20/20

FADE IN:

INT. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BUILDING -- DAY

The Great Seal of the United States of America hangs upon the wall. In its center, the majestic eagle embodies the high ideals on which this country was founded, ideals which the eagle is there to remind us of...

...but the eagle is looking away.

If it had been looking down, it would have seen row after row of MEN lining up for VA benefits. These are tired men, with old clothes, who walk slightly stooped, yet most are no older than thirty-five. They wait for their chance to talk to clean, crisp CLERKS, isolated behind a wooden counter and glass partitions.

LEGEND: LOS ANGELES 1955

PAUL CROSS, black, thirty-one, grimaces as he limps up to the counter. He is not in pain. Alcohol has taken care of that. But he makes a show of it, trying to appeal to the white CLERK's sense of guilt.

It isn't working. These broken men are just the commodities of his business.

Paul has his nine year old son, SAM, with him.

VA CLERK #1

Name.

PAUL

Cross, Paul Henry. My serial number is two-six-four-one dash one-two-two-three-six-nine.

VA CLERK #1

Dates of service?

PAUL

December, Nineteen Forty One to December Nineteen Forty Five.

VA CLERK #1

Hold on.

The clerk steps away from his window and walks over to a gigantic row of file cabinets. He opens a drawer and scans through the files without much interest. He's done this a thousand times. God, what a boring job! But Civil Service jobs pay well, so...

The VA Clerk stops. He rechecks something. Confused, he closes the file and walks over to his SUPERVISOR.

VA SUPERVISOR

Yeah, what is it?

VA CLERK #1

I can't find this guy's file.

VA SUPERVISOR

So? His number's probably a phony.

He gestures at Paul, who is watching hopefully through the window.

VA SUPERVISOR (CONT'D)

That's him?

VA CLERK #1

Yes.

VA SUPERVISOR

Probably a drunk or a junkie trying to get disability benefits with a phony number. I told you about those.

VA CLERK #1

The serial number he gave me, 2641 dash 122369, it falls into a twenty number gap. The numbers stop at 2362 and resume again at 2382. Why would the Marine Corps skip twenty numbers like that?

The Supervisor is getting angry.

VA SUPERVISOR

Don't say it.

VA CLERK #1

I think maybe--

VA SUPERVISOR

I said, don't say it! Don't say another word! Just turn right back around and go over there and do your job!

The VA clerk turns around and heads back to Paul at the window. He's not gonna lose his job over this. Screw it.

VA CLERK #1

I'm sorry, sir, but we can find no record of your military service.

Paul goes apoplectic. He stands up straight, his limp forgotten.

PAUL

What?! Whattaya mean you can't find no record of my military service? I fought on Guadalcanal!

Now the clerk feels more confident that Paul is lying.

VA CLERK #1

There were no Negro units on Guadalcanal!

PAUL

There was too a Negro unit on Guadalcanal. Were you there?

VA CLERK #1

I worked in the Office of Naval Deployment and no Negro units were sent to Guadalcanal. If you were there, you didn't get there on a U.S. Navy vessel.

PAUL

We were a last minute addition. They probably didn't do any paperwork on us, but we were there!

VA CLERK #1

So why haven't any other coloreds come forward saying they fought on Guadalcanal?

PAUL

I was the only survivor of my platoon. We were used to clear a path up a hillside. A mine was stepped on. It cut us all down.

VA CLERK #1

The only survivor? That's convenient. Come on now, get out of here.

PAUL

You think I'm lying?! You think I'm lying?!

Paul backs up and starts to unbuckle his belt. The VA clerk's eyes open wide in horror.

VA CLERK #1

What in God's name are you doing?! Stop that! Security!

Paul drops his pants and pulls up his shirt to reveal a gigantic, vicious scar running down his side from his armpit to his thigh.

PAUL

Then where the hell did I get this, huh? I damn sure didn't get this down on Crenshaw.

For a second, the VA Clerk can only stare at the wound. He only snaps out of it when TWO SECURITY OFFICERS grab Paul.

VA CLERK #1

Have this man taken away. I want him charged with indecent exposure.

Sam cries out as Paul is wrestled to the ground and handcuffed.

SAM

Dad!

Paul is lifted up and carried away. He struggles.

PAUL

Not in front of my boy! Let me at least walk in front of my boy!

SECURITY GUARD #1

You drop your pants in front of your boy, you damn pervert?!

The Guard HITS him in his wounded side. Paul SCREAMS and continues to SCREAM as the Security Guards carry him out.

Sam is left, ignored, sobbing in the middle of the VA Building, the eagle in the Great Seal above him still looking away.

Across the room, PETER CHRISTIANSON, white, is just thirty-six, but he looks much older. His hair is already white and falling out. He COUGHS. In front of him, at another window, is VA CLERK #2.

PETER

Look, I'm really sick here. I need to see a VA doctor.

VA CLERK #2

I understand that you're sick, sir, but in order to see a VA physician, your illness must be directly caused by your military service.

PETER

I've been sick ever since I got out in Forty-seven.

VA CLERK #2

I sympathize, sir, but you did not sustain any injuries during your service, nothing that would cause your illness. I'm sorry. I can't approve a visit to a VA doctor.

Peter leans closer to the clerk and lowers his voice.

PETER

Look, I didn't want to bring this up, but you're leavin' me no other choice here. The Army had my unit out in the desert when they were testing the A-bomb. We were never supposed to say nothin' about it, but now there are some doctors talkin' about something called radiation poisoning, caused by exposure to an A-bomb. I haven't said a damn word in eight years but I need help. I need to see a VA doctor. I don't want to say nothing, but if I have to talk, I'll talk.

The clerk stares evenly at Peter.

VA CLERK #2

Let me talk to my superiors, sir.

INT. VA BUILDING -- SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE -- LATER

Peter sits, waiting. The door opens and TWO MEN enter. They are sharply dressed in black suits. Neither one utters a word and the door is closed.

Peter becomes alarmed.

PETER

You're not VA supervisors--

MAN #1 grabs Peter's head and slams it down against the desk. MAN #2 pins Peter's arms back. Peter CRIES OUT in pain as Man #1 holds his head against the desk.

MAN#1

I understand you've been ill, Mr. Christianson. I think your health will only worsen if you pursue this matter any further.

Peter is defiant.

PETER

Screw you!

Man #1 drops his elbow into the side of Peter's head. He SCREAMS in pain. To cover up the sound, both Man #1 and #2 burst into boisterious LAUGHTER. As suddenly as they started, they stop.

MAN #1

You have more than your health to lose, Mr. Christianson. You have a wife, a young son, and a little market in the Watts area. These things can be lost.

Peter is CRYING due to the pain in his skull.

MAN #1 (CONT'D)

Do I make myself clear?

PETER

Yes.

Man #1 and Man #2 release the sobbing Peter, who slides out of his chair and onto the floor.

MAN #1

Your country thanks you, Mr. Christianson.

