FIBS

Written by

Jack Tancey

JackTancey@Gmail.com

COLD OPEN

FADE IN:

INT. A PRISON OUTSIDE A PAROLE ROOM - DAY

It looks like a kangaroo court is in session. Dozens of criminals line the hall looking hopeful and restless.

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

A Tribunal of judges preside over the jailhouse court, empty except for FIBS [40ish, handsome] and his advocate CAMILLE [30s, Swedish, slight accent]. The SPEAKING JUDGE [50s, woman, bookish and cold] survey’s Fibs’ file.

She pulls off her glasses and gives a worn sigh.

SPEAKING JUDGEAnd why should we allow this repeat offender back into society early?

Camille looks to CURTIS PETERS [40s, bean-counter] who gives her a ‘do it’ look. She turns to respond to the Judge.

CAMILLE(guided by a file)

Mr. Fibonacci Strauss has been a...model prisoner. In only three year’s he’s managed to...

INT. PRISON KITCHEN - DAY

The walls are caked with grease and grime, a smirking security guard hands Fibs cleaning supplies.

CAMILLE (V.O.)Take a simple work placement and...

SCRUBBED KITCHEN

Three mentally retarded prisoners labor like slaves while Fibs reads with his feet up. A fourth prisoner brings him a plate of fruit and iced tea with a long straw.

CAMILLE (V.O.)Turned it into a program that employed special need prisoners.

INT. PRISON KIOSK - DAY

A group of prisoners is lined up in front of a window as Fibs picks a door lock with the long straw.

CAMILLE (V.O.)Set up a program to help distribute items to needy prisoners...

Fibs takes an item from a ten dollar slot and passes it out the window, getting a five dollar bill in return.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

The other inmates are turning in their papers to a TESTER. Fibs approaches him last, putting his paper face down.

CAMILLE (V.O.)He even acquired two accelerated four year degrees in the fields of-

The tester turns the sheet face up and sees a stack of cash. He removes Fibs’ ID from one paper and puts it on another.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

SPEAKING JUDGECut the crap, Blondie.

CAMILLEExcuse me?

SPEAKING JUDGE(pointing to Fibs)

You’re a career criminal. No excuse for it. Smart. Good upbringing. Why should we let you out now?

CAMILLEWell, as I was about to state-

Speaking Judge holds up a palm, then points to Fibs.

FIBSBecause I can’t come back.

SPEAKING JUDGE I’m sorry?

CURTIS PETERSWhat he meant to say-

2.

FIBSI meant to say because I can’t return. This is my second strike. I come back, you’ll never let me back out.

SPEAKING JUDGEThat’s not a compelling argument for your rehabilitation.

CAMILLE(whispering)

It’s really not.

FIBSI could give a good one. Or two. I could spin you a tale and at some point I’d believe it myself. But you have my sheet. I’m in here for conning.

CAMILLELet the record show that Mr. Strauss-

FIBS(whisper/wink to Camille)

I got it.

Fibs pans across all three judges.

FIBS (CONT’D)I’ve lied all my life. For money. For fun. But I’m done with it, and that’s true if I get out today or not. If you see fit to release me, I’ll make you proud. If not...

He seems solemn, thoughtful in a pause.

If not, I’ll be good the rest of my sentence.

The judges deliberate as Camille stares daggers at Curtis.

Unobserved, Fibs smiles broadly and reveals crossed fingers.

EXT. A ROAD OUTSIDE THE PRISON - DAY

A CRAPPY COMPANY CAR drives away from the prison that is populated with protestors who carry “Keep Cons In” signs.

3.

EXT. CRAPPY COMPANY CAR - DAY

Camille and Curtis sit in the back seat, Fibs in the passenger and TOM [20s, hopeful but beat down] driving like mommy and daddy are fighting.

CAMILLE(to Curtis)

I didn’t come from Sweden four months early-

CURTIS PETERSMs. Olsen.

CAMILLEI didn’t come here to have so many restraints put on my process.

CURTIS PETERSThe U.S. Government and Colorado Department of Health and Human-

CAMILLEOh, blow it. I’m here advocating for a man who’s shown no remorse!

(to Fibs)No offense.

FIBSNone taken!

