WALKING TALL

                                          Written by 

                                  Mort Briskin & David Klass





INTRO

Inspired by a true story.

We home in on a boat coming in to shore. Off walks a man, he 
is carrying a backpack and wearing shades. 
 

EXT. TOWN

He walks through a town, passing various stores and the general 
bustle of the people there. He notices a baby in a pram left 
out on the sidewalk, then sees the mother is in an alleyway doing 
what looks like a drug deal.
 
EXT. LUMBER YARD


Chris reads a closure notice on the door. A police car rolls 
up.
 
                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          How ya doin'?

                      CHRIS
          Ok. When'd the mill close?

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Ahh 3 years this August. If ya lookin 
          for work you might wanna try Aberdeen, 
          that's the closest mill work you're 
          gonna find around here.
 

                      CHRIS
          That's too bad.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Nah just simple economics. Y'know we 
          have a really nice casino here, the 
          wild cherry. You wanna make some money 
          maybe you wanna go on down there and 
          try your luck at the blackjack tables.
 
          
                      CHRIS
          Nah I don't think so. Thanks.

Chris turns around and the sheriff notices his name on a bag.
 

                      SHERIFF WATKINS

          You're Chris Vaughn?

The sheriff chuckles and steps out of the car.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Well hell, I know all about you Chris. 
          I know your folks, I'm sheriff Stan 
          Watkins.
 
They shake hands.

                      CHRIS
          How ya doin.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Ralston get outta the car, you're lookin 
          at a real soldier here pay some respect.

 
          
                      RALSTON
          Welcome home soldier.

                      CHRIS
          Thanks.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Here Chris, (opens the back door) We'll 
          give ya a ride up to your folks.
 
                      CHRIS

          Nah I'm fine thank you.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          I insist.

                      CHRIS
          I'll walk.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Hey it's my pleasure.

                      CHRIS
          It's ok.


                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          I won't take no for an answer (jokingly 
          reaches for his gun). HEY! Get in the 
          car.
 
Chris raises his hands and the sheriff chuckles.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Did I scare ya with that one?

                      CHRIS
          Lil bit.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS

          Ya. Let's go.


INT. POLICE CAR

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          You were gone a while huh?

                      CHRIS
          8 years. Harstad was sheriff back then.
 
          
                      SHERIFF WATKINS

          Harstad, yeah. Sad story. About 5 months 
          back he fell asleep at the wheel and 
          uhhh... hit a tree. Good man, good man 
          and a good sheriff.
 

EXT. THE FAMILY HOME

                      CHRIS
          Thanks for the ride.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          No problem, and uh Chris (hands him 
          a piece of paper). It's election month... 
          I'm your man.
 
Chris takes the paper and smiles. He walks up the lane toward 
the house, a simple white building clad in wood. A lady dressed 
in a police uniform comes out.

 
                      MICHELLE
          Can I help you?

Chris laughs.

                      MICHELLE
          Lil' brother.. You come over here and 
          gimme a hug.
 
They laugh together.

                      MICHELLE
          You look great.

                      CHRIS

          What is this?

                      MICHELLE
          Hey, I couldn't let you be the only 
          one looking good in uniform. Hey ma! 
          Chris is here!
 
                      CHRIS
          What's with the tent? (points to a tent 
          set up on the lawn).
 
                      MICHELLE
          Oh, that's for Pete.

                      CONNIE

          Look at you!

                      CHRIS
          How ya doin!

Chris hugs his mother, Connie. A man slowly emerges from the 
front door.
 
                      CONNIE
          How long do we have ya for?

                      CHRIS
          For good. I'm home.

                      CONNIE

          Really? You're not kiddin.

                      CHRIS
          No.

They hug again.

                      CHRIS
          Hey dad.

                      DAD
          Welcome back.


INT. KITCHEN


The family are eating takeaway.

                      CONNIE
          I wish you would have told me you were 
          coming I would've cooked.
 
                      CHRIS
          This is great.

                      MICHELLE
          So what are you gonna do now that you're 
          home?
 

                      CHRIS
          Well I was planning on working at the 
          mill, your letters never mentioned that 
          it was closed. 
 
                      CONNIE
          We didn't wanna bother you with our 
          problems when your father got laid off.
 
          
                      DAD
          I got my business, you saw the furniture 
          outside.
 
                      CONNIE

          I substitute at the elementary school, 
          Michelle pitches in. We try to keep 
          things simple.
 
A kid walks in.

                      MICHELLE
          Pete! This is your Uncle Chris.

                      CHRIS
          Hey Pete.

                      MICHELLE
          Sit down, say hello. Last time he saw 
          you you were barely walking.

 
                      PETE
          And now I'm camping.

                      MICHELLE
          I said you could sleep on the couch. 
          It was Chris' room first.
 
                      CHRIS
          Your tent's gonna take on water. I could 
          show ya how to rig it.
 
                      PETE

          Doesn't look like it's gonna rain to 
          me Colonel.
 
                      MICHELLE
          Pete, cmon sit down, have somethin to 
          eat.
 
                      CHRIS
          First of all I was a sergeant. I worked 
          for a living.
 
                      PETE
          Did you ever smoke anybody?


                      CONNIE
          Pete!

                      MICHELLE
          Pete!

                      PETE
          Y'know, Papa's still got your gun locked 
          up in the garage. Think you could teach 
          me how to shoot?
 
                      CHRIS
          I figured that'd be scrap metal by now 
          dad.

 
                      DAD
          No, I'm still hoping that you'll melt 
          that thing down on your own.
 
                      CHRIS
          Sorry Pete.

                      PETE
          Whatever. I'm outta here Mom.

                      MICHELLE
          Okay, be back by ten.


                      PETE
          Ten thirty (as he walks out)

                      MICHELLE
          Ten!

                      DAD
          Remind you of anyone?


