caleb pulls out a phonebook and desperately searches for the name. He finds a few Colin Rose's, one is in the area.
EXT. MOTEL - DAY
Caleb knocks aggressively on a worn door. He waits and tries a few more times. The doctor opens the door slightly.
DOCTOR (impatiently) What?
Caleb holds up an empty syringe
CALEB
My name's Caleb Bennet. I came to Medicorp six months ago and you gave me this shot. I need it again.
The doctor tries to close the door but Caleb holds it open.
DOCTOR
Look I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing here for you.
CALEB
You gave me a life. You can't take that away from someone. Please.
The doctor looks down the hall.
DOCTOR
Did the cops send you?
CALEB No.
DOCTOR
Lift up your shirt. He does. No wire.
DOCTOR
What about Marcel? Are you one of Marcel's guys?
CALEB (confused) No.
DOCTOR (whispering)
They took everything. 10 years of work. Gone.
CALEB
So you're going to quit your life's work because you got shut down.
DOCTOR
I don't want to go to prison. And I don't want to die.
CALEB (combatively) Neither do I.
The doctor closes the door, Caleb struggles with him to hold it open.
CALEB Wait! Wait! Wait!
Caleb frantically searches his pocket and holds up the rose.
The doctor then unlocks the chain and opens it fully.
DOCTOR
Oh, Caleb !Bennet
CALEB
...Yeah
DOCTOR
You got me. I've been running what's left of Medicorp from here. Come on I'll show you my setup.
CALEB
Have you been living here too?
DOCTOR (jovially)
Yeah, I'm a workaholic. I can't remember what my son's face looks like.
CALEB
Oh.
DOCTOR
Anyway, I have a small supply in the back. Come on.
Caleb walks through the door. The doctor looks down the hall both ways and closes the door.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Caleb and Allie are sitting at home, eating a well-prepared homemade meal.
ALLIE
I thought Friday's were for Taco Bell. Are you sure this isn't too much?
CALEB
For you? Not a chance.
ALLIE
For 3 years how have I never known that you cook?
He looks up from cutting and smiles at her.
ALLIE
What else don't I know about Caleb Bennett? I've just scratched the
surface haven't I?
CALEB (jokingly)
That's classified
He takes a bite.
ALLIE
You'll never stop surprising me will you?
CALEB
I never will.
ALLIE
Everything you've been doing for me has been- it's been great- but you know you don't have to, right?
CALEB
I know. I want to. You deserve it.
ALLIE
Do you remember when we met?
CALEB
Yeah.
Allie continues talking, but the conversation is overpowered by ambience.
CALEB (V.O)
I remember it like a dream. Or a glimpse into a past life. I can recall images of her three years younger, but I don't associate them with feeling.
Varied glimpses of life with Allie are shown through the eyes of Caleb. Back to Allie talking in real life.
CALEB (V.O)
She likes to think it was fate. Fate must have strange priorities.
INT. STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
David slams a metal briefcase down on a table. Caleb, Lance, and some other shady colleagues have gathered around the table, including JESSICA (fierce, yet apathetic).
DAVID
We have three days to secure this deal with Marcel's guys. If all goes well we're looking at the most we've ever made.
JESSICA
Elaborate.
DAVID
2.5 mil each.
There's a unanimous vocal display of interest.
JESSICA
We're all ears.
DAVID
Jessica, I'm gonna need you to get us an in. Lance, you're making the dealdon't blow it.
CALEB
It's not like Lance can be blamed if something goes wrong.
LANCE (under his breath)
Like I need sympathy from you.
DAVID
Here's the best part. These guys are nobodies. They disappear of the face of the earth and no distributors would get on our backs about it.
Concerned, Caleb looks up.
JESSICA
So you're saying we waste them on the spot.
DAVID Exactly.
CALEB
No we can't do that.
JESSICA
Excuse me, who are you?
DAVID
Leave this to us Gabe.
JESSICA
Oh, it's the new guy. So you're just gonna stroll on in here and tell us how to do our jobs? Is that the plan?
DAVID Jessica, please.
CALEB
You said they were nobodies, right? How can they afford a 20 million dollar budget without making some connections?