Fibs grins and pulls a pair of sunglasses and an MP3 player out of his belongings bag. He puts the sunglasses on and hides the MP3 from Tom’s view to open the a secret panel.

Inside is a key. Fibs grins wildly and closes it as Camileand Curtis continue to spat.

FIBS (CONT’D)So what’s your name?

TOMOh, uh, Tom. I’d shake your hand but, you know. Driving.

He laughs nervously, like he’s impressing the cool kid.

TOM (CONT’D)So what do you go by?

FIBSCall me Fibs.

4.

TOMOkay?

FIBSAnd what do you do, Tom?

Fibs pulls out a phone and pockets it instead of listening.

TOMWell, actually, I’m working in the re-intergration department.

FIBSThat’s great!

TOMYeah!

FIBSAnd what do you do there?

TOM(somehow ashamed)

Oh, it’s the, well, it’s the department you’re working for.

FIBS(undoing tie)

That so?

TOMIt is. Didn’t you read your release agreement? It’s very strict and has all sorts of indemnity clauses that-

Fibs holds up a palm while undoing the top three buttons.

FIBSI didn’t, Tom. I trust my lawyer implicitly.

TOMWow. You don’t hear that often.

FIBSWell he’s a hell of a guy.

(grinning)As you’ll see in about ten minutes.

5.

INT. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES LOBBY - DAY

The four of them head into the building and encounter HUGH JACKMAN [50s, slovenly, southern charm] stands in front of the elevator bank with arms open wide.

HUGHFibonacci Strauss, as I live!

FIBS(hugging)

And breath?

HUGH(hugging)

That too!(to Camille and Curtis)

Thanks for getting my boy here safe and sound, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it.

Curtis moves in to shake hands.

CURTIS PETERSMr. Jackman.

As they shake hands Curtis turns and Hugh spins with him.

CURTIS PETERS (CONT’D)And about that grant you discovered to help free innocent convicts...

Hugh beams and pulls an manila envelope from his lapel and passes it to Curtis who tucks it in his.

CURTIS PETERS (CONT’D)A pleasure.

(to Fibs)See you up there.

Fibs gives a thumbs up and Camille glowers at everyone but Tom. All but Fibs and Hugh depart. When they’re alone both Hugh and Fibs become giddy.

HUGHIt still in there?

Fibs pulls out the MP3 player and reveals the key.

HUGH (CONT’D)Sweet, merciful...

FIBSYou two need a minute?

6.

HUGHLike I last that long.

Hugh kisses the key.

HUGH (CONT’D)You ready for the last day of work you’re ever going to do?

FIBSI’m ready.

HUGHAttaboy. The bank, two o’clock. Be there!

FIBSWhat could possibly stop me?

INT. OFFICE - DAY

The elevator doors open and the smile falls from Fibs’ face. He looks at the mauve-and-tope hellscape, crestfallen.

The florescent bulbs flicker.

The carpet is somehow the color of ennui and hatred.

A coffee machine drips, missing the pot and sending little sizzling hisses onto the hot plate.

The co-workers are hunched over and grumbling while an overflow of clients look irate and disappointed.

Camille approaches Fibs with a smile and a folder.

CAMILLEReady to get started?

FIBSI’m ready to go back to prison...

FADE OUT.

7.

ACT I

FADE IN:

The recently paroled are packed in like human cargo. These are the dregs of society and all the office drones are treating them like the plague.

Except for Fibs and Camille, who regard them as equals.

CAMILLESo for the next few months we’ll really be under the gun. County, State and Federal money is coming to reverse the privatization.

FIBSHorrible, isn’t it?

CAMILLEIt’s--that’s what freed you.

FIBSRight! Horrible that we didn’t do it sooner.

She squints at him at him before they resume walking.

HALLWAY

CAMILLEWe think we can make a good case to the public. That there should be no private prisons anywhere.

FIBSYou’re very attractive when you speak from the heart.

CAMILLEAre you hitting on me, Mr. Strauss?

FIBSI’ve been in prison for three and half years, I’m flirting with every woman I see.

Two HOOKERS walk by.

FIBS (CONT’D)(shaking hands)

Hi, Fibs, reintegration department. (MORE)

8.

