Lesson 5

[Rita Roberts]

Rita's Cycle #1 Scene

EXT. CIRCUS TENT – NIGHT

ROBERT (40s) talks to a girl — too young of a girl — in this small town, county fair dirt patch. His faded, red ringmaster jacket blends in with the red stripe on the tent.

The girl giggles and pulls of a strand of cotton candy from the puffy swirl on a stick.
Robert rubs a sticky pink remnant off her lip.
He moves in closer.
TRENT (50s) flings open the tent flap opening which hits Robert and knocks off his tall hat.
It hits the cotton candy and both land in the weedy dirt.
Robert looks at it without reaction or any move to retrieve it.
ROBERT
Well then. It was time for a new hat anyway. Throw in a decent jacket while you're at it, this one's getting frayed.
The girl backs up, now that the tent's interior spotlight shines on Robert's receding hairline.
Trent moves between them and turns his back to the girl, way deep in Robert's personal space. His own crisp linen shirt contrasts Robert's shabby circus costume.
TRENT
Jailbait isn't going to pay for a new hat.
He picks up the hat and plucks twiggy leaves off of it. Shoves it into Robert's chest.
ROBERT
All charm tonight, aren't you. Perhaps I can find you after I finish with —
He motions toward the nameless girl.
TRENT
Let's go.
He holds open the tent flap and waves Robert in, fake deferential. He shoves Robert before another protest.
INT. CIRCUS TENT – NIGHT
Robert heads toward a huddle of clowns but Trent stops him.
TRENT
I've got a surprise for you.
(off Robert's look)
No, it doesn't involve a trapeze artist.
Robert follows reluctantly all the way through, past the lions and into the adjoining office trailer.
INT. TRENT'S TRAILER – CONTINUOUS
Inside, Trent pours a drink. The trailer is like stepping through a teleportation portal, into a city stock-broker's well-appointed digs.
Robert's eyes go wide. He fondles a smooth brass paperweight.
ROBERT
No wonder you never let anyone in here. This can't be all circus money.
(bows)
I humbly request to get in on whatever your side-hustle is.
Trent smiles. Sips his drink.
He holds his palm up for Robert to hand over the paperweight.
Robert obliges.
Trent smashes the heavy metal into Roberts temple.
Robert stumbles, completely and literally sideswiped.
Trent pulls Robert's decorative hanky from his pocket to wipe the blood off the paperweight. He shines it up ans sets it back on his desk. Shifts it to just the right angle.
Robert, still in shock, touches the now gushing head wound.
Trent holds out the hanky.
TRENT
Before you drip on my carpet.
Robert regains some sense of self-preservation and lunges for the door.
Trent grabs Robert's long coat-tails, drags him across the floor leaving a trail of blood.
ROBERT
Is this about the kerfuffle in the last town? That wasn't me, I swear! You see how the clowns talk.
Trent kicks him in the ribs.
TRENT
See what you did to my carpet? That's coming out of your paycheck.
Roberts gasps for air.
Trent drops a crystal ball on Robert's knee. Robert screams.
TRENT
Oopsie. Let's see…
He stops it rolling with his foot and peers into it.
TRENT
It shows you lying in a ditch sometime in the near future. Tsk Tsk. You gotta be more careful.
Robert scoots away from him.
ROBERT
I get the message. I'll make it right.
TRENT
What's that? So it wasn't the clowns?
ROBERT
I don't know who started it — AAACCHHGG!
Trent shoves the bloody hanky into Robert's mouth kicks him a few more times and throws bashes his head into the closed door.
Opens it then tosses him out.
He lands in front of a dwarf who shakes his head and hops over Robert's mangled body.
DWARF
I'd stay away from the clowns if I were you.

[Mark napier]

(Mark Napier) First Draft QE Scene #1
SCENE: INT – NEW YORK YACHT CLUB – NIGHT
DESCRIPTION: It’s New Years Eve and Trent has passed himself off as guest using the confusion of party goers to gain entry to the rich and exclusive New York Yacht Club for free; as Robert, a well-known and appreciated bartender/server, is forced to work the one night of the year he rather be home. Robert recognizes Trent and soon the night of celebration for one, will instead turn the New Year festivities into a night for an ass whoop’n.

SERIES OF SHOTS: The New Years eve party is in full swing inside the ballroom that is decorated with colorful ribbons and ballons from the walls to the ceiling for the midnight drop. The music is blaring and the crowd of what seems to be five thousand strong laughing, chatting and dancing.

