INT.
MONTGOMERY ESTATE
– BATHROOM – DAY
A close-up of a grand oil painting fills the screen: a Bedlington Terrier, poised regally against a backdrop of lush landscapes. His silver-gray coat is meticulously detailed, and his gaze is dignified, almost noble.
As the camera slowly zooms out, the distinct sound of a man urinating becomes audible, followed by the flush of a toilet.
The camera continues to pull back, revealing that the painting hangs on the wall behind the toilet in an opulent bathroom. Marble countertops, gold fixtures, and ornate decorations speak to the extravagance of the Montgomery family.
CHRIS stands at the sink, washing his hands. He glances up, catching his reflection in the mirror before his eyes drift back to the painting.
He turns to face the portrait fully, drying his hands with a plush monogrammed towel. His gaze is a mix of curiosity and subtle disdain.
CHRIS (muttering under his breath) A painting of a dog... in the bathroom. Classy.
He smirks slightly, shaking his head. The absurdity of such extravagance isn't lost on him.
INT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
As Chris exits the bathroom, he walks down a corridor adorned with more portraits and photographs all featuring the dog at various stages of life and in different settings.
One shows the regal canine sitting proudly next to a young EVAN, both wearing matching bowties. Another from a dog show, ribbons and trophies displayed prominently.
Chris pauses briefly at a large painting of RICHARD MONTGOMERY on a sailboat, dog in his lap, the wind catching their hair and fur respectively.
CHRIS (softly to himself) Unbelievable.
He continues toward the living room, adjusting his jacket and attempting to compose himself.
INT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The living room is spacious and elegantly furnished. High ceilings with crystal chandeliers, antique furniture, and walls lined with bookshelves give the room a sophisticated ambiance.
LAURA sits on a luxurious sofa, watching BILLY as he plays quietly with a small, intricately carved wooden toy no doubt an expensive piece provided by the Montgomerys.
MARTA, the impeccably dressed housekeeper, enters carrying a silver tray adorned with an assortment of fine cheeses, crackers, and a small bowl of caviar. She places it delicately on the coffee table.
MARTA Please, help yourselves.
LAURA Thank you, Marta.
Chris enters the room, offering a polite smile.
CHRIS Sorry about that.
RICHARD MONTGOMERY stands near the fireplace, a glass of amber liquid in his hand.
RICHARD No worries at all, Chris. Hope you found everything alright.
CHRIS (forcing a light chuckle) Hard to miss, actually.
He takes a seat next to Laura. EVAN joins them, sitting across in a high-backed chair.
CHRIS (glancing around the room) I couldn't help but notice all the portraits of your dog.
BARBARA MONTGOMERY, entering with her own drink, beams at the mention.
BARBARA Ah, yes! Our dear Midas. He was truly one of a kind.
EVAN (smiling warmly) He was the best. Grew up with him by my side.
LAURA He seems to have been a big part of your family. And what a unique looking dog, too!
RICHARD Absolutely. A Bedlington Terrier, you know. Quite a rare breed.
CHRIS Is that so?
BARBARA Oh yes. Originally from England. Known for their lamb-like appearance. We had to pull quite a few strings to get him.
EVAN Midas won several competitions. Smart as a whip, too.
BILLY looks up from his toy.
BILLY I like doggies.
Everyone chuckles softly.
BARBARA Perhaps we'll get another someday.
CHRIS (trying to engage) Must have been quite an expense, importing a dog like that.
RICHARD Well, when you value quality, cost becomes a secondary concern.
There's a subtle tension in the air. Chris shifts uncomfortably, feeling out of place among such opulence.
LAURA (noticing his discomfort) The house is beautiful. Thank you for having us over.
BARBARA It's our pleasure, dear. Any friend of Evan's is a friend of ours.
Marta returns, refilling glasses and ensuring everyone is comfortable.
RICHARD Evan tells us you're quite the mentor to him.
CHRIS Evan's a hard worker. He's got a good head on his shoulders.
