3 - Chop
FADE IN FROM BLACK:
The buzz and flicker of an 80s CRT television come to life, the screen adjusting to reveal the busy, vibrant lot of Lattimer Motors under a clear blue sky. Prominently displayed in the background is a large American flag, rippling in the breeze. It makes you want to grab a slice of Mom’s apple pie and sing the Star Spangled Banner.
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER stands at the forefront, a beacon of integrity and American spirit, against a backdrop of pristine vehicles. His presence is commanding yet inviting, capturing the essence of a leader who believes in the values he espouses.
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (With vigor and a twinkle of conviction) Good day, fellow patriots! Larry 'Double L' Lattimer here, bringing you the heart and soul of America right to your driveway from Lattimer Motors. In these times, it's more important than ever to stand by our principles, the very fabric that makes us REAL Americans….and at Lattimer Motors, we treat REAL Americans like heroes.
The camera follows Larry as he strides through the lot, his enthusiasm contagious.
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (With increasing intensity) While other dealerships might treat you like just another number, putting up walls between you and your dreams...Ol’ Double L doesn’t put up walls that's not the Lattimer way.
He gestures broadly to the cars, each sporting the "Double L's Like New Guarantee" badge.
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (Booming with pride) Here at Lattimer Motors, we tear down those walls! With Double L's Like New Guarantee, we ensure every vehicle isn't just like new; it is new to you. We're upfront, honest, and dedicated to providing opportunities for every hardworking American to achieve their dreams. No lemons, no surprises that's a promise from me to you.
Cut to a heartwarming scene: young DAN LATTIMER, holding a baby CHRIS in front of the dealership, bathed in the golden sunset.
DAN: (With a genuine smile and playful confidence) So come on down to Lattimer Motors, where dreams don't hit a wall they hit the open road!
Dan offers a thumbs-up while baby Chris giggles. It’s sweet enough to turn a man into a diabetic.
CUT TO:
The Lattimer Motors logo fills the screen, bold and proud against the fluttering American flag, as a catchy, uplifting jingle plays.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.): Lattimer Motors. Making REAL American Dreams come true for REAL American heroes!
CUT BACK TO:
The CRT TV's static briefly returns before the screen goes dark
FADE IN FROM BLACK:
The warm, nostalgic tones of Larry Lattimer's commercial abruptly give way to the stark, shadowy reality of Lattimer Motors at night. The dealership sign flickers, a haunting echo of its former glory.
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS LOT – NIGHT (PRESENT DAY)
The camera slowly pans across the lot under the cover of darkness. Each car sits silently, bathed in the glow of security lights, with stickers boasting "Fantastic Financing Opportunities" and the promise of "Lattimer Like New" quality.
CUT TO:
INT. SHOWROOM - CONTINUOUS
The camera glides through the showroom's glass doors, passing sleek vehicles that seem out of place amidst the faintly chaotic aura that now pervades the space. It lingers on a wall adorned with framed photos: Larry shaking hands, ribbon cuttings, happier times.
CUT TO:
INT. GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
Blue Oyster Cult's "Career of Evil" overtakes the soundtrack, setting the tone as we delve deeper into the bowels of Lattimer Motors.
The garage doors roll up with a rumble, and another vehicle is ushered into the neon-lit chamber. The scene reveals a hive of activity unlike any legitimate service operation. Shadowy figures move between cars, tools in hand, stripping parts with practiced ease. The air is thick with the sound of power tools and muffled conversation.
CUT TO:
INT. GARAGE OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Buzzer is king here, perched in the garage office with a phone pressed to his ear, a self-satisfied grin plastered across his face. Papers and loose parts litter the desk in front of him, a chaotic testament to the operation's success.
BUZZER: (into phone, boastful) You wouldn't believe how smoothly it's running. We've got the parts shop funneling cash like a dream. It's all in-house, mate. I told you so, Torchy ol’ boy! I told you so!
His laughter echoes off the grimy walls, a sound devoid of joy. It trails off as he catches sight of Dan stepping into the dimly lit office, the phone call momentarily forgotten. The atmosphere tenses
BUZZER: (lowering the phone slightly, but not hanging up) What do you want, Lattimer?