If you need anything, leave your names at the front desk, I’ll be sure to get back with you.

CAMILLEOh good, you do know what your job is.

FIBSI pay attention when it suits me.

Fibs tries a charming smile to no effect. They resume.

SUB PAR CONFERENCE ROOM

Tom is pointing to a slide that have various benefits and grants available to A GROUP of released offenders. They shuffle out with files and paperwork.

CAMILLETom.

TOMCamille.

(to Fibs)Hello there.

FIBSHey, nice to meet you.

TOMOh, it’s me. Tom. I was driving.We had a conversation in the car.

Fibs smiles but doesn’t try and play it off.

TOM (CONT’D)It’s okay, I have one of those faces. Where you can’t see it well.

CAMILLEMr. Strauss, would you take up one of those binds and look through it to get acquainted with our program?

FIBSOn it!

Fibs excitedly hops over to pull up a binder, when not being observed he tries to powers up his phone behind it.

CAMILLETom, I hate to ask this of you.

FIBS (CONT’D)

9.

TOMAnything you need.

CAMILLEIt’s just that I have a very bad feeling about this one.

TOMWhat? Fibs? No, he’s great. And Curtis thinks we can make him out to be the poster boy.

Fibs in the background seems to be pressing buttons harder as if the batter could still have life in it.

TOM (CONT’D)You know, ‘the guy who turned it all around.’ The Con Gone Good. It’ll be great press, and we need more of it.

CAMILLETom, I don’t mean to tell you what to think-

TOMDate me!

Fibs gives up and tosses the phone aside while moving to the hallway and surveys a MAN [unkempt thug].

CAMILLE(ignoring awkwardness)

But Curtis isn’t the kind of person you want to take lessons from. He’s...he’s out for himself.

TOMHe’s always been so good to me.

CAMILLEI know, and I don’t think he’s a bad guy, it’s just, sometimes it’s hard to catch everything someone does.

Fibs moves in behind the man and picks his pocket to take his phone before moving back to the binder.

TOMWell, I guess I’ll keep an eye on him. Both of them.

10.

CAMILLEThank you, Tom.

(to Fibs)So if we’re all situated, you’ll shadow Tom for the rest of the day?

FIBSSounds great, boss!

CAMILLEActually, I’m just a consultant. Tom is your supervisor.

Fibs laughs very hard only to realize that it’s not a joke.

CAMILLE (CONT’D)Seems you two are all set.

Camille exits and Fibs watches her go.

TOMSo, ready to get to work?

FIBSReady as I’ll ever be!

HALLWAY

FIBS (CONT’D)So I’ve never had a “job” jobbefore. Is it true that if you smoke you get to do less work?

TOMDo you smoke?

FIBSNo, nasty habit, just wondering.

TOMThat’s funny, you’d be the first person to start smoking after prison.

FIBSYeah, well, it was too expensive to start. Had to save my money.

TOMFor what?

FIBS(thinking fast)

Snow cones.

11.

Tom appraises Fibs.

FIBS (CONT’D)(reinforcing the lie)

It’s hot in prison. They turn up the heat.

(beat)To make prisoners latheragic...sothey’d be less violent.

TOMMakes sense.

FIBS(flabbergasted)

Does it?

FIBS’ AND TOM’S OFFICE

It’s a mild and meek office with two desks set up. Tom has chosen the smaller one in the corner.

TOMSo basically-

The stolen phone rings.

TOM (CONT’D)Do you have to take that?

FIBS(super serious)

I do.

Fibs moves into the hallway.

TOMThe batteries in Japanese phones last forever...

HALLWAY

FIBSHello.

PHONEHello, is this Hector?

FIBSYes, but I’m just about to fight Ajax, so I may be awhile.

PHONEHuh?

12.

Fibs hangs up and dials a number from memory.

INT. EVIE’S APARTMENT - DAY

It’s a modest apartment and EVIE WALSH [30s, girl-next-door] is sitting with her laptop out. She answers.

EVIEHello?

FIBSWow, I didn’t expect to get you.

Evie’s eyes go wide and she hunches forward, looking around the room like he can see her.

EVIEWhat are you doing calling me-you can’t call me.

FIBSYou didn’t change your number.

