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Day 6 Assignments
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Karen Crider’s rewrite of Trent and Robert
What I learned: That rewriting affords us to rethink a scenario and add interest techniques, essence and subtext. Something that animates the writing and makes it worthy of a read. Thanks.
CONCEPT: Two brothers, one young and caring; the other greedy, competes for their sickly grandmother’s favor and the largest ruby ring that can possibly anchor a wrinkly hand.
TITLE: Granny and the big, bad Wolf
INT. GRANNY BENTSON’S HOME-DAY
Light streams a tiny room, tinging the cheek of Mae Bentson, 83, whose rheumy eyes are mere slits; her wispy hair splays her pillow; her empty gaze contrasts the sallow porches that gully her complexion.
TRENT BENTSON, Granny Bentson’s oldest grandson, recoils from her appearance; he swipes her eyes with a washcloth, as she groans against its invasion. He brings her, her pills, as his eyes catch the gleam of her ruby ring catching the light.
TRENT, 24
There you go Granny, don’t worry about a ring—I mean things.
Granny Mae swallows each pill. She chokes. It startles Trent. He drops the
last pill on the floor. It rolls beneath the dresser. He shrugs, as he catches
his reflection in the mirror. He pats his hair in place.
TRENT
(chuckles)
You probably don’t need that pill anyway.
Someone knocks at the door. The nurse’s aide, MAGGIE WORN, 19, from Home Health arrives.
She smiles a flirty smile at Trent as she retrieves her bag. Cleavage from her low-cut blouse gives him pause.
MAGGIE
(animated)
Are you on your way to work? How is Granny
Mae this morning?
TRENT
Like she is every morning. There. Barely there.
I’m between jobs.
Maggie glances at Trent’s shoes.
MAGGIE
Are those Armoni oxfords? They sell like for
a thousand dollars a pair.
Trent smiles, proud someone has validated his good taste.
ROBERT, 17, appears out of nowhere. His hair is ruffled and he’s wearing sweats.
ROBERT
Oh, don’t you know, Maggie? Trent’s rich!
He’s the only loaded guy I know, who drives his
Grandma’s car to save gas.
TRENT
Jealousy doesn’t become you, bro. Get a life.
ROBERT
Does that include affording Armoni shoes?
TRENT
Probably not. But I doubt you can afford a Dolce Gabbana suit either.
Both of mine put me back $4000.00 bucks each.
Clothes make the man. But then, some have to start there, if you
get what I mean.
ROBERT
I’m not queer, Trent. I just lead a different life,
that’s all.
TRENT
Yeah, right…
ROBERT
You’re on duty at one. That’s if you can break
away from your fans by then?
Trent leaves.
INT. GRANNY MAE’S HOUSE-LATER
When Trent returns, he leafs through the house looking for valuables to pilfer. One loan shark has threatened to break his legs if he doesn’t pay by this afternoon.
He grabs a few pieces of old jewelry, then returns to Granny Mae’s room. She sleeps so deeply, he decides to wrestle her ring off her finger.
She wakes up.
TRENT
Sorry to wake you, grandma, but I want you to
know Robert’s in a fix. He’s in jail and needs
bail money. He’s accused of robbing a bank.
Her hands shake as she reaches out to him. Their eyes meet for a second, before she re-enters that nether world, she lives in.
TRENT
Let’s go to the garden. You’re happiest there.
He lifts her into her wheel chair, and they wheel to the garden. Trent forgets her afghan and Granny Mae is shivering. The doorbell rings. Trent jogs to answer it. A beefy guy with a bad complexion beats open the door. He puts a gun to Trent’s head.
BEEFY GUY
You’re late, Trenty-boy. That’s not nice…
TRENT
(terrified)
I promise, I can pay you tonight. I just have to
liquify a few assets, that’s all!
BEEFY GUY
Okay, shit head! Tonight, it is.
He slugs Trent across the face and leaves.
When Trent wakes up, he stumbles to Granny’s room. Her bed is empty.
