by
Roger Spottiswoode and
Walter Hill
&
Larry Gross and
Steven E. De Souza
FADE IN:
OPEN COUNTRY - DAY
Endless green hills bisected by a ribbon of highway. A road
gang clearing brush by the side of the road... Twenty-five
men in prison fatigues sweating through their mid-afternoon
labor.
THREE GUARDS
Flank the working prisoners... Mountie hats, shotguns,
sidearms, sunglasses; they look like they mean it.
HIGHWAY
A battered pickup appears...approaches. Suddenly, it coughs,
shudders, stalls. A big Blackfoot Indian named BILLY BEAR
gets out and starts cursing and kicking the vehicle.Then he
begins walking toward the road gang...
ROADSIDE
BRADY is the Guard near the center of the work gang; he
smiles at the oncoming man, pokes a prisoner beside him.
BRADY
Wonder what reservation they let
him off of...
The prisoner is GANZ who looks up, grins at Brady...
GANZ
Yeah, there goes the neighborhood.
Brady laughs as Billy Bear closes in on him.
BILLY
Say, buddy, my engine's
overheating and I got 30 miles
before the next station... Could
I get some water out of your
cooler?
Ganz leans on his hoe, speaks as Billy passes...
GANZ
Maybe you shoulda stole a better
truck, Tonto.
BILLY
You got a real big mouth, convict.
BRADY
It's okay, chief. He's just
joking...
BILLY
How about the water...
GANZ
Firewater, Tonto? Is that what
you...
Billy whirls, swings at Ganz. Both men roll to the ground.
BRADY
Hey! Jesus Christ!
THE OTHER GUARDS
Seeing the commotion, they run toward it.
GANZ AND BILLY
As they struggle, Billy slips a pistol into Ganz' hand.
BRADY
That's a state prisoner,
asshole...! Back off...
ROADSIDE
Brady pulls Billy away from Ganz just 'as one of the other
officers arrives... Ganz suddenly whips out a pistol, shoots
Brady at point-blank range. Before the other Guards can even
react, Billy comes out with his own pistol, caps the Second
Guard.
THIRD GUARD
Still forty yards away... In mid-draw, be howls as a bullet
from Ganz breaks the nearby ground. He fires, then turns and
runs for the prison bus.
GANZ
Smiling, fires twice. but the range is too great for pistol
work...
THE OTHER PRISONERS
Watching....Then they all scatter in different directions...
GANZ
Hefts his weapon...
GANZ
Come on...
He and the big Indian run to the pickup, climb in and roar
away.
INT. BUS
The THIRD GUARD making a call on the police radio...
OFFICER
APO 657, Unit 25 to APO 478t APO
657t Unit 25 to APO 478.
RADIO RESPONSE
Go ahead, Unit 25.
OFFICER
Escape in progress. Two officers
shot off rail crossing 31.
Prisoners escaping. Two men, one
six-four, 200 pounds, dark, an
Indian, the other, Albert Ganz,
five-ten...
FURTHER DOWN THE HIGHWAY
Several miles from the escape... A big semi parked by the
side of ttie road; back doors to the closed trailer open. A
station wagon parked across the road. The pickup appears,
approaches the semi, slows down and drives up the ramp into
the van. Ganz and Billy jump out, shove the ramp up inside
the truck and close the big doors.
STATION WAGON
Ganz and Billy climb inside ancl roar off, back in the
direction of the road gang.
BILLY BEAR
Takes off his hat, puts on a baseball cap and sunglasses...
BILLY
Get ready to duck.
Ganz dives for the floor. Three police cars go by, sirens
blaring, lights flashing. They pass the road gang. Ganz
reappear, smiles...
GANZ
You know something? I'm having a
real good time.
HIGHWAY
The station wagon blasts down the pavement... Becomes a small
dot on the landscape.
TRANSITION.
A DOORWAY - NIGHT
the portal slams open revealing a man holding a huge
pistol,jack cates, s.F.P.D., a large and powerful man... He
stealthily moves up a stairwell.
CORRIDOR
He stops at the top of the stairs... Listens gun still ready.
A continuous sound of running water... Cates moves toward the
bathroom. Rips the door open.
BATHROOM
The shape behind the shower curtain freezes. Cates, gun held
level, moves forward... Rips the shower curtain open.
Revealing a young and very beautiful woman, ELAINE MARSHALL.
CATES
Inspector Jack Cates, S.F.P.D....
And you're wanted.
Elaine stares at him as Cates turns off the water.
ELAINE
What am I wanted for?
CATES
I don't answer questions, I ask
'em...
A moment as she continues to stare at his pistol.
ELAINE
I don't think your gun's loaded...
CATES
This is a .44 Magnum, the most
powerful handgun in the world. You
gotta ask yourself just one
question. Are you feelin' lucky?
ELAINE
I still don't think it's loaded.
Elaine shakes her head and smiles, folds her arms over her
breasts, shivers a little... Cates looks at the cylinder,
spins it...
CATES
Hey, you're right.
ELAINE
You're hopeless.
CATES
That's the way I see it, too.
Be puts the gun down on the edge of the sink, embraces her.
ELAINE
I'm all wet.
CATES
What's wrong with that?
They both smile.
TRANSITION.
BEDROOM
Cates in bed with Elaine. She wears his shirt.
ELAINE
A guy in the bar called me a dumb
bitch today.
CATES
What'd you do?
ELAINE
Irrigated his face with the shot
of J and B I'd just poured him.
Then I tried to deck the sucker.
CATES
I guess he got the message...
ELAINE
Then I sit back and I think, I
mean, who's to say I'm not a dumb
bitch. I work in a bar, right?
I can't read a list of my academic
credentials to every booze-hound
that comes in the place... You are
what you do...
CATES
Positive self-image problem all
over again ... You are who you
decide you are unless you're the
type that lets assholes decide for
you.
ELAINE
Aren't you the one that thinks all
psychotherapy is bullshit?
CATES
I do think all psychotherapy is
bullshit. But just because I think
it's bullshit doesn't mean I don't
know something about it.
ELAINE
If this is your idea of
sympathetic interest in my
problems, I'll take brutal
indifference.
CATES
Hey, you know what I really think?
ELAINE
Tell me--I'm dyin' to hear it.
CATES
I think you're ashamed to tend bar
which is sad because you look
great in that outfit they make you
wear... You pull down four bills
a week which is damn good, and you
mix the best Pina Coladas I've
ever had... I think that if you
need bigger and better things ...
then go for em.
She smiles at him after this. It looks like they'll kiss.
Their faces are close. Then she lightly moves back.
ELAINE
You oversimplify every...
He stops her in the middle of the sentence by kissing her,
then pulls back...
CATES
Some things are simple, right?
Their faces are very close ... but they don't touch for
another second.
ELAINE
Right...
TRANSITION.
SAN FRANCISCO - DAWN
Titles continue.
Tugs churning across the bay... Quiet city streets. Parked
cars covered with early morning dew... A newspaper truck
slowly grinds by, drops a bundleand moves on.
EMBARCADERO - DAWN
The station wagon pulls up to a young punk, HENRY WONG, on a
motorcycle.
Billy Bear smiles and leans out the driver's side window.
BILLY
You got somethin' for us, Henry?
Henry produces some credit cards. Billy passes them to Ganz
for inspection.
GANZ
How hot are they?
HENRY
Hot? Hey, they're not even room
temperature.
Ganz snorts derisively.
GANZ
How ya doin'?
HENRY
Can't complain.
GANZ
We got a lot to talk about.
HENRY
Yeah, old times.
GANZ
We'll follow you. Take it
slow,okay?
HENRY
Sure, right.
Ganz pockets the credit cards as Henry wheels away.
INT. STATION WAGON
GANZ
I want to drive awhile.
BILLY
I ain't tired yet.
INT. STATION WAGON
GANZ
Maybe after we get done with him
I'm gonna buy us some girls.
BILLY
Whaddya mean, buy?
GANZ
Pros.
Ganz stares at Billy.
BILLY
Pay money?
GANZ
Yeah, dummy. Money.
BILLY
I never paid for it in my life.
GANZ
It's better when you pay... they
let you do anything.
BILLY
They always let me do anything. I
don't want to pay for it. I never
paid for it in my life.
GANZ
Just do what I say, okay? We'll
pay for the girls and have a good
time... Don't you trust me?
Billy smiles.
BILLY
Sure, I trust ya.
They drive off.
NORTH BEACH - RESIDENTIAL STREET - DAWN
First light breaks over Telegraph Hill. A quiet row of
Victorian townhouses now converted into apartments.