The men exit.

EXT. LAPD STATIONHOUSE -- NIGHT

Paul exits with his wife, MADELINE, black and twenty-nine. Sam waits by the curb with his two year old brother, JOSHUA.

MADELINE

I hope you're happy. I just used our rent money to bail you out.

PAUL

They owe me that money, Maddy. I fought for this country. I won a medal for bravery.

MADELINE

(exasperated)

And you sold it to buy booze.

PAUL

Now, you know I need a little nip for the pain now and then.

MADELINE

What you need is a job!

PAUL

The only work a Negro can get is laboring, which I can't do 'cuz of my wound. No office is gonna hire me, especially now that I got a record. That's why I need to get my disability benefits from the government.

MADELINE

And I need rent money and Sam and Joshua need clothes and food.

Madeline scoops up Joshua into her arms.

MADELINE (CONT'D)

You're gonna have to get a job, Paul, even if it hurts.

She walks off with her children, leaving Paul without any options.

INT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- NIGHT

Paul enters the market, looking around nervously. Peter, behind the counter, sits up to watch Paul like a hawk.

Suddenly, Paul pulls a revolver from his jacket and points it at Peter.

PAUL

Gimme the money in register! Now!

Peter doesn't react.

PAUL (CONT'D)

Look man, I need that money! Now open up that register!

PETER

If you need money, get a job.

The longer this takes, the edgier Paul gets.

PAUL

Give me the fuckin' money now!

PETER

I worked my ass off building this store and I'm not about to give up my hard-earned money to some lazy, foul-mouthed nigger! Now get the hell out of here!

Paul pulls the trigger. GUNSHOT. Peter falls back in surprise. Blood begins seeping from his shoulder.

Terrified, Paul runs out into the night.

INT. CROSS APARTMENT -- KITCHEN -- MORNING

LEGEND: APRIL 1965

Sam, now 19, serves his brother Joshua, now 12, a bowl of cereal.

SAM

(calling out)

I gotta go to work. You need anything, Ma?

MADELINE (O.S.)

Could you bring me some water? I need to take my pills.

Sam gets a glass from the cupboard and fills it from the sink.

Joshua puts down his spoon. The stress of the coming day makes it hard to eat.

JOSHUA

Could you drive me to school?

SAM

What? No. I gotta have the truck back by seven.

Sam heads for the living room. Joshua gets up to follow him.

JOSHUA

It's only six-thirty. We could go now.

INT. CROSS APARTMENT -- LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

They enter the living room. Madeline is sprawled out on the couch, watching TV, a blanket over her legs. A collection of pill bottles is on the table in front of her. She has been sick for many years now.

SAM

I can't leave yet. I have to get Ma's pills in order.

Sam puts down the glass of water on the table and begins to removes pills from the bottles, setting them up in piles for the various times today Madeline will have to take them.

JOSHUA

A gang's been jumping me everyday on the way to school.

Sam doesn't look up. Madeline is too drugged to react much.

SAM

If you ain't in a gang, they shouldn't be messing with you.

JOSHUA

That's just it. They mess with me 'cuz I ain't running with no gang. I ain't got no protection.

MADELINE

Sam, take your brother to school.

Her mothering for the day done, she lies back and swallows some pills. Sam tries to contain his frustration.

SAM

I can't. The school's out of my way and I gotta have the truck back by seven or I'll get fired. I've been a man, working to support this family since I was twelve. Joshua is that age and it's about time he became a man.

JOSHUA

Then I'm gonna have to get protection.

Sam turns and grabs Joshua's shoulder.

SAM

I don't want you involved in no gangs. I didn't work since I was twelve to see you end up in jail. I don't care how many beatings you gotta take. This is what being a man is all about. It hurts.

Sam heads for the door.

SAM (CONT'D)

I gotta get to work. I'm gonna be late.

He opens the front door and leaves.

INT. CROSS APARTMENT -- SAM'S ROOM -- LATER

Joshua enters Sam's room. He walks over to the dresser and opens the top drawer. He roots around for a few seconds. His eyes light up as he removes their father's old revolver, the same one he used to rob Peter Christianson ten years ago.

He opens the chamber. It's empty. Disappointed, he still puts it into his school bag.

EXT. WATTS -- STREET -- MORNING

Joshua walks down the street to school. Suddenly, EIGHT BLACK BOYS step out, between ages twelve and fifteen. They surround Joshua. BOY #1 shoves him.

BOY #1

Hey, boy.

JOSHUA

I'm warning you. I got protection now.

BOY #1

Oh yeah? Who you running with?

JOSHUA

I ain't running with nobody.

BOY #1

Then why you saying you got protection? Didn't your daddy teach you it ain't right to lie?

Joshua's hand goes toward his schoolbag.

Suddenly, a Mack truck roars up. The gang boys jump out of the way. The truck stops and Sam jumps out and moves towards Boy #1, who is half his size.

SAM

You got a problem?

BOY #1

No, man. No problem.

SAM

Yeah, I didn't think so. Get in the truck, Joshua.

Joshua runs around to the passenger side and gets in. Sam stares down the boy, who is angry at being forced to back down in front of his gang. Sam then climbs into the driver's side and the truck drives off.

INT. MACK TRUCK -- CONTINUOUS

Sam drives, annoyed, while Joshua sits, embarrassed that he can't be a man like his brother.

SAM

I'll drive you to school.

JOSHUA

You'll be late to the warehouse.

SAM

Do you want a ride or not?

JOSHUA

Yes.

SAM

Then shut up.

EXT. SCHOOLYARD -- DAY

The BELL RINGS to signal the end of lunch period. A sixteen year old black boy, CARL, lights a cigarette. He's in no hurry to get back to class. He'll probably skip the rest of the day. He inhales on his cigarette. He spots Joshua, still holding his schoolbag, heading back to his classroom.

P.O.V. CARL

Just as Joshua reaches the doors, Boy #1, of the eight boys from the gang, steps in front of him, blocking his path. Boy #1 shoves Joshua backwards into the other seven members.

BOY #1

We got some unfinished business and I don't like to leave things unfinished. I got a, what do you call it? I got a good work ethic.

(Beat)

Get him.

The other boys try to grab Joshua. Twisting his body, Joshua breaks loose long enough to reach into his bag and pull out his father's revolver. He points it right at Boy #1.

JOSHUA

Get back!

The boys all freeze. They weren't expecting this. No kids their age carry guns.

JOSHUA (CONT'D)

I told you I got protection!

The boys move away. Joshua keeps the gun pointed at them until they are completely gone.

Spent, he lowers the gun and puts it back in his bag.

CARL

drops his finished smoke. He's intrigued. Maybe he'll go back to class today after all.

EXT. WATTS -- STREET -- AFTERNOON

Joshua leaves the school grounds heading home. Carl, driving a '48 Ford, pulls up to the curb next to him.

CARL

Offer you a lift?