BARBARA We've always encouraged him to pursue his interests, though we hope he'll join the family business eventually.
EVAN (slightly embarrassed) I like where I am. For now.
Chris notices a particularly elaborate portrait above the fireplace a younger Evan with Midas, both wearing graduation caps.
CHRIS (unable to resist) Quite the collection you have of Midas.
BARBARA He was family. Losing him was like losing a part of ourselves.
RICHARD But enough about that. Let's enjoy the afternoon.
He raises his glass in a small toast.
RICHARD To new friends and lasting relationships.
Everyone raises their glasses, though Chris hesitates ever so slightly before joining in.
ALL Cheers.
As they sip their drinks, the conversation continues, but Chris remains somewhat detached, observing the grandeur around him
SCENE: THE MONTGOMERY ESTATE DINNER
INT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – DINING ROOM – EVENING
An exquisite dining room bathed in the warm glow of chandelier light. A long mahogany table is adorned with fine china, crystal glasses, and an array of gourmet dishes. The atmosphere is polite but slightly strained.
CHRIS, LAURA, BILLY, EVAN, RICHARD, and BARBARA MONTGOMERY are seated, finishing up their meal. Small talk has dwindled, and an undercurrent of tension is palpable, at least to Chris.
BILLY fidgets in his seat, poking at the remnants of his food.
BARBARA (smiling warmly) Did you enjoy the meal, Billy?
BILLY It was... fancy.
Everyone chuckles softly.
EVAN (leaning over to Billy) You know, I used to think the same thing when I was your age.
RICHARD Well, it's important to appreciate the finer things in life.
LAURA (placing a hand on Billy's shoulder) I think someone might be getting a little restless.
BARBARA Perhaps dessert in the lounge? I believe Marta has prepared something special.
LAURA That sounds lovely.
Everyone begins to rise from the table.
RICHARD (to Chris) Chris, before we join the others, would you care to step outside? The view from the terrace is particularly stunning at this hour.
CHRIS (hesitates for a moment) Sure, that sounds nice.
EXT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – TERRACE – EVENING
The two men step out onto a grand terrace overlooking sprawling, perfectly manicured gardens. The sun is setting, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky.
RICHARD Beautiful, isn't it?
CHRIS (nods) It certainly is. You have a remarkable place here.
RICHARD Thank you. We've worked hard to build... well, all of this.
A brief silence falls between them.
RICHARD (sipping his drink, gaze fixed on the horizon) Evan speaks highly of you, you know.
CHRIS He's a good kid. I've enjoyed having him at the store.
RICHARD About that... the store.
He turns to face Chris directly.
RICHARD (CONT'D) A manager at a convenience store isn't exactly what we had envisioned for Evan.
CHRIS (defensive but polite) S-Mart is more than a convenience store. It's a stepping stone for Evan to learn responsibility and business skills.
RICHARD (a slight smirk) Business skills. Right.
He takes another sip.
RICHARD (CONT'D) Look, Chris, I understand you're trying to make a living, provide for your family. I respect that.
CHRIS I appreciate it.
RICHARD But let's not pretend that your... establishment is anything more than a part time job for a teenager trying to push back against his parents’ wishes. Frankly, this is stunting his potential. Wasting his time.
CHRIS (a bit sharper) Evan seems happy. Isn't that important?
RICHARD Happiness is fleeting. Success is enduring.
He steps closer, his tone becoming colder.
RICHARD (CONT'D) Which brings me to the real issue. Evan's trust fund.
Chris's expression tightens.
CHRIS I don't know what you mean.
RICHARD Oh, I think you do. Evan has been withdrawing substantial amounts to help pay off your... debts.
CHRIS Evan did that on his own. I had nothing to do with it.
RICHARD Well. That’s not true, is it? You accepted it. Knowing full well where that money was coming from.
He shakes his head in disappointment.
RICHARD (CONT'D) Payday loans, Chris? Really?