APARTMENT BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Cates is sprawled across the double bed; Elaine is on the
verge of falling off the edge. Cates' eyes snap open. A
second later, his wrist watch alarm goes off. He turns it
off, gets out of bed and begins pulling on his pants. Elaine
sits up in bed, still wearing Cates' blue shirt... Cates
picks up a robe as Elaine gets out of bed on the opposite
side, throws the robe to Elaine... She takes off the shirt,
swaps it for the robe and throws the shirt to Jack.
ELAINE
You know, if you let me come over
to your place once in a while, you
could put on a clean shirt in the
morning.
CATES
What makes you think I have any
clean shirts at my place?
He buttons his shirt and heads for the kitchen.
KITCHEN
Cates brushing his teeth at the sink, Elaine making coffee.
ELAINE
You know, that's my toothbrush,
Jack.
He keeps brushing.
CATES
Maybe you ought to buy me one.
ELAINE
Maybe I would if I knew when you
were coming back.
He stops brushing, turns and looks at her.
CATES
I'm here. And I've been coming
back for quite awhile... Let's not
hassle, okay? And can I have a
cup of coffee? Please.
She pours some coffee, hands him a cup and saucer... Cates
pours some whiskey into it from a flask.
ELAINE
That's a fairly crummy way to
start a morning.
CATES
Maybe I got a fairly crummy day
ahead.
ELAINE
Maybe that makes a nice excuse.
CATES
Maybe you don't know what the hell
you're talking about.
Cates picks his holstered .44 off a chair back and begins
strapping it on.
ELAINE
When you start with that
attitude... it's like I don't know
who you are.
CATES
What do you want to know? What
difference does it make? I'm the
guy in your bed the last three
months. I make you feel good. You
make me feel good. What the hell
else do you want from a guy?
ELAINE
I wish you'd stop trying to make
me mad so I won't care for you...
I wish you'd give me a little more
of a chance.
He turns away, moves into the corridor near the stairwell.
CATES
I don't have time for this. I
gotta go to work.
She stands frozen... He turns back and looks at her; it's
hard to apologize.
CATES
(continuing)
Look, I'm glad I'm in your life...
and hell, with an ass like yours,
I figure anything might be
possible.
She is warmed up by the first part, amused by the second; she
approaches...
ELAINE
You know something, Jack, you
really are hopeless.
CATES
That's the way I see it, too.
ELAINE
Call me later.
CATES
You sure you want me to?
ELAINE
Yeah, for some reason, I'm sure...
He moves closer, kisses her..
CATES
Thanks for the coffee.
ELAINE
I think you forgot this. Hands him
his wallet and badge...
CATES
Guess people ought to know who I
am...
He turns to go down the stairwell...
ELAINE
Jack, wait. Here...
She puts a scarf around his neck.
ELAINE
(continuing)
It's cold as hell out these
mornings, and you know what the
man said, the coldest winter I
ever spent was the summer I spent
in San Francisco...
They don't kiss. He nods appreciately, the scarf in hand as
he turns and goes.
STREET - NORTH BEACH - MORNING
Cates comes out of Elaine's apartment building, crosses to
his whipped and battered 64 Cadillac convertible, notices a
parking ticket stuck under the windshield wiper...
CATES
Son of a bitch.
Shoves the ticket in his coat pocket, gets into the Caddie
puts the scarf around the rear view mirror, starts the engine
and guns away...
CITY STREET
Cates driving the convertible; he comes down a hill and turns
toward the East Bay...
TRANSITION.
GOLDEN GATE PARK - MORNING
Henry Wong, seated on a park bench. Now very dead, a bullet
hole in the middle of his forehead. Billy Bear is seated next
to him on the bench reading the race form.
GANZ
Using the telephone at an outdoor booth a few feet beyond the
bench.
STREET - BROADWAY DISTRICT - DAY
LUTHER and ROSALIE, a young couple, turn a corner. A dark
parody of all-American young marrieds. They are bickering as
usual.
ROSALIE
I liked that carpet we saw.
LUTHER
We can't afford it.
ROSALIE
Don't remind me.
LUTHER
Whaddya want me to do, go out and
steal for the money? I hated the
color anyway; the color sucked...
Suddenly, Billy and Ganz descend on Luther and Rosalie and
pull them into their station wagon..
INT. STATION WAGON
Billy has Rosalie by the mouth, gagging her with his big
paw... Ganz has his gun at Luther's neck.
GANZ
Surprise, Luther.
LUTHER
Whaddya want? I thought you were
locked up-
GANZ
I want the money, asshole, what do
you think? The money that Reggie
hid...
LUTHER
I don't know what you're talkin'
about.
GANZ
You want that Indian to snap her
neck?
He mimes the gesture... snap...
GANZ
(continuing)
Instead of worryin' about Reggie,
you better worry about me...
LUTHER
Don't give me this, we were
partners.
GANZ
Billy, go ahead, break it...
LUTHER
No! Don't kill her. I can get you
the money.
GANZ
When?
LUTHER
I can't get it until Monday.
Honest.
GANZ
You chickenshit punk...
LUTHER
Honest. The place we stashed it
opens Monday morning. I can't get
it till then. Monday morning,
that's when it opens. After that,
I'll get the money to you right
away...
Ganz finally takes the gun from the neck.
GANZ
I always liked you, Luther. You
were always a lotta fun to hang
out with...
Rosalie is rubbing her neck now that she's been released...
Ganz gestures to Billy.
GANZ
(continuing)
We're gonna keep her.
Luther desperately doesn't like this.
LUTHER
Come on, you can trust me. Please.
GANZ
You try to mess with us or go to
the cops, I promise you, I'll put
holes in her you wouldn't believe.
He smiles at Luther, pinches him on the cheek, shoves him out
of the car.
LUTHER
Stands shivering as it powers away.
WALDEN HOTEL - DAY
A small hotel on one of the quiet streets behind Union Square.
A GREEN COUGAR
Pulls up across the street.
INT. CAR
Tha car arrives in front of the hotel.
GANZ
Nice place, huh?
Rosalie is very nervous.
ROSALIE
What are you gonna do to me in
there?
Ganz gives her a casual smile.
GANZ
Maybe that's where I'm gonna cut
your throat.
BILLY
He's just kiddin', you just keep
doin' what I tell ya, you'll be
okay.
They move out of the car, head for the hotel.
LOBBY
A FRIZZY YOUNG BLONDE sits behind the desk in a mirrored
entrance hall. She reads a lurid paperback. Morning traffic
streams by outside as Ganz, Billy and Rosalie enter and
approach the desk.
GANZ
We need some rooms for a couple of
nights...Okay?
She smiles at Ganz.
FRIZZY
Sure. We don't get many real
customers, ya know? Most people
only stay an hour or two...
Passes a form across. Ganz signs it, Frizzy glances at his
signature then takes a key from the rack behind.
GANZ
I want her young. And tall. Nice
legs. Legs are important. Then,
real thin. Yeah. NO jeans-A
dress? a nice summer dress. You
know I want her fresh... I'll tell
you why, because I been hoein'
weeds and makin' license plates
for a couple of years... Yeah, I
know you don't get it...
BILLY BEAR
Sees a couple approaching, he shoves the dead man down on the
bench and spreads the newspaper over his head. The body now
looking like a typical park bum who has spent the night.
Billy walks over to Ganz.
BILLY
Hey, what about me?
GANZ
And I need one more for my pal.
Yeah. Make her an Indian. No, not
a turban, you know, a squaw.
Billy smiles, takes the Polaroid...
POLAROID
A close shot of the dead man with the bullet hole in his
forehead.
GANZ
Takes the photograph back from Billy and slips it into his
jacket pocket...
GANZ
Walden Hotel. Third near Broadway.
Tell them to ask for ... uh...
He takes the hot credit cards out of his pocket, the name
embossed on the plastic..
GANZ
(continuing)
G.P. Polson...P.O.L.S.O.N....Just
be a couple of hours.
Hangs up. The two men head for a green Plymouth...
TRANSITION.
FRIZZY
Number twenty-seven, Mr. Polson.
GANZ
Put them next door, okay.
She gives him a slightly knowing look.
FRIZZY
Sure, hey, you got the whole floor
to yourself...
Ganz sends her back a sharp look.
GANZ
Keep your filthy ideas to
yourself, lady.
Ganz picks up his suitcase, walks over to the nearest
stairwell. Billy and Rosalie follow...
TRANSITION.
STREET
Bars starting to fill up with mid-day customers... A black
Chevy cruises past and stops further up the block. Two
Plainclothesmen, VANZANT and ALGREN, get out of the car. As
they start toward the Walden...
