CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
Road Trip
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting,
Cinema and Television Arts
By
Erik Anguiano
May 2021 The project of Erik M. Anguiano is approved:
Professor Laurence Walsh-Hodson Date
Professor Jim Jones Date
Professor Scott Sturgeon, Chair Date
California State University, Northridge
ii DEDICATION To Mom, Grandpa Fod and Grandma Celia. I am eternally grateful for all your support.
iii Table of Contents Signature Page ii
Dedication iii
Abstract v
Road Trip Screenplay 1
iv Abstract
Road Trip
By
Erik Anguiano
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Road Trip is an original feature screenplay about a man’s pursuit for unconditional love, like that of a dog. He will either find it within his biological family, or extended family, K-9 or otherwise.
v EXT. SAULTE STE. MARIE, ONTARIO - ROAD - NIGHT
Snow falls in sheets. Visibility is low. Only the overhead street signs give any indication to the snow covered road below. In the distance a dot of light pulls over the horizon.
As the light approaches, it splits into two dots of light. They’re the headlights to a windowless sprinter van with a large picture of a cartoon pug with the words “Puggy’s Puppy Palace,” encirciling it, on it’s side. The windshield wipers wipe the snow to reveal the...
INSIDE OF THE VAN
Behind clenched hands on the steering wheel sits DEVYN BJORN, scrawny, barely twenty, three-quarters black, and fully shivering from either his nerves or the cold.
Beside him we see socked-feet that rest on the dashboard. They belong to ALBERT LEAL, forties, latino, looks strung out, but is handsome in a devious kind of way. He’s reclined and sleeps with his arms folded. Neither men are adequately dressed for the severe weather.
Devyn leans forward and squints through the blankets of snow. Ahead, the beams of light only reach about five yards forward.
DEVYN Al? (beat) Al, I can’t see shit.
Devyn looks to Albert. Albert, unawakened, turns his head.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Hey, you awake? C’mon.
Devyn reaches over to Albert when suddenly a deer leaps in front of the van. Devyn reacts and cranks the wheel to avoid the deer. It spins the van out of control and sends them into a shallow ditch.
Inside the Van, Albert’s body is horizontal to his seat, still buckled in. Albert glares at Devyn.
DEVYN(CONT'D) I’m so sorry, man. I’ve never driven in snow like this.
1 Albert looks to the back of the van. Hundreds of boxes of fertility medicine are strewn about.
ALBERT I can see that.
Albert adjusts to sit upright as he pulls a single tennis shoe on his foot. He scans the floor for the other... points under Devyn’s leg. Devyn hands him his other shoe.
Albert exits the van. He takes a lap around the very stuck van and gets back in.
ALBERT (CONT'D) It’s not that bad.
DEVYN Really?
ALBERT What kind of shoes do you have on? (looks to timberland boots) Perfect. It’s a little slick out there for me. You’re going to need to get out and push.
DEVYN Can’t we just call a toe or something?
ALBERT No, no. We don’t need to. It’ll be a quick easy push. I’ll man the wheel.
Devyn, already shivering, looks out to the snow still falling.
ALBERT (CONT'D) It’s only gonna get thicker out there.
Devyn hesitantly exits the van.
OUTSIDE
Devyn clings to the hood for warmth.
ALBERT (CONT'D) (out the window) You gotta get lower, man. Use your legs.
2 The tires whir in reverse.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Kick, kick, kick! Let’s go.
DEVYN Can we switch for a few minutes?
ALBERT We’re almost out. You’ve loosened it up.
The snowfall slows.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Look the snow’s easin’ up. You can do it!
Devyn’s starter jacket sleeves are frozen to the hood of the car. From behind, the flash of blue and red lights approach the van.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Oh shit. Devyn, puuuush!
Devyn’s feet shlop forward, but the van won’t budge. From his side mirror Albert can see the police pull up behind the van. Albert floors it. The van’s wheels sling slush onto Devyn.
POLICE (O.S.) Ahoy, there! You’re just a bit stuck, huh?
Devyn straigtens up at the voice of the approaching POLICE OFFICER.
POLICE (CONT'D) Did you hear me?
Devyn wipes the slush from his jacket. Albert quickly exits the van.
POLICE (CONT'D) Ah gee, you’re soaked. You should get dry.
Devyn goes back into the van.
ALBERT He’s okay.
3 POLICE He don’t look too okay. Has he got a change of clothes?
ALBERT (CONT'D) Uh, I think he does. But we got a good heater back there.
POLICE What happened to ya guys? Why’s the skinny guy doing all the pushin’?
ALBERT Ah we just missed hitting a deer. And you know, being a family business, we all gotta pull our weight.
POLICE Ah huh. A deer you say? You know most people don’t go out driving in the middle of a blizzard.
ALBERT Ah, yeah. See, I was just showing my nephew here how to drive in the snow. And you know how the saying goes; Ya avoid the deer, ya end up in the ditch.
POLICE I can’t say that I’m familiar with that one. (to Devyn) You doin’ alright, son?
Devyn’s teeth chatter from inside the van.
ALBERT We’re just a little cold. If you could help us out, we’d really appreciate it. We’ll save the practice for another day and head right home.
POLICE Home, eh? All the way back to Illi-nwa at this hour?
4 ALBERT Uh, yeah. I’ll be doing the driving though.
POLICE Ah huh. Well, I’m thinking I can help you guys out. Go ‘hed and put the van in reverse. I’ll push that sucker out.
ALBERT That things gonna push this beasty?
POLICE 800 horse in her. You betcha. Now you don’t mind a little scuff from my grill, do ya?
Albert shakes his head as he enter his van. The police enters his dodge charger.
POLICE (CONT'D) (into walkie) I’ve got some suspicious characters in a ditch southbound 17. Possible intoxication.
The officer starts their car and pulls it nose to nose with the van.
POLICE (CONT'D) (yells to Albert) Ya ready?
ALBERT Yeah! (to Devyn) Jesus, this gibroni’s doing more for this score, than you ever could.
Devyn, shivers and hugs himself. The police car nudges forward.
POLICE Three, two, one! The police car nudges the van a little more. Albert floors it. The van slowly makes its way back onto the road.
The officer parks their cruiser in front of the van. They approach Albert at his window.
5 ALBERT Thank you. That was--
POLICE --Can I get you to exit the vehicle again?
ALBERT Excuse me?
POLICE Please exit the vehicle.
ALBERT I don’t understa--
POLICE --Sir, exit your van.
Albert slowly pulls his seatbelt on. Devyn, feels the tension and pulls his seatbelt on too.
The police draws their pistol and points it at Albert.
POLICE (CONT'D) Get out of the van, now!
Albert quickly shifts the gear and floors it. The police office fires their gun as the van swings around. Devyn is hit by a bullet.
The van swings back into the ditch and flips onto it’s side. The back doors pop open and spill out the smuggled fertility medication.
ALBERT Ah Devyn. You’re going to be alright. Puggy’ll take care of it.
LAWYER (PRE-LAP) Now, Mr. Cyryl --Uh Zart is it?
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
In the witness stand we see a pair of thrifted aligator shoes. Our view moves up to reveal CYRYL “PUGGY” ZART (50s), a small, sickly-looking eastern european man, sitting perfectly still with a calm demeanor.
6 You wouldn’t be surprised if he wore an Adidas track suit under his knockoff Armani suit. He slowly leans toward the withness microphone.
PUGGY (thick accent) Sarth, da--yes.
LAWYER Yes, okay. Mr. Zart, what exactly is your profession?
Puggy gives Albert a look.
LAWYER (CONT'D) Mr. Zart?
PUGGY I’m owner of Puppy Palace.
LAWYER What exactly is it that you do at your puppy palace?
PUGGY What else? Sell puppy.
LAWYER Of course, but could you please be a little more specific? Run through a typical day at your store.
PUGGY I do nothing at store. That’s what workers are for.
The lawyer hangs his head, annoyed.
LAWYER Mr. Zart, you agreed to be cooperative and answer our questions. It’s only going to help you out.
PUGGY These are dumb questions. I’m employer. I pay people to work, not the other way around.
LAWYER OKAY, what are you paying them to do? What does your store offer? (MORE)
7 LAWYER (CONT'D) Why might one of your employees try to smuggle thousands of dollars worth of fertility drugs over the Canadian borer in a company van?
PUGGY I don’t know. I only sell puppies!
LAWYER So you had no idea why Mr. Leal and Mr. Bjorn, two of your employees, were in your company van that night?
Puggy shakes his head.
LAWYER (CONT'D) Use your words, Mr. Zart. Mr. Leal seems to believe that you and him had a close relationship. He went on record to say that you treated him as one of his own family.
Albert gives Puggy an expectant look.
PUGGY I said I don’t know. I barely know him. He had access to my van keys. From there, I have no idea what he wanted with fertility drugs.
Albert turns his head in disgust and exhales.
LAWYER Your honor, with too many inconsistencies--
The lawyer’s voice fades out. The metalic clang rings out as Albert is closed into...
INT. JAIL CELL - DAY
Albert sits on his bed with his head propped up by his hands. The cell looks empty and cold.
DISSOLVE TO:
8 EXT. PRISON - DAY
A cool overcast morning. Sparce sun rays cut through the clouds. You can see Albert’s breath as he is escorted by JOHN BUTZ, prison guard, to a gate. There’s a BUZZ and the gate slowly retracts.
Albert clutches a large brown paper bag to his chest as he peers beyond the opening gate and recognizes something.
EXT. PRISON STREET - DAY
Across the street a “Puggy’s puppy palace” van idles.
EXT. PRISON - DAY
Albert takes a step back from the gate at this sight. Panicked, he fumbles through the brown bag.
JOHN Y’allright there?
ALBERT (without looking up) I had a... (pulls something out) Phone.
JOHN That ain’t gon’ be charged.
Albert still tries to turn his phone. He angrily taps his phone.
JOHN (CONT'D) They ain’t get you a call today? Everybody gets a call.
ALBERT I uh didn’t think I needed it.
JOHN Didn’t need one, Huh? You mean to say no one’s pickin’ you up? What ‘bout them?
9 John signals to the van across the street.
Devyn’s arm hangs out the window. He nods.
JOHN (CONT'D) That ain’t your ride?
ALBERT (shakes head) I can’t ride with him. Is there any way I could charge my phone real quick?
John shoots Albert a disgusted look. After a beat, John sighs.
ALBERT (CONT'D) It’ll be quick.
JOHN C’mon then.
INT. GUARD BOOTH - DAY
John leads Albert into a cramped and unimpressive guard booth with nothing but a lever and clipboard on it’s bare desk. John points to an outlet on the wall.
ALBERT Great, thanks.
Albert searches around the desk.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Uhhh.
JOHN What is it?
ALBERT Is there a charger around anywhere?
JOHN Now, why would I have that?
ALBERT To charge the phone!
10 Albert looks out to the...
EXT. PRISON STREET - DAY
Puggy’s van idles.