CHRIS (trying to assert himself) My financial affairs are none of your concern.
RICHARD When they involve my son's future, they become very much my concern.
He looks Chris up and down, his disdain evident.
RICHARD (CONT'D) I won't have Evan's prospects derailed by... misplaced loyalties.
CHRIS Evan is an adult. He can make his own decisions.
RICHARD An adult, yes, but still naive. And easily influenced by those who might take advantage of his generosity.
Chris bristles at the implication.
CHRIS I have never taken advantage of Evan.
RICHARD Haven't you? Or did you just conveniently accept a sizable sum from a young man eager to please?
INT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – LOUNGE – CONTINUOUS
LAURA and BARBARA sit on elegant sofas, watching BILLY as he explores the room. EVAN is pouring coffee from a silver service.
BILLY (holding a framed photo of Midas) Mommy, can we see Midas?
LAURA (gentle) Sweetheart, I think Midas isn't here anymore.
EVAN (kneeling down to Billy's level) Midas passed away a few years ago, buddy.
BILLY (pouting) But I wanted to play with him.
BARBARA Perhaps we can show you the garden instead? There are some lovely fountains.
BILLY (starting to fuss) I don't want fountains! I want Midas!
LAURA Billy, please don't raise your voice.
BILLY (whining louder) I want Midas!
His voice echoes through the house.
EXT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – TERRACE – CONTINUOUS
The faint sound of Billy's outburst reaches the terrace. Chris glances back toward the house.
CHRIS Sounds like my son needs me.
RICHARD (ignoring the comment) Let me make this clear, Chris. I expect you to return the money Evan gave you. All of it.
CHRIS (tightening his fists) How do you ex-
RICHARD (cutting him off) That’s not important to me. I won't allow you to siphon off my family's wealth to cover your poor decisions.
CHRIS (anger rising) You don't know anything about me or my decisions….
RICHARD I know enough. A man drowning in debt, managing a glorified gas station, dragging my son down with him.
He steps even closer, his gaze piercing.
RICHARD (CONT'D) Consider this your only warning. Stay away from Evan, and get your affairs in order.
LAURA (O.S.) Chris?
They both turn to see LAURA standing at the doorway, concern etched on her face.
LAURA (CONT'D) Is everything alright?
CHRIS (forcing a smile) Yes, of course. Just enjoying the view.
RICHARD (coolly) We were just having a friendly chat.
LAURA Billy's getting a bit restless. I think we should be going.
CHRIS (relieved) Right. Let's not keep the little man waiting.
RICHARD (extending a hand, insincere) Thank you for coming. Do consider what we've discussed.
Chris shakes his hand reluctantly.
CHRIS We'll be in touch.
INT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – FOYER
–
MOMENTS LATER
Chris and Laura gather their things. Billy clings to Laura, still sniffling.
BARBARA We're sorry to see you go so soon. Perhaps next time will be more (eyeing Billy) pleasant.
LAURA Thank you for having us. It was a lovely evening.
EVAN (awkwardly) I'll walk you out.
EXT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – DRIVEWAY – CONTINUOUS
As they reach their car, Evan looks apologetically at Chris.
EVAN Thanks so much for coming. I know my parents can be a bit…much.
CHRIS Don't worry about it.
He opens the car door, helping Billy into his seat.
EVAN I'll see you at the store?
CHRIS Yeah. See you then.
Evan nods, stepping back as they get into the car.
INT./EXT. CAR – MOMENTS LATER
As they drive away, an uncomfortable silence fills the car.
LAURA Chris, what's going on?
CHRIS I said we'll talk about it later.
LAURA Did you take money from that boy?
CHRIS (glances at her sharply) Where is this coming from?
LAURA I heard some of what Richard said. Payday loans? What have you been keeping from me?
CHRIS (tightens his grip on the steering wheel) Not now, Laura.
LAURA Yes, now! We're your family. You can't shut me out like this.
BILLY (from the back seat, softly) Are you mad, Daddy?
