BLACK SCREEN
We hear the sound of soft panting a dog's gentle breaths accompanied by the faint rustling of leaves.
FADE IN:
EXT. WOODS – DAY – FLASHBACK
A picturesque forest bathed in golden sunlight. The camera follows MIDAS, the Bedlington Terrier, as he sniffs happily among the foliage. His silver-gray coat glistens, and his tail wags with pure joy.
He stops to drink from a clear, bubbling creek, lapping up the cool water. Birds chirp overhead, and the atmosphere is serene. Picture perfect.
VOICE (O.S.) (young and cheerful) Midas! Here, boy!
Midas perks up at the sound of YOUNG EVAN's voice. He barks a happy yip and bounds through the underbrush.
EXT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – BACKYARD – CONTINUOUS
The woods give way to the expansive, lush backyard of the Montgomery Estate. Perfectly manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and a grand house visible in the distance.
Midas sprints across the grass toward YOUNG EVAN (about 10 years old), who is kneeling with open arms. Evan laughs as Midas leaps into his embrace, licking his face.
YOUNG EVAN (laughing) There you are! Thought you were gonna run off forever.
Midas barks again, wagging his tail furiously. Evan scratches behind his ears.
YOUNG EVAN (CONT'D) You're my best friend, you know that?
The two play together, pure happiness radiating from both. The sun casts a warm glow over them, and time seems to slow down. It’s so sweet you’d think it was Disney.
The camera slowly zooms in on Evan's smiling face, his eyes bright and full of life.
SLAM CUT TO:
EXT. S-MART – EARLY MORNING – PRESENT DAY
A close-up of EVAN MONTGOMERY's lifeless eyes, staring blankly upward amidst the wreckage of S-Mart. His once vibrant face is now pale
The camera pulls back slowly:
Evan's body lies amidst debris shattered glass, broken shelves, scattered merchandise. First responders move methodically around the scene: Paramedics cover Evan's body with a white sheet. Firefighters douse remaining hot spots from the earlier blaze. Police officers cordon off the area with yellow tape, directing onlookers away.
A few S-Mart employees stand behind the tape, faces etched with shock and disbelief, having arrived for their morning shifts only to find devastation.
INT. S-MART – REMAINS – CONTINUOUS
The camera continues to move through the store Aisles are overturned, products strewn everywhere. Burnt sections indicate where Torch's flames did their damage. Investigators take photographs, collect evidence tire marks from motorcycles, unusual weapon imprints.
DETECTIVE MARCUS (40s, sharp-eyed) discusses findings with his team.
DETECTIVE MARCUS Make sure we get casts of those tire tracks. And bag any weapon fragments you find.
The camera glides toward the back of the store, focusing on the damaged office of Chris Lattimer
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
The office is in complete disarray: The door hangs off its hinges. Furniture is overturned; drawers pulled out, contents dumped. The computers are smashed the monitors cracked, keyboards broken. Papers flutter slightly from a draft, scattered across the floor some singed at the edges.
Detective Marcus steps into the office, surveying the scene.
DETECTIVE MARCUS (to an officer) This place was torn apart. See if there’s anything salvageable.
OFFICER Yes, sir.
The officer begins carefully collecting the damaged computers.
EXT. S-MART – PARKING LOT – CONTINUOUS
A crowd has begun to gather at a safe distance: Curious onlookers whisper among themselves. News vans arrive, reporters preparing for live broadcasts.
BACK TO INSIDE S-MART
The camera continues its journey, moving past more destruction Broken security cameras hang from the ceiling. Empty spots on the walls where items have been ripped away. Fire damage blackens sections of the walls and ceiling.
INT. S-MART – BACK OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
The camera settles on a photo lying amidst the debris a picture of Chris, Laura, and Billy, slightly torn and smudged with soot.
FADE TO:
INT. MINDY'S HOUSE – GUEST ROOM – MORNING
Soft morning light filters through the curtains of a cozy guest room. LAURA sits on the edge of the bed, attempting to tie BILLY's shoelaces. Billy is fussy, squirming away from her.
BILLY (whining)I don't wanna wear these shoes!
LAURA Billy, please hold still. We need to get you dressed.
BILLY I wanna go home!
LAURA (sighs, patience waning) We've talked about this. We're staying here for a little while.
BILLY I miss Daddy. I wanna see Daddy!