In the world Joshua lives in, nobody shows anybody kindness. So naturally Joshua is suspicious.

JOSHUA

No thanks.

He keeps walking. Carl idles slowly along, keeping pace.

CARL

I saw you in the schoolyard today. How old are you, twelve, thirteen?

Carl CHUCKLES.

CARL (CONT'D)

I ain't seen nobody that young carrying a piece around. I guess times they are a changing, huh?

Joshua keeps walking, ignoring him. Carl doesn't seem to mind.

CARL (CONT'D)

I checked you out. You been getting jumped by that gang for quite a while now, but you didn't run to another gang like a chicken. No, you got yourself a piece. I respect that.

Joshua stops. Nobody has ever said they respected him before. Carl stops the car. He leans across and opens the passenger door. Joshua moves around the car and gets in.

INT. '48 FORD -- CONTINUOUS

They drive in silence for awhile.

CARL

I want you to meet some associates of mine.

JOSHUA

I don't wanna join no gang.

Carl holds up his hands in mock defense, then replaces them on the steering wheel.

CARL

Hey, I didn't say nothing about no gang. Gangs are for little boys. You ain't no little boy and neither am I.

JOSHUA

Nice wheels. How did you afford to buy a car?

Carl grins.

CARL

I didn't.

EXT. WATTS -- EMPTY LOT -- AFTERNOON

Three high-school aged black boys, MARCUS, SCOTT, and HOWARD, hang out in the empty lot. Carl and Joshua pull up and get out.

MARCUS

(re: Joshua)

What the hell you bring him for?

CARL

Careful, my man, or this dude might put a few holes in you.

MARCUS

Oh yeah?

Carl gestures at Joshua.

CARL

Show 'em.

Joshua reaches into his bag and removes the revolver. The other boys WHISTLE in appreciation.

SCOTT

Damn, he be packing heat!

CARL

As you can see, he could be quite useful to our organization. I think we should invite him to join.

JOSHUA

I told you, I ain't interested in joining no gang.

CARL

You know why I brought you here?

JOSHUA

'Cuz I got the piece.

CARL

No, 'cuz how you handled those little shits with that gun. You let them know you was in control of the situation. I once read some Chinese dude said...

(quoting)

...Power flows from the barrel of a gun.

(chuckling)

And that's probably the only thing flowing from that barrel,'cuz that gun's empty.

The look of shock on Joshua's face tells him that it's true.

JOSHUA

How did you know?

CARL

You can't see no bullets in the chambers. You might have one in the top chamber but I doubt it.

Joshua looks into the face of the gun.

P.O.V. JOSHUA

The ground and Joshua's shoes can be seen through the hollow chambers.

JOSHUA

looks up. Carl grins again.

CARL

You're damn lucky those kids were too scared to notice. But don't worry, 'cuz I can get you 38 caliber bullets...

(Beat)

...If you decide to run with us.

Joshua looks down at the revolver, then back up at the boys.

JOSHUA

Okay.

CARL

That's my man.

He slaps Joshua's hand.

CARL (CONT'D)

You just gotta be initiated.

EXT. STREET ACROSS FROM CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- EVENING

Carl, Marcus, Scott, and Howard sit in the Ford. Joshua stands next to the car. He is unaware that this was the store his father attempted to rob ten years ago.

CARL

All you gotta do is go in there and swipe a six-pack of beer. The old white dude, who owns the store, he's walkin' dead. Just grab it and run like hell. He'll never be able to catch you. Got it?

JOSHUA

Yeah. And then I get the bullets?

CARL

Yeah. No sweat.

Joshua nods and heads off across the street to the store.

INT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- CONTINUOUS

Joshua enters the store. Inside, Peter Christianson looks like he's aged more than ten years. Painfully, he moves out from behind the counter and down an aisle, following Joshua, watching his every move.

Joshua goes down a second aisle. Peter follows.

Suddenly, Joshua breaks away down a third aisle. He runs to the freezer case and grabs a six-pack of beer.

Peter moves with great difficulty over to the door to cut off any escape.

Joshua rounds the aisle with the beer only to see Peter standing in front of the door.

PETER

You ain't going nowhere, you little shit.

Joshua thinks for a moment. He runs back down the aisle he came from and starts KNOCKING CANS OFF the shelf. He runs back to the freezer case and opens it, pulling out bottles of milk, DROPPING THEM on the floor.

Hearing the SOUNDS of his store being destroyed, Peter shuffles towards the freezer case to stop more destruction.

Seeing him move, Joshua runs back up another aisle. He breaks out of the aisle and races towards the door. But Peter is behind him now, having doubled back when he heard Joshua running for the exit.

In a split second as he runs past, Joshua sees a shelf and reaches out. He grabs a box. In the process, the momentum of his hand KNOCKS several other boxes to the GROUND. They STRIKE the floor and spill open.

Peter trips and falls as the contents of the boxes spill out, RATTLING across the floor.

Bullets.

Joshua runs out the door to freedom...

EXT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- CONTINUOUS

...and right into the arms of a Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy. It is JAKE CHRISTIANSON, 21, son of Peter. Next to him is his partner, ROGER, 23.

Across the street, the Ford with Carl, Marcus, Scott, and Howard, pulls out and drives away.

Jake sees this, then looks down at Joshua. Peter finally makes it out of the store, WHEEZING and COUGHING.

PETER

I want...I want that little shit arrested for theft and assault!

JAKE

I think some older boys probably put him up to it, Dad. Little boys don't rob markets and they don't drink beer.

He takes the six-pack from Joshua.

JAKE (CONT'D)

This wasn't for you, was it?

JOSHUA

No, sir.

PETER

I knew he was gonna steal. Can't trust these damn niggers.

Jake looks up at his father. That language bothers him. He refocuses on Joshua.

JAKE

I don't want to give you a record, seeing as you're still pretty young. I work down at the County Jail and--

JOSHUA

My daddy's in the County Jail.

Jake squats down to be at Joshua's eye level.

JAKE

Here's the deal. If I ever see you in there, I'm gonna tell the judge in your case about what happened here today. With a prior record, you won't get out until you're an old man. But if I never see you in there 'cuz you never, ever commit another crime, then I'm not ever gonna tell anybody. Do we have a deal?

JOSHUA

Yes, sir.

Jake lets go of Joshua.

Peter GROANS in disgust.

PETER

Did I raise a fruitcake? You're gonna let him go?

JAKE

(to Joshua)

One more thing. I want you to apologize to Mr. Christianson for trying to steal from him.

JOSHUA

But he called me a nigger!

JAKE

Jail or apology. Your choice.

Joshua turns towards Peter.

JOSHUA

I'm sorry I tried to steal from you, Mr. Christianson.

PETER

Go on. Get out of here!

For a moment, Joshua's eyes blaze with hatred, then he turns and runs off.

INT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- LATER

Jake is helping Peter clean up the store.

