The screen comes to life with the vibrant, action-packed panels of a Sgt. Rock comic book. The camera meticulously moves from panel to panel, capturing the heroics and stark illustrations of wartime bravery. However, the typical sounds of comic book warfare are absent. Instead, we hear the soft chime of an intercom, the rustle of papers, occasional coughs, and the scrape of chairs on the floor.
The comic adventure continues until a small hand reaches into the frame, turning the page to reveal more of the story. The camera then begins to pull back, revealing YOUNG DAN LATTIMER, about ten years old, absorbed in the comic book, seated alone in the sprawling, sterile waiting room of a hospital.
INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)
The tranquility of the scene is abruptly shattered as the double doors to the medical area burst open. LARRY LATTIMER strides through, his face etched with a somberness that starkly contrasts the vibrant, confident patriotic car salesman
DAN looks up expectantly as his father approaches, his voice barely a whisper against the clinical buzz of the hospital.
LARRY LATTIMER: (softly, forcing a smile) Danny, it's time to meet your brother.
The camera follows closely behind LARRY and DAN as they navigate the corridors towards the nursery. The sounds of the hospital swell around them, creating a cocoon of real-world urgency that juxtaposes the fictional battles of Sgt. Rock.
At the nursery window, LARRY points out the newest Lattimer, baby CHRIS, nestled among the other newborns. DAN’s face lights up with a mixture of awe and joy at the sight of his tiny brother.
The moment is fleeting, however, as LARRY kneels down to DAN's level, his demeanor serious. Though the exact words are drowned out by the background noise of the bustling hospital, the conversation's gravity is unmistakable.
The camera pulls back slowly, the audio fading as LARRY speaks, his hands gently grasping DAN’s shoulders. The visual clues their intense eye contact, LARRY’s somber nod, DAN’s sudden slump tell the story without words. As LARRY embraces his son, a tragic reality becomes painfully clear.
The scene closes on a long shot of the father and son holding each other in a tight hug
INT. CHRIS'S OFFICE – DAY (PRESENT DAY)
The scene opens with BUZZER reclined in an office chair, his boots thrown carelessly on the desk, lazily flipping a knife in his hand. He's in Chris’s office, surrounded by personal effects that he’s pushed aside with disregard, including a family photo of Laura with newborn Billy.
The camera captures BUZZER's relaxed posture as he chats on a speakerphone call, his tone casual yet tinged with underlying tension.
BUZZER: (into the phone) We're right on the cusp here, Ripper. No need to drag him into this mess just yet.
The voice of RIPPER, distinctly Australian and rough around the edges, crackles through the speaker, starkly contrasting Buzzer's tone.
RIPPER: (V.O.) Mate, you're off your rocker if ya think you can wrangle this catalytic caper without a nod to the big boss. Where're ya gonna get the gear….the resources, brutha? We ain't equipped for that fancy stuff on our own.
BUZZER’s hand pauses, the knife momentarily still as he leans forward, irritation creeping into his demeanor.
BUZZER: Why should we always have to grovel at his feet, Ripper? Why can't we stand on our own for once? I’m nobody’s pawn.
RIPPER: (V.O.) (sounding exasperated but amused) Because, ya drongo, he’s got the networks, the connections, the bleedin’ capital , you name it. He’d be keen to know we're settin’ up shop properly with the chop side of things.
BUZZER scoffs, leaning back, his composure cracked by ambition.
BUZZER: And once he knows, it won't be ours anymore. It’ll be his. I’m not looking to keep lining his pockets.
RIPPER: (V.O.) Think it through, Buzz. You go rogue and it’s not just business you’re jeopardizing, it’s all of us, mate. Don’t get smart about things that are bigger than your britches.
At this, BUZZER’s frustration boils over. He slams the knife into Chris's wooden desk with force, right next to the displaced photo.
The door swings open abruptly as CHRIS enters, his presence filling the room with palpable tension. His eyes quickly scan the disarray papers shuffled aside, personal items displaced. His gaze locks onto his desk where the knife remains embedded, but it’s the sight of the carelessly tipped-over photo of Laura and Billy that pushes him over the edge.
CHRIS: (exploding in fury) What the hell do you think you're doing in here, Buzzer?