TRENT
Oh my God! Granny!
He stumbles to the garden, Granny is on the ground, face down. He races to her, but it’s too late. She’s cold to the touch.
He carries her back into the bedroom and calls an ambulance. Then removes her ring. The ambulance arrives and takes the body. Trent goes to the corner Hock Shop and hocks the ring for the amount due the loan shark.
He returns home as Robert and Maggie return. Trent tells them Granny has died and the ambulance has taken her to the Grand Oaks Hospital.
Robert and Maggie are frantic as they rush to the hospital. The hospital relinquishes her personal effects, along with the property sheet that records every item Granny Mae possessed upon arrival.
The ring is not recorded.
Robert is livid. He drives like a maniac to get home before Robert can clear out.
Trent’s driving Granny’s car. It’s packed full of her possessions. He’s backing out of the driveway when Robert blocks his exit. He’s yelling at the top of his lungs.
INT. GRANNY MAE’S HOUSE-DAY
Trent bolts from the car and out-runs Robert to the house.
BATHROOM
Trent locks himself in the bathroom.
Robert bangs on the door.
ROBERT
(through the door)
What’s happened to Granny?
They say there’s grass in her hair.
Open this door, Trent! Open it NOW!
TRENT
She has taken a spill in the garden.
It’s done her in.
Robert bursts the door open. He grabs Trent by the throat.
ROBERT
What’s happened to Granny? They say her back is broken. How does that
happen, Trent? HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?
TRENT
I don’t know? I’m not responsible.
ROBERT
For once you’re telling the truth.
Where’s her ring, Trent?
TRENT
I haven’t taken it, if that’s what you mean.
Robert pulls out his cell phone and dials 911.
TRENT
What are you doing?
ROBERT
Calling an ambulance. It’s good timing.
TRENT
What do you mean?
ROBERT
It gives me plenty of time to beat the shit out of you.
TRENT
If you touch me, you can forget we’re brothers.
ROBERT
Best news I’ve heard all day.
He decks Trent and knocks him down.
Trent cries like a little girl.
———————————————————————————————————-
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CM 6 Rewrite — Trent and Robert
INT. MIDTOWN EAST BAR – NIGHT
ROBERT, 38, tough guy in a leather jacket, but with an engaging smile enters. He drinks in the old-glamour ambiance.
TRENT, 35, silk suit and over-sized briefcase, cruises in and steps in front, opening his arms to the crowd. The BARTENDER and the REGULARS greet him.
BARTENDER
S’up Trent!
REGULARS
Trent!
He shakes the bartender’s hand. He greets a couple nearby.
KELLY, 25, a shapely waitress, in a short black cocktail dress, addresses him en route to the bar.
KELLY
Nice suit, Trent.
Trent turns around in the suit so Kelly, Robert and everyone else can check him out.
ROBERT
Lovely lady, we would like your best table.
KELLY
This way gentlemen.
En route Robert puts his hand on Trent’s shoulder. Both men check out Kelly from behind. Trent leans into Robert.
TRENT
I’ve been crunching the numbers. Based on the monthly revenues, we’re rolling. And with me running the front, it’ll only get better.
ROBERT
Look like you belong here, partner.
Trent runs his hands down the front of his suit appreciating the complement.
TRENT
I’m gonna go work the room. Watch my bag – it’s got our contract and my stock certificates.
Kelly seats Robert at a table on an elevated platform that overlooks the room.
ROBERT
What kind of steak do ya have?
KELLY
Actually, the food is more pub-style. I’ll bring you a menu.
ROBERT
Forget about it. Tell me Kelly, do ya like working here? Plan on sticking around for awhile?
KELLY
It’s a good gig – an upscale business crowd. But… I know it’s cliche – I’m an actress.
ROBERT
That doesn’t surprise me cause you’re gorgeous. I want an invite to your next performance.
KELLY
You got it. Mr. Troutman’s been great about giving me flexibility.
