Episode 2 - Transitions

8/12/2019 Episode 2 - Transitions

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DOES GOD FORGIVE KILLERS?

Written by

Nicholas L. Maze

[email protected]


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INT. JANES HOUSE

Psychedelic music plays as they enter the tiny, dimly litliving room.

JANE

Have a seat.... You want it thesame way as usual.

SARAHOf course.

Sarah takes a seat on the aged, velvet sofa and getscomfortable, as Jane walks down the hallway.

NEWS REPORTER (O.C.)....The young man was murdered,here at Colonel Park....

The murder news report grabs Sarahs attention as she turnstoward the television.

NEWS REPORTER (CONTD)Witnesses say the suspect looked asif he was homeless..... He was ayoung man, early to mid twenties,five-eleven, with a slim build. He

was last seen heading north of thepark, on foot.... Police are sayingto be on the lookout for thissuspect and be careful of any

unusual people in the area.

I/E. MIKES BURGERS

Cray quickly walks up to Mikes Burgers and walks in. MikesBurgers is a hole in the wall grease spoon. Cray grabsthe nearest stool at the counter and has a seat. MAY (mid50s) turns her head from the news and watches Cray take hisseat. She hesitates and then walks toward him.

MAY

Hi.... You need a menu?

CRAYYes.

May reaches under the counter and grabs a menu and places itin front of Cray.

MAYCan I get you a glass of water tostart with?

CRAYYes. Do you sell beer?

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4/22

MAYNo, sir. We just have Cokeproducts.

The other customers havent focused on Cray. They are toobusy eating. May goes to get a glass of water and watches

Cray from the corner of her eye as she fills the glass withwater.

MAY (CONTD)Here you go, sir. Do you know whatyou want?

CRAYCan I get this number seven with noonions?

MAY

Okay, no onions. Anything else todrink?

CRAY(looking up at thetelevision on the wall)

No. This water is good.... Do youshow sports in here?

MAYWe try to keep it on a localstation. I dont think sports ison.

May goes to put in the order as Cray puts his head down,looking at the counter.

INT. JANES HOUSE

Jane sets a glass of blue Kool-Aid and a vanity mirror withfour lines of cocaine and a cut-in-half straw.

JANESorry, Im out of red Kool-Aid.

Ill stock back up today.

SARAHYou slipping.

Sarah leans towards the vanity mirror and snorts one line ofcocaine with the straw. She quickly takes a gulp of Kool-Aid,then sits back.

JANEWhats the deal with you and redKool-Aid?

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SARAHMy favorite color.... You see this

mess?(pointing at thetelevision)

Kids killing one another.... Then

you question what I do. You needsomething in this jungle.

JANEBut, you have to manage youraddiction.

As Sarah was preparing to snort another line, she stops anddrops the straw on the mirror.

SARAHIm no damn addict!

JANEAnd, you shouldnt become one.

SARAHYou got some nerve, you knowthat?.... Every time I come overhere, your high on something.

JANEBut, I have control.

SARAH

Says who?

JANESarah, shutup and drink your Kool-Aid.

SARAHI cant believe you.

Sarah picks the straw and prepares to snort another line.

INT. NEW AGE HOSPITAL - REGGIES ROOM - LATER

DOCTOR ROBERT (Late 30s), healthy, medium build isexplaining the situation to MS. WALTERS.

DOCTOR ROBERTMaam, like with most of thesesituations, I have some good andbad news.

MS. WALTERSLet me hear it....

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DOCTOR ROBERTWell, as you can see hes stillalive, which is a good thing. We

managed to get him to a stablelevel, where majority of his organsare functioning somewhat

properly.... The down side is hisbrain has a lot of damage.

MS. WALTERSTheres no way to fix it?

DOCTOR ROBERTNo, maam. The damage is permanent.The amount of methamphetamine that

was in his body was deadly.... Itsonly by the grace of God hesurvived.

MS. WALTERSI truly believe that.

DOCTOR ROBERTWhat we can do is help stabilizethe damaged brain....

MARLA enters the room, walking past Doctor Robert and Ms.Walters. Ms. Walters notices her walking by and manages todisplay a partial smile.

DOCTOR ROBERT (CONTD)

Ive prescribed a lithium medicinethat I believe will help himtremendously.... There are noguarantees, but at this point wehave very little to lose.

MS. WALTERSWell, my only weapon right now isprayer.

DOCTOR ROBERTUnderstood. Ill be back, a little

later to check on Reggie.

Ms. Walters grabs Doctor Roberts right arm.