THE CADILLAC CONVERTIBLE
Pulls up near the two men. Cates climbs out of his car and
walks over to them.
CATES
Hey, fellas, what's happening?
Radio said you guys had something
on...
ALGREN
Not much, Jack ... Salesman named
Polson had his credit cards
lifted...
Algren nods over to the parking lot opposite.
ALGREN
(continuing)
One of Polson's cards rented that
green coupe.
VANZANT
Not too much for a big rough tough
gunfighter like you to do on this
one...
Cates smiles at the verbal positioning he's used to with his
colleagues.
CATES
Suspect packed or is this a
laugher?
ALGREN
Five and dime stuff. Polson said
a kid with a switchblade mugged
him and drove off on a motorcyle.
CATES
Yeah, well, I guess you two are
experts at taking boy scout knives
away from teenagers...
VANZANT
Yeah, we are, that means you can
stay outta this one. We don't have
any big need for the artillery
Vanzant's turn to smile.
CATES
Hey, I'm just offering to help
out... I like to watch real pros
work.
VANZANT
Help, huh? Sometimes your kind of
help tends to leave the suspect in
bad shape.
Algren...mediator... soothes the competitive situation.
ALGREN
Hey, relax ... Jack, you wanna
come inside, fine... You can stake
out the lobby...
Cates, a bit disgusted at the politics of this moment, nods...
CATES
Fine, it's your show...
The three men move toward the Walden.
WALDEN HOTEL LOBBY
Frizzy Blonde still behind the desk. Still reading the lurid
paperback. Unaware as Vanzant and Algren approach... She
looks up as they flash their badges.
FRIZZY
Aw, you guys were in last week.
You better ask around. I'm not
supposed to be hassled... I got
friends.
VANZANT
Hey, park the tongue for a second,
sweetpants, we just want to search
a room.
FRIZZY
Not unless you got a warrant.
CATES
Maybe you should of been a lawyer
instead of a dumb skirt workin'
behind a register.
Frizzy turns to find Cates standing beside her. He nudges her
aside. Starts going throught the register book.
FRIZZY
Aw, come on, what the shit is this?
ALGREN
We're looking for a guy going
under the name Polson...
Frizzy sits back down in defeat.
FRIZZY
Okay, big deal. Get it over with.
Cates finds the name.
CATES
Mr. Polson, room 27...
ALGREN
Is he alone?
FRIZZY
Naw, his sister went up an hour
ago.
Vanzant turns to Cates.
VANZANT
Okay, like we said, you stake out
the lobby.
CATES
Sure. Great. Whatever.
VANZANT
You're not missing out on
Dillinger. This punk just stole
some credit cards.
Cates watches the two Detectives head for the elevator.
SECOND FLOOR CORRIDOR
Vanzant and Algren move down the hallwayStop at the far end.
Both Detectives draw their pistols and approach a door.
ROOM
Summer dress and undergarments scatteredon the floor. LISA,
lies naked under the covers.
She matches Ganz's earlier requirements.Smoking a cigarette,
staring at the ceiling. Ganz remains on top of the blanket.
Still in his shirt and pants watching TV. Three sharp knocks
at the door. Ganz reacts as if he's received an electric
shock. His hand goes under the pillow... Comes up with an
automatic. Shoves it hard into Lisa's stomach.
LISA
Hey...
GANZ
Shut up.
LISA
What the hell's wrong? I didn't
do anything.
Another knock. Ganz makes her move to the door.
LISA
(continuing)
What do you want? What's goin' on?
GANZ
Shut up.
She grabs her dress and tries to pull it on.
GANZ
(continuing)
Now ask who it is.
Shoves harder with the pistol.
GANZ
(continuing)
Come on, ask.
She calls out.
LISA
Who is it?
CORRIDOR
Vanzant and Algren stand back from the door. Guns held ready.
ALGREN
Police... open up.
R00M
Lisa looks from the door back to Ganz. Then at the gun held
against her. She's petrified.
GANZ
Stall.
LISA
What do you want?
VANZANT
Police business. Come on, open up.
A smile on Ganz' face. Almost as if he's enjoying the moment.
GANZ
Keep stallin'.
LISA
Alright, I'm coming...hold on.
I'll just be a minute.
CORRIDOR
Vanzant and Algren waiting. Sounds of movement from within
the room.
LOBBY
Cates moves toward the foot of the stairwell. Looks across at
mirror on the wall opposite. The entire lobby covered from
this spot. Every angle, including Frizzy.
ROOM
Ganz gestures to Lisa.
LISA
Just a second.
Ganz belts her with his gun; she falls..Ganz goes through the
connecting door. Slips into the adjacent room.
BILLY'S ROOM
Another Hooker cowers in the corner, pulling on her clothes.
She's a Mexican girl in a ridiculous 'Indian' outfit.
MEXICAN GIRL
Que paso? Que esta pasando? No
entiendo...
BILLY
Shut up.
Billy goes to where Rosalie is awkwardlytied to a chair with
an electric dord. He pulls her to her feet as Ganz moves by.
BILLY
(continuing)
When I say jump, girl, you better
jump.
BILLY
(continuing)
CORRIDOR
Vanzant reaches down, tries the knob. Locked. Algren moves
back, preparing to kick the door down.
ADJACENT ROOM
Ganz opens the door behind the two cops. Raises his pistol
and fires. Billy's shots follow immediately. Hits Vanzant.
Algren rolls just as Ganz fires again. Wounded, he gets off
three shots, then moves inside Ganz' room. Ganz and Billy run
for the elevator... Exchange two more shots with Algren. The
Mexican Girl begins screaming in Spanish...
LOBBY
Cates draws his .44. Races up the stairs three at a time.
Frizzy starts to frantically call the police.
CORRIDOR
Cates stops at the landing. Vanzant's body sprawled across
the hallway. Algren back in the corridor, still losing
blood... Leans against the wall for support... Lisa staggers
out of the room, screams. Algren points the gun toward the
elevator. Indicating where Ganz and Billy have just fled.
Cates starts back down toward the lobby.
ELEVATOR
Ganz and Billy, guns ready as the carriage jolts downward.
Rosalie is terrified, sobbing...
CATES
Arrives at the halfway turn of the second staircase. He takes
the next flight in two jumps.
ELEVATOR
As the doors open, Ganz gestures for Billy and Rosalie to
wait as he heads for the lobby.
LOBBY
Cates literally flies into the lobby just as Ganz appears. He
slams Ganz against a column, belts him across the neck with
his pistol. Ganz screams with pain, drops his gun... Cates
again slams him with his pistol, felling him...
GANZ
Slides across the floor.
CATES Senses something ... moves just as Billy appears behind
and fires at him. The bullet takes out a window. Cates dives
over the desk. Another bullet chews up the wood.
LOBBY
Frizzy has been standing beside her desk, screaming... Cates'
move and the accompanying bulletspanic her. She dashes for
safety... Cates gets to his feet behind cover. Sees Billy
holding Rosalie by the throat. Frizzy begins to scream.
GANZ
He'll blow her goddamn head off.
Cates doesn't miss a beat. He slowly levels his .44. Takes
careful aim and starts to fire at Billy.
ROSALIE
No. No.
Cates' shot narrowly misses Rosalie. The bullet smashes into
a mirror above Billy's head. Cates keeps moving closer, gun
pointed straight ahead. Billy pushes the pistol against
Rosalie'temple. For the first time, Cates hesitates. They
face each other across the length of the lobby.
ALGREN
Struggles down the remaining steps into the lobby. He still
holds his revolver. Dares not raise it towards Billy and
Rosalie.
BILLY BEAR
Covers Algren from near the entrance. He's confused, doesn't
know what to do... He keeps hold of Rosalie.
GANZ
His eyes catch Algren's...
GANZ
You. Drop it and we won't kill
her.
Algren tosses his gun to the floor.
GANZ
(continuing)
Now, tell him to drop his Goddamn
piece.
ALGREN
Do it, Cates.
No response.
ALGREN
(continuing)
Do it, Cates. Goddamn it, do it.
Cates lowers his gun. Finally lets it drop to the floor.
GANZ
Kick it over here.
Cates does; Ganz picks it up, smiles, looks at Billy.
GANZ
(continuing)
Get the car.
Then back to Cates as Billy runs out the entrance with
Rosalie.
GANZ
(continuing)
Your gun's just like mine.
He's going to kill Cates. But first be glances at Algren.
Then, almost casually, shoots him twice with Cates' .44.
Algren staggers back. Dead before he hits the floor. Cates
twists sideways just as Ganz fires. The bullet misses. Again
Frizzy starts screaming and struggling. Ganz swipes the woman
across the head with the gun. Her body slumps to the floor.