Chris takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
CHRIS No, buddy. Everything's fine.
LAURA (firmly) Chris, I need to know what's happening.
He remains silent, eyes fixed on the road.
FADE OUT.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – NIGHT
The house is cloaked in darkness, with only a few dim lights illuminating the space. The soft hum of the refrigerator and the ticking of a clock are the only sounds, emphasizing the stillness of the late hour.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
CHRIS and LAURA stand opposite each other in the living room. Their faces are etched with tension, voices low but sharp, careful not to wake BILLY, who sleeps upstairs.
LAURA (hushed, but intense) How long were you going to keep this from me?
CHRIS (defensive whisper) I wasn't keeping anything from you. I was handling it.
LAURA Handling it? A second mortgage on the house, Chris? Title loans? This is your idea of handling it?
CHRIS I had no choice. We needed the money.
LAURA (scoffs quietly) Needed the money? For what? To sink us deeper into debt?
CHRIS To keep us afloat! To make sure we didn't lose everything.
LAURA And taking money from Evan? Dipping into my parents' accounts?
CHRIS (sharply) That was only once.
LAURA That's not the point! You stole from my parents. You've been lying to me, to all of us.
CHRIS (voice strained, trying to stay quiet) I did what I had to do.
LAURA No, you did what you wanted to do. Without thinking about how it would affect your family.
CHRIS Everything I do is for this family!
LAURA (bitterly) Is it? Because all I see is you dragging us down with you.
CHRIS (frustrated, voice rising slightly) I wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for Dan.
LAURA (warning tone) Keep your voice down. Billy's asleep.
CHRIS (lowering his voice, but seething) You think I like this? Watching everything fall apart? I'm trying to fix it.
LAURA By lying? By stealing? This isn't fixing anything, Chris. It's making it worse.
CHRIS You don't understand the pressure I'm under.
LAURA Because you won't talk to me! You shut me out, make decisions that affect all of us, and expect me to just go along with it?
CHRIS I was protecting you. Protecting Billy.
LAURA (emotional, but controlled) Don't you dare bring Billy into this. He deserves better than this... better than you right now.
CHRIS (hurt flickers across his face) That's not fair.
LAURA Fair? What's not fair is refusing to talk to me. Leaving me in the dark. Letting this pile up on us.
CHRIS I can make it right. I just need more time.
LAURA Time? We're out of time, Chris. The house, the cars, what else could we lose Chris? What else?
CHRIS I'll figure something out.
LAURA (shakes her head) I can't keep doing this. I don't even know who you are anymore.
CHRIS I'm the same man I always was.
LAURA No. The man I married wouldn't lie to me. He wouldn't steal from my family.
CHRIS (anger flares again) You think I'm the bad guy here? Dan is the one who started this whole mess, and he left me to clean it up.
LAURA And in the process, you're becoming just like him.
CHRIS (voice tightens) I'm nothing like Dan.
LAURA Aren't you? Lies, debts, dragging your family into ruin.
CHRIS (takes a step closer, tension high) I won't let that happen.
LAURA (holds her ground, eyes firm) It's already happening. And I can't let Billy suffer because of your choices.
CHRIS What are you saying?
A heavy silence hangs between them. The weight of unspoken words and shattered trust fills the space.
LAURA Be a father. Try to be a husband. Stop hiding things, stop lying. Be the man we need you to be.
CHRIS I...
He falters, the facade cracking. For a moment, vulnerability surfaces, but it's quickly masked by defiance.
CHRIS (CONT'D) I can fix this.
LAURA (voice softens, but remains resolute) Not like this. Not alone.
She turns away, heading toward the stairs.
CHRIS Laura...
She pauses, but doesn't look back.
She ascends the stairs quietly, leaving Chris alone in the dimly lit living room. He runs a hand through his hair, frustration and despair battling within him.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – UPSTAIRS HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Laura stops outside Billy's bedroom door, listening to the soft sounds of his breathing. She closes her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Chris sinks onto the couch, burying his face in his hands. The ticking clock seems louder now, each second marking the passage of time he no longer has.