INT. BEDROOM

We can see from the window that it's raining heavily outside. 
Chris sets about unpacking his things. Pete comes in looking 
wet.

 
                      PETE
          Ok it rained. Happy?

                      CHRIS
          No. Why dontcha crash on the floor?
 
          
Pete looks at him.

                      CHRIS
          Ok, I'll crash on the floor, you crash 
          on the bed.

 
                      PETE
          uh uh. (starts walking out)

                      CHRIS
          Pete. (hands him a towel). Keep ya dry.
 
          
                      PETE
          Did you really kill people?

Chris looks at him.


EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE


A crappy camper van rolls up. A man steps out.

                      CHRIS
          Ray Ray! Ahaaa.

                      RAY
          Hello puddin'.

They hug.

                      CHRIS
          How ya doin?

                      RAY

          I'm alright.

                      CHRIS
          What is that? (points to the van)

                      RAY
          That's the lovemachine. 

                      CHRIS
          Girls actually get in there?

Ray shrugs.

                      CHRIS
          How ya been?


                      RAY
          Good. Clean livin. 

                      CHRIS
          Wanna beer?

                      RAY
          No. Believe it or not I quit drinkin. 
          I'll take a soda though. 
 
                      CHRIS
          Here.


                      RAY
          Thanks man.

                      CHRIS
          Whoah. (spots a tattoo of a guitar on 
          Ray's arm).
 
                      RAY
          Ya like that? When you left town it 
          gave me the idea that I should do something 
          with my life too so uhh I went down 
          to Seattle, got a guitar and became 
          all about music. And then pretty soon 
          I was about music and drugs, n pretty 
          soon I was basically just about drugs. 
          Ended up doin 2 years for B+E.
 
                      CHRIS
          I'm sorry.


                      RAY
          Nahh, look at me now though right? I 
          been clean and sober for 14 months, 
          doing construction and renewing those 
          supportive and healthy friendships from 
          my past. Matter of fact I talked to 
          the bastards, told em you were back 
          and they asked me to politely remind 
          you that kick off's in twenty minutes.
 
          

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD

A group of guys are there waiting, one of them holding a ball. 
They salute as Chris walks up. They all laugh. 
 
                      CHRIS
          Playin ball?


                      ALL
          Let's play ball!

                      JIMMY
          Ray go deep go deep! (as Ray runs off 
          he throws the ball into Ray's back).
 
          
                      CHRIS
          (Spotting a sign that reads 'HAMILTON 
          FIELD') When did that happen?
 
                      JIMMY

          His parents hadn't left him the mill 
          more than 2 minutes before he shut it 
          down.
 
                      CHRIS
          Why?

a voice shouts 'HEADS UP' Chris catches a fast ball thrown from 
behind. Jay steps out of his vehicle.
 
                      JAY
          Cause I opened my Casino.

                      CHRIS
          Still got a gut huh Jay?

                      JAY

          Still got your reflexes. What, you get 
          tired of being all that you can be?
 
          
                      CHRIS
          I'm still all I can be.

                      JAY
          Really? I'll just have to see about 
          that. What brings you home?
 
                      CHRIS
          I just wanna relax, catch my breath.

 
          
                      JAY
          You? Relax?

Another truck with a few guys on it pulls up

                      JAY
          Not today.

A football game ensues, there are two teams. Jay's guys vs Chris' 
guys. On the sidelines Pete pulls up on a small motorcycle. Chris 
notices Pete hanging around with kids smoking. It comes down 
to the last play, the teams are huddled into two groups talking.
 

                      RAY
          If we score here we win right?

                      CHRIS

          Alright boys, last play. We need to 
          put this to rest.
 
                      RAY
          Just give me the ball.

                      CHRIS
          You got it. On the first hut!

                      JAY
          Ok Vaughn, last chance.

Chris gets the ball and throws it. An opponent comes in hard 
and tackles him low. He collapses. Ray runs for the ball but 
gets clotheslined by Jay.
 
                      JAY

          That's game!

                      OPPONENT
          (to Chris) Sorry about that.

                      CHRIS
          That's cool man.

Chris Helps Ray onto his feet.

                      JAY
          Welcome home.

                      CHRIS
          Good to be back.


                      JAY
          See ya round. Hey, if you're not doing 
          anythin later on you could come by the 
          casino. I'll introduce ya to some nice 
          girls, drinks are on me. Whaddya say?
 
          
                      CHRIS
          See ya tonight.

                      JAY
          Cool.

Jay speeds off in his car. Pete rolls up on his bike.

                      PETE
          Hey Sarge, good game. Maybe next time.

 
          
                      CHRIS
          Hold up. Maybe next time I won't see 
          you with the bleachers smoking weed.
 
          
                      RAY
          Welcome home buddy.


EXT. OUTSIDE THE WILD CHERRY CASINO

                      CHRIS

          Don't you have to be native american 
          to own a casino?
 
                      JIMMY
          Oh Hamilton's one sixteenth black man 
          now. 
 
                      FRIEND 2
          Just so you guys know, I'm gonna triple 
          my money tonight.
 
                      FRIEND 3
          Yea, like last time. Wound up selling 
          your body for bus fare. 

 
                      FRIEND 4
          He had to walk! 

They all laugh.

                      CHRIS
          Nobody's gonna have any problems finding 
          this place.
 
                      RAY
          It's the subtle attention to aesthetics 
          that I find most impressive, blends 
          in with the mountains SO nicely.
 

INT. WILD CHERRY CASINO


The place is packed with gambling tables and attractive women. 

 
                      FRIEND
          Not bad huh?

                      CHRIS
          Not bad.

                      RAY
          Isn't it wonderful? All your gambling 
          needs under one great big roof. You 
          got your ATM machine, tellers to cash 
          your paycheck, and when you're here 
          you don't gotta worry about those lil 
          things like child support, rent, the 
          laws of mathematical probability.