JESSICA
If they had any connections worth shitting on we'd know.
CALEB
Not international ones. Maybe Mexico but overseas? That's where our network ends. Didn't you hear those centralEuropean accents? They're not from here, probably somewhere like Slovakia. There's a demand for high our product there. Hell, they could triple the money they're giving us. And if and when the suppliers don't get the shipment they asked for, they'll come here for it.
DAVID (reluctantly) He's right.
David walks to the door and Jessica follow him.
JESSICA Are you serious?
DAVID
I chose this plan because there were no risks. He presented a risk.
Everyone exits except Lance, who stares down Caleb before following them. When everyone has gone, Caleb lets out a sigh of relief. His hand is shaking. He grabs it.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Lance pulls up to a large manor in a van, a gun wedged between his dominant hand and the wheel. A guard opens the front door and grabs his gun. Lance is escorted to a room where MARIA (charming, professional) is doing work at a desk.
MARIA
You must be Lance. Take a seat.
LANCE (warily)
I'd rather stand.
MARIA
I can see why you'd be nervous. I can assure you you're in good hands.
LANCE
Yeah, well, I guess I'm just suspicious of someone who calls a meeting with no business to discuss.
MARIA
Forgive me. I'm a firm believer in getting to know my clients before rushing into any deals.
LANCE (in disbelief) You're...Marcel?
MARIA (amused)
I probably should have lead with that. I go by Maria, but, yes I suppose you would recognize me better by that name.
LANCE
Oh my god I'm-- I had no idea.
MARIA
It's fine.
Lance aggressively takes a seat.
MARIA (smiling) Shall we?
EXT. MOTEL - DAY
Caleb knocks on the doctor's door. The doctor opens it slightly.
CALEB
I'm dry.
DOCTOR
I'm making as much as I can.
CALEB
And yet I'm dry. That shouldn't happen.
DOCTOR
Calm down.
CALEB
Open the goddamn door. The doctor opens the door.
CALEB
We agreed on 20 vials a week. You told me you could produce 20 vials a week.
DOCTOR
There's been complications.
Caleb punches the wall.
CALEB
Don't give me that!
DOCTOR
Hey, don't forget about the risk I'm making for you. We're partners.
Caleb laughs.
CALEB
We both know how this relationship works. You give me what I need, and I don't turn you in to the police. I want those vials by the end of the day tomorrow.
Caleb leaves the room. The door slams.
CUT TO BLACK
INT. CLOSET - NIGHT
Caleb is rationing out his supply of syringes. His wristwatch beeps. He is about to inject himself when he noticed his artery is damaged. He injects his left arm instead.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Caleb walks into his apartment. Allie is holding the syringes in her hand.
CALEB
Where did you get those?
ALLIE
In your briefcase.
CALEB
Don't get angry.
ALLIE
Ok. (pause)
Tell me what it is.
CALEB
...it's really been helping--
ALLIE
Tell me what it is.
CALEB
...I don't know.
ALLIE
You don't know? (pause) Why do you have it?
CALEB
I..I don't-
Allie leans back in her chair, cutting him off with silence.
CALEB
What do you want me to say?
ALLIE
That you'll stop doing this.
CALEB
I can't stop.
ALLIE
Please
I can't--
CALEB
ALLIE
Why?
CALEB
Because I need it, Allie!
ALLIE
You don't need this.
CALEB
How do you know?
ALLIE
Because I know you.
Allie reaches out to grab Caleb's hand. Multiple visions of Caleb's unsaturated memories with Allie play in quick succession. Caleb pulls his hands away.
CALEB
No you don't. There have been days that I didn't have the courage to get out of bed in the morning. There have been days that I couldn't look at my own reflection in the mirror. There have been days that I went to sleep begging God that I wouldn't wake up. You don't know anything about me.
ALLIE
Really? When we met you told me you would never end up like your dad.
CALEB
Don't bring him into this.
ALLIE
Listen to me. You wanted to be something. You never stopped looking for something to live for. And you'll never stop looking because you can never be satisfied with what you are.
Tell me what you need. I'll help you just tell me what you need.