FADE OUT.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – MORNING
CHRIS stirs awake on the couch. The soft morning light filters through the curtains. On the coffee table in front of him sits a bottle of whiskey and a half-empty glass evidence of the previous night's turmoil.
He rubs his eyes, groaning slightly as he sits up. His clothes are wrinkled, and a blanket is haphazardly thrown over him.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER
Chris walks down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the quiet house. He pauses outside BILLY's bedroom door, a faint smile touching his lips.
INT. BILLY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
He opens the door gently.
Empty.
The neatly made bed and the absence of toys scattered around strike him as odd.
CHRIS Billy?
No response. He closes the door, a hint of concern creeping in.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM – MOMENTS LATER
Chris enters the master bedroom.
Empty.
The bed is untouched, and LAURA is nowhere to be seen.
He checks the ensuite bathroom also empty.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Chris moves through the kitchen. No signs of breakfast, no notes left on the counter. He picks up the cordless phone, checking the caller ID No new messages.
He dials Laura's number. It goes straight to voicemail.
CHRIS (leaving a message, trying to sound casual) Hey, it's me. Just wondering where you and Billy are. Give me a call when you get this.
He hangs up, his worry mounting.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – BEDROOMS – MOMENTS LATER
On a hunch, Chris opens the closet in the master bedroom.
It's not empty, but several of Laura's clothes are missing. The suitcase that usually sits on the top shelf is gone.
He rushes back to Billy's room, opening drawers and the closet. Some of Billy's clothes and toys are missing including the stuffed dinosaur he cherished.
CHRIS (under his breath) No... no...
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – BATHROOM – MOMENTS LATER
A quick montage begins:
• Chris splashes water on his face, staring at himself in the mirror.
• He showers hurriedly, the water washing over his tense frame.
• He brushes his teeth aggressively, glancing at the clock.
INT. LATTIMER HOUSE – BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
• He dresses quickly, throwing on a shirt and jeans.
EXT. LATTIMER HOUSE – DRIVEWAY – MOMENTS LATER
• Chris gets into his car, starting the engine with a determined look.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS – DAY
• The car weaves through suburban streets, passing familiar landmarks.
EXT. MINDY'S HOUSE – DAY
Chris pulls up to MINDY's house. Laura's car is parked in the driveway. He parks across the street, a mix of relief and frustration on his face.
EXT. MINDY'S HOUSE – FRONT YARD – CONTINUOUS
In the front yard, BILLY and TOMMY are playing. They're dressed as space adventurers makeshift helmets and toy ray guns. Tommy is pretending to be the alien monster, growling playfully.
BILLY Stop it, Tommy! You're being too rough!
TOMMY Come on, it's just a game!
Tommy shoves Billy, causing him to stumble and fall onto the grass.
BILLY (upset) That hurt!
Chris exits his car swiftly, his eyes fixed on the scene.
EXT. MINDY'S HOUSE – FRONT YARD – MOMENTS LATER
Chris approaches quickly, tension evident in his stride.
CHRIS Hey! What do you think you're doing?
Tommy looks up, surprised.
TOMMY We were just playing
Before he can finish, Chris grabs Tommy's arm firmly, and snatches the boy towards him, lowering his head to meet the terrified boy’s eyes.
CHRIS (voice raised, eyes blazing) You do not touch my son like that! Do you understand me?
BILLY (standing up, frightened) Dad, it's okay...
Tommy's eyes widen with fear and confusion.
TOMMY I'm sorry! I didn't mean to
At that moment, MINDY and LAURA rush out of the house, alerted by the commotion.
MINDY Chris! Let go of him!
She hurries over, pulling Tommy away from Chris's grasp.
CHRIS He pushed Billy!
MINDY They're kids! It was an accident!
She steps between Chris and the boys, furious.
MINDY (CONT'D) What is wrong with you?