EVIEDon’t call! Don’t call! You don’t call!

FIBSYou didn’t change your number.

EVIEWhat?

FIBSI’m on borrowed time so let’s skip about five steps. You didn’t change your number because you wanted me to call you. You trust me because I didn’t sell you when I went away.

EVIEGod damnit.

FIBSI need to see you tonight.

EVIE(With strength)

Fibs. No.

FIBSTonight, it has to be. I’m not kidding about the borrowed time.

13.

After a moment Fibs becomes earnest.

FIBS (CONT’D)I have to see you again.

EVIE(weak for him)

I just, I don’t, I just...

FIBSI wanted you to say yes of your own accord but I don’t have time and can’t explain. I need to see you, tonight, our old place.

EVIEOkay.

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

Fibs looks shell shocked but happy. In this moment he is honest, real and whole.

MANWho the hell stole my phone!?

The Man comes from down the hallway, too late for Fibs to go back the way he was heading, instead he moves over to a CHILD and kneels down.

FIBSYou being a good boy?

The child nods with wide eyes.

FIBS (CONT’D)Liar.

Fibs offers the kid the phone and moves out the way to let nature take its course.

MANHey kid, that’s my phone!

FIB’S AND TOM’S OFFICE

Fibs closes the door to drown out the brewing fight. Tom looks up at him and smiles, gesturing to paperwork.

TOMReady to get started?

14.

FIBSSo ready!

Fibs rolls his chair over to the other desk and sits.

TOMGreat, so what we have here is the form we need every client to sign-

FIBSSorry, first question?

TOMSure.

FIBSWhen’s lunch and can I borrow your car?

TOMUhh...

FIBSIt’s just that I have an appointment at the bank.

TOMTo get a loan?

FIBSNo, to see my lawyer.

TOMThe one that was already here today?

FIBSYes.

TOMIs that the...are you telling the truth?

FIBSYes. But it doesn’t sound like it.

TOMErm, okay. Well, I don’t have a car, but if we can get our one o’clock to settle we’ll have to drive him out to work.

FIBSSo tell me more about settling!

15.

TOMWell the first rule is to never settle for anything less!

After Fibs does laugh Tom deflates and seems ashamed.

TOM (CONT’D)We have a client named Jerome who won’t sign his work release.

FIBSWhy not?

TOMHasn’t said. He already got hired for a warehouse but he won’t take the job until he talks to us.

FIBSEasy enough.

TOMShould be.

Tom looks to the clock.

TOM (CONT’D)In fact, we should head to the conference room to set up...

CONFERENCE ROOM ANNEX

Tom looks almost certain and steadfast. He’s in his element. Squared shoulders and narrowed eyes as Fibs follows.

Under his arm is a folder of paperwork and information.

Just as they’re about to enter, Curtis appears with a smile.

CURTIS PETERSTom!

TOMMr. Peters.

CURTIS PETERSYou ready?

TOMI’m always ready!

Curtis nods a few times waiting.

16.

TOM (CONT’D)I’m sorry, I seem to not know what I’m ready for.

CURTIS PETERSYour proposal.

TOMOh, is that, I mean, are we.

CURTIS PETERSFive minutes, Tom. I’m a busy man.

Curtis walks off and Tom falls apart, crestfallen.

TOMOh, god. I, I mean, nobody said...

FIBSWhat’s happening?

TOMYou work and you prepare and then they call you in so suddenly...

FIBSBreath. Look at me, look at me.

Tom makes eye contact but looks shell shocked.

TOMI, my life’s work, a proposal for a community center.

FIBSIs your life’s work?

TOMWell it beats going to prison!

FIBSWhoa!

TOMI’m sorry, I just, I’m sorry.

FIBSIt’s okay.

TOM(sweet as sugar)

Really?

17.

FIBSYeah. What can I do?

TOM(cynical)

Really?

FIBSYeah. I mean, do you want me to get the guy to sign while you do this?

TOMReally!?

FIBSYeah, I mean earlier, you said it would be easy.

Fibs shrugs and Tom hugs him with both hands.

TOMOkay, so, take this-

Tom passes Fibs the file.

TOM (CONT’D)And head into Conference Room B, just ask what his problem is and try and resolve it.