 
          
                      WORKER
          Gentlemen, Mr Hamilton would like to 
          invite you to the VIP lounge.
 
                      RAY
          Oh, 'Mister' Hamilton.


INT. VIP LOUNGE

                      JAY

          Heyyy, the dream team!

                      CHRIS
          Nice place.

                      JAY
          Yeah well. Welcome to my world. Look 
          tonight, all the drinks are on the house. 
          If you need a line of credit, say how 
          much. And if you need a lil female companionship... 
          done. Alright? Have a good time.
 
                      CHRIS
          Where you goin?

                      JAY

          Don't you worry about me, I've got a 
          few things to do. Enjoy.
 
                      RAY
          Just remember, nothin in here's free. 
          C'mon, this place is nothin but fake 
          boobs and real assholes if ya ask me. 
          Just water for me.
 
                      FRIENDS
          Here's to you Chris.

They all down some drinks. They lead Chris down a corridor.
 

                      FRIEND
          Don't say we never did nothin' for ya!

 
          
                      FRIEND 2
          Don't worry, everybody's a lil scared 
          the first time. Get in there, sit back 
          and enjoy.
 
Chris' friends have led him to a stripping booth, his friend 
inserts the money.
 
                      FRIEND 2
          If you're not back by morning we'll 
          send a search party for you.
 
                      CHRIS

          Bye! No drinking.

His friends leave, closing the door behind them.

A screen goes up and a striptease begins. The lady is dressed 
in the style of a firewoman and has a pole in the center of the 
stage. She dances around the pole and removes clothes.
 
                      STRIPPER
          So you from here or just visiting.
 
          
                      CHRIS
          Lil of both, I grew up here.

                      STRIPPER
          So you've seen all the old faces.


                      CHRIS
          Could say that.

                      STRIPPER
          Your voice sounds very familiar.

The lights come on.

                      STRIPPER
          Chris...

                      CHRIS
          Deni..

The screen goes down again, Chris leaves the booth.



INT. CASINO

                      FRIEND 1
          Look who's back.

                      FRIEND 2
          So, good surprise?

                      FRIEND 1
          Told you it was better than gambling. 
          You met Candy? (A girl is dancing on 
          their table)
 
                      CHRIS

          Hey Candy. (to the guys) Let's go.
 
          

INT. CRAPS TABLE

                      CROUPIER
          6! Easy 6 for a win! 

                      JIMMY
          (To some girls) We can do a 6.

                      JIMMY

          (To Chris) We're gettin killed out here. 
          I need you to put 200 down for the bet.
 
          
                      CHRIS
          No, hell no.

                      FRIEND 3
          Look at them (Nods to girls).

                      CHRIS
          Ok.

                      CROUPIER

          Five hundred on 6?

                      JIMMY
          Yes, I'm in. Boom! Gimme some dice.
 
          
Chris notices something odd, he looks concerned.

                      CROUPIER
          Lookin' for a 6.

                      CHRIS
          Jimmy. Don't roll. Gimme the dice. 

 
          
                      CROUPIER
          Lookin' for a 6. Ohhhhh.

The dice have landed and it's a 7. Jimmy hangs his head.

                      CHRIS
          (To the croupier) You're good, but I 
          saw it. 
 
                      CROUPIER
          Saw what?

                      CHRIS

          I saw the switch.

                      CROUPIER
          Hey this is a clean game asshole.

                      CHRIS
          Yea?

                      CROUPIER
          Yea.

                      CHRIS
          Let's see about that.

Chris puts a load of money on the table.


                      CHRIS
          Bet you I'll roll a seven.

                      CROUPIER
          It's not your roll sir. SIR! It's not 
          your roll. Call security.
 
Chris has taken the dice. 

                      CHRIS
          Put your bets down on the pass line. 
          These dice are comin up seven.
 
                      JIMMY

          Chris, why don't we just let it go?
 
          
                      CHRIS
          No, we gonna let it ride Jimmy. The 
          dice are comin up seven.
 
                      CROUPIER
          It's not your roll sir.

Chris rolls the dice and sure enough it's a seven.

                      COMMISSIONER
          No folks, no payout. 


                      CHRIS
          (To croupier) Why don't you just take 
          care of that bet and we're even.
 
                      CROUPIER
          Well I would but it wasn't a legitimate 
          bet, you're not the shooter. It's not 
          your (Chris shoves him) ROLL sir.
 
          
                      SECURITY GUY
          Is there a problem?

                      CHRIS

          Yea, the problem is your dice are loaded. 
          Does your boss know about this? Just 
          gimme my money.
 
The security guy grabs Chris around the neck. Chris elbows him 
and throws him onto the table. The croupier takes a fighting 
stance. Jimmy taps Chris on the shoulder.
 
                      JIMMY
          Come on, let's go! let's go!

More security men appear, one of them knocks Jimmy out. A whole 
fight breaks out, Ray gets knocked out. Chris beats off several 
security men before taking an electric shock to the neck and 
a baton to the face. Chris wakes up on a table under a light.
 

                      BAD GUY 1
          (Sees the tag around Chris' neck) Special 
          forces? I'll take that.
 

Chris grabs him by the neck but they beat him down again.

                      BAD GUY 2
          What are you doin?

                      BAD GUY 1
          (Has a scalpel in his hand) Special 
          forces... special treatment.
 
He rips open Chris' shirt.

                      BAD GUY 2
          This guy knows Hamilton!

A struggle ensues and Chris' chest is cut up.



EXT. A BRIDGE

We see Chris is crawling, badly hurt. A truck stops directly 
in front of him. Chris passes out again.
 

INT. HOSPITAL

                      DOCHRIS
          (To Chris' family) Folks, he's pretty 
          banged up, inside and out. Whoever did 
          this left him for dead. A lesser man 
          wouldn't have survived.
 