LAURA (reaching for Billy, who clings to her) Chris, you need to leave. Now.
CHRIS (breathing heavily, glasses slightly askew) I'm not going anywhere until we talk about this.
MINDY There's nothing to talk about! You come onto my property and start manhandling my son? What are you….crazy?!
CHRIS He was hurting Billy!
TOMMY (teary-eyed) I didn't mean to...
MINDY (turning to Tommy) It's okay, sweetie.
She looks back at Chris, fury evident.
MINDY (CONT'D) Get out of here before I call the police.
CHRIS (frustrated, reaching out toward Laura) Laura, please. We need to discuss this.
LAURA (holding Billy protectively, voice firm but calm) Not like this, Chris. You're scaring him.
BILLY (whimpering) Daddy...
MINDY (stepping closer to Chris) You heard her. Leave.
Chris tries to compose himself, but the strain is evident.
MINDY (without warning, she SLAPS him across the face, knocking his glasses off) That's for grabbing my son!
Chris reels back, shocked. He touches his cheek, the sting sharp.
LAURA (gasps) Mindy!
Chris bends down to pick up his glasses, the frames slightly bent. He looks up at Laura, his eyes pleading.
CHRIS Laura, please.
LAURA (tears welling in her eyes) You need to go. We'll talk later.
BILLY (reaching out) Daddy, don't go...
LAURA (gently pulling Billy back) It's okay, sweetheart.
A tense silence hangs in the air. The neighbors begin to peek out from their windows and doors, drawn by the disturbance.
CHRIS (defeated, voice barely above a whisper) Fine.
He turns and walks back toward his car, shoulders hunched.
EXT. MINDY'S HOUSE – STREET – CONTINUOUS
As he reaches his car, he glances back one last time. Laura is comforting Billy, while Mindy holds Tommy close, casting wary glances in Chris's direction.
He gets into his car and drives away slowly, the weight of the situation heavy upon him.
FADE OUT.
EXT. ROAD TOWARD S-MART – NIGHT
The moon casts a pale glow over the quiet town. EVAN drives his car down a mostly deserted road, S-Mart's illuminated sign appearing in the distance through his windshield. The soft hum of his engine is the only sound in the stillness.
INT. EVAN'S CAR – CONTINUOUS
Evan grips the steering wheel, the glow of S-Mart growing larger ahead.
EXT. S-MART PARKING LOT – CONTINUOUS
As Evan's car pulls into the empty parking lot, we pan across the exterior of S-Mart the "glorified gas station." Despite the late hour, the store looks immaculate. Neon lights softly illuminate the spotless windows, showcasing fully stocked shelves inside.
INT. S-MART – CONTINUOUS
The camera glides through the front doors (locked for the night), moving past pristine aisles of goods meticulously arranged. The cleanliness is almost surreal, each product perfectly aligned, floors gleaming.
We move deeper into the store, toward the back office. The door is slightly ajar, a sliver of light spilling into the hallway.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
The office is in stark contrast to the store's orderliness. Papers are strewn across the desk and floor Evan's job application, resume, and personal documents. Two computers are set up: the office desktop and Chris's personal laptop. Both screens display login pages for Montgomery Holdings.
CHRIS sits hunched over the desk, dark circles under his eyes. He types feverishly, muttering to himself.
CHRIS (whispering, frustrated) Come on... Midas. Bedlington Terrier. Password must be something to do with that mutt……
He tries another password combination.
ON THE SCREEN: "Invalid password. Please try again."
CHRIS Damn it!
He rubs his temples, glancing at Evan's resume.
EXT. S-MART PARKING LOT – CONTINUOUS
Evan parks near the entrance. As he steps out of the car, his keys slip from his hand, skittering under the vehicle.
EVAN (sighs) Great.
He kneels down, reaching underneath to retrieve them.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Chris leans back in his chair, exasperated. He notices the upper right-hand corner of the web browser an icon indicating a logged-in user profile: evan_mgmry@easymail.com
CHRIS (eyes widening slightly) You're still logged in...
