Losers Lounge
(C) 2002 Don Boner
19 th Draft 04-18-03
FADE IN
1 EXT. PASSIONVILLE ILLINOIS, 1948 -- EVENING 1
1948,Passionville Illinois South of Chicago near the Indiana
Illinois border.
Passionville is a small rundown town, there are old
buildings, the town square is almost dark. There is not much
life in the town no people on the streets. Many of the old
buildings are empty. One building with an old sign that
reads 'Lisa Losers Lounge'.
CUT TO:
2 INT. JOE'S OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER 2
(REGINA CORNELIUS, JOEY FERDINANDO)
IN THE SAME BUILDING AS THE LOUNGE IS A SEPARATE DOOR THAT
LEADS TO STEPS THAT LEAD TO A DARK HALLWAY. DOWN THE HALLWAY
ANOTHER DOOR WITH A SIGN THAT READS 'JOEY FERDINANDO PRIVATE
EYE'. INSIDE IS A OFFICE APARTMENT WHERE JOEY IS IMPATIENTLY
LISTENING TO A YOUNG ATTRACTIVE WOMAN TALK.
REGINA CORNELIUS
Thank you for seeing me Mr.
Ferdinando.
(office camera)
Joey is behind his old broken down desk. He rolls his eyes.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Just call me Joey.
(sight- on camera)
What can I do for you?
(off camera)
CUT TO:
3 INT. JOEY'S OFFICE 3
(JOEY FERDINANDO, REGINA CORNELIUS)
Joey's office is very sparse. Besides his old desk and
two chairs there is a couch that doubles as his bed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
Beside the couch is a small end table with a light and an
old radio. The walls are old, dusty and dirty. There is an
old poster hanging on the wall. A few books and old magazines
are scattered about, some opened on the tables. There is a
small kitchen table and an old refrigerator and a small stove.
Joey looks bored. A young woman is on the other side of the
desk talking.
REGINA CORNELIUS
Look I believe my husband, you know,
Erwin the lawyer down at City hall
is cheating on me. I didn't want to
believe he would do such a thing. I
asked him about it the other night
and he denies he is doing anything
wrong. Please Joey you have got to
help me.
Joey picks up his pen writes something down on his pad of
paper.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look lady how do you know he is
cheating. You know he is a big lawyer
down at City Hall and I am sure from
time to time he must work late or
maybe he goes out to have some drinks
with all the boys. You know those
judges expect the lawyers to pickup
the tab when they are out drinking
with them. I have never seen a
judge pay for a drink.
Regina is getting fidgety as she moves her body around trying
not to get angry at Joey.
REGINA CORNELIUS
I just know. I mean if you were a
woman you would understand what I am
talking about. Please won't you
help me?
Joey lays his pen and paper down looks up at the ceiling,
shakes his head a little and looks the Woman in the eye.
JOEY FERDINANDO
OK look lady I'll take your case. I
charge twenty dollars a day plus
expenses. I need a one hundred dollar
retainer.
Regina looks somewhat shocked.
REGINA CORNELIUS
Look Joey I don't have any money.
(MORE)
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3.
REGINA CORNELIUS (CONT'D)
I mean if I did, I would give it to
you.
(softly)
Regina stands up and moves to the side of the desk closer
to Joey.
REGINA CORNELIUS (CONT'D)
My husband cut off my allowance. I
have nothing!
She Opens her purse it is empty.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Why did he stop your allowance?
What did you do?
(Firmly)
REGINA CORNELIUS
Nothing! I swear. I don't know why
the old bast- I mean I don't know.
(pause)
Maybe it was because I asked him if
he was having an affair.
Joey looks like he is getting upset.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look Lady a guy like your husband
doesn't just cut off allowances for
a dame like you.
(looking her over)
If you don't tell me what really
happen then there is no way I can
take your case. Understand?
The Woman leans against Joey's desk. She looks around as if
she is searching for an answer. She runs her hands through
her hair. She looks down at the floor.
REGINA CORNELIUS
He caught me.
(softly)
JOEY FERDINANDO
What? Caught you doing what?
Regina raises her head looks Joey in the eye. She is very
animated with her hands.
REGINA CORNELIUS
Well I was in my nightgown when the
milkman came to collect. It was
cold outside so I ask him to come
into the house.
(MORE)
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4.
REGINA CORNELIUS (CONT'D)
He told me how attractive I looked
and that he thought I looked like
Katharine Hepburn. Well one thing
led to another and then, well the
next thing I knew we were naked on
the sofa and my husband walked in.
(brief pause)
But I know he was cheating on me
first.
She shrugs her shoulder back, tilts her head.
REGINA CORNELIUS (CONT'D)
You know it's not my fault that men
are attracted to me, I know what
they want, I can tell by the way
they look at me. But I swear that's
the first time anything like that
happen, I mean I am a married woman,
I don't know why I let the milkman
seduce me. Maybe he hypnotize me
or something. Joey you've got to
believe me.
(Pleading)
Please you must help me. I'll do
anything. I mean anything.
(seductively)
She moves closer to Joey slowly removing her blouse and
letting it drop to the floor. She grabs Joey's hand and
places it just below her breast. She cresses and kisses
Joey genially biting his ear. Her face is full of desire
and lust.
Regina walks Joey over to his couch. The reflection of the
shadow is on the wall as she undresses herself and then
removes Joey's clothes.
