Open Roads

Written By:

Grant Stoner & Andy Lauer

Story By:

Jared Kirchheimer

Open Roads Chicago, LLCWGA Registered 2015www.openroads-movie.com312-498-9982

EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - SUNRISE

The camera soars over the city - Wrigley Field, Lakeshore Drive, Lake Michigan, Sears Tower - moving towards the South side.

FATHER THOMAS (V.O.)I’m not a gambling man. I never have been. But that doesn’t stop me from looking at the odds. The odds of a juvenile kid making it out of the system are 100 to one. Every year they go up. But once in a while, only a few times in this Priest’s life, a kid made it. But the journey there...that’s something most of us couldn’t bare....

Austere brownstones and glimmering glass towers slowly fade into bustling urban blight; half-abandoned projects, neighborhood liquor stores.

Two African American boys DEXTER PARK, 8, handsome but reserved and CLAYTON DUNN, 9, bold. They speed through on bikes, easily traversing the chaos.

An Elderly Woman crosses the street. Clayton cuts it too close causing the woman to drop her newspaper. Dexter swoops in, scoops the paper and hands it to her.

CLAYTONHurry slow poke!

DEXTEROn your heels hot shot!

CLAYTONGot something to show you... this way!

EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - CONTINUOUS

The boys speed into a more gentrified part of town - renovated buildings, Mom n’ Pop stores.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUOUS

They stop in front of a construction site, surrounded by a chain fence and posted sign: "Future home of City Pharmacy."

Clayton drags the bikes behind a row of bushes.

(CONTINUED)

CLAYTONTommy told me a way in.

DEXTERA way in?

CLAYTONYeah, lets explore, it will be cool.

DEXTERI can’t. My Nana done told me-

CLAYTONShoot - your Nana wont beat you like my daddy will if he found me in trouble. I’m C-ton the magnificent.

DEXTERWe ain’t got no business up in -

A CAT cries quietly in the distance.

CLAYTONShhhh....you hear that? What if he’s stuck in there? We get a reward.

Clayton runs ahead. Nervously, Dexter follows Clayton’s path.

INT. CITY PHARMACY UNDER CONSTRUCTION - CONTINUOUS

Clayton slips through two upright plywood boards. Dexter comes and they enter ...

The store near completion, with shelving standing empty. Some boxes lay open, one full of plastic hangers. The SOUNDS OF CHICAGO have all but ceased.

No sight or sound of the cat

DEXTERNo cat. Probably wasn't even in here.

CLAYTONNo....but there’s a hanger coming at your head!

Dexter reacts quick enough to avoid a hanger thrown by a laughing Clayton. And the competition has begun.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:2.

The boys chase each other down the aisles, Dexter loosening up and going with the flow.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)Panting( )

See, I told you it would be fun. Besides its Sunday, nobody around. Hey, check this out, got it from my Aunt's boyfriend.

Clayton pulls out an M80 FIREWORK from his jacket pocket along with a ZIPPO LIGHTER.

DEXTERWhooaaa... that's cool.

Dexter pulls a lighter.

DEXTER (cont'd)Someone will hear.

CLAYTONThat's why we’re running like hell!

The fuse catches, moving quickly to the explosive device. Clayton HEAVES it across the empty store and the boys turn and run. BOOM! Its louder than expected.

A painting tarp catches fire and heads to the rafters

DEXTERDamn.

CLAYTONexiting( )

Forget it! Move!

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - SAME

SIRENS sound in the near distance. Clayton and Dexter burst out and run to their bikes but its too late as the emergency responders descend. Clayton panics.

CLAYTONcrying( )

He gonna kill me, D. My daddy gonna tear me apart.

Dexter thinks quick. He spots a drainage ditch. They share a beat between them.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:3.

DEXTERGet in there. Now. Go!

Dexter pushes Clayton toward the hole, then runs towards the cops/fire, making himself an easy target to spot. Cops approach, dragging him down. He gives one last look to Clayton, peeking out from inside the safety of the ditch.

POLICE OFFICER #1off both bikes( )

Where’s your friend? Huh? You better talk, son!

Dexter remains tight-lipped as firemen run to extinguish the blaze.

FADE TO BLACK

INT. JUVENILE COURT ROOM - THE NEXT DAY

Dexter, looking tired, worried and scared, faces the Juvenile Court JUDGE.

JUDGEI'm going to give you one last chance to name your accomplice.

Nothing from Dexter.

JUDGE (cont'd)Very well. You have shoplifting, truancy and now this. Where are your parents, Dexter?

DEXTERMy momma died, and my Nana told me that my daddy went away to find work. I ain’t seen him since....

JUDGE(looking through file) You’re under the custody of your Grandmother? Is she in the courtroom?

Dexter points to GRACE, 80’S, an elderly black woman sitting in back row, caring eyes, and oxygen tubing stretching past her nostrils.

JUDGE (CONT’D)Now Dexter, I need you to understand what I'm about to say is for your own good ... your own safety.

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:4.

It is in my judgment, based on past JUDGE (CONT’D) (cont'd)

actions and in-home investigations by state social workers, that, while perhaps well-intended, the resources in your current home are not adequate to serve your needs.

To the court( )Therefore, I remand him to the care of the State. Grace Park will have full visitation rights, but Mr. Park will be in foster care until he is either legally adopted or reaches the age of

Dexter realizes the levity of the judgment by the tear running down his grandmother’s face.

CUT TO:

INT. JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER VISITATION ROOM - LATER

Dexter and Grace sit closely together in this brightly lit yet drab office space. The lack of windows adds to the claustrophobia. Dexter in tears, his Nana comforting him.

GRACEYou deserve better. Just know I ain't abandoning you. Your Nana will always be here.

DEXTERBut who will take care of you, Nana?

GRACEOh you don't go worrying about me, angel. I've survived this long, I'll get by. You're a good boy, Dexter. Remember that.

DEXTERI'm scared.

GRACENo need for that... we’re a strong lot. Survivors. You'll do just fine. There's one thing I've learned in this long life. You can't change the cards you're dealt, you just have to play the hand the best you can.

The DETENTION GUARD sticks his head in to end the meeting.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:5.

GUARDMam

GRACEYes sir, just one more moment with my boy.

INT. JAIL CELL HALLWAY

Dexter is lead past cell doors. Other kids jeer him as he enters his own shared cell.

FATHER THOMAS (V.O.)The darkness in a man’s soul starts when he’s a child. And carries with him through the rest of his days. The cracks become wide. And vicious. But eventually could be what lets the light in.

Dexter stares. Defeated. The guard slams the door shut.

FADE TO:

TITLE CARD: 7 YEARS LATER

EXT. MERCY HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

A quiet snow cover falls onto now 15 year-old Dexter. He stands in a worn coat and black knit cap looking anxiously at the entrance of the impressive, red brick building. Dex's face belies his young age, still defiantly proud.

He re-cinches a duffel bag hanging over his shoulder and enters.

INT. MERCY HOME

PAM STEWART, 40’s, yanks him inside. She’s kind under the tough veneer, a serial multi-tasker.

PAMKeep that damn cold out or we’re all gonna be ice cubes.

off to her desk( )Name?

DEXTERDexter Park, ma'am.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:6.

PAMSit down. If you don’t ask me any questions I wont throw you out. Father Thomas will be out here shortly.

Dexter looks around and notices other children walking out of the cafeteria. No hand cuffs, no guards. A calm comes over his face.

A trophy case displays some aging wins but nothing recent.

FATHER THOMAS, late 50’s, African-American, gruff, the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Upon his approach Dexter rises. Thomas stands before him. He says nothing, sizing Dexter up. For a lonnnng time. Finally.

FATHER THOMASI'm Father Thomas. How are you, son?

DEXTERshivering( )

I’m ok, Sir. A little cold -

Pam drops 2 cups of hot cocoa.

DEXTER (cont'd)But getting better.

FATHER THOMASFollow me.

Thomas goes. Dexter grabs his bag and goes. Stops. Runs back for the cocoa, dodging Pam’s watchful eye.

He catches up to Thomas and paces behind him.

Dexter’s POV of a framed inspirational message on the wall: "The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore - Psalm 121, Verse 8."

They enter his OFFICE

FATHER THOMAS (cont'd)Have a seat.

Thomas picks up a file.

Insert File: Dexter’s photo and rap sheet chronicling his successive years in juvenile hall. Each year gets better.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:7.

Father: Unknown. Mother: Deceased. Cardiac Arrest - Drug Related. Known relatives: Grandmother.

FATHER THOMAS (cont'd)How old are you, Mr. Park?

DEXTER

FATHER THOMAS (cont'd)You been fostered?

DEXTERmumbles( )

Twice.

FATHER THOMASSpeak up. Look at me when you answer.

DEXTERTwice, Sir. Once in Bloomington. Foster Dad tossed me around pretty good. Protective services pulled me out. Second time they ran outta money. State shut the house down.

FATHER THOMASpoker face( )

Hum. Sports?

DEXTERBball.

FATHER THOMAStwinkle in his eye( )

Any good?

DEXTERI guess.

Its a challenge. Thomas is speaking Dexter’s language but Dexter’s not sure where to go.

FATHER THOMASYou good or not? I don’t have time for “I guess”

Without warning Thomas fires a basketball to the left of Dexter, heading towards the window. Dexter reacts stealthily, palming it. It’s damn impressive.

Beat between them.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:8.

FATHER THOMAS (CONT’D)I noticed in your file you apprenticed for a construction foreman. I'll make you a deal. Work hard, be respectful, and do all your chores, then I'll see about getting you into a trainee program for construction laborers.

DEXTERYes, Sir.

FATHER THOMASreturning to his (work)

Good night, Park.

Dexter backs away.

DEXTERGuard.

FATHER THOMASWhat?

DEXTEROne or two guard. I play either.

FATHER THOMASGood for you.

DEXTERI’d like to try out for your club team, Sir. Been three years since you qualified. Seven since you won City.

How the hell did he know that? Thomas plays it off.

FATHER THOMASI'll think about it.

DEXTERYes, Sir.

Dexter exits. A smile slowly overtakes Father Thomas.

FADE TO:

EXT. A ROAD CONSTRUCTION SITE, SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO, 10 YEARS LATER. - DAY

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:9.

A bustling, efficient 50-person construction crew is hard at work.

JOE MARIANO, 40’s, large, burly, Italian foreman with a thick Chicago accent, looks closely at a slab of curing concrete.

Joe approaches his son, JUNIOR, 20’s, dense but steady and currently at the helm of the backhoe, loaded with cinder blocks.

JOEBring it around, Junior.

JUNIORWhere?

JOEHere.

JUNIORI thought it was - ?

JOElosing patience( )

Right there Junior. Right there where my finger is pointing. Follow my finger.

JUNIORWhere the stake is?

JOEEg-fuckin-zactly. Praise Jesus.

Junior pops the gear but the hoe lurches, too quickly, speeding for a pool of fresh laid concrete.

Other LABORERS can only watch the on-coming disaster. Except one.

Like a flash, Dexter, now 10 years older, jumps from his position on-point and guns it. With nano-seconds to go, he leaps to the controls and punches the kill switch. Some bricks tumble into the pool but nothing like what it should’ve been.

Spontaneous applause erupts but dies quickly as a white CITY OF CHICAGO truck arrives. The Laborers re-task as if nothing happened.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:10.

A CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER enters. He’s sharp, smelling something amiss. He spots a cinder block’s last glimmer of light before sinking.

A glance over to Joe and a check mark on his check list lets us know he won’t let this one slide.

CODE COMPLIANCEThat could compromise the pour.

