Episode 1 - Embers
OPENING SCENE
SPRINGVILLE, USA - EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS - NIGHT
Close-up on flames reflecting off a glass surface. The fire dances, its light flickering and casting an ominous glow. The camera slowly zooms out to reveal the flames are reflected in the
eyeglasses of CHRIS LATTIMER (mid-30s), disheveled, wearing a bathrobe, standing amidst the chaos of the night, his face a mask of shock, despair, and a hint of something darker.
The once bustling Lattimer Motors is engulfed in flames, a symbol of dreams turned to ash. Chris watches, the weight of his world collapsing evident in his eyes.
CUT TO BLACK
TITLE CARD: THREE WEEKS EARLIER
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS - DAY
The camera follows CHRIS LATTIMER as he navigates through Lattimer Motors – a modest but mostly successful car lot on the outskirts of town. It’s been an iffy past few months, but Chris retains a veneer of charm. Beside him, a NERDY TEENAGER, wide-eyed and clearly out of his depth.
CHRIS (to the Teenager) You see, this model right here is just about the best you can get for your needs. Reliable, stylish, and it’s got that edge you’re looking for. “Taurus.” Let it roll off your tongue. It’s a powerful word, Ryan. For a powerful car.
Chris leads the teen around the car, his demeanor increasingly predatory as he senses the desperation in the young buyer.
CHRIS Look, a Taurus isn't just a vehicle; it's a statement. And a 2005? Kid, if you want to impress the ladies this is how you do it.
The Teenager nods, visibly excited yet naive.
RYAN Yeah, exactly! I mean, I don't know much about cars, but this seems great!
CHRIS (seizing the opportunity, voice slick) It's more than great; it's a steal. For you, I'll even throw in a deal on the insurance. Trust me, you won't find anything like this elsewhere.
As they approach the office, Chris's internal conflict becomes apparent. He pauses, looking at the Teenager with a mix of pity and disdain.
CHRIS (suddenly harsh) You know what? This is ridiculous. You're a kid. You have no idea what you're getting into.
RYAN (confused and defensive) What? But you said
CHRIS (interrupting, voice rising) I said get out of here, you dolt! You're being played, and you're too stupid to see it. Didn’t you have parents to teach you anything about money, or are they as foolish as you?
Ryan, now indignant and humiliated, storms off. Chris watches, a momentary flicker of remorse in his eyes before he hardens again and storms into his office as we fade into….
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS – NIGHT
A quiet night envelopes Lattimer Motors. Rows of vehicles gleam under the dim glow of scattered floodlights. The distant hum of traffic is barely audible over the chirping of crickets.
Suddenly, the serenity is shattered by the screech of tires. A worn-out sedan swerves into the lot, coming to a haphazard stop near the entrance. The engine sputters before cutting off.
DAN LATTIMER (late 30s), disheveled and visibly intoxicated, stumbles out of the car. His clothes are wrinkled, tie loosened, and his eyes carry the weight of sleepless nights. He fumbles with his cell phone, fingers trembling as he dials.
He brings the phone to his ear, pacing unsteadily.
DAN (slurring, desperate) Come on, answer... please.
A gruff voice answers, barely audible.
DAN It’s me. Yeah. I just need a little more time. Things have been rough, but the money's coming I swear.
He listens, anxiety creeping into his expression.
DAN No, no, you don't need to do that. I I've got some deals in the works. Big sales coming up. Just give me until the end of the week.
The voice on the other end grows harsher. Dan's face tightens.
DAN (pleading) I understand, but I've always paid you back before, haven't I?
He waits, his free hand gripping the car door to steady himself.
DAN Look, I've got collateral. Valuable assets. I can get you something by Friday. Just don't... don't send anyone. We don't need to make this messy.
A cold response from the other end causes Dan's demeanor to shift from desperation to anger.
DAN (angrily) I said I need more time! What part of that don't you understand?
He slams his fist on the roof of the car, the thud echoing in the quiet lot.
DAN You'll get your damn money when I say you'll get it! You lay a finger on me or anyone I care about, and you'll regret it!
Silence. Then the line goes dead. Dan stares at the phone, rage boiling over. In a fit, he hurls it against the pavement. The phone shatters, pieces skittering under nearby cars.
He leans heavily against his sedan, breathing hard. The facade of anger fades, revealing fear beneath.
DAN (whispering to himself) What am I gonna do?