ROBERT
Troutman is the manager?
KELLY
He’s the owner.
ROBERT
Owner? Huh. I’d like to meet him.
KELLY
He’s out for two weeks. Cayman Islands. I’ll introduce you when he’s back.
ROBERT
Huh. Yeah, we’ll do that, but right now I’m celebrating. Bring me the best scotch in the house.
KELLY
You sure? It’s unopened and…
ROBERT
Perfect. Only the best for me… and my partner.
She goes into the back room. Trent returns and sits with Robert.
TRENT
Isn’t this place everything I said.
ROBERT
I’ve seen worse. I was a little nervous putting cash down sight unseen, but this place lives up to the hype.
TRENT
This is the go-to spot for all the CEOs and the Big Dealers. You and I are gonna make a killing.
ROBERT
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Trent looks at him quizzically and opens his mouth, but Robert cuts him off.
ROBERT
They don’t got steak. A place like this should have steak.
TRENT
We’re the guys that can fix that.
Robert leans back.
ROBERT
Yeah. After fifteen years working for the man. I’m the owner, not the the fool behind the bar.
(to the bartender)
No offense.
TRENT
Moving up. How’d you get your share of the cash on a bartender’s salary?
ROBERT
Side hustle. We need to celebrate. Time to drink.
Kelly brings the bottle to the table.
ROBERT
So, Partner, when you gonna produce your half of the deposit?
TRENT
What’re you hassling me for? I told you I was cashing in stock. It’ll take a few days. Paperwork. Jeez.
Trent pats his briefcase. Kelly grimaces at the interchange.
ROBERT
Don’t get bent. I’m just a little light on cash.
TRENT
I did you a favor by letting you in on this deal. I told you where my money’s coming from, which is more than you told me?
ROBERT
I earned it.
TRENT
Doing what?
Robert smiles at Kelly and avoids the question by taking the bottle.
ROBERT
Let’s seal the deal with a toast.
Robert moves to open the seal — before he can, Trent snaps it out of his hands.
TRENT
Whoa! McCallan M! This stuff is twenty thousand a shot. We’re not opening this!
ROBERT
What’re you talking about?
TRENT
This is a collector’s item. Probably picked up at auction.
ROBERT
Oh.
(to Kelly)
I’ll take the McCallan 12.
TRENT
Ketel One martini for me, straight up and dirty. Chilled glass please.
Kelly turns to put in the order, but has to turn back.
TRENT
Kells, three olives. And by ‘dirty,’ I mean slightly dirty. Don’t let your guy over do it.
Again, Kelly makes a few steps to the bar, but has to stop.
TRENT
Oh and, grab me a couple of brown paper bags.
(to Robert)
This is why I gotta run the front.
ROBERT
Seriously? Twenty “Gs” an ounce.
Trent takes the bottle and tucks it in his big briefcase.
TRENT
Yeah, and they got it hidden in the back.
ROBERT
That’s a lot of our inventory you’re putting in your bag.
TRENT
(offended)
I’m gonna get a special locked cabinet, that shows the label. We put it where everyone can see it.
ROBERT
Why’d you got take the bottle?
Trent gets up and stands over Robert.
TRENT
Ya gotta be seen. What’d you think I’m an asshole? I’m gonna steal my own stuff?
Trent stares down Robert who sheepishly backs down.
ROBERT
I’m just saying… it’s a lot of money.
TRENT
I’ll take care of it!
ROBERT
Slow down partner. It’s all good.
Trent sees Kelly bringing their drinks.
TRENT
I gotta take a leak. Drinks are on the house obviously, but give her a good tip. Gotta keep staff happy.
Trent exits. Robert speaks under his breath.
ROBERT
Half of it’s mine or I’m the asshole.
Kelly sets the glasses on the table. Robert gives her a twenty dollar bill.
KELLY
I’m sorry, what was that?
ROBERT
I was saying, my financial partner, in the suit, he’s a talent agent.
KELLY
Trent? Really? Which agency?