BUZZER, the epitome of eerie calm, leisurely ends his phone call as the chuckle from RIPPER fades out.
BUZZER: (smirking, dismissively) Just sorting some logistics, mate. No harm meant.
CHRIS storms over, his fury barely contained, snatching the family photo from the desk as BUZZER casually begins to tidy up the other displaced items.
CHRIS: (seething) This is still my lot, and this is still my office. I’ll have your head the next time I see you in here, you careless, unkempt imbecile!
BUZZER, with an infuriatingly calm smile, straightens up, holding his hands up in mock surrender.
BUZZER: Alright, alright. Whatever you say, boss. Just needed the speaker for a sec.
CHRIS’s face contorts with anger at the mention of the speakerphone, his voice laced with a cold fury.
CHRIS: (coldly) I told you. This is my office. My name is on the sign outside, not yours. Remember that, Buzzer.
BUZZER nods, the smile never leaving his face, as he heads to the door, his demeanor still relaxed.
BUZZER: (turning at the door, casually) Of course, Chris. Lattimer Motors, right? And by the way, lovely picture there. That Laura? Some looker. And Billy, the spittin’ image of his daddy, huh?
The door shuts softly behind BUZZER, leaving CHRIS alone in the suddenly quiet office. CHRIS clenches his jaw, his hands trembling slightly as he grips the photo of his family. The veiled threat echoes in his mind, stirring a mix of fear and rage.
FADE OUT.
INT. CHRIS AND LAURA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON
The scene opens inside the cozy living room where DAN is already present, engaging playfully with his nephew, BILLY, who giggles and claps his hands in delight. DAN, looking healthier and more put-together than before, is clearly reveling in his role as the fun uncle.
LAURA watches from the kitchen doorway, a smile on her face as she observes the joyful interaction. The sound of laughter fills the room, creating a light, happy atmosphere.
There’s a knock at the door, and LAURA goes to answer it, expecting maybe a neighbor or a friend. Instead, it's a pizza delivery man holding a large pizza box and a two-liter soda.
LAURA: (surprised and pleased) Oh, Dan, you didn’t have to do this!
DAN: (grinning as he takes the pizza and pays the delivery man) No trouble at all. Got extra cheese just for Billy here, and enough to go around.
The pizza man leaves, and DAN sets the food on the table, turning back to BILLY with a big smile.
DAN: (to Billy) Ready for some pizza, champ?
BILLY’s excited response is to bounce and reach out towards the box. DAN lifts him with ease, placing him into his high chair and fixing a bib around his neck. LAURA watches, touched by the scene.
DAN: (handing a plate to Laura as he sets up Billy) Here you go, Laura. Let’s dig in.
LAURA accepts the plate, her expression one of gratitude and relief at seeing DAN so vibrant and involved.
LAURA: (warmly) "It really is great to see you like this. And I know Billy loves having his uncle around."
DAN smiles, genuinely pleased, as he serves up slices of pizza onto plates, including a small piece for Billy, cut into manageable bites.
DAN: It means a lot to hear that. I'm just glad to be…here. Back home. Back in the swing of things. Never thought I’d get feel this way again, you know?
The trio settles into a comfortable routine, DAN filling the role of head of the table with ease. The room is filled with the sounds of casual conversation and the occasional laughter from Billy.
The warm atmosphere continues as DAN, LAURA, and BILLY enjoy their pizza. LAURA, while happy, can't help but express some concerns about the erratic nature of the car business.
LAURA: (lightly, with a hint of concern) Some days I just worry about Chris One day the lot's buzzing, then it could be quiet for weeks. But you never hear him complain about it. He keeps it all inside…until…well….
DAN, reassuring, serves another slice of pizza to Billy, who munches happily.
DAN: (with a chuckle) Until it boils over? Yeah, I know a thing or two about that. But, look, Chris is doing fine, Laura. And hey, a good day at the lot really makes up for the slow ones. Plus, the shop’s been picking up a lot lately. Things are looking up.
Just then, CHRIS enters the scene, his arrival unnoticed until he speaks. His voice is light, but his entrance is timed perfectly to catch the tail end of Dan’s comment
CHRIS: (joining in smoothly) Speaking of looking up, it smells like I came home just in time.