CALEB
How can you be satisfied with me? I'm a jerk, Allie. I have done nothing right these past four years except unload all of my shit onto you. How are you satisfied?
ALLIE
I'm not satisfied, Caleb. I just need you. I don't know why I do but I do. I know your fucked up. Everyone's fucked up. And yes, you've hurt me unintentionally and intentionally, but I need it. Jesus Christ. You're the only thing that's stopping me from being alone with my own thoughts.
CALEB
So I'm just some sort of project to you?
ALLIE
That's not what I said.
Caleb picks up the empty syringe.
CALEB
Well maybe now you understand.
Caleb storms out of the room. In the hallway he throws the syringe on the wall.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Caleb is driving with repressed rage and intent.
EXT. MEDICORP - NIGHT
Caleb arrives at Medicorp, gets out and slams the door. He begins destroying the abandoned equipment. He lets out a blood-curling scream.
CUT TO BLACK
INT. CLOSET - NIGHT
Caleb pulls the overhead light. He is sitting in a cramped closet, fiddling pensively with a full syringe.
CALEB (V.O)
How could you have caused so much damage?
Quick cuts pre-drug flashbacks are interlaid between shots of Caleb analyzing the syringe. Caleb drops the syringe on the floor.
CALEB (V.O)
Where does the time go?
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
The bathroom is messy.
CALEB (V.O)
I began to cut down on injections. I started with skipping one day a week. I chose Wednesday.
Caleb is leaned over the toilet, throwing up.
CALEB (V.O)
I've always hated Wednesdays.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Caleb is scribbling notes at his desk.
CALEB (V.O)
I'm sorry for everything...
He tosses it in his drawer and starts over.
CALEB (V.O)
I've been an idiot, you deserve better..
He puts it in the drawer and restarts
CALEB (V.O)
You were right about everything...
He puts it in the drawer and angrily slams the drawer repeatedly.
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT
Caleb approaches David's desk.
David?
CALEB
DAVID
Gabe! What can I do for you?
CALEB
I think I'd like to be moved back to accounting.
DAVID
What? You've been an invaluable asset to us in the warehouse.
CALEB
I'm just following orders. No different than when I worked up here.
DAVID
Oh but it's entirely different. You have to know that what you're doing now is truly making an impact.
CALEB
David, with all due respect I'm not sure I see it that way. I mean, up here I was really making a difference. Changing lives even.
DAVID
Gabe you're up 9-0 in the world series and you want to forfeit? Everyone wants what you have right now. Everyone. You've found your calling.
David take out a small handgun.
DAVID This is who you are.
CALEB
I just-
DAVID
Look I'm extremely busy Gabe are you gonna tell me something I don't already know?
Caleb gets up and walks out. As he's leaving Lance enters the office.
LANCE
David I think it's time to call it a night.
DAVID
We're not done I still need you here.
Caleb overhears this conversation.
LANCE
Everyone else went home hours ago.
DAVID
I let them go because they all have families. Who do you have to go home to, Lance?
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Caleb sneaks downstairs. He opens a filing cabinet and finds his records. He is about to rip them up when he hears a glass clink in the background. Lance is pouring himself a drink.
LANCE
What are you doing?
CALEB
How long have you been here?
Lance drinks.
LANCE
Mine first.
CALEB
I can't take this shit anymore. It's ruining me. You have no idea.
LANCE
About a half hour.
CALEB What?
LANCE
I've been here for about half an hour.
CALEB
Oh.
LANCE
And it's not like I have no idea. I'm in the same spot you are and you don't see me crying.
Caleb puts his records down and takes a seat. Lance gives Caleb his glass.
CALEB
Do you have an extra glass?
LANCE It's fine.
Lance pours Caleb some.
CALEB
That's good.
Lance continues to pour until it overflows and keeps the bottle for himself.
CALEB
You must hate him.
LANCE
Who, David? No I don't hate him.
CALEB
Look at the way he treats you. How could you not hate him?
LANCE
Because pointing the finger at him wouldn't solve anything. People like that don't change
CALEB
Maybe not. But then what's stopping them?