He gazes across the lot at the dealership's main building. The illuminated sign "Lattimer Motors" flickers slightly a beacon of what once was a family dream.
INT.
LATTIMER
MOTORS – SHOWROOM – NIGHT
Dan pushes open the glass door, the bell chiming softly. The showroom is modest, with a few select cars displayed under soft lighting. Family photos and awards adorn the walls, showcasing the dealership's history.
He walks past the cars, his footsteps echoing. He pauses at a photo of himself and his brother CHRIS standing beside their late father, all smiles.
DAN (muttering) We had it all figured out, didn't we?
He tears his gaze away, guilt flickering across his face.
INT.
LATTIMER
MOTORS – DAN'S OFFICE – NIGHT
Dan enters his cramped office a stark contrast to the tidy showroom. Papers clutter the desk, and empty coffee cups line the shelves. He collapses into his creaky chair, rubbing his temples.
His eyes land on a framed family photo partially buried under invoices. He picks it up it's a picture of him, baby Chris, and their father during the dealership's opening day.
DAN (voice cracking) Dad.
He runs a thumb over his father's image.
DAN I really tried.
A tear threatens to escape, but he blinks it away, frustration taking over.
He opens a desk drawer, rummaging through scattered items until he pulls out a half-empty bottle of whiskey. He hesitates, then shoves it back, slams the drawer.
With a sigh, he opens the drawer and grabs the bottle – turning it up like only a man well-versed in whiskey drinking can.
His gaze shifts toward the hallway leading to Chris's office. An idea forms a risky one.
INT.
LATTIMER
MOTORS – HALLWAY – NIGHT
The corridor is dimly lit. Dan moves cautiously, the weight of his decision palpable. He stops at Chris's office door, trying the handle. Locked.
DAN Figures.
He retrieves a keyring from his pocket, flipping through the keys with shaky fingers. Finding the master key, he hesitates.
DAN (softly) Sorry, Chris.
He unlocks the door and slips inside.
INT.
CHRIS'S OFFICE – NIGHT
Chris's office is orderly files neatly stacked, certificates on the wall, and a sleek computer on the desk. Dan moves quickly to the filing cabinet, pulling open drawers and skimming through folders.
DAN (whispering) Come on, come on...
He flips through documents until he pulls out a folder. He flips through the papers – a rapid succession that we can barely glimpse. Dan’s face darkens. He’s found what he’s looking for. He hesitates, a conflict playing out on his face.
We FLASH to a quick, hazy scene, of Dan and Chris as kids plays in his mind laughing, playing catch, their father cheering them on – the sounds echoing as the scene dissolves back to Dan’s face – sweat pouring from his brow. He lifts the whiskey bottle back to his lips and turns it back up.
DAN Goddammit.
He slips the folder into his jacket.
As he closes the drawer, he looks around the office, seeing his brother's efforts to keep the family legacy alive. The weight of his actions bears down. He pulls out the folder, contemplating putting it back. But a sudden sound startles him Chris’s office phone sounding the proverbial alarm. He answers hesitantly, pushing the speaker button.
DAN Hello?
A menacing voice speaks tersely.
VOICE (O.S.) Figured I’d find you there, Danny. Just to be clear: we can always settle this another way.
Dan's eyes dart around nervously.
DAN Wait! I’ve got something. I can get you the money by tomorrow. Well. Sort of. Just hear me out.
VOICE (O.S.) Sort of? This isn’t the time for ‘sort of.’ See you tomorrow, Danny.
The line disconnects. Dan stands, resolve hardening. He tucks the deed securely into his jacket and turns his bottle up once again as we fade out.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE
– MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT
The screen is entirely black, accompanied only by the soft sound of a child whimpering in the distance. Suddenly, a gentle lamp light flicks on, illuminating the cozy bedroom of the Lattimer house. CHRIS lies in bed beside his wife, LAURA LATTIMER (early 30s). He rubs his eyes groggily as the muffled cries of their son continue.
CHRIS (half-asleep, concerned) I'll go check on him,. You get some rest.
LAURA (sleepily, yet concerned) You sure?
CHRIS (smiles reassuringly) I've got it. Besides, he might settle down faster for me tonight.
Laura nods, sinking back into the pillows.
LAURA Okay... but let me know if you need anything.