DISSOLVE TO:
4 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- LATER THAT NIGHT 4
(GINGER, LISA LOSERS, SPEEDY, SERGEANT MONDAY)
Moving through the old doors of Lisa Losers Lounge. It is
almost dark in the bar. Someone is playing the one arm bandit
there are a few other customers setting at tables drinking
and talking. The floors are dirty as are the walls. A jar
of pickled eggs is on the bar with a label five cents each.
A large sign reads 'Ask about today's pull-tab. $50.00 winner
every day.' A couple of guys are drinking beer talking with
a scantly clad waitress, Ginger. Behind the bar is a woman,
Lisa Losers, who is trying to read the paper when she is not
drawing drinks. There is an election poster behind the bar
to Reelect Mayor Paxton with his picture on it. Old Pinup
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
posters also hang on the wall with a couple of Navy posters.
A guy, Speedy, is setting at the bar talking to Lisa who is
trying to read the paper, she is not listening.
SPEEDY
You know baby you would really like
it out west, man the weather is great
none of this cold shit. When I was
traveling with the band, man those
were the days, I always loved the
West Coast. Hell, I would still be
playing if it wasn't for the Redneck
down in Memphis. So did I ever tell
you about that?
Lisa continues to read the paper.
LISA LOSERS
About a thousand Times Speedy. Why
don't you play something now? I
don't want the customers to get bored
and leave!
SPEEDY
In a minute doll. I am thinking
about splitting, this time I mean
it, you'll see, you know maybe I'll
jump up to New York. Man can you
dig me in New York City, yeah, that's
where all the action is, I mean even
if I can't play because I lost my
union card, You know I can act, maybe
get a part in some Broadway Play or
do something on Radio.
Lisa ignore's Speedy's question. Finally Speedy gets the
point and gets up and goes to another table and starts talking
to someone else. A man, Sergeant Frank Monday, in his early
thirties comes inside the bar wearing a cheap wrinkled suit.
He surveys the bar like a scout looking for the enemy.
Ginger sees Sergeant Monday and approaches him.
GINGER
Frankie, where have you been for so
long?
Sergeant Monday smiles and puts his arm around Ginger.
SERGEANT MONDAY
I've been busy. Me and the Captain
work hard, it ain't easy keeping up
with all the crooks.
GINGER
I guess it's hard work counting all
that money. But I heard your wife
has you on a short leash these days.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
SERGEANT MONDAY
Baby, you know I wear the pants in
my house. So did you miss me?
Ginger looks up at Sergeant Monday.
GINGER
Well Frankie there's not that much
to miss!
(Playfully)
So did you come in to talk or get a
free beer or what?
Sergeant Monday looks at Ginger lustfully and then looks at
the back room. He gently pushes Ginger. The two go into
the backroom. Speedy plays something on the piano.
FADE OUT:
5 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- LATER 5
(JOEY FERDINANDO, LISA LOSERS, MARIANA WALKER, GINGER)
Joey enters the bar he is wearing his trench coat he looks
around the bar and goes over to where Lisa is still reading
the paper.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Have you seen Razor?
Lisa looks up at Joey.
LISA LOSERS
No he has not been in yet today.
Where have you been all day? I saw
Regina that Lawyer's wife going up
to your office earlier.
(inquisitively)
Joey starts to walk toward an empty table.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look Lisa you know me, I've been
working. It's a hard job but someone
has to do it.
(Jokingly)
LISA LOSERS
You should be a little bit more choosy
about who you do it do.
JOEY FERDINANDO
OK. How about a beer, and not all
foam.
Razor arrives and sets down with Joey giving him some
pictures. Lisa brings them both a small beer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
A young woman, Mariana Walker, enters the bar, she looks
haggard and hungry, not frighten but worried. Her presents
radiates sexuality. She approaches Lisa.
MARIANA WALKER
Hi, Are you the owner?
Lisa looks the young girl over.
LISA LOSERS
Look kid are you old enough to be in
here?
Mariana hands Lisa a fake ID. Lisa looks at it, looks at
Mariana. Lisa shakes her head a little.
LISA LOSERS (CONT'D)
Well it says you're old enough so I
guess if you want to you can have a
beer.
Mariana takes the fake ID back from Lisa.
MARIANA WALKER
No I was wanting a job.
(pause)
I am a real hard worker. I can do
anything, cook, waitress, you name
it and I can do it. Fred told me to
ask you about a job.
(Almost pleading with
Lisa)
Lisa takes a deep breath and looks down.
LISA LOSERS
Look, lets see its Mariana, you know
we get a lot of rough lonely guys in
here and well with someone like you,
they are going to, you know, ask you
out and well, if you turn them all
down, all the time, they will take
their business elsewhere.
(brief pause)
Do you know what I mean?
For a moment Mariana has a puzzled look on her face, then
she understands what Lisa is saying.
MARIANA WALKER
Well I like dating guys and having
fun, I mean there are some guys that
I don't want to go out with, you
know guys that are real mean. But
yeah I would go out with some of
them.
(MORE)
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8.
MARIANA WALKER (CONT'D)
(Looking at the people
in the bar)
But I am not a whore, I don't have
to do that. Do I?
LISA LOSERS
That's up to you. But with your
looks, anyway, You work weekends and
on Mondays when Ginger is off. If
that works out maybe later on I can
give you more hours. Can you start
now?
MARIANA WALKER
Sure.
Ginger returns from the back room with a bored look on her
face. Sergeant Frank Monday returns smiling like he swallowed
the cat. Sergeant Frank Monday spots Joey and Razor at a
table.
CUT TO:
6 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- CONTINUOUS 6
(SERGEANT MONDAY, RAZOR _, JOEY FERDINANDO)
Sergeant Frank Monday walks over to Joey's table. Joey looks
up into Sergeant Monday's eyes. Razor looks down and avoids
looking directly at Sergeant Monday.