LAURA (pauses, masking her own uncertainty) You'll see Daddy soon, sweetheart.
Billy pulls away, crossing his arms defiantly.
BILLY I don't like it here. Tommy's mean, and Miss Mindy doesn't like Daddy.
LAURA That's not true. Mindy is very nice, and Tommy is your friend.
BILLY He pushed me! And Daddy said I shouldn't let anyone hurt me.
LAURA (gently) I know, but sometimes friends have accidents. You have to forgive them.
BILLY I don't wanna! I want Daddy!
He starts to pout, tears welling up in his eyes.
LAURA (her resolve softening) Come here.
She reaches out, pulling Billy into a hug. He resists at first but then melts into her embrace.
LAURA (CONT'D) I know this is hard, but we need to stay here a little longer.
BILLY (muffled against her shoulder) Why can't we go home?
LAURA (struggling to find the right words) Sometimes grown-ups have things they need to figure out. It's safer for us here right now.
BILLY Is it because of Daddy?
LAURA (hesitates) Daddy and I just need some time, that's all.
BILLY pulls back, looking up at her with innocent eyes.
BILLY Do you not like Daddy anymore?
LAURA (taken aback, her eyes glistening) Oh, Billy, it's not that simple.
BILLY I love Daddy. He saved me from Tommy.
LAURA (her voice barely above a whisper) I know you do.
There's a knock at the door, and MINDY pokes her head in, a warm yet cautious smile on her face.
MINDY Hey, everything okay in here?
LAURA We're fine. Just having a bit of a rough morning.
MINDY I thought Billy might like this.
She steps into the room, holding a colorful handheld video game device….instantly appealing to a child.
BILLY (eyes lighting up) What's that?
MINDY It's a game. You can play with it if you like.
She hands it to him. Billy takes it eagerly, momentarily distracted from his frustration.
BILLY Thank you!
MINDY You're welcome, sweetie. Tommy used to play with it when he was your age.
Billy sits on the bed, engrossed in the game.
Mindy gives Laura a subtle look.
MINDY (CONT'D) (softly to Laura) Can I talk to you for a minute?
LAURA (noticing the seriousness in her tone) Sure.
INT. MINDY'S HOUSE – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Laura steps out into the hallway with Mindy, closing the door slightly to ensure Billy can't overhear.
LAURA What's going on?
MINDY(hesitant) There are some people here to see you.
LAURA People?
MINDY (gently) It's the police, Laura.
LAURA's face pales slightly.
LAURA The police? What do they want?
MINDY They didn't say much, just that they need to speak with you.
LAURA (anxious) Is it about….Chris?
MINDY Maybe. Do you want me to be there with you?
LAURA (takes a deep breath) No, it's okay. Can you keep an eye on Billy?
MINDY Of course.
INT. MINDY'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – MOMENTS LATER
Laura enters the living room to find DETECTIVE MARCUS and a uniformed OFFICER standing near the entrance. They turn as she approaches.
FADE TO:
INT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – STUDY – MORNING
The grand study is filled with antique furniture, shelves lined with leather-bound books, and large windows overlooking the manicured gardens. RICHARD MONTGOMERY paces back
and forth, his face flushed with anger. BARBARA MONTGOMERY sits on a chaise lounge, her hands wringing a handkerchief, worry etched on her face.
RICHARD (fuming) I knew it! I knew that Lattimer was trouble from the moment I laid eyes on him. A leech, preying on our son's generosity!
BARBARA Richard, please. Shouting won't fix anything.
RICHARD (ignoring her plea) The trust fund is empty, Barbara! Completely drained! That... that scoundrel must have coerced Evan into giving him access.
BARBARA Evan was always so trusting. Perhaps there's been a mistake?
RICHARD There's no mistake. Every last cent withdrawn. Last night.
BARBARA What are we going to do?
RICHARD First, we're going to make sure that Lattimer pays for this. I'll have him arrested before the day is out.
A soft knock interrupts their conversation. The door opens to reveal MARTA, their long-time housekeeper.
MARTA Excuse me, Mr. Montgomery. There are some police officers here to see you.
RICHARD (satisfied) Ah, excellent. Show them in, Marta.
BARBARA (concerned) Richard, when did you call the po-
RICHARD (cutting her off) Don't worry, dear. Justice will be served.