TRENT
Trent walks through the club like he owns it and lifts a glass of champaign off the tray of the passing server (Robert) that was intended for others. His action results in a couple of glasses being knocked over. Trent does not give Robert a second thought.

ROBERT
Robert’s initial facial expression is of frustration as he now looks at the spilled drinks he must clean up and make a second trip, but looking up to Trent he replaces his frown with surprise and then recognition.

I am so sorry sir, that was completely my fault.

TRENT
Trent turns back to Robert with an annoyed look.

ROBERT
Oh! …. Excuse me sir …. (MORE)

(CON’T) Robert reaches to the back side of Trent’s collar.

You forgot to remove the sales tag from your tuxedo.
It was hidden on the back of your collar.

FOCUS: On sales tag.

TRENT
Smiles sheepishly of his oversight.

Thank you!

SERVER 2
Another server stops to assist Robert.

Is everything OK?

ROBERT
Yeah…. I had a friend who was screwed over by that guy. He’s a leach!
Left a friend paying a huge tab for a 7-day cruise.
He uses people.
I wonder who he suckered to get in here?

Robert continues to his table where the Admiral of the yacht club is seated.

ADMIRAL BYRD
Admiral Byrd sits at the head of his table with 10 guests.

Ladies and Gentlemen ….
If I have not said it once, I said it many times …
Robert is a savior when it comes to refreshments.
(LAUGHTER)
I see you had a little mishap there.

ROBERT
Roberts smiles.
Nothing I couldn’t handle Admiral.
BEAT

Leaning toward the Admiral speaking softly as he delivers the drink.

That guy seems out of place to me…
Then I recognized him as a panhandler …
near my apartment at the Metro station …
from a few years back.

Robert pawns the ‘sells tag’ to show the Admiral who scans the ballroom.

TRENT
Trent mingles through the room basking in the atmospherics and periodically lifting drinks and hors d’oeuvres destined for other tables that catches the stern eyes of the Admiral. (MORE)
(CON’T) Trent then makes his way to the bar where Robert is stationed.

My good man!
I’d like a Bloody Mary to change things up a bit.

ROBERT
Yes Sir…. Coming right up!

Robert instead gives Trent an elixir masquerading as a Bloody Mary he calls the ‘Bunker Buster.’
FOCUS: V8 juice, Tito vodka and a carefully concealed container.

Here you go sir!
Robert has a pleasant cheerful smile on his face.

TRENT
Thank You!
Trent walks away with a puzzled expression trying to remember Robert’s vague, but familiar face.

BARTENDER 2
Watching Robert’s slight of hands mixing, he waits for Trent to leave.

The old “Bunker Buster.”
¼ V8 juice, ½ Tito Vodka, a pinch of Epson Salt and …1/4th Fleet Enema to polish it off! (LAUGHING)

ADMIRAL BYRD
Making his rounds with members, the Admiral arrives to chat with guests Trent is engaged in conversation with.

I’ ve not seen you around before.
A new member? Are these folks friends of yours? Who is your sponsor?

TRENT
Having done his research of members he rattles off the name of a member Mr. and Mrs. Moskowitz.

ADMIRAL BYRD
The Admiral smiles contently, knowing that Mr. Moskowitz died just three weeks earlier.
Glad you could make it!

TRENT
Believing he passed the test, Trent’s belly succumbs to the Bunker Buster as he starts cramping and excuses himself in need of the men’s room.

ADMIRAL BYRD
The closest men’s room is near the rear exit.

Pointing toward the loading dock, Trent departs.
The Admiral then waves a hand at Security who was standing by to follow.

SECURITY
Security officer makes contact with Trent near the restroom to avoid creating a scene with party goers and Trent waves him off in his urgency for the toilet. Grabbing Trent by his left arm Trent instincts causes him to become aggressive and jerk his elbow striking the security guy in face. The guard slams Trent’s head and chest against the exiting door frame that pops the door open. A dazed Trent turns to face his escort who thrusts his fist into Trent’s gut unleashing a fowl odor of stench that surprises the guard as Trent topples back and down the ramp of the loading dock onto the pavement. The guard shuts the door.

ROBERT
Steps back to spray Febreze in and around the back exit area; snickering to himself.

• This reply was modified 4 days, 17 hours ago by  Mark napier.