                      SHERIFF WATKINS

          I'm gonna need a statement from him 
          Doctor.
 
                      DOCHRIS
          He's in no condition to give you one.
 
          
                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          I'll also need a copy of your write-up 
          along with toxicoloy, blood alcohol 
          level and so on.
 
                      MICHELLE
          What are you talkin about Stan?


                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          I'm just tryin to get some facts here.
 
          
                      MICHELLE
          Oh come on you need to be out arresting 
          whoever tried to kill my brother not 
          testing his BLOOD. 
 
                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          I'm just doing my job Michelle. Ok? 
          I understand how you feel. But we still 
          don't know yet who started all of this.
 
          

                      CONNIE
          Well it wasn't Chris.

                      DAD
          Just find out who did this to him Stan.
 
          
                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          I'll do my best Mr Vaughn. I really 
          will. In the meantime I have to file 
          a full report. You lemme know when I 
          can talk to him.
 
The doctor nods.


                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Thank you.

                      DOCHRIS
          He's gonna be fine Michelle.

                      MICHELLE
          Thanks.


INT. HOSPITAL WARD

Ray goes into a room and takes a big bunch of flowers from there. 


 
                      NURSE
          BEAUTIFUL flowers!

                      RAY
          Thank you, they're for my best friend.
 
          

INT. CHRIS HOSPITAL BED

                      RAY

          Hey sarge, so much for our VIP... status. 
          Don't they teach you any fighting skills 
          in the army.
 
                      CHRIS
          How did you do?

                      RAY
          Not good. But I tell you, that guy was 
          feelin me this morning.
 
Chris begins to laugh but is in pain.

                      RAY
          You okay?


                      CHRIS
          Some homecoming hey.

                      RAY
          I don't know if you've noticed but this 
          aint exactly home any more.
 

EXT. FAMILY HOUSE

Chris has returned home. He's still in bad shape and his parents 
help him out of the car. He insists on taking the steps by himself.
 


                      PETE
          There's some old crutches in the garage.
 
          
Chris laughs.


INT. LOUNGE

A montage ensues with Chris on the couch, sometimes with Ray, 
other times with Pete. Chris is recovering, and is exercising 
by the end of it.
 

INT. GARAGE


Chris pulls the cover off an old truck. He smiles and gets in. 
He starts the engine.
 
                      DAD
          Changed the plugs a while back.

                      CHRIS
          Appreciate that Dad.

                      DAD
          I might've had serious issues with your 
          career choice but just didn't seem fair 
          to take it out on an innocent truck. 
          Where you headin?
 

                      CHRIS
          I was goin into town to get some supplies. 
          Wanna come?
 
                      DAD
          Let's go.


INT. CAR

                      DAD
          Ya whole life, all you wanted to do 
          was get outta here. What made you come 
          back.

 
                      CHRIS
          You gonna think I'm crazy. I been thinking 
          about the mill. When I was a kid goin 
          to visit you at work, the smell of that 
          fresh-cut cedar. You remember that smell.
 
          
                      DAD
          Mmm I remember a lotta nice things before 
          the mill closed.
 
                      CHRIS
          When did they go outta business? (Nods 
          to a closed supply store).
 

                      DAD
          Closed about six months ago. There's 
          a home depot about fifteen minutes up 
          the road.
 
                      CHRIS
          And that? (Nods to an adult XXX shop)
 
          
                      DAD
          Don't ask.

They laugh.


EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE


Jay pulls up in his car.

                      JAY
          Hey. First of all I wanna say thanks. 
          
 
                      CHRIS
          For what?

                      JAY
          He's been fired, and his gaming permit's 
          been pulled. I don't know how my security 
          cameras didn't catch that.

 
Jay starts to help Chris taking wood off the truck but Chris 
throws it back on.
 
                      CHRIS
          They miss a lot at your place don't 
          they Jay.
 
                      JAY
          Look Chris I hate seein ya like this.
 
          
                      CHRIS

          Your boys did it.

                      JAY
          Wait wait... so they got a little rough, 
          they were a bit edgy. Understandably. 
          You don't know what kind of assholes 
          they have to put up with on a daily 
          basis. Look, they've been reprimanded. 
          They say you went nuts man. I'm sorry. 
          I know the proper term vets use is post 
          traumatic stress.
 
                      CHRIS
          What the fuck are you talking about?
 
          
                      JAY
          Whatever it was, you tore my place apart 
          and it wasn't easy for me to get my 
          guys agree not to press charges. Look 
          Chris, if you had a problem... shouldn't 
          you have come to me? Look, I wanna bring 
          you inside. Chris I wanna make you head 
          of security. Whaddya say?

 
                      CHRIS
          No.

                      JAY
          Ah well. I guess you probably need time 
          to think about it. This is for you. 
          It's a little something to help you 
          get... Y'know..
 
He puts down an envelope with money in it. Chris gives it back 
to him.
 
                      JAY
          Come on man, don't be like that. I came 
          all the way out here to your house just 
          to see you get back on your feet.

 
          
                      CHRIS
          I'm goin to the sheriff.

                      JAY
          I'm sorry you feel that way. I'll see 
          ya round Chris.
 

INT. POLICE STATION

                      CHRIS

          Excuse me.

An officer is on the phone ignoring him.

                      CHRIS
          Excuse me.

The sheriff comes out.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Well hey Chris. Good to see you up and 
          about, you're lookin spiffy. 
 
                      CHRIS
          I'm here to press charges. 

                      SHERIFF WATKINS

          Well this isn't about that incident 
          at the casino a while back is it?
 
          
                      CHRIS
          Yea, it is.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Cause that matter's closed.

                      CHRIS
          Did you look into it?

                      SHERIFF WATKINS

          They did an internal investigation. 
          That's good enough for me.
 