SERGEANT MONDAY
Look what the cat dragged in !
(Pause)
Sergeant Monday walks closer to Joey's table.
SERGEANT MONDAY (CONT'D)
I just wondered how you peeping Toms
like hiding around watching other
people do it. That's a strange way
to get your rocks!
(disgustingly)
And Razor what do you know about
Jimmy passing some bad paper?
RAZOR _
Sergeant, I don't know nothing, I
ain't seen Jimmy in weeks.
Razor looks up at Joey who slowly gets up out of his chair.
Sergeant Monday looks Joey in the eyes and takes a step closer
to him.
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9.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Frankie
(pause)
Why are you always picking on Razor?
SERGEANT MONDAY
That's Sergeant Monday to you! And
remember Joey, I ware the badge
around here, so I wouldn't try
anything if I were you.
Sergeant Frank Monday turns around.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Don't worry Frankie, now's not the
time or the place. But someday you're
gonna get get what's coming to you!
Sergeant Monday walks away. Joey sets back down.
CUT TO:
7 EXT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- CONTINUOUS 7
(GINGER, LISA LOSERS)
Lisa is in the front of the bar with Mariana. Lisa motions
over for Ginger. Ginger walks over to Lisa.
LISA LOSERS
Ginger this is Mariana. She is
starting to work here today can you
take Mariana to the backroom and
find some sexy clothes that she can
wear?
Ginger looks over Mariana.
GINGER
We're taking em kind of young aren't
we? Sure. Come with me honey.
Ginger and Mariana walk toward the backroom.
DISSOLVE TO:
8 INT. THE BACKROOM -- CONTINUOUS 8
(GINGER, MARIANA WALKER)
In the backroom is an old small bed, a chair off to one side,
there is a small table with a radio on it, next to the table
is a closet. Mariana looks at the room and the messed up bed
remembering seeing Ginger and Sergeant Monday coming from
the room. Mariana is staring at the bed.
GINGER
Honey look, what's your name?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
MARIANA WALKER
Mariana.
GINGER
Mariana, look back during the War
this was a real whorehouse. The
backroom went back about twenty or
thirty feet. Lets see there were
about eight rooms. And honey those
sailors from the Base would all come
here. The girls were clean and we
were a hell of a lot cheaper than
those girls in Chicago.
(Watching Mariana's
reaction)
You know I started working here in
44 and I was the favorite girl here.
All the boys would tip me good, maybe
one or two dollars over the ten we
would charge. This wasn't some cheap
three dollar whorehouse like on the
South Side, No sir we had lots of
big shots from Chicago come down
here, honey I even did an assistant
to the Governor in 45, god was he an
ass hole. But Sweetie, you know
sometime I miss those days. But
well the Mayor told Lisa she had to
close down the house, you know after
he was elected and had been in office
for a while. Except for Frank, I
mean Sergeant Monday and Captain
Morgan MacPhearson we are not allowed
to screw any customers back here.
(pause)
GINGER (CONT'D)
And listen if the Captain or the
Sergeant ever want anything from
you, you give it to them, That's the
way Lisa pay's off the heat. The
Captain and the Sergeant are on the
take, they shake down everyone, some
people think they even shake down
the Mayor! But if you pickup a trick
you can take em to your apartment.
Honey where do you live at?
MARIANA WALKER
Over on 18th Avenue in the Catacombs.
Do you know the place?
Ginger is looking for some clothes for Mariana and hands
Mariana a blouse.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
GINGER
Yeah, I lived there for a couple
years, hell I think everyone has
lived there one time or another.
Fred the Sup is OK he keeps out all
the crazy people, just don't have a
real loud party especially in the
summer. And as long as you got your
rent money he will most likely leave
you alone. You met Fred haven't
you?
Mariana looks down at the floor and blushes just a little.
MARIANA WALKER
Yes I met him.
(Softy)
So as long as I pay my rent he
GINGER
Yeah I see you met Fred,
(laughing)
Look honey just start paying your
rent and maybe once in awhile you
know every other month or so go see
him. And look don't feel bad, beside
Fred is a good guy, if you ever need
anything he will help you out and he
won't make you feel like you got to
spread em.
(pausing)
Here this skirt should fit. Try it
on.
Mariana moves out of the light to change. She looks very
sexy in the outfit.
MARIANA WALKER
So Lisa was , a you know-
GINGER
No she ran the place. She was the
Mayor's girl back then. She and the
Mayor go back a ways. You know
about the kid?
MARIANA WALKER
No.
GINGER
Well she has a son, lets see he is
19 now. He is in College at Champain -
Urbana. Next year he will graduate,
he'll be an Engineer. Most folks
believe he is the Mayors boy and
that the Mayor is paying for him to
go to school.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
MARIANA WALKER
What do you know about the guy in
the trench coat.
GINGER
Honey that's Joey and he is way out
of your league, that is until you
marry some rich guy and want to get
his money.
Mariana looks confused.
GINGER (CONT'D)
You see Joey is a private detective,
and those gold diggers, you know the
frustrated housewives, well they
hire Joey to catch their cheating
husbands and honey you know all
husbands cheat, believe me I know.
Mariana is brushing her outfit off.
MARIANA WALKER
Has he always been a private Eye?
GINGER
No, he was a cop for a couple of
years here in Passionville until
last August and oh yeah he was a cop
in Chicago but I heard he was kicked
off the force. Also Joey tried to
enlist after Pearl Harbor but the
Army wouldn't take him. I'm not
sure why.