DAN turns with a genuine smile for his brother, seemingly oblivious to any underlying tension.
DAN: Hey, Chris! We were just talking about you.
CHRIS maintains a facade of cordiality. He kisses LAURA and ruffles BILLY's hair, who giggles in response. However, as he turns to DAN, his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes, giving DAN a glare that LAURA misses as she serves another slice of pizza.
CHRIS: (with a forced smile) Great to see the family together. Nice touch with the pizza, Dan.
CHRIS sits down, accepting a plate from LAURA. He joins in the meal, but the camera catches the brief, sharp glances exchanged between the brothers. The tension is palpable, a stark contrast to the cheerful family setting.
CUT TO:
Everyone at the table, eating and making small talk. LAURA and BILLY… blissfully unaware of the strained undercurrents between CHRIS and DAN. The camera focuses on the family, then slowly zooms in on CHRIS’s and DAN's hands briefly brushing against each other as they reach for pizza.
The scene fades .
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE - NIGHT
After dinner, the atmosphere is light and warm. Dan is finishing his visit, and we see him interact lovingly with Billy and Laura.
DAN: (gently to Billy, who is rubbing his eyes sleepily) Alright little man, Uncle Danny's gotta head out. You be good, okay?
Billy hugs Dan, showing his affection.
BILLY: Bye Uncle Danny!
Laura follows up with gratitude, her expression one of genuine warmth.
LAURA: Dan, tonight meant a lot. It’s really good to see you like this... thank you.
Dan smiles, clearly moved by their appreciation.
DAN: I’m just glad I could be here. Let’s do it again soon.
Dan heads for the door where Chris, who has been somewhat distant during this exchange, is waiting to see him out.
The scene transitions smoothly from the warmth inside to the tension outside. As soon as the door closes behind them, Chris's demeanor shifts drastically.
CHRIS: (coldly, as soon as the door shuts) We need to talk. Now.
They step out into the cool night, the atmosphere quickly becoming charged.
Outside, Chris immediately confronts Dan, his anger no longer contained. He grabs Dan by the collar and slams him against the house.
CHRIS: (his voice a furious hiss) Playing happy family, Dan? After everything you've done? You're either shameless or oblivious!
Caught off guard but quickly recovering, Dan uses his physical and emotional strength to overpower Chris, reversing their positions.
DAN: (overpowering Chris with ease) You think you're the only one with burdens? You've always had it easy, Chris. Dad’s perfect son. Dad’s hand-picked successor. Even after you, YOU, took her from us!
Chris sharply recoils. Dan’s face is a mix of pain and anger.
DAN: (voice rising with each word) I’ve been through hell, Chris! I watched my best friend get ripped to pieces while you were here, safe and sound. I came home…and I saved you! I’m the one keeping everything afloat now!
With a final shove, Dan releases Chris, who falls to the ground, stunned by the vehemence of Dan's outburst.
DAN: (pointing down at Chris, voice harsh) I'm done being your whipping boy. Recognize that before it’s too late.
Dan storms off to his car and drives away, leaving Chris on the ground, grappling with the revelations and accusations.
As the car drives away, the camera pans to reveal the mysterious observer in the parked car across the street. He has watched the entire altercation.
FADE OUT.
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS - LATE AFTERNOON
The day winds down at Lattimer Motors. CHRIS drives out of the lot in another high-end car from the inventory, a testament to his perks at the dealership. As his car exits the frame, the focus shifts to the garage/shop area, bustling with the day's other, shadier business activities.
INT. GARAGE OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
BUZZER steps out of the cluttered shop office holding a folder, his demeanor relaxed but purposeful. He surveys the garage before calling out.
BUZZER: (shouting) Dan! Office, now!
The camera follows DAN as he wipes his hands and climbs out of an oil pit. He walks towards the office, a sense of familiarity and routine in his steps.
DAN enters the office, closing the door behind him. The sounds from the garage dim as BUZZER gestures for him to sit. Instead of sitting, DAN remains standing, looking at BUZZER expectantly.
BUZZER: (spreading the documents on the desk) Let’s talk strategy, Dan. It’s time to make some moves.