PETER

I can't believe you let that little punk go. What he needs is jail. When I was that age I wasn't robbing stores and neither were you. No, I raised you better than that.

JAKE

He wasn't raised at all. His father's in jail.

PETER

Yeah, well, he should have thought of his family before he did whatever he did to land him in that jail cell.

JAKE

I let him go to make a point to you as much as to him. Dad, you got worked over by a kid! What if next time it's somebody a little bigger, maybe even a couple of guys?! You can't run this place anymore!

PETER

Who else is gonna run it. I wanted to pass this place onto to you, but no, you wanted something more! I built this store from the ground up with my bare hands! I took a bullet for this place! I did it for you!

JAKE

I appreciate that, but this store hasn't made money for years. I gotta raise a family. Trudi's pregnant.

PETER

I raised a family just fine with this store.

JAKE

You remember when I was a kid, when you got shot? I was terrified, Dad. I thought you were gonna die. When you finally got better, I begged you not to go back to the store. You remember that?

Peter looks down.

JAKE (CONT'D)

I don't want to do that to my family. I don't...

He hates to say it, but it's true.

JAKE (CONT'D)

I don't want to raise my family here, in this neighborhood. The Sheriff's Department pays me enough to afford a house out of here. Trudi and I just bought a place in Torrance. We'd like you to come live with us.

PETER

I gave up my health for this store.

Jake is exasperated.

JAKE

So why keep it?

PETER

Because otherwise it was all for nothing.

INT. CROSS APARTMENT -- LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

Sam is yelling at Joshua. Madeline is still on the couch.

SAM

I can't believe you pulled a stupid stunt like that. You're damn lucky that cop let you go or you'd be in jail just like Dad.

JOSHUA

Dad's a war hero. He fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

SAM

Dad was a lazy bum.

Madeline struggles to get up. Sam instinctively reaches out to help her but she shoos him away. Finally standing, she steps over to Sam and SLAPS him across the face.

MADELINE

Don't you ever talk that way about your father again. He made mistakes, but he had a hard life.

SAM

He left me to take care of this family and so did you.

Madeline goes to slap Sam again but he grabs her wrist.

MADELINE

I got sick. I couldn't work no more, you know that.

SAM

(bitterly)

Yeah.

(Beat)

Lucky for us your boy Sam could work, otherwise we would have starved.

He lets go and turns to walk out. Joshua helps Madeline back to the couch. Sam opens the front door and SLAMS it shut behind him.

INT. CROSS APARTMENT -- JOSHUA'S ROOOM -- LATER

Alone in his room, Joshua takes a small box out of his pants and opens it.

38 caliber bullets, which he grabbed as he was running out of Christianson Market.

Joshua takes the revolver out of his bag and opens it. He begins loading the gun.

EXT. APARTMENTS -- NIGHT

Sam is standing outside, drinking a beer. A 17 year old pretty black girl, MARY, comes up to him. She is Sam's girlfriend.

MARY

Baby, I got something to tell you.

Sam is afraid of what's coming.

SAM

No. Oh, no.

MARY

You said rubbers were too expensive.

(Beat)

I'm pregnant.

SAM

NO!!

Sam throws the beer bottle against the wall. It SHATTERS, sending glass flying everywhere.

EXT. WAREHOUSE -- DAY

Sam is loading up his truck when the warehouse owner, DON, approaches him.

LEGEND: AUGUST 1965

DON

Listen, Sam, did you register for the draft when you left school?

Sam stops his work, wary and suspicious.

SAM

Why?

DON

Well, I got a letter from the Draft Board. It seems boys around here haven't been registering for the draft. So, now they're requiring employers to get proof of registration from their employees. God knows I'd hate to lose you to the Army. You're a good worker, but the law is the law.

INT. DRAFT REGISTRATION OFFICE -- DAY

The draft registration line.

Sam arrives at the counter, draft registration card in hand. He gives it to the REGISTRATION CLERK.

SAM

Look, I can't be drafted. I'm the only worker in my family and my mother is pretty sick and needs lots of pills. Army wages ain't enough, you know?

REGISTRATION CLERK

If you can get accepted to a university for this coming fall semester as a full-time student, then you can qualify for a waiver.

SAM

I can't go to school full-time. I just told you, I gotta work to take care of my family.

REGISTRATION CLERK

I'm sorry but it's the only way.

Sam nods and turns away. Next in line is Jake. The clerk reviews his card.

REGISTRATION CLERK (CONT'D)

Law enforcement officers receive automatic waivers.

INT. UCLA ADMISSIONS OFFICE -- DAY

Sam is the only black person in the application line. He reaches the head of the line and hands his application and school grades to the ADMISSIONS CLERK.

SAM

I got a three point one grade average in school.

The clerk looks over his grades.

ADMISSIONS CLERK

I'm sorry. These grades do not meet our minimum requirements.

Dejected, Sam turns away. A YOUNG WHITE MAN is next, turning over his application and grades. The clerk reviews them.

ADMISSIONS CLERK (CONT'D)

Congratulations. Take this form to select your classes and report to the Class Registration line.

The young white man turns away. He grins, addressing Sam.

YOUNG WHITE MAN

Man, I am so relieved. I thought I was gonna get rejected with the grades I have. No Vietnam for me.

SAM

How were your school grades?

YOUNG WHITE MAN

A two point eight, can you believe it?

Sam shoves past the Young White Man and back to the head of the line.

SAM

I got a higher GPA than this guy, but you rejected me and accepted him! Why?!

The Admissions clerk is a little taken aback.

ADMISSIONS CLERK

We base our decisions for acceptance on more than just GPA. It's not black and white--

He stops, realizing what he just said.

ADMISSIONS CLERK (CONT'D)

I didn't mean it like that.

SAM

No, it is very black and white. Or is it that you just don't think I can pay my tuition?

The DEAN OF ADMISSIONS enters.

DEAN

Is there a problem here?

SAM

Yeah, your boy here rejected me and accepted him...

He gestures at the Young White Man.

SAM (CONT'D)

...even though I got better grades in school.

The Dean takes both applications and reviews them.

DEAN

Very true. You do have better grades.

SAM

Then why--

DEAN

Because this other young man has two semesters at a community college. Students who have continuously been taking college courses since leaving high school are given higher precedence than those who are just trying to avoid the draft.

SAM

I had to work. I've had to work since I was twelve years old.

The Dean throws his application back at him.

DEAN

You can't hide from your responsibilities here. I served my country when I was called to do so in World War Two. I did not shrink from my duty. People like you make me ill. Your application is rejected. Now please leave.

The Dean points at the door. All the young white men and women stare at Sam, humiliated, as he walks out the door.

INT. CROSS APARTMENT -- LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

Madeline, Sam, Mary, and Joshua watch the draft lottery on television. The announcer is about to pick a number from the tumbler.

ANNOUNCER

(On TV)

The next birthday is June 26th.

Mary looks at Sam.

MARY

That's your birthday.