INT. MONTGOMERY ESTATE – FOYER – MOMENTS LATER
Detective Marcus and Officer Hernandez stand in the opulent foyer, taking in the grandeur of the estate. Marta leads Richard and Barbara to meet them.
RICHARD (extending his hand briskly) Detective, I'm glad you're here. I trust you're already aware of the theft that has occurred?
Marcus and Hernandez exchange brief, puzzled looks.
DETECTIVE MARCUS (shaking his hand) Mr. Montgomery, Mrs. Montgomery, I appreciate you seeing us.
BARBARA Please, how can we help?
RICHARD It's not about helping it's about action. Chris Lattimer has stolen from us, and I expect him to be arrested immediately.
DETECTIVE MARCUS Sir, if we could just...
RICHARD (interrupting) I've already contacted my lawyers. This kind of blatant fraud cannot be tolerated. I want every resource allocated to capturing that thief.
DETECTIVE MARCUS Mr. Montgomery, if you could allow me to explain...
RICHARD (gesturing emphatically) The man manipulated our son, took advantage of his kindness. It's despicable!
BARBARA Richard, please let the detective speak.
DETECTIVE MARCUS Thank you, Mrs. Montgomery. (takes a deep breath) I'm afraid I have some difficult news. There was an incident last night at the S-Mart where your son, Evan, was present.
RICHARD (impatiently) Yes, yes, Evan works there. What does that have to do with...
DETECTIVE MARCUS (firmly) Sir, your son was found at the scene. I'm sorry to inform you that…
Barbara gasps, her hand flying to her mouth as she staggers backward.
BARBARA (voice trembling) Evan…..?
RICHARD (stunned) What are you saying?
DETECTIVE MARCUS There was an attack at the store. We're still investigating the details, but Evan was among the victims. He’s -
BARBARA (breaking into sobs) Not our Evan... please, no...
RICHARD (voice shaking, a mix of denial and fury) This... this is Lattimer's doing! He must have...
DETECTIVE MARCUS We're looking into all possible leads. At this time, Chris Lattimer is missing, and we are trying to locate him to assist with our investigation.
RICHARD (blinking, disbelief turning to denial) There must be some mistake. Our son can't be... he can't...
DETECTIVE MARCUS I understand this is incredibly difficult. We're her-
BARBARA (suddenly overcome, her face pales as she sways unsteadily) Evan......
Her teacup slips from her grasp, shattering on the marble floor. Before anyone can react, Barbara collapses, her body giving way to the weight of the news.
RICHARD (alarmed) Barbara!
He rushes to her side, catching her before she fully hits the ground. Marta hurries over, concern etched on her face.
MARTA I'll call for a doctor!
DETECTIVE MARCUS (kneeling beside them) Is she alright?
OFFICER HERNANDEZ I'll get some water.
As Officer Hernandez moves quickly to assist, Richard cradles Barbara in his arms, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.
The room falls into a heavy silence interrupted only by the distant ticking of an ornate grandfather clock. The camera pulls back slowly.
FADE OUT.
EXT. DOWNTOWN SPRINGVILLE – DAY
The afternoon sun casts long shadows over a row of aging brick buildings in downtown Springville. Detective Marcus and Officer Hernandez walk down the sidewalk, passing shuttered storefronts and faded signs. They stop in front of a narrow doorway squeezed between a pawn shop and an abandoned café.
OFFICER HERNANDEZ This is the place?
DETECTIVE MARCUS (checks his notebook) According to the records, yeah. Chris Lattimer made regular payments to a Philip Provost at this address.
They share a glance before Marcus tries the door. It creaks open.
INT. PROVOST INVESTIGATIONS – DAY
Inside, the office is eerily empty. Dust particles float in the shafts of light streaming through partially boarded-up windows. The room is bare except for an old wooden desk and a couple of mismatched chairs pushed against the wall. The paint is peeling, and the air smells musty.
OFFICER HERNANDEZ (whistles softly) Looks like nobody's been here in years.
DETECTIVE MARCUS (steps inside, surveying the room) Doesn't add up. Lattimer was paying this guy until last week.
He approaches the desk, running his finger along the surface. A thick layer of dust coats his fingertip.
OFFICER HERNANDEZ No files, no equipment, nothing.
Marcus notices faint scuff marks on the floor near the desk, as if heavy furniture had been moved recently.
DETECTIVE MARCUS See here? Something was dragged out of here not too long ago.