MS. WALTERSThank you.

DOCTOR ROBERTNo problem maam. That is what Imhere for.

Doctor Robert smiles and walks out of Reggies room. Ms.Walters watches him leave, then turns around and approachesMarla, who is standing at Reggies bedside....

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As Ms. Walters gets closer, Marla looks away from Reggie andfocuses on Ms. Walters.

MARLAWhats the latest?

MS. WALTERSWell, the good and the bad.

MARLAEnough good?

MS. WALTERSI guess. The doctor says there is alot of damage to the brain.

MARLA(looking sad)

Goodness.... A lot?

MS. WALTERSEnough to almost kill him.... But,God.

MARLAYes.

MS. WALTERSNow, he wants to put him on sometype of prescription to help withthe brain damage.

MARLADid he say how long?

MS. WALTERSWell, he said the damage ispermanent, so I guess forever. But

with God, anything is possible.

MARLAYes.

Marlas eyes begin to water as she reaches for Ms. Waltersand hugs her.

INT. MIKES BURGERS

May is carrying Crays meal and places it in front of him.

MAYHere you are.

CRAYThanks. Can I get another refill of

water.

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MAYYou sure can.

As May reaches for the glass, the restaurants chime RINGS asthe door opens and OFFICER MIKE (Mid 40s), muscular build,Caucasian, walks in. May looks up and smiles.

MAY (CONTD)Hey, Mike.

OFFICER MIKEMrs. May. How are you today?

MAYDoing just fine. No complaints.

Cray slightly turns his head to see who has walked in andquickly puts his head down and starts slowly eating his

fries.

OFFICER MIKESounds great.

Officer Mike takes a seat at the other side of the bar, fromCray. May follows him and places a menu in front of him,

while still holding Crays glass.

MAYWhat we doing today? The usual?

OFFICER MIKE

Not sure. I might change up. Letsstart with a coffee and go fromthere.

MAYSure thing.... Let me refill this

water.

May quickly fills the glass of water and returns it to Cray.As she walks back to prepare the coffee, she continues totalk to Officer Mike.

MAY (CONTD)Now Mike, it is too late to bedrinking coffee.

OFFICER MIKEYou sound like my wife.

They both laugh.

OFFICER MIKE (CONTD)You dont understand.... I have to

work eight to twelve hours, then gohome to a five and two year old.

May places the cup of coffee in front of Officer Mike.

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MAYYeah, my days of little ones arelong gone.... Nowadays, I only deal

with grand babies and thatsoccasionally.

OFFICER MIKELucky you.

Cray takes a bite of his burger, then looks straight ahead,trying to not make eye contact with Officer Mike.... OfficerMike takes a sip of his coffee and scans the area as hedrinks, eventually locking his eyes on Cray. He sets the cupdown and continues to look at Cray, curiously with a stillface.... May walks back over to Officer Mike.

MAYOkay, Mike. Have you made a

decision?

Officer Mike remembers he has to order and looks at May witha smile.

OFFICER MIKEI want to do the turkey club.

MAYI knew it. The same as always.

OFFICER MIKEWell, you cant hurt me for trying.

Officer Mike takes another look at Cray.... Cray looks atOfficer Mike from the corner of his eye and makes eye contact

with him. Cray quickly puts his head back down towards hisfood. Mike looks away, unlatches his gun holster, and looksover at May.

OFFICER MIKE (CONTD)Business still good?

MAYNot bad.... Enough to pay the bills

I suppose.

OFFICER MIKEGood to hear.

Officer Mike begins to stand to his feet, as Cray quicklystands up and pulls his gun out towards Officer Mike. May isstartled and stands still watching them both.... Officer Mikeraises his hands.

OFFICER MIKE (CONTD)Young man its not worth it.

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CRAY(nervous)

I just wanted to eat my food.

OFFICER MIKENo one is trying to harm you.... We

can get help for you.

The remaining customers lay their heads down, hoping to hidefrom any stray bullets.

OFFICER MIKE (CONTD)Sir, you have innocent people inthis establishment....It...is....not.... worth it.

Officer Mike tries to quickly go for his gun. Cray shootstwice, hitting Officer Mikes chest (protected by a bullet

proof vest) and his neck. Officer Mike falls on his back,staring at the ceiling, stunned.

MAYSHOUTS Lord.

Cray points the gun and looks at May.... May displays worryand fear on her face. Cray stares at Mays eyes. FOCUS ONtheir eyes.... Cray puts the gun away and runs out.