He moves the cursor to the profile icon, clicking it. A dropdown menu reveals options tied to Evan's saved settings.
He hesitates, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. Then resolve hardens his expression.
CHRIS It's now or never.
He returns to the login screen. As he begins to type, the fields auto-populate with Evan's saved username and password.
EXT. S-MART ENTRANCE – CONTINUOUS
Evan retrieves his keys, stands up, and walks to the store's front door. He unlocks it with his employee key, the door chime echoing softly.
INT. S-MART – SALES FLOOR – CONTINUOUS
Evan walks through the darkened store, the only light coming from the exit signs and the faint glow from the office.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Chris watches as the Montgomery Holdings dashboard loads, granting him access to Evan's account. He opens a new browser tab, logging into his personal bank account.
ON CHRIS'S SCREEN:
• His Account: Negative balance, red numbers glaring back at him.
• Evan's Account: A substantial trust fund balance.
He glances between the two screens, the weight of his situation pressing down on him.
CHRIS (muttering to himself) The man they need me to be……
He navigates to the transfer section, entering his account details.
INT. S-MART – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Evan approaches the office door, noticing the light spilling out. He frowns, curiosity piqued.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Chris hovers over the "Confirm Transfer" button. His hand shakes slightly.
CHRIS No looking back.
He clicks.
ON THE SCREEN: "Transfer Successful."
A moment of relief washes over him, followed by a pang of guilt.
VOICE (O.S.) Chris?
Chris spins around to see Evan standing in the doorway, shock and confusion on his face.
EVAN What are you doing?
Chris's eyes dart between Evan and the computer screens.
CHRIS Evan... I didn't expect you tonight.
Evan steps into the office, taking in the disarray the papers, the two computers, the open accounts. He sees his own account displayed on the screen, the recent transaction highlighted.
EVAN (voice shaking) Did you... did you……are you in my account?!
CHRIS (struggling for words) Evan, I can explain.
EVAN (anger rising) Explain what? You’re….you’re stealing from me?!
CHRIS I just needed
EVAN As soon as you knew who my family was... was this your plan all along?
CHRIS No! I didn't plan any of this. I didn't see any other way.
Evan looks at the scattered papers, realizing they're his personal documents.
EVAN You went through my things? My resume, my application? How could you do this?
CHRIS Evan, please. You have so much, and I'm about to lose everything my house, my family. I just needed a little help.
EVAN I already helped you! I thought you were my friend!
CHRIS And I appreciate that, but it wasn't enough.
Evan swiftly, defiantly, moves towards Chris.
EVAN I can’t belie-
Just then…..a deafening CRASH reverberates through the store. The sound of shattering glass and twisting metal fills the air.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – NIGHT
CHRIS and EVAN stand frozen, eyes wide with shock.
EVAN (voice trembling) What was that?
CHRIS (urgent) We need to get out of here. Now.
They move toward the office door, but before they can react, the chaos unfolds.
INT. S-MART – SALES FLOOR – CONTINUOUS
The DREADNOKS BUZZER, TORCH, and RIPPER explode onto the scene, their motorcycles smashing through the front entrance. Glass shards scatter like confetti as the bikes roar into the store.
They ride up and down the aisles:
• Buzzer swings his weapon, knocking products off shelves.
• Ripper laughs maniacally, grabbing items as he speeds past.
• Torch steers his bike through a display, sending snacks flying.
TORCH (gleeful) Time to light this place up!
He skids to a halt, jumps off his bike, and pulls out a handheld blowtorch. With a flick, a bright flame bursts to life. He directs it toward the candy aisle, the wrappers igniting instantly.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Chris peeks out, horror etched on his face.
CHRIS They're destroying everything...
EVAN (panicked) Who are these guys? What's going on?
INT. S-MART – SALES FLOOR – CONTINUOUS
The flames begin to spread, casting eerie shadows as smoke starts to fill the store. Buzzer notices the two men at the back.