Dan stands at the threshold, unfazed by Buzzer's defensive posture. There's a new determination in his stance.
DAN: (firmly, cutting to the chase) I'm not here to argue, Buzzer. I've seen how things are running, and I... I think it's time we talked serious business.
Buzzer scrutinizes Dan, trying to gauge his angle. After a moment, a sly smile creeps across his face. Opportunity is knocking.
BUZZER: (putting the phone down, intrigued) Serious business, huh?
Dan steps further into the office, the two men now locked in a conversation with consequences As Dan begins to speak, the camera pulls away, the details of their conversation left to the imagination for now.
CUT TO:
The camera moves back through the chop shop, passing the busy workers and the disassembled cars, each piece a testament to the operation's success and moral cost. The sound of Dan and Buzzer's muffled conversation fades, replaced by the haunting notes of "Career of Evil," which now begins to fade out as well.
INT. LATTIMER MOTORS OFFICE - DAY (FLASHBACK)
The scene opens in a modestly furnished office, far simpler than the Lattimer Motors of the present day. LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER is seated across from his accountant, MARK PEBBLES, a man whose face is buried in ledgers and financial statements. The room is filled with the tangible tension between vision and caution.
MARK PEBBLES: (with a note of concern) Larry, I've crunched the numbers on this expansion you're planning. It's ambitious, yes, but it's a significant risk, especially this early on. The costs
LARRY stands, his expression one of unwavering conviction, cutting off the accountant midsentence.
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (passionately) I know what the numbers say. But what they don't show you is the value of trust, of building a brand, a customer base. A family, Mark. Christmas cars and birthday specials. Hell. We’ll do an annual 4th of July picnic.
LARRY pauses, tilts his head, an idea springing to life. He laughs, an infectious sound.
LARRY “DOUBLE L” LATTIMER: Twice annual. One for Memorial Day, too.
CUT TO:
EXT.
LATTIMER MOTORS LOT - CONTINUOUS
LARRY strides out of the office, MARK hurrying to keep up. The camera follows them, showcasing the smaller, yet burgeoning lot of Lattimer Motors. Cars of various models are neatly lined up, each representing a part of LARRY's REAL American Dream.
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (gesturing to the lot) See this? When we tell a customer, 'This baby needs a new muffler,' and then we fix it right here, finance it along with the car that's not just service. That's building trust. And that trust? You can't put a price on that.
The accountant, clipboard in hand, still seems unconvinced, his eyes scanning the financial reports.
MARK: But the initial hit to our finances
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (interrupting, with a broad, visionary smile) Sure, we take a hit. But no risk, no reward, my friend. This isn't just about the here and now. It's about what we're building for the future.
They pause by a car as LARRY interacts warmly with a customer, embodying the very principles he's just articulated. The trust and appreciation in the customer's eyes are evident.
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (to Mark, as they walk) This, all of this, it's for something bigger than numbers on a page. It's about a legacy. One for my boys. And they’ll gonna be proud of what their old man built. Not just a business, but a part of the community.
The camera pans over the lot, capturing LARRY's interaction with employees and customers alike, his larger than life presence impossible to resistance. DOUBLE L is the kind of man you trust on sight.
CUT BACK TO:
MARK, now watching LARRY with a mix of skepticism and newfound respect, nods slowly. The figures in his ledger haven't changed, but there’s no arguing with. After all, maybe DOUBLE L is right.
ACCOUNTANT: (softly, more to himself) A legacy, huh?
LARRY "DOUBLE L" LATTIMER: (clapping the accountant on the back, confidently) Exactly. And legacies, well, they're worth every penny.
The scene fades out on LARRY looking over his lot, a man whose belief in the value of trust and community shapes his every decision, setting a foundational example for the generations to follow.
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS
LOT – AFTERNOON (PRESENT DAY)
CHRIS LATTIMER walks through the dealership lot, his expression tight with simmering frustration. Each step feels heavy, burdened by the weight of his family's legacy under siege. A
nondescript truck bypasses the main entrance, heading straight to the garage. Chris watches it with a flicker of irritation.