FIBSGot it.

Fibs begins to walk off like it’s an errand.

TOMOh, and if you get him to sign, we’ll take a company car, a long lunch. How’s that sound?

Fibs’ eyes shoot open wide and he rushes off.

TOM (CONT’D)(calling out)

Just remember to be patient!

CONFERENCE ROOM B

Jerome [young, black, easygoing] sits in the poorly furnished room with an easy smile and calm disposition until Fibs barges in.

18.

JEROMEOh, hey man, I think you may have the wrong room. I’m expecting a Tom...

Fibs throws the file onto the desk with a thump.

FIBSSign that. Sign that now.

JEROMEExcuse me?

FIBSSign that piece of paper of I’ll send you back to prison.

JEROMENo, man, I’m out on my own reconnaissance. I haven’t done anything wrong I’m just trying to get another job for the medical benefits because-

FIBSIt’s not what you do, it’s what people think you do. Now, are you going to sign or are we going to have a problem?

Jerome rises slowly and crosses his arms.

CONFERENCE ANNEX

A small, plastic chair from the room is tossed from the conference room.

After a second Fibs comes running out full tilt, he trips and falls while co-workers and clients surround him.

Jerome enters the annex looking dazed.

JEROMEI didn’t even...

Fibs moans from the floor, raising an arm to the air.

FIBSIt’s okay. Jerome, I know you didn’t mean to do that.

Fibs begins the process of standing up.

19.

JEROMEBut I didn’t...

FIBSI know. And I forgive you. Come on, let’s go back in there, hash this out. I’m sorry, too.

Jerome goes back into the room while Fibs picks up the chair and follows to the admiration of his co-workers.

CONFERENCE ROOM B

The moment they are out of view Fibs kicks the door closed and puts the chair down to sit on it with a huge grin.

FIBS (CONT’D)And that’s what I can do with 2 minutes in a reasonably good mood. Want to see what I can do with an hour pissed the hell off?

JEROMEBut I didn’t throw the chair, you did.

FIBSDoesn’t matter, they think you did.

JEROMEBut they didn’t see anything...

FIBSBut gun to their head, they’ll swear that they did. And then it’s your word versus all of ours.

Fibs clicks a cheap pen, opens the file to the sign page and hands both to Jerome.

FIBS (CONT’D)Take the job you don’t want, it’s better than going back.

Jerome looks deflated as he takes the pin and signs.

Unobserved Fibs looks anything but proud of himself.

FADE OUT:

20.

ACT III

FADE IN:

INT. BANK VAULT - DAY

A manager sets a metal box on a table and leaves. Fibs and Hugh eye it like it’s made of gold before moving forward and unlocking it, each with one key.

Inside is a thumb-drive covered messily in Saran-wrap.

HUGHSweet mother.

FIBSWill you do the honors?

Fibs holds up the drive like an engagement ring.

HUGHYou’ve made me the happiest man...

Hugh sticks the drive into his cell and pulls something up.

HUGH (CONT’D)How much were they worth when you stashed them in here?

FIBSAround 125,000.

HUGHAnd how much were they worth this morning?

FIBS2.4

(nervously)Or thereabouts.

Hugh nods and the screen pops up, showing that the current total value is 2.3 Million USD and some change asking for a confirmation code.

Hugh flips the phone to Fibs who grins wildly.

FIBS (CONT’D)So what do we do?

21.

HUGHJust got to get the confirmation code from “Amanda” and we’re set.

FIBSJet set.

Hugh transfers some data to yet another STOLEN PHONE. When Fibs gets the information he dances. Hugh follows suit with a fat-man touchdown dance.

They they make out of the vault in step.

EXT. BANK - DAY

Outside Fibs and Hugh don their sunglasses and hide their grins. They stand close to one another with ease.

HUGHSo what do you say, tonight? Eight o’clock?

FIBSSounds like a plan.

HUGHNow remember, you got to go through the rest of the day like any other.

FIBSI just got out of prison, I don’t want to go back to work!

HUGHI know, boy, I know. But it’s the only way I could get you out early.

FIBSI thought bribing Peters is what got me out.

HUGHWell. That never hurts.