Sam says nothing. The Announcer reaches into the tumbler and grabs a numbered ball.

ANNOUNCER

(On TV)

The call-up number for registered men born on June 26th...is...three.

MADELINE

Oh my God!

ANNOUNCER

(On TV)

I need to remind those men who just received number three that the Army has already activated numbers one through forty. Please report to your local recruitment office within two weeks.

EXT. WAREHOUSE -- MORNING

Sam is loading up his truck for the first delivery of the day. It is a sweltering hot day and Sam is drenched in sweat.

Don hangs his head out of the office.

DON

Sam, telephone for you.

Sam heads towards the office.

LEGEND: AUGUST 13, 1965

INT. WAREHOUSE -- OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS

Sam enters and takes the phone from Don, who heads outside for a smoke.

SAM

This is Sam.

Madeline's voice is panicked.

MADELINE

Joshua left the apartment to go the city pool! I told him not to go but he said he was too hot inside! I'm afraid for him, Sam! What if he gets caught up in the rioting?!

SAM

Ma, relax. The rioting's only been at night so far. He'll be fine.

MADELINE

The TV's saying there's rioting going on right now!

SAM

Ma, it's eight o'clock in the morning. You know how them reporters make things sound worse than they really are!

MADELINE

Goddammit, Sam, I'm telling you to go get your brother!

SAM

Ma--

Don comes back into the office.

DON

The radio's saying a wave of looters is moving through Watts. We're not gonna be making any deliveries today. Too risky to take the truck out. Get up to the front and close the gate.

Sam drops the phone and runs out of the office.

DON (CONT'D)

Sam!

EXT. WAREHOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Sam runs out to the truck and climbs in. He STARTS it up as Don comes running out.

DON

What the hell are you doing?!

SAM

My litttle brother is out there on the streets. I gotta go find him.

DON

Not in my truck you don't.

Sam shifts into gear.

SAM

I'm sorry.

DON

Dammit, Sam, if you take that truck you're fired!

Sam ignores him and starts to pull out. Don jumps out of the way.

DON (CONT'D)

I'll call the cops!

SAM

Go ahead. They don't come to Watts.

Sam drives off.

INT. MACK TRUCK -- DAY

Sam spots Joshua walking down the street in his swimtrunks, carrying his bag. Sam pulls up next to him.

SAM

Get in the truck!

The passenger door opens and Joshua gets in.

SAM (CONT'D)

Dammit, Joshua! You just cost me my job!

Joshua looks down. He's tired of Sam always yelling at him.

INT. JAKE CHRISTIANSON'S HOUSE -- BEDROOM -- DAY

Trudi, Jake's wife, lies on the bed, very pregnant. The PHONE is RINGING.

TRUDI

Honey, I can't get the phone.

Jake emerges from the bathroom, half-dressed, shaving foam on his face. He picks up the phone.

JAKE

Yeah.

PETER

(on phone)

Jake, it's your pop. The radio is saying there's a wave of them damn rioters moving throught the commercial district, smashing store windows and looting.

JAKE

I know. They're putting me on the streets.

Trudi looks up worried.

PETER

(on phone)

I was wondering if you could drive over to the store and make sure it's okay?

JAKE

Dad, I gotta report to work. The city's rioting, Trudi's about to have the baby. I don't need this right now.

PETER

(on phone)

Fine, you damn ingrate. I'll go myself.

JAKE

No! Do not leave your house. It's too dangerous!

PETER

(on phone)

I'm leaving.

JAKE

Fine, I'll go. Stay in your house.

Jake hangs up. He heads back into the bathroom.

INT. SHERIFF'S SQUAD CAR -- DAY

Jake is driving towards the store. He pulls up to it. He is too late. LOOTERS are smashing the windows with pipes and 2x4s.

EXT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- CONTINUOUS

Jake gets out of his squad car. Suddenly, bottles and rocks are being thrown at him.

He jumps back into his car and pulls the door shut.

INT. SHERIFF'S SQUAD CAR

CRACK! A bottle STRIKES the windshield, then a ROCK. The windshield CRACKS.

Jake starts the squad car and throws it into reverse. Looters beat upon the windows. More CRACKS in the glass. A BRICK CRASHES THROUGH A BACKSEAT WINDOW.

Jake FLOORS the car, terrified. The looters, unable to keep pace, fall back.

Safely down the street, Jake swings the car around, shifts into drive, and TEARS off down the street. He nervously checks his rearview mirror for signs of pursuit.

His fear turns to anger at being unable to defend his father's store. He SLAMS his hands down on the steering wheel.

Jake turns on the police radio to report the attack. The radio CRACKLES.

DISPATCHER

(on radio)

Any available deputies, report of stolen Mack truck, brown, license plate 234 005, stolen from Watts commercial district. Possibly connected to looting in that location.

Just at that moment, the Mack truck goes past, heading in the opposite direction.

Eager to make up for his earlier failure, Jake grabs the radio.

JAKE

Car two one two, deputy has spotted the vehicle headed south on Normandie, just before Imperial.

DISPATCHER

(on radio)

Copy, two one two. Back-up is unavailable. Do you wish to proceed?

JAKE

Two one two. I'll be fine.

Jake puts down the radio and makes a u-turn.

He accelerates to catch up to the truck and hits his lights and SIRENS.

The truck pulls over. Jake pulls up behind it and stops. He pulls out his revolver, checks to make sure it is loaded, then reholsters it.

He takes a deep breath, then opens the door.

EXT. NORMANDIE BLVD. -- CONTINUOUS

Jake stands in the open door of his squad car, his gun pointed at the truck's driver's side door.

JAKE

I have a gun on you! Get out of the truck, nice and slow!

Sam exits the truck, slowly.

SAM

Officer, let me explain.

JAKE

Shut the hell up! Get down on the ground now!

Joshua comes around the front of the truck.

JOSHUA

Officer, it was my fault.

Jake wheels his gun round on Joshua.

JAKE

(screaming at Joshua)

Get the fuck down now! I will shoot you dead!

Sam gets angry.

SAM

Get that damn thing away from my little brother! He's just a child!

JAKE

Is there anybody else inside the truck?!

Sam is defiant.

SAM

Point that gun away from my little brother!

Growing more nervous by the second, Jake swings wide out into the street so he can see into the truck's cab, which is empty.

He replaces his gun and pulls his baton. Jake is running on pure rage. He STRIKES Sam across the back of the head. Sam collapses, bleeding.

JAKE

When I fucking tell you to do something, you damn well better do it!

JOSHUA

Sam!

Sam holds out his hand.

SAM

Stay back, Joshua. Let the man have his beating.

Jake STRIKES Sam over the head again. Sam is thrown forward. His head CRACKS against the asphalt.

JAKE

Did I fucking tell you to talk?!

Sam rolls up onto his knees. He opens his mouth and blood runs out.

SAM

No.

Jake starts REPEATEDLY STRIKING Sam.