INT. GUARD BOOTH - DAY
John folds his arms. Albert shuffles through the brown bag. Albert then opens up the desk drawer and rummages through it. This makes John angry.
JOHN (stammers with rage) G-wha? Who the hell do you think you are?
John pulls Alberts hand from the drawer.
JOHN (CONT'D) Get your shit out my shit!
ALBERT I just need to make a quick call. Can I use your phone?
JOHN Ain’t got no phone. Back up!
John nudges Albert away from his desk.
JOHN (CONT'D) There’s a pay phone on the corner.
ALBERT A payphone, really? That corner?
John nods and closes his drawer. Albert makes his way out of the booth. He then stops in his tracks.
ALBERT (CONT'D) I don’t have any change.
John takes a beat to glare at Albert.
11 EXT. PRISON STREET - DAY
At the pay phone booth, Albert picks up the phone, inserts coins and looks over his shoulder to where the van would be. It’s gone. He exhales with relief.
The phone rings...and rings... and rings.
ALBERT (under his breath) Jesus, a payphone?
The phone continues to ring. Albert looks back to John in his guard booth.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Who doesn’t have phone?
The phone goes to an answering machine.
ANSWERING MACHINE (SADIE) You’ve reached Sara Demus. If you’re calling about the cat trees, I’m sorry. They’ve all been sold. Please stop calling! Otherwise leave a message and I’ll get back to you.
The answering machine beeps.
ALBERT Hi Sadie, long time. I feel like it’s 1995. You gotta change that answering machine. Um, I need to be picked up. I would say call me back, but I’m on a payphone and my phone’s dead.
Puggy’s Van slowly pulls up beside.
DEVYN (O.S.) Hey!
ALBERT Yeah okay, would’ve been nice if you answered. I’ll maybe try mom. K, bye.
Albert hangs up. He quickly walks the opposite direction of the van.
The van follows him in reverse. Albert’s pace quickens.
12 DEVYN (O.S.) Albert, stop!
Albert begins to trot. The van quickly, but awkwardly does a three point turn and catches up to Albert. It cuts him off at an intersection.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Hey, man. What are you doing?
ALBERT Hey, just going to meet my ride over here. You’ve gotten better at driving.
Devyn scoffs.
DEVYN Puggy wanted me to pick you up. He wants to talk to you.
ALBERT What? Now?
DEVYN Yeah he’s really happy that you’re out. We’ve been doing a lot of growing.
ALBERT That’s real nice to hear. I just-- I gotta do this family thing real quick.
Devyn gives Albert a puzzled look.
ALBERT (CONT'D) It’s really not going to take long. I--
A POLICE CAR behind the van gives a quick beep. Devyn pulls the van closer to the curb, sticks his arm out the window and waves the police to go around.
The police car beeps again.
DEVYN God damn, these guys don’t let up.
13 ALBERT I tell you what, I’ll come by the shop.
DEVYN No, that’s not gonna work. Your family can wait.
ALBERT I--
The police car flashes it’s lights and gives a quick siren blast. Albert starts to back away from the van.
DEVYN Fucking, shit! Albert, just wait there.
ALBERT I can’t Devyn, I’ll meet you later.
POLICE CAR (police PA) PULL OVER.
Albert turns around and quickly walks away.
DEVYN AH! Albert, stop!
POLICE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET!
DEVYN Ah FUCK!
Devyn speeds to the right side of the street as another car turns the corner and CRASH. Albert’s is startled by the jolt. He runs in the opposite direction.
EXT. CHICAGO SUBURB - DAY
Albert strolls through an old neighborhood filled with old Greystone homes.
Albert reaches an intersection and looks up to the street sign above. He ruminates a moment, mouthing the cross streets and takes an unsure step in one direction. He pauses, looks back up and nods, then continues that direction.
14 As Albert walks he avoids a large pile of dog poop. A MAN with a large, well-maintained beard, and cableknit sweater walks a purebred vizsla dog toward Albert. The man avoids eye contact. The vizsla pulls to Albert. In a panic, the man tightens his grip on the leash.
Albert lowers his hands to the dog.
ALBERT Aww, hi there! What a beautiful dog.
The dog’s nubbed tail wags uncontrollably. The man keeps tension on the leash.
ALBERT (CONT'D) You’re so friendly. (to the man) She’s gorgeous! You wouldn’t happen to know if phesant point old folks’ home is nearby?
MAN C’mon Eartha. (to Albert) No, I’m sorry we’re in kind of a rush.
ALBERT Your Vizsla doesn’t seem to think so. God, you should show this dog!
Albert rubs the dog lovingly. The man grows impatient.
MAN I do. And please--
The man nudges Albert’s hand with the back of his hand.
MAN (CONT'D) She’s fresh from the groomer. Eartha, let’s GO.
Albert steps back, offended. The man yanks on the dog’s leash, harder this time. Eartha yelps.
ALBERT What the hell?! Don’t yank on a dog like that! You’ll hurt her.
MAN Fuck off, what do you know?
15 Albert watches the man stroll away. Albert begins to breath heavy. His brow furrows, hands clenched into fists.
The man then steps in the dog poop. Albert’s breath slows and his hands relax.
Albert continues on his path.
EXT. PHESANT POINT ELDERLY LIVING FACILITY - DAY
Phesant point is a quaint structure, laid out in a U-shape with a round-about driveway. Albert strolls past it off screen.
After a beat, Albert returns, looks to a wooden “Phesant Point” sign and walks to entrance doors.
INT. PHESANT POINT ELDERLY LIVING FACILITY - DAY
Phesant point is decorated with fake flowers and doileys. It looks older than it’s residents.
On his way to the front desk, Albert’s attention is grabbed by a corkboard with resident pictures. He scans it. Focuses on a picture of CORA LEAL(70s), who looks like she hasn’t ever smiled for a picture and has thick hair for an elderly woman.
Albert grabs the photo from the wall and smirks at it.
RECPTIONIST (O.S.) (accusing tone) Excuse me, sir.
Albert, startled by the voice, turns to the front desk to see the RECEPTIONIST, who also looks like she hasn’t smiled in a while.
RECPTIONIST (CONT'D) Put that back. Those pictures aren’t for taking.
ALBERT I’m sorry. It’s just been a while since I’ve seen my mom. Do you know if she’s around?
Albert approaches the reception desk. The receptionist glares at Albert for an awkward beat.
16 Albert holds up the picture of his mom and points to it.
ALBERT (CONT'D) I’m here for her.
RECPTIONIST You need to put that picture back before we do anything.
Albert gives the receptionist an annoyed look walks to the corkboard. Albert pulls a pushpin from the board and places it on the edge of his mother’s picture. The picture slides out from the pin and ALbert watches it fall to the floor.
Just as the picture lands on the floor. A wheelchair wheels right over Cora’s face in the picture.
ALBERT (without looking up) Could you roll it back? You’re on my mom’s face.
SADIE (O.S.) Albert?!
Albert, surprised to hear his name, shoots up to see his sister, SADIE DEMUS(40s), in scrubs and tired looking. She pushes a frail old woman who wears a knitted hat to cover her bald head. They’re closely followed by Sadie’s daughter, LUCY(10), who is spindly, with unmatched socks and a colorful outfit.
ALBERT Sadie! Hi! I called you earlier. What are you doing here?
SADIE What does it look like? I’m helping mom out with her appointments. What are you doing here?
ALBERT I’m here to see mom too. Have you seen her?
Sadie gives Albert a “what the hell are you talking about” look. There’s an uncomfortable beat of silence.
Albert looks down to the woman in the wheelchair and then to the picture on the ground.
17 ALBERT (CONT'D) Oh my God, Mom!
Albert collapses into his mother in the wheelchair, hugs her, and begins to sob. Cora winces at his weight on her.
The sounds from his crying makes everyone in earshot look concerned.
ALBERT (CONT'D) What’s wrong? What happened to you?
Cora slowly reaches her arm over Albert’s back. Sadie rolls her eyes and shares an annoyed look with the receptionist.
LUCY (whisper) Who is that, mama?
SADIE It’s no one, baby.
Sadie gently pulls Lucy in for a side hug.
INT. CORA’S ROOM - DAY
The door clumisly opens to Cora being pushed by Albert. Lucy holds the door open for Sadie, whose arms are folded. The four of them barely fit into the dormitory style room.
The walls have numerous pictures of a smiling Cora with show dogs and their ribbons. A chair in the corner is covered with a Dog themed blanket. Dog plates are displayed on the shelves. Dog candles on the entertainment center. If it wasn’t dog themed, the decor was covered in a tacky floral pattern.
Next to the bed is a shadow box. Within the box, a picture of Cora and an affenpinscher, a dried bouquet, and a handfull of ribbons. It’s almost like a shrine.
ALBERT Ah, there we go.
Albert wheels Cora next to her bed. He looks to her shadow box.
ALBERT (CONT'D) This is nice! Who did that for you?
18 Everyone looks to Cora to answer, but she looks out of it.
SADIE The Kennel Club had that made.
Albert sits on the twin bed and takes in the room. Everyone in the room seems uncomfortable with the silence.
ALBERT Isn’t this nice?
Sadie gives Albert a judgemental look. She finds the TV remote.
SADIE TV, Lu?
Lucy excitedly turns on an older tv in the corner of the room. She plops down in front of the loud cartoon. Sadie sits in a chair furthest from Albert. It’s obvious she doesn’t want him here.
Albert turns to Cora. She dozes off as she sits upright.
Albert turns to Sadie. She’s focused on her cell phone. From the corner of Albert’s eye, he feels Lucy staring. She gets a good look at him.
Albert turns to Lucy. She quickly turns back to the TV.
ALBERT Does anybody wanna know what prison was like?
Cora doesn’t budge. She’s fully asleep. Sadie glares into her phone. Lucy looks intrigued.
Albert scoots closer Lucy.
ALBERT (CONT'D) ‘Ey, Lucy?
SADIE Albert, don’t.
LUCY You were in prison?
19 ALBERT Don’t what?
LUCY Leilani says her dad’s brother is in prison.
ALBERT (to Lucy) Really? Did she say why?
LUCY All she said was that he was a really bad guy and she shouldn’t ever talk to him.
ALBERT Oooh, he isn’t a chomo, is he?
LUCY A what?
SADIE STOP, my ten year old daughter doesn’t need to know about prison.
ALBERT She looked interested. (to Lucy) Aren’t ya?
Lucy nods. Sadie angrily gets up and goes to the door.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Ah, c’mon, Sadie.
Sadie holds the door open and signals for Albert to go into the hall with her.
Albert exhales and exits the room. Lucy looks concerned.
SADIE Lucy, baby, can you get grams into bed? We’ll be right back.
Cora is still asleep on the corner of her bed.
20 INT. PHESANT POINT HALLWAY - DAY
Albert leans against the wall across from Sadie, but has trouble getting comfortable. Sadie closes Cora’s door.