Hugh pats Fibs on the shoulder and heads off in a vintage sedan while Fibs gets into the CRAPPY COMPANY CAR with Tom in the passenger seat and Jerome in the back.

FIBSJerome, you got a valid drivers license?

22.

JEROMEYeah. Why

FIBSJust wanted to make sure Tom let the only person who didn’t have one drive.

TOMWait, you don’t have-

The car peels out.

EXT. CRAPPY COMPANY CAR - DAY

Fibs is grinning ear to ear. He sees that Tom is glum and Jerome is crestfallen.

FIBSMan. Why so glum, chums?

TOMMy thesis, the whole reason I got this degree, dismissed in five minutes. Five minutes.

JEROMEOh now you want to listen?

FIBS(to Jerome)

Not with that attitude.(to Tom)

Ouch. The, uh, carnival city?

TOMCommunity Center.

FIBSThat! Didn’t go well?

TOMHe didn’t even listen. I don’t understand it. Money is pouring in, everyone is saying to look long term but he...as soon as I said five years-

FIBSHis eyes glazed over?

TOMYes! How did you know!

23.

FIBSBecause mine are too.

Fibs makes a sleepy face but grins after it. When Tom doesn’t respond he knocks it off.

FIBS (CONT’D)Come on man, they’ll be another time.

TOMYou think so?

FIBSYou’re a good guy. Maybe figure out how to get what you want. Use people to help people.

TOM(thinking it over)

You really think that’s a good idea?

FIBSI do. I really do.

JEROMEThen how come you didn’t do anything to help me?

FIBSYou got a job. That’s our job.

Tom looks sympathetic but ultimately shrugs to Jerome.

JEROMEYeah. Brand new day. Just like they said.

FIBSThe more things change...

EXT. DOCK NEAR A WAREHOUSE - DAY

Fibs pulls the car into a space and then looks back to Jerome.

FIBSHey, listen.

JEROMEWhat?

24.

FIBSThe only reason you’re holding out is really the medical benefits?

JEROMEYeah. Why?

FIBSAnd this job doesn’t have anything?

JEROMENothing for extended family, no.

FIBSWhy not fill out an I-17?

JEROMEA what now?

Fibs reaches over and opens his folder from earlier.

FIBSI-17, it’s for new cons. It’s, uh, a bridge loan-

TOMGrant.

FIBSGrant to give medical benefits at no cost. Can be extended to family.

Fibs pulls out the form and passes it to Jerome.

JEROMEFor real?

FIBSOne-Hundred-Percent. We get your employer to sign it. Shazam.

Jerome nods a few times and leaves, paperwork in hand.

TOMHow did you...I mean to say, when did you....why are you-

FIBSUse your words.

TOMHow did you know how to do that?

25.

FIBSI read it in the folder.

TOMBut. How!?

FIBSSo when I was picked up my last score was around 100,000 bucks but they never found any trace of it, just a connection to online money.

TOMOnline--money?

FIBSYep. So anyway, because they were afraid I still had access to the money the prison wouldn’t let me use the internet.

TOMHow does that relate to the form?

FIBSI read, like, two books a day. I’m looking forward to breaking the habit. Watching some poorly written prime-time stuff.

TOMBut what about the people skills, and asking what was wrong and all that?

FIBSHelping people is just conning them in reverse.

Fibs laughs and gets out of the car with paperwork of his own as Tom looks deep in thought.

FIBS (CONT’D)Come on, it’s time for the part that nobody could say no to!

INT. WAREHOUSE MANAGER’S OFFICE - DAY

The manager is a stout man with beady eyes and a messy space.

MANAGERNo.

26.

FIBSExcuse me?

MANAGERI’m not signing this.

He balls up the I-17 and throws it away.

FIBS(incredulous)

It’s 50 dollars a week. You’re getting a third of Jerome’s paycheck covered by the taxpayers, and you can write him off as a con!

MANAGERYeah. And you’re desperate for me to sign your release. IF I don’t sign him, someone else will be by without the extra form.

The manager laughs, eyeing Fibs with disdain.

MANAGER (CONT’D)So. We going to get the kid a job without the form or we going to give it someone else? Your call.

Fibs eyes the man with rage but hands him the form.