ROBERT
It’s something with a ‘W’ I think. He doesn’t advertise it. He keeps a low profile among civilians.
KELLY
WME! Trent’s with WME?
ROBERT
Yeah, that’s the one. He’s kind of a big deal. I could ask him to meet with you one-on-one, if you like.
KELLY
Please! That would be amazing!
ROBERT
Just play it cool for a minute. I’ll hook you up.
KELLY
Thank you. I’ve got a scene prepared. I’ll be ready.
He winks. She hustles back behind the bar and puts on lipstick. Kelly starts silently rehearsing her lines.
Trent returns. He sees the PAPER BAGS Kelly left. He puts the expensive bottle in the bags and wraps it tight. He places it back in his briefcase as Robert glares, then leans in.
ROBERT
(whispers)
Hey, you got an admirer.
Trent looks at him curious.
ROBERT
Kelly. I told her you were a good guy.
Trent looks over at the bar. She notices and smiles big. He returns the smile.
TRENT
What’d she say?
ROBERT
She was asking about you. If you were available? She likes the suit-type. Every woman like a high roller… like yourself.
TRENT
But… she’s staff.
ROBERT
Want me to hook you up?
Trent thinks about it and looks over at her.
ROBERT
Stay here, I’ll arrange for you to talk privately.
Robert winks and walks over to Kelly. They converse inaudibly. Back at the table, Trent pops a mint.
Robert points Kelly to a back room. She smiles at Trent and walks into it. Robert gives Trent the thumbs up. Trent stands, buttoning his suit and saunters after her.
Smirking, Robert hurriedly goes to Trent’s briefcase and goes through it checking over his shoulder. Instead of files, he finds clothes inside.
He checks the pocket, finding a plane ticket to St. Barth’s and an envelope full of money. Grimacing he glares at the back room door.
He tucks the cash in his jacket pocket, grabs the brown paper-wrapped scotch and hands it back to the bartender. He pulls out brass knuckles and fits it on his fist. He waits.
KELLY (O.S.)
Ahhhhh! Stop!
Kelly runs out of the back room with Trent chasing.
TRENT
What? What’d I do?
Robert steps between them, grabbing Trent’s scruff and getting in face.
ROBERT
You wanna know how I make cash? I’m part of the gig economy. I’m a freelance debt collector.
Robert grabs him by the collar and drags him into the back.
TRENT
I don’t think she likes me!
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INT. IRIS PUB – ST. PATRICK’S DAY
ROBERT, a smooth talking 24-year-old stands a round table near the bar having a green beer. The pub is decorated with St. Patrick Four leaf clovers and pictures of Irish folklore. Many WOMEN and MEN and standing at round stand-alone tables with green table coverings drinking and talking loudly. St. Patrick’s Day celebration is in high gear, many are visibly tipsy.
Robert takes a sip of his beer, pauses noticing someone seated at the bar. He does a double take craning his neck to get a better look. His expression changes to concern as he gets up and moves closer to the bar. He approaches a man who’s back is to him.
ROBERT
Trent?
TRENT, 26, dressed meticulously in designer’s attire from head to toe, wears a fake Rolex which he checks before he looks back for the source of his name.
TRENT
(nervously)
Hey, what’s up?
Robert leans in.
ROBERT
Hey man, why have you been ghosting me?
TRENT
I’m not.
Trent checks his watch. His gold chain glistens in the dim room from the lights at the bar.
ROBERT
You know you still owe me for the medicine.
TRENT
I need some more of that man.
That was some good weed. Did you forget
you help me smoke that shit. I need that hook up.
Robert looks irritated.
ROBERT
I’m not giving you or that fat ass dude
that’s always hangin’ ’round you running
your errands and wiping your ass a damn thing.
Where’s my money?
Trent tries to lighten the mood.
TRENT
Man chill. You and I can make some
coin together. Here’s the deal, you put up
the money for the product and I sell it doubling
our money. I got the contacts.