SADIE What are you doing?
ALBERT I’m sorry, Sadie. It’s just that no one was talking in there and I haven’t talked with any--
SADIE --Not that. What are you doing here? Why are you trying to visit Mom?
ALBERT I just got out.
SADIE So?
ALBERT I just--
Albert waits as an orderly wheels an older man by. Sadie smiles to them. They continue in a hushed tone.
ALBERT (CONT'D) (hushed) -- I just got out. I wanted to see someone I knew.
SADIE (hushed) Right, you just wanted to see your mom who you haven’t spoken to in over a decade.
ALBERT It hasn’t been that long.
SADIE It hasn’t?
ALBERT I sent cards on her birthday!
21 SADIE Give me a break! “Happy birthday, mama! I wish I didn’t have to ask, but I could use a little help this month.”
ALBERT Oh fuck you. You’ve asked mom, for money too.
SADIE When the hell have I asked mom for money? Are you referring to when my purse was stolen when I was sixteen years old?! You’re a middle-aged man Albert. A middle-aged man looking for a handout from our terminally ill mother.
Albert loses his hushed tone.
ALBERT I’m not like that! I really just wanted to see her. And why am I just now learning about our her cancer.
Sadie matches Albert’s tone.
SADIE Well that’s the first you’ve asked of it. This is the first time you’ve ever taken an interested in anyone other than yourself, so forgive me for being suspicious.
Albert exhales.
ALBERT How is she doing?
Sadie sighs and rolls her eyes. She goes back into...
INT. CORA'S ROOM - DAY
Sadie finds Lucy hugging Cora who’s asleep in bed. They’re almost the same size.
SADIE (whisper) Psst, Lucy.
22 Lucy turns her head. Sadie signals with her head for Lucy to get up.
SADIE (CONT'D) (whisper) Let’s head out.
Lucy slowly gets up.
SADIE (CONT'D) (whisper) Cover her up.
Lucy covers Cora with a blanket and exits the room.
INT. PHESANT POINT HALLWAY - DAY
With the TV still blaring, Sadie slowly closes Cora’s door. They walk down the hall.
Albert follows. They walk and talk.
ALBERT Sadie, mom’s going to be okay, right?
Sadie keeps walking.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Sadie! Talk to me.
Lucy turns to Albert.
ALBERT (CONT'D) (to Lucy) Do you know?
SADIE (to Lucy) Come on.
Sadie takes Lucy’s hand.
LUCY Are you mad at him, mom?
23 ALBERT What do I need to do? (beat) Sadie, I have the right to know!
Sadie shakes her head. They make their way to the...
INT. PHESANT POINT RECEPTION DESK - DAY
Sadie smiles at the receptionist as she passes.
RECPTIONIST All done?
Sadie nods. The receptionist has a chipper tone.
RECPTIONIST (CONT'D) Quick visit today! See you next time.
As Albert passes the Receptionist, she glares.
ALBERT She’s my mother too.
SADIE (scoffs) Only when it’s convenient.
Sadie and Lucy make their way to...
EXT. PHESANT POINT ELDERLY LIVING FACILITY - DAY
Sadie has a quick pace as she exits Phesant Point.
Albert rushes after Sadie he gets infront of her.
ALBERT Sadie, I’m sorry!
Sadie stops.
SADIE You’re not sorry.
24 ALBERT I am!
SADIE Sorry for what?
Albert thinks for a beat.
SADIE (CONT'D) See.
Sadie tries to step past Albert, but he stops her.
ALBERT No, I’m really sorry. I know it’s always been hard for you.
SADIE It has!
ALBERT And being the only one to take care of Mom like this has, all while working and taking care of a kid on your own, it’s gotta be especially hard.
Sadie sighs and her shoulders relax.
ALBERT (CONT'D) How is Mom doing?
Sadie shakes her head. Tears well up in her eyes.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Sadie?
Sadie starts to cry.
Albert stands there not knowing what to do. Lucy hugs Sadie.
LUCY It’s okay, mama. Grams is going to be okay.
Sadie really starts to cry hard. It’s an ugly cry. A kind of squawk. Albert looks around and sees...
25 INT. PHESANT POINT ELDERLY LIVING FACILITY - DAY
The receptionist stands up at her desk and peers to Sadie with a look of concern.
EXT. PHESANT POINT ELDERLY LIVING FACILITY - DAY
Albert hesitantly reaches his hand to Sadie’s shoulder.
ALBERT Jesus, Sadie. It’s okay. Shh. You’re okay.
RECPTIONIST (O.S.) Hey, man! What’d you do?
The receptionist waddles her way Sadie.
ALBERT Ah Jesus. Mind your business lady. I was just--
RECPTIONIST Just what?! You alright, miss?
Sadie’s tears slow.
RECPTIONIST (CONT'D) Did he hurt you?
ALBERT What?! I was asking her questions!
SADIE No, no. I am just...
LUCY She’s sad about grams.
RECPTIONIST (to Lucy) Oh, I’m sorry. You sure he didn’t do something? I got a good read on these types. Always up to something.
26 ALBERT Me?
RECPTIONIST Mhmm.
SADIE Thank you, no. He hasn’t done anything. We’re all good.
ALBERT So, you’re good to go.
The receptionist gives Albert a look.
RECPTIONIST Well, you all stay out of trouble.
The receptionist was clearly directing that comment to Albert. She goes back inside.
ALBERT Sadie, I wish I--
SADIE Save it. I’ve had enough excitement.
ALBERT Okay, okay.
An awkward silence. Sadie looks down to Lucy.
SADIE Lu an I gotta get going, Albert. Seeing you here, it’s uhh... something.
LUCY Nice to finally meet you!
Albert smirks uncomfortably. He looks defeated.
ALBERT You too.
Sadie sighs.
27 SADIE So where are you staying these days? Do you need a ride?
ALBERT That’s kind of why I came here, but I guess I’ll just--
LUCY Can Albert stay with us, mama?
SADIE Honey, I don’t think--
ALBERT --I don’t want to impose.
LUCY Oh come on, Mom.
ALBERT It really doesn’t have to be for a long time.
SADIE Lucy, Where would he sleep? We don’t have much space, Al.
LUCY He can sleep on the couch. That couch is comfy. Come on, Mom!
ALBERT I’ve slept on worse.
Sadie rolls her eyes to the sky and lets out a sigh.
INT./EXT. SADIE’S SUBARU - DAY
A dated Subaru outback pulls into the driveway of Sadie’s house. The house is small with an unkempt yard and an alley.
Albert and Sadie exit the car. Sadie makes her way to the backseat to unlatch Lucy from her booster seat.
28 ALBERT --All I’m saying is I never had to use a booster seat growing up. (to Lucy) Do your friends still use booster seats?
Lucy shakes her head, no. Sadie leans into the car.
SADIE I don’t think how we grew up should be used as a model to raise my daughter. It says on the seat, four- foot-nine inches. Lucy is not there yet.
ALBERT She can unbuckle herself. (to Lucy) You’re a big girl, right?
SADIE I’m just helping her. Her arms are just a little short.
LUCY No they aren’t! Mom, please!
Lucy seems a little annoyed by her Mom’s comment. Sadie’s taken aback by Lucy’s frustration.
SADIE Go ahead and get it.
Lucy begrudgingly unbuckles herself. Sadie forces a smile and offers Lucy her keychain.
SADIE (CONT'D) Wanna open the door for us?
Lucy grabs the keys, exits the car, and runs offscreen.
Sadie grabs paperwork and a tote bag that’s shaped like a cat head from the back of her car. Her arms are full.
As Albert shuts the trunk, he notices Sadie’s tote.
ALBERT That’s a little off-putting.
29 Sadie rolls her eyes and makes her way to...
EXT. SADIE'S HOME - CONTINUOUS
SADIE I’d appreciate it if you didn’t pit my daughter against me.
ALBERT I didn’t pit her against you. I just don’t think she’s as young as you treat her.
SADIE She’s ten.
ALBERT A ten year old can operate a seat belt, Sadie.
SADIE She’s never had a problem with me unbuckling her until now. What’s changed from all those time before to now, hmmm?
ALBERT I just know when I was that age I wanted to do everything myself.
SADIE And see where that got you.
That one stings Albert. They walk to the doorstep. Sadie waits for Albert to open the door in awkward silence.
SADIE (CONT'D) The door, please.
Albert opens the door.
INT. SADIE'S HOME - KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM - DAY
The inside of the house has minimal decor with a dialed-back cat theme. The living room and kitchen are small and connected. A scratched up couch separates the two rooms.
30 Sadie plops her stuff on the kitchen table and heads down a hallway.
Albert sits on the couch and rubs his hands on the scratched up arms.
ALBERT (shouts) Where’s the cat?
SADIE (O.S.) What?
ALBERT Do you have a cat?
Like something out of a horror movie, Lucy quickly shuffles her feet into the living room. She cradles a sphynx cat and plops it into Albert’s lap. He jumps back.
The cat looks around lost and timid. Lucy giggles. Albert gives it an uneasy look.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Is it okay?
Sadie comes back into the room and opens the fridge.
SADIE That’s Lemon.
ALBERT Like a car lemon, but this is a cat lemon?
SADIE No, Lucy named him. (to Lucy) Show your uncle why you called him lemon.
Lucy gets both her hands around the cats face and scrunches it’s loose skin together.
LUCY He looks like he ate a lemon!
Sadie and Lucy laugh. Albert gives an uneasy smile.
ALBERT Why no fur?
31 LUCY I’m allergic to cat saliva.
ALBERT No spit either?
Sadie prepares lunch.
SADIE The cat has spit. Sphynxies are hypoallergenic. (to lucy) Lu, wash your hands. I made lunch.
Lucy goes to the step stool at kitchen sink and gets a view of the baloney sandwiches Sadie just made.
LUCY (disgust) Baloney!?
ALBERT Ooh Lucy, your mom’s fried baloney sandwiches might be the best out-of-prison meal a person could dream of.
LUCY Baloney sandwiches are worse than prison food!
Albert and Lucy sit at the table. Sadie puts their meal in front of them.
SADIE Thanks, but I didn’t fry them. I gotta get back to work and Lucy back to daycare.
ALBERT (between bites) If I watched Lucy, would you have enough time to fry these?
SADIE I’m not remaking lunch and you’re not watching Lucy.
32 LUCY Oooh, can I stay here with Albert?
ALBERT It’s really no problem. I’m not doing anything.
SADIE No, no. You don’t need to watch Lucy. (to Lucy) Eat, we gotta go!
LUCY Please, mama! The kids at daycare told me Miss Sheldon is a nymphomaniac.
Albert spits out his food and laughs.
SADIE I don’t think that means what you think it does.
LUCY They told me she steals from kids backpacks when we go outside to play.
SADIE Clepto. She’s a cleptomaniac, not that other thing you said. That sounds made up anyway. Miss Sheldon seems nice to me.