INT. ROBERTS HOME

FOCUS ON ROBERTs door. There are a few KNOCKS at the door. Alittle time passes by and Robert approaches the door, just afew KNOCKS are heard again. Robert opens the door and seesBRENDA (late 30s), pretty lady.... Robert turns around witha disgusted look and walks away.

BRENDA(frustrated)

Bobby? I came like you said.

ROBERTYou expect me to be happy.

Robert makes it to his living room as Brenda follows. Heturns around and faces Brenda.

ROBERT (CONTD)I have to practically threaten youto get any response from you.... Doyou think I enjoy this?

BRENDABobby its difficult for me.... Ihave to find a baby-sitter. I haveto find a reasonable flightticket.... I do a lot to be withyou.

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ROBERTSo, now Im satisfied?

BRENDAI just want you to see that I dotry.

ROBERTOkay. So now youre here. What doyou have for me?

BRENDAI have what you like.

Robert flashes a devilish smile and has a seat on his couch.

ROBERTIm waiting.

Brenda hovers over Robert and begins to passionately kisshim. She slowly gets on her knees and goes down to his waistline as Robert lays his head back.

INT. NEW AGE HOSPITAL - REGGIES ROOM

STACEY comes walking into Reggies room with her two kids asMarla and Ms. Walters sit next to each other. Marla is busygoing through her cell phone.

STACEY

Hey.

Marla and Ms. Walters look towards Stacey at the same time.

MARLAHey.

MS. WALTERS(smiling)

Stacey. I havent seen you in awhile.

STACEYHi, Ms. Walters. I apologize. Myschedule can be hectic.

MS. WALTERSI understand, baby. Im still happyto see you.

Stacey leans over to hug and kiss Ms. Walters. She walks overand stands beside Marla and looks at Reggie.

STACEYSo, how is he?

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MARLALucky to be alive.

STACEYTheres no such thing as luck.

MARLAYou know what I mean. The doctorsaid due to the brain damage, hehas to take some drug to helpstabilize him.

STACEYWow. Is he able to talk?

MS. WALTERSNot right now. They have himconnected to so much stuff and

drugged up, he is barely awake.

STACEYHow is Sarah?

MS. WALTERSIts funny you asked that. Ihavent talk to her today.

MARLAReally? I was just looking up hernumber to see if I could reach her,because she didnt come to work

today.

Marla locates Sarahs number on her cell phone and calls her.

MARLA (CONTD)Let me see if she answers.

INT. JANES HOUSE

Sarah is sitting in her same spot, slumped over, almost in acoma and unaware that her phone is ringing.... Jane comes

down the hallway....

JANEWhat is that noise?

Jane stops at the entrance and looks at Sarah and her phone.

JANE (CONTD)YELLS Sarah.

Sarah doesnt respond. Jane walks over to Sarah and CALLS hername again. After no response, she starts slapping Sarahsface trying to wake her up. Sarah partially awakens, notknowing where she is.

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SARAH(slurred speech)

Its not me.... I didnt do it.

JANESarah, wake up. Someone is calling

you.

SARAHShe did.

Sarah passes out and slumps back over. Jane starts to slapher again.

JANEGet up Sarah.

SARAH

I cant do it. I need more time.More feet and hands.

Sarah phone starts to ring again. Jane answers her phone.

JANEHello?

(listens)This is Jane. Your girl is out ofit.... Shes almost in a drug coma,

wasted.(listens)

I know. I tried to tell her, but

she acted like she wanted to fightme.

INT. NEW AGE HOSPITAL - REGGIES ROOM

MARLAOkay. I might be able to come by,

when I leave here.... Okay, bye.

MS. WALTERSWhat did she say?

MARLAWell, Sarah has her own way ofdealing with problems.

MS. WALTERSIs she okay?

MARLAFor the most part.... Ill check onher, when I leave here.

MS. WALTERSOkay. Please do.

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14/22

INT. ROBERTS HOME - BEDROOM - MORNING

Robert and Brenda are asleep in bed. Roberts phone begins toring. Robert wakes up, struggling to see.

ROBERT

Hello?(listens)

Yes, this is Pastor Johnson. Howcan I help you?

(listens)Oh no. Really? Gregory? Im sorryto hear that.

(listens)Yes, Id be honored to do that foryour family.... This Saturday?Okay, bye.

Robert hangs up the phone, lays back on his pillow, and runshis hand over his head, towards the back.

EXT. URBAN AREA

A police is shown slowly crossing a bridge, scanning thearea. The CAMERA goes underneath the bridge, where Cray ishiding. Cray listens as the SOUNDS of cars continue to passby.

NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)An officer by the name of Michael

Reese was found dead at a localrestaurant.... Witnesses describethe suspect as a slim build, black

male, around mid twenties....

INT. JANES HOUSE

NEWS REPORTERMany believe the suspect is linkedto the murder of Gregory Phillips.Because of this, law enforcement

has called for an all-out manhuntof the suspect.... If you spot anyunusual individual, you are askedto contact Police immediately.

There are three knocks at the door. Jane quickly walks downthe hallway and answers the door.

JANEMarla.

MARLAHi, Jane. Where is...

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Marla looks over and sees Sarah passed out on the couch. Shequickly tries to sit Sarah up. Sarah is struggling to stayconscious and trying to free herself from Marla.

MARLA (CONTD)Sarah. What are you doing?

SARAHLet me go.

MARLAYou have to stop this. Youregetting carried away.

SARAHI need to go. Let me go.

MARLA

(looks over at Jane)Bring me some water.

Jane heads into the kitchen and returns with a glass ofwater.

JANEHere.

MARLASarah, drink this.

Sarah tries to turn her head away, but Marla manages to get

the rim of the glass into her mouth. Marla begins to pour thewater into her mouth, until Sarah starts to GAG.

MARLA (CONTD)(looks at Jane)

How much did she have?

JANEI know at least five or six lines.

MARLAGoodness.

After Sarah stops COUGHING, she wakes up a little more,trying to figure out where she is.

MARLA (CONTD)Sarah. Your mother is concernedabout you. She hasnt seen you allday.

SARAH(drowsy)

She has her own problems. Shedoesnt need to worry about me.

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MARLASo, youre going to destroyyourself and end up like Reggie?

Sarah begins to CRY.

SARAHYou have no right to say anythingabout me and my family.

MARLASarah, I apologize. Im only sayingthis, because I care about you.

SARAHWhatever.

MARLA

I mean it. Now come on and get up.

Marla stands to her feet as Jane helps her lift Sarah.

I/E. WILLIES - NIGHT

Vehicles ride by as Cray walks into Willies Party Store. TheCLERK behind the counter stops watching television to see whoit is.

CLERKHey, my friend.... You dont speak?

Cray doesnt say a word. He heads straight for the beersection of the cooler and grabs a forty ounce bottle of beer.

CLERK (CONTD)Have you watched the news lately?Some crazy person is going aroundkilling people.

CRAY....

CLERKYou having a bad day or what?

The Clerk pauses for a moment and looks at Crays face andbody.

CLERK (CONTD)You okay?

The Clerk slowly starts to slide the bullet proof glassclosed. Cray quickly stops and grabs the glass with one handand pulls out his gun with the other hand. The Clerk quicklystands back and puts his hands up.

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CRAYAll I wanted was my beer. I didntask for this.

CLERKIm sorry.... Please, I have a

family.

Cray points the gun at the Clerks legs and SHOOTS one of hisknees. The Clerk collapses to the floor in pain. Cray quicklyput his gun away, grabs his beer, and runs out of the store.Not knowing someone is behind him, he continues to run up thesidewalk. The person behind him walks into Willies.

INT. MARLAS APARTMENT - KITCHEN

Marla is reading the back of the box for a microwave dinner.

She goes into the drawer, grabs a knife, and cuts a sectionof the plastic covering the entree. She glances at the boxsinstructions once again, places the dinner in the microwave,and turns the microwave on.... There is a KNOCK at the door.Marla quickly walks toward the door.

MARLAYELLS Who is it?

There is no response, so Marla opens the door and seesRobert.

ROBERT

Marla, where have you been? Itsbeen almost a week since I heardfrom you.

Robert tries to walk in, but Marla continues to stand at thedoors entrance preventing him from walking in.

MARLAYou came by to tell me this?

ROBERTYes. I was worried.

MARLAYou must have remembered somethingyou needed me to do.

ROBERTMarla dont go there. You know Icare about you. I was seriouslyconcerned.... Anyway, you have beenacting funny lately. You haventcalled and Sunday, you just left

without speaking.

MARLAOh well.

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ROBERTMarla, I am still your pastor. Youshould have some type of respectfor me.

MARLA

(laughing)Respect? Are you serious? You donteven respect yourself anddefinitely have no respect for God.

ROBERT(upset)

What does that mean?

MARLADo you actually believe what youredoing is right?

ROBERTMarla, who on this freaking earthis perfect? Are you perfect?