LANCE
Nothing can. What's stopping you?
Lance drinks and nods to Caleb's records.
CALEB
I don't know. You?
LANCE
Maybe it's the fear of going back to
the days that I didn't have the courage to get out of bed. But sometimes I wish I could board a nameless plane and start over.
CALEB
A nameless plane with first class.
LANCE I've never flown first class.
CALEB Never?
LANCE Nope.
CALEB
Well don't start now.
LANCE Why not?
CALEB
Because you'll never be able to go back.
LANCE
I wouldn't do it anyway. I don't have anything to lose anymore.
CALEB
What do you mean?
LANCE
There's a girl.
CALEB
Yeah?
LANCE
It's the girl I'm supposed to be making the deal with.
CALEB
Oh.
Yeah.
LANCE
CALEB
Well, don't let that stop you. If you like her, I mean.
LANCE
Maybe in another life you and I could have been friends.
CALEB
Thank god it's not this one.
Lance chuckles.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
It's Wednesday again. Caleb is mindlessly watching TV. His phone vibrates.
CALEB Hello?
DAVID (on the other line) Where are you?
CALEB
I'm taking a sick day.
DAVID
You can't keep playing hooky, Caleb. You have a job to do. Get here now.
David hangs up.
EXT. DOCTOR'S MOTEL - DAY
Caleb knocks lazily on the doctor's door. The doctor answers.
DOCTOR Jesus Christ.
Caleb pants heavily.
DOCTOR You're withdrawing?
It takes a significant portion of Caleb's energy to project affirmation.
CALEB I need you.
INT. DOCTOR'S MOTEL ROOM
The doctor is applying a pouch containing 22-C to Caleb's abdomen.
DOCTOR
So this pouch will introduce doses of the drug into your system, slowly. You'll get what you need from it and it'll make it easier to get off.
Caleb takes a deep breath.
CALEB
Thank you.
DOCTOR
Don't mention it.
CALEB
You're the only one who's on my side. I'm about to walk into the biggest deal of my life, and I need you at my side in case something goes wrong.
DOCTOR
I'll be there Caleb.
CALEB
Thank you.
DOCTOR
What do you mean by 'if something goes wrong'.
CALEB
Just...logistical stuff.
DOCTOR
Oh.
CALEB I don't feel good, man.
DOCTOR
Here I'll give you a higher dosage.
CALEB
No, no it's not that. It's just-- I can't believe I'm about to open up to you.
DOCTOR
It's because I have an approachable face.
CALEB
Have you ever been reliant on something, doctor?
DOCTOR
If you ask a man that question and he says no, you're talking to a liar. It's like this: run a test designed for white mice with both white mice and grey mice. Reward the white one with cheese every time, but not the grey one. Pay close attention to the behavior of the grey mouse. Eventually it will stop running the test. It will steal the other mouse's cheese. It will even go as far as to deprive itself of food and sleep. Look around you Caleb. This world is designed for white mice.
CALEB
You know what, I'll take that higher dosage after all.
INT. CAR - DAY
Caleb is driving to work on conference call with David. The doctor is in the passenger's seat.
DAVID
You realize this is in violation of a federal crime. We don't do that unless it's intentional, Gabe. Remember?
CALEB
Yes, David.
EXT. GARAGE - DAY
Caleb pulls to the curb at an unfamiliar garage, and gains entry access. In the foreground, Allie pulls up on the other side of the street.
INT. GARAGE - DAY
Caleb and the doctor walk into the garage. Lance approaches from around the corner.
LANCE
(gesturing to doctor)
Who's this?
CALEB
He's my assistant.
Lance doesn't have time to question it. He tosses Caleb a gun.
LANCE
They're all yours.
Lance hesitates before handing Dr. Rose a gun.
LANCE
Your "assistant" is your responsibility. If this goes to shit, shoot to kill.
Lance exits.
DOCTOR (quietly)
What have you gotten yourself into?
CALEB
Just relax and follow my lead.
Caleb tucks his gun away while the doctor holds his gun out in front of him.
CALEB (motioning) Put that thing away.