LUCY That’s why no one would suspect her.
ALBERT She’s got a point there. Those grand larceny guys are good at staying unnoticed.
SADIE What could a grown woman want to steal from your backpack?
LUCY I’ve got valuable stuff. And besides, it’s not every day that Uncle Albert is out of prison.
33 SADIE That’s exactly why I don’t want you spending time with him.
ALBERT Hey, I’m okay! Lucy would be fine with me.
LUCY Yeah!
ALBERT See? We’d have fun. We could watch TV, go for a walk, play with Lemon. I won’t steal anything. Plus, wouldn’t you be saving money? You can pay me in fried baloney.
SADIE This is weird.
ALBERT She wants to hangout with me! I’m not some kiddy toucher.
SADIE Why would you ever say that?
ALBERT Cause it’s true! (to Lucy) Yay, no kiddy touching.
Lucy picks up Lemon.
LUCY You can touch this kitty!
SADIE Oh God. You really want to stay here with your uncle?
Lucy nods her head.
34 SADIE (CONT'D) Okay, okay. Albert, I really don’t think I should be doing this. Don’t make me regret this.
ALBERT I can look after your daughter for a few hours. We’ll be fine.
SADIE Alright. It’s supposed to rain. If you go out, bring Lucy’s slicker.
Sadie gives Lucy a big kiss on the cheek. Lucy rubs it off as Sadie rushes out.
PRE-LAP: The sound of rain.
EXT. SADIE'S HOME - DAY
Lucy’s green goulash’s hop into a puddle. It’s pouring rain. Lucy is in the same clothes as before and she is soaked.
Albert lights a cigarette as he watches Lucy from the cover of the house.
ALBERT Hey, where’s your jacket?
Lucy giggles and splashes from one puddle to the next. Albert takes a long drag of his cigarette and exhales slowly, taking in his freedom.
He holds out his palm, catching rain. Albert then looks to a treebranch above him and back to Lucy.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Lucy... (between jumps) Lucy! Come here.
Lucy kicks up water as she approaches Albert. He tries to dodge her splashes, but there’s a lot of water. Albert scowls.
LUCY (laughs) Oops.
35 ALBERT You wanna do a race?
LUCY No way, your legs are as long as my body.
ALBERT No, no. Turn around.
Lucy starts a slow spin. Albert grabs her shoulders and strains to lift her.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Grab some leaves.
LUCY How many do you want?
ALBERT At least two. Give us some good options though.
Lucy clenches her hands on a bunch of leaves. Albert lowers her and examines the leaves, pulls out two and pockets the rest.
LUCY My mom loves that tree.
ALBERT Oh yeah?
LUCY She’d be really mad if she caught us pulling leaves off it.
ALBERT I can keep it a secret if you can.
Lucy takes a stem and locks her lips.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Heh, atta kid. Now, this here is a leaf. Take it.
Lucy takes the leaf and hops back out into the rain. Albert makes his way to the curb water rushing to the storm drain.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Your mom ever race leaves with you?
36 LUCY No, she’s no fun.
ALBERT I wish I could tell you she was fun when we were kids, but she wasn’t.
Albert chuckles, puts his leaf-boat into the water stream. Lucy puts her’s in next to him.
LUCY Were you the fun one?
ALBERT (focused on leaf) On your go.
LUCY Three-two-GO!
Lucy’s leaf gets a head start. Albert’s catches up and beats Lucy’s into the drain. He pumps his fist.
ALBERT I’m still the fun one. (beat) Your mom has always been a mom.
LUCY Huh?
ALBERT She’s really good at nagging... and when you’ve done something wrong, she’ll give you that look like “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed,” look. Or is that just me?
LUCY Oh, I know that look!
Albert pulls out two more leaves, hands one to Lucy.
LUCY (CONT'D) She’d probably be giving us that look now.
37 ALBERT Yeah... It’s just cause she cares a lot.
Albert and Lucy set their leaves in the stream.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Three, Two, One, GO! (beat) I can’t knock her for caring. I just wish we could have been...
Albert looks to Lucy and realizes he’s coming clean to a ten year old. He watches the leaves run into the storm drain.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Well she clearly loves you.
LUCY I know, I know. She let’s me know all the time.
ALBERT That’s good, cause you know, your grams was not the nicest to her. I’m surprised they seem to be getting along alright.
LUCY Most of the time, Grams is half asleep when we visit.
ALBERT You can’t argue when you’re asleep.
LUCY They don’t argue. They don’t talk at all, really.
ALBERT I’m not surprised.
LUCY The only time the really have conversations is when mom brings the lawyer.
ALBERT Lawyer? Why would a lawyer visit my mother?
38 Lucy shrugs as she sets another leaf into the stream. She holds it, waiting for Albert to place his leaf.
LUCY They talk about a guy named Will a lot.
ALBERT Will. The will? Sadie’s changing up mom’s will!
LUCY You can put your leaf in now!
ALBERT Right. (puts in leaf) Three, two, one.
They set the boats free. Lucy jumps through the stream after them.
ALBERT (CONT'D) I can’t believe your mother! She forces mom into a home and then to write me out of the will. Who does she think she is?
Lucy pays no attention to Albert as her leaf enters the storm drain first. She does a victory dance.
From around the corner a bald eastern european man quickly approaches Lucy. Albert is not paying attention.
LUCY Uncle Albert, you’re leaves are garb--
The eastern european man covers Lucy’s mouth and picks her up.
ALBERT Huh?
Albert turns around. His head is quickly covered by a sack. He’s knocked unconcious.
39 EXT. PUGGY’S PUPPY PALACE - DAY
Puggy’s van pulls into the loading alley behind Puggy’s Puppy Palace. It’s located in a busy strip mall. The bald man and Devyn exit and quickly open the van doors.
The bald man shouts something in Russian to Albert and Lucy, head’s covered with sacks. If they didn’t have sacks on, they’d have confused looks on their faces.
The bald man raises a gun to Albert’s head. He shouts again, this time more urgently.
DEVYN What are you doing?
Devyn pulls the sacks off of Albert and Lucy. Lucy starts to cry.
DEVYN(CONT'D) They gotta be able to see if you’re trying to scare ‘em. (pushes gun down) Put that away.
ALBERT Hey, man. What’s this all about?
DEVYN Puggy wants to talk, Al.
The bald man gets Albert and Lucy to their feet. Devyn escorts Albert to the back door.
LUCY Don’t leave me!
ALBERT Don’t worry, Lu. It’s all just a game. I’ll be right back. (to Devyn) Are the zip-ties necessary? She’s a kid, man.
DEVYN Alright.
Devyn gives the bald man a signal to cut Lucy’s ties.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Don’t let her out of your sight.
40 INT. PUGGY’S PUPPY PALACE - DAY
Devyn leads Albert through the recently updated puppy facility. New enclosures, only a few dogs per cage, nice dog beds.
Devyn pulls a chair out for Albert and sits him down across from puppies.
DEVYN It’s looking good in here, huh.
ALBERT It’s definitely not what I remember.
DEVYN When you were here, it was a real heap. Stay there.
Devyn exits. A group of puppys hang their front paws over the edge of their enclosure. They grab Albert’s attention. He can’t help but get up and pet them.
The puppies love it. Albert scratches behind their ears, this turns into belly rubs. He really has a connection with dogs.
A loud BARK then startles Albert. He looks around for the source of the bark.
At the front door stands a perfectly groomed affenpinscher, it’s hair long and silky, it’s eye’s glistening. Albert is stunned by this beautiful dog.
It’s leash leads back to Puggy.
PUGGY Al! (awkwardly hugs him) You like it?
ALBERT It all looks very new. (lifts tied hands) Would you mind uh.
PUGGY Ah, yes. Devyn, why you tie him up like this? Sorry, Al. You know Devyn. He’s big gangster boy.
Devyn cuts the zipties.
41 PUGGY(CONT'D) I’m glad you decided to come speak with me Al.
ALBERT (sarcastic) Uh huh. My niece and I are delighted to join you.
Puggy gives Devyn a confused. Devyn shrugs.
DEVYN We got him here. No witnesses.
PUGGY Al, we’ve grown big. We’ve spread all over since you left. (picks up puppy) Bring to niece. (to Albert) But we want to spread out more.
Devyn takes the puppy and exits. Puggy pulls a dog treat from his pocket, squats down and makes a kissy noise. The affenpinscher comes to him.
PUGGY(CONT'D) Have you seen him? (gives treat to dog) He is how we going to spread more. He’s beautiful dog, no?
ALBERT (nods) You could show him. Is that your plan?
PUGGY What, show dog? No! I don’t know that. No.
Puggy lifts a tarp covering a stack of boxes filled with fertility medicine.
PUGGY(CONT'D) I got medicing for lots of puppies. He’ll make lots of puppies for us. We’ll make lots of money with lots of puppies. We can get big and move all over country. I just need a little more help.
42 ALBERT Ah. That’s why you kidnapped me.
PUGGY Of course! You’re best dog breeder I ever met. You know, Devyn try, but dogs don’t like Devyn. He’s not like you.
ALBERT I appreciate the compliment, Puggy, but I really am not doing things like that anymore.
PUGGY Huh? This all you do.
ALBERT Besides, a perfect dog like that should be bred with show dogs. I’ll admit, the dogs here look a lot better than the dogs we used to have, but they’re mutts, Pug.
PUGGY Don’t you think I know? They’re my dogs. No. I have plan. Devyn and you... go to dog show.
ALBERT And what?
PUGGY You find another dog. For him.
Puggy then thrusts his hips back and forth.
ALBERT See this is why I can’t work with you, man. There’s a lot more to dog breeding than dogs just humping.
PUGGY Come on. Not much more than that.
ALBERT Okay, well even if it were just that, it’s not cheap getting a show dog for breeding.
43 PUGGY It’s cheap. You just go to dog show, take one, and go. No problem.
ALBERT You want me to dognap a affenpinscher show dog. Show dogs are guarded better than some presidents. What am I getting out of this?
PUGGY What you mean? I’m offering you half. You get half profits. We’ve always been partners.
ALBERT Half? Puggy, there are no guarantees in any of this. If I get you another dog, the dogs might just not be compatible. If that’s the case, that’s half of nothing. I’m doing all the work for nothing.
PUGGY I got the dog. You get the other! I don’t know what to tell you. You want some payment for another dog?
ALBERT No, pug. I don’t want any of this. I don’t work for you anymore.
PUGGY I know you have nothing. I know you need money. Here is opportunity, Albert.
ALBERT I can’t do it! I’m not going to jail to cover your ass again. I’m too old for that shit.
PUGGY Al, I’ll make it worth your time. Five-hundred Thousand.
ALBERT You’d have to offer me a lot more to get me interested. It’s been good seeing you.
Albert heads for the exit.
44 PUGGY Two-million.
Albert stops in his tracks.
ALBERT Two-million what?
PUGGY I can offer two million. If that’s not good faith, then I don’t know what is.