DAN nods, already familiar with the contents of the folder. He glances at the documents ownership details, deeds, insurance policies all critical information about Lattimer Motors.
DAN: Sure. What’s the play?
BUZZER's face lights up with a sly grin, he claps his hands together as if already celebrating a victory.
BUZZER: Get ready to hit the town, Dan! We're about to be co-owners of Lattimer Motors. Tonight, we celebrate.
Dan's expression shifts from anticipation to confusion, a crease forming between his brows.
DAN: Co-owners? What are you talking about, Buzzer?
BUZZER spreads the documents out on the desk more prominently, pointing with a flourish.
BUZZER: Simple. You're already an owner, right? And I consider me an interested investor who’s decided to buy in. We'll just help Chris retire a bit early, let him take care of his family, enjoy some downtime. It's for the best, really.
Dan frowns, skeptical and worried all at once.
DAN: Chris won’t just walk away from this, Buzzer. Lattimer Motors is his life. He’s not going to hand it over and go quietly. Not in a million years.
BUZZER’s grin fades into a more serious expression, nodding in understanding.
BUZZER: That’s exactly why we need to move quickly. Things are getting serious, and I might need to make a call soon to someone who thinks he’s running the show. And we both know Chris is a loose end. Things could get…messy.
Dan shifts uncomfortably at the mention of getting messy.
DAN: I don’t like how this sounds, Buzzer. ‘Messy’ isn’t how I like to do things.
Seeing Dan’s discomfort, BUZZER leans in, his tone becoming coaxing, almost brotherly.
BUZZER: Then you need to think about what you really want, Dan. You've been under Chris’s thumb long enough always one mistake away from a lecture. You’re a better brother than he deserves.
Dan listens, his inner conflict apparent as he processes Buzzer’s words.
BUZZER: (continuing) "Why not talk to him, lay it all out? Before I have to make that call. And hey, don’t look so down. This was your vision, remember? A whole new life is waiting for you, mate."
The camera holds on DAN’s face as he considers this, torn between loyalty to his family and the tantalizing prospect of independence and recognition.
BUZZER claps DAN on the shoulder, confident and reassuring.
BUZZER: Think it over, Dan. But remember, the clock’s ticking. And we’re gonna need to decide soon.
After BUZZER's reassuring yet ominous pat on the shoulder and his departure from the office, the atmosphere shifts. The room feels suddenly larger and emptier with his absence, leaving DAN alone with his thoughts and the critical documents spread out before him.
The camera focuses on DAN as he stands motionless for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling around him like a heavy cloak. He then exhales slowly….certain he has to make a move. Uncertain on what it will be.
DAN moves towards the desk. He picks up the stack of insurance papers, his fingers tracing the text as he flips through them. Each page turn is methodical, reflecting his deepening contemplation of the situation.
Close-ups of the insurance documents reveal key phrases and clauses potential loopholes and implications of their use in a scheme like Buzzer's. The details are blurry to the viewer but clearly significant to Dan.
The camera pulls back slightly, capturing DAN's furrowed brow and the calculated gaze as he absorbs the information. His expression is one of a man piecing together a complex puzzle, understanding the power and danger nestled within these papers.
DAN: (murmuring to himself, barely audible) Maybe….
He sets the documents down, his look is one of resolve.
The scene fades out with DAN still standing by the desk, the papers in front of him
EXT.
LATTIMER
MOTORS - GARAGE – EARLY EVENING
The garage doors rumble shut as BUZZER strides out to his motorcycle. The bike, menacing and sleek, seems to rumble with barely contained power. He swings onto it with a practiced ease, kicking it to life. The engine roars, slicing through the quiet of the evening as he speeds off into the night.
EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – EARLY EVENING
The scene shifts to a desolate area on the outskirts of town. The warehouse looms large and foreboding under the moonlight. BUZZER pulls up, the gravel crunching under the weight of his bike. He dismounts and heads towards the entrance, the door creaking open as he approaches.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Inside, the dimly lit warehouse is half industrial ruin, half makeshift lair. Several of BUZZER's crew lounge around, casually cleaning weapons or chatting. They look up as BUZZER enters, their expressions shifting to respect mixed with a touch of fear.