JAKE

Stay down! Stay down! Stay down!

BANG! A GUNSHOT RINGS OUT. Jake pitches back, then falls on his butt. His hand reaches for his gut. Blood seeps out past his hand. Jake looks at it in shock.

Joshua stands, the smoking revolver still pointed at Jake.

Sam reacts with terror.

SAM

Oh shit, Joshua! What did you do?!

Jake pulls his bloody hand away and stares at it for a moment.

JAKE

You fucking nigger! You fucking shot me! You fucking goddamn nigger!

Jake looks at Joshua, who looks from Jake to Sam in fear. Suddenly, Jake pulls his gun and points it at Joshua. He FIRES. BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG. He empties his service revolver into Joshua, who falls to the ground like a limp doll.

SAM

NO!!!!!

Blood flies from Sam's mouth at he SCREAMS.

Jake's service revolver CLICKS, as the hammer falls on empty chambers.

Sam moves over to Joshua and takes his brother's body in his arms. Joshua's lifeless eyes stare up at him.

SAM (CONT'D)

Oh my God! No! No! This can't be happening! Not to me! Not to me!

Sam SCREAMS again, his scream ending in a CHOKING SOUND. He turns to Jake, the purest, raw hatred in his eyes.

Jake begins fumbling for the extra bullets in his belt with one hand while flipping open the chamber to empty the spent cartridges with the other.

JAKE

Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit.

His bloody fingers can't get a grip on the bullets and they slip out and roll away.

Sam grabs their father's revolver. He stands up and starts walking towards Jake. He still has five shots left.

JAKE (CONT'D)

Oh shit! Oh shit! Come on!

Terrified and in shock, Jake can't get any bullets into his revolver's chambers.

SIRENS sound in the distance.

Sam reaches Jake and puts the gun to his head.

Jake starts to CRY.

JAKE (CONT'D)

Please! I got a baby coming!

SAM

So do I.

Sam pulls the trigger. CRACK! Jake falls over on his side, dead.

Sam walks away, tossing the gun. The SIRENS get CLOSER.

In the hot August sun, blood from Jake's headwound runs across the asphalt where it meets the river of Joshua's blood and they move off together towards the sea.

INT. CROSS APARTMENT -- LIVING ROOM -- DAY

There is a KNOCKING at the door. Madeline reaches the door and opens it.

MADELINE

Joshua?!

It's Mary, Sam's girlfriend, about eight months pregnant.

MARY

No, it's me. Is Sam here? His work said he wasn't there and my water just broke ten minutes ago.

MADELINE

Oh, my God! No, I sent him out to find his brother. Let me call an ambulance.

MARY

I already tried. The ambulance won't come to the riot areas. I need Sam to take me to the hospital.

She doubles over in pain, GASPING.

MARY (CONT'D)

My contractions have already started.

MADELINE

I have to get you to the hospital!

EXT. WATTS -- STREET -- DAY

Madeline walks down the street, doing to her best to help Mary along, who keeps doubling over in pain. Madeline looks at her, worried.

MADELINE

Your contractions are almost back to back, yet your water just broke fifteen minutes ago! I never seen a baby come this fast! I pray it's not dead!

MARY

(gasping in pain)

Don't say that! My baby will be fine! I gotta sit down.

She sits down on the curb.

At that moment, about TWO HUNDRED RIOTERS round the street corner, headed towards them.

MADELINE

Oh God!

She tries to pick up Mary and nearly falls over.

MADELINE (CONT'D)

We gotta get back inside!

Fear gives her strength and she manages to haul Mary to her feet. But Mary is in such pain from her contractions that she can barely walk. Both women fall over.

A car SCREECHES to a halt in front of them. The driver's side door opens and Trudi gets out. She starts towards the women, then stops, doubling over in pain. She falls down too.

TRUDI

(gasping for breath)

I'm sorry. I was trying to get to my father-in-law's house, but this baby's coming faster than I thought. My water only broke a half hour ago and it's already time.

MADELINE

(re: Mary)

Same with her.

TRUDI

Can you drive?

MADELINE

I haven't driven in years but now's a good time to start.

TRUDI

Get us to the hospital. I can't drive anymore.

Madeline struggles to get Mary into the car and finally succeeds.

Seeing the white woman lying on the ground next to a new '65 Ford, the rioters start running towards them.

A bottle CRASHES on the ground next to Trudi. Madeline helps her to her feet and into the backseat of the car.

TRUDI (CONT'D)

Drive!

Madeline gets behind the wheel. It is too late. The rioters are upon them. They SMASH all the WINDOWS. The WOMEN cry out as glass covers them.

GUNSHOTS. The rioters back off. A NATIONAL GUARDSMAN sticks his head in.

GUARDSMAN #1

Are you ladies alright?

MADELINE

I got two women about to give birth!

GUARDSMAN #1

Okay, I'll get an escort to take you to the hospital.

Both Mary and Trudi CRY OUT as both have a contraction at the same time.

MADELINE

No, they gonna have them right now!

GUARDSMAN #1

Dammit! Hold on!

The Guardsman removes his head from the car and yells to his partner.

GUARDSMAN #1 (CONT'D)

Bobby, keep me covered! I gotta deliver two babies!

Guardsman #2 runs in front of the car. He FIRES SEVERAL SHOTS above the heads of the rioters, who have only backed off a few yards.

GUARDSMAN #2

Get back! Get the hell back!

Guardsman #1 runs around to the passenger side and opens the door. He gets down on his knees in front of Mary.

GUARDSMAN #1

Okay. I don't mean to trivialize this beautiful event, but it's just like a catcher receiving a pitch. The baby's crowning, so just a few solid pushes ought to do it. That goes for you in the back too.

Mary pushes, CRYING OUT, then the baby is born into the world, SCREAMING.

GUARDSMAN #1 (CONT'D)

It's boy. Congratulations.

GUNSHOTS fill the air. One bullet RICOCHETS off the roof of the car.

From the back, Trudi cries out.

TRUDI

It's coming!

GUARDSMAN #1

Hold on!

The Guardsman takes his service blanket out of his backpack and RIPS in two. He gives half to Mary to wrap around her baby. He then closes the front passenger door and opens the back passenger side door.

GUARDSMAN #1 (CONT'D)

One good push, Ma'am!

A BOTTLE SMASHES against the car. More GUNSHOTS. A new SCREAMING VOICE.

GUARDSMAN #1 (CONT'D)

Another boy. Congratulations to you, Ma'am.

He hands the newborn to Trudi, who takes him.

INT. '65 FORD -- CONTINUOUS

Mary and Trudi hold their babies to them as the world RAGES aound them.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN:

INT. MACK TRUCK -- DAY

P.O.V. JOSHUA

Looking out the windshield at the road. There are NO SOUNDS AT ALL. A Sheriff's squad car rolls by going in the opposite direction.

JOSHUA (V.O.)