ALBERT And I can do whatever I want with that money?
PUGGY Of course. It’s yours.
Albert ponders for a moment.
EXT. PUGGY'S PUPPY PALACE - DAY
Lucy plays with the puppy. Devyn and the Bald man smoke a cigarette, while perched on the van’s tailgate.
Albert exits with the affenpinscher on leash.
DEVYN So, you’re back?
ALBERT It seems that way. Lucy, wanna walk our new dog for the weekend?
LUCY (puppy in hand) I can keep him?
ALBERT No, this dog. And it’s only for the weekend. Give that puppy back.
LUCY Ah man.
45 Lucy hands Devyn the puppy and joins Albert as he walks toward the street.
DEVYN Al. (Albert stops) Don’t be long.
Albert salutes to Devyn and continues on his way. Lucy follows closeby. Devyn watches intently as they walk off screen.
DEVYN(CONT'D) (to bald man) That was a quick talk. Go check on Puggy.
The bald man leaves off screen.
EXT. PARKING LOT - DUSK
The sun pokes through the clouds and casts a beautoful sunset. Albert’s pace has quickened as he flags down a car coming up the street. Lucy skips along.
The DRIVER rolls down.
DRIVER Ride for Cyryl?
ALBERT Yeah, that’s us. C’mon lucy. Hurry hurry.
Albert hands Lucy the dog as she enters the car. He follows her in.
INT. DRIVER’S CAR - DUSK
There are really off brand candies on the center console of this car.
DRIVER Oh Sorry, uhh no dogs can go for ride.
LUCY No dogs!
ALBERT It’s okay, he’s well behaved. Please, we’re in a bit of a hurry.
46 The driver hesitates.
DRIVER Okay, but no messes.
He drives off.
EXT. PUGGY'S PUPPY PALACE - DUSK
Devyn stares down the road that Albert left with the dog. He looks to his watch.
The bald man emerges from the back door and shrugs.
Devyn tosses his cigarette and goes into...
INT. PUGGY'S PUPPY PALACE - DUSK
Devyn peers around the store. No sign of Puggy.
DEVYN Where is he?
Devyn squats down and looks under the puppy encosures.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Puggy?
Devyn notices some scuffing on the linoleum. It leads somewhere.
INT. DRIVER'S CAR - DUSK
Albert turns around in the backseat and looks through the window.
LUCY Are you okay, Uncle Albert?
He turns forward and nods as he lets out a long exhale.
ALBERT Yeah. I think we’re good. (beat) So, you like him?
47 The dog lies calmly in Lucy’s lap.
LUCY Yes, he already loves me! This is what we were kidnapped for?
ALBERT Sort of, yeah. Look, don’t tell your mom about that part okay. We just got you a dog.
The driver shoots a concerned look in his rearview.
DRIVER Kidnapped?!
ALBERT No, no. She’s making a joke. We have some friends who played a joke on us.
Albert discreetly widens his eyes at Lucy. She smirks and tightens her lips.
INT. PUGGY'S PUPPY PALACE - DUSK
Devyn follows the scuff trail on the floor. It leads to a closet at the back of the store.
DEVYN Go find Albert.
The bald man quickly exits off screen.
Devyn reaches opens the door to the closet to reveal Puggy passed out on the floor with bruises on his face and neck. Devyn quickly checks his pulse. He starts patting Puggy’s face
DEVYN(CONT'D) Puggy. Hey. Hey.
Puggy moans.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Puggy, you alright?
Puggy eases awake.
48 PUGGY Did he get away?
DEVYN Who, boss?
Puggy glares at Devyn.
PUGGY Bring Albert back, please.
Devyn reaches for Puggy. Puggy slaps his hand.
PUGGY(CONT'D) Stupid. I don’t want to see you! Get Albert. NOW!
Devyn scurries off screen. Puggy stiffly rises from the ground. He picks up his cell phone.
The phone shows the Albert’s location via uber.
INT. DRIVER'S CAR - NIGHT
Albert is transfixed to his window. It’s only when Lucy leans her head on his shoulder that his attention outside is broken and fixed onto her. Lucy and the dog have fallen asleep.
DRIVER Ah, what the hell?
The driver starts pulling toward the sidewalk.
ALBERT What is it?
DRIVER You cancel ride! I’m kicking you out.
ALBERT I didn’t cancel the ride. Can you keep driving, please?
49 DRIVER No, you get out now.
LUCY Where are we going?
ALBERT Not here. This has to be a mistake.
DRIVER No mistake. (parks car) Everybody out!
The dog barks at the driver.
LUCY I don’t think he feels too good.
Lucy opens her door halfway. ALbert quickly pulls it shut.
ALBERT Don’t get out. (to driver) Sir, we really need you to drop us off where it says to.
DRIVER You cancel. This is your spot. Get out please or I call police.
The dog continues barking.
LUCY He really wants out, Uncle Albert.
ALBERT Please we can’t be, that much further!
The driver picks up his cellphone and starts dialing.
ALBERT (CONT'D) You don’t need to call the police! You could maybe just drop us off a little closer.
The dogs bark grows frantic. The driver holds his phone to his ear.
50 ALBERT (CONT'D) Please just a few blocks closer!
The stops barking and throws up.
DRIVER GET OUT OF MY CAR!
EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT
Albert closes the door to the driver’s car. The driver peels off. Albert desperately watches the car drive away, while Lucy lets the dog sniff around the sidewalks.
ALBERT Hey, we gotta keep moving.
They begin walking down the sidewalk.
LUCY I’m cold, Uncle Albert.
ALBERT Let’s hoof it then, to keep warm. C’mon.
Albert starts jogging, Lucy follows suit.
ALBERT (CONT'D) (through breaths) You know you can just call me Al.
LUCY (through breaths) I don’t want to say Uncle Al.
ALBERT No, just Al. Drop the uncle. It makes me feel weird.
LUCY Just Al? I like Albert.
ALBERT Albert? Your grams is the only one that calls me that. (beat) Your mom works around here, right?
51 LUCY I don’t really know.
INT. PUGGY'S VAN - NIGHT
The bald man is tossed around in the back of the van as Devyn weaves through traffic. Puggy, reader glasses at the end of his nose, stares at his phone.
PUGGY It was left there.
DEVYN Huh?
PUGGY You missed your turn.
DEVYN I know where we’re going.
PUGGY No, you missed your turn. It was left back there.
Puggy’s cell phone signals for a U-turn.
PUGGY(CONT'D) See, do u-turn now. You gotta go back.
DEVYN This is still going to get us there.
Puggy mutters under his breath as he reaches for something in his pocket. He pulls out a pair of needlenose pliers and pinches Devyn’s thigh with them. Devyn screams in pain.
PUGGY Turn around, asshole!
DEVYN We’ll get there just as fast.
Puggy pinches harder. Devyn haphazardly turns around in the middle of the street. Cars in both directions screech to a hault.
52 Puggy puts the pliers back in his pocket.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Why do you have pliers?
PUGGY You never know when you need pliers. (beat) Up here. Don’t miss it!
Devyn screeches the van to make the turn.
EXT. VETRINARY OFFICE - NIGHT
It’s a small Vet office with a cat shaped logo. From outside we can see Sadie as she sits at a computer in the back of the office.
Albert and Lucy, panting, approach the office.
LUCY --You don’t know my mom like I do. She’s not going to want a dog.
ALBERT She’ll be fine. He really needs a name. Maybe let your mom name him.
LUCY No, no. She’s bad with naming things. She wanted to name lemon, Toby. She named me Lucy!
Albert pulls at the entrance door. It’s locked.
ALBERT Damn. You don’t like Lucy? (taps on glass) That’s a family name. Your great grandma was Lucille.
Sadie doesn’t budge. Albert bangs on the glass, this time Sadie jumps in her seat. She turns to see Albert wave. Sadie glares as she heads for the entrance door.
53 LUCY That doesn’t make it a good name.
ALBERT What name would you pick for yourself?
LUCY Hmmm. Killer.
Sadie opens the entrance door.
ALBERT Killer!? (to Sadie) Hi!
LUCY Yeah! Killer! (to Sadie) Hi, mama!
SADIE Hi, baby. What are you guys doing here? (to Albert) You better just be dogsitting.
ALBERT Surprise. Lucy wanted you to name him.
LUCY No I didn’t.
SADIE No, Albert. You need to take that dog back to where ever you got it from. Jesus, I knew I shouldn’t have left you alone with my Lucy. She’s crazy and you’re a criminal.
ALBERT I can’t take the dog back. It’s a long story that we’ll have plenty of time for later, but right now I’m here to pick you up from work.
SADIE Pick me up? With what car?
54 ALBERT You’re car. We need to go as soon as we can.
SADIE I can’t just pick up and go. I’ve got paperwork to finish up on. I actual have to work to get by.
ALBERT I’m not asking. We have to go.
SADIE I don’t understand. Why did you bring Lucy and this scruffy little dog here? How did you even know where I worked?
LUCY Scruffy? No, he’s not a scruffy.
From the corner of his eye, Albert sees Puggy’s van pull into the lot.
ALBERT Fuck.
Albert ducks down and pulls Lucy and Sadie into the...
INT. VETRINARY OFFICE - NIGHT
Sadie shakes her arm loose from Albert’s grip. He pulls Lucy to the back.
SADIE What the hell is going on?! Let go of her!
ALBERT Look, that van-- (points to van) They’re tracking me down. They have been since I earlier.
SADIE What do they want with you? They’re parking now. Oh god that guy looks like hell.
ALBERT Sadie, get away from the window!
55 SADIE They’re coming this way! What did you do?!
Sadie moves to the back of the office.
ALBERT Did they see you?
SADIE I don’t think so.
Sadie peeks out the front again. Devyn and the bald man are make their way to the office.
SADIE (CONT'D) We’re not in danger are we?
Albert give Sadie a guilty look.
SADIE (CONT'D) God damn it!
Sadie pushes Lucy and Albert into
INT. EXAMINATION ROOM - NIGHT
SADIE God damn it!
LUCY Are we in trouble?
SADIE Damn you, Albert! Your stupid shit is putting my daughter in danger.
ALBERT I’m sorry Sadie.
Off screen the front door chime sounds. Sadie’s eyes widen.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Just play it cool. You sould be okay.
Sadie closes the door to the examination room.
56 DEVYN (O.S.) Hello?
Albert holds his finger up to his mouth. Lucy nods and holds her hand over the dogs mouth.
Devyn’s footsteps are heard off screen. They sound like they’re getting closer. The dog barks, but it’s muffled by Lucy’s hand.
The front door chime sounds again.
ALBERT Is he gone?
Sadie pokes her head out of the examination room.
SADIE Yes. Who the hell are these guys, Albert?
LUCY They’re a buncha puppy pushers.
Sadie gives Lucy a confused look.
ALBERT I’ll explain everything later, but we need to get out of here.
SADIE I think we should call the cops if theses people are making you act like this.