The doctor quickly tucks his gun away. They arrive at a room where David, Lance, Jessica and others are meeting with another company. They are split by a drug supply with tall crates scattered across the room.
MARCO
We agreed on 400.
DAVID
Caleb! There he is. Gabe, remind Marco of the deal you worked out with him last week.
CALEB
Um, I believe it was...80 grams
for...400k
Jessica puts her head in her hand.
DAVID (through his teeth) Caleb, are you sure it wasn't 80 grams for 200,000?
MARCO
The deal was 400, David.
DAVID
Look, Marco, despite what my subordinates have to say about it, we just don't have that kind of money to give away.
MARCO
Bullshit, Dave. Everybody knows you shovel books into your fireplace like coal.
DAVID
There's no need for any of that. Let's just be civilized.
MARCO
We are not leaving without 400,000, just like you promised.
DAVID
Then I guess you'll just have to make yourself comfortable.
Marco shouts a foreign word, and all his men unsheathe their guns. The J & D side take cover behind the crates and prepare for their defense.
DAVID
Caleb! You better pray you get yourself killed in the crossfire!
Amidst the hectic shooting, Caleb gets shot in his patch, causing him to falter. The doctor notices and makes his way to Caleb, looking for a spare syringe.
DOCTOR
Come on, come on...
The doctor finds a syringe and injects Caleb through the
chest. Caleb rises and pushes forward, taking bullets and no cover. Marco crawls away. He reaches for his gun but Caleb kicks it from his hands.
MARCO
P--please--wait...
Caleb shoots him in the head.
JESSICA Jesus!
DAVID
Okay let's grab what we need and .go
Caleb hears a voice come on Marco's intercom.
INTERCOM
We found a loiterer. Potential spy. Taking her in for interrogation.
DAVID
Caleb fill your pockets.
VOICE
I.D. says Alison Tate?
DAVID
Gabe...
Caleb grabs the intercom and sprints down the hall. The doctor looks down at the syringe he gave Caleb. It is labeled as 'EMPTY'.
CALEB (into the intercom) Where is she being held?
VOICE
Uh, sector 7-G. What's your unit num--
Caleb tosses the intercom and sprints to the room where Allie is held. Caleb takes down the two gunmen watching her, taking a bullet in response. Allie screams. Caleb falls, panting and bleeding out.
ALLIE
Caleb!
Allie rushes to his side, despite her tied hands.
ALLIE
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
DAVID (V.O)
So instead of following orders and completing the task at hand, you chose to jeopardize the whole mission.
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT
An injured Caleb is sitting in David's office with Lance, Jessica, and a couple others splayed across the room.
DAVID
And for what? So you could bring your girlfriend on a ride-along?
Caleb stares off into the distance, unresponsively.
DAVID Goddamit!
David slams the phone into the receiver.
DAVID
This is your mess, Caleb. How about you get us out of it?
JESSICA
Will you calm down? They had his girl in there.
DAVID
Never tell me to calm down!
JESSICA
So what are we going to do about Marcel? We don't have enough product to make the deal anymore.
DAVID
It's fine we'll have to adapt. When you make the deal tomorrow night you can flex with the product we have left.
LANCE
That's not gonna work they'll count it.
DAVID
So get rid of them, what's the problem? (pause)
And as far as the mark on our reputation--
LANCE Wait--
DAVID (annoyed) What?
LANCE
They..they'll have people checking for weapons.
DAVID
What's your problem Lance? We've gone through this a million times. (pause)
Oh what, is it cuz she has tits? Did she sweet talk you? I thought you were a professional. Try to think with your brain and not your dick for once.
David's voice trails off in the background.
DAVID
So we're going to have to compensate GE to keep their mouths shut...
Lance seems petrified.
DAVID
Give me the room.
All but David leave, Caleb last through the door.
DAVID
Not you Caleb.
Caleb takes a reluctant seat.
DAVID
That girl is your weakness. And now she's a target. You know that right?
Caleb looks up.
DAVID
And as long as she continues to be your weakness, she will always be in danger. Always.
CALEB
I'm out.
David laughs and pours himself a glass of brandy.
DAVID No you're not.
Caleb takes a syringe and puts it on the desk.