Oh God, I know he's gonna stop us.

Looking in the side mirror. Sure enough, the Sheriff's squad car has pulled a u-turn and is coming back.

JOSHUA (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Oh God, here he comes!

The squad car's lights and SIRENS go on.

Turning to Sam, looking in his own mirror, concern on his face.

SAM

Don't worry. It'll be okay.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN:

EXT. NORMANDIE BLVD. -- DAY

P.O.V. JOSHUA

Sam holds out his hand, gesturing to stay back.

SAM

Stay back. Let the man have his beating.

Jake CRACKS Sam over the head with his baton. Sam flies foward, STRIKING his head on the pavement.

JAKE

Did I fucking tell you to talk?

Sam rolls over on his knees. He opens his mouth and blood runs out.

JOSHUA (V.O.)

Oh my God! Sam! No!

SAM

No.

Jake starts REPEATEDLY STRIKING Sam.

JAKE

Stay down! Stay down! Stay down!

JOSHUA (V.O.)

Oh my God! He's gonna kill him!

Looking down at the bag. Opening it. Withdrawing their father's now loaded revolver, pointing it at Jake.

Pulling the trigger. BANG! The revolver jumps in the hand.

Jake stumbles backward.

INT. CHRISTIANSON HOUSE -- BEDROOM -- NIGHT

JACOB CHRISTIANSON II, 27, comes awake, SCREAMING.

JACOB

Oh shit, what have I done!

His wife, DENISE, 27 and pregnant, wakes up too. Jacob SOBS HYSTERICALLY. Denise takes hold of her husband.

DENISE

Honey, it's okay. It's okay.

She holds Jacob firmly in her arms. He turns to look at his wife. Recognition returns. Gradually, his SOBS SUBSIDE and his BREATHING SLOWS.

Jacob is the son of Jake and Trudi, born 27 years ago in the middle of the Watts Riots.

LEGEND: MARCH 1992

DENISE (CONT'D)

What was it about?

Jacob looks away.

JACOB

I can't remember.

He is lying. He remembers so clearly. It has been burned into his mind almost every night since he could remember.

DENISE

You've been having these nightmares a lot lately. Maybe you should see a therapist.

Jacob gets out of bed.

JACOB

I'm fine. It's probably just stress.

What would she think of him if she knew he dreamt almost every night of shooting his father?

INT. SAN QUENTIN STATE PRISON -- PAROLE HEARING ROOM -- DAY

Sam is now 46, and the last twenty-seven years have been hard time on his body. He sits before a FIVE MEMBER PAROLE BOARD. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1, a woman, addresses Sam.

PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1

Samuel Cross, you executed a police officer in cold blood with a single shot to the head. The State of California does not easily forgive such a crime. However, since you had no criminal record prior to this crime, and given the Governor's desire to finally make peace with the citizens of Watts and put those dark days of August, Nineteen Sixty-five behind us, you have been given an early parole hearing. This board is prepared to give you an early release, but on one condition. In order to assure this us and the State of California of your rehabilitation...

She trails off, not sure how to continue.

PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 (CONT'D)

You have never admitted you were wrong. Not at your trial, and not during twenty-six years of incarceration. We would like you to admit you were wrong to execute that Sheriff's Deputy.

SAM

He called my little brother, a twelve year-old boy, a nigger and shot him six times!

PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1

That's not the issue. The actions of Deputy Christianson are not under review here today. Yours are.

(Beat)

The board is not unfeeling in this matter, but you can't kill a police officer, not matter what justification there may be. You must admit you were wrong or we will deny parole.

Hatred and bile swirl inside Sam.

SAM

I was wrong to shoot that cop.

PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1

Deputy Jacob Christianson.

SAM

Yeah, that's him.

PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1

Say it again using his name. It's important to humanize the victim.

Sam grits his teeth. The board waits. Sam reminds himself that this is the only way out.

SAM

I am sorry that I shot and killed Deputy Jacob Christianson...

The parole board members smile, satisfied.

SAM (CONT'D)

...after he emptied his gun into my twelve year old brother Joshua Cross.

The smiles disappear. The board members look at one another, disapproving. Still, the politics of the situation give them no choice.

PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1

Samuel Cross, this board has serious doubts about the level of your rehabilition, but in the interests of goodwill towards the people of Watts, your parole is granted.

INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE -- DAY

JOSH CROSS II enters. He is 27 and Sam's son, named for his uncle Joshua who died on the day Josh was born.

THREE CUTTERS wait as Josh opens his backpack and removes a kilo of herion, followed by another, and plunks them down on the table.

BOSS (O.S.)

Stop!

Josh freezes. BOSS, 30, well-dressed, the only major non-gang affiliated smack dealer in South Central LA enters.

He takes the backpack from Josh and checks the contents.

BOSS (CONT'D)

These kilos aren't gonna be cut. I got a buyer interested in pure dope for sale in the Valley.

He looks up at Josh and smiles.

BOSS (CONT'D)

All there.

Josh grins weakly. Boss takes the two kilos off the table and puts them back in the bag, closing it up.

BOSS (CONT'D)

I'd hate to be embarrassed.

(calls outside)

Send him in!

The door opens and TWO HEAVIES escort in the buyer. It is Roger, Jake's former partner in the Sheriff's department. Roger is now 49 and looks like a hippie with long hair. He carries a bag.

Josh stares at him.

BOSS (CONT'D)

Let's see the cash.

Roger opens the bag to reveal stacks of hundred dollar bills.

ROGER

Okay, you've seen the cash. Let me see the dope.

Boss starts to open the backpack containing the kilos of heroin.

JOSH

That guy's a cop!

Boss slams the backpack closed before Roger can get a look inside.

A tense moment passes. The look of surprise on Roger's face tells Boss that Josh is right.

BOSS

Tyrone, escort Mister Conners out of the building and to his car. I don't think we have what he's looking for.

HEAVY #1 escorts Roger out.

BOSS (CONT'D)

Everybody out!

The cutters and the remaining HEAVY leave. When Josh tries to go, Boss puts a hand across his chest.

BOSS (CONT'D)

Not you.

Josh is terrified.

JOSH

Are you gonna kill that cop?

BOSS

Nah. Thanks to your sudden outburst, he didn't see any evidence.

Suddenly, Boss whips out a gun and puts it to Josh's head.

BOSS (CONT'D)

How the fuck did you know he was a cop?!

JOSH

I don't know. Maybe I saw him on the street in uniform!

BOSS

Neither LAPD or Sheriff's use uniforms on undercover stings, cuz they don't want 'em recognized. So if you recognized him as a cop, you had to have been talking to the Narcs!

JOSH

No, I swear!

BOSS

I made you my runner 'cuz you've never been busted and ain't got no record. Maybe you cut a deal to save yourself?!

Boss COCKS the hammer on the gun.

JOSH

No man, I swear! I wouldn't do that to you!

BOSS

How did you know?!

Josh starts to CRY.