ALBERT We can’t. Puggy has always worked with the cops.
SADIE Puggy?
ALBERT My old boss. And we can’t go back to your place.
SADIE Huh? What the hell Albert?! I knew you couldn’t--
57 ALBERT --Sadie! We’re in danger! We need to get out of here.
SADIE If we can’t go home, where are we supposed to go?
ALBERT I’ve got a plan.
INT. CORA'S ROOM - NIGHT
Cora is startled awake from a BANG BANG BANG on her door. She slowly gets up and opens the door for Albert and Sadie.
ALBERT Paying you a visit!
Time jumps. Albert is pacing the floor. Lucy plays with the dog. Sadie and Cora sit on the edge of the bed, watching Albert.
SADIE Would you stop pacing? What’s this plan you have?
ALBERT It’s not really a plan. It’s more of an idea. Mom do you enjoy being in this old folks home?
SADIE She needs to be here, Albert.
ALBERT Mom, do you enjoy it?
Cora shrugs.
CORA It could be worse.
ALBERT Wouldn’t you love to get out and show some dogs?
58 CORA I would.
ALBERT Alright. That’s what we’re doing. There’s a dog show in Branson, Missouri this weekend.
LUCY Oooh dog show!
ALBERT Those guys that are after us, it’s my old boss. He is a dangerous man. He’s got a lot of money that he uses to pay off police. I’m sure he’s going to be tracking us down as best he can. It’ll probably be safest for us to be in another state.
SADIE No, we’re not going to Branson. Mom, has an appointment tomorrow.
ALBERT We don’t have much of a choice and at lease this way, instead of slowly dying, mom will be doing something she enjoys.
SADIE You’re not going along with this, are you mom?
CORA I don’t want to do any radiation. Let’s go to Branson.
LUCY Yay grams!
SADIE Well good luck getting there. You can’t use my car.
ALBERT C’mon Sadie. They’ll find us here and they’ll do horrible things if we stay. They know where you live. They kidnapped Lucy and I from there earlier.
Lucy stands up and looks out the window. She sees puggy’s van.
59 LUCY They’re here for us again! Look!
Albert crouches down and peeks out the window. The van idles outside the old folks home.
ALBERT Shit, we gotta go.
CORA Why don’t we call the police?
ALBERT They work for him. It’ll notify puggy of our location.
EXT. PARKING LOT PHEASANT POINTE - NIGHT
Albert, Sadie, Lucy, Cora and the dog all sneak into Sadie’s car.
INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - NIGHT
Everyone in the car is crouched over, but Sadie. She drives slowly past Puggy’s van.
She has to drive right next to him to exit the lot. Sadie creeps by. She peers over.
Devyn pays no attention.
Barfbag jumps up to the window.
Devyn recognizes the dog.
SADIE Shit, he saw the dog.
Devyn starts his car. Sadie picks up speed.
The van becomes visible in Sadie’s rearview mirror.
The van picks up speed and bumps into the back of the subaru.
ALBERT Sadie, DRIVE!
60 Sadie eases her foot into the gas.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Faster!
An arm pokes out from the van and a bullet hole opens up in the back windshield of the subaru. They scream out.
SADIE What do I do?!
ALBERT Turn here!
Sadie turns hard up onto a curb. The van follows suit, but flips over.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Yes! They flipped.
SADIE Oh thank, God.
ALBERT Don’t slow down! Keep going.
Sadie speeds down the road.
INT. CHICAGO POLICE - NIGHT
Puggy and Devyn limp into a Chicago police station. They are bruised up and bloodied. The FRONT DESK POLICE gawks at them as they approach their desk.
FRONT DESK POLICE Jesus, can I call you boys an ambulance?
Puggy leans on the desk.
PUGGY No ambulance. Can I talk to Chief Mooney?
FRONT DESK POLICE Huh? Chief Mooney? He’s not in.
61 PUGGY Get him on phone please.
FRONT DESK POLICE That’s not how things work around here.
Devyn gets in the front desk police’s face.
DEVYN This is Puggy Fucking Zart!
FRONT DESK POLICE Oh I’m sorry. I’ll get Chief Mooney for you.
The front desk police dials and holds the phone to their ear.
FRONT DESK POLICE (CONT'D) (into phone) Sorry. I know what time it is, yes. There’s a puggy zart here that wants to talk.
PUGGY Get him here in person.
FRONT DESK POLICE He says he’d like you to be here in person. Okay, I’ll let him know. (to Puggy) He’ll be here in fifteen minutes.
Fifteen minutes later, CHIEF MOONEY strolls into the station, t-shirt and sweats on.
CHIEF MOONEY Hey boys, let’s go into my office.
Mooney pats Puggy on the back. Puggy winces.
INT. CHIEF MOONEY’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Mooney sits behind a large wooden desk with lots of paperwork on it.
CHIEF MOONEY Alright, Puggy. What’s going on?
62 PUGGY I need some tracking.
CHIEF MOONEY (scoffs) Tracking? You want me us to track someone down for you?
DEVYN Did he stutter?
CHIEF MOONEY No. Police don’t do that, Puggy.
DEVYN What do you mean police don’t do that? Aren’t you guys always investigating people?
CHIEF MOONEY Yes, we are, but that’s because there’s evidence that backs it up. We can’t just go around on the taxpayers dollar doing random tasks. Even if it’s not the taxpayer paying it, Puggy. Is this making sense?
Puggy shakes his head.
PUGGY I pay you. You do work for me.
CHIEF MOONEY Yes, but it needs to be motivated by something. So if you need me to track someone down, what’s the reason?
PUGGY He fucked me up.
CHIEF MOONEY Okay, that’s getting better. But that doesn’t warrent an all out search. It needs to be a lot more serious. Did this person do anything else?
DEVYN They took a dog of ours.
63 CHIEF MOONEY (yawn) Perfect. Dognapping. That’ll work for me, we’ll get it started up in the morning.
DEVYN Why not now?
CHIEF MOONEY The dog needs to have gone missing for at least 24 hours. Then we can do something for you.
DEVYN You lazy piece of shit! Do it now!
CHIEF MOONEY Who do you think you’re talking to?! I have to maintain an image here. There are protocols. If you want someone to work outside of the law, you should pay a private investigator or something.
DEVYN We don’t pay you enough?!
PUGGY Is alright, Devyn. (to mooney) Thank you, Mooney.
CHIEF MOONEY You’re welcome, I guess.
Puggy exits out of Mooney’s office.
EXT. FREEWAY - NIGHT
The subaru clicks along through the dark of night.
INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - NIGHT
Sadie looks tired. She is slumped forward over the steering-wheel. She squints her eyes.
64 Lucy, Cora and Barfbag sleep in the back. Albert looks out his window. Sadie starts to swerve as she grows more tired. Albert shifts from her swerve.
He turns and looks at Sadie.
ALBERT You good?
Sadie nods and yawns.
ALBERT (CONT'D) I can drive for a while if you need a break.
SADIE It’s okay.
ALBERT Okay.
There’s a moment of silence in the car. Sadie swerves again.
ALBERT (CONT'D) You’re swerving.
SADIE I’m sorry. I did just work a full ass shift and was chase by criminals.
They pass a rest stop ahead sign.
ALBERT Pull off here.
SADIE Okay.
Sadie pulls into the...
EXT. REST STOP - NIGHT
She parks. Albert and Sadie quickly exit and switch seats.
65 INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - NIGHT
Albert adjust the seat and mirrors. Sadie awkwardly leans her head against the window. She fidget as she tries getting comfortable.
Albert takes his sweatshirt off and balls it up.
ALBERT You need a pillow?
SADIE That would be great, thanks.
Sadie takes the pillow and gets comfy.
Albert drives a while. In the rear-view mirror, he looks at his mother and niece sleeping comfortably. It’s a peaceful moment.
Albert passes a sign that says three-hundred miles to Branson. He looks to the clock: 2:45. Albert steadily speeds up.
After a few seconds in his acceloration, a car gets behind Albert. It pushes Alberts pace. As Albert accelorates even more, the car follows closely.
Albert’s speedometer reads 85mph. The car behind him is gaining on him. Albert pushes again.
The car behind him begins flashing blue and red lights. It’s an undercover cop.
ALBERT Ah, shit. Shit! Sadie?
Albert begins pulling over. Sadie eases from her sleep.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Sadie, wake up!
SADIE Huh?
ALBERT I got pulled over and I don’t have a license.
66 SADIE Oh Albert. Why would you offer to drive?!
ALBERT You were swervin’ all over the place! I was just trying to help you out.
Sadie sits there in silece, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Do you think we can switch spots real quick? Oh shit he’s coming.
Albert unbuckles himself, then Sadie. He starts to crawl over the center console. Sadie pushes him back.
SADIE (struggles with Albert) No! Get back over there.
ALBERT I need to switch spots. C’mon!
Barfbag yips at the approaching OFFICER. The barks wake up Lucy. Cora snores in the back.
LUCY Mom, is everything okay?
ALBERT It’s okay.
SADIE Your uncle’s about to get arrested again.
ALBERT No, I’m not. Just switch. He won’t see.
Albert plops back into his seat just as the officer knocks on the window.
Albert rolls the window down.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Evening, sir.
67 OFFICER Let’s skip the formalities.
ALBERT Okay.
Albert holds his hand out to Sadie. She quickly digs through her glovebox, hands him the registration. Albert passes it to the officer.
OFFICER And your license.
ALBERT Oh, right.
Albert pats his chest and pockets.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Shoot, I think I left it at home.
The officer gives Albert a blank stare. He scribbles something on a pad of paper.
OFFICER Mmk, I’ll be right back.
The officer heads back to his cruiser.
ALBERT Fuck. Fuck.
SADIE What does that mean?
ALBERT I don’t know.
SADIE You idiot. You’re so dumb. You never think anything through. Now they’re going to have my car in the system.
LUCY He didn’t seem too mad about it. Maybe you’ll get a warning.
68 ALBERT Lucy might be right. Can they arrest you for this? (sees officer) Shh, here he comes.
The officer arrives. He opens Albert’s door.
OFFICER Please step out of the vehicle.
ALBERT I was just speeding. Are you going to arrest me for that?
OFFICER Sir, step out.
Albert hesitates, but complies.
EXT. FREEWAY - NIGHT
This officer is an imposing figure. The officer closes the car door and leans his head through the window.
OFFICER Ma’am are you able to drive?
Sadie, startled, nods yes.
OFFICER (CONT'D) (back to Albert ) So you were going 87 in a 75, but I knocked that down to 85 cause I was pushing you. You’re also getting a ticket for driving without a license.
The officer hands Albert the tickets.
ALBERT That’s it? You’re not arresting me.
OFFICER Normally I would, but I just don’t have the bandwidth for it right now.
69 ALBERT Thank you, thank you.
OFFICER (to Sadie. ) Miss, come take your spot. (to Albert) Don’t drive without your license. That’s just a bonehead move.