Robert takes a sip on his beer before he speaks.
ROBERT
Now why in hell would I want to partner with
your fake broke ass, you fuckin’ Ghost? You and
Jamie left me hangin.’ Speaking of Jamie.
I thought I saw you and Jamie at the movies
last week. But it was dark. King Kong and
Godzilla was no joke!
Trent’s face begins to show anger but he tries hard to conceal it.
TRENT
I ain’t been to no fuckin’ movie man.
Are you trying to start some shit?
The BARTENDER interrupts as he wipes down the bar.
BARTENDER
Can I get you two another round?
TRENT
(to the bartender) Yea, on him.
ROBERT
(to Trent)
No. No. Like I said, it was dark as hell and
I was so high…I few times I thought that
Ape was in the theater.
Trent looks like he’s about to explode and wrings his hands. He takes another sip of his drink and swallows hard. He looks all around the room. People are toasting, celebrating and there’s very little space for walking.
TRENT
Come on, follow me, there’s this rapper dude
I want you to meet. He’s got some good product
and is surrounded by pussy.
Robert throws Trent a curious look as he leaves the bar. Trent takes the lead as they walk to the rear of the Pub. Trent makes a sharp right into the men’s room. Robert follows with a silly grin on his face. As soon as they enter Trent whips around grimacing. His jaw is tight and his eyes look dark and cold.
INT. PUB MEN’S ROOM – DAY
Trent points his right finger in Robert’s face.
TRENT
You prick, you think I’m stupid. You know you didn’t see Jamie at the movies. She’s been visiting her mom in Ohio for 3 weeks.
Robert uses his left hand to move his hand down. When Robert moves his hand downward, Trent upper cuts him with his left hand. Robert’s head jolts backward first and then his body hits the wall. Robert, stunned for a second, gathers himself and lunges back at Trent as he throws some quick punches to Trent’s face. Trent grabs Robert around his torso, body slams him and they both fall to the bathroom floor. Trent climbs on top of Robert. Robert twists his body sideways and puts Trent in a leg lock. Trent squirms and twist until he gets Robert in a head lock. Robert tries to elbow Trent and reach around him throwing punches backwards. Momentarily, Robert passes out.
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David Kandel’s rewrite of Trent and Robert
I/E. TRENT’S CAR – NIGHT
Robert and Trent drive down the highway at a high rate of speed. Trent is driving a Maserati Levante. Robert has a bag of mulch between his legs containing twenty pounds of cocaine.
ROBERT
This is a sweet ride, man. How’d you swing a Maserati?
TRENT
I’m good at what I do and I make a lot of coin doing it.
ROBERT
Do you know Benny Lumpkins?
TRENT
Yeah. He only deals weed, right? He’s a fucking light weight.
Robert laughs.
ROBERT
That’s funny. The Lump said the exact same thing about you.
TRENT
Fuck him. Call me when Lumpy drives a Maserati.
ROBERT
Did you know he likes watching his wife do other guys?
TRENT
He’s a pig.
Silence. After a few beats.
ROBERT
So what’s this worth on the street?
TRENT
Three to four mil.
ROBERT
So I’m holding four million bucks. How fucking cool is that? How much do I get for running this shit?
TRENT
Depends. Maybe five Gs.
ROBERT
I work a whole month for that and the fucking government takes half.
TRENT
If you do what you’re told, follow directions, and I mean to the letter, you can make damn good money doing this. Someday you could make as much as me.
ROBERT
That’s what I want.
Silence.
TRENT
You know you were ten minutes late.
ROBERT
I stopped to pee, Christ.
TRENT
Don’t be late. Ever. It makes the big dogs nervous when you’re late. Nervous dogs bite. We’re dealing with dudes who will rip your legs off if you fuck up. Get it?
ROBERT
Yeah, OK, I get it.
Robert sulks for getting balled out. Silence.
ROBERT (CONT’D)
I’m sorry.
Silence.
TRENT
So did Mario hand the shit to you personally?