OFFICER HERNANDEZ So whoever this Provost is, he packed up and left in a hurry.
DETECTIVE MARCUS Or someone didn't want us finding anything.
He checks the desk drawers empty. He looks behind a peeling poster on the wall nothing.
He spots a small scrap of paper wedged between the floorboards. He kneels down to retrieve it. It's a torn piece of a business card with partial lettering: "ovost Inves".
DETECTIVE MARCUS (CONT'D) (holding up the fragment) Looks like our Mr. Provost was here after all…
OFFICER HERNANDEZ But where is he now?
DETECTIVE MARCUS That's the million-dollar question.
Hernandez walks over to the window, peering out at the quiet street.
OFFICER HERNANDEZ You know, first Lattimer goes missing, and now this Provost guy pulls a disappearing act too? Feels like we're stumbling into more than we bargained for.
DETECTIVE MARCUS (nods slowly) Yeah. And I have a feeling this rabbit hole goes deep.
Marcus takes one last look around the barren office, his expression a mix of frustration and determination.
DETECTIVE MARCUS (CONT’D) Let's keep this between us for now. No need to tip anyone off that we're onto something.
OFFICER HERNANDEZ Understood.
They head toward the door and exit the building, the door swinging shut behind them with a creak.
FADE OUT.
BLACK SCREEN
We hear muffled sounds a mix of mocking laughter and taunting voices echoing in the darkness.
DREADNOKS (O.S.)
(Laughing, jeering)
"Look at ‘im squirmin’ around!"
"Put up quite a fight for a minute there, I say."
"Who cares what you say?"
FADE IN:
INT. UNKNOWN LOCATION – NIGHT
Dim, flickering light reveals a grim setting. CHRIS hangs suspended, his wrists bound and chained above his head to a rusty metal beam. A rough burlap sack covers his head, almost like a……hood. His clothes are torn and bloodied, revealing bruises and cuts across his body.
Around him, the DREADNOKS BUZZER, RIPPER, and TORCH circle like vultures.
BUZZER steps forward, his face showing signs of their previous encounter. He walks with a slight but noticeable limp, favoring the leg where Chris stabbed him with the scissors.
BUZZER (Mockingly) Well, well, look at what we've got here. My old business partner’s little brother. Chris Lattimer. Such a bleedin’ shame.
Chris remains silent, his head bowed slightly under the hood.
TORCH (Bored) We've had livelier captives. This one's dull as dirt.
BUZZER You know, we never had much interest in you at all. Could've just... slithered away. (Leans in closer) But no, you had to poke your nose where it didn't belong. And now, here we are.
Chris doesn't react. His breathing is steady, controlled.
BUZZER (CONT'D) Got nothing to say for yourself?
Ripper cracks his knuckles.
RIPPER Maybe we can loosen his tongue.
He delivers a solid punch to Chris's stomach. Chris grunts but remains mostly silent.
A moment of silence. Then, unexpectedly, Chris speaks his voice calm, almost chilling.
CHRIS (Neutral, detached) How's the leg, Buzzer?
The Dreadnoks exchange glances, momentarily taken aback.
BUZZER (Scowling, trying to laugh it off) Ha! This? Just a scratch. Takes more than that to slow me down.
CHRIS I’m sure.
BUZZER's façade slips slightly, irritation flashing in his eyes.
BUZZER (Defensive) Watch your mouth, mate. You're not in any position to be smart.
CHRIS (Unintimidated) Of course not.
RIPPER (Stepping forward) Think you're tough, huh?
TORCH (Chuckling nervously) Maybe we should teach him some manners.
BUZZER (Holds up a hand to stop them) No. Let him have his moment. Won't matter soon enough. (Leans in close to Chris) Don’t you worry. Uncle Buzzer will take good care of ol’ Billy.
Chris remains silent, seemingly unmoved by the threat. The Dreadnoks turn and walk away, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. The sound of a heavy door creaking open and then slamming shut reverberates.
Silence settles once more. Chris hangs there, alone, the dim light casting long shadows. Despite his predicament, there's a hint of a resolute smirk beneath the “hood.”
FADE OUT.
INT. CASINO – NIGHT
The camera pans over the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling casino. Bright lights flash from slot machines, the sounds of coins clinking, roulette wheels spinning, and excited chatter fill the air. Waitresses weave through the crowds carrying trays of colorful drinks. The mood is electric triumph and defeat happening side by side.