JOSH

(screaming)

I DON'T KNOW!

(Beat)

I don't know how I knew, I just knew.

Boss CLICKS the hammer back into place and lowers the gun.

BOSS

I knew your daddy in the pen. He saved my life there once. I owed him a favor. This is it.

Boss acts like a father banishing his son from his home.

BOSS (CONT'D)

Get out of here.

Josh starts to leave, but Boss grabs his arm.

BOSS (CONT'D)

Remember, you owe me your life now.

Josh nods. Boss lets go of his arm and Josh runs out the door.

EXT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- DAY

Jacob comes outside the market. Across the street, TWO DRUG DEALERS are operating. Jacob watches as Josh comes up to the dealers and makes a buy.

Shaking his head, Jacob goes back inside.

INT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- CONTINUOUS

Jacob picks up the phone and dials. After a moment...

JACOB

Yeah, this is Jacob Christianson. Could you send a couple deputies out here?

EXT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- LATER

A Sheriff's Deputy car pulls up. Jake comes outside to see the dealers across the street run off. TWO DEPUTIES get out but do not give chase.

JACOB

There they go! Why aren't you chasing them?!

DEPUTY #1

'Cuz there'll just be another two guys back here tomorrow.

Jacob looks at them with disgust.

INT. CHRISTIANSON MARKET -- DAY

Jacob gives the two deputies a cold drink each.

DEPUTY #1

Listen, Jacob, we've been instructed not to respond to calls out here anymore. This isn't even our jurisdiction.

JACOB

This is LA County.

DEPUTY #1

Yeah, but this is an LAPD patrol zone.

JACOB

Then how come I never see an LAPD unit out here?

DEPUTY #1

You can't use your dad's name anymore to get these favors from the Department. Resources are very thin and we're needed elsewhere.

JACOB

Where? West Hollywood? The fruity store owners there don't have to deal with smack dealers outside their place of business.

The deputies put down their drinks and prepare to leave.

DEPUTY #1

We can't be your private security anymore. I'm sorry, Jacob, I really am.

The deputies leave. Jacob, frustrated, watches them go.

INT. HOSPICE ROOM -- DAY

Josh enters the room to see his grandmother, Madeline, who is dying of terminal cancer.

JOSH

Hey, Gramma, how you doing today?

Madeline opens her eyes and makes a pained expression.

MADELINE

It hurts, Joshua, it hurts. They won't give me no more pain medication.

JOSH

I know, Gramma. I'm gonna take care of that.

Josh sits on the end of the bed and takes out the bag of heroin he bought and a spoon. He pours the heroin into the spoon. Taking a lighter, he cooks the heroin.

MADELINE

You're a good boy, Joshua, just like your uncle. You taking care of that lady you got?

JOSH

Yeah, she's fine.

Now liquid, Josh pours the heroin into a syringe. He then stands up and takes his grandmother's arm.

JOSH (CONT'D)

You just relax. Everything's fine.

Josh injects the heroin into his grandmother, who closes her eyes and drifts off to sleep.

Suddenly, the needle is KNOCKED away. It SMASHES against the wall. Sam is standing there.

SAM

What the hell you think you doing?

Sam shoves Josh against the wall.

JOSH

Who the fuck are you, old man? Get your fucking ass out of my business!

SAM

You giving my mother that shit!

JOSH

Your mother?!

Josh realizes that Sam is his father, who he has never met.

JOSH (CONT'D)

So they finally cut you loose, huh?

SAM

Joshua?

JOSH

Yeah, that's me.

SAM

Poisoning your own grandmother! She too much of a burden to you?

JOSH

Fuck you, man! She's in pain! Medicare don't pay for no pain killers, so the doctors won't give her enough! Look around, man.

He holds up empty bag of heroin.

JOSH (CONT'D)

This is the only pain killer we got!

SAM

I don't want you around here no more.

Josh nods. He leans over to give the sleeping Madeline a kiss but Sam pulls him away.

SAM (CONT'D)

I said, get out of here!

Josh breaks loose of Sam. A tense moment. Finally, Josh leaves.

INT. HOSPICE -- NURSES' STATION -- MOMENTS LATER

Josh takes out the last of the money he has and gives it to the HEAD NURSE.

JOSH

You see she gets painkillers, a'right?

The Head Nurse nods. Josh leaves.

INT. CHRISTIANSON HOUSE -- LIVING ROOM -- EVENING

Jacob opens the door to his house find MICHAEL REDMAN, 44, sitting on his living room sofa.

Redman stands up and offers his hand.

REDMAN

Jacob, Michael Redman. Nice to meet you.

Jacob looks at Redman as though he were a cockroach.

JACOB

Yeah, I know who you are.

Denise comes out of the kitchen carrying a platter of drinks.

DENISE

Hi, honey.

JACOB

(re: Redman)

What's he doing here?

DENISE

I invited him.

Denise offers Redman a drink. Jacob reaches out and grabs it away.

DENISE (CONT'D)

Jacob!

JACOB

No, don't give him that drink! We can't afford to be handing out free drinks because his supermarket drew away all my customers!

REDMAN

My supermarket drew away all your customers, Jacob, because at my store they won't get accosted by someone asking them if they'd like to by some crack. That, and my low, low prices.

JACOB

Great. Get out of my house.

DENISE

Jacob! I invited Mr. Redman here because he wants to buy the store.

JACOB

It's not for sale.

DENISE

(to Jacob)

I want to talk to you in private!

(to Redman)

Excuse us a moment.

Redman is all smiles, a Cheshire cat.

REDMAN

Of course. Take your time.

Denise drags her husband into the kitchen.

INT. CHRISTIANSON HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS

Jacob yells at his wife.

JACOB

How could you invite that guy over here? He's the whole reason we're struggling.

DENISE

The insurance company called today. They said they won't cover the store anymore unless you hire private security. They said insuring you without it in that neighborhood is just too risky.

JACOB

I can't afford private security.

DENISE

So what happens if the store is robbed or looted? We could lose everything. We should sell the store and get out now.

JACOB

I'm not selling the store. My family's blood is in that store.

DENISE

That's right, it is! Your grandfather was shot in that store nearly forty years ago, and the neighborhood is ten times worse now as it was then. Please, for me, for the baby, sell it!

Jacob thinks on this a moment.

INT. CHRISTIANSON HOUSE -- LIVING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER

Jacob and Denise re-enter. Jacob sits down across from Redman.

JACOB

All right. How much?

REDMAN

Fifty Thousand.

Jacob is insulted.

JACOB

The property alone is worth twice that!

REDMAN

It's not exactly a seller's market, given the location. Let's not kid ourselves. This is not the most desirable area. And then, there are my costs to redevelop the area--

JACOB

Redevelop it? Into what?

REDMAN

I'm not going to keep a store that is losing money. I plan to raze the whole area and sell off portions to developers.

JACOB

There are other stores there.

REDMAN