CUT TO:
INT. LATTIMER MOTORS SHOWROOM – CONTINUOUS
The interior of Lattimer Motors is polished but carries an undercurrent of unease. As Chris enters, MIKE HAMLIN, the diligent manager of the parts shop, approaches him with a mix of concern and hesitation.
MIKE (approaching quietly) Hey, Chris, got a minute?
CHRIS (forcing a smile) Sure, Mike. What's on your mind?
MIKE It's about the parts inventory. In the past two days, we've received a surplus parts for luxury cars we don't even carry. BMWs, Jaguars, even a few Porsche components.
CHRIS (feigning nonchalance) Well, extra stock isn't necessarily a bad thing. Maybe Dan's branching out, trying to attract new clientele.
MIKE I thought about that, but there's no paperwork, no invoices. These shipments just... show up. It doesn't add up.
Chris's smile fades slightly, a hint of defensiveness creeping in.
CHRIS Look, Mike, the parts shop has always been the backbone of this place. If Dan's found a way to boost our inventory, maybe it's a good thing. More variety means more customers, right?
MIKE I get that, but something feels off. I just don't want us to get into any trouble.
CHRIS (placing a reassuring hand on Mike's shoulder) I appreciate your concern. Really. Let me talk to Dan and see what's going on. In the meantime, keep everything running smoothly, okay?
MIKE (nodding reluctantly) Alright, Chris. Just wanted to keep you informed.
MIKE walks away, still looking uneasy. Chris watches him go, the tension evident in his eyes. He glances toward the garage, a mix of frustration and worry etched on his face.
CHRIS (muttering to himself) Jesus Christ, Dan.
Just then, a gentle hand touches his shoulder. Startled, Chris turns to see his wife, LAURA, smiling softly, with their son BILLY holding her hand.
LAURA Didn't mean to scare you.
CHRIS (exhales, his expression softening) Hey, you two. What brings you by?
LAURA We thought you might need a break. Maybe grab some lunch at Baron's Burgers and then spend the afternoon at the park?
A genuine smile spreads across Chris's face, the weight of his concerns momentarily lifting.
CHRIS That sounds perfect. I could definitely use some fresh air.
As they begin to head out, Laura glances back toward the garage.
LAURA I noticed Dan's truck out back. Should we invite him? Billy would love to see his uncle.
Chris's smile falters just a bit, but he quickly recovers.
CHRIS Dan's pretty tied up today. Let's let him focus. Besides, it'll be nice to have some time just the three of us.
LAURA (studying him briefly) Alright, if you're sure.
BILLY Yay! Just us!
CHRIS (laughs) Just us. Come on, buddy.
He lifts Billy into his arms, and the boy giggles happily. Laura watches them, a hint of curiosity in her eyes but choosing not to press further. They walk toward the exit, the afternoon sun spilling into the showroom. As they step outside, Chris takes a deep breath, savoring the moment.
LAURA Everything okay? You seem a little... distracted.
CHRIS Just the usual work stuff. Nothing that a day out with my favorite people can't fix.
LAURA Well, we're here to help with that.
She slips her hand into his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. They head toward the car, Billy chattering excitedly about the swings.
CUT TO:
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS LOT – CONTINUOUS
As they walk away, the camera lingers on the Lattimer Motors sign, then pans down to Dan’s truck. It lingers as the scene fades.
EXT. DIVE BAR – NIGHT (PRESENT DAY)
The scene opens on a gritty, dimly lit dive bar on the outskirts of town. The kind of place with a lingering smell of stale beer and a constant undertone of rock music playing from a jukebox. This is Buzzer’s turf, and the patrons nod at him with a mix of respect and wariness as he enters with DAN in tow.
INT. DIVE BAR - CONTINUOUS
Buzzer leads Dan through the bar, introducing him to various regulars rough-around-theedges types who eye Dan with curiosity. Dan, though clearly out of his element compared to the polished environment his brother would choose, maintains his composure, shaking hands with a firm grip and a nod, making a solid first impression.