[Xochi Blymyer]

INT BACKROOM – DAY
A Dimly lit room with pools of light over art installations. The crowd is a mix of art lovers viewing the art. The double doors open with Trent, dressed expensively, leading the way turning to Robert who is entering behind him.
ROBERT
She was definitely with Larry, from what I hear.
TRENT
That’s exactly what we could use to hang over her head.
Robert nods in agreement. He lowers his voice as they enter the crowd.
ROBERT
Oh, I didn’t realize…
TRENT
Hey, Everyone, Welcome to the Party! Please continue to enjoy yourselves and we will be ready with the main event shortly.
Crowd applauses. Trent takes off to shmooze with the crowd. Confused, Robert looks around for a safe place to observe the room.
TRENT
(Yelling to Robert)
Robert, come on over and meet Larry and Ginger.
Robert heads over and cautiously shakes Larry’s hand.
ROBERT
Larry, do I know you from somewhere? You must be someone being in this room, am I right?
TRENT
Robert, Robert, Larry is Sofia’s husband, we met her at the country club.
ROBERT
Of course! Robert you are a lucky man.
Larry seems uncomfortable but tries to cover.
LARRY
Thank you man. She is something, R for sure. Quite the event we have here, isn’t it Robert.
ROBERT
Yes, I just found out about it, Trent surprised me, I don’t really deserve this kind of reception.
TRENT
You deserve everything you’re getting, Robert.
Robert smiles. Trent moves to the center of the room as two other men join him and spread out a pad on the floor.
Robert grabs Trent’s arm.
ROBERT
(Whispers)
What’s all this Trent?
TRENT
You’ll see.
The crowd forms a circle enclosing Trent and Robert making Robert a bit unnerved. He tries to join the circle but is pushed back into the center.
TRENT
Welcome everyone. Now for the main event. I have come to love and respect each of you, your love for art and what I don’t respect is the need for someone to bring you down just because you have more than they do. I have discovered the source of some of this gossip as you know. Let’s take care of that!
ROBERT
Trent here is just playing with you all, I don’t know what he’s been telling you.
The crowd tightens. Trent joins the circle.
Larry, kicks Robert’s out from under him.
LARRY
Sofia is the best thing that ever happened to me and I’ve been going through some things so Ginger, my sister, and I have been spending more time together.
George steps up and kicks Robert in the ribs.
GEORGE
You started a rumor that I cheated on my wife and she left me!
The crowd gets tighter and Robert is kicked and punched, getting real ass-kicking.
Robert screams in pain, trying to cover his head but the punches keep coming. Trent eggs on the crowd.
Cut to.

[Jeremy Kirk]

Jeremy's Cycle scene 1

EXT. CLIPPER’S BAR AND GRILL/PARKING LOT – DAY.