                      CHRIS
          An internal investigation.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          Chris, I know you're familiar with the 
          term 'no fly zone'. Hmm? Cause that's 
          what the casino is. Since the mill closed 
          down that casino is the main source 
          of revenue in this town. So, case closed 
          basically. I'll see ya.
 
                      CHRIS
          I'm not gonna let this stand.

                      SHERIFF WATKINS

          Excuse me? What did you say to me?
 
          
                      CHRIS
          I said I'm not gonna let this stand.
 
          
                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          You're lucky to be alive right now, 
          that's all you need to be concentrating 
          on. This is my town ok, I'm the sheriff 
          here. I'll tell you what will stand, 
          not the other way around. Now please 
          get out of my building.
 

INT. FAMILY HOUSE


Deni is at the door.

                      DENI
          Hey.

                      CHRIS
          Hey.

                      DENI
          This belongs to you.

She hands him a leather jacket.

                      CHRIS

          I appreciate that, I thought this was 
          history.
 
                      DENI
          Coulda left it in the trash but I...
 
          
                      CONNIE
          Deni? Nice to see you dear.

                      DENI
          Hi Mrs Vaughn.


                      CHRIS
          Can I talk to you outside for a second. 
          Mom I'll be right back.
 

EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

                      DENI
          How you been?

                      CHRIS
          Been better.


                      DENI
          Talked to the sheriff yet?

                      CHRIS
          Well I went down to the police station 
          and I talked to somebody with a badge. 
          Sure as hell didn't seem like much of 
          a sheriff.
 
                      DENI
          He's up for re-election you know. Maybe 
          you could take his job. 
 
                      CHRIS
          Somebody ought to. How about you?


                      DENI
          Sunshine and pine trees. Been readin 
          these books, teach you how to cultivate 
          happiness. Books on the future, go with 
          the flow, that sorta thing.
 
                      CHRIS
          Is it workin?

                      DENI
          I have my moments.

                      CHRIS
          So the casino huh?


                      DENI
          Yep. Been there almost a year.

                      CHRIS
          Treatin you good?

                      DENI
          Lot better than it treated you.

                      CHRIS
          I like that. Jay Hamilton's done well 
          for himself hasn't he.
 

                      DENI
          Yea, he's a real go-getter that one.
 
          
                      CHRIS
          Must be. I heard he got you.

                      DENI
          Lasted about 8 minutes, a long long 
          time ago.
 
                      CHRIS

          You still work for him though.

                      DENI
          Rent's gotta be paid Chris.

                      CHRIS
          Suppose so.

                      DENI
          Hope to see you around.

                      CHRIS
          Do you?

She begins to drive off.


                      CHRIS
          Thanks for the jacket.

She toots the horn as she goes.


INT. FAMILY HOUSE

Connie is on the phone. 

                      CONNIE
          And where is he?


EXT. OUTSIDE SOME GARAGE


The Vaughn's truck pulls up at speed. They enter a garage, Pete 
is on a stretcher.
 
                      MICHELLE
          It's ok mom he's stabilised. (To Chris) 
          It was close. Crystal Meth.
 
                      PETE
          I'm sorry. I never did it before.

                      KID
          It's true. We mighta kinda pushed him 
          into it. 

 
Chris approaches the kid.

                      CHRIS
          Where'd you get the drugs?

                      KID
          I'm not really sure...

                      CHRIS
          Stop. Where?

                      KID

          From the security guys workin at the 
          casino.
 
Chris gets into his truck.

                      CONNIE
          Chris, wait. Call the police.

                      CHRIS
          No, that won't do any good.

Chris speeds off. He pulls up at their home and enters the garage.
 

                      DAD

          Is Pete ok?

                      CHRIS
          He'll be fine.

Chris is searching about and forces open a cupboard.

                      DAD
          What are you doin?

Chris pulls out a shotgun and loads it.

                      DAD
          Aw Chris not like this. Chris listen 
          to me. If you go outta here with that 
          gun, they're gonna.. ne... Chris!
 
          
Chris drives to the casino, he cocks the shotgun but decides 
to leave it in the truck. Instead he takes a piece of wood from 
the back of his truck. He enters the casino with it. He smashes 
a fruit machine. A guard comes up and Chris beats him. A fight 
scene breaks out with Chris beating the guards and generally 
trashing the place. He takes back his special forces dogtag from 
the guard who stole it. Chris hurls his piece of wood at the 
VIP lounge window, smashing it to pieces. Jay emerges from behind 
it.

 
                      JAY
          Guess that changes our relationship 
          a bit huh?
 
Chris leaves. As he drives off in his truck, police cars appear 
with sirens going. He pulls over.
 
                      SHERIFF WATKINS
          You should NOT have come looking for 
          trouble. Keep your hands up, get out 
          of the vehicle now Chris! NOW!
 

INT. POLICE STATION ROOM


                      LAWYER
          I advise you to give this offer more 
          than a little serious thought. If you 
          go to trial you stand to do 18 years. 
          This is a sweet plea, normally they 
          wouldn't even put it on the table but 
          your military record can't be ignored. 
          Three months home arrest, some community 
          service. Pretty generous offer Chris.
 
          
                      CHRIS
          But I'd have to plead guilty.

                      LAWYER
          Look at it from the other side. There's 
          over a dozen witnesses, none of em are 
          gonna paint a very flattering picture.
 
          

We see a montage of casino workers badmouthing Chris.

                      WORKER
          He started bustin up the machines...
 
          
                      GIRL
          There was a gunshot..

                      WORKER
          Went crazy...

                      GIRL

          Complete psychopath.

                      CHRIS
          They're only offering me this deal just 
          to keep me quiet. 
 
                      LAWYER
          Well I still say you should take it.
 
          
                      CHRIS
          I wasn't wrong. And I won't say I was.