(a brief pause)
Look if you want a job here you
need to get hopping.
Mariana turns around as if she is modeling.
MARIANA WALKER
How do I look?
GINGER
Not that bad for some green kid.
But Ginger looks a little envious at the younger Mariana.
Mariana is ready to start to work and walks back into the
bar.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
DISSOLVE TO:
9 INT. JOE'S OFFICE -- AFTERNOON TWO WEEKS LATER 9
(JOEY FERDINANDO, MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON)
Joey is setting at his desk office drinking a cup of coffee
and reading a book. Someone knocks on the door.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Its open.
(yelling)
The door opens and a man older than Joey who is well dressed
enters the office.
JOEY FERDINANDO (CONT'D)
Mayor, what do I owe the honor of
your visit? I'm fresh out of money
for a campaign contribution.
(jokeless)
The Mayor stands in front of the desk.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
Yes good morning, wait you seem to
always be a sleep in the morning so
it must be late afternoon, anyway
how are things going?
JOEY FERDINANDO
Come on Mayor you know I never sleep
at night Remember I use to work the
night shift that's when the crooks
are out.
(pause)
You want to know how things are going?
Things aren't too bad. But I am
sure you didn't come down here to
check out my health.
The Mayor looks Joey in the eyes.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
Look Joey, you have got to drop the
lawyer case. Erwin is a big political
contributor and I don't want to stir
anything up. I think you know what
I mean.
(a brief pause)
I'll see to it that Erwin comes and
thank you personally. Here read
this.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
The Mayor hands Joey a piece of paper.
JOEY FERDINANDO
All shit a statement from the milkman.
(reading the statement)
So what does the lawyer want?
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
You tell her he is not cheating on
her. He will start giving her the
allowance again, just get her calmed
down at least for a few months. OK
Joey sets the paper down on his desk.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Sure.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
Thanks.
The Mayor gets up and leaves. Joey looks up at the ceiling
rolling his eyes exhales a big breath and shakes his head
no, wondering where his next client will come from.
DISSOLVE TO:
10 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- LATER THAT NIGHT 10
(SPEEDY, MARIANA WALKER, CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON, GINGER,
JOEY FERDINANDO, LISA LOSERS; RAZOR)
Speedy and Mariana are at the front of the Bar talking.
SPEEDY
Baby you know last night was great.
I mean it. You inspire me.
Mariana looks a little concerned.
MARIANA WALKER
Look Speedy I enjoyed last night,
but I don't want it to get too
serious. You are a nice guy.
Joey is finishing a beer Razor has gotten up and gone over
to the bar. Captain Morgan MacPhearson enters the bar and
Speedy moves to another table. The Captain looks at Joey, he
glares at him.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
Get the hell out of this bar now!
(Shouting)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
The Captain takes a few steeps toward Joey. Razor holds out
his hand trying to stop the Captain. The Captain grabs Razor
and pushes him to the side. Joey ignores him and continues
to drink his beer. Lisa runs over to the Captain who appears
to be a little drunk. She is trying to calm him down.
Mariana goes over to Ginger.
MARIANA WALKER
What's going on? Who is that?
GINGER
That's Captain Morgan MacPhearson,
remember I mentioned he would be
visiting the Bar, he always wants
me. Anyway about seven months ago
when Joey was on the police force
the Captain comes home early and he
catches Joey in bed with his wife.
Mariana looks very surprised.
MARIANA WALKER
What happen?
GINGER
Well Joey hightailed it out of there.
But later the Captain planted some
stolen merchandise in Joey's apartment
and Joey was kicked off the force.
Even the Mayor couldn't help him.
Did I tell you Joey and the Mayor
are tight, I think Joey has something
on the Mayor. Well the Mayor did
help Joey get his Private Detective
license.
Lisa finally gets the Captain calmed down.
The Captain points at Mariana and ask Lisa about her. The
Captain wants to take her to the back room but Lisa is concern
that the Captain is a little drunk and upset at seeing Joey
and might hurt Mariana. Ginger comes over to them as if
offering herself to the Captain. The Captain pushes her away
and motions for Mariana to come with him to the backroom.
Mariana obliges and they go into the backroom. Joey gets up
to leave and stops to speak to Lisa.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Do you want me to stay?
Lisa looks around then looks at Joey.
LISA LOSERS
No I think you should leave.
Everything is OK. He won't hurt
her. Everything will be fine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
Joey motions OK and walks out the door.
CUT TO:
11 INT. THE BACKROOM -- MOMENTS LATER 11
The door leading to the backroom just passed the bar has a
large frosted glass on it. Mariana is taking off her clothes
with the Captain looking lustfully at her. She only has her
bra and panties on as the Captain lunges at her. The camera
pulls back passed the door to watch the silhouette of the
Captain ripping off the rest of her clothes and pushing her
to the bed. People in the bar are going about as if nothing
is happening as the camera moves out.
FADE OUT:
12 INT. THE BACKROOM -- LATER 12
(CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON, MARIANA WALKER)
Captain Morgan MacPhearson is finishing putting his clothes
on. The Radio is playing. Mariana is dressed and is
straightening out herself.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
That was all right kid you did good.
So kid what's your name?
Mariana looks up at the Captain.
MARIANA WALKER
Mariana Walker I'm from Kansas City.
The Captain looks like he is trying to remember something.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
So did you know a Evan Walker that
was a Road builder?
Mariana seems very surprised.
MARIANA WALKER
Yes, he was my father. He is dead.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
What happened?
MARIANA WALKER
He was killed in a car accident.