JOEdry( )

You read my mindchecks his watch( )

Wasn’t expecting you til after two o’clock. Nothing to do with the Cubs game?

They play each other well. The CC Officer lowers his check list. As Joe moves off with the Officer he sidles up to Dexter.

JOE (cont'd)Go ahead to that doctors appointment you have.

DEXTERI don't -

Dexter is slow to catch on until he spots the Cubs tickets surreptitiously being extended to him by Joe. Dexter is on the move.

DEXTER (cont'd)Yes, sir. Thank you, Sir.

EXT. WRIGLEY FIELD - DUSK

Dexter speeds past Wrigley Field, screaming "CUBBIES!" out the window at the fans entering the stadium.

INT./EXT. - STADIUM SEATS - NIGHT

Dexter, alone, enjoys the game. In a sea of thousands now, Dexter seems lonely. An empty seat is next to him but in the next seat is a kid, 10, shy. His dad yells obnoxiously at the game, embarrassing him. The kid and Dexter share a beat.

MONTAGE:

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:11.

Dexter drives through Chicago, at once both magnificent and overwhelming.

FADE TO BLACK

EXT. MERCY HOME - MORNING

Dexter’s pickup screeches to a halt in the staff lot. Dexter races to the front doors.

EXT./INT. MERCY HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS - EVENING

Dexter enters. Pam, graying now but still a firecracker.

PAMYou're late.

DEXTERreferring to clock( )

Nope... on time.

PAMOn time is late. Math lab.

She hands him a manila folder.

DEXTERBut -

PAMNo “buts” or its Computer lab also. You have a room full of students. Goodbye.

Dexter grabs the folder and two-steps down the hall until his attention boomerangs in another direction.

MAUREEN O'BRIEN, 28, a non-traditional beauty with charming flaws. She’s staring up at something above a door frame.

ANGLE: Above the door, a small, long-dead twig hangs by fraying twine and nail.

DEXTERshy( )

Its a uh, branch. A twig.

She turns and they briefly meet eyes. His heart jumps. Her’s stays cool.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:12.

MAUREENI see that.

DEXTERIts supposed to represent what this place is all about. Strength and Peace.

beat( )But the idea kinda got lost. Most of ‘em fell. (beat, extending his hand) Are you visiting? I'm -

PAM (V.O.)LATE!

Down the hall Pam stands rigid, ready to pounce.

Dexter is on the move. He braves a glance back.

DEXTERI’m Dexter.

MAUREENHello Dexter.

Maureen heads out, poker face, leaving Dexter with no clue if he’s got shot at this intelligent beauty.

INT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS

Dexter floats in.

DEXTEROk guys. How we doing? Letecia, please put the phone away. Lets hop on the Math train.

A dozen kids turn his way. A little rambunctious but eager to learn.

BOYWhat’d you talkin to dat girl about, Mr. Dexter?

Dexter pauses. Two ways to go with this. He opts not to take the bait.

DEXTER

STUDENTSAwwwwww.

CONTINUED:13.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - THE NEXT DAY

Broken down neighborhood.

A sewer crew is laying a pipe. Machine operator SAM obnoxiously directs the trucks. Blaring his horn incessantly. Nearby, CARPENTERS work on framing a curb.

Dexter, driving a lift, guides a piece of pipe into place.

DEXTERLay off, Sam!

under his breath( )What a whack job.

Joe stands close to the Site Inspector who hovers with a clip board.

CODE COMPLIANCElooks around (nervously)

I don't know how you guys work in this part of town every day.

JOEHey, we're like superheroes... we go where the city needs us most.

CODE COMPLIANCEWell, Batman... Is this the right size pipe?

JOERight pipe.

ANGLE: Down the street two thugs work together trying to jimmy open unmonitored work trucks.

SAMBack it up! Back it up!

CODE COMPLIANCEHow's the elevation?

JOEOn the nuts.

CODE COMPLIANCEThe backfill doesn’t look like CA6.

JOEAnnoyed( )

Best CA-6 I've ever seen.

(CONTINUED)

14.

CODE COMPLIANCEManhole needs to be boarded.

JOEsarcastic( )

Is that right?

Suddenly... GUNSHOTS ring out. All of the crew members, scatter in their work trucks or on foot.

Dexter jumps down behind his lift. When the shooting stops, Dex goes to the running equipment abandoned by the crew and turns the machines off, one by one.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - MOMENTS LATER

The police arrive almost immediately.

Officer PAUL JOHNSON, 6'2, 210 pounds, black, trimmed mustache, approaches Dexter. With a calm demeanor, he's definitely seen it all.

OFFICER JOHNSONDid you see anything?

DEXTERNothing I haven't seen before.

OFFICER JOHNSONOK. Watch your back out here.

DEXTERWill do. Thanks for gettin our backs.

Dexter starts to head to his truck.

OFFICER JOHNSONI got yours, you get mine.

Officer Johnson hands Dexter his business card.

DEXTERThanks.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE -

Dexter makes it to his car.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:15.

Once he's sure the police are out of sight, he breaks down in a cold sweat, gripping the steering wheel until his nerves calm. He spots the basketball in the floorboard of his truck, starts the engine and heads out.

EXT. SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO PARK - BASKETBALL COURT - EVENING

A lively full court game going on under the park lights.

Dexter laces up his beat up Jordans. He looks around tepidly. A kid watches.

KIDYou ain’t never been here.

DEXTERNever have.

KIDTen bucks a game. Pay Sausage over there.

He points to one of the onlookers, SAUSAGE, a heavy set white man in a Scottie Pippin jersey. Dexter walks over and hands him the cash.

A 3-pointer scored by “C”, 25, a vicious player, ends the current game.

CYelling( )

You out! Who’s next one Ima kill?!

Dexter heads on to the court with four other guys who were waiting.

The game starts, and Dexter runs point like a field general. He's definitely got game, scoring and defending.

But C is quick to answer.

As the best two players on the court, the two eventually go head to head.

PLAYERYo, C, show this dude how we do it.

A FEMALE SPECTATOR yells out.

FEMALE SPECTATORGet this chump off the court, Clay!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:16.

The mention of "Clay" takes Dexter aback. He stops which gives Clayton enough time to blow past him.

DEXTERunder his breath( )

Clayton....

Clayton makes the winning shot

CLAYTONYa boy!

As the teams disperse the two find themselves pulled together.

They posture. Half in respect, half in force.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)Not bad.

They eye each other.

DEXTERClayton.

CLAYTONnot happy( )

You call me C. Unless I tell you different.

DEXTEROk. You can call me, Dexter. Dexter .... Park.

CLAYTONbeat, realizing( )

...Damn. That you....?

The two embrace.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)Ho-ly sh.... Dex? Damn, don’t do me like that.

Clayton reaches out and the two men bear hug.

CLAYTON (CONT’D) (cont'd)So how you doin, man? My old man said you got out but they said not to call and shit you know. Said you went to some halfway home.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:17.

DEXTERMercy Home.

CLAYTONYa, some shit like that.

DEXTERPlace saved my ass. But, been here and there. Doing okay now.

CLAYTONI tried to find you....

DEXTERDon’t worry about it man. It’s done.

CLAYTONYa. Ya.

DEXTERbeat( )

Hey, you wanna grab a beer or something? After you lose?

CLAYTONNow you’re talking some crazy shit. But sure, Ill let you buy me a beer, another day though, right? I gotta go pick up my kid-

DEXTERKid?

CLAYTONYa. Christopher. Christopher Dexter Dunn.

Dexter braces. He didn’t see that coming. Clayton knows it.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)He's tryin to hone his skills like his old man. He's a good one, not sure how that happened, but thank God nonetheless.

Beat( )Fulton Park. Tomorrow at 5?

DEXTERIf I’m not too sore, I’ll be there.

They laugh a beat and Dexter departs. Clayton collects the cash from Sausage.

CONTINUED:18.

CUT TO:

EXT. FULTON PARK - PARKING LOT/BASKETBALL COURT - NEXT DAY

CLAYTON (V.O.)Small but quick as lightning and won't back down to anyone.

On the basketball court, a handsome kid, Chris, 9, runs circles around his competitors.

Clayton and Dexter watch the action from a distance.

CLAYTONJust turned 9, so he's the youngest on the club.

DEXTERHe looks like you.

CLAYTONYou think?

DEXTERBetter looking but ...

CLAYTONNow or when we when I was his age?

DEXTERBoth, I guess. We were all handsome then, right?

Dexter wasn’t going there but the elephant, the reference to when they were kids, just walked in the room.

DEXTER (CONT’D)So you married, Clay?

CLAYTONIf you could call it that. We got in trouble from the get go and I know I'm not perfect, but I try to do right, so I married her. But it was a mess. I got in deep in some bad stuff. Did some time...

Clayton stares off...focuses on Christopher.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:19.

DEXTERI can see the pride in your eyes. As long as he has that, that's all he needs.

beat( )There were times I hated you, Clay.

CLAYTONThere were times I hated me. Probably even more than you did. So many times I wished it was me who went to jail. You’re a better man than I am.

DEXTERDon’t go there man. Its done. It’s done now. Its over. Now we just gotta stay outta trouble.

Across the park a woman, RONI, 28, all-street, shorts, tight top, verbally accosts her companion, BONES, 22, a street thug.

She goes to slap him but he deflects and slaps her instead.

She backs off and heads to the basketball court.

CLAYTONOh no ... speaking of trouble.

Clayton goes to cut her off. Dexter follows but gives them a wide berth.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)Roni, what the hell you doing out here, and what are you on?

RONII've come to get MY son and I'm clean Clay. Clean as a whistle.

(re: Dexter)Who's your new friend? Whatchu hanging out with dudes I don't know?

CLAYTONHe's an old friend and none of your business. Now get out of here before Chris sees you like this.

Dexter looks on uncomfortably.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:20.

RONIYou don’t talk to me that way, nigga. Or I’ll make sure you never see that boy.

Bones and another THUG approach.

BONESYou got a problem?

CLAYTONNot til you showed up.

BONESYou know better than to fuck with my girl.

CLAYTONsnaps back( )

I have no inter-

He stops, collects himself. Takes a breath.

BONESYou got somethin’ to say?

to Dexter( )What about you, fool?

Bones cinches up his hoodie revealing the barrel of a gun.

As oblivious as she is Roni realizes she’s the conduit. She breaks the tension.

RONIto Bones( )

He ain’t worth it, Baby.(sotto to Clayton)

Why you wanna fuck with that man? You know he’s a crazy ass.

to the group( )I just wanna give my baby a kiss. You can have him til Monday or Tuesday, whatever.

yells to Chris( )Little boy you come to your mama.

Chris looks over from his game. He grudgingly obliges.

She steps away and manages to pull herself together pulling Chris into her drug-fueled world.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:21.

RONI (CONT’D)Mama loves you baby. You gon’ be with your daddy few days cuz mama has to work so she can feed you proper, you unnnerstan?

CHRISTOPHERpulling loose( )

Ok.

Bones comes and places a $20 into Chris' palm. An overt move to ‘win over’ Chris in front of Clayton.

BONESHere you go little man.

Clayton looks on. Dexter comes and lays a hand on his shoulder.

INT. MERCY HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS - THE NEXT DAY

Dexter is in the gym, in full on coach's garb. The boys run drills, weaving up and down the court.

DEXTERThe ball should not hit the ground! This is a passing drill.

One of the boys, XAVIER, shows off some handles, dribbling between his legs before a no-look pass. Looks slick, but not what Dex is looking for.

DEXTER (cont'd)X-man! What was that? Follow the drill, man. I know you wanna show off, but save it for the playground. You know what's up... ball hits the ground, you hit the ground and 20.