Sadie exits and reenters the driver’s seat.
ALBERT I won’t.
OFFICER You’re free to go.
Albert quickly gets into the passenger seat.
INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - NIGHT
Albert and Sadie sit in silence as the watch the officer drive off. Cora has been snoring the whole time.
LUCY I told you.
ALBERT Thank God.
Sadie glares and shakes her head.
INT. PUGGY'S PUPPY PALACE - DAWN
The lights flit on in the puppy palace as the bald man enters. Devyn sleeps behind the til, is woken up by his presence.
DEVYN Pug, he’s here! (to bald man) Long night man.
Puggy exits the bathroom. He carries two seven shot revolvers to the front counter.
70 PUGGY (in Russian with subtitles) Just like old times.
The bald man nods.
DEVYN I know we’ve worked together a lot, but I’ve always wondered, do you speak at all?
PUGGY He can’t. No tongue.
The bald man opens his mouth revealing a nub where his tongue should be.
PUGGY(CONT'D) One day he talked too much. (laughs) Someone didn’t like it.
Puggy pats the bald man, they smirk.
DEVYN That would explain why I never got your name!
BALD MAN (muffled) Wahh-geem
DEVYN Huh?
PUGGY Vadim. You call him the siberian mole.
DEVYN He’s not blind too, is he?
PUGGY No. Vadim was spy. Good spy. He always finds what he’s looking for. He sniffed out lots of worms in old country. Now he sniff out Albert.
Puggy hands Vadim the revolver. (The bald man will be known as Vadim from here out)
71 DEVYN Ah, okay. Well, where has Albert gone now?
Puggy and Vadim share a look.
PUGGY Albert loves show dogs. He’s going to Branson dog show.
Puggy stuff his revolver into his pants.
PUGGY(CONT'D) Let’s sniff him out.
Puggy laughs and exits off screen.
EXT. BRANSON - DAY
The sun is just beginning to rise. As Sadie’s subaru drives forward it passes a sign the reads: WELCOME TO BRANSON.
INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - DAY
Everyon in the car is asleep, except for Sadie. She looks exhuasted. She pats Albert.
SADIE I think we’re here.
Albert inhales deeply and stretches. He looks out his window to...
EXT. BRANSON - DAY
There are rolling hills covered with trees, broken up by Bilboards. It’s unimpressive.
INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - DAY
Albert makes a disappointed face.
72 ALBERT You’d think they’d do it up a little more. Wake me up when we get to something cool.
Sadie sighs.
SADIE I could use some company, actually. I’m going to fall asleep.
ALBERT Why don’t we take a breather? Oooh, McDonalds next exit! Can we do stop there?
SADIE Really?
ALBERT Of course! Do you know how long I’ve waited been waiting for a nice juciy burger.
SADIE From McDonalds? Do they have coffee?
ALBERT They definitely have coffee.
SADIE Okay, works for me.
ALBERT Alright! Everybody up! We’re going to McDonalds!
Albert’s raised voice wakes up Lucy for a second, but she goes back to sleep.
INT. MCDONALDS - DAY
The family sits huddled into an undersized booth. Lucy rests her head on the table. Cora’s leaned back, mouth agape. Sadie has her head propped up by her hand. Albert twiddles his thumbs on the table. Passing freeway cars make up the backdrop. They look like a modern day renaissance painting.
A unenthused McDonalds worker delivers the family’s food. Albert excitedly tears into the bag. Sadie sips her coffee. Lucy and Cora remain asleep.
73 Albert pulls out a breakfast sandwich and quickly unwraps it. He smells the sandwich with a smile. Albert closes his eyes as he takes a bite. The expression of his face changes from elation to disappointment with each chew.
INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - DAY
Albert rests his head on the window. He looks sad. Sadie peeks over at him.
SADIE I didn’t realize they didn’t serve burgers until later. (beat) You going to be okay, Albert?
ALBERT (exhales) Yeah. (beat) I remember them being a lot better.
SADIE Ah, it’s okay. (beat) Decent cup of coffee.
EXT. BRANSON - DAY
The subaru drives onto the Branson strip.
They pass large hotels and performance halls, edorned with huge neon signs.
ALBERT (O.C.) This is done up!
LUCY (O.C.) Probably cooler at night though.
INT. SADIE'S SUBARU - DAY
Albert turns to see Lucy rubbing her eyes.
ALBERT Look who’s awake. Mom, you still sleeping?
74 CORA I am.
LUCY What do they do in Branson?
SADIE Music mostly. Lots of shows. The question is, what are we doing in Branson?
ALBERT The dog show isn’t until tomorrow, so we’ve got all day to do whatever we want.
SADIE Can we please find a place to sleep? Are there any motels around?
ALBERT Actually we should probably find where to register Mom and Barfbag.
SADIE Okay.
Sadie pulls off and parks.
SADIE (CONT'D) You guys are getting out and registering. I’m going to sleep. (beat) Oh, mom. You can stay.
CORA Fine by me.
ALBERT No, we need her to register.
CORA Oh right, the dog show.
ALBERT Yes.
75 SADIE You don’t have to go, mom. Really. You need to sleep.
CORA I’m alright!
Cora opens her door. She exits. All you can see are her arms folded outside.
Albert, Sadie and Lucy all share a look.
CORA(CONT'D) Are we leaving? It’s warm out!
Albert shrugs at Sadie and exits the car. Lucy follows with Barfbag in tow.
Sadie leans back in her chair and watches them leave.
Sadie closes her eyes for what feels like a few minutes. She’s woken up by Albert’s tap on the window.
SADIE You guys are already back?
ALBERT Registration wasn’t open yet.
SADIE Why don’t you guys go wait in the line?
ALBERT It doesn’t open til 10.
SADIE What time is it now?
ALBERT 7:15. They’re handing out tickets to free shows, did you want to go see a show?
SADIE I need more sleep.
76 LUCY Come on, mom!
ALBERT You could sleep at the shows.
Sadie rolls her eyes and sits up.
INT. PUGGY'S VAN - DAY
In the back, Vadim sleeps. Devyn drives the van. He fidgets in his seat.
Puggy is taken out of his sleep due to Alberts fidgeting. Puggy opens one eye to look at Albert.
PUGGY You’re moving a lot.
DEVYN My butt’s getting numb. Would you mind driving a while?
PUGGY After nap.
DEVYN Okay. okay.
There’s a beat of silence. The van passes a sign.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Lebanon, fifty miles. You wanna switch there?
Puggy doesn’t respond.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Are you asleep? (beat) How about you Vadim?
Devyn sits in silence.
77 DEVYN(CONT'D) You’re asleep too. Cool. (beat) Why is there a Lebanon in Miss--
PUGGY --Shut up.
DEVYN Sorry. (beat) We’re making good time though. We’d probably make it faster if someone took over a while. (beat) No? I guess the siberian mole needs his sleep.
Devyn continues to drive.
EXT. THE BRANSON STRIP - DAY
The strip is littered with people and their dogs. There are numerous performance halls with large marquees, bordered with colorful neon lights.
Albert and Lucy lead the group with barfbag sniffing around. They pass street sales people with tickets to free dog-themed shows: A ventriloquist dog act, A poodle can-can, even a dog comedy show. Sadie and Cora follow from a distance. Albert pauses to catch up with Sadie and Cora.
ALBERT Any of these free shows sound good to you guys?
SADIE They’re all have dogs. Aren’t there any normal shows?
ALBERT What’s a normal show in Branson?
SADIE I don’t know. Isn’t Yakov Smirnoff still here? Let go to his show.
CORA I’d rather do a dog one, Albert.
78 LUCY The poodle one could be fun!
ALBERT I’m good with anything. Is it poodle? Let’s see some hands.
Lucy raises her hand. Cora nods. Sadie shakes her head no.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Sorry, Sadie. Poodle can-can it is.
Albert goes to the sales person for tickets.
INT. POODLE CAN-CAN SHOW - DAY
On stage a group of poodles with tu-tus perform coordinated tricks.
Albert and Lucy enjoy the show. Cora and Sadie have both fallen asleep.
Albert reaches over to Cora and pats her shoulder.
ALBERT (whisper) Mom, we should go get in line to register.
Albert and Cora get up and squeeze past Sadie. This wakes her up.
SADIE Where are you taking her?
ALBERT We need to get in line to register for the show.
SADIE You’re leaving the show?
ALBERT Only for a little while.
SADIE Okay.
ALBERT Is that okay?
79 SADIE (annoyed) It’s fine. Don’t be long.
Albert and Cora exit off screen. Lucy quickly follows with barfbag.
SADIE (CONT'D) Where are you going?
LUCY Barfbag needs to go to the bathroom.
Lucy exits off screen. Sadie sits along in an almost empty theater.
She glares, then folds her arms, closes her eyes and goes back to sleep.
EXT. BRANSON - DAY
Puggy, Devyn and Vadim exit the van. They’re parked in event parking. They make their way toward the Branson strip.
DEVYN How are we doing this?
PUGGY What you mean?
DEVYN Should we split up?
PUGGY No, why? We have Vadim. We’ll find him.
Vadim nods.
DEVYN What does Vadim do that gives him an advantage?
PUGGY I don’t know. Ask Vadim. (beat) Do it. Ask.
80 DEVYN He can’t talk.
PUGGY Exactly. He listens. You should too. Just listen.
DEVYN And that helps?
PUGGY Try.
They all stop walking to watch Devyn as he listens. Devyn closes his eyes for a beat.
Puggy and Vadim laugh to themselves.
DEVYN I’m not really hearing anything different.
Devyn blinks his eyes open to see Lucy walking the dog. He furrows his brows at this sight.
Devyn then rubs his eyes.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Hold on. That’s the girl!
Devyn points to Lucy. Puggy and Vadim look.
PUGGY I don’t think so.
DEVYN I swear. Look at her dog!
Barfbag sniffs around and pees on the sidewalk. Lucy looks around and looks directly at Devyn and Puggy. She then tugs on Barfbag’s leash and quickly leaves.
PUGGY You sure?
Lucy and Barfbag are lost in a crowd of people.
DEVYN We gotta follow her.
81 Devyn picks up his pace. Puggy and Vadim follow along.
Devyn catches a glimpse of Lucy again. This time she’s stands in line with Cora and Albert.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Look it’s Albert!
Devyn pulls out a pistol. Puggy stops him.
PUGGY Hold on. Don’t pull gun out like this. Get closer.
Devyn, Puggy and Vadim move in.
EXT. REGISTRATION LINE - DAY
Albert stands with Cora in line. Lucy arrives.
LUCY Albert! Those guys. They’re here.
ALBERT Huh, who’s here?
LUCY Your old boss. Look.
Lucy points to Puggy, Devyn and Vadim. They’re approaching from across the street.
ALBERT Shit! Uhhh. We should split up. They’re after me. Take your Grams back to your mother.
Albert gets out of the line.