CHRIS Will do.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – HALLWAY
– NIGHT
Chris quietly steps into the dim hallway, the walls adorned with family photos capturing joyful moments. He makes his way toward Billy's room, the soft glow of a nightlight spilling into the hall.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE
– BILLY'S ROOM – NIGHT
Chris gently opens the door to Billy's room, a space decorated with bright colors and toys befitting a two-year-old. BILLY, clutching a stuffed dinosaur, stands in his crib with tear-filled eyes.
CHRIS (softly, approaching the crib) Hey there, little man. What's got you up so late?
Billy's face lights up upon seeing his father. He reaches out his arms eagerly.
BILLY Daddy!
Chris scoops him up, holding him close.
CHRIS Did you have a bad dream?
BILLY (nods, sniffing) Scary monsters.
CHRIS Monsters, huh? Well, you know what we say about monsters.
BILLY Not real?
CHRIS That's right. And even if they were, they'd be no match for you and me.
He gently wipes away Billy's tears.
CHRIS (CONT'D) How about we sit for a bit?
Chris sits in a cozy armchair by the window, cradling Billy. He starts humming a soft tune.
LAURA appears quietly at the doorway, wearing a robe, her expression a mix of concern and affection.
LAURA (whispers) Everything okay?
CHRIS (looks up, smiles softly) Yeah, just a little nightmare.
LAURA Again? That's the third time this week.
CHRIS Probably a phase. Kids have vivid imaginations at this age.
LAURA Mind if I join you?
CHRIS Of course not.
She walks over and sits on the arm of the chair, gently stroking Billy's hair.
LAURA Hey, sweetheart.
BILLY Mommy!
LAURA Did the scary monsters wake you up?
BILLY (nods) Gone now.
LAURA That's good.
They share a quiet moment, the family huddled together.
LAURA (CONT'D) (softly to Chris) I've been thinking... With Billy growing so fast, maybe we should start planning ahead more. You know, preschool, maybe even a college fund.
CHRIS (nods thoughtfully) You're probably right.
LAURA Business at the lot has been a bit unpredictable lately. Not as consistent as before. I just want to make sure we're prepared.
Chris grimaces at the mention of Lattimer Motors. He’s handling it. For a split second, anger flashes across his face, but it’s gone just as fast.
CHRIS I get it, but we've got some new inventory coming in that should boost sales. Plus, I've got a few ideas to attract more customers.
LAURA Ideas like what?
CHRIS Thinking about hosting a community event. Maybe a weekend barbecue at the dealership, family-friendly activities that sort of thing.
LAURA That could be nice. Get the town involved.
CHRIS Exactly. Dad’s gone, but we're still more than just a business we're part of the community.
LAURA (smiles softly) I like that. And I didn't mean to sound pushy. I just... want the best for Billy.
CHRIS I know. And you're not being pushy. It's good that you're thinking ahead.
BILLY (sleepily) Daddy, sing song?
CHRIS Sure thing, buddy.
He begins to tunelessly murmur the words The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” Billy's eyes start to close as he nestles against Chris's chest.
LAURA (whispers to Chris) You're really good at this, you know.
CHRIS (whispers back, smiling) Takes after his mom falls asleep whenever I start singing. They both chuckle softly.
LAURA We make a pretty good team.
CHRIS That we do.
They watch as Billy drifts off to sleep.
LAURA Let's get him back to bed.
CHRIS Good idea.
Chris carefully stands and lays Billy back in his crib, tucking him in with his stuffed dinosaur.
LAURA Sweet dreams, love.
They quietly exit the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – HALLWAY – NIGHT
Walking back toward their bedroom, Laura slips her hand into Chris's, and they share a tender kiss before re-entering their bedroom as the screen fades to black.
INT. LATTIMER MOTORS – CHRIS'S OFFICE – MORNING
The morning sun filters through the blinds of Chris's office, casting striped shadows across the desk cluttered with paperwork. CHRIS LATTIMER enters, sipping his coffee, ready to start the day.
He stops abruptly at the sight before him: DAN LATTIMER is sprawled on the floor, passed out amidst empty liquor bottles. The filing cabinet drawers are open, files scattered haphazardly around.
CHRIS (shocked and furious) Dan! What the hell are you doing here?
Dan stirs, groaning as he slowly sits up, rubbing his eyes.
DAN (groggy) Chris? What time is it?
CHRIS It's time for you to explain why you're passed out on my office floor! And why does this place look like a tornado hit it?