Police sirens can be heard in the distance. Cates makes an
attempt for Algren's gun. A bullet splatters against the
floor only inches from his outstretched fingers. The gun
skitters out of reach.
CATES
You lying son of a bitch...
GANZ
What are you talking about? We
didn't kill her ...
Ganz smiles.
With your own gun, cop. How does it feel? Cates leaps into a
wooden phone booth. Ganz leisurely blasts away at the booth
with both his and Cates' gun. Two bullets crash into the
booth. Ganz moves to check inside the booth but sirens are
ominously near. Ganz finally retreats out the entrance.
STREET
Billy and Rosalie weave their way across street to the
Cougar. They make a U-turn. Ganz runs out. Car pulls out,
then the police cars and vans begin to arrive.
PHONE BOOTH
Chunks of wood on the floor. Shafts of light through a dozen
bullet holes. Shattered receiver dangling from a cord. Cates,
wedged tight into the very top of the cubicle. He drops to
the floor.
LOBBY
The police arrive. Swarm into the hotel. All eyes on Cates as
he rushes to Algren. Too late... Cates realizes Algren is
dead. He cradles Algren's head as he stares at the arriving
TAC Squad and Patrolmen.
TRANSITION.
SQUAD ROOM DAY
Cates walks in. Several Detectives gather around him.
FAT COP
What happened?
CATES
Read the report.
OLD COP
Two cops blown away by a credit
card booster... that don't figure.
CATES
No shit.
FAT COP
They were good cops.
CATES
They were good cops who fucked up
and got careless.
A snotty YOUNG COP paces.
YOUNG COP
That's what you say, Cates...
CATES
Yeah.
YOUNG COP
But that's what you say about all
of us all the tine ... we're
always the ones fucking up when
you tell it...
CATES
The truth hurts, doesn't it, buddy?
Cates looks at the Old Cop.
OLD COP
It don't figure.
CATES
I need to borrow a piece.
The OLD COP shrugs... looks in his desk...
YOUNG COP
Somebody steals your gun, you're
supposed to file a report.
CATES
Are you gonna tell me about police
procedure? Do me a favor, don't
give me a bunch of crap.
YOUNG COP
I guess when two cops die on
account of your fuck up you want
to keep it as quiet as possible...
Cates loses it for a second, lands on him with both hands,
pushes him against a wall... The room goes quiet. Cates cools
down.
CATES
Just shut the fuck up.
The other cops don't intervene. They just watch. Cates cools
down, straightens up. HADEN walks by, or, rather, speeds by.
HADEN
Cates, I'll need to see you in
five minutes, exactly five.
The Old Cop hands Cates a gun, a traditional Army .45...
OLD COP
Best I can do.
HADEN
D'you read me, Cates...
Haden continues moving away.
CATES
Five minutes. I heard you, your
voice carries...
As Cates is examining the gun, RUTH, a lab technician, enters
and drops three 8 x 10's on the desk near Cates.
RUTH
They're still wet.
Cates lifts the blow-ups, each one showing a different aspect
of a spent bullet.
RUTH
(continuing)
Lots of people getting shot with
.44's lately ... Last year, it was
Saturday Night Specials..now it's
heavy stuff. People must be
getting madder about something.
Cates starts pinning the blow-ups onto a large bulletin board
on the wall. Nearby, at the same time (within Cates' line of
sight, within earshot), Lisa, the Hooker, is being
interrogated by a POLICE-WOMAN who pulls the statement off
the typewriter. Nearby, the Indian Hooker is being
interrogated in Spanish.
POLICEWOMAN
You're an accessory to Murder One,
so you're going to have to do a
whole lot better than what we got
down here, honey...
LISA
Gimme a break, huh? ... Look, I
got there. He was a trick just
like any other for all I knew.
That's all there is. He didn't
feel like sitting and talking. He
was in a big hurry to get laid.
I was with him about an hour...
Cates has gotten interested in the last part of this ...
drifts toward her... A DETECTIVE comes through, begins
distributing I.B.M. printouts to Cates, the other nearby
officers..
DETECTIVE
We got a print from the hotel
room. Guy's real name is Ganz,
Albert Ganz. A hitter from back
East but he worked out here a few
years back. Armed robbery. Broke
out of prison two days ago and
capped two of the guards. A real
animal. Wait'll you see this...
Cates reads the printout, then smoothly,imperiously, he takes
over the questioning of Lisa.
CATES
Did he give you a return match?
LISA
He wasn't interested.
CATES
Maybe he didn't like your
performance.
LISA
Fuck you.
CATES
I'll take a raincheck...
From the side, Ruth is pointing at the photos...
RUTH
This'll interest you, Jack...we've
got something here from your
gun... and these are from the
first weapon Ganz used...
CATES
I don't get it.
RUTH
Here.
CATES
She turns, produces the third photo. Pins it beside the one
from the Walden Hotel.
RUTH
A perfect match for the markings
from the first gun he used... but
not from the Walden Hotel... fired
at least six hours earlier...at
point blank range... right between
the eyes. Found him on a park
bench...
She shows him two more pictures. Police forensics shots of
Henry Wong ... very dead on the park bench...
RUTH
(continuing)
Ya know, there are some very bad
people out there in the world.
CATES
Look at it this way, Ruth. If
there weren't, what would there be
for us to do?
Lisa continues with the Policewoman.
LISA
Anyway... so I got there and took
him down. He started watching
television and then you
sensational people started banging
on the door... that's all...
except ... he's gonna give you
guys a hard time.
CATES
Cates looks up as he hears that remark. Notices KEHOE,
another Detective, entering with a long suitcase.
POLICEWOMAN
What makes you think so?
LISA
I think he liked shooting cops a
lot more than getting laid.
Cates watches Kehoe unpack the box.
CATES
Is that what this guy Ganz had in
the hotel?
KEHOE
Every last bit of it. The big
guy's room was empty.
CATES
I'll help you out.
Cates and Kehoe start going through the suitcase. Kehoe
produces a speed loader for a .44...
KEHOE
This guy must have had a .44 like
yours, Jack. Now he's got yours.
CATES
Shit.
Kehoe next produces several boxes of shells.
KEHOE
This cat was real serious about
his artillery.
An Attendant comes through, hands Kehoe a file. He opens it,
shows the file to Cates who reads the name under the mug shot.
CATES
Billy Bear...
KEHOE
Backup man from the East Bay.
Worked with Ganz a few years ago
and sprung him from the road gang.
Kehoe opens the second file. Four mug shots are inside.
CATES
Who are all these?
KEHOE
They all pulled a bunch of jobs
with Ganz about four years ago.
CATES
Wait a minute, wait a minute...
who's this?
KEHOE
Uhh ... Wong, Henry Wong. He was
in on the same job.
Cates spins the file around so that both Ruth an Kehoe can
see it, throws the forensic shots down beside it.
CATES
Tell me that's not the same guy.
KEHOE
Hey ... Dick Tracy.
RUTH
Did Ganz have a grudge against his
old friends?
Haden comes out of his office.
HADEN
Get in here, Cates.
Cates ignores him.
CATES
I think I wanna have a discussion
about it with any of the ones
still walking. Can we find them?
KEHOE
Here's the file. Cates checks the
file.
CATES
One of em's in the slam.
HADEN
Damn you, Cates ... Get in here.
Cates walks into Haden's cubicle.
CATES
I want to be left alone on this
one. Algren was killed with my gun.
HADEN
Yeah, I read the report...
Haden shuffles some papers, seems to ignore Cates.
CATES
Hey, the bastard's got my gun. I
want it back.
HADEN
Jack, come on, there is an
official department policy about
cop killings. Cop killers
represent a special priority
because any man crazy enough to
kill a cop is a greater threat to
an unarmed civilian... In other
words, we can't seen like we're in
the revenge business... I know, we
all know the truth's a little
different.
Cates almost smiles at Haden.
CATES
Yeah...
HADEN
Anthing botherin' you besides
losin' your gun?
CATES
Yeah. It bothers me when cops get
hurt while I'm makin' a play. I
don't like it.
HADEN
You might be more of a team player
and a little less of a hot dog on
this one, Jack.
CATES
Being a hot dog's worked pretty
well for me so far... Besides, I
got a lead...
HADEN
Okay. You're not a team player.
You gotta do things your own way.
Fine. Nail this guy and make us
all look good. But you better
watch your ass. If you screw up,
I can promise you, you're goin'
down.
CATES
You really know how to send a guy
out with a great attitude. He
starts to go.
HADEN
Jack?