ROBERT
What?
TRENT
I told you to deal exclusively with Mario, didn’t I?
ROBERT
Yeah, but–
TRENT
What the fuck. Didn’t you follow my directions?
ROBERT
The other dude, Carlos, said Mario was out picking up a major shipment. He gave me the shit.
TRENT
Carlos? Who the fuck is Carlos? God damn it, Robert.
ROBERT
Shit! There’s a cop in the median. Fuck! Slow down!
The patrol car turns around through the median then peels out and starts the pursuit.
TRENT
Fuck! Is he coming? Keep your eye on him.
ROBERT
Yeah. Fuck. God damn it.
TRENT
Keep your eye on him. Hold on.
Trent floors it and passes in and out of light traffic going 100 mph.
Robert sees flashing red lights in the distance. He opens the car window ready to toss the cocaine.
TRENT (CONT’D)
What the fuck are you doing?
ROBERT
Ditching the evidence.
TRENT
Don’t! Hold on to that, stupid. We’re gonna outrun that bastard.
Trent almost rear-ends a truck. He swerves around it along the shoulder.
ROBERT
You’re gonna fucking kill us.
TRENT
Shut up. This is our exit.
Trent crosses four lanes of traffic to take the exit. He runs a red light, turns into a busy shopping mall parking lot, drives normally, finds a parking spot and turns off his lights.
The patrol car exits the highway, stops along the side of the road, and turns his flashing lights off. The patrolman has no idea where they went after they exited the freeway. The patrol car turns around and gets back on the freeway.
TRENT (CONT’D)
Don’t you ever try to bail on me like that. What were you thinking? If you’re serious about this shit, I don’t need a fucking chicken-shit panicking on me.
ROBERT
I’m sorry, OK? I’m new at this. I’m sorry.
TRENT
When we get there, be cool. Don’t say anything about the cop, OK? Don’t say anything about Carlos either. Just keep your mouth shut.
EXT. RAVELLI’S NURSERY – NIGHT
Trent parks his car next to numerous stacks of mulch bags. The Ravelli brothers, TONY, 34, RICO, 32, PAULIE, 30, and NICK, 28, stand by the mulch. They are big and mean.
TRENT
Stay in the car. Give me the shit. If this goes well, I’m gonna fix you up with Lexi. She’s the most expensive call girl in the city. You’re gonna like her. I promise.
Trent gets out of the car carrying the cocaine.
TRENT (CONT’D)
I have some mulch I want to return.
Trent hands Nick the cocaine. Nick takes out a switchblade and cuts a small hole in the bag and tastes the product.
Nick looks very disappointed. He takes another taste. Now Nick is really pissed.
NICK
This shit isn’t real. What are you trying to pull?
TRENT
What? This is good shit. We’re not trying to pull anything.
ROBERT
What’s going on? What’s wrong?
PAULIE
Shut up.
NICK
Taste it.
He offers some to Trent. He tastes it.
Nick, Paulie and Rico grab Trent and take him behind the stack of mulch bags.
Lots of shouting. It sounds like Trent is getting pounded.
TRENT (O.S.)
No! Don’t! Stop! I, I didn’t know!
EXT. BEHIND THE MULCH STACKS – NIGHT
Nick, Paulie, Rico are faking a fight with Trent. They punch the bags of much. It sounds brutal.
Rico takes out a vial of fake blood and squirts it all around Trent’s nose and mouth. Trent moans in pain. It’s all fake.
EXT. BY TRENT’S CAR – NIGHT
Tony pulls a long knife out of his pocket and puts it under Robert’s throat.
TONY
If you move, I’ll slit your throat.
Robert is immobilized.
Suddenly Trent runs around the corner all bloodied. He pulls a gun from his back pocket. Nick, Paulie and Rico come around the corner with knives in hand.
TRENT
Back off. We didn’t know the shit was fake. We’ll make it right!
Trent brandishes his weapon and gets into the car. Robert is stunned and frozen in place.