He was drunk, it was after I ran
away from home.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
Why did you run away from home?
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17.
MARIANA WALKER
When he came home from the war he
was different, he hurt me.
The Captain moves away from Mariana.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
Did he beat you?
MARIANA WALKER
No, not that. You know he used me.
(sadly)
Mariana stops talking. She looks down at the floor. She
almost sheds a tear. The Captain storms out of the backroom
and out of the bar without saying a word to anyone. He has
a very stern look on his face.
FADE OUT:
13 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- LATER THAT NIGHT 13
(SPEEDY, LISA LOSERS)
The bar is closing. Mariana is leaving with Speedy. She has
her arms around him. They are both laughing.
LISA LOSERS
You guys be careful it is going to
be a very cold night.
Slowly all the lights in the bar are turned off and Lisa
leaves the bar.
FADE OUT:
14 INT. JOE'S OFFICE -- AFTERNOON A FEW DAYS LATER 14
(JOEY FERDINANDO, REGINA CORNELIUS, RAZOR _)
It's afternoon, Joey is talking to the lawyer's wife who is
seated at his desk.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look Regina like I was telling you I
followed your husband for the last
two weeks, and he is not cheating on
you.
Regina looks disappointed.
REGINA CORNELIUS
Joey, that's hard to believe.
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18.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I know. There is more. I talked to
him the other day. But you need to
read this.
Joey hands her the paper the Mayor gave him.
JOEY FERDINANDO (CONT'D)
As you see it's a notarized statement
from the milkman saying you seduced
him.
Regina throws the paper down on Joey's desk and starts to
get up.
REGINA CORNELIUS
That no good cheating bastard can't
get away with this.
Joey grabs her arm before she is able to get out of his reach.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look sit down I said there is more.
Regina sets down grudgingly.
JOEY FERDINANDO (CONT'D)
Your husband is going to start giving
you your allowance again, just like
before. But if he hears of you
fooling around again he will divorce
you and with this statement you won't
get a damn thing. Now I think he is
being generous. He could divorce
you now and you would be out on the
streets, so my advice is to accept
his offer.
Regina is starting to cry a little. Joey gets up and goes
over to her. He hands her a Kleenex.
REGINA CORNELIUS
What am I going to do?
(pause)
I mean didn't what happen with us
mean anything to you?
(Pleading)
I thought you were on my side!
(angry)
Joey moves back and takes a deep breath.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look Lady, what happen meant one
hundred dollars that I didn't collect.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
JOEY FERDINANDO (CONT'D)
Hell as much as you enjoyed yourself
you should have paid me. Let me
tell you something you ain't that
great in bed, I've had better.
REGINA CORNELIUS
That's a terrible thing to say to
me. I saw the lust in your eyes,
you wanted me the moment that you
saw me. Come on Joey you want me
now don't you? I can tell.
She moves her hand over top Joey's crouch and starts to unzip
his pants as she gently bites his ear. Joey pushes her away
and moves back.
JOEY FERDINANDO
This time no dice , didn't you hear
what I said. If he catches you again
it's all over. So you need to be a
good girl.
(a brief pause)
Or at least don't get caught.
Regina gets up and leaves, Joey walks her to the door. Joey
comes back and sets at his desk. Razor comes into the
office.
RAZOR _
So how did it go? She looks upset
boss. We got any more clients?
Joey shrugs his shoulders, and rolls his eyes.
JOEY FERDINANDO
As far as that dame goes, don't bet
on a long marriage.
(a long sigh)
I don't know Razor. You know I wish
I could get out of this racket. I'd
rather be a cop on the beat trying
to catch crooks. I enjoyed trying
to outsmart them, it's like a game
of poker, it's twenty percent luck
and eighty percents smarts.
RAZOR _
Well I'm kind of glad you ain't a
cop no more boss, you know too many
of my buddies are on the shady side
of things. But if you hadn't help
me out I'd probably be in Joliet now
doing 15 to life.
Joey gets up and motions for Razor to come along
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Let's go get a drink.
They head out the door.
FADE OUT:
15 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- LATER THAT EVENING 15
(SPEEDY, MARIANA WALKER, RICH, JOEY FERDINANDO, LISA LOSERS,
GINGER)
Joey and Razor are in the bar having a drink. Speedy is
setting at a table and Mariana is standing there they both
look upset.
MARIANA WALKER
I don't understand why you take all
those pills. You're always taking
them! Sometimes you act like a crazy
person .
Speedy stands up.
SPEEDY
Yeah I don't know why you have to go
screw every man that walks in the
bar.
(angrily)
MARIANA WALKER
Look Speedy I told you not to get
too serious and for the record I
don't screw every man that walks
into the bar. You're just pissed
that I went out with this guy last
night. But you were so out of it
that you didn't even notice that I
was here. You need to grow up!
I've got to get back to work.
Mariana is working and brings a new guy a drink, Rich.
RICH
So what's your baby?
Mariana is trying to be nice but she is annoyed.
MARIANA WALKER
Mariana.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
Rich is touching Mariana arm giving her the once over.
RICH
So you had a fight with your
boyfriend? So what time to get get
off work? How would you like to go
out with a real man?
Rich is touching Mariana as she tries to move back.
MARIANA WALKER
Look, just drink your drink. I've
got work now!
Rich grabs at Mariana and Mariana tries to get him to behave
but he is persistent.
RICH
Come on baby I got just what you
need! You know you want it.
He tries to wrestle her to the floor. Joey jumps up and
decks Rich with a right hand. Mariana is a little shaken up.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Are you OK?
Mariana dust herself off.