The GROWL of a Harley motorcycle reverberates down the city street.
ROBERT (23) coasts his bike into the parking lot of Clipper’s bar.
He’s a good looking kid, square jawed, blue eyed with dark wind blown tussled hair. The thick neck shows he was a quarter back in high school before dropping out, the cut sleeves on his flannel show tattooed arms that gained muscle pumping iron in a prison rec yard.
In the line of motorcycles, an overweight, heavily bearded man in a biker cut and jeans, bends over and wipes down the chrome tailpipes of his 1940’s Harley Davidson Knucklehead bike.
Robert parks and gets a view of the man’s hairy ass crack.
ROBERT
God damn Trent, you ever think about getting that thing waxed?
TRENT (50) stands up with a beer belly and rag in hand. His beard is a mix of salt and pepper along with his hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. His face is sun worn with white marks from the shades he wears when he rides.
TRENT
What my ass? I only get it waxed if I’m going down to do some time. I don’t like to disappoint the boys.
Robert flicks out the kickstand and dismounts.
He walks up to Trent and they hug as if they were fraternal brothers.
TRENT
What took you? Everybody's inside waiting.
ROBERT
My boss was being an asshole. Threatening to go to my parole officer and tell them I was leaving work early.
TRENT
You want us to pay your boss a visit?
ROBERT
No, it’s okay. I’ll deal with him.
Trent pats him on the back and they both walk into –
INT. CLIPPER'S BAR AND GRILL
The music blares Bob Seger, “Bike Bunnies” or biker girls swarm over the other bikers by clinging to their necks or sitting in their laps.
Pitchers of beer flow and shots line the table.
Upon Robert and Trent walking in the room, it explodes into cheers.
Bikers come up and pat him on the shoulder, congratulate him with a hardy hug or handshake.
Trent pushes him through the crowd and over to the bar.
Standing at the bar on long legs and ample cleavage is HOLLY.
HOLLY
So your the illustrious Robert everyone is talking about?
ROBERT
I don’t think you heard that from Trent? I doubt he even knows what illustrious means?
Trent overhears and takes a shot from Jack Daniels.
TRENT
Sure I know what illustrious means. It’s the pictures in a book.
ROBERT
That’s illustrate.
HOLLY
Well if you want to teach me anymore words, I’ll be here all night.
She blows him a kiss and struts away.
TRENT
Not here ten minutes and already your night is planned.
ROBERT
Not with that one. Little Mike told me she has the crabs.
Trent begins to scratch at his beard.
TRENT
Really? Huh, I was with her last night?
Robert laughs, drops back a shot.
ROBERT
Who’s paying for this?
TRENT
Talked Clipper into footing the bill. As much as the boys drink at this establishment, he can afford to give a little back.
Another drink goes down. He pats Robert’s back.
TRENT
Finish your drink and follow me.
Trent drags the bottle of Jack off the table.
Robert drops back a shot, wipes his chin and follows Trent to the backroom.
BACKROOM
Trent opens a door and Robert enters the back stock room.
Boxes of liquor and beer line the walls.
As he steps into the blank room –
SMASH
Glass explodes from behind his head.
Robert goes down on his hand and knees, his face curled in pain.
Trent tosses the broken neck of the Jack Daniels bottle, just as other bikers rush into the room.
A kick is delivered to Robert's ribs, a hand grabs his hair lifts his head and slams a meaty fist into his face.
He tries to roll over and another kick to his side.
Trent walks over to the wall and picks up a pistol grip shotgun. One handed he chambers a round.
Robert is about to lift himself, when a boot kicks him between the legs. Robert drops.
Trent witnesses this, turns to the biker that kicked him and slams the butt stock of the shotgun upside the bikers head.
TRENT
I said no kicking in the jewels. A man might need those down the road.
Robert lays on the ground, busted up face, nose bleeding, shiner under one eye. He rolls back and forth holding his groin.
TRENT
Just like anything in this world it’s blood in and blood out.
Trent lowers the shotgun barrel and presses it to Roberts cheek.
TRENT
I need to know now if you are completely with us? I need to know you are willing to die for your brothers.
ROBERT
Yes! You know I am.
TRENT
That’s not good enough. I need to believe you.
Robert pushes his head against the shotgun barrel digging into his cheek.
ROBERT
I’ve lived for this, I would die for this.
TRENT
My trigger finger is getting itchy.
ROBERT
Then pull the trigger. This is how far I’m willing to go!
Robert bites down on the end of the barrel. The shotgun is now in his mouth.
Trent’s finger caresses the trigger and – stops. A broad smile forms over his face.
TRENT
Is that how a good looking guy survives prison? You just bite on another man’s gun?
The shotgun disappears and something falls over Robert’s head.
He pulls it off. It is a biker cut. It is a picture of a skeleton riding a low rider bike. He is smoking a cigarette and flashes a deck of cards in his hands. The rockers state, Mongol Warriors biker chapter with San Pedro, California as the destination.
Other members help Robert to his feet and place it over his shoulders.
Trent gives him a big hug.
TRENT
Welcome brother, we need more men like you.
Other members congratulate the beat to shit Robert and push him toward the bar.
BAR
Trent shakes up a beer and pops the cap. It foams everywhere.
TRENT
Let the party begin!
Long into the night, beer flows, music is played and Robert is the toast of the town.
EXT. CLIPPER'S BAR AND GRILL – MORNING
Robert stumbles out of the bar along with other bikers, climbs on his bike and cranks her up.
He drifts out onto the road.
Halfway down, he pulls off into an alley.
ALLEY
Robert coasts up to a beat up blue trash bin with the plastic lid already flipped up and full.
He grimaces as he reaches into the front of his jeans and pulls something out.
A broken receiver with a long cable with a small microphone on the end. He lifts the microphone and speaks into it.
ROBERT
Did you get that?
He then tosses it in the trash and rides off.

• This reply was modified 4 days, 8 hours ago by  Jeremy Kirk.