 
          

INT. COURTROOM

                      CASINO GUARD
          Our job is to keep order. But there 
          was no chance of that. Me and my men 
          we were just tryin to control him. He 
          was highly trained, violent, very dangerous 
          person. 
 
                      PROSECUTOR
          So dangerous, so violent, so highly 
          trained that he despatched six of the 
          casino staff single handedly. His weapon 
          of choice a simple piece of cedar. Which 
          in his hand became a devastating force 
          with one aim, to hurt people, destroy 
          property.
 
                      WORKER

          He went directly for everything. He 
          just came in and took over the place.
 
          
                      PROSECUTOR
          You said he broke your arm.

                      WORKER
          Yea that's correct, my right forearm. 
          Both bones with a single shot. It was 
          crazy.
 
                      CASINO GUARD 2
          You know, toss out a coupla drunks now 
          and then. Guys try to grope the girls, 
          but ah nothing with this sort of violence.

 
          
                      PROSECUTOR
          Did he give you any kind of advanced 
          warning? A chance to defend yourself.
 
          
                      CASINO GUARD 2
          We tussled, but he's a big guy. He was 
          on a mission. Besides, he seemed to 
          be too busy enjoying himself from what 
          I could see. 
 
                      PROSECUTOR
          So from what you saw, it seemed like 
          he had some kinda purpose?

 
                      CASINO GUARD 2
          I think he had a point to prove yeah.
 
          
                      WORKER
          I was emptyin machines when Mr Vaugh 
          came in and started swingin.
 
                      GIRL
          I was tryin to get outta there.

                      JUDGE

          Mr Crow, you may present your client's 
          case.
 
                      CHRIS
          (To his lawyer) You're fired.

                      CHRIS
          Your honor, I'd like to plead my own 
          case. 
 
                      JUDGE
          Order, order. Mr Vaughn, if you choose 
          to represent yourself and not be represented 
          by legal counsel you realise that you 
          can't then claim a mistrial on that 
          basis.
 

                      CHRIS
          Yes I do.

                      JUDGE
          Very well Mr Vaughn.

                      CHRIS
          I don't deny anything that was said 
          here today.
 
                      JUDGE
          Does that mean you're changing your 
          plea to guilty?

 
                      CHRIS
          I'm not guilty of anything. Except standing 
          up for myself when the law wouldn't.
 
          
                      OPPOSITION
          Objection. He's trying to introduce 
          prior events your honor.
 
                      JUDGE
          Sustained. Mr Vaughn stay on point.
 

          
                      CHRIS
          I grew up in this town. People used 
          to walk tall in this town, they wouldn't 
          have traded the mill for a crooked casino.
 
          
                      JUDGE
          Mr Vaughn we're not here to listen to 
          civic speeches.
 
                      CHRIS
          And they wouldn't have stood around 
          while drugs were being sold to kids. 
          

 
                      OPPOSITION
          Objection.

                      JUDGE
          Sustained. Mr Vaughn you're close to 
          being held in contempt. 
 
                      CHRIS
          I was justified in what I did, and if 
          you acquit me of these charges I'm gonna 
          run for sheriff. And if elected, I'm 
          gonna fix this town. 
 
                      JUDGE

          Order, order. Mr Vaughn you are now 
          charged with contempt.
 
                      CHRIS
          And I will make sure that THIS (He opens 
          his shirt revealing huge scarring) never 
          happens to anyone again without punishing 
          those who did it.
 
                      JUDGE
          I order the jury to ignore what they 
          have just seen. Mr Vaughn take your 
          seat. Order! Order!
 
                      JUDGE
          Mr Forman, has the jury reached a verdict?

 
          
                      FORMAN
          We have your honor. 

                      JUDGE
          Will the defendant please rise. 

                      FORMAN
          We find the defendant Chris Vaughn not 
          guilty.
 
The crowd breaks into cheer. Chris takes a tag from his piece 
of cedar wood which is laying on the evidence table.

 
                      CHRIS
          This is mine.


The crowds fade away with chants of 'Sheriff Vaughn'.


EXT. POLICE STATION

Chris pulls up to the station in his police truck, it's clear 
he's now the sheriff.
 
                      WATKINS

          Sheriff.

                      CHRIS
          Watkins.

                      WATKINS
          Well you won the election, congratulations. 
          We do have a tradition of professional 
          courtesy up here, and I can personally 
          vouch for each and every one of these 
          men. They're good deputies.
 
                      CHRIS
          You're all fired.


INT. POLICE STATION


Chris takes a look around.


EXT. A COUNTRY ROAD

Jay is speeding along in a sportscar. He is pulled over by a 
police truck.
 
                      JAY
          Hey Chris.

                      CHRIS
          License and registration please.


                      JAY
          You're joking right?

                      CHRIS
          License and registration.

Jay hands it over.

                      JAY
          What's the problem sheriff?

                      CHRIS
          You. And the drugs you're pedalling 
          out of your casino.
 

                      JAY
          Oh. Only thing that's going on in my 
          casino right now is reconstruction. 
          You took care of that. 
 
                      CHRIS
          Yea that's right and I plan on taking 
          care of everything else too.
 
                      JAY
          If you can, try to think this through. 
          A casino is a license to print money. 
          Why would I jeopardise that by selling 
          drugs?
 
                      CHRIS

          Cause you owned the town Jay. It's changed 
          now.
 
                      JAY
          Really? See the only thing that I think 
          has changed around here is that every 
          morning you get to wake up and put on 
          that nifty lil badge. But underneath 
          that badge is the same guy that couldn't 
          make it playing college football, apparently 
          couldn't make it in the army and not 
          gonna make it as a cop.
 
                      CHRIS
          Is that right?

                      JAY
          Yea, and if you push too hard you're 
          gonna be a man who doesn't live to see 
          40. License please.
 

Chris hands it over.