MARIANA WALKER
Yeah I am fine. Thank you. I
Mariana starts to cry.
MARIANA WALKER (CONT'D)
Why do they treat me this way? Why?
Lisa comes over and looks at Rich still on the floor who is
just regaining consciousness.
LISA LOSERS
Mariana, why don't you go home, take
the rest of the night off. Come on
back to work tomorrow.
MARIANA WALKER
Ok.
(crying a little)
JOEY FERDINANDO
Do you want me to walk you home?
Mariana doesn't answer she just takes his arm and they leave
the Lounge.
Ginger is very upset when she sees Joey leave with Mariana.
FADE OUT:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
16 INT. IN THE HALLWAY OF MARIANA'S APARTMENT -- LATER 16
(MARIANA WALKER, JOEY FERDINANDO)
Mariana and Joey are in the hallway of her apartment.
MARIANA WALKER
Would you like to come in for some
coffee?
(inviting)
JOEY FERDINANDO
Sure
They enter Mariana's small apartment.
DISSOLVE TO:
17 INT. MARIANA' APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS 17
(JOEY FERDINANDO, MARIANA WALKER)
The apartment is almost bare except for a bed and a small
table with a hot plate and one chair and a small dresser by
the bed with a 5 by 7 picture on top of it. Joey looks around
the apartment as he sits down in on the bed He looks at the
picture. It is of a man and a very young girl.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Is that you in the picture?
Mariana looks up at the picture and them back at Joey.
MARIANA WALKER
Yes, that's me when I was nine years
old. That's my father Evan. That's
the way I try to remember him.
Mariana sits down on the bed beside Joey.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Did he die during the war?
Mariana lowers her head.
MARIANA WALKER
No he was killed in a car accident
last year. He was in the army but
he was injured and discharged. The
accident was after I ran away from
home.
(sadly)
JOEY FERDINANDO
Where are you from Mariana?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
MARIANA WALKER
Kansas City. I keep the picture
because that's the way I want to
remember him. I was thirteen when
he was discharged, I had been living
with my aunt and uncle. My Mother
was in a mental Hospital. She had a
break down when he went into the
army.
Mariana gets up picks up the picture looks at it and takes
it back to the chair and sits down.
JOEY FERDINANDO
What happen to you after father when
he returned?
Mariana looks down at the table.
MARIANA WALKER
He would drink a lot. One night he
had been drinking and he ask me to
come sleep with him. Then he started
to touch me, and,
(pausing taking a
deep breath)
Well you know he used me, sexually.
Joey looks her in the eye. She is almost ready to cry.
JOEY FERDINANDO
That's OK I get the picture.
Mariana hold's out her hand like she is stopping Joey.
MARIANA WALKER
I felt terrible I believed it was my
fault. He kept on doing that to me.
When I was fourteen he made me quit
school. We were having a hard time
making it living off his disability
payments. I did laundry for people.
Right before my fifteenth birthday I
got pregnant. He took me to someone
to take care of it. Something went
wrong and I ended up in the hospital
for two weeks. They told me I could
never have children. After that he
left me alone for awhile. Then he
started again. I ran away from home
before my eighteenth birthday, first
to St Louis where this church took
me in and found a place for me to
live, but before long the man in the
house where I was staying, well he
with started in on me, you know sex,
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
MARIANA WALKER (CONT'D)
so I left there and came here. Joey
why did this happen to me.
(crying)
Mariana hugs Joey she is still crying. Joey kisses her
forehead. Mariana hugs him harder. Then he kisses her on
the mouth. She rubs her hand in his hair and they continue
to kiss. She looks up at Joey.
JOEY FERDINANDO
You know you got a bum rap but you've
got to keep on going. What's up
with you and Speedy?
MARIANA WALKER
Oh, I like Speedy, I mean he's OK
you know, but well it's just Physical.
Joey nods his head. He stares at Mariana and starts kissing
her with passion. They kiss passionately for awhile.
MARIANA WALKER (CONT'D)
Please Joey stay with me tonight.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I don't know if I should, I want to,
but look, I don't want you to think
of me like all the rest.
MARIANA WALKER
How could I.. Please stay with me.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Mariana, I won't let anyone hurt you
again.
Joey kisses her again and he hugs her.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
18 INT. MARIANA' APARTMENT -- LATER ABOUT 3:30 AM 18
Mariana is asleep in her bed. As the Camera pulls back we
see she is alone. It is dark in her room with the light only
showing on her face. Something falls to the floor. Mariana
moves her head but doesn't wake-up. A silhouette of a person
who slowly puts his hand around Mariana's neck. Mariana wakes
and tries to scream but the person uses their arm to block
her mouth. She struggles and kicks, kicking off most of the
sheets from her naked body. The person grunts as he applies
more pressure to her neck. Finally there is no movement. She
is dead. The person removes their hands and stares at her
for a moment. He surveys the room, starts to leave, stops
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
and grabs the picture of Mariana and her father that Mariana
had on her dresser, then he leaves.
DISSOLVE TO:
19 INT. JOE'S OFFICE -- LATER 3:45 AM 19
Joey comes into his office-apartment door. He looks very
confused, maybe angry. He looks at his hands and shakes his
head no. He pours himself a tall drink of whiskey and gulps
it down. He throws the glass to the floor and puts his head
between his hands, shaking his head.
DISSOLVE TO:
20 EXT. JOE'S OFFICE -- MORNING 10:30 AM 20
(JASON CAMPBELL, JOEY FERDINANDO, SERGEANT MONDAY, CAPTAIN
MORGAN MACPHEARSON)
Joey is asleep on his couch when with a thunderous noise two
men bust into his office. It's Sergeant Monday and Jason
Campbell a uniformed police officer. The Sergeant has his
gun drawn. Joey wakes up and is mad.