CATES
Yeah?
HADEN
Try not to get your ass shot to
pieces. We got enough dead cops on
this one.
CATES
I'll keep it in mind.
Leaves.
TRANSITION.
CITY STREET
Heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Cates stands near a hot
dog stand. Elaine joins him. Cates is eating a hot dog and
studying a police file.
ELAINE
Great place for lunch.
CATES
Yeah, one of my favorites.
ELAINE
You made the front page.
He hands her a dog.
CATES
Yeah, Guess it must have been a
slow news day...
ELAINE
Jack, are you okay?
CATES
Sure, okay, fine, no problem...
See, there's this kid in jail ...
First thing I got to do is go up
and see what he knows ...
He points to the file.
ELAINE
I thought you might come over to
my place to recuperate. I don't
have to go to work until the day
after tomorrow.
They begin to stroll down the street.
CATES
I got nothing to recuperate from.
There's a guy out there with my
gun, and I want it back.
She's not happy with this attitude.
ELAINE
Look, spare me the macho bullshit
about your gun...
CATES
Bullshit? I'll tell you about
bullshit. My gun's a real weapon
in the hands of a real maniac who
knows how to use it. It isn't my
macho bullshit that's killing
people, my gun is ...
ELAINE
Look, Jack, if you make everything
your personal responsibility,
you'll turn into a bad cop. It's
not a practical way to function...
CATES
I didn't get burned, two cops did.
Listen, I'll tell you about
personnel responsibility. I like
to get the job done right. And if
I don't get my job done right...
I'm for shit.
ELAINE
Here it comes again ... the sacred
job...
CATES
That's right. I'm not like you.
I'm not gonna sit on my ass
wondering what's right and what's
wrong... There's a psycho out
there killing people with my gun
and I'm gonna get him. Because
it's my job. And if you don't get
that...
ELAINE
I get that. The job first.
Everything else, especially me,
second. I get it. I don't like it.
Pause.
CATES
No one asked you to like it... But
that's the way it is.
TRANSITION.
PRISON CELL BLOCK - DAY
Cates and a GUARD on the upper deck approaching the door to
the cell block... The Guard shouts upward.
GUARD
Open Nine.
With a huge metal clatters the door to the cell block opens.
CELL BLOCK - NEAR ENTRANCE
Cates and the Guard go through the door.
GUARD
Close Nine.
They move forward together.
GUARD
(continuing)
It's Number Twenty-two... You want
company?
CATES
No, no thanks.
The Guard shrugs, stays by the door.
CATES
He walks down the cell block. Inmates stare at him from
inside the stark cells. They don't know who he is, but they
can smell a cop. Cates stops at Twenty-two, looks inside...
a bit startled. Obviously, Reggie Hammond has connections and
taste. The paint is fresh; there's framed prints on the wall
instead of pin-ups, and the overall feeling is that of a
graduate school dorm rather than a prison. Cates turns, nods
to the Guard at the end of the cell block. He throws a switch
and the door opens.
HAMMOND'S CELL
Cates steps inside. Hammond is at a table wearing a Sony
Walkman and writing in some detailed ledgers with a fountain
pen. He's boogeying in his seat to the music. Sprawled on a
bunk nearby is LEROY, another black inmate close to Hammond's
age. Leroy is leafing through a copy of a skin magazine. He
doesn't even look at Cates.
CATES
Hammond.
Cates steps inside the cell.
CATES
(continuing)
Hammond!
No answer. Cates leans over, hits the override button on the
Sony.
CATES
(continuing)
Hammond!
Hammond jumps, grabs his ears in pain ... He pulls the
headset off and glares at Cates.
HAMMOND
You got a name, cop?
CATES
Try Cates. And let's talk in
private, okay?
HAMMOND
Sure, anything you want.
He tosses the Walkman to Leroy who dutifully puts it on.
CATES
Look, convict, I know all about
you. Single. No fixed address. No
known relatives.
One previous conviction. Armed
robbery... six months to go on a
three-year sentence.
HAMMOND
You here to write my life story?
CATES
Not likely, Reggie. Maybe I just
need some help.
Cates takes the forensic photo out of his pocket, passes it
across the table to Hammond. He looks at it, hardly reacts.
HAMMOND
Henry Wong... My old pal. He's
looked better...
He passes the photo back.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Look, I got just six months before
gettin' out of here. Six months
between me and freedom after bein'
here three years... And I'm not
gonna do anything to screw it up,
includin' pee in the prison yard,
knock up the Warden's daughter or
rat on my old partners...
Cates swings the cell door back open.
CATES
Too bad, Reggie. I thought maybe
you were a smart boy. But I guess
if you were real smart you
wouldn't be a convict.
He smiles, decides to play his card.
CATES
(continuing)
I can see a second-rater like you
wouldn't be any help at all goin'
up against a real hard case like
Ganz.
Hammond jerks his head around.
HAMMOND
Ganz?
Pause.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Ganz the one who shot Henry?
Cates, I asked you a question...
Cates smiles.
CATES
Yeah, I noticed...
HAMMOND
Ganz is in jail. He's gonna be
there two years after I'm on the
street.
CATES
Didn't work out that way. He
busted out with a big Indian.
They capped two guards on a road
gang. Nice meeting you Reggie.
He turns, goes out. The door clangs behind him. Hammond jumps
up and bangs on the bars, shouts at Cates' back...
HAMMOND
Cates, Come back here.
Cates turns, saunters back, leans against the door.
CATES
Yeah?
HAMMOND
I can deliver Ganz. But you gotta
get me outta here first.
CATES
You're crazy.
HAMMOND
I can help you, man, but you gotta
get me out. I got to be on the
street. Get me outta here.
CATES
What's the big deal about you
bein' on the street?
HAMMOND
I got a lot to protect.
CATES
Bullshit.
HAMMOND
It's the only way you're gonna get
Ganz.
CATES
I'll think about it.
TRANSITION.
Cates typing several of official looking documents while
seated across from a rather dour-looking bureaucrat named BOB.
CATES
Let me borrow your pen, Bob.
Handed over by Bob.
BOB
You going to use your own name?
CATES
Shit, no.
CANDY
He begins signing the documents.
BOB
Jack, just remember one thing. If
all this comes down, you don't
know me. I'm not gonna burn for
you. And I'll tell you something
else. If it all comes down, your
ass is new-mown grass.
CATES
Right. Hey, no sweat.
He hands over the papers. Smiles.
BOB
BOB You got him for 48 hours.
Bob studies the sheet.
BOB
(continuing)
You got a big career as a forger
if you decide to go that way,
Jack... I'll ring security.
TRANSITION.
PROCESS ROOM - PRISON - DAY
The GUARD leads Hammond to a steel cage. Harmnond's now
wearing a beautifully tailored plaid suit.
The Guard shouts to ANOTHER GUARD on the far side.
GUARD
Prisoner G21355 ... Hammond.
SECOND GUARD
Okay. Send him through.
The gate slides open. The Guard geztures for Hairmond to
enter. Hammond walks to the far side of the pen. The first
gate closes, the second one opens.
Hammond turns and walks over to Cates. The Guard comes up to
Cates, double checks his orders then unlocks Hammond's cuffs.
GUARD
Gotta sign for him.
CATES
Sure thing...
He looks over at Hammond who smiles at him. Then looks at
Harmond's clothes...
CATES
(continuing)
This prison gives out $400 suits?
HAMMOND
What are you talkin' about? This
suit's mine. It cost $900.
Hammond dusts off a sleeve.
CATES
We're supposed to be after a
killer, not a string of hookers...
HAMMOND
Listen, it may be a little out of
date. You know, I got a reputation
for lookingreal sharp with the
ladies...
Cates hands some papers to the Guard.
GUARD
He's all yours.
The Guard walks away as Hammond feels Cates' lapel.
HAMMOND
We could change this for something
good...Get you lookin' sharp for
pussy.
Cates gives him a look.
CATES
I don't need to hear your jive. I
already got that department taken
care of...
HAMMOND
You got a girl... shit... the
generosityof women never ceases to
amaze me.
Cates slaps a cuff on Hammond's outstrethand, then puts the
other on his own wrist.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Hey, no way. Take off the
bracelets or no deal.
CATES
You just don't get it, do your
Reggie? There isn't any deal. I
own your ass.
HAMMOND
No way to start a partnership.
CATES
Get this. We ain't partners. We
ain't brothers. We ain't friends.
I'm puttin' you down and keepin'
you down until Ganz is locked up
or dead. And if Ganz gets away,
you're gonna be sorry we ever met.
HAMMOND
Shit. I'm already sorry.