CREW MEMBER #1: (nodding) Buzzer! Good to see you, boss.
BUZZER barely acknowledges the greeting, his gaze sharp and focused.
BUZZER: (briskly) Where is he?
CREW MEMBER #2: "In the back."
The camera follows BUZZER as he walks through the warehouse, his steps echoing off the concrete. The anticipation builds, the viewer led to expect a meeting with the mysterious boss. Instead, the camera reveals MIKE HAMLIN from the parts shop, bound and gagged, sitting against a wall. His head is bloodied, his eyes wide with fear.
BUZZER kneels down next to Mike, his demeanor chillingly calm as he observes the bound man.
BUZZER: (softly, almost sympathetically) Oh, Mikey. Gotta be careful where you stick that nose of yours.
He chuckles lightly, pulling out his knife. With a swift, precise motion, he slices one of Mike’s nostrils open. Mike’s muffled screams fill the room, his body jerking in agony.
BUZZER: (laughing as he stands up, wiping the blade clean) Picked the wrong day to visit the garage, didn’t ya buddy?
The crew watches, some with morbid fascination, others with discomfort. BUZZER's laugh echoes in the hollow space.
FADE OUT.
INT. DAN'S CAR – LATER THAT NIGHT
We open in Dan's car, parked under the dim glow of a streetlight. Inside, DAN is hunched over, hurriedly scribbling on a piece of paper. The camera captures a close-up of his intense, focused expression as he writes. Beside him on the passenger seat, a stack of papers and a brown envelope can be seen. He finishes writing, folds the letter around some insurance documents, and stuffs everything into the envelope, which is clearly addressed to Chris.
Cut to: Dan sealing the envelope, his actions deliberate. He takes a deep breath, a sense of finality in his movements.
EXT. DAN'S CAR - CONTINUING
Dan starts his car, the engine's rumble cutting through the night's stillness. Soundgarden's "Blow Up the Outside World" fills the soundtrack.
INT./EXT. DAN'S CAR - NIGHT - DRIVING
Dan drives through the quiet streets, the music a loud contrast to his silent contemplation. The camera alternates between close-ups of Dan’s determined face and the dark road ahead.
VOICEOVER (DAN): Chris. You always held things together no matter how hard I tried to break them. And I always hated you for it. All I can do is try to make it right."
As the voiceover continues, the scene cuts to Dan arriving at Chris and Laura's house. He doesn’t turn off the car or linger. He quickly steps out, rushes to the front door, and slides the envelope through the mail slot. The action is swift, almost desperate.
EXT. CHRIS AND LAURA'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Dan returns to his car, his movements hurried. He glances around as if feeling the weight of his actions, then drives off into the night.
As Dan's car disappears down the street, another set of headlights flicks on. The camera pans to reveal the same mysterious car from earlier episodes, the silhouette of the driver barely visible. The car pulls away from the curb, following Dan at a discreet distance.
Cut to: Dan arriving at Lattimer Motors. The lot is deserted, shadowy. It's the early hours, and the only light comes from sparse overhead lamps casting long shadows across the garage. Dan gets out of the car, his movements deliberate and heavy with intent.
INT. LATTIMER MOTORS - GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
Dan enters the silent garage, a stark contrast to its usual bustling state. The camera follows him as he moves through the area, passing cars half-dismantled and tools scattered around a testimony to the day’s illegal activities now at a pause.
A montage begins, underscored by Soundgarden’s "Blow Up the Outside World." The music adds a layer of intensity as we see Dan methodically sabotaging the garage:
He disables cameras and security alarms, frays wires on critical electrical systems. Containers of oil and gasoline are tipped over, their contents spilling across the floor, forming a dangerous, slippery sheen.
Dan turns on a welder, its wand sparking to life, left precariously close to a pool of spilled gasoline.
As Dan works, his voiceover resumes, the tone somber yet resolute:
VOICEOVER (DAN): You’ll probably never understand this, and I know you’ll hate me for it... But I’m doing what I do best tearing things apart. Only this time, it's all for you. I brought this nightmare here, and I'm going to end it. For all of us.