MARLAI never said that.

ROBERTSo, why are you riding me? Why areyou treating me as if Im nothuman?

MARLABecause you enjoy your filth. One

moment youre preaching from Godsword and the next moment youresatisfying your sexual desires with

multiple women.... You know whatRobert, I dont have time for this.

ROBERTMarla, I was only concerned.

MARLA

Well, you see that I am okay, sokeep it moving.

ROBERTI never wanted to hurt you Marla.

MARLAGoodbye.

Marla quickly SLAMS the door, puts her head down, folds herarms, places her hand on her forehead, and silently begins toCRY.... Robert puts his head down and walks away, hurt.

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INT. NEW EASTERN CHURCH - MORNING

MINISTER CARL is at the podium for another Sunday, gettingthe CONGREGATION revved up for their Pastor.

MINISTER CARL

Now if you know like I do, we cantlive without food.... Am I right?

CONGREGATIONAmen.

MINISTER CARLAnd the Bible says, man shall notlive off bread alone.

CONGREGATIONAmen.

MINISTER CARLThe bread you really want toconsume is the bread of life....Gods bread.... Can I get an amen.

CONGREGATIONAmen.

MINISTER CARLWithout further a due, here is ourpastor, Pastor Johnson....

The congregation stands to there feet and starts CLAPPING.

ROBERTGod bless you, family....

Robert looks over to where Marla normally sits and doesntsee her.

ROBERT (CONTD)I know for a fact that God is on myside, but today my heart is alittle heavy.... Not only is crime

increasing and innocent souls arebeing lost, but we, Gods servants,also go through.... Amen?

CONGREGATIONAmen.

ROBERTThe Lord gave me a title for thissermon, which fits perfect.... Itis the Sunday of forgiveness.

CONGREGATIONAmen.

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ROBERTMost people may not know, but theGreek Orthodox Archdiocese have aday that they call the Sunday offorgiveness. It is a day they have,before the great lent.... Although

it is a day they set aside, it is acategory we all need. A Sunday offorgiveness, because we all needforgiveness.

CONGREGATIONAmen.

The CAMERA FOCUS ON Cray sitting in the back pew, watchingRobert.

INT. MARLAS APARTMENT

Marla is sitting in her living room, watching a Churchservice on the television. Suddenly, a news report interruptsthe program.

NEWS REPORTERLast night, a worker at a localparty store was shot by an unknownsuspect. Although the worker wasbadly wounded, he managed to gethelp from a customer coming in. The

worker has said he believes the

suspect was the killer of bothmurders, this past week. The policehave confiscated the surveillancevideo, in hopes of finding thesuspect.

INT. NEW EASTERN CHURCH - LATER

Robert has ended his sermon and is now proceeding to thealter call.

ROBERTYou know, my heart was heavy. Butthat message even made me glad.Aint it something how you canpreach to yourself?

CONGREGATIONAmen.

ROBERTNow, this is my favorite part ofthe service. I know people in the

world think a pastor just looksforward to the donations, but Ilook forward to winning souls.

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CONGREGATIONAmen.

ROBERTSo, I would like to extend my handfor those that want to give their

life back to God, those that wantto join this Church, and those thatjust need prayer.

Several people stand up and form a line towards Robert. Thefirst person is Cray.

ROBERT (CONTD)God bless you, son. Is this yourfirst time here?

Cray nods in agreement.

ROBERT (CONTD)What is it that you want God to dofor you?

Cray leans close to Robert, so that his face is right next tohis.

CRAYWHISPERS Does God forgive killers?

For a moment, Robert is speechless by the question.

ROBERTWHISPERS God opens the sea offorgiveness for anyone.

CRAYI have this blood on my hands and I

want to wash them clean.

Robert, still startled, hesitates on what to do next.

ROBERT(pointing next to himself)

You stand right here, so we cantalk and I can pray for you,privately.

Tears start to run down Crays cheeks as he stands next toRobert. The remaining people in line walk towards Robert forprayer.

INT. NEW EASTERN CHURCH - ROBERTS OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

Cray is sitting in front of Roberts desk as Robert closeshis office door and has a seat.

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ROBERTNow, what is your name?

CRAYI care not to say.

ROBERTIm guessing by your question thatyou have killed someone.

CRAYMore than one.

ROBERTRecently?

CRAYYes. Two, I know for sure. The

third person, Im not sure. I justran after I shot him.... And... Andone was a cop.

Robert sits back in his chair and stares at his office phone.

FADE TO BLACK.

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Episode 2 - Transitions

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