WAREHOUSE FLOOR

Jerome seems to have calmed a bit but Fibs marches up to him full of fire. He passes him a wad of cash.

FIBSDon’t say anything. Just work this for a bit, but I have your number and I promise, I’m going to make it right. Take the cash.

Jerome does and Fibs continues to walk towards the exit.

TOMWhere did you get that money?

FIBSOver there.

When Tom looks in one direction Fibs CHUCKS the manager’s wallet in the other.

27.

EXT. CRAPPY COMPANY CAR - EVENING

TOMHey. You tried.

FIBSYeah.

A long beat between them.

TOMListen, I’ve given something some thought.

FIBSYeah?

TOMAnd I don’t want you to take this the wrong way but--I’m going to blackmail you.

FIBSThat so?

TOMIt is. Yes. It’s just that, well, the terms of your release are very strenuous and I, well, have the power to send you back.

(beat)At anytime.

The STOLEN PHONE beeps a few times and Fibs fumbles for it.

TOM (CONT’D)I just don’t want you to think less of me, it’s just that, well, I know you can get this center up and running.

Fibs looks at his phone while half paying attention to Tom.

TOM (CONT’D)And I think you can do a lot of good besides. I saw that you wanted to today, and I think all you need is a little-

FIBSDAMNIT! NO! DAMNIT!

Fibs pulls the car over onto the shoulder of the road with a screech.

28.

TOMOkay maybe I didn’t think this all the way through! I’m sorry!

FIBSHow much does it cost.

TOMHow much does-

FIBSThe Community Center. How much?

TOMUhh, well, around 250,000 to start and-

FIBSDo you want it more than anything.

TOMWhat?

FIBSYou were willing to break the law and extort me so that you’d get it. Do you want it so badly that you’ll do it again?

Tom seems hesitant but nods.

TOMI do.

FIBSThen listen so you can do exactly what I say.

Fibs tosses the phone aside.

TOM(second guessing)

What are we, I mean, what are we...

FIBSTom. You’re going to learn how to con.

The car peels out and heads the other direction.

The phone is smashed against the pavement but the screen reads: BALANCE 0.00

FADE OUT.

29.

ACT III

FADE IN:

INT. CAMILLE’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Camille sits behind her desk with a scowl looking over presented paperwork.

FIBS (V.O.)Conning is just offering someone what they want and then taking it away.

CAMILLEI just don’t see how-

TOMHey, you said you wanted good PR. This is a lawyer doing pro-bono for our cases.

(beat)Nevermind. I’ll take it to Curtis.

He turns to leave but before he can....

CAMILLETom, stop.

With his back to her he is in awe of himself.

EXT. A PAYPHONE ON SKIDROW - NIGHT

HOOKER ONE from the office is holding a receiver and a piece of paper.

FIBS (V.O.)Once they know they want it, all you have to do is apply a little misdirection.

HOOKER ONEYes, is this who I talk to about Disciplinary Actions for lawyers?

ANOTHER PAYPHONE

HOOKER ONE (CONT’D)(Puerto Rican accent)

Jes, I’m a former client of Mr. Hugh Jackman--at least that’s what he said he name was.

30.

DOWN THE STREET

Hooker One speaks on a burner cell of a nearby client.

HOOKER ONE (CONT’D)(With perfect diction)

I’d like to file a formal complaint against a colleague, please.

EXT. HUGH JACKMAN’S FIRM - NIGHT

It’s a single building, one man firm.

Hugh is smiling ear to ear. He checks his watch, 6:30. He’s just about to get into his sedan when LOCAL REPORTER appears.

FIBSMoney. Sex. Shame. The person you’re conning will fear being hurt by one of the three. And when you exploit that fear...

LOCAL REPORTERExcuse me, Mr. Jackman? I’m with Channel 7 and we’re doing a story on pro-bono lawyers. We were told to talk to you.

HUGH(smells the setup)

Well now, I’d be happy to another time, it’s just that-

LOCAL REPORTERI understand, but it’ll just take a second to-

A car screeches up and a MAN IN SUIT jumps out.

MAN IN SUITMr. Jackman?

HUGHIf I gotta be...

MAN IN SUITI’m with the State Bar.

HUGHOf course you are.

31.