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS - GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
The garage activities are abruptly interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up outside. Dan pauses, a look of apprehension crossing his face. He wipes his hands on a rag as he steps cautiously toward the garage door to see who's arrived.
The camera cuts to outside where the headlights of a car illuminate the dim lot. BUZZER steps out of the passenger side, his expression grim. The driver, the same mysterious figure from earlier, gets out as well, both men casting imposing silhouettes in the garage’s entrance.
Dan watches from the shadows, the tension palpable as he realizes the situation might be spiraling out of his control faster than anticipated.
As Buzzer and his crony step out of the car, the soundtrack abruptly drops into a tense quietude, the only sound being Chris Cornell’s haunting wails.
Buzzer spots Dan immediately and cracks a knowing, almost appreciative smile. He understands the game Dan’s playing too late to stop it, but not too late to make a stand.
INT. LATTIMER MOTORS - GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
The fight breaks out with swift brutality. Dan lunges at Buzzer’s crony, using his momentum and rage to hurl the man against the garage wall with such force that he slumps to the ground, unconscious.
Buzzer, however, is a formidable opponent. The two men clash, fists flying in a brutal ballet. The camera captures their silhouettes against the dim light of the garage, intercut with close-ups of the sparking welder wand in the foreground, ominously hinting at the impending disaster.
With a well-timed move, Dan lands a powerful uppercut, sending Buzzer staggering backwards. As Buzzer falls, he scrambles for his knife, slashing at the air as he regains his footing.
Flames begin to lick at the edges of the frame, starting small but growing rapidly, fueled by the spilled chemicals and frayed wires Dan had set up earlier. The fire spreads quickly, creating a dangerous, flickering barrier around the fighting men.
Buzzer’s crony, regaining consciousness amidst the chaos, catches sight of the spreading fire. Realizing the peril, he stumbles to his feet and makes a hasty retreat, leaving Buzzer and Dan to their fiery standoff.
Dan and Buzzer circle each other warily, the intensity of their fight mirrored by the growing inferno around them. Dan dodges and weaves, narrowly avoiding slashes from Buzzer’s knife. His focus is split between defending himself and watching the flames consume the garage, the realization dawning that this might go beyond what he intended.
The camera pulls back to show the full scope of the garage as it becomes an inferno. Sparks, flames, and smoke fill the air, creating a hellish backdrop to their conflict. As the fire engulfs the space, the stakes are clear: this is a fight for survival now, not just dominance.
Both men are drenched in sweat, their faces illuminated by the fire's erratic glow. Buzzer's face is twisted into a grim smile, relishing the chaos, while Dan's expression is one of raw determination and desperation.
In a swift movement, Buzzer dodges a punch and stabs his knife deep into Dan's ribs. Soundgarden cuts off abruptly, and the sounds of the fight and the fire rush back. The shift is jarring, the crackling flames and heavy breaths filling the silence.
Dan's eyes widen in shock, his body stiffening as the pain registers. He blocks another of Buzzer's punches in a reflexive, fading effort before his strength gives out and he drops to his knees, swinging weakly at the air.
Buzzer, realizing the fight is over and victory is his, leans close to Dan, a twisted grin on his face.
BUZZER: (whispering) I'm gonna finish what you started, Danny Boy.
He stands up, grabs a large canister, and throws it outside the garage, preparing for his escape. Dan, now on the ground, extends a hand towards Buzzer in a desperate plea for mercy, but there is none to be found.
Buzzer chuckles darkly, stepping out of the garage just as an explosion erupts behind him. He makes his way to his car, the flames reflecting in his cold eyes.
EXT. LATTIMER MOTORS - NIGHT
Buzzer drives through the lot, his car smashing through the glass of the showroom in a shower of sparks and debris. He tosses a gasoline-soaked rag onto the canister he'd thrown earlier, igniting it with a flick of his lighter. The canister explodes, sending flames racing through the showroom.
As Buzzer speeds away, the camera pulls back, rising above the chaos. The night sky, momentarily peaceful, is shattered by the sounds of successive explosions. Lattimer Motors is consumed by an inferno, the fire spreading uncontrollably, engulfing everything in a violent, fiery storm.
The scene ends with the camera high above, the dealership a blazing silhouette against the night.
FADE TO BLACK