[Kimbal Thompson]

CREATIVE MASTERY Lesson 5
Kimbal Thompson QE Cycle 1
INT. FORMULA ONE TEAM GARAGE ANTEROOM – NIGHT
Bob, a free-lance automotive racing reporter has arranged an interview with Trent,
an experienced F1 Team Manager. Bob’s mission is to expose corruption within F1.

ROBERT (F1 REPORTER)
(interviewing)
Thanks for allowing me to interview you for this top international
automobile sports magazine Trent. I’ve always admired you as a
top manager of your sport this winning season. What’s your secret?

TRENT (TEAM MANAGER)
(offended)
I appreciate your admiration Robert and appreciate good publicity ,
but what makes you think I have a secret?

] ROBERT
(taken aback))
It’s no secret that you own a large share of this team for which you
have greatly benefited.

TRENT
(catching on)
So, you think I do it just for the financial reward? I also do it for
the team and all associated with us including the sport and general
public! That’s why we have such a following. Have you not heard?

ROBERT
(incredulous)
Tell me more.
TRENT
(offended)
What specifically are you looking for?

ROBERT
(glibly))
F-1 is an international sport, likely a good way to move around a
fortune for a lot of, shall we say, investors. Perhaps some not all
of the, as you say, general public?

TRENT
(hopefully)
I think I get your drift. Do you understand how regulated this
sport is?
ROBERT
(questioningly)
Who controls the regulators?

.
TRENT
(more offended)
Who controls earth? Is this becoming pollical or a
religious interview?

ROBERT
(questioningly)
Let me try this a different way. Who’s on the Board
of Directors who oversee the sport?
.
TRENT
(changing the subject)
You asked me about a secret. I can only show you a portion
of one for the new season in how well prepared we are.

Trent places a call on his cell.

ROBERT
(interested)
Now we’re getting somewhere.
.
TRENT
(getting up)
We need to go back into the Garage for this. I just called for
us to be let in.

ROBERT
(following)
Can I bring my camera?
.
TRENT
(adamant)
Sorry, absolutely not, nor a recorder.

ROBERT
(interested)
I really appreciate this.

TRENT
(sincerely)
You’ve earned it.

ROBERT
(opening door to Garage)
After you. Careful the lights not on.

TRENT
(arms being grabbed on each side)
What the hell!

ROBERT
(his fist to Trent’s jaw)
‘Thought you’d like to experience some of our director

• This reply was modified 4 days, 6 hours ago by  Kimbal Thompson.

[Artemis Craig]

Fade In:
EXT. BACK ALLEY BEHIND HOSPITAL – NIGHT

A dim alley is noisy with the sound of kitchen activity. The back door of Mercy Hospital’s kitchen creaks open. Low light filters out into the alley.

ROBERT, tall and rangy leans against the doorframe, flashing a wide smile. Next to him, TRENT, wiry and twitchy, eyes the kitchen worker. The tired-looking man wearing an apron, clutches a large bag of food scraps and leftovers. TRENT
We haven’t eaten for two days. Are you sure you can’t hook a brother up.

KITCHEN WORKER
(uncertain)
I don’t know, man. If my supervisor found out I was feeding the homeless out the back door, I would be cooked. Besides you’re not one brother, you’re two.

ROBERT
(grinning)
Come on, my friend. We’re doing the world a favor here.

TRENT
(jabbing a finger at the bag)
Yeah, yeah, just hand it over. If you don’t give it to us it’s going to end up in the dumpster. We’ll get it anyway. But this way we can forgo foraging for it.

The kitchen worker sighs and tosses the bag to Robert. He catches it with ease.

KITCHEN WORKER
(shaking head)
You better not cause trouble for me or I’ll have the cops run you two from around here.

The worker disappears back inside, the door clicking shut.

Robert and Trent sniff the bag. Robert’s mouth waters as he rifles through the contents. A half-eaten steak, wilted greens, a near-intact loaf of bread.

TRENT
(eyes lighting up)
Jackpot!

Trent lunges, snatching the steak like he’s claiming a prize.

ROBERT
(smirking)
Easy, man. We split this like civilized men.

TRENT
(laughing, stuffing steak in his coat)
Civilized? Please. I did all of the begging this time. That means I get the biggest cut.

ROBERT
(snorting)
You begged? All of your words put together barely made two sentences. You barely spoke.

TRENT
(leaning in, aggressive)
Because you always talk too damn much.

Tension crackles between them. Trent tears into a slice of bread, chewing with gusto.