Dan looks around, trying to piece together the night.
DAN I... Sorry about the mess.
CHRIS "Sorry"? This isn't some dive bar; it's my office! What were you doing in here?
Chris notices the open filing cabinet and scattered documents.
CHRIS (CONT'D) And why were you going through my files?
DAN (defensive) I wasn't looking for anything. Just... just looking for a place to crash.
CHRIS Don't lie to me, Dan. You're rifling through my things, getting drunk at the lot you're out of control!
DAN (standing unsteadily) Oh, here we go. The lecture from Saint Chris. Spare me.
CHRIS This isn't a joke! Business is struggling, and you're making it worse. You're supposed to be the shop supervisor, but you're acting like a liability!
DAN (snaps) Maybe if you didn't keep me stuck in the garage, things would be different!
CHRIS I keep you there because that's what you're good at! You barely handle that responsibly.
DAN You think you're so perfect, don't you? With your nice office, your perfect family. Everything just falls into place for you.
CHRIS Nothing "falls into place" for me. I work hard for what I have. Maybe you should try it.
DAN Don't patronize me! I'm the one here doing the real work! You sit here pushing papers and trying to sweet talk customers!
CHRIS Managing this business is more than pushing papers. I'm trying to keep us afloat.
DAN While undermining me every chance you get
CHRIS Undermining you? You're the one showing up here drunk, sleeping on the job, neglecting work how is that my fault?
DAN (glaring) You never wanted me here in the first place.
CHRIS That's not true, and you know it.
DAN Isn't it? You tried to talk Dad out of helping me that time
CHRIS I was worried that bailing you out wouldn't solve anything.
DAN Because you wanted me to fail!
CHRIS No! Because I wanted you to get real help, to take responsibility for your actions.
DAN (steps closer, anger intensifying) You couldn't stand that Dad cared about me. Always had to be the favorite, didn't you?
CHRIS This isn't about favoritism. Dad believed in both of us. He wanted us to run this place together. But I can't do that if you're not meeting me halfway.
DAN Meeting you halfway? You keep me locked in the back while you make all the decisions.
CHRIS Because every time I give you more responsibility, you drop the ball!
DAN Maybe I wouldn't if you actually trusted me.
CHRIS Trust is earned, Dan! Look at yourself passed out drunk in my office, going through my files. How am I supposed to trust you?
DAN You don't understand anything I'm dealing with.
CHRIS Then tell me! Stop shutting me out.
DAN Why? So you can judge me more?
CHRIS I'm not trying to judge you. I'm trying to help.
DAN I don't need your help!
CHRIS Yes, you do!
DAN (voice low, venomous) Don’t give me that. Don’t pretend I don’t know you.You're nothing but a snake, Chris.
CHRIS Don't call me that.
DAN Truth hurts, doesn't it? You pretend to be this upstanding guy, but you're just as screwed up as the rest of us. You just bottle it up and put on a smile.
CHRIS At least I'm not running away from my problems.
DAN (laughs bitterly) No, you just hide them better.
CHRIS What is that supposed to mean?
DAN You think I don't see the strain? The debts piling up? Business isn't just bad because of me.
CHRIS I'm aware of our financial situation. I'm working on it.
DAN Sure you are. Just like you "worked on" talking Dad out of helping me.
CHRIS I was trying to protect you from yourself.
DAN I don't need your protection!
CHRIS Well, you sure need something. Look at where you are!
DAN (erupts) Enough!
In a sudden move, Dan lunges forward, grabbing Chris by the collar.
DAN (CONT'D) You're a spineless, pathetic snake!
He shoves Chris backward. Chris stumbles, knocking over a chair and colliding with the desk. Papers and objects scatter to the floor.
CHRIS (shocked and angry) What the hell is wrong with you?
DAN I'm done being lectured by you.
CHRIS You can't keep running away from your problems!
Dan turns sharply and heads toward the door.
CHRIS Dan! Wait!
He exits the office, leaving Chris amidst the disarray.
INT. LATTIMER MOTORS – SHOWROOM – CONTINUOUS
Chris follows, but Dan is already making his way across the showroom.
CHRIS At least tell me where you're going!
DAN To handle things.
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS – CONTINUOUS
Dan strides toward his car parked haphazardly outside He gets in, slamming the door, starts the engine, and speeds off, tires screeching as he disappears down the road.