MAN IN SUITWe’ve gotten a number of complaints about money laundering? Malpractice?

LOCAL REPORETER(hiss-whisper to crew)

Roll! Roll! Roll!

HUGHI’d be happy to speak with you. In private.

MAN IN SUITOf course. I’m just here to get a statement and then we can-

Hooker Two cradles a YOUNG CHILD while staggering into frame of the camera crew.

HOOKER TWO(slurring)

Damn you, Hugh! Why you stil here! Your baby needs his daddy and Momma needs her fix!

HUGH(blocking the camera)

Now hold on, young lady I’ve never seen-

YOUNG CHILDDaddy! Make mommy be good again!

LOCAL REPORTER(to herself)

I’m gonna win a local Emmy...

INT. HUGH’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Fibs is uploading a file from Hugh’s computer. As the percentage climbs he wrecks the office.

FIBS (V.O.)Of course if you’ve shifted attention, you can take your time.

When the upload is complete Fibs knocks the computer over and pours water on it.

32.

INT. FIBS’ AND TOM’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Fibs’ desk is awash in papers, binders and books. On his computer is the account information for the coins, but the message reads ACCOUNT LOCKED BY THIRD PARTY.

Fibs rolls his eyes and circles a job for a security guard.

EVIE (V.O.)So, you don’t have the money?

FIBS (V.O.)No, but as far as I can tell, Hugh can’t get it either.

After tucking the job listing away Fibs pulls out a book on workplace regulations and laws concerning new employees.

Fibs pulls out yet another stolen phone and dials.

INT. WAREHOUSE MANAGER’S OFFICE - DAY

A BEAN COUNTER and the Manager are in a shouting match that the Manager is losing.

EVIE (V.O.)How are you not furious?

FIBS (V.O.)Because I’m going to get it back.

EVIE (V.O.)How?

FIBS (V.O.)I have no idea whatsoever.

The Bean Counter throws a piece of paper down on the desk that states funding is revoked with a demand salary be paid.

INT. HUGH’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Hugh is deflated, looking at this screen showing that the balance is locked out from too many failed attempts to access it.

EVIE (V.O.)So what’s the lesson?

33.

FIBSThe lesson is, you can’t con anyone who doesn’t want to be, at least a little.

Hugh smirks when he reads that IN PERSON AUTHENTIFICATION OF AMANDA NETTE is required to gain the funds.

INT. LOW INCOME DAYCARE - DAY

Hooker Two is waving happily at Young Child as they play with other kids. Camille goes over a job application with her.

FIBS (V.O.)And you can’t help anyone who doesn’t want it.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM B - DAY

Tom is going over a jobs list with Hooker One. She circles a job in phone sales that he signs off on.

FIBS (V.O.)Funny thing though. Sometimes all you need is a little push...

INT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - NIGHT

Fibs walks up to a glass door when a security guard sees him and the door buzzes and swings open.

FIBS (V.O.)...and you get someone to go the direction you want. Right or wrong.

The security guard is revealed to be Jerome, who is filling out the I-17 form from his work station.

INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY - NIGHT

Evie leans against her front door frame.

EVIESo what do you want from me?

FIBSI want you to help me.

EVIE Why?

34.

FIBSI don’t trust anyone as much as you. Not even myself.

They stare at each other a moment.

EVIE(weak for him)

You really want to go straight?

Fibs puts his hand over his heart.

EVIE (CONT’D)Say it.

He moves towards her, leaning against the door frame from the outside with one hand to get his face in close to hers.

FIBSI want to go straight. I wanted to get this money, get you and leave everything behind.

EVIESay it again.

FIBSI’m going to steal this money from Hugh, I’m going to give you half, and I want to go clean.

He pulls her to him with his free hand and they kiss--hard, slow and deep.

EVIELast job. Promise.

FIBSLast job I ever do. I promise.

She pulls away from him leaving the door open.

As Fibs moves in it’s revealed that he had his fingers crossed.

EVIEShouldn’t you have gotten fit in prison?

FIBSShouldn’t you have gotten fatter on the outside?

35.

EVIEThis is how we’re starting over?

FIBSOld habits.

Fibs kicks the door closed, uncrossing his fingers as he does.

FADE OUT.

36.