ROBERT
Forget it man, my stomach is empty and this food is still warm. So let’s eat.
It’s nothing new about you always taking more than your share, Trent.

TRENT
(mocking)
And? That’s the game. You should know by now.

Robert stares, then suddenly, in one swift motion he shoves Trent hard.

Trent stumbles back, hitting the alley wall.

Robert has murder in his eyes, but he doesn’t dare retaliate with a blow of his own.

TRENT
(defensive, laughing)
What, you mad? Oh please.

Robert doesn’t speak. He tucks the bag under his arm and tries to make a break for it.

Trent grabs Robert by the collar, dragging him into the dark recess of the alley.

TRENT
(struggling)
Running off with all of the spoils, so not cool Robert.

Robert lands a punch to Trent’s abdomen.

Trent responds with a punch of his own.

A sickening crack echoes. Trent collapses to the ground, groaning. The bag falls to the ground trampled between the two of them.

Robert breathes hard, fists clenched. His face is blank. This wasn’t rage, this was something colder.

Trent wheezes. He has blood at the corner of his mouth.

TRENT
(gasping)
You… you were supposed to be the talker.

Robert crouches, tilting his head.

ROBERT
(soft, chilling)
And you were supposed to know when to shut up.

The tables have turned and Robert becomes the aggressor kicking Trent continually as he lies on the ground. Robert reaches into Trent’s pocket and pulls out the steak. Trent no longer puts up a fight.

Robert straightens his shirt. He steps over Trent, walking back out of the dimly lit alley.
Behind him, Trent coughs weakly, clutching his ribs.

The End

[savanna]

Savanna’s 1st draft QE Scene
What I learned is that I don’t have to hold back from throwing in intrigue and suspense for fun.

INT. A shooting range, November.

TRENT
Jess said you hang here sometimes. Free shooting for Thanksgiving weekend, that’s why you here? Free beers at 5.

ROBERT
Practicing for hunting season. Starts next week. What kinda fancy gun you got?

TRENT
Korth, use it for target practice. Case I’m in a gunfight or somethin.

ROBERT
You expectin to be? That’s pricey, bullets must cost a mint. You chasin’ a bounty ?

TRENT
Maybe. Don’t bother with the riff-raff, that’s my motto. Wanna try it?

ROBERT
I’d love to try a shot or two with that. You lend it?

TRENT
Only at the range. But you caint drop it and bust it ya know.

ROBERT
You still sore over that? That was high school dude. Get over it.

TRENT
Some things a man don’t forget.

ROBERT
Jeez dude. It wasn’t a golden statue or nothin.

TRENT
It was our team’s trophy. Meant a lot.

ROBERT
Let it go man. You can’t be Captain forever. You was so full of yourself. Obnoxious.

TRENT
You blabbed all over town that I balled about it, douche.

ROBERT
You did cry.

TRENT
Don’t mean you gotta make me look girlie.

ROBERT
But you are girlie. Ha! C’mon let’s start fresh.

TRENT
Ain’t shakin’ your nasty hand. I seen you wackin off all during school. Probably still are.

ROBERT
Fuck you. At least I’m not stuck with your woman.

TRENT
Jess told me you talk smack about her.

ROBERT
She’s butt-uggly. She’s b-ugly. You tap that? Must be desperate.

TRENT
Go to hell.

ROBERT
Ladies first.

TRENT
(uses handgun to demolish the paper target at end of range)

ROBERT
Dang.

TRENT
Wanna try it big boy?

ROBERT
Sure.
(uses Trent’s handgun to shoot the paper target, poorly)

TRENT
Ha! Ain’t so hot after all is ya?

ROBERT
It has a kick to it.

TRENT
Give it to me. It might be jammed.

ROBERT hands him the gun innocently.

TRENT takes his gun back from ROBERT and pistol whips him with it.

ROBERT drops to floor.

TRENT
Don’t be sayin’ nothin bout my wife, dick.

[Claudia Wolfkind]

Claudia's QE Cycle #1

EXT. HOTEL DEL CORONADO – EVENING

The sun is setting over the iconic hotel as high tide roars against the beach making tourists and locals alike race to dodge the waves.

INT. HOTEL DEL CORONADO – BALLROOM – EVENING

The well appointed Ballroom, decorated with fine linens and flowers is brimming with WEDDING GUESTS, some seated, others milling about the room.