BUZZER (calling out with a wicked grin) Well, look who it is! Chris Lattimer, as I live and breathe!
He saunters toward them, weaving through the wreckage.
BUZZER (CONT'D) Been a while, mate! Nice to see you're doing so well for yourself.
Chris steps forward, trying to appear confident.
EVAN (looking between them, confused) You... you know these people?
Buzzer chuckles.
BUZZER Know us? We're old friends. Isn't that right, Chris?
CHRIS You're no friend of mine.
BUZZER Oh, don't be like that. After all we've been through? Did he tell ya we used to run a car lot together?
Evan's confusion turns to realization and betrayal.
EVAN Chris, what's going on?
Before he can get an answer, Buzzer's expression darkens.
BUZZER Enough chit-chat.
In a swift, fluid motion, Buzzer draws a knife and slashes toward Evan.
Time seems to slow as Evan's eyes widen in shock. He staggers, reaching up to his neck where a crimson line appears.
CHRIS (shouting) No!
Evan collapses to the floor, his gaze locking with Chris's one last time before fading.
A beat of stunned silence.
Then, rage overtakes Chris.
CHRIS (CONT'D) You...insignificant…………FOOL!
He charges at Buzzer, but Buzzer easily sidesteps and delivers a heavy punch to Chris's gut. Chris doubles over, gasping for air.
BUZZER (mocking) Still as predictable as ever.
He kicks Chris while he's down, causing him to sprawl onto the floor. Chris reaches out, trying to crawl away, but Buzzer grabs him by the collar, hauling him up.
BUZZER (CONT'D) Let's take this somewhere more private.
He throws Chris into the office, crashing him into the desk. Papers and equipment scatter everywhere.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Chris groans, struggling to his hands and knees. Buzzer enters slowly, savoring the moment.
BUZZER You know, I figured you and I would have to sort things out eventually. Too much tension. Guys have to work these things out, don’t you think?
Desperate, Chris's hand closes around a pair of scissors lying amidst the mess. As Buzzer approaches, Chris springs upward, driving the scissors into Buzzer's calf.
Buzzer drops to a knee, roaring in pain.
"Bullet With Butterfly Wings" by Smashing Pumpkins kicks in, the chorus blaring:
"Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage..."
Fueled by adrenaline, Chris launches himself at Buzzer. He unleashes a flurry of punches, each one driven by fury and desperation.
He grabs the computer keyboard and swings it across Buzzer's face. The plastic shatters, keys flying. Buzzer's sunglasses are knocked off, revealing shocked eyes.
INT. S-MART
– SALES FLOOR – CONTINUOUS
Torch and Ripper pause their destruction, turning their attention to the commotion.
RIPPER (nudging Torch, amused) Looks like Buzzer's got his hands full.
TORCH (grinning) Didn't think we’d get a show on top of everything else, mate!
They saunter toward the office, watching the brawl unfold like spectators at a sport.
INT. S-MART
– BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
The music intensifies as Chris continues his assault. He grabs a desk lamp, smashing it over Buzzer's shoulder. Sparks fly.
"Bullet With Butterfly Wings" reaches its peak, the raw energy mirroring the chaos.
Chris pins Buzzer to the ground, hands wrapped around his throat.
CHRIS (voice hoarse, eyes wild) You took everything from me!
As the song approaches the quiet interlude, the intensity in the room escalates.
Chris's grip tightens. Buzzer struggles, his face contorted.
Just as the musical interlude builds towards the finale a sudden blow strikes the back of Chris's head as the music comes to an abrupt halt. Chris’s eyes go wide with surprise before glazing over. He collapses sideways, unconscious.
Standing behind him, Ripper lowers the handle of Buzzer's dropped knife.
RIPPER (shaking his head) Guess that’s enough fun for now. But don’t you worry, we’re just getting started.
We fade into darkness, leaving an eerie silence punctuated by the distant crackle of flames.