                      JAY
          Thanks sheriff.

                      CHRIS
          Sir get your tail lights fixed, it's 
          your last warning.
 
                      JAY
          What's wrong with my tail lights?

Chris smashes up the back end of Jay's car with his trusty piece 
of cedar wood.
 
                      CHRIS

          They're broken.


EXT. RAY'S PLACE

                      RAY
          Mornin sheriff.

                      CHRIS
          Mornin deputy.

Chris tosses Ray a badge.

                      RAY
          No, nope, no. Come on man you know I 
          hate cops. You been sheriff 2 minutes 
          and I'm already startin to hate you. 
          I'm a convicted felon.

 
                      CHRIS
          I got a lil pull around here.

                      RAY
          Oh now you're a CROOKED cop doing favours 
          for friends. That's how it starts. See 
          next thing you know you'll be taking 
          bribes, setting up roadblocks, frisking 
          dudes crotches. 
 
                      CHRIS
          Are you done? Ray I need your help.
 
          
                      RAY

          Oh don't do that.

                      CHRIS
          I need you to take me to drugs school.
 
          
                      RAY
          I get to wear a uniform?

A montage ensues, with Chris and Ray busting various drug dealers.
 


EXT. DEALER'S HOUSE


                      CHRIS
          You're SURE you're not carrying anything.
 
          
                      BOOTH
          I don't have shit.

                      CHRIS
          Officer.

                      RAY

          Yeah.

                      CHRIS
          Search him.

                      RAY
          Oh. Spread your legs, arms down. Been 
          workin out? Nothin there. Ohhhh somebody 
          needs a BATH!
 
                      BOOTH
          Now you read me my rights and take me 
          in. And I call my lawyer.
 
                      RAY

          K. I have a hunch there may be somethin 
          else in here (Pats the dealer's truck).
 
          
                      CHRIS
          Could be.

Music plays while the two chop up the dealer's car into pieces 
while laughing.
 
                      RAY
          He's clean. Guess we gotta move to plan 
          B.
 
                      BOOTH

          Screw you, I do have a bit of information 
          for you. It's not just me actually, 
          there's a whole lotta people in on this 
          one. 
 
                      CHRIS
          Spit it out.

                      BOOTH
          You're gonna get hurt.


INT. FAMILY HOUSE

Chris is in the room with a shotgun.


                      DAD
          Why does it always have to be your fight?
 
          
                      CHRIS
          You might need this.

                      DAD
          No. I put my guns down a long time ago.
 
          
                      CHRIS

          You're just being stubborn.

                      DAD
          You and me both boy. Chris, listen. 
          You be careful.
 
                      CHRIS
          I will.


INT. POLICE STATION

Booth is locked up, Ray is taunting him through a loudspeaker.

 

                      RAY
          Please step away from the vehicle. Now 
          Mr Booth are you still upset over that 
          body cavity search? WOOOOOOOO! I forgot, 
          you got no vehicle. Please disperse, 
          there is nothing to s...
 
Chris has walked in.

                      CHRIS
          Can I talk to you?

                      RAY
          Yeah.


                      CHRIS
          Over here?

                      RAY
          Sure.

                      CHRIS
          I'm gonna stay with him tonight. I need 
          you to take care of my parent's place.
 
          
                      RAY
          You think they're gonna take it that 
          far?

 
Chris hands him the shotgun.

                      RAY
          I'm with you man, I'll check in later.
 
          
                      CHRIS
          Kay.


NIGHT TIME


Deni comes into the police station.

                      DENI
          Don't shoot.

                      CHRIS
          Hey

                      DENI
          Hi. How's the food around here? Brought 
          you special treats. Salmon, Fried Chicken, 
          Potato Salad. You got cups?
 
                      CHRIS

          Don't you have to work tonight?

                      DENI
          Hmm I quit. I figured you know, you 
          were making some changes around here, 
          I could make a few myself.
 
Chris grabs her and they kiss. 


INT. FAMILY HOUSE

Ray is on the couch and has just woken to a noise.

                      RAY

          Who's that?

                      PETE
          It's Pete. Want something to eat?

                      RAY
          No I'm good man.


INT. POLICE STATION

                      CHRIS
          I gotta get a bigger bed.


                      DENI
          No, no you don't.


EXT. WILD CHERRY CASINO

Jay calls a number on his celphone.

                      JAY
          Do it.


INT. POLICE STATION


                      DENI
          I'm hungry.

                      CHRIS
          Got leftovers...

                      DENI
          Mm mmm, I want pancakes, and eggs, and 
          bacon.
 
A loud explosion happens, it's Chris' police truck outside.
 


                      BOOTH
          WOOOOOOOOOOOO! I told you Vaughn! Uh 
          ohhhh. Who needs to step away from the 
          vehicle now Vaughn? Truck for truck 
          baby, that's right, truck for a truck.
 
          
Chris steps towards the front of the building but men outside 
open fire, Chris ducks for cover. 
 
                      CHRIS
          (To Deni) Get down!


INT. FAMILY HOUSE


                      RAY
          Pete, somethin's burnin.


INT. POLICE STATION

Men with machine guns are still firing at the police station. 
Deni's screaming, Booth is cheering.
 
                      CHRIS
          Take that and get in there.

Chris gives Deni a pistol.



INT. FAMILY HOUSE

                      RAY
          Pete?

Ray steps into the kitchen but gunmen have infiltrated the home. 
A fight breaks out and Pete flees. Ray jumps onto the back of 
a gunman.
 

INT. POLICE STATION

Chris shoots up the floor with a shotgun and breaks a hole in 
it. 
 

INT. FAMILY HOUSE


Ray stabs the gunman with a potato peeler and knocks him out 
with a frying pan.
 

INT. POLICE STATION

                      CHRIS
          (To Deni) Come here. 

They get down into the hole in the floor.