At a blackjack table, we see the back of a man in a loud Hawaiian shirt CHUCKLES, relaxed demeanor with a hint of mischief in his eyes. He's engaging with the DEALER and other PLAYERS at the table.
DEALER Another hand, sir?
CHUCKLES (Grins, glancing at his dwindling chip stack) Why not? My luck's bound to turn around. This shirt's never let me down before.
PLAYER 1 (Chuckling) Could've fooled me. That shirt's louder than the jackpot bells.
CHUCKLES Hey now, this shirt has feelings.
They share a laugh as the dealer deals another round. Chuckles' eyes subtly scan the room between plays, his gaze briefly settling on various patrons.
He loses the hand, shaking his head in mock despair.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) Well, there goes my kids' college fund.
PLAYER 2 I thought bachelors didn't have kids.
CHUCKLES Details, details.
As the next hand begins, Chuckles notices a MAN IN A GRAY SUIT across the casino floor stand up and head towards the restrooms. The man's demeanor is shifty, casting quick glances over his shoulder.
Chuckles casually tosses his cards face down.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) You know what, folks? I think Lady Luck must’ve left some divorce papers in my hotel room. Good luck to you all.
DEALER Leaving so soon?
CHUCKLES Gotta save some of my fortune for the buffet. He stands up, flashing a friendly smile, and saunters away from the table.
INT. CASINO FLOOR – CONTINUOUS
Chuckles moves through the throng of people with practiced ease He heads toward the restrooms, humming softly to himself, as if without a care in the world. He pauses for a moment, turns, and locks the door behind him.
INT. CASINO RESTROOM – CONTINUOUS
The restroom is empty except for the Man in the Gray Suit, who stands at the sink, splashing water on his face. He looks up in the mirror to see Chuckles entering.
MAN IN GRAY SUIT (Tense) Any luck?
CHUCKLES (Casual) Not a speck.
The man dries his hands hurriedly and makes a move toward the exit. Chuckles steps slightly to the side, blocking his path just enough to be noticeable.
MAN IN GRAY SUIT Excuse me.
CHUCKLES But we haven't had a chance to catch up.
MAN IN GRAY SUIT I don't know you. Move aside.
CHUCKLES But isn’t this the part where we exchange pleasantries before things get... familiar?
The man reaches inside his jacket, but Chuckles is faster. He grabs the man's wrist, twisting it to make him drop a concealed knife.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) Now that's not very sociable.
A swift fight ensues. The man throws a punch, which Chuckles ducks. They grapple, exchanging blows. The fight is intense but choreographed with a touch of humor Chuckles maintains a lighthearted demeanor throughout.
At one point, Chuckles dodges a wild swing, causing the man to punch a hand dryer instead, which whirs to life noisily.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) (Amused) Gotta hand it to you, you're really blowing this. Chuckles blocks a wild haymaker.
CHUCKLES: I know, I know. The one-liners need work. I’m tryin’ here!
They continue trading moves until Chuckles gains the upper hand, pushing the man into a stall.
INT. CASINO RESTROOM – STALL – CONTINUOUS
Chuckles forces the man's head toward the toilet.
MAN IN GRAY SUIT Wait! Wait!
CHUCKLES Oh c’mon, haven’t you ever seen a bathroom fight before? Be a good sport.
He dunks the man's head briefly into the toilet. The man's muffled protests bubble up.
Just then, Chuckles' cellphone rings
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) (Pulls the man's head up) Hold that thought.
He releases the man, who gasps for air, and answers the call while keeping a wary eye on his opponent.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) Provost.
Chuckles raises an eyebrow. The Man in the Gray Suit starts to quietly reach for a loose tile on the floor, revealing a hidden gun.
CHUCKLES (Sighs) I told you this would happen. (a beat) Orders, huh? I like to think of them as guidelines, really.
He notices the man's movement in his peripheral vision.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) Hold on a sec.
In one swift motion, he kicks the gun out of the man's hand, spins him around, and knocks him out with a well-placed chop to the neck. The man collapses onto the floor.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) (Back to the phone) Sorry about that. Where were we? (a beat) Understood. Send me the details.
He ends the call and slips the phone back into his pocket.
INT. CASINO RESTROOM – CONTINUOUS
Chuckles looks down at the unconscious man.