LUCY Okay.
ALBERT Don’t let them catch you.
Albert hurries in the opposite direction of Lucy and Cora. He ducks into a crowd.
82 EXT. BRANSON - DAY
Puggy, Vadim and Devyn pause to see Albert and Lucy split up.
PUGGY Devyn, follow the dog.
Puggy and Vadim follow Albert. Devyn takes off after Lucy.
Puggy and Vadim close in on Albert. Albert ducks and weaves out of their line of sight. He picks up his pace.
PUGGY(CONT'D) Damn, he’s quick.
They follow him.
INT. POODLE CAN-CAN SHOW - DAY
Sadie is woken up by the small applause at the end of the poodle show. She turns and looks at the seats next to her. They’re empty. She lets out a big sign and exits the theater.
EXT. POODLE CAN-CAN SHOW - DAY
Outside the theater, Sadie looks up and down the road. She lets out an exhale. And walks up the road. Just as Sadie is lost into the crowd, Lucy and Cora arrive at the poodle theater.
LUCY Can you see her, Grams?
Lucy looks back to see Devyn nearing in the crowd.
LUCY (CONT'D) We can’t stay here. Let’s go.
Lucy and Cora leave in the same direction as Sadie.
EXT. BRANSON - DAY
Vadim and Puggy weave through the crowds of people and their dogs. They keep Albert in sight.
83 Vadim becomes tangled up in a dog leash. Frustrated, he pulls his revolver and shoots.
Puggy pulls Vadim’s arm back.
PUGGY Stop it!
This startles the crowd. They run with panic. The rushing people make it easier to walk for Puggy and Vadim, but it’s harder to see Albert.
Puggy sees police in the crowd. He runs for it. The police fire their pistol hitting Vadim in the leg. Puggy gets away in the crowds.
Vadim is apprehended by the police.
EXT. DOG SHOW - DAY
Sadie, frustrated, walks up the sidewalk. She walks up to a stuffed animal booth. She looks at the different dog breeds.
One stuffed animal looks a lot like Barfbag. Sadie punches it.
A VENDOR at the booth puts his hand on the stuffed animal and shakes his head at Sadie.
SADIE Sorry.
Lucy then bumps into her mother.
SADIE (CONT'D) Excuse me. Oh, Lucy! Where did you guys go?
LUCY We were waiting in line then those people who are after Uncle Albert showed up.
SADIE What? Is he okay?
LUCY I don’t know. We split up. We gotta keep moving.
Devyn is seen in the distance pushing through the crowd.
84 LUCY (CONT'D) That man was with them. He’s been following me and grams. Grams can’t keep up though.
Sadie peers down the road and sees Devyn.
Sadie then turns to the Vendor.
SADIE (to Vendor) How much for the stuffed dog?
Sadie hands the Vendor money.
SADIE (CONT'D) Okay, Lucy. Give me Barfbag’s collar and leash.
Sadie takes Barfbags collar and leash and puts it on the stuffed animal.
LUCY That’s a stuffed animal, Mom.
SADIE He looks a lot like Barfbag. I’m gonna draw this guy off. You guys need to go somewhere safe.
LUCY What do I do with Barfbag?
Sadie shoves Barfbag up Lucy’s shirt.
SADIE Okay, go.
Cora and Lucy cross the street. Devyn watches, but sees Sadie with the decoy stuff dog and begins following her.
Sadie hurries up the sidewalk.
EXT. BRANSON - DAY
Albert weaves through crowds of people and dogs. He looks back. Puggy is losing ground. Albert quickens his pace. He passes a group of police vehicles.
85 Puggy stops following. He has lost sight of Albert. ALbert watches Puggy as he goes in a different direction.
Now Albert follows Puggy from afar. Puggy goes back to his van. Albert waits in this location.
EXT. DOG SHOW - DAY
Devyn gains ground on Sadie. Sadie ducks into an alley way.
Devyn follows her in. As Devyn slowly enters, Sadie wraps the leash around Devyn’s neck.
Devyn struggles to fight Sadie off. He elbows her in the gut and Devyn is able to get Sadie’s arm behind her back.
DEVYN What is this? A stuffed dog! Pretty cleaver.
SADIE No, you’re just stupid.
DEVYN We’ll see who’s stupid.
Devyn pulls his pistol and hides it into Sadie’s back.
DEVYN(CONT'D) You know what that is? Come with me.
Devyn walks Sadie through crowds of people.
INT. DOG SHOW - DAY
Lucy and Cora find seats into the dog show. Barfbag sits on Lucy’s lap. Cora smiles as the watch the dog show.
EXT. PUGGY'S VAN - DAY
Puggy sits on the back bumper to the van. He smokes a cigarette.
86 Devyn approaches with Sadie. Albert watches from his spot.
DEVYN Look who I got.
PUGGY What are you doing? Where’s the dog?
DEVYN The girl still has the dog. This lady helped her get away.
PUGGY What we supposed to do with her?
DEVYN She works with Albert!
PUGGY And? I told you to get the dog. Devyn, so dumb.
DEVYN If she works with Albert, I’m sure he won’t want her get killed.
PUGGY I don’t want her dead either!
DEVYN Shhh, we don’t need to let Albert know. Call him up.
PUGGY You call him up. I just want my dog back now.
Puggy holds his phone out for Devyn.
DEVYN Could you open up the back of the van for me?
Puggy gives Devyn an annoyed look. Puggy then throws down his cigarette and stands up. He opens the back of the van.
87 DEVYN(CONT'D) Okay, lady. Up.
SADIE Can you stop waving that gun around? I’ll do what you want.
DEVYN Shut up!
Devyn dials Albert. He puts the phone up to his ear. Albert approaches.
DEVYN(CONT'D) Shit, he didn’t answer.
PUGGY Look, dummy.
ALBERT Hey Devyn.
Devyn points his pistol at Albert.
INT. DOG SHOW - DAY
Lucy and Cora enjoy the dog show.
CORA What class of dogs are your favorite so far?
LUCY Hmm, I really like the big dogs. No offense, Barfbag. You used to do all this, grams?
CORA Oh yeah. Showing dogs took up all of my time. I remember having Sadie push Albert in his stroller and myself pushing our terrier in a stroller of his own. The kids always had so much fun at the shows.
LUCY That’s not what my mom says. She always said she can’t stand dog shows.
88 CORA That’s not how I remember it. It’s too bad she didn’t work with the dogs. Albert really took to it naturally.
LUCY He really seems to connect with dogs.
CORA Oh they both were gifted with the dogs.
LUCY Really? My mom has always seemed like a cat person. But I guess vets work with all kinds of animals.
CORA She’s good with most animals.
LUCY Huh. (beat) So what do you miss the most about showing dogs?
CORA I miss the connection. To the crowd, to the dog. There’s nothing like it.
LUCY It’s too bad we didn’t get you registered. Do you want to get a closer look?
Cora smiles at Lucy and nods her head. They get up and make their way to the barricades blocking the audience from the dogs.
EXT. PUGGY'S VAN - DAY
Puggy watches the dog show on a large LCD display outside of the dog show tent. Devyn points his pistol at Albert.
DEVYN Where’s the dog Albert?
89 ALBERT I don’t have the dog. I truly have no idea where the dog is.
SADIE What’s so special about one dog, that you’d kill someone over it?
DEVYN It’s not just any dog, uhh. Tell her Puggy.
PUGGY It’s beautiful dog. Worth thousands.
Puggy keeps his eyes on the screen.
PUGGY(CONT'D) Dog will make us all rich. You could have been involved Albert.
DEVYN Yeah, but now you put us through all this hell! I’m tired. Puggy’s tired. I don’t know what the hell happened to Vadim, but you dragged us all out here. You’re going to pay. What do you want me to do Puggy?
Puggy shrugs.
PUGGY I don’t care. Albert, you were my brother.
ALBERT Letting me go to prison in your stead was real brotherly.
PUGGY I have to run business. I can’t leave it with people like Devyn.
ALBERT I don’t need you anymore, Puggy. You need me. If you can guarantee that this woman goes free and my niece, where ever she is, I’d be willing to help you.
90 This takes Puggy’s attention away from the LCD and onto Albert. He’s interested.
PUGGY What good is it? I have no dog.
ALBERT We can find him. You just need to guarantee the safety of everyone and I’ll help you out.
INT. DOG SHOW - DAY
Lucy and Cora wait at the audience barrier. The dogs run close to the barrier.
LUCY Wow, they’re right there. Why don’t you get out there, grams?
CORA (laughs) I can’t climb this barrier. But you probably could get over there. That would really make my night.
LUCY Really? Okay.
Lucy plops Barfbag over the barrier. He stands there a little scared. Lucy climbs over the barrier.
CORA What are you doing? I was kidding.
EXT. PUGGY'S VAN - DAY
Devyn and Sadie look up to the LCD. It displays Lucy and Barfbag. Lucy walks Barfbag around the arena.
SADIE Oh my God!
DEVYN Boss, we won’t have to look very hard.
Puggy looks up to the LCD. It takes all of he and Devyn’s attention.
91 Sadie notices that Devyn is no longer paying attention. She quickly takes the pistol.
Puggy pulls his on Sadie. She points it at him.
PUGGY You’re so stupid.
SADIE Shut up.
ALBERT Sadie, you don’t need to do this.
SADIE You can shut up too. You’ve dont nothing but screw me over your entire life! I wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for you. (to Puggy) Now, you. You’re going to put your gun down.
PUGGY No.
ALBERT Sadie please. You don’t need to kill him.
Albert approaches Sadie. She points the gun at him.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Sadie!
SADIE Leave me alone.
PUGGY Oh she won’t do anything.
Puggy charges at Sadie. She fires once. Puggy looks down to his chest and collapses on the ground.
SADIE Oh my God.
Sadie begins crying.
92 DEVYN You bitch!
Devyn charges Sadie. Albert steps in and punches Devyn in the jaw, knocking him unconscious.
ALBERT It’s okay, Sadie. Give me the gun.
Sadie hands Albert the gun. He looks around at his surroundings.
ALBERT (CONT'D) Go find Lucy. I’ll wait here.
SADIE But Albert--
Sirens sound in the distance.
ALBERT --Go!
INT. PRISON VISITATION ROOM - DAY
Albert sits at a stainless steel table in an orange jumpsuit. Sadie, Cora and Lucy all enter and sit across from Albert.
ALBERT Thanks for coming you guys.
SADIE How are you doing?
ALBERT I’m doing well. Lucy, how’s barfbag treating you?
LUCY He’s great. He gets along well with Lemon.
ALBERT And mom, you’re looking good!
CORA I’m in remission.
93 SADIE I can’t thank you enough Albert. I know you’ll get out in no time.
ALBERT Don’t worry about it.
SADIE Oh one more thing.
Sadie digs into her purse. She pulls out a boloney sandwich and puts it in front of Albert. He smiles and takes a bite out of it.
FADE TO BLACK.
94