Cates yanks on the cuffs. They move away.
?
TRANSITION.
OUTSIDE THE JAIL - DAY
CATES LEADS HAMMOND OUT. THEY HEAD FOR CATES' BATTERED
CADILLAC.
HAMMOND
This your car, man?
CATES
Yeah.
HAMMOND
It looks like you bought it off
one of the brothers.
As they approach the car...
CATES
Okay, let's get down to it. I did
my part and got you out. So now
you tell me where we're goin'?
HAMMOND
Don't worry, I got a move for ya.
An awesome move. A guy named
Luther. Ganz'll be paying him a
visit. We go to him right away.
CATES
Luther was part of the gang?
HAMMOND
What gang you talkin' about, Jack?
CATES
I can read a police file,
shithead, and quit calling me Jack.
HAMMOND
Just an expression man, don't mean
nothin'.
Cates gets behind the wheel and kicks the engine over.
CATES
I don't give a damn. It happens
to be my name.
HAMMOND
Then what're you complainin'
about? At least nobody's calling
you shithead....
CATES
I may call you worse than that.
Cates drives off.
EXT. STREET - MISSION DISTRICT - DAY
Cates' Cadillac purrs into view, entering a deserted street
within a rundown neighborhood.
INT. CADDY
Hammond seated next to Cates.
HAMMOND
Just up the street, the other
side, over there ... Now, don't
bother knockin' on the door.
Luther ain't the kind of guy that
looks for company.
CATES
Your pal nuts enough to take a
shot at me?
HAMMOND
Luther ain't the reliable type. I
don't want you shot yet, Cates ...
not before you been a help to me.
CATES
I'm helpin' you, huh?
Hammond smiles.
HAMMOND
Yeah. Didn't you know that?
STREET
The Caddy pulls to a stop.
HAMMOND
Over there...232...
Cates double-checks his .38.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
You better let me borrow one of
those.
Cates smiles.
CATES
Sure thing, asshole.
Handcuffs Hammond to the door handle. Grabs the car keys.
CATES
(continuing)
You just hang on. And hope this
big move of yours turns out to be
something. Opens the car door.
CATES
(continuing)
LUTHER'S VICTORIAN
Cates knocks at the door. Nothing. Knocks again ... no
response.. From inside, he hears a faint noise but no
response to the knock. Holding the .38 in one hand, Cates
tries the knob with the other. The door opens. Cautiously,
Cates steps inside.
INT. LUTHER'S VICTORIAN
Long corridor ahead. No sign of Luther.
CATES
Moves down the corriaor, checks the rooms off to one sides.
LUTHER LUTHER
slips into the hallway behind Cates... Cates turns just as he
gets to the kitchen. Luther holds a gun. Cates drops to a
crouch and aims the .38. Luther whirls and fires at Cates. As
wood and plaster fly out all round him, Cates makes a running
dive for the floor. Luther runs out before Cates has
regainehis feet.
STREET
Luther rushes out the front door and heads toward the
Cadillac.
HAMMOND
Watches as Luther heads down the sidewaltoward him. As he
starts to pass by... Hammond steps out suddenly... Flattens
him with the car door. Luther drops, stunned. Hammond, still
restricted by being cuffed to the door handle, reaches and
grabs his pistol.
CATES
Hammond, Drop the Goddamn gun.
Hammond looks up. He sprints across the pavement. Aims his
gun at Hammond.
HAMMOND
Quit playin' cop and undo this
cuff, Jack, I need to talk to this
man.
CATES
I'm tellin' you to drop the Goddam
gun.
HAMMOND
I got a whole thing about people
pointin' guns at me.
CATES
Just throw me the Goddamn gun.
Long moment. Then Hammond smiles and tosses him Luther's
pistol. Luther groans. Cates puts his foot on Luther's belly
and pulls himself into a standing position, cuffs him.
HAMMOND
Luther, I always told you the
physical side of life wasn't your
gig. Look at you, all messed
up... Course you never were much
in the snappy dresser department,
were you?
Cates now has Luther ready to be questioned.
CATES
Come on, talk to him.
Hammond turns to smile at Luther.
HAMMOND
What's happening, Luther?
LUTHER
I thought you were inside...
HAMMOND
Meet my travel Agent.
Luther leans forward, looks straight at Cates.
LUTHER
A cop...
CATES
I sure ain't his fairy
godmother... now I'm looking for
Ganz...where is he?
LUTHER
Haven't seen him for years. That's
the truth.
CATES
You just took a shot at me,
asshole. I think you do know where
he is.
LUTHER
Who gives a fuck what you think?
Cates grabs the still open Cadillac door, slams it into
Luther. He falls backwards. Cates looks at Hammond.
CATES
Hey, this works pretty good.
HAMMOND
Thank you.
CATES
Want to try it again?
Luther sits up again, glares at Cates.
LUTHER
Ganz and Billy got my girl,
Rosalie.
CATES
I think I met her. Now tell us
something we don't know, like
where they stashed her.
LUTHER
I don't know.
Cates slams the car door agains him again.
HAMMOND
I gotta tell you he's having a
ball with this car door, Luther...
You'd better think of somethin' to
tell him.
Luther besitates...flashes a look at Hammond, who sends him
a silent fleeting reply. Maybe Cates sees this. Maybe not.
LUTHER
He ... he wants me to help him
skip town.
CATES
When? How?
LUTHER
I dunno ... he's gonna call me...
Another look at Hammond.
LUTHER
(continuing)
He's gonna call me on...Tuesday.
Something's wrong with all this. Cates isn't sure just what.
Not yet. He looks at Hammond.
CATES
What do you think?
HAMMOND
I think you better put him on ice,
man.
CATES
He's gotta take that call ... if
there is one.
HAMMOND
If you let him run around till
Tuesday, he's gonna run right to
Ganz and warn him. Ain't you,
motherfucker?
Luther makes a play toward Hammond, who laughs, doesn't even
flinch.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Luther, are you angry with me?
Cates wrestles Luther into the back seat, turns to Hammond.
CATES
I don't know what the hell you're
smiling about, watermelon. Your
big move turned out to be shit.
HAMMOND Just stares at Cates, keeps smiling...
TRANSITION.
BOOKING - POLICE PRECINCT - NIGHT
Two Uniforms follow a sullen Luther, Cates and Hammond to the
DUTY SERGEANT... Cates speaks to him through the small
window.
CATES
Assault on a police officer with
a deadly weapon. Carrying a
concealed weapon. Resisting
arrest, Disturbing the peace.
Public nuisance...
The Sergeant begins typing out an arrest form.
CATES
(continuing)
I'll think up a few more and file
the report tomorrow.
Cates looks back at Hammond as Luther is hauled away.
CATES
(continuing)
Come on, I gotta make a phone call.
As they move through the honeycomb of office partitions.
CATES
(continuing)
You stay with me.
Cates picks up the phone on the other side of the booking
desk. Dials ... waits for a response as TWO HOOKERS are led
past by an Arresting Officer. Hammond gives them the eye.
CATES
(continuing)
This is Jack Cates. Any messages?
ELAINE'S APARTMENT
Elaine is on the kitchen phone, speakingwhite putting her
coat on over her uniform for the evening. One look at the
way it is cut and you know why she hates her job.
ELAINE
Just one. Some lady called. Said
she's a little hot-headed
sometimes... But she still wants
her occasional roommate. She'd
like to talk it over after she
gets off work tonight... if it's
humanly possible....
CATES
Elaine, look, I'm in the middle of
sone stuff right now... I'm not
gonna have time to come by. I
don't know when I can get there.
Her face falls. Making the offer was hard enough.
ELAINE
Come on, Jack ... you're making me
work too Goddamn hard at this...
Jack is very irritated by this turn of events.
CATES
Listen, Goddamn it if you think
I'm happy about it, you're nuts.
I just gotta take care of a few
things, okay?
ELAINE
This is not the way people who
care for each other are supposed
to behave.
Cates says nothing. She hangs up angrily.
BOOKING
Hammond is working on the girls.
HAMMOND
Excuse me, ladies, you seem to be
in need of assistance.
HOOKER TWO
Look, we got enough problems, we
don't need no tight-ass court-
appointed lawyer trying to
bullshit us!
HAMMOND
Sweetheart, I'm not trying to
bullshit you. I don't know whether
or not you ladies heard but the
city is coming down real hard on
people practicing unlawful carnal
knowledge.
HOOKER ONE
So what are you trying to say,
fella?
HAMMOND
I'm trying to say that you're not
just walk in that courtroom and
get gonna slapped with a $50 fine
and be back on the street turning
tricks tonight. You both are going
to do some time. About 30 days
each... Unless, of course,we talk
real business.