CHUCKLES (CONT'D) Dammit. I didn’t even get to do the “who does Number 2 work for” bit.
He drags the man into one of the stalls, propping him up on the toilet seat, and locks the stall door from the inside. He climbs out by stepping onto the toilet and over the partition with surprising agility.
INT. CASINO FLOOR – MOMENTS LATER
Chuckles exits the restroom, adjusting his Hawaiian shirt as if nothing happened. He strolls back into the sea of casino patrons, blending effortlessly.
FADE OUT.
INT. UNKNOWN LOCATION – NIGHT
The scene opens with the opening riffs of "Rooster" by Alice in Chains filling the air, a gritty and haunting melody that sets a tense atmosphere.
SOUND: The heavy creak of a metal door echoes as it swings open.
BUZZER steps into the dimly lit room, flanked by TORCH and RIPPER. Shadows dance across their faces, illuminated sporadically by a single overhead light flickering above.
BUZZER (Grinning maliciously) Time to meet the man, Chrissy.
CHRIS, still sporting a burlap sack “hood, ” hangs by his wrists from chains attached to the ceiling. His clothes are torn, and blood trickles from cuts on his face and arms.
The Dreadnoks move forward. Torch and Ripper unlock the shackles, and Chris collapses to the cold, concrete floor, his knees hitting hard.
As Chris struggles to push himself up, Buzzer delivers a vicious kick to his ribs with his heavy motorcycle boot.
“Ain’t found a way to kill me yet…………….”
CHRIS gasps but doesn't cry out. His breathing is labored, yet there's a steely determination beneath the hood.
INT. MINDY'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
The scene shifts to LAURA sitting on a worn couch, anxiety etched on her face. MINDY sits across from her, a look of concern mixed with hesitation.
LAURA I called the bank. They said the accounts were closed. I don't understand. Where's Chris? Why is this happening?
Mindy hesitates before speaking, choosing her words carefully.
MINDY I don't want to upset you, but... do you think Chris could be involved?
LAURA (Defensive) What? No, he wouldn't just abandon us.
MINDY I just... I've seen this kind of thing before. People keeping secrets. Saying all the right things, making you feel safe, and then...
INTERCUT BETWEEN SCENES
As their conversation continues, their voices become a voiceover, overlapping with scenes of Chris being dragged down a dim corridor by the Dreadnoks.
MINDY (V.O.) There's no telling what he had going on behind closed doors.
LAURA (V.O.) I just don't know what to think anymore.
INT. UNKNOWN LOCATION – CONTINUOUS
The music swells. The Dreadnoks lead Chris through a labyrinth of industrial passages exposed pipes, dripping water, and flickering lights create an oppressive environment.
They arrive at a large room dominated by a single table and two chairs facing each other.
BUZZER End of the line.
They force Chris into one of the chairs. Torch grips the hood and, with a swift motion, snatches it off.
CLOSE-UP: Chris's face is revealed bruised and bloodied, but his eyes burn with a calm fury. His expression is stoic, unbroken by his ordeal.
The song continues.
“You know he ain’t gonna die!”
INT.
MINDY'S
HOUSE – LIVING ROOM –
CONTINUOUS
LAURA (Whispering, more to herself) What if I never really knew him?
INT. UNKNOWN LOCATION – CONTINUOUS
Focus shifts entirely to Chris. The sounds from Mindy's house fade away.
Footsteps approach from the shadows. The echoing taps grow louder, deliberate.
A figure emerges He moves with a predatory grace, clad in tactical gear accented with a hood that casts a shadow over his face. As he steps into the light, we see:
• Piercing green eyes that seem to look straight into one's soul.
• Distinctive facepaint dark markings that accentuate his features.
• A slight, unsettling smile plays on his lips.
It’s him. The man. The hardcase.
ZARTAN
He pulls out the chair opposite Chris and sits down slowly, never breaking eye contact.
ZARTAN (Voice smooth yet menacing) Good evening, Mr. Lattimer.
Chris remains silent, his gaze unwavering.
A beat of heavy silence.
ZARTAN (CONT'D) I've been looking forward to meeting you.
CLOSE-UP on Chris's face. Despite his injuries, there's a hint of defiance in his eyes.
The music fades, leaving only the distant sounds of dripping water and the hum of machinery.
FADE TO BLACK.