NICK
You better bring back some good shit tomorrow or you and your friend are gonna get cancelled.
TRENT
I’ll get with Mario tomorrow. We’ll make it right. C’mon Robert. We got work to do.
Trent starts the car and peels out.
NICK
That little fucker is a good actor.
RICO
Trent should get a fucking Academy Award. That’s the ninth mule he’s gotten us for free.
EXT. TRENT’S CAR – NIGHT
ROBERT (O.S.)
I’m sorry! Trent, I’m sorry I fucked up. God damn it I am so sorry!
TRENT (O.S.)
I assume you wanna live, right? You’re gonna have to make four runs for free to make up for this.
-
Hi David:
Nice job. Do you want to exchange critiques? I’m gonna hack this new system — and write up a brief on your script and post it under Day 7. (Tried to figure out how to message you — still working on it.)
Please give me a brief critique if you have time.
Cheers, Sydney Burtner
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Sydney, Thanks for reading my scene. And thanks for reaching out. Yes, I would love to exchange notes. I’m a bit confused on which postings go where in the forums. Am I the only one confused? I want to give your scene a careful read and I’ll share my thoughts soon.
–David
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Scene – Rewrite of Second Version
INT. DIRTY CAR REPAIR SHOP – NIGHT
TRENT enters.
ROBERT closes and locks the door.
Trent overdoes a Boston accent.
TRENT
This a tough nabahhood?Robert picks up a glass of champagne. Nods at a second glass.
Trent raises the other one.
ROBERT
To the New Year.TRENT
The New Yeah!Trent takes a sip. Eyes a second-hand desk. Sees rips in an upholstered chair.
ROBERT
Our bright future ahead.I was pleased to introduce
you to my sister.TRENT
Madge is quite a gal.ROBERT
But not so much lately.Trent feels woozy. Sets his glass down.
Robert opens a backroom door.
ROBERT
Have a seat.Trent enters the room and sits on a cot. Slumps over. Falls asleep.
LATER Trent wakes up. Goes to the door and pulls on the door handle. It’s locked.
From the outside, Robert opens the door and enters.
ROBERT
Madge’s pregnant because of you.TRENT
What?ROBERT
You’re lucky. She wants to
keep the baby and marry you.
TRENT
We had sex only once. A week ago.
How could she know she’s preggers.ROBERT
You sound like an expert. Rape a lot of girls.TRENT
There was no rape.ROBERT
We won’t report it as long as you cooperate.Trent puts his glass down. Takes a step forward.
TRENT
What’d yuh mean?ROBERT
If you don’t marry her, you’ll
pay child support from now on.TRENT
You can’t prove I’m the dad.Robert slides Trent’s glass into a plastic baggy.
ROBERT
DNA don’t lie.TRENT
I can’t afford to marry nobody.ROBERT
What happened with the “pahk my cah in Ha-vid Sqar.”TRENT
Or support a kid. I’m nearly broke.ROBERT
What about those fancy
vacations. The Maserati?TRENT
I watch Travel TV about fab vacations.
Impresses folks. The wheels are an old
friend’s. She’s in a wheelchair. I fetch her
eats. Lets me use the Maserati weekends.ROBERT
I don’t buy it.Trent shakes the door. It won’t open.
The door POPS open. MARVIN, a big-boned mouth breather, enters.
Trent pushes past him. Marvin punches him in the solar plexus.
Air abruptly exits Trent. Hands drop to his knees. Tiny gasps.
ROBERT
This is Marvin.
Oh, I see you’ve met.TRENT
I’m ain’t the guy you think.Marvin guides Trent who stumbles down the hall to a repair bay.
A hydraulic hoist holds a car overhead.
Marvin raises and tapes his hands to the tailpipe of the raised car.
Trent is trapped under a car that will fall at the touch of a button.
Robert speaks to Marvin.
ROBERT
Remember, the ER. Not the morgue.
Marvin punches Trent. #
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