CALEB
I'm not who you think. All my success, and all my failures, is because of this drug. I'm not who you think I am.
DAVID
I didn't hire a drug. I hired you.
CALEB
Actually, I don't think you did hire me.
DAVID
What I meant was give yourself some credit. Not just anyone could've done what you've done. You're too hard on yourself.
Caleb gets up.
DAVID Caleb.
CALEB Yeah?
DAVID
I'd keep an eye on Lance.
CALEB Why?
DAVID
Well, he's always been the type to feel threatened by competition. And right now, you're the competition.
I've seen it happen before. I don't want to see you get hurt.
Caleb exits.
EXT. MARCEL'S GATE - NIGHT
Lance pulls up to Marcel's manor once again, with a duffel bag this time. The guard confiscates his gun. Lance is harboring a spare gun in his ankle holster as he is escorted to the main room. When he meets with Maria, there is a spark of recognition in her eyes.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Caleb and Allie's bedroom is half-full. Allie sits in the living room. There is a knock on the door. Allie opens it to find the LANDLORD holding up an eviction notice.
LANDLORD
I'm still waiting on this month's payment.
Allie starts to close the door.
LANDLORD Allison!
The door shuts. Allie slides down to a sit, her back against the door. The landlord pounds on the door.
LANDLORD
You can't keep running from this! It won't go away!
Allie begins to cry.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
Allie is getting ready for the night. Her lights are on. Caleb is parked by the curb, watching her through the window. He eventually drives away. Allie looks over as soon as he leaves. She draws the blinds.
INT. DOCTOR'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Holding Caleb's shipment, the doctor watches the clock. He steps outside. Caleb's parking spot is empty. He smiles.
INT. STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
Caleb walks into a dark room. There is a light muffled groan.
CALEB
David?
Caleb turns on a light switch revealing a tortured Lance tied up in a chair.
DAVID
Disgusting isn't he.
David walks into frame.
DAVID
Take a good look, Caleb. When you're in this industry, you're replaceable. Lance became a problem.
David hands Caleb a handgun.
DAVID
So we're going to replace him.
Caleb takes the gun. David walks over to the counter and pours himself a drink.
DAVID
Kill him.
CALEB (V.O.)
In that moment I started to wonder if I would meet the same fate as Lance. What point is he trying to make here?
DAVID
It's just business, Gabe.
Flashback ensues of saturated memory with Allie. Quick cuts of memories leading up to the initial injection at Medicorp. Cut to black.
CALEB (V.O)
I need to stop.
Caleb fires four shots into Lance's chest. Cut to black. The sound of bullet caps dropping on the steel floor lingers.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Allie is alone in her now empty apartment. There is a knock at the door. She answers to a black duffel bag at her feet. When she opens it she sees it is filled to the brim with cash.
Allie goes into the bedroom, where she notices a slip of paper hanging out from the drawer. She opens the drawer, reads the notes, and begins sobbing.
//voiceover plays over subsequent scenes
CALEB (V.O)
You were right about me, Allie. I should've listened. All this time I thought I needed it. Everything I've done, that was me and nothing else. By the time I realized that, it was too late. I can't expect you to forgive me after everything that's happened, but I want you to know that I'm sorry.
EXT. MOTEL - DAY
Police are knocking on the worn motel door
COP 1
Doctor Rose?
INT. MOTEL - DAY
The apartment is empty, stripped of any belongings. The window is wide open, breeze blowing in. The cop knocks again.
COP 1
Doctor Rose open the door please.
INT. MARCEL'S BASE
Maria is working, business as usual. There is a knock at the door.
MARIA
Come in.
David enters the room and takes a seat across from her.
BACK TO: Allie
EXT. BRIDGE - DAY
Caleb is walking with his briefcase in his hand..
CALEB (V.O)
You were right.
He stops at the center of the bridge. He opens his briefcase, and lets the syringes fall into the water. A feint ringing grows louder, and a heartbeat gets faster. The world darkens.
CUT TO BLACK. HEARTBEAT STOPS. LIFELINE PLAYS. ALL SOUND CUTS OFF.
-title-
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