                      CHRIS
          When I say 'now' start shooting, over 
          there. Stay low.
 

Booth is now under fire and is scared.

                      BOOTH
          Vaughn you gotta get me outta here!
 
          

INT. FAMILY HOUSE

Two other gunmen in stocking masks are holding the family hostage 
upstairs.
 
                      DAD

          I know who you are.

                      GUNMAN
          Oh yeah?

The gunman takes off his mask and hits him with a pistol.

                      GUNMAN
          (Calling downstairs) Burke?

                      GUNMAN 2
          Check it out.

He goes downstairs to find Burke dead on the kitchen floor. He 
follows traces of blood across the floor.
 

INT. POLICE STATION


Chris is making his way towards Booth under fire.

                      BOOTH
          C'mon! Get me outta here man!

                      CHRIS
          What's it worth to you? Where's the 
          lab?
 
                      BOOTH
          Screw you!

Gunshots hit near booth.

                      BOOTH

          Ok! Ok! Hamilton's operation is at the 
          mill ok! It's at the mill now get me 
          outta here.
 

INT. FAMILY HOUSE

The gunman enters a room, Ray is there pointing a shotgun at 
him.
 
                      RAY
          Drop it!


INT. POLICE STATION


                      CHRIS
          Stay down!

Booth is standing and gets shot dead.


INT. FAMILY HOUSE

Ray shoots the gunman, who falls to the floor.

UPSTAIRS

                      MICHELLE
          Ray!


                      GUNMAN 2
          Stay down!


INT. POLICE STATION

Booth is dead so Chris leaves him there.


INT. FAMILY HOUSE

                      RAY
          (To gunman's body on the floor) Hey.. 
          you okay?

 
UPSTAIRS

Gunman 2 looks away for a second and Michelle kicks him down 
the stairs. As he tumbles down Ray reloads his shotgun. The two 
begin firing at each other, taking cover behind the furniture.
 


INT. POLICE STATION

                      WATKINS
          Tried to warn ya Chris. Didn't want 
          this to happen.
 

One of the men outside has a canister. Watkins gives him the 
nod and he begins walking towards the station. Chris is beneath 
the floor and shoots him in the legs. The two remaining men outside 
open fire again. Another gunman tries to approach but he's shot 
in the legs as well. Watkins enters the station and fires repeatedly 
at the floor.
 
                      WATKINS
          Come get some! WOOOOOOOOO!

                      CHRIS
          Deni! Now!

Deni fires off some shots. Watkins is distracted by the shots, 
Chris appears in the floor hole and blasts Watkins at close range 
with a shotgun.
 
                      CHRIS
          Deni.... Deni. 

Chris climbs out of the hole and they hug.



INT. FAMILY HOUSE

Shots are still being fired in the lounge. Ray and the gunman 
begin to wrestle. Ray wins and punches the man repeatedly. Chris 
has come back to the house and tries to pull Ray off the man, 
Ray mistakenly hits Chris in the face.
 
                      RAY
          I'm sorry!

Chris helps Ray over to a chair, Ray has taken a shot to the 
leg.
 
The injured gunman from the kitchen appears brandishing a pistol.
 

                      GUNMAN

          You stabbed me... with a potato peeler??
 
          
Chris and Ray hold up their hands. He aims at Ray but he's shot 
in the back of the head by Dad who is approaching down the stairs.
 

                      CHRIS
          You gonna be ok?

Dad nods.


EXT. THE MILL

Chris is in a police car driving at speed. He approaches the 
mill and busts through the locked gates. 

 

INT. THE MILL

The mill is dark, Chris is finding his way around using a torch. 
He finds Jay sitting.
 
                      JAY
          Hey Chris.

                      CHRIS
          Get up Jay.

                      JAY

          Just a sec. Remember we used to play 
          hide n seek up here?
 
Jay hits a metal saw which resonates making a metallic sound.
 

                      JAY
          That was my favourite sound. 

                      CHRIS
          Get up!

Jay stands up and holds up his hands.

                      JAY

          Look... Chris... just...

Jay hits a switch on the floor which opens a hatch. Chris falls 
into the hatch but hangs onto the saw which is swinging over 
it.
 
Jay hits more switches, powering up the machinery.

                      JAY
          You wanna know what my new favourite 
          sound's gonna be? The sound of you screaming 
          like a little bitch.
 
Jay hits Chris in the stomach with a pole a few times. Chris 
grabs the pole and they both fall. Chris has hurt his leg. Chris 
stumbles off into the woods. Jay grabs an axe and goes after 
him, he swings the axe but misses and they both fall down a large 
earthy embankment. At the bottom they come to their senses and 
begin fighting again, Jay with his axe and Chris with a log he's 
ripped off a tree. Chris knocks Jay out by hitting him hard in 
the legs.
 
                      CHRIS
          You're right Jay, this does change our 
          relationship. This is my town, you're 
          under arrest.

 

INT. WILD CHERRY CASINO

Chris and Ray are packing everything, the place is boarded up. 

 
                      CHRIS
          That oughta do it. WHAT are you doin?
 
          
                      RAY

          Gettin some souvenirs, I'm gonna miss 
          the place!
 
                      CHRIS
          That's how it starts. Next you'll be 
          accepting bribes, setting speed traps 
          all over town, cuttin up trucks. Not 
          to mention the cavity searches. 
 
                      RAY
          Speakin of which, do you think Jay's 
          got a casino in the pen? 
 
                      CHRIS
          Could be.


                      RAY
          Runnin the shower tower with the felons. 
          He's probably blowin on somebody's dice 
          right now.
 
They laugh as they drive off. The mill makes a horn noise.

                      RAY
          That's lunch.

                      CHRIS
          Let's go pick my old man and grab somethin 
          to eat.
 
                      RAY

          I'm with ya buddy.


FADE OUT