The BRIDE AND GROOM, APRIL AND DANNY, are half dancing, half entertaining their guests, LAUGHING, KISSING, HUGGING, it’s a joyous day.

TRENT, 53, graying with a serious penchant for too much of everything, food, alcohol, smoking, holds his fifth glass of wine as he stumbles around the room. He sees a COUPLE packing away some food in the WIFE’S purse.

A HOTEL EMPLOYEE comes up to him, waits, trying to be discrete.

TRENT
It’s okay, the food cost the price of my new Jag outside… it shouldn’t go to waste.

HOTEL EMPLOYEE
Mr. Sanders, we have a little problem.

TRENT
(moves too close into the man’s space)
What’s that? I paid you to make sure there’s no problems today.

HOTEL EMPLOYEE
Well, that’s just it. You added the carriage at the last minute.

TRENT
So.

HOTEL EMPLOYEE
(whispering)
Your credit card was declined.

TRENT
That’s not possible.
(he whips out his wallet… no cards)
Crap, wrong wallet. Use Spencer’s card then… the groom’s father? You have his card number on file?

HOTEL EMPLOYEE
Well, yes, but… Mr. Spencer…

TRENT
(pushing in, gripping his shoulder hard)
Don’t make my little girl cry.

HOTEL EMPLOYEE
Maybe the hotel can comp the carriage.

TRENT
This is what I’m talking about.

Trent turns his back on the employee and walks away. The man gulps and massages his shoulder with his other hand and quickly heads towards an exit.

Across the room April and Danny are with his parents, ROBERT, 56, tall and slim with an unruly salt and pepper head of hair and his wife, DONNA, a woman obviously addicted to exercise and fighting aging.

Robert and Donna are handing the happy couple a large check. April and Danny are shocked.

DANNY
Mom, Dad, what did you do?

ROBERT
We wanted to make sure you two got to start off easier than we did.

DANNY
But, you guys paid for the wedding!

APRIL
Mr, and Mrs. Spenser…

DONNA
Mom and Dad, or Donna and Robert.

APRIL
We can’t let you… it’s too much.

Just then Trent stumbles up, seeing the check. His face turns white.

APRIL
(to Trent)
Daddy, can you believe this? Now we can put this towards a down payment on a house!

TRENT
(more to Robert)
That’s… yeah… I, I thought you were going to wait… at least until they got back from the honeymoon.

ROBERT
No time like the present.

Trent nods and gingerly backs off. He finds a column to stand behind and quickly checks his phone. Eight text messages. He clicks on the messages.

ON PHONE

BABY FOUND HIS HOME.

TRENT
Shit. Come on…

He’s clicking, clicking then…

BABY DIDN’T MAKE IT. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME.

TRENT
No… no…

Robert, several feet away… takes a deep breath, recognizing Trent’s mannerisms. He checks his inside pocket, nodding.
He comes up to Trent.

ROBERT
Hey partner. What’s going on?

TRENT
We’ve been partners for what? Twenty years?

ROBERT
On the job over thirty, partners for 22 years.
(patting his jacket)
I got a couple of cubans…
(motions to follow him)
What’s going on?

Just then Robert gets an ALERT on his phone. He pulls it out, trying to make sense of what he’s seeing.

ROBERT
What the hell?

TRENT
What’s the matter…

Robert notices Trent is getting wiggy, looking around, almost scared. He grabs Trent’s arm and starts leading him to an exit.

ROBERT
(shoving the phone in his face)
What did you do? Where’s my money? The kid’s money?

TRENT
I, I had a tip. A sure thing. I figured, I could easily double it and…

They’ve exited the Ballroom. Robert sees a utility room near by and drags Trent towards it.

ROBERT
We took out a second mortgage! How the hell did you get into my account?!

TRENT
You always use the same password… something you might want to change.

Robert punches Trent hard in the gut. He makes sure no one is around then shoves him into the Utility Room, following close behind.

ROBERT
15 years! I’ve been covering for you for 15 fucking years! This is how you repay me? You miserable asshole!

Robert hits Trent again and again, finally hitting him in the face, breaking his nose.

TRENT
The kids….

ROBERT
Maybe it’s time April finds out who her father is…

TRENT
Please… I owe the Driscoll’s!

Robert’s shocked. He shoves Trent back.

TRENT
They threatened April’s life.
(off Robert’s look)
She doesn’t know… any of it.

• This reply was modified 11 hours, 46 minutes ago by  Claudia Wolfkind.