CUT TO:
A montage of pool games kicks off. First, Dan versus Buzzer, both men focused and competitive. Then, Dan and Buzzer teaming up against two other bar patrons, shots of pool balls cracking into each other, laughter, claps on the back, and beers raised in toasts. The camaraderie between Dan and Buzzer builds, and, soon, they’re like old friends.
INT. DIVE BAR - LATER
As the night winds down and the clatter of the pool game fades, the bar grows quieter, more intimate. Dan and Buzzer lean against the worn felt of the pool table, cues in hand, the mood shifting to a more strategic discussion.
DAN: (starting casually as he lines up his shot) I’m not criticizing, Buzzer. Not at all. I just can’t help thinking... you could be playing a bigger game.
Buzzer smirks, curious, as he watches Dan sink a smooth shot.
BUZZER: (intrigued) I’m all ears, mate. What’s this bigger game then?
DAN: (chalking his cue) Well, think about it. You’ve had guys in that garage every night working. Sweating. Stripping cars for mufflers? It’s small fry. There's a bigger fish. Bigger opportunities.
Buzzer leans in, his interest clearly piqued by Dan's hint of greater possibilities.
BUZZER: And what might this 'bigger fish' be?
DAN: (taking a slow sip of his beer) We’re sitting on a gold mine, literally, and we’re just scraping the surface.
Buzzer straightens up, his focus sharpening as he registers the seriousness of Dan’s tone.
DAN: (setting down his cue) Catalytic converters. But not as parts. Forget that. It’s what’s inside that matters The most valuable metals out there platinum, palladium, rhodium. Just passing through our hands.
Buzzer's demeanor shifts from casual interest to keen investment in the conversation.
BUZZER: Platinum, you say? But it’s gettin’ it, ain’t it? Not exactly small-time shop work.
DAN: (smirking confidently) Maybe not. But with the right setup, the right connections your connections we could move from small-time to big league. Why settle for scraps when you can have the whole damn steak dinner?
Buzzer chuckles, appreciating Dan's metaphor.
BUZZER: (more seriously, considering the proposal) If what you're saying pans out, we’re not just talking about boosting profits. We’re talking about transforming the entire operation.
DAN: That’s the point. Why run in place when there’s something that could really pay off. Not just for today or tomorrow, but long-term... building a legacy.
Dan instantly recoils at the word. It tastes bitter on his lips. He winces.
Buzzer, in his own thoughts, nods…contemplating the potential. Silently ironing out the specifics.
BUZZER: (decisively) "My, my. You Lattimers certainly are the enterprising types, aren’t ya?"
They clink their beer bottles together in a moment of newfound partnership, their plans for the future now seeded with ambition and the allure of high stakes.
FADE OUT.
EXT. CHRIS AND LAURA'S HOUSE - MORNING
The scene opens with an unusual, slightly voyeuristic angle, viewed through the slightly tinted side window of a nondescript car parked across the street from Chris and Laura's house. The morning sun’s rays are a stark contrast to the ominous atmosphere inside the car.
The camera focuses briefly on the hands and forearms of the figure inside the car. Fingerless gloves. Skulls and flames adorning what we can see of his forearms. This ain’t no nice guy.
CUT TO:
The front door of the house opens, and CHRIS steps out, followed by LAURA holding BILLY. The scene is still viewed from within the car, the sounds muffled and fragmented. With his family, the weight of his troubles is lifted. He smiles genuinely.
CHRIS: (muffled through the car's glass) perfect day for it, huh?
LAURA: (muffled laughter) gone too long!
CHRIS takes BILLY into his arms, planting a kiss on his son’s forehead and hugging LAURA, a picture fit for a catalog. They share a fleeting moment.
CHRIS then heads to his car, a striking crimson model with silver trim, clearly a choice vehicle from Lattimer Motors' lot. For those who know, the colors hint at the future.
As CHRIS drives away, we wait for the parked car to start its engine and follow. It doesn’t. Instead, it remains parked, the focus staying on LAURA and BILLY as they wave goodbye, then turn to head back inside.
The camera angle shifts to a closer view of the observer in the car, revealing only his cold, calculating eyes watching LAURA and BILLY disappear into the house.
FADE TO BLACK