Shrugging, Xavier drops and busts out twenty pushups.

Pam pokes her head into the door and signals to Dexter.

DEXTER (CONT’D)Five minutes left. Make it count.

Dexter heads over towards Pam.

PAMFather Thomas will see you now.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:22.

DEXTERI'm in the midd-

PAMAs in right now.

DEXTERDang!

yelling to his team( )Run the gauntlet, and nobody leaves until the last man finishes. I mean it!

INT. FATHER THOMAS’ OFFICE

Dexter bursts in. Then thinks better and quickly exits. Then knocks on the door.

FATHER THOMAS (O.C.)What!?

Dexter enters timid but with a goal.

Father Thomas is practically hidden behind paperwork. He’s grumpy.

FATHER THOMAS (CONT’D)Sit down.

He doesn’t

DEXTERWell, Sir, I was playing ball at the park down Congress yesterday and -

FATHER THOMASGet to it.

DEXTERI ran into an old, friend. We were best friends. For years before...before I got sent away. Felt good, you know, like I was home somehow.

The storm stops. Beat.

FATHER THOMASslowly. Quietly( )

Home. Home.

Thomas looks up for the first time.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:23.

FATHER THOMAS (CONT’D)That’s not home. That’s the street. I'm going to tell you something you may not want to hear. You don’t have a home. The street may feel familiar and look familiar but it ain’t your home. That got ripped out from under you, a long time ago. You have to make a new home. There’s trouble out there.

beat( )You've come a long way. I’ve never told you this, not because you don’t deserve to hear it. I’ve never been man enough to say it. I'm proud of you.

The statement from this rough man takes the wind out of Dexter.

INT. SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO DIVE BAR - THE NEXT NIGHT

Inside the dark and dingy, yet friendly sports bar on the south side, Dexter and Clayton share a secluded booth and cold beers, catching up with stories from their past.

CLAYTONBottom line is I got caught. Selling pharmies - oxy and shit like that. Served 3 years. And as amazing as it may seem his mom’s only got a few misdemeanors so Judge gave her full custody. She’ll mess that up eventually but for now I have to play nice if I wanna see my boy.

DEXTERMust be hard...keeping your cool.

DEXTER (CONT’D)I’da socked that -

CLAYTONSocked that damn fool

They laugh.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)I know, I know.

beat( )So what’s it like being a ‘foster’ kid?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:24.

DEXTERSo, I spent a little time up in Detroit with some foster parents, if you could call them that. She worked three jobs so I never saw her. The dude was a construction foreman, and I was learning the trade under him. He hit the bottle often, and when there wasn’t anybody at the bar to throw punches he’d come home and find me. Also told me I was stupid all the time. One time took a two-by-four to my leg ... cracked the knee cap. Pretty much closed the door for any chance at a basketball scholarship. Eventually I had enough, knocked him out with a right hook and took off. Back here. Back home.

CLAYTONDamn, that's rough. You got some mad skills too. Not as good as me, you know, but good enough to get paid.

DEXTERHa. Well we’ll see. I appreciate that. So how about you?

CLAYTONHow about me? I’m king of the court. That’s all that’s important right?

They both know it means nothing but chuckle anyway.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)Hey you hungry? I'll let you treat me to the best tacos on the south side.

Clayton and Dexter head out the door into the Chicago night.

EXT. SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO = POP’S DOGS - NIGHT

Dexter and Clayton stand in line at a well-known taco stand in the seedy but popular part of town.

A beautiful woman holds eyes on Dexter just a beat too long. Clayton is all over it.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:25.

CLAYTONsotto( )

Ohhh there it is.

DEXTERgrinning( )

No, no, no...

CLAYTONYou going home alone tonight?

DEXTERAlone and happy, my friend.

BANG! Gun shots ring out. The crowd hits the ground. Some thugs enter laughing, led by Bones - humored by their own rebel-rousing.

A WOMAN stands.

WOMANYou fools.

BONESShut your mouth, bitch.

He gets in her face and raises his hand to scare her or strike her. Hard to tell. A fist grabs his arm from behind. It’s Clayton’s. The room tenses.

CLAYTONI don’t care how bad your ass think you are, you don’t raise your hand to no woman.

Bones shakes his arm free. Another thug (THUG ONE) surreptitiously pulls a gun from his waist.

BONESYou tired of living, dude?

From behind the counter, STORE EMPLOYEE

STORE EMPLOYEEPlease we don’t want trouble. I call the police.

Clayton backs away. A white flag.

Dexter fades to the back of the room and palms a metal napkin dispenser.

Bones’ posture seems to relax, he backs towards the exit.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:26.

BONESSee you soon, my man.

THUG ONE isn’t ready to settle this another day, though. He raises the gun and fires but Clayton rushes him, knocking him down. The gun slides along the floor to a corner.

All hell breaks loose. Thug Two pulls a knife and goes after Dexter. Dexter has no where to hide or protect himself.

Bones goes for Dexter as well.

Clayton goes for the loose gun, firing at Thug Two mitigating the force as the knife enters Dexter’s arm.

Thug Two falls, dead.

Bones and Clayton turn the guns on each other but Clayton gets off the first shot, grazing Bones in the ear.

Thug One recovers and drives his body into Bones, sending them both out the door to safety. They flee.

Clayton runs to Dexter, who bleeds from his forearm. Bad but not serious.

CLAYTONDex you okay? You okay?

DEXTERpained( )

Damn.

Beat.

CLAYTONYou gotta get outta here. You need to run.

DEXTERI didn’t do shit. We were protecting ourselves.

CLAYTONYou think the police care about that?

Clayton looks down at his stomach. Blood seeps.

The woman who first spoke up calls quietly to Dexter

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:27.

WOMANGet your ass outta here. Police take you down for nothing.

Angle on Thug Two: Eyes open in a last rage, blood covering his lifeless body.

Sirens approach.

Clayton pulls Dexter in.

CLAYTONfighting pain( )

Take care of my boy. Please, for me.

Dexter nods, leaps up and runs out.

On Clayton as police lights fade up on his face.

GO TO BLACK

INT. FATHER THOMAS’ OFFICE - NIGHT

A needle passes through skin.

Dexter’s face winces in pain as Father Thomas sews his wound up.

FATHER THOMASYou get one pass, boy. One. I’m warning you. Stay off the streets.

INT. JAIL - VISITING ROOM - DAY

Clayton talks to Roni on a phone in between the glass wall. No sign of Christopher.

RONIHe ain’t going to testify against you. You just be thankful for that. But I know they listening so that’s all Im gonna say.

CLAYTONHe was coming after me -

RONIThat don’t matter. A man was killed. Only God up there keeping eye. Now who’s gonna help me raise that boy? You his father.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:28.

CLAYTONPlease. Take him to Mercy Home. It's the only place-

RONIYou don’t know shit. How you know about no Mercy Home? Who told you? Some fool?

CLAYTONJust trust me.

Roni looks away and looks back, knowing he's right.

Beat.

CLAYTON (cont'd)Is he here?

Roni gets up and exits. A beat before Christopher enters. He’s been crying. He picks up the phone. Just the sight of his dad lights up his eyes.

CLAYTON (CONT’D)Hey buddy.

CHRISTOPHERHi Daddy.

CLAYTONI’m not gonna be here long okay? Just have to straighten it all out.

beat; sotto( )Look at me. You’re going to be okay. I promise you. I promise you.

Christopher nods, drops the phone and walks out, his head buried.

INT. MERCY HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS - 2 WEEKS LATER

It's a rainy Chicago day... Dexter enters the administration area from the back entrance. He places Great Expectations down on the table. He overhears a conversation Pam is having with a client.

RONII really can't do it on my own, and he... his father.. got in some trouble, and I just need some help, he's a real good kid...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:29.

Reveal it’s Roni. Christopher sits in the opposite end of the room, looking lost.

Roni finishes signing a stack of documents and hands them to Pam.

PAMYou missed this ... you need to sign here also. What's the boy's name?

WOMANChristopher.

Dexter starts at the mention of the name, realizing it's Roni and Christopher. He moves closer to the office.

PAMChristopher. Would you like some cocoa?

RONINervous; loud( )

She axed you if, you want cocoa, Answer her.

He doesn’t respond.

PAMI’ll be right with you.

Pam gets up and walks back towards the kitchen.

Roni leans down to Christopher to speak to him.

RONIYou stay right here for a minute. Mommy forgot her cigarettes in the car. I'll be right back.

CHRISTOPHEROk mom. You'll be right back?

RONIRight back.

Roni turns and walks away, giving a quick glance back. Christopher meets her eyes, then looks down. He knows she is not coming back.

After a beat, Dexter walks in to the lobby where Christopher is sitting.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:30.

DEXTERHey Christopher, I'm Dexter. One of the volunteer staff here at Mercy Home.

Christopher takes a moment....

CHRISTOPHERI know you. You know my daddy.

DEXTERI do, yeah.

CHRISTOPHERMy daddy in trouble but he say he didn’t do nothing.

DEXTERWell, maybe he didn’t.

CHRISTOPHERMy momma said she coming back.

Dexter goes to the window and meets Roni’s eyes as she pulls off in a car. He also recognizes Bones in the drivers seat, his ear still bandaged.

CHRISTOPHER (cont'd)(dipping his head to hide the tears) She said she coming back.

Dexter reaches out to grab Chris' hand.

DEXTERYa.

beat( )You hungry?

Christopher doesn’t respond. Dexter sees a tear land on the table. He goes to him and lightly strokes his head.

INT. JOLIET CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. JOLIET, ILLINOIS

Dexter sits across from Clayton in the brightly lit yet dingy prison visiting room.

DEXTERHe looked good. He’s a fighter like his pop.

CLAYTONAnd you can watch him? He’s ok?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:31.

DEXTERI mean he’s gotta get used to it you know? Its a different environment. There’s some rough kids but think about his options.

shaking his head( )His mom. And Bones...? you don’t mess with that.

beat( )He’s getting a clean start.

Clayton nods, trying to keep positive.

DEXTER (cont'd)What’s going on with the case?

CLAYTONThe lady who was there, the one who spoke up to Bones...my lawyer said she wont testify. She’s scared. And the employees don’t wanna get involved. Nobody wants to get involved.

DEXTERSo I’ll testify! We were protecting-

Knowing they might be overheard, Clayton, cuts in quickly. And lies in case authorities are listening.

Clayton eyes Dexter to “shut up”

CLAYTONYou ain’t gonna lie and say you were there. You’re just gonna cause more trouble. They know they’re gang- bangers and thieves. It’ll all come out.

A beat between them.

INT. MERCY HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS STUDY ROOM. LATER THAT WEEK

A dorm room full of sleeping kids. Except One.

Chris lies awake confused, sad. Alone.

CLAYTON (V.O.)Just stay clean. If you get involved who’s gonna look after Chris?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:32.

INT. MERCY HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS DORM ROOM. LATER THAT WEEK

Dexter, pencil in hand, sits down at a table with Christopher going over some math problems. It's clear Dex has a passion for this and cherishes this interaction with Christopher.

DEXTERHow's school going?

CHRISTOPHERCool.

DEXTERAlright. What are we studying tonight?

CHRISTOPHERMath.

DEXTERGood thing I came prepared.

Dexter opens up a math workbook.

During this exchange, an orientation group is checking out the facilities. Maureen brings up the rear and peeks in on Dexter and Christopher. She internalizes her admiration for the interaction. Christopher catches her eye, after a small smile she moves on with the group.

DEXTER (cont'd)What's 3 times 6?

CHRISTOPHER

DEXTER (cont'd)Great, good job. 10 times 10?

CHRISTOPHEREasy. 100.

DEXTEROK, genius. Guess we need to step up the math game for you. My bad!

CHRISTOPHERYeah, maybe so.

Beat( )Some of the other kids told me you used to stay here.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:33.

DEXTERYeah. I did for a while.

CHRISTOPHERDid you have a nerd help you with your homework too?

Dexter does a slow burn to Christopher and shows the slightest hint of a smile, with the realization that somewhere in there, this kid has the heart, soul and quick wit of his dad.

INT. MERCY HOME GYM. LATER THAT NIGHT

Dexter and Chris play on one end of the gym while a 3 on 3 game goes on on the other side.

DEXTERHave you been working on your crossover?

CHRISTOPHERYou been working on yours?

Chris smiles, dribbles, crosses over, shoots, and scores. He is exceptionally quick. Dexter’s limp is a bit more noticeable on the basketball court.

DEXTERWhat's your 50 time?

CHRISTOPHERWhat?

DEXTER50 yard dash?

CHRISTOPHER7 flat...

DEXTERPretty good.

CHRISTOPHERDamn good.

Chris hits another layup.

DEXTERWhat's your 100 time?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:34.

CHRISTOPHER13 flat

DEXTERdoubting( )

What? 13?

CHRISTOPHERAntonio timed me. He got an iPhone

DEXTERThat a school record?

CHRISTOPHER(mummbling)

I don’t know.

DEXTERWhat’d your coach say?

Christopher shrugs. Beat.

DEXTER (CONT’D)Why didn’t your coach time you?

CHRISTOPHERI don’t know. Coach don’t know I’m fast like that.

On Dexter...he figures it out.

DEXTERsotto to himself( )

Because you don’t have a coach.

INT. MERCY HOME CAFETERIA - THE NEXT DAY

Dexter is sitting with a group of kids of mixed ethnicities having dinner. The kids are loud and obnoxious. TONY, a 12 year old, cocky, Italian kid who thinks he’s a rapper, is in the middle of a performance.

TONYHis name is Dex and he's ugly like a T-rex. Feel my flow and see the effects. I wreck the mic so show me respect.

Father Thomas approaches the table and Tony abruptly stops rapping. The table falls silent. Thomas’ authority is clear.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:35.

DEXTERThank you for dinner, Father.

FATHER THOMASBoys, you know Mr. Park (Dexter) used to be a resident here just like yourselves. I hope some of you return to help out when you're older.

TONYI'll try to fit it into my schedule. Cuz, you know between record deals, movies and endorsements -

Tony stops short realizing he’s out of line. The boys brace.

The slightest of grin comes over Thomas.

FATHER THOMASIs that right?

The kids exhale. Tony lights up

TONYYou know it.

remembering( )Sir!

Chris enters unnoticed except by Dexter.

Two tables away, a group of well dressed volunteers are dining together, including Maureen.

Chris, seeing that there is no room at Dexter’s table, goes to set his tray at an empty table near Maureen.

MAUREENHey. Chris, right?

CHRISTOPHERshy( )

Um hum.

MAUREENSit here. With us.

He does.

MAUREEN (cont'd)I'm Maureen.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:36.

MAUREEN (cont'd)You new here? How do you like it so far?

Shrug.

MAUREEN (cont'd)Food’s pretty bad. The lasagne’s ok. Wednesdays are rough: Macarooni and Sneeze. Friday’s good because they have Blondies.

He looks over.

CHRISTOPHERWhat’s that?

MAUREENWhat....you don’t know Blondies? Brownies with chocolate chips and a little bit of coconut. You like coconut?

CHRISTOPHERshrugs( )

I don’t know. ...brownies pretty good.

Beat

MAUREENAre you a friend of Dexter’s?

CHRISTOPHERYa, I guess. He knows my daddy.

MAUREENOkay.

CHRISTOPHERThey’re friends.

MAUREENlooking at Dexter( )

Seems like a good guy.beat( )

You play basketball?

Finally some fire in his eyes.

CHRISTOPHERYes, Mam.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:37.

MAUREENHeard he’s a good basketball player. He’ll probably beat you.

CHRISTOPHER(under his breath but audible)Don’t think so.

FADE TO:

INT. MERCY HOME RECREATION ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT

Dexter and Chris are both sweating, watching their videogame alter egos boxing.

DEXTERLeft! Left! Left! You're going down in 2.

CHRISTOPHERKeep your hands up, punk.

DEXTER(Imitating a sports commentator)He goes to the body like no one else from this century.

Chris’s alter ego on the screen is wobbling and goes down. Dexter wins and he starts breaking out all kinds of dance moves celebrating his win as the victory music plays. Chris falls to the ground laughing at Dexter’s bad dancing. When Dexter is done, Dexter massages his own knees and grimaces.

CHRISTOPHERMan, you're old. Hey, by the way, that tutor Maureen was asking about you earlier.

DEXTERWhat was she asking?

CHRISTOPHERNothing.

Dexter pulls out a dollar.

DEXTERWhat was she asking?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:38.

CHRISTOPHERsarcastic( )

Wanted to know your shoe size. I don’t know - just girl stuff.

DEXTERLike?

Holds out a $5.

CHRISTOPHERWhy you're such a chump!

Chris snatches Dexter's money and runs out of the room. Dexter takes off after him, but Chris is exceptionally quick.

They laugh down the hall.

EXT. INNER CITY CONSTRUCTION SITE, CHICAGO, THE FOLLOWING DAY.

Dexter sits on break down the street from the site - getting some peace away from the machinery. Four black and hispanic teens dash by the site, Rowdy but without malice.

A police cruiser passes them. Honks. They all wave back at OFFICER JOHNSON, black, 50, seen it all.

SMART-ASS KIDin good fun( )

Library’s that way, right?

OFFICER JOHNSONYour girlfriend is on the phone, let me ask her.

Everyone cracks up.

Johnson stops. Looks at Dexter, friendly.

OFFICER JOHNSON (cont'd)How ya doing?

DEXTERServing the city, just like you.

OFFICER JOHNSONWish they’d pay us more. What's your name?

DEXTERDexter Park.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:39.

OFFICER JOHNSONPaul Johnson.

DEXTERYeah, I know.

Dexter pulls out his wallet, removing a business card.

DEXTER (cont'd)You gave me your card.

OFFICER JOHNSONOh, right. I remember you now. The construction crew hero.

Laughs( )

DEXTERHa. I suppose so.(Looking at the dashboard)Those your kids?

OFFICER JOHNSONYeah, when they're angels. When they're not, they're Missus Johnson's kids.

A drugged out WHITE MAN comes around the corner. He’s high, jittery. Speeded up. Each car he passes, he gives the driver's side window a solid punch.

OFFICER JOHNSON (CONT’D)Excuse me

Officer Johnson gets out of his car and gauges his approach. The White Man just now notices the cop car.

OFFICER JOHNSON (CONT’D) (cont'd)Wanna take a seat?

WHITE MANNo.

OFFICER JOHNSONIt wasn’t a question.

Johnson approaches him with purpose.

OFFICER JOHNSON (CONT’D)Don’t mess up your day more than you have to.

The Man makes a run for it but Johnson’s quick. He launches his baton at the mans legs and he goes down.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:40.

Johnson overtakes him but the man brandishes a knife. Johnson kicks it away and in a second he’s cuffed.

OFFICER JOHNSON (CONT’D) (cont'd)22 calling for back up. I have a 10- 14. Suspect in custody.

DISPATCHCopy 22. Location.

OFFICER JOHNSONlooking around( )

Brookline and -

DEXTER23rd. Brookline and 23rd.

OFFICER JOHNSONBrookline and 23rd.

Seems like only seconds before back up shows up. Rookies take over the minutia.

Johnson looks to Dexter, nods his head in gratitude. Takes off.

OFFICER JOHNSON (CONT’D)Be safe kid.

DEXTERThanks, back at you

OFFICER JOHNSONPiece of cake.

Johnson drives away.

As Dexter is gathering his tools, he notices that the school bus is dropping kids off on the corner. The kids gather around the crossing guard and they are all looking at an ice cream truck across the street.

CROSSING GUARDYou kids hungry?

The children follow the Crossing Guard to the truck and they each place their order. He pays for all of them. Dexter is moved by this simple act and heads to a truck where he breaks down in tears

After a few moments, he sees Joe crosses to him.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:41.

JOEAre you ok?

Beat( )What did the cop want?

DEXTERI've seen him out here before, after the shooting. Gave me his card and said they could station an officer out here if any of us were ever working alone.

JOEGood to know. But next time, you take off right away. Equipment can be replaced... family cannot.

DEXTERFamily?

JOEYeah, you boys are my family out here. One big messed up family.

Chuckles( )

DEXTERThat's real nice Joe.

JOEDon't get all sappy on me. It's not that great, ask my real kids, nobody's voting me dad-of-the-year.

beat( )I'll see you tomorrow.

Joe leaves and Dexter starts to drive away slowly.

INT. MERCY HOME BASKETBALL GYM. LATER THAT NIGHT.

Chris sits in a far corner of the bleachers quasi-paying attention to a rough game of kids and staff playing a 5v5. Including wise-ass rapper Tony.

Dexter enters. He notices Chris. He dribbles a bit and shoots some warm up hoops near Chris.

DEXTERWhat's up?

beat( )See your mom? Saw she was coming by on the schedule.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:42.

Nothing from Chris. Dexter stops shooting.

DEXTER (CONT’D)She didn’t come then?

CHRISTOPHERbad liar( )

Doesn’t matter.

Dexter sinks a 3 pointer. And keeps sinking one after another.

DEXTERMy favorite player was D Rose. For a long time. But bad knees, you know. Then I switched to - and you can switch by the way - to Westbrook. Guy's unstoppable.

Dexter hard bounces a ball directly at Chris who instinctively traps it.

DEXTER (CONT’D)Sorry about your mom.

Chris rises. He sinks a few nice ones but can’t hit from the pocket.

DEXTER (CONT’D) (cont'd)Aim for the glass, not the net.

CHRISTOPHERThat’s not-

DEXTERThe glass not the net.

Chris does and .... sinks it. Repeats.

CHRISTOPHERWho’s better, you or my dad?

DEXTERDepends on which one of us you ask.

CHRISTOPHERHe can get around anyone and get to the rim.

DEXTERYeah. You ever see the Bulls?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:43.

CHRISTOPHERnodding yes( )

One time we saw ‘em play. Some man gave him tickets. And we sat pretty far down near the floor. Got hot dogs and nachos and snow cones and -

DEXTERCotton candy?

CHRISTOPHERNo that stuff’s no good for you.

Dexter laughs.

An argument breaks out in the 5v5. Two guys storm off. A STAFF MEMBER yells to Dex and Chris

STAFF MEMBERHey we’re down two pussies. Wanna play?

Chris looks uncomfortable. Dexter whispers to him.

DEXTERThey got nothin.

The game gets rough right away but soon Dexter and Chris’ team dominate which angers opposing player Tony in particular.

TONYTo Chris( )

Who's your daddy?

Dexter hears it. Chris doesn't respond.

TONY (cont'd)I said, who's your daddy, punk?

Chris stops.

CHRISTOPHERDon't talk about my dad.

TONYI'm your daddy.

Tony sinks a deep 3-pointer then shoves Christopher to the ground.

Although twice his size, Chris violently attacks Tony and gets in a blood-drawing shot before it can be broken up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:44.

CHRISTOPHERDon’t talk about my dad!

Chris is disproportionately angry, almost rabid -

Several adults come and yell at things to calm. Dexter holds Chris down.

DEXTERCalm down. Calm down!

STAFF MEMBERGo sit down! We don’t play that shit around here.

Chris sulks off to the corner bleacher. Dexter comes.

DEXTERCongratulations, that’s exactly what he wanted you to do.

CHRISTOPHERFuck you!

Dexter loses it and goes to strike Chris who doesn’t even wince. As if he’s been trained to take the hit of whatever adult is supervising him.

Dexter stops himself. Takes a breath.

EXT. SKETCHY POOL HALL, CHICAGO. NIGHT.

Roni gets wasted at the bar with some girl friends. Bones shoots pool with some THUG FRIENDS.

THUG FRIEND ONEThey’re moving Clay in two weeks from Maximum to General Population.

INTERCUT BETWEEN Bar and Prison

INT. PRISON YARD - DAY

A serious barrier divides Maximum Yard section from General Population (GP)

GP has a more lively situation: basketball court, gym weights, chess and checkers area, etc. Clayton lays low on the maximum side. Its stark; just asphalt.

He looks longingly to the court.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:45.

BAR -

Roni comes.

RONIWhat you doin’?

BONESTaking care of business.

RONII going to see my boy.

BONESNah, we see him tomorrow. Gotta surprise for him.

RONIThat boy need somethin or he gone fuck it all up. Clay a fuck up but he good to that boy. Boy needs his daddy.

BONESYa I seen that.

PRISON -

The two thugs watch Clayton through the fence. They look to another inmate in Maximum. A silent look between them signals their prey.

INT. MERCY HOME - OFFICE CUBICAL - EVENING - ONE WEEK LATER.

Dexter reads “Catcher in the Rye” inside his cubicle. A stack of books sit near: Little Women by Alcott, A Separate Peace by Knowles.

It's a quiet evening with a light rain. Maureen walks to the reception desk, looking through some . Dexter watches. He starts to say something but gets shy.

She plugs in the hot pot to boil some water. Waits. Nothing. Checks the outlet and cord. The cord is frayed.

Dexter watches as she snoops through drawers eventually finding her target. She pulls out a roll of electrical tape and wraps the cord. Success. The water heats and she makes her cup.

Dexter takes in her ingenuity. He breaks the silence.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:46.

DEXTERGot room for another cup?

She jumps.

DEXTER (CONT’D)Sorry. Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.

MAUREENNo, you didn’t. Actually yes you did. I thought I was the last one here.

DEXTERUsually I’m gone but

MAUREENCatching up on work? Wait you work early don’t you? In construction.

DEXTERI, ah ya. I was going but just waiting out the storm.

Tires on my truck turn into waterskis when its like this.

MAUREENI see, fair enough.

DEXTERSo just me and my man, Salinger.

MAUREENRe-reading your middle school books? Smart. I should do that. I can’t even remember how half of them go. How can we help our kids if we don’t know the answers. It feels like all the literature we read in college somehow pushed all the good stories away. Like your Catcher in the Rye, right?

DEXTERbeat( )

Ya, gotta keep ahead of ‘em.

MAUREENHow is my man Holden?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:47.

DEXTERHolden Caulfield? Haha You know he’s a good guy stuck in a bad world. He is trying to make the best of his life, though ultimately losing that battle. So whereas he’s aiming for stability and truth, the adult world cannot survive without suspense and lies.

She’s taken aback by his spot on critique.

DEXTER (CONT’D)Its something like....like a testament to his innocence and decent spirit. But ultimately, he might lose, right?

MAUREENlaughing( )

You want me to tell you how it ends?!

DEXTERNah....I think he loses. Its the cards he got dealt.(reflective, hint of sadness)It's his destiny.

Beat. She lightens it.

MAUREENThink there’s a young man who’s fond of you. He might like this. Let his mind go away.

She holds out The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

DEXTERWhat do you mean?

MAUREENI wrote my thesis in child development. Kids dealing with tough situations tend to find comfort in issues that mirror their own but in a fictionalized setting.

DEXTERjoking( )

Does it work for adults?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:48.

MAUREENsmiling( )

Afraid not. No, of course it does.

DEXTERSo rumor has it you’re going for your masters?

MAUREENself-deprecating( )

Something like that.

DEXTERstumbling( )

How do you...? I mean what’s the -

MAUREENlaughing( )

Where am I going?

DEXTERThank you.

MAUREENLike every one else, I’m gunning for the West coast.

DEXTERHa. California?

MAUREENNo I look terrible in a bikini. I’m strictly a one-piece girl. Oregon...Washington, maybe. They have a good program in Portand. I have an application in but it's a hundred to one shot. Really competitive. And you, Mr. Salinger? Where’d you do your undergrad?

DEXTERMy undergrad. Well...I ah...didn’t go to college.

Beat. Dexter’s unease rises to the surface. Maureen easily spots it.

MAUREENI'm sorry, I didn’t mean -

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:49.

DEXTERNo I guess I should take it as a compliment right? I look like a college-boy?

MAUREENYes, yes. You should. I’m really sorry.

DEXTERIt’s all good. I’m um...I’m hoping to...I’m studying to get my GED. Ashamed to say I don’t even have my high school diploma. I’m not re-reading these. I’m reading them. First time.

Silent beat. Maureen searches. The mutual attraction is there for both of them but the social divide mounts.

A BEEP from outside. She goes the window.

MAUREENThat’s my sister.

She takes a breath

MAUREEN (CONT’D)Well, if you ever want to go over some of this stuff, let me know. I could really use the brush up.

She loses her nerve.

MAUREEN (CONT’D) (cont'd)I mean only if you want to.

DEXTERRight. No, I definitely want to. It seems pretty basic to me but some of the questions go into this other stratosphere.

MAUREENYes, Academics like to complicate simple stuff. Makes them feel important.

DEXTERTruth is, I never really thought I was smart enough for all that college stuff. I’m okay at remembering things though.

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:50.

Facts, numbers, things I read. DEXTER (cont'd)

Foster dad called it a, um... parlor trick, that's it.

MAUREENYou seem pretty smart to me. What you just said about Caulfield was not a "parlor trick." I've seen you with the kids too. Give yourself more credit.

Nervousness. Dexter feels awkward, but can't help crack a little smile. The ice broken. Beat.

DEXTERCan I email you?

She writes her number, drops it and goes.

MAUREENToo slow. Call me. I don’t get much sleep these days so try to keep it before midnight and after 6. Let me know what Chris thinks of the book.

Done. She’s gone. He watches her navigate the rain and dip into her sister’s car.

He looks at the number. Committing it to his heart.

INT. MERCY HOME TUTORING ROOM. A FEW WEEKS LATER

Dexter and Christopher are talking. Two copies of the book sit close. They’re playing a video game.

CHRISTOPHERThe Lion is really like a Christ figure. He was killed see, just like Jesus. Like Crucified or whatever they call it.

DEXTERCool huh?

CHRISTOPHERWell ya, oool that he came back and blasted those fools.

DEXTERLike I’m about to blast you.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:51.

CHRISTOPHERIn your dreams.

Dexter notices the time.

DEXTERHey your mom’s going to be here any second. Better get ready.

Christopher deflates momentarily but recovers.

DEXTER (CONT'D)You doing ok with her?

CHRISTOPHERI guess.

DEXTERShe’s your mom. You’re lucky to have her.

It's cliche and in truth Dexter doesn’t buy it himself but he’s got to keep a positive front.

They walk to the dorm.

CHRISTOPHERSo, when you finally going to go out with her?

DEXTERWith?

CHRISTOPHEROk you want to play stupid?

Beat( )I've got people on the inside.

DEXTEROh, you got it all figured out don't you?

CHRISTOPHERShe likes you.

DEXTERA. You don’t know what you’re talking about. B. She’s out of my league and C. She’s wayyyyyyyy out of my league. I haven't even seen her for a while.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:52.

CHRISTOPHERBecause you stopped coming in on Tuesdays and Thursdays when she’s here-

DEXTERI close the site those days -

beat( )I'm going to call her.

CHRISTOPHERShoot, I'll be old enough to date her by the time you call.

DEXTERForceful( )

I'll call her.

Pam shouts down the hall.

PAMChristopher your mom is here.

EXT. MERCY HOME - SAME

Roni waits at the sidewalk. She looks to the car where Bones sits, impatient.

CUT TO:

INT. DEXTER'S TRUCK/MAUREEN'S OFFICE, LATER THAT EVENING.

Dexter is rifling through his truck, trying to find the paper with Maureen's number. His frustration building as he can't find it, he pulls out his wallet, and it's not there. He pulls out his phone anyway, testing his memory.

MAUREEN (O.S.)Hello.

DEXTERHi, Maureen?

REMAINDER OF CONVERSATION CUTS BETWEEN DEXTER AND MAUREEN

Maureen is working in her office, documents strewn across her desk as she frantically works on her laptop while talking on speaker.

MAUREENHi. Who's this?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:53.

DEXTERIt's me. I mean, it's Dex, from Mercy Home?

MAUREENHey.

DEXTERSorry, just been busy with work and things, you know?

MAUREENTell me about it.

DEXTERI was WONDERING...Well, finished my book. Two books actually. I was wondering if your offer still stood.

MAUREENNo expiration date. But its going to cost you a glass of wine.

CUT TO:

INT. CAFE IBERICO TAPAS BAR, LATER THAT NIGHT.

The place is colorful, lively. A mix between young professionals, dating couples and students hitting the books.

Dexter and Maureen are seated at a table looking out on to the wintery Chicago street. Dexter’s books sit close.

MAUREENHow did you find this place?

DEXTERMy neighbor’s niece’s cousin’s husband

MAUREENNeighbor’s niece’s....cousin. You lost me on the geneology but I’m with you.

DEXTERYa we have some big families going on. So he goes to school at City college.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:54.

MAUREENI was beginning to think you were avoiding me.

DEXTERI've just been busy with work, and dealing with some other things.

Maureen starts laughing.

DEXTER (CONT’D)What?

MAUREENYou've got mortar splatter on your ear.

DEXTERHow do you even know what mortar splatter looks like? I mean it coulda been concrete... or stucco.

MAUREENNo, mortar wouldn’t have the grain. Or stucco. Mortar is for finishing.

off his blank stare( )My dad works in the trades.

DEXTERThat's cool. Who does he work for?

MAUREENHe owns his own firm.

DEXTERNice.

MAUREENDo you like your work?

DEXTERIt's ok. Pays well, I enjoy the guys and being outdoors.

MAUREENDoesn't sound like a ringing endorsement.

DEXTERTo be honest, I want to teach and coach full time. But...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:55.

MAUREENBut?

The two smile at each other.

MAUREEN (CONT’D)Pause( )

Why did it take you so long to call?

DEXTERDidn’t want to bother you and...I'm used to being alone.

MAUREENWhy do you like being alone?

DEXTERI didn't say I liked it. It's just what I'm used to.

MAUREENNot really close with your family?

DEXTERDon't really have a family. Are you close to yours?

MAUREENI love them, but I work a lot so I don't see them much. What do you mean you don't have a family?

DEXTERMy parents weren't really around, so my Nana took care of me. I got into some trouble and got taken away from her. Spent time in foster care, and now she's gone. So... no family.

MAUREENDid you ever try to contact your parents?

DEXTERMy mom died. Looked around for my dad but - I don’t know. I already know what I’m going to find so....if it happens, it happens. I know it sounds crazy but I’m at peace with it. Some people aren’t and I get it but I just am. No pity parties here.

A server arrives at the table.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:56.

SERVERDo you need a minute?

DEXTERTo Maureen( )

May I?

MAUREENPlease.

DEXTERSangria, por vavor. Y Calamares a la Plancha, Pincho de Pollo, Tortilla Espanola, Ganbas Al Ajillo, y Patatas Bravas.

Maureen and the server are both surprised and impressed by Dexter's Spanish.

MAUREENWhat just happened?

DEXTERAbout?...Oh I work with a lot of Latinos.

MAUREENSo do I, it doesn’t mean I speak Spanish.

DEXTERI guess I just picked it up, you know.

MAUREENWhat other tricks do you have up your sleeve?

Dexter smiles.

DEXTERWho me?

INT. ARCADE - NIGHT

Christopher sits with Roni and Bones in front of a half-eaten pizza, some wings, soda, chips. Wonderful, healthy meal.

Christopher looks to the arcade where kids are playing games. Bones notices. Roni is clueless.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:57.

RONIskeptical( )

And you like them books? Thought you was reading comic books. You don’t have to read all that stuff they give you. That ain’t right.

BONESNah, this boy’s smart. He done with comic book shit. Ain’t you boy?

Roni grabs the soda cup and goes for a refill.

BONES (CONT’D)Smart enough to make your own decisions. Right?

CHRISTOPHERI guess.

BONESDon’t guess. I know you are.

beat( )You gonna take care your mom like I do. Be a man and make your own money. Come work for me.

Christopher looks up. He shifts uncomfortably, instinctually uneasy with the offer.

BONES (CONT’D)Make some hard-earned dollars.

Bones slides a shiny bag of golden game tokens to Chris.

BONES (CONT’D) (cont'd)Go on. Go have fun. Work hard and play hard.

Christopher goes, psyched to go play but contemplating the offer.

EXT DOWNTOWN CHICAGO CONSTRUCTION SITE.

Dexter’s favorite incessant horn honking operator, Sam, is at it again directing trucks that are dumping stone. A lot of beautiful women are passing by the job.

SAMMaria! I love you!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:58.

"Maria" winks at Sam and walks on by, but he is quickly distracted by a trucker backing up traffic, struggling to get in to the work one. Sam honks at the trucker and directs him in.

Dexter and Joe are prepping for the concrete pour, Joe bent over with full on plumber's crack.

JOEI’m gonna fire that guy, I swear. On a stack of freakin’ bibles.

DEXTERNone of my business but he’s a damn good operator.

JOEYou’re right, it is none of you’re damn business. I need Tylenol every time I work with him.

Fast as lightning Dexer drops two Tylenol into Joe’s hand.

JOE (CONT’D)Seriously, you just saved that man’s life.

Sam is honking incessantly again, this time at another hot girl.

JOE AND DEXTERShut up!!

INT. JOLIET CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. JOLIET, ILLINOIS.

Dexter and Clayton sit between a plexiglass wall Clayton looks gaunt, unshaven, and his eyes are glazed over.

CLAYTONHow's he doing?

DEXTERHe's good, man. Working on a sick crossover. Good in school too.

Clayton lights up for a moment.

DEXTER (CONT’D)How are you doing?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:59.

CLAYTONI'm alive. Has he heard from his mom?

DEXTERHe saw her a few times. With that fool. Not recently though, I don't think she's doing too well.

CLAYTONBones?

DEXTERYeah, he likes to lure kids off the street get ‘em carrying drugs. Chris too smart for that shit.

Clayton smiles, but quickly turns somber. They are silent for a moment.

DEXTER (CONT’D)You should let him come and see you. You'd be so proud of him. He’s reading books -

CLAYTONI don’t want him to see me like this. They transferred me to GP and I see the judge in a few days. Public Defender found some witness, who gonna talk on my behalf.

DEXTERIf I could change places with you right now I would.

CLAYTONYou won’t have to. I’m done man. Outta here.

CLAYTON (cont'd)Enough about me. How you doin man?

DEXTERMet a girl.

CLAYTONYou dog, you! Don't screw it up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:60.

DEXTERShe's way out of my league, hopefully I can keep fooling her long enough that she never realizes that! Chris actually helped set it up.

Clayton laughs.

DEXTER (cont'd)Clay... Let Chris come see you.

Clayton gets up and motions to the guard to take him back to his cell. He puts his fist up to the glass and Dexter does the same.

CLAYTONI'll see you, Dex. On the right side.

DEXTERSee you, Clay.

Clayton walks through the prison door, giving one last glance back to his friend.

EXT. PRISON - NIGHT

Dexter drives. He calls Maureen.

DEXTERHey guess what?

MAUREENYou just finished War and Peace and you’re learning French.

DEXTERSilly girl. No, Clayton caught a break.

Intercut with:

INT. JOLIET CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, GENERAL POPULATION, CONTINUOUS.

Clayton heads back to his cell, but takes a detour to the john. Two prisoners follow. At the urinal doing his business, he hears footsteps, turns his head and sees the prisoners, one hispanic (PRISONER 1) one black (PRISONER 2). The black prisoner has the same tattoo on his neck as Bones. Clayton finishes and turns around.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:61.

PRISONER 1Bones has a message for you.

Prisoner 2 suddenly lunges towards Clayton. Driving a SHIV into his side repeatedly until Clayton falls to the ground, blood pooling under him. The prisoners drop the shiv and run off.

DEXTER’S TRUCK -

DEXTERHe may get out as early as next week.

MAUREENThat’s good.

DEXTERChris is gonna flip.

MAUREENYou shouldn’t tell him, Dexter. The legal system is full of tangles. Promise me you wont tell him until-

PRISON -

Clayton bleeds out. A tear falls from his eye and he takes a last breath.

DEXTEROk. You’re right. But I can’t wait to see the look in his eyes when he finds out his dad is coming home.

EXT. STREETS OF CHICAGO. LATER

Bones interacts with a couple of young STREET KIDS, handing them each a package while looking around for anyone watching.

An older kid approaches, hands Bones a wad of cash.

BONESDelivery go ok?

(TOO ON THE NOSE; how about: “You right on time”. I mean these guys would have some code phrases right?

OLDER KIDYep.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:62.

BONESAnd the other business?

OLDER KIDIt's done.

BONESGood, here's a little bonus.

Bones hands him a small baggie. The older kid immediately heads to the alley, away from onlookers, and shoots up.

INT. MERCY HOME REC ROOM. THE NEXT DAY

Dexter and Chris are mid-game. A rough 2v2. Both drenched in sweat.

DEXTERYou want to compete with St. Lawrence or Joyce Prep? You have to think faster, you have to work harder. (driving to the basket, scoring) You have to be tougher.

Chris recoups. Bracing for the next attack.

DEXTER (CONT’D)Father Thomas give you any news?

CHRISTOPHERNo. About what?

DEXTERYou don’t ask the questions. I ask the questions.

Dexter makes a move and blasts into Christopher who goes down hard.

Dexter fans out from the 3. Blood drips from Chris’ nose.

DEXTER (CONT’D)You can’t guard point from the outside. Player will just force you in. All the good guards. Magic, Isaiah, they stop the drive from inside-

Dexter drives hard but Chris goes into him with equal conviction and immense speed. This time and despite the 100 pound difference, Chris blows into Dexter. The impact throws them both back.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:63.

They hit the ground, breathless and bruised.

Off Chris’ bleeding cut.

DEXTER (CONT’D) (cont'd)Need a bandaid?

CHRISTOPHERNo. You?

Dexter follows Chris’ eyes. Sure enough, Dexter is bleeding too. They laugh despite themselves.

DEXTERNot bad little man. Maureen’s going to ask what happened to me.

CHRISTOPHERHa ha. You're so whipped.

DEXTERTell me about it.

CHRISTOPHERPause( )

Where did you learn to play?

DEXTERHere and there. Foster home I lived in for awhile. Bunch ball rats. One guy played college.

CHRISTOPHERAny good?

DEXTERNah.

CHRISTOPHERWas he cool?

DEXTERBeat( )

No.

CHRISTOPHERThen why did you live with him?

DEXTERHe gave me a job.

CHRISTOPHERSo you had to live with him?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:64.

DEXTERI was his apprentice. When you're someone's apprentice, you play by their rules. Don’t question.

Dexter takes a big swig of water.

CHRISTOPHERWhat did you do for him?

DEXTERCarpenter's apprentice.

CHRISTOPHERWere you good?

DEXTERThat was the problem. I was better than him.

CHRISTOPHERWhy'd you stay?

DEXTERMoney. Food. A warm bed.

CHRISTOPHERWhy did you leave?

DEXTERBeat my shit up. All the time. No matter if I did a good job.

CHRISTOPHERDid you ever fight back?

DEXTERThe day I left. I was doing the dishes. He sucker punched me. I had it. I turned and smacked his head. Knocked his ass out.

CHRISTOPHERDamn, with one punch.

DEXTERHis bad timing. I was washing a skillet. 10 pound. Grabbed my stuff and never looked back.

beat( )Point guard.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:65.

CHRISTOPHERWhat?

DEXTERFrom now on you play point.

CHRISTOPHERWhat? Why? I can’t-

DEXTERRun.

CHRISTOPHERWhat?

DEXTERSpeed. It's your gift.

They look at each other. This is good stuff.

Father Thomas enters the gym. Dexter brightens. Knows its the good news about Christopher’s father.

But Thomas face reads something else.

FATHER THOMASChristopher. Need to talk to you son.

Dexter’s confused. Chris goes slowly to Thomas. He knows bad news when its on the way.

They depart.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - THE NEXT DAY

Dexter works away. Phone rings. Checks the number. Mercy Home.

FATHER THOMASDexter?

Pause( )Chris is missing.

DEXTERWhat do you mean?

FATHER THOMASWoke up this morning. He was gone. Broke out through the basement.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:66.

DEXTERThat doesn’t make sense.

FATHER THOMASHave you seen him?

DEXTERNo. No! What do you mean he’s gone.

FATHER THOMASIt's Clayton. It's his father.

DEXTERWhat about him?

FATHER THOMASHe’s dead, Dexter. Killed on the inside.

Dexter goes numb.

FATHER THOMAS (CONT’D)I’m sorry, I know he meant a lot to you.

beat( )Dexter? Dexter? Listen to me. Let the police handle it. I just called to see if you had heard from him. He’s probably with his mom.

DEXTERYou should have told me. Why didn’t you tell me?

FATHER THOMASThat was my call, son. I didn’t think it was a good idea. You need to keep a level head.

Off Dexter....

EXT. STREETS OF CHICAGO - DAY

Dexter enters the ‘hood. Rife with drugs, thugs and street life. He walks with cautious strength.

Begin Montage:

- 7-8 year-olds on bikes

- 12 year-olds eyeing the world cautiously.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:67.

- Old woman on porch.

- Women in tight shorts

- Middle aged father bearing the weight of the world

Dexter drives to 55th and Loomis Avenue. He passes a piece of plywood nailed to a tree. On it is a spray painted message: "STOP KILLING EACH OTHER!" A young, teenager stumbles by, high as a kite, puke all over his shirt and pants.

Dexter searches in vein for Christopher.

On the phone: He calls Joe at the construction site.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - SAME

JOENo problem. Feel better. See you tomorrow

EXT. CHICAGO LAKEFRONT. LATER THAT DAY

Dexter is alone and drunk, sitting on the rocks overlooking Lake Michigan.

DEXTERTo himself( )

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver him out of them all."

Dexter grabs a beer from the half-drunk six pack by his side, opens it and takes a drink.

DEXTER (CONT’D)Where'd you go, kid?

FADE TO:

INT. MERCY HOME. THE NEXT DAY

Dexter approaches Pam at her desk in the lobby.

DEXTERHey there. Uh, sorry to bother you, are you busy?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:68.

PAMWhen am I not busy?

Looks up above the (glasses perched on her nose)

Go ahead.

DEXTERA couple of the girls were telling me there are no clean towels in the locker room.

PAMThose girls.... I just stocked up. Time to enforce the one-towel rule again.

Beat( )I'll be back. Mind the phones, will you?

DEXTERSure thing.

When the coast is clear Dexter sneaks opens the door in the file closet and rifles through the folders. He grabs Christopher's file and commits the information to memory.

INSERT: Roni’s listed address.

Dexter hears Pam come sooner than expected forcing him to shove the paper in his back pocket, hop out of the back room and into her chair, just in time.

EXT. RONI’S NEIGHBORHOOD. LATER THAT DAY

Dexter approaches the address listed for Roni. It's an abandoned store front.

Frustrated, he goes a few doors down and slips into...

INT. ‘HOOD BAR - CONTINUOUS.

Dexter sidles to the back of the bar sipping a beer. Soon after, two thugs come in. Dexter recognizes one as a friend of Bones. He slips back into the darkness, watching. Biding his time.

CONTINUED:69.

INT. MERCY HOME. THAT SAME DAY

Pam and Father Thomas go through the same file cabinet, Christopher’s file. A detective and two uniformed Chicago police officers stand nearby. They both notice they are missing some critical pages.

PAMQuietly so the (police can't hear)

Dexter.

Father Thomas knows. Shakes his head and sighs, the reality of the situation permeates his being.

Maureen enters. Off her look....

EXT - DEXTER’S TRUCK - STREETS OF CHICAGO - DUSK

Dexter follows the thugs through town. Soon they pull up to

A MID-LEVEL HOUSE. It’s in decent shape relative to the neighborhood.

Dexter parks, watches at a distance

Bones emerges and converses with the thugs.

Soon a boy comes from the house. Timid. Slow. His eyes are covered with a baseball cap pulled down low, making it impossible to see who it is.

The boy looks up. It's Christopher.

Dexter gets out of his car. He walks to the opposite curb revealing himself. Bones spots him first. Then Christopher.

Bones pulls Christopher’s face into his. He says something inaudible and Christopher slouches then heads back into the house.

Bones turns back to Dexter, a cold stare.

Confident, Bones chuckles and walks down the street with his pals.

Dexter is powerless.

DEXTERTo himself( )

I made a promise. I’m not going to let you go.

(CONTINUED)

70.

END MONTAGE

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - THE NEXT DAY

Dexter works like a man possessed. Joe comes. Grumpy mood.

JOEI got 3 days before Compliance is breathing down my neck again. Phillips is out. You’re taking his crew -

DEXTERI don’t - I’m struggling with my own guys.

JOEI’m not asking you. I’m telling you.

DEXTERI got some other stuff on my plate now, Joe.

JOELook at me. I’m not a doctor. I’m not a lawyer. I’m not smart like most people. But I made it here. And I gotta nice house and a nice yard and I put up Christmas lights. Point is, I made sacrifices, Dexter. You’re good. One of the best. But you have to make a choice.

Joe goes.

EXT/INT. MERCY HOME - DUSK

Dexter rushes up the stairs and barrels into the lobby.

DEXTERFather, Pam, I found him -

He stops abruptly. Roni is there, sober somehow. A file in her hands. The same Detective stands close along with Child Services.

Officer Johnson is next to Father Thomas.

His face drops.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:71.

DEXTER (CONT’D)to Roni( )

What’s she doing here?realizes( )

You can’t.

FATHER THOMASDexter -

DEXTERYou can’t let her take him.

FATHER THOMASEnough.

Father Thomas grabs Dexter and forces him into the hallway. Dexter yells.

DEXTERNo.

to Detective and (Child Services)

You don’t understand. He’s going to die out there. He’s got no chance.

FATHER THOMASShut your mouth. That’s the way it is.

INT. FATHER THOMAS’ OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Father Thomas pushes Dexter into his office and slams the door shut. Both are at high volume

Officer Johnson watches.

DEXTERYou have no idea what you’re doing. They’re gonna force him to sell drugs They-

FATHER THOMASShut your damn mouth. You don’t think I know that? You don’t think I’ve scraped kids like him off the street and put them in a coffin? You don’t think it kills me? It does. Every time.

beat( )That’s his mom out there. At least he has that -

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:72.

DEXTERShe’s a junkie! She’s a fucking hooker.

Thomas whacks him across the face.

FATHER THOMASThat boy is not your problem. You understand me? He has a home. Services checked it out. That’s more than I can say for three quarters of the kids in this damn place. I have no choice. She’s his mom. And she has rights. Just like you and just like me.

beat( )Now pull yourself together.

Dexter brews. It’s killin him.

DEXTERbarely audible( )

I made a promise.

FATHER THOMASPromises get broken. Welcome to my world.

Dexter’s heard enough. He exits, slamming the door

Off Father Thomas and Officer Johnson.

INT. DEXTER'S APARTMENT. LATER THAT EVENING.

Dexter sits on his modest balcony looking out onto the night street. A half drunken fifth of vodka sits close.

SFX Maureen comes home.

She’s still dressed from her day. Work suit, heels.

She sees him facing out.

DEXTERsoft( )

I lost him.

MAUREENI know. I talked to Father Thomas.

She sits down next to him.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:73.

DEXTERWhy are you with me, Maureen?

MAUREENA bit taken aback by (the question)

Because....you’re kind and...you may not know this but you’re probably the smartest man in the room, no matter where you are.

DEXTERnot buying( )

I’m not drinking the kool aid today. Sorry.

MAUREENDrink what you want. I’ll explain it one day.

beat( )But its more. It's the way you take on the burdens, the negativity, the bullshit of everyone around you as your own. You don't see it in yourself, but I do. Chris did, too. You did what you could, Dexter.

This hits Dexter hard, bringing a tear to his eye.

MAUREEN (CONT’D)It's not your fault.

DEXTEREveryone says that, like you are all automatically programmed to say that. The fact is, it is my fault. I was there the night Clayton got arrested.

MAUREENstunned( )

What-?

DEXTERI was there. Clayton took the wrap. I could have helped him. Clayton stepped in. He wouldn’t take shit from Bones. Always messing with people. I didn’t do anything. I just watched it all happen. He asked me to look after Chris because he trusted me.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:74.

beat( )DEXTER (cont'd)

So you’re wrong. It is my fault. I could have done something.

beat( )Still think I’m the smartest man in the room?

She goes to put her hand on his shoulder but he pulls away. Her instinct moves her away from him but then another emotion kicks in and she comes back in moving her hand back down to his shoulder. This time he accepts her, his body sinking into her strength.

Soft images as they make love.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Dexter sleeps. His head curled up inside her warm body. A pained man finally at rest at least for a little while.

She lies awake.

EXT. BONES HOUSE - NIGHT

A hypodermic needle slides into an arm. Pull back to reveal Roni easing into the heroin as it takes it course.

Bones pulls the hypodermic needle out and watches her float away.

Christopher sleeps just feet away.

Time Lapse: clock goes from 3am to 5am

Bones wakes Chris gently.

BONESTime to go little man.

Chris struggles awake. He tries to orient. Sees his mom basically in a coma. He puts on a coat, having slept in his clothes.

He spots his mom’s cell phone. Eyes it.

Bones comes back in the room and tension fills the room. His veneer is calm his eyes tell a different story. He hands Christopher a “lunch-box”.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:75.

BONES (CONT’D)I take care of you now, boy. Understand? Real simple. You do what I say.

Christopher nods and steps out into the darkness

EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - DAWN

Chris walks through the darkened morning. He can't shake his chill. Scant shadows permeate his path.

A cop car cruises by but continues past ‘an innocent boy’

He dodges past alleys and short cuts.

INT. TENEMENT HOUSING HALL - DUSK

Finally ending up before a calloused door inside tenement housing.

He knocks. The door opens to a DRUG-RIDDEN Thug. He hurries Christopher in.

Christopher digs into his backpack and hands over the ‘lunch.' The Thug disappears down a hallway.

Christopher notices a pair of legs from the couch. He creeps forward enough to see a 12-year-old girl, half-naked, eyes glazed over. High as a kite. A needle just inches away.

DRUG-RIDDEN THUGThe fuck you think you doing?

Christopher startles. Moves backward. The Thug shoves the lunch box back in Christopher’s back pack and shoves him out. He backs up against the hallway. He turns to go but stops short. Another man, halfway down hall, all but his eyes in shadow glare, at him.

He spins and takes off, and runs out back into darkness.

EXT. DEXTER’S TRUCK - MORNING

Dexter is parked down the street from Bone’s house. He remains unnoticed, at least he thinks so.

No movement at the house. Shades are drawn....

Dexter drives off.

CONTINUED:76.

EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - LATER

Chris walks down the street. Passers-by offer some solace - just the fact that there is other human life outside of druggies and thugs.

AN OLDER WOMAN watches him.

OLDER WOMANGet to school, boy.

CHRISTOPHERYes, mam

Christopher accelerates into a strong jog.

EXT. MIDDLE SCHOOL - MORNING

Kids pile into school. Dexter holds a coffee, watching for Chris.

Down the street Chris rounds the corner, heading for school. From out of nowhere steps Bones. Chris halts.

BONESNeed to come home, Little Man.

CHRISTOPHERswallows( )

But I have -

Bones steps into Chris, reiterating the edict. Chris complies, getting into the back seat of the car.

UP THE STREET NEAR THE SCHOOL ENTRANCE

Dexter sees the last trickle of kids enter the school. No Chris.

He walks away.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY

Dexter pounds away. Its crunch-time. Everyone is tense, tired.

Code Compliance Officer shows up with his finely sharpened pencils and He and Joe exchange Fuck You glances.

Montage through the CC Officer fine-combing the site. Joe keeps his cool no matter what.

(CONTINUED)

77.

The crew have all stepped aside and watch, wait.

Finally the CC officer scribbles a document, hands it to Joe and leaves.

Joe doesn’t even look at the results. He walks to the crew, slow grin.

JOEYou done a fine job fellas. I’m proud of you. Even you, Sam.

WORKERBut you didn’t even read the results.

JOEThirty two years a dis shit you don’t think I know when we pass?

beat( )Take the rest of today and tomorrow. I’ll see you all Monday. Phase three’s gonna make this look like we at a cookout. Go have fun. Be with your families.

They depart.

JOE (CONT’D)Dexter. Mind stepping into my office?

INT. JOE’S “OFFICE”

Joe sits across from Dexter. Dexter holds a contract in his hand. He splits his look between it and Joe.

The tension is a bit thick. Something is hanging in the air.

DEXTERI don’t know what to say.

JOEDon’t say anything. Just sign and get outta here. The position doesn’t officially start until June. Benefits bump, 15% hike. I’m not surprised but I didn’t know it was coming this soon. So sign the -

DEXTERIt’s just -

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:78.

JOELook at me. I know you gotta a life. We all do but this won’t come around again, Dexter. They like quick, firm decisions.

Beat. He sees Dexter struggle.

JOE (CONT’D)Look....I’ll hold ‘em off. You got til’ Monday. 8am. You’re in or you’re out.

Off Dexter.

Dexter sees his phone buzzing. No Caller ID. He reluctantly declines it.

EXT. STREETS OF CHICAGO - NIGHT

Dexter drives. His mind swirling. He checks his voice mail. A message from “No Caller ID”.

The message plays.

SFX: Sounds in the BG. Industrial noise. Then muffled voices the line goes dead.

Dexter tenses. He pulls over. Watches the night ‘hood. Street thugs, cautious citizens. Tired workers with eyes glazed over. Street kids running wild.

His phone rings. It's Maureen. He ignores it.

His phone rings AGAIN.

ANGLE: NO CALLER ID

His heart races. Answers. Nothing on the other line. Just background noise. Someone is there.....

DEXTERslowly( )

Christopher?

Beat

CHRISTOPHER (V.O.)I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye.

DEXTERDon’t worry about it. Are you okay?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:79.

Nothing.

DEXTER (cont'd)Chris.

CHRISTOPHERI’m okay.

DEXTERI’m sorry, Chris. I’m sorry about your dad.

beat( )I think you should come back.

In the background Bones calls him.

BONES (V.O.)Boy! Where you at? Chris! Little fucker where-

The phone clicks off.

DEXTERChris! Chris....

Dexter shivers. He hangs up and calls 911.

911 OPERATOR911. What’s your emergency?

INT. FATHER THOMAS OFFICE - MERCY HOME - LATER

A candle flickers. Dexter sits in a chair. His head buried in his hands. Father Thomas watches Dexter intently.

FATHER THOMASThe hell do you think you’re doing? You’re the one who’s going to get thrown in jail. She’s got custody. Police can’t do anything and why should -

DEXTERBecause he needs help.

FATHER THOMASI’m not saying he doesn’t. But there’s a process. And who’s to say she won’t straighten out. Maybe she needs that boy. Maybe that boy needs her.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:80.

DEXTERYou don’t understand.

FATHER THOMASNo? You sure I don’t understand? Don’t count on it. I know these streets. I know these faces.Look at me. That boy? He ain’t your problem. You have to let God handle this.

Dexter’s on his way out the door.

DEXTERGod doesn’t come to this side of town.

SLAM!

Thomas shakes his head

FATHER THOMAS(under his breath)

God’s working overtime on this side of town.

EXT. STREETS OF CHICAGO - NIGHT

Dexter sits in his truck He’s exhausted.

His phone rings. It’s Maureen. He ignores.

CROSSCUT TO

INT. MAUREEN’S APT - CONTINUOUS

Maureen watches her screen. Her frustration and hurt growing.

Her phone rings and she quickly picks up.

DEXTERCan I come over?

She closes her eyes.

INT MAUREEN’S APT - LATER

Dexter sits on the floor against the wall. She’s on the couch - they might as well be a thousand miles apart.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:81.

DEXTERIf I take the job, I can pay for Chris’s schooling and take care of him.

MAUREENHis mom is alive, Dexter. You’re acting as if you can just take him-

DEXTERNo, I know that. But she doesn’t care! I’ll pay her. I’ll give her money.

MAUREENWhat are you saying?

DEXTERI know it sounds crazy but I’ll buy him. She’ll give me custody.

MAUREENYou talked to her?

DEXTERNo, it’s my idea. She won’t care. She just wants drug money.

Maureen watches him. A side she’s never seen: desperate, bordering on crazy.

MAUREENDid you talk to Father Thomas about it?

His head sinks.

DEXTERI don’t know. No.

She braces herself.

MAUREENDexter, I know how much he means to you - - but the things you’re talking about, they are permanent. As in for the rest of your life -

DEXTERI know that

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:82.

MAUREENThen I’m wondering how I fit in. Because I’m making some plans here, Dexter. And no one ever talked to me -

DEXTERYou know what I’ve been going through, you know what Chris is up against

MAUREENThis doesn’t make me any less of a person. You made a promise but did you ever think about how it affected us? Me?

He stands.

DEXTERThat boy needs help, not just from me-

MAUREENDexter, where I’m going, I’m not just going to help one or two. I’m in it for the long haul. Like Father Thomas. You make a decision like this? And just expect me to go along?

DEXTERI didn’t say that

MAUREENNo you’re right. You’re talking about buying some kid as if he’s for sale and giving some junkie her drug money. And you just expected us to all rally around you.

DEXTERWho wouldn’t? Who wouldn’t look at the situation and say ‘damn, that’s messed up. We gotta do something”

MAUREENSomething that makes sense! Listen to yourself.

DEXTERI thought you liked that kid.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:83.

MAUREENI do like that kid. I love that kid. It's not about him. I’d welcome into my life. But not on crazy terms. On our terms.

DEXTER“our” terms? Is there an “our”?

He grabs his jacket, preparing to leave.

MAUREENbold( )

I was doing just fine and I’m going to stay doing just fine. I have a plan and it's almost taken the life outta me just to keep that plan. Call me selfish, call me stupid but I’m keeping my goals intact. This woman is keeping her goals intact! I made a choice. Now it's your turn.

DEXTERMy choice isn’t about me. Its about another human life.

He goes. Slamming the door. Gone. She stands, bruised. Pulls out a an envelope from her purse. Opens it.

MAUREENsoftly, to herself( )

I got in.

Close up on the letter: “Congratulations! You have been accepted to University of Oregon. We are also offering you a full scholarship...”

EXT. STREETS OF CHICAGO - NIGHT

The night is cold. Dangerous. Dexter walks aimless but with conviction. Street life passes by - beckoning any and all to a dark life.

Its 10:30. His phone rings. No Caller ID.

DEXTERChris.

Over the phone comes a deep cry desperately suppressed in silence.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:84.

DEXTER (cont'd)Christopher, where are you?

CHRISTOPHERHe gonna kill me. I’m scared Dexter. I’m....I’m ....I’m

The words can’t even come out.

DEXTERHe’s not gonna kill anybody. Listen to me, where are you? Tell me where you are.

CHRISTOPHERI can’t he told me-

DEXTERChristopher just listen to me. He’s not going to know. I’m coming for you. Tell me where you -

Click. The line goes dead.

INT. - UNKNOWN LOCATION

Insert: A finger hits the “SHARE MY LOCATION’ button a second before the phone goes flying.

Bones slaps the fuck out of Christopher, knocking him to the floor, drawing blood.

He retrieves the phone. He can see the last dialed number but nothing else.

He goes in for another round at Christopher.

EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - NIGHT

Dexter sprints back to Maureen’s apartment. Buzzes. No answer.

INSIDE - Maureen hears the buzz but doesn’t respond. He goes to the garage gate and pounds on the bars. No one around.

EXT. STREETS OF CHICAGO - NIGHT

He takes off running. Through the streets, hard core. He fumbles to dial 911, out of breath and on the run

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:85.

911 OPERATOR911 Operator, what is your emergency.

DEXTERA boy is being harmed. He’s

911 OPERATORI can’t understand you, Sir

DEXTERA boy! A kid, He’s in danger!

Between the running and the static the line is muffled

911 OPERATORI’m having a hard time understanding you. What’s your address, Sir?

DEXTERWhat? I don’t have an address, I’m-

Frustrated he clicks off. He continues on.

INT. BONES HOUSE - NIGHT

The lights are out. No sign of life. Dexter runs to the gated pre-door. Bangs hard. Looking in windows.

DEXTERChristopher! Christopher! Bones!

Nothing. He runs around the sides jumps up to the high fences and looks over. Nothing.

His heavy breathing subsides slightly and with it his wits kick in. He’s got an idea. He presses the No Caller ID bar.

There it is. The location. He takes off running.

INT. LIVING ROOM = DRUG HOUSE -(FORMERLY ‘UNKNOWN LOCATION)’ - NIGHT

A run down environment. Sparse furniture, some bikes, a table. Party house.

Roni sleeps on a floor blanket. Christopher is next to her pretending to sleep.

Bones and a Thug watch them for a beat then quietly walk down the hall together into...

CONTINUED:86.

INT. - DRUG ROOM

A small brick of heroin lays on the table next to several smaller portion bags.

THUG # 2You should just finish that bitch.

BONESNope. As long as I got her, I get the boy. Just gotta keep a balance on him. He’s a stupid fuck like his father. I’m just gonna start getting his ass high.

Bones leaves and turns the light out.

EXT. DRUG HOUSE - SAME

Dexter, huddled in a corner, watches the light go out. He settles for the wait.

INT. DRUG HOUSE - LIVING ROOM

A hand wakes Christopher. Bones speaks in hushed tones.

BONESListen to me. I like you. I aint gonna hurt you. Ima treat you with respect and you treat me with respect. We gonna have some good times together.

Christopher winces slightly as the syringe moves slowly into his arm. In a moment it’s over. He slides into oblivion.

INT./EXT. DRUG HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - NIGHT

Bones exits carrying Christopher’s listless body. He places him into a car. He looks back to the open door. Waits annoyed for a beat. Shakes his head and walks back in leaving Christopher.

He dips into the house for a beat then both he and the Thug come back out. They go the car.

Christopher is gone. They move quickly. Just 50 feet down the street Dexter carries Christopher in his arms.

Christopher’s eyes are glazed over in a heroin haze.

(CONTINUED)

87.

DEXTERStay with me. Stay with me little boy.

Second later the lights from Bones’ car come in a flurry.

Dexter’s no match. The Thug grabs him first. Throwing him to the ground.

Bones comes a beat later but Dexter is quick, first landing a solid punch into the Thug then turning on Bones.

BONESYou a dead nigger

Bones cracks him over the head with his gun. Dexter falls hard. The Thug brings him to his feet, keeping him in a arm/head lock.

BONES (CONT’D)I’d cap your ass right now but I don’t wanna waste a bullet.

He takes a knife and plunges it into Dexter. But Dexter is quick and maneuvers just enough so the knife enters but just into his side.

Suddenly the street is lit up with sirens and police lights.

Bones and the Thug run but are quickly felled by police and dogs.

Dexter’s on the ground....he knows its over but doesn’t have the strength to get up.

A man’s voice: Officer Johnson.

OFFICER JOHNSONGood timing. My shift was ending. We were about to leave, go get some donuts.

DEXTERThat’s one crazy fuck.

OFFICER JOHNSONPiece of cake.

More sirens blare. Paramedics, etc. Dexter looks up the skyline, dawn breaking. His eyes take one last glimpse before he passes out.

FADE TO BLACK

CONTINUED:88.

EXT. OPEN ROAD - MIDDLE AMERICA - BEAUTIFUL DAY

A late model car flows calmly with the wide open highway. Driver and destination unknown.

INTERCUT

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

Father Thomas stands behind a table in the courtroom. He faces the judge.

JUDGEThe court hereby grants permanent custody of the boy to The Mercy Home for Boys and Girls until a foster family acceptable only to this court can be found.

Father Thomas turns back to his table, a wide grin. We only see the back of the head of the boy, who Father Thomas hugs.

INTERCUT

The car. A boys hand sticks out of the window, riding the wind.

INT. UNKNOWN OFFICE.

A stamp comes down on an official document:

APPROVED

INT. ROOM - DAY

Maureen reads an email. Whatever it is sure is good news. She shuts the computer and breaks into joyful tears.

INT. BASKETBALL GYM - DAY

Father Thomas watches a group of boys play basketball. Tough, rough, pushing.

FATHER THOMAS (V.O.)I’m not a gambling man. I never have been. But that doesn’t stop me from looking at the odds. But odds are for suckers.

89.

EXT. DOOR - UNKNOWN HOUSE - DAY

Maureen lays a bouquet of flowers on the door mat.

And a twig over the door.

FATHER THOMAS (V.O.)Odds are for bookies. Not human lives. We deserve better. And sometimes, when the time is right and we fight for what we believe in, the journey leads us....home.

INT. CAR - DAY

Dexter and Chris share a laugh as they pass a sign that reads: WELCOME TO OREGON

.

FADE OUT.

90.