JOEY FERDINANDO
What's the big idea.
SERGEANT MONDAY
Put your hands up. Where is your
piece?
Joey slowly raises his hand and points with his finger to
the table. Jason gets Joey's gun.
SERGEANT MONDAY (CONT'D)
Go tell the Captain it's OK to come
in.
Jason leaves the room.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Why didn't you knock?
Sergeant Monday is looking at the stuff on Joey's desk.
SERGEANT MONDAY
I did knock and someone said come
in. Where were you last night?
Joey slowly lowers his hands as he puts his trousers on.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I can't remember, that was too long
ago.
(sarcastically)
Sergeant Monday pushes Joey back into the couch
and slugs him in the face.
SERGEANT MONDAY
You better cooperate with us, you're
in big trouble.
Captain MacPhearson and Jason Campbell come into the room.
The Captain looks around the room and looks at Joey who is
rubbing is chin where Sergeant Monday hit him.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
Sergeant, let's not ruff him up too
much.
(pause)
Save some for me.
Joey looks around the room as he slowly sets up.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON (CONT'D)
Look Joey we know you went to
Mariana's house last night and you
didn't get back here until almost
4:00 AM. Is that right.
JOEY FERDINANDO
So what, last time I looked that's
not a crime.
Joey gets back up off the couch looking at the Captain.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
So how was she when you left.
Joey looks a little confused by the question.
JOEY FERDINANDO
She was asleep.
The Captain moves closer to Joey, almost face to face.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
Well someone made sure she didn't
wake up this morning.
Joey shakes his head in disbelief.
JOEY FERDINANDO
What do you mean?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
She is dead, she was strangled last
night.
The Captain turns to Jason Campbell.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON (CONT'D)
Cuff him!
Joey tries to move back as Sergeant Monday grabs him.
JOEY FERDINANDO
You don't have anything on me! Look
Captain this is going too far all
because of your wife!
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
This has nothing to do with her.
You're suppose to be a smart cop.
What would you do if someone was the
last known person to talk to a dead
man?
Joey doesn't reply.
SERGEANT MONDAY
Answer the Captain!
Joey looks around the room.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I would question any suspect. But I
didn't kill her. You know me, I
couldn't do something like that.
(emotional)
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
Maybe not, but your coming down to
headquarters for questioning.
The Captain and Sergeant Monday leave the room. They turn
to look at Joey then each other.
SERGEANT MONDAY
I guess you were right Captain.
The two leave the room
JASON CAMPBELL
Joey I'm sorry but orders are orders.
Joey is cuffed and they leave his office.
FADE OUT:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
FADE IN:
21 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM -- LATER THAT NIGHT 21
(CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON, JOEY FERDINANDO, JASON CAMPBELL,
SERGEANT MONDAY, MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON)
In a small room with a light hanging from the ceiling above
a small table, Joey is setting; Captain MacPhearson and
Sergeant Monday are standing moving about. The room is dark
except for the light from the ceiling.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
OK go over what happen one more time.
Joey looks tired. He takes a deep breath and exhales.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look Captain how many times do I
need to tell you what happened.
Jason Campbell a uniformed police officer enters the room
with a piece of paper. He hands it to the Captain who reads
it and moves his head up and down a little. He hands the
piece of paper to Sergeant Monday. Sergeant Monday reads
the notes looks at the Captain and then at Joey. Sergeant
Monday hands the piece of paper back to the Captain.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
OK you claim you left Walker's
apartment at about 3:15 AM is that
correct?
JOEY FERDINANDO
Yes, I told you that a hundred times.
The Captain throws the paper down beside Joey. Joey picks up
the paper and reads it. It is the corner's report.
JOEY FERDINANDO (CONT'D)
Hum, The corner's report. It says
the time of death is sometime between
2:30- 3:30 AM,
(Pause as if thinking)
So maybe the killer was in the room
about the time that I left.
The Captain grabs the paper from Joey. Just then the Mayor
bursts into the room.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
What the hell is going on here? !
(Loudly demanding)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
That girl at
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
I know! Look Captain you damn well
better have some evidence against
Joey, Understand? Good god man you
can't question someone for eight
hours straight! Now leave us alone
for a few minutes!
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
I'm afraid I can't do that Sir.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
Captain do you want me to call the
Chief. Now get the hell out of here.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
You know, I know more about Joey
than you think. I know what happen
in the past. It makes me sick to
think what he has done. This time
things have gotten out of hand and
Mayor you can't protect him.
The Captain and Sergeant Monday reluctantly leave the room.
The Mayor sits down and looks Joey in the face.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I did not kill Mariana the police
are wasting time interrogating me.
They should be looking for the real
killer. I'm Not positive I think I
may have an idea of who did it.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
Look Joey you had better find the
killer fast. The Captain is a loose
cannon. You and I don't need this
kind of scrutiny we have too much to
loose.
Joey shakes his head in agreement. The Mayor opens the door
and the Captain and Sergeant Monday return to the room.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON (CONT'D)
Release him now!
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
But your Honor, he
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
Now!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
CAPTAIN MORGAN MACPHEARSON
OK you are free to leave, but
understand you are our number one
suspect. I am calling the Prosecutor
and requesting that he convene a
Grand Jury to Investigate this
terrible murder. If they indite
you, even the Mayor won't be able
to help you then.