Chris stands alone in the lot, the weight of the confrontation heavy on his shoulders. He looks back at the building, then down at the scattered papers in his hand a photo of them as kids catches his eye, now crumpled and torn.
He sighs deeply, turning to walk back into the dealership, determined yet troubled. We fade out.
INT. LATTIMER
HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CHRIS storms into the house, his fury palpable. The door slams shut behind him with a thud that echoes through the quiet home. LAURA, seated on the couch, looks up, her expression one of concern that quickly morphs into alarm at the sight of him.
LAURA (concerned) Chris, what’s wrong? You’re shaking.
CHRIS (barely containing his rage) Dan. Always Dan. Well no more.
He paces back and forth, each word laced with a venom that seems foreign to the man Laura knew.
CHRIS (voice rising) He’s a black hole, Laura. Sucking us all in. I’m done denying it
Laura stands, approaching him with a calming hand outstretched, trying to pierce his tempest of anger.
LAURA (gently) Chris, please. This isn’t you. You need to calm down, think of Billy
CHRIS (turning on her, his anger sharpening into something cold and decisive) Think of Billy? What do you think I’m doing? Are you blind to the fact that he’s dragging us all down, Billy with him? Do you underestimate me so much? Are you really so foolish?
Laura recoils as if physically struck, the severity of Chris’s words cutting deep.
LAURA (shocked, whispering) Chris...
CHRIS (firmly, with a dark finality) He’s not my brother. Not anymore. If he wants to ruin his life, let him. From now on, he’s nothing but a stranger. Worse than a stranger. He’s an enemy, and I’ll burn him to the ground before I let him destroy all that I’ve built.
The silence that follows is heavy, filled with the echo of Chris’s declaration. Laura stares at him, seeing the man she loves morph into someone unrecognizable, someone capable of a hardness she never imagined.
LAURA (voice trembling, tears brimming) Chris…..
CHRIS (interrupting, a fierce determination in his gaze) No, Laura. Some lines, once crossed, there’s no coming back from. He crossed them long ago. I’m just accepting it now.
Suddenly, BILLY’s cries cut through the tension, a stark reminder of the innocence still present in their lives. Laura, shaken, glances from Chris to the direction of Billy’s room, torn.
LAURA (hesitantly, then with resolve) I’ll... I’ll go check on Billy.
She leaves the room, her departure leaving Chris alone with his tumultuous thoughts. His anger slowly dissipates, leaving behind a haunting realization of the chasm his words have opened not just between him and Dan, but within his own family.
The scene closes on Chris, a solitary figure amidst the shadows of the living room, the gravity of his transformation dawning on him as the echoes of his own declarations linger in the air.
EXT. SEEDY PARKING LOT - NIGHT
The scene opens with DAN LATTIMER pacing back and forth under the dim glow of a flickering street lamp, phone pressed to his ear. His desperation is palpable, even in the way he clutches the phone.
DAN (into the phone, trying to sound confident) Listen, I've got a plan. Just need a little more time, that's all.
Cut to:
INT. BUZZER'S HIDEOUT - SAME TIME
The camera pans to reveal Dick Blinken, better known as BUZZER, on the other end of the line. He's a menacing figure, his blonde ponytail and trademark glasses making him instantly recognizable. Buzzer lounges in a dimly lit room adorned with biker paraphernalia, casually flipping an intimidating knife in one hand.
BUZZER (sneering, his voice laced with menace) Time's a luxury you don't have anymore, Danny boy. You think this is a game? You've got until sunrise. After that, well... let's just say I'm not known for my patience.
He pauses, letting the threat hang in the air, the sound of the knife clicking against his rings echoing ominously.
BUZZER (continuing, almost playful in his threat) And remember, Dan, I'd hate to have to come down there and remind you personally. You wouldn't want that, trust me. I've got a certain... flair for making my point.
The camera zooms in on Buzzer's face, his expression one of amusement mixed with a dangerous edge. He ends the call, tossing the phone aside with a chuckle.
Cut back to:
EXT. SEEDY PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Dan ends the call, his face pale under the streetlight. He looks around the empty parking lot, a sense of dread settling in. The reality of his situation is clearer than ever.
The camera pulls back, leaving Dan isolated and vulnerable as the weight of Buzzer's threat looms over him. The flickering light above him buzzes and goes out, plunging him into darkness as the screen fades to black.
CUT TO BLACK