HOOKER TWO
So where do you want to do it,
honey? You wanna hop up on the
counter?
HAMMOND
No, we can go to the back room.
Cates walks over and pulls him by the shoulder.
CATES
We're on the move. Let's go. As
they walk toward a corridor.
HAMMOND
Do you know how close I was to
getting some trim. And you
fucked' it up.
CATES
Yeah, well, my ass bleeds for you.
And I didn't get you out so you
could go on a Goddamn "trim"
hunt... stop moaning.
HAMMOND
Speakin' of moans my Stomach is
startin' to growl.
CATES
We eat when I say we eat.
HAMMOND
Bullshit ... I ain't moving till
I get something to eat. You've
been treating me like shit ever
since I came out here. If you
don't like it, you can take me
back to the penitentiary and kiss
my hungry black ass good-bye. And
I want some food some place nice..
Some good people, nice music...
CATES
Yeah, I'm hungry too. I know of a
place. Let's go eat.
HAMMOND
Yeah, I want mandolins, flowers...
They move off down the corridor.
TRANSITION.
UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT - NIGHT
INT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Cates and Hammond at a candy machine. Cates drops in a
quarter, throws Hammond a candy bar...
CATES
There's your God-damn dinner. Now,
let's go.
They move toward a row of parked cars.
AT THE CADDY
HAMMOND
Who'd you call on the phone back
at the booking station?
CATES
Just get in the car and keep your
mouth shut.
Hammond gets in the car as Cates readjusts Elaine's scarf on
the mirror.
HAMMOND
Must of been your lady friend...
Cates frowns at him.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
You really do have onoe, huh,
Jack... what's her problem besides
you?
CATES
She's got the same complaint as
half the Goddamn population. She
can't get the job she's trained
for and it pisses her off...
Anyway, what the fuck do you care?
Cates climbs in behind the wheel of the Cadillac.
HAMMOND
No, man, tell me about her. In
jail they got me surrounded by
guys wearin' blue suits twenty-
four hours a day. And I ain't
built for that. Really? With the
clothes you got on you look like
you'd love it.
Cates takes a belt from his flask.
CATES
Now, where we goin', convict?
HAMMOND
Mission District. Gonna find us
an Indian.
Cates starts the motor, slams it into gear. Accelerates out
to the street.
TRANSITION.
EXT. CITY STREET NIGHT
Cates and Hammon booming along in the Caddy.
HAMMOND
Come on, Jack. I want to hear
about your girl. When were you
with her last ... You get what I
mean?
Smiles. Cates smiles back at him, almost cruelly
CATES
I don't give out the details.
HAMMOND
Last night, two nights ago, three?
Cates keeps smiling.
CATES
Last night.
HAMMOND
You have a good time?
Pained expression on Cates' face as he comes back to reality.
CATES
Sure. Then we had a fight this
morning.
HAMMOND
At least you took care of business
and got the important part in
before she came down on you...Tell
me a little about her. She got
great tits?
Cates gives him a hard look.
CATES
I get the feeling it's going to be
real long night.
They keep driving.
TRANSITION.
MISSION DISTRICT - STREET - NIGHT
The Cadillac drives slowly past a bar called Torchie's.
Stops at the end of the block.
CATES
Well?
HAMMOND
It's a long shot, but...Billy used
to tend bar here a few years back.
I heard him talk about it.
CATES
This part of town, they'll make us
for heat the second we walk in.
Just back me up like you've got a
piece...
HAMMOND
Back you up? Now why would I
wanna do that?
CATES
If they kick my ass, they'll sure
as hell carve yours up...
HAMMOND
But you can handle it all right,
huh? Real amazin' how far a gun
and a badge can carry some cats...
CATES
Bullshit. Attitude and experience
get you through...
Cates and Hammond step out, glance toward the bar.
HAMMOND
I been in a lot of bars where a
white cop rousted me and some of
the brothers. All those clowns
ever had going for 'em was a gun
and a badge...
CATES
You need five years training to
handle a joint like...
Hamnond's had enough of this debate.
HAMMOND
Hey, you wanna bet?
CATES
I got two problems. Number one,
I'm not playin' games. Number
two, you got nothin' to bet with.
HAMMOND
If we come outta this joint with
Ganz' phone number, or a dead
Indian, or anything else useful,
then you could turn the other way
for half an hour while I get
laid...
CATES
Why? Anybody that talks about
women as much as you do probably
can't get it up anyway.
HAMMOND
That's never been one of my
problems.
Now, stop stallin', man, or else
admit all this professional stuff
you're talkin' about is a crock of
shit.
CATES
I'll tell you what happens if you
lose... you tell the truth for
once.
HAMMOND
What are you talkin' about?
CATES
You tell me what Ganz busted out
for, he's after a lot more than
just gettin' out of jail. And
whatever it is, you're part of it.
HAMMOND
I don't know what you're talking
about. I just wanna see Ganz
nailed.
CATES
The bet's off.
Hammond thinks it over..
HAMMOND
Okay, if I lose, I'll tell you
anything you want to know...
Cates reaches into his pocket.
CATES
I'm gonna enjoy this ... here,
I'll even loan you my badge.
HAMMOND
I thought you said bullshit and
experience are all it takes.
He takes the badge anyway as they head for the entrance.
TORCHIE'S WESTERN BAR
They step inside. Hammond reacts to...
REDNECK CITY
Longhorns mounted over the bar, Rebel Flags, Lone Star Beer,
armadillo posters. Even the waitresses wear Stetsons.
Rockabilly pounding from the jukebox. A Cowgirl Stripper is
doing the grind on a small podium.
HAMMOND
This place don't seem real popular
with the brothers.
CATES
My kind of place. I always liked
country boys.
Cates smiles, finds a table in the corner. A Cowgirl comes
over to take his order.
HAMMOND
Takes a deep breath, moves toward the bar. Smiles at the good
ol' boys. They don't smile back. He sits down at the bar.
BARTENDER
Yeah.
HAMMOND
Vodka.
BARTENDER
Maybe you better have a Black
Russian.
HAMMOND
No, man, I think I'll have a vodka.
Hamnond looks around the room.
THE BARTENDER
places a glass in front of him, picks up the dollar as
Harmond flashes Cates' shield.
HAMMOND
You know a big Indian named Billy
Bear? He used to work here.
The Bartender shakes his head, gives him a scowl.
BARTENDER
Never heard of him.
Hammond lifts the shot glass and throws it through the mirror
behind the bar. Sudden silence throughout the room.
HAMMOND
Now how's your memory doin'?
BARTENDER
Fuck off. I don't know what the
hell you're talkin' about.
HAMMOND
Maybe I better ask around, see
what your pals think.
BARTENDER
I don't give a shit who you ask.
The Bartender walks down toward Cates.
HAMMOND
Moves away from the bar. He stops at a booth occupied by
FOUR COWBOY PUNKS,
one a very big man. Hammond grabs him by the arm and pulls
him up.
HAMMOND
Up against the wall, cowboy.
The Punk breaks free, aims a massive haymaker at Hammond.
Gets a right to the stomach for his trouble.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Now, I said get over there by that
wall ... You hear me,
motherfucker...
Looks at the others.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Move it, rednecks. On your feet...
He grabs the next by the arm, yanks him up.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Over there...move your ass. Some
of you rednecks seem a little hard
of hearing, so I'll repeat it for
everybody... I need word on the
whereabouts of an Indian that goes
by the name of Billy Bear. It's a
police matter and you all look
like you'd just love to
cooperate...
CATES Quietly sips his beer. The other occupants of the bar
watch Hammond herd the four Punks to the end wall.
A BIG COWBOY
when Hammond isn't looking, he dashes toward the exit, Cates
puts out a leg. Sends the Cowboy crashing into a crowdedtable.
HAMMOND
Turns around at the noise.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
That wasn't necessary, buddy. I
got this under control.
CATES
Some of us citizens are with you
all the way, Officer.
The Redneck Punks are now spread-eagled against the wall.
Hammond searches the first. He drops a wallet on the floor
and moves to the second. A switchblade, some credit cards and
another wallet fall to the floor. The last Punk has only a
roll of bills. Hammond holds the money up to his face.
HAMMOND
You're in trouble, big trouble, so
you better start talking. Where'd
a boy like you make a score like
this?
PUNK
It's mine, what the hell...
HAMMOND
You must a rolled somebody. They
don't let punks like you take jobs
that pay this much ... you sure
you don't know a dangerous Indian,
because unless you start talkin'
I may just have to start looking
down your pants with a
flashlight...