The Captain and Sergeant Monday leave the room slamming the
door. Joey gets up as the Mayor opens the door for him.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
Look you don't have much time. Tell
me what you know.
Joey looks up at the Mayor.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I was with her last night, I left
her apartment at about 3:15. The
coroner's report said she was killed
between 2:30 and 3:30. So the killer
may been there before I left. There
was a fight at the bar last night.
This guy was getting ruff with Mariana
so I decked him. I don't know who
he is but maybe he followed us and
killed her.
The Mayor nods his head as he and Joey slowly move to the
door.
MAYOR HERMANN PAXTON
What about the girl. She was just a
kid. Every time you get messed up
with some young kid you get yourself
in trouble. This time at least she
was 18 and not a Judge's daughter.
Joey looks upset.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look don't preach to me now. Mariana
had a hard life. She was abused by
her father The girl deserved better
than this.
(pause)
I'm exhausted I haven't had anything
to eat all day. I'm going over to
Lisa's.
They both leave the Interrogation room.
FADE OUT:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
FADE IN:
22 INT. CITY HALL -- MOMENTS LATER 22
(RAZOR _, JOEY FERDINANDO, MARTHA, ERWIN CORNELIUS)
Joey walks down the hallway at City Hall, the hallway is
dark and dirty. There is no one in the hallway. Joey sees
Razor and walks toward him. Joey leans against the wall as
Razor comes closer. Razor looks worried.
RAZOR _
Are you OK boss?
The two walk down the hallway.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Yes I am fine, do you know who the
bum was that I decked out the night
before in the bar?
RAZOR _
No boss I never seen him before.
(a brief pause)
Boss the Captain's got the word on
the street that you're the killer.
I think some people believe you did
it.
Just then Erwin Cornelius, the Lawyer comes around the corner
with a young woman with him. Erwin, who had not heard about
Joey, is happy to see Joey.
ERWIN CORNELIUS
Joey,
(Shakes hands with
Joey)
This is Martha, my uh, my assistant.
Joey looks at her like he knows better.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Madam
MARTHA
Pleased to meet you Joey. You know
I heard all about you.
(Looking Joey over
from head to toe)
ERWIN CORNELIUS
I want to thank you for helping me
out, uh, with my wife's case. Here.
Take this for your trouble. In a
couple of months I am going to dump
my two-timing wife.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
ERWIN CORNELIUS (CONT'D)
I just need to get some money
transferred first. Right now, she
believes she won't get any money.
But when she finds out she can, I
know she will go after me. My plan
is to go after the little cunt first.
You really helped me out. I
appreciate it.
The Lawyer hands Joey five twenty dollar bills.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Thank you, uh good luck with
everything.
ERWIN CORNELIUS
Joey you look like beat, like you
could use some rest.
Erwin and Martha leave. Joey turns to Razor.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I guess the word hadn't reached our
lawyer friend.
Joey hands two twenties to Razor.
JOEY FERDINANDO (CONT'D)
Here take this it could be a while
before I get another case or any
money.
Razor looks at the money and hands one of the twenties back
to Joey.
RAZOR _
Boss I think you need this more than
I do.
Joey takes the money.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Thanks, let's get over and see Lisa,
maybe she knows who the jerk was
last night.
RAZOR _
Boss, I was talking to Jason, you
know the flatfoot. And me told me
that the Prosecutor is convening a
Grand Jury tomorrow for five days to
look into the murder.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
RAZOR _ (CONT'D)
(Looking around to
make sure is listening
to them)
He told me he would keep his eyes
and ears open.
Joey nodes his head and they both start to leave. Joey is
very tired As they are leaving City Hall Jason Campbell, a
uniformed police officer stops them. The police officer
looks around to make sure no one sees him. Joey turns to
Razor as they are walking out.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look Razor, I don't have a lot of
time to catch the real murder.
Razor nods his head as the two walk down the hallway.
CUT TO:
23 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- LATER THAT EVENING 23
(LISA LOSERS, JOEY FERDINANDO)
The bar is almost empty. Lisa is working alone. She runs up
to Joey.
LISA LOSERS
Are you OK?
(caring)
JOEY FERDINANDO
Yes do you know ,
Lisa does not let him finish, first looking around to be
sure no one can hear her.
LISA LOSERS
Joey I don't know how to say this
but I suspect that Ginger may have
had something to do with Mariana's
murder. Ginger was real mad when
you left with Mariana last night and
I believe she was the one who told
the police that you left with Mariana.
Joey looks surprised.
JOEY FERDINANDO
But Mariana was strangled!
LISA LOSERS
Joey you know Ginger is almost as
strong as a guy.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
LISA LOSERS (CONT'D)
Remember all the men she has belted
when they tried to hit up on her and
she wasn't interested?
JOEY FERDINANDO
Yeah, I remember. Where is she.
LISA LOSERS
That's the strange part, she sent
word that she would not be in today
and she almost never skips work.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Lisa who was the bum last night?
Joey looks tired. They all take a chair at a table up front.
LISA LOSERS
I don't know much about him. I think
his name is Rich and that he was
either just passing through or would
be leaving town soon.
Joey is exhausted after being interrogated all day and into
the night.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Have you seen Speedy?
LISA LOSERS
Yeah, he came around lunch time he
was all shaken up. He found her
body early this morning. He has
been popping pills ever since then.
He looks about three steps from death.
I sent him over to Kathy's place to
get some rest.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Lisa do you think you could rustle
up something for me to eat.
Lisa looks at Joey and shakes her head yes.
LISA LOSERS
Joey I'll fix a sandwich for you but