PUNK
What kind of cop are you, anyway?
HAMMOND
I am your most terrible nightmare
... a bad nigger with a badge that
entitles him to kick your ass...
Hammond turns to the Bartender...
HAMMOND
(continuing)
One of them is under-age. Another
attacked a police officer. And you
know I ain't found what I came
lookin' here for yet...
Walks back to the Bartender.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
The tall one had a weapon ... you
want me to keep on makin' a list,
or you got the picture yet?
He reaches for a towel under a pyramid of bar glasses. Jerks
the towel, the pyramid capsizes onto the floor. Huge crash as
the glasses break into a million fragments.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
Looks like you're on your way to
bein' outta business, redneck...
Now, let's see what can we fuck
with next?
The Bartender doesn't have the look of a happy man.
BARTENDER
Okay, okay. The Indian hangs out
with a girl down the block. Right
where Chinatown starts. She lives
on top of the hardware store.
Hammond turns, grins at Cates. As far as he's concerned, he's
won the bet. Cates nods, slips out the door.
HAMMOND
I don't give a damn about his
girl...
BARTENDER
Look, give me a break, you're
going to have to settle for her
place. It's the only thing I know.
He looks desperate.
BARTENDER
(continuing)
I'm tellin' ya, I'm giving you all
I know.
HAMMOND
Try obeyin' the law once in
awhile, and I won't have to hassle
you...
Turns to go, then turns back.
HAMMOND
(continuing)
But remember this, cowboy, there's
a new sheriff in town.
Smiles, turns and goes.
TRANSITION.
STREET - ACROSS FROM TORCHIE'S - NIGHT
Hammond steps out of the bar. He crosses to Cates by the car.
CATES
I think you got something for me.
Pause.
CATES
(continuing)
The gun you took off that redneck
in there.
Hammond smiles.
HAMMOND
You made that move, huh?
CATES
While you're at it, You can give
me the switchblade, too.
Hammond reluctantly takes out a .22 automatic, slams it down
on the hood of the car.
CATES
(continuing)
Credit cards?
Hammond hands them over with the knife.
HAMMOND
You already got a gun and you owe
me a piece of ass. I'll settle
for the gun you just took.
A long moment. Then Cates slowly lifts the .22 automatic.
CATES
You did a real good job... Guess
you deserve a reward.
Removes the clip. Throws it across the street. Hands Hammond
the automatic.
HAMMOND
Motherfucker.
He throws the gun away.
CATES
I sure am. Now let's go get us an
Indian.
They walk up the block.
TRANSITION.
STREET - CHINATOWN - NIGHT
Neon signs with Sino lettering.
CATES AND HAMMOND
Walk down the street, spot a shop with a window display of
tools. Look up at the darkened apartment windows. They walk
to the end of the block.
ALLEY
Stairwells lead to each apartment above the shops. Cates and
Hammond move along the buildings... Arrive at the back of the
hardware store. Quietly, they start to ascend the stairs.
STAIRWELL
The metal steps extend onto a platform by the back door.
Cates leans over the railings to look through the adjacent
window. Between the drawn curtains, a flickering glimmer from
a TV set. On the tube, various poses from stridently
exercising women.
HAMMOND
What the shit is that?
Looks again. A female form passes by, goes out of the room.
CATES
There.
HAMMOND
Must be billy's girl.
CATES
Come on.
DOORWAY
Cates gestures to the door lock. Hammond fiddles with it for
several moments. The door swings open. They step into a
darkened room.
APARTMENT
Cates takes the .38 from his pocket. He stops near the open
bedroom doorway. He looks at Hammond and then both men step
quickly into the room.
CATES
Police! Nobody move!
Hammond reaches for the light switch. Takes a heavy blow.
Slumps against the door. A Woman's voice screams out.
CATES
(continuing)
Stay where you are!
The light goes on. Cates' gun points at a YOUNG WOMAN (CASEY)
in a flimsy dressing gown. Saturday Night Special held
between her palms, police style... A SECOND WOMAN (SALLY)
stands beside Hammond at the light switch. Larger and
slightly older than the first, she wears a man's shirt. Holds
a baseball bat in her right hand.
SALLY
You better drop it or he's gonna
get another one.
HAMMOND
Hey, talk to here jack. I don't
feel like gettin' number two along
side of the head.
CATES
I said police. Now drop the
goddamn gun.
CASEY
Don't give me that police shit.
You drop it.
Pause.
CATES
Okay, look, don't shoot. I'm just
reachin' for my badge.
Cates takes out his badge-Shows it to Casey.
CASEY
I don't like this bullshit. I've
seen fake badges before.
HAMMOND
I'll tell you something lady, this
guy is a real nervous cop - He's
just liable to pull the trigger.
Cates takes two steps toward Casey...
CATES
Naw, I'm the calm type. I know
you don't want me to shoot you,
and I know that you don't want to
shoot me.
He takes two more steps toward her.
CATES
(continuing)
Shooting a cop puts you away for
a long time.
Holds out his hand.
CASEY
You assholes better be real.
She hands Cates the gun. Sally prods Hammond with the
baseball bat.
SALLY
Just wait a Goddamn second here,
let's see your badge...
He snatches the bat out of her hands.
HAMMOND
Don't have one.
SALLY
I knew it. Call the cops.
Casey walks over to the phone.
CATES
Tell them it's Cates, Detective
31st District. Then put your
clothes on. If you don't answer
some questions I'm taking both
your asses in.
After a moment, Casey puts down the phone.
CATES
(continuing)
Now, let's cut out the crap, which
one of you sees Billy Bear?
SALLY
None of your business, cop. The
son of a bitch isn't here, and he
isn't coming back.
CATES
You can do better than that.
Turns to Casey.
CATES
(continuing)
How about it?
CASEY
I used to go with him...I don't
know where the hell he is. I
haven't seen him for two weeks.
And I don't think I will. He owes
me money...
SALLY
He's a Goddamn lowlife, the way he
treated her.
CATES
Sounds like a real stormy romance.
CASEY
I don't much care what it sounds
like to you, Cop. All I know is
that I went a few laps around the
track with him and I ended up with
nothin' but the short end of the
stick.
Cates looks over at Hammond.
CATES
Let's go.
HAMMOND
Wait a minute. Maybe these ladies
would like to go a few laps with
us. How about it? I been nearly
three years in prison and...
SALLY
Fuck off.
CATES
Come on...
Hannond starts for the door with Cates.
CASEY
If you find that bastard, Billy,
tell him to stay out of my life.
I don't need any more of his macho
bullshit.
TRANSITION.
STREET CHINATOWN - NIGHT
The two men walk among the bright neon lights. Neither of
them very happy.
CATES
This sucks. A maniac gets hold of
my gun and goes all over the
streets killing people with it.
So, instead of me being where I
oughta be, which is in bed giving
my girl the high, hard one, I'm
out here doing this shit, roaming
around with some overdressed,
charcoal-colored loser like you.
HAMMOND
You wanna leave, man? Let me take
care of Ganz all by myself.
CATES
You? Don't make me laugh. You
can't take care of shit. You've
been dicking me around since we
started on this turd-hunt. All
you're good for is games... So
far, what I got outta you is
nothin'...
HAMMOND
I'm impressed with you too, Jack
you did a real good job of busting
up a couple of dykes bedded down
for the night.
CATES
Luther knew more than he told me
and so do you...Now you better
tell we what the fuck this is all
about. I gave you 48 hours to
come up with something and the
clock's runnin' ...
A long look at Hammond.
HAMMOND
Maybe I don't like the way you ask.
CATES
Who gives a Goddamn what you
think? You're just a crook that's
got a weekendpass ... You're not
even a name anymore. Just a spear-
chucker with a Goddamn number
stenciled on the back of his
prison fatigues...
They walk past.
TRANSITION.
STREET ACROSS FROM TORCHIE'S - NIGHT
They two men walk toward the Cadillac.
CATES
Okay, Reggie, I'm done playing
around. I want to know what's
going on and I'm going to beat the
living shit out of you until you
tell me.
Hammond goes into a street rap.
HAMMOND
You beat the shit out of me?
Don't make me laugh, sucker. You
don't know how I'd dance on your
face? I'll hit you so hard, so
many times, you'll wish you'd
never been hatched. I'll turn
your face into cottage cheese.
I'll make your girl think you been
takin' ugly pills. She won't even
know who you are, sucker.
They stop by the car. Cates takes the gun out, lays it on the
hood. Hammond stares at him. Cates next takes out his
wallet, shows Hammond his badge, then lays the badge on the
car fender... Smiles.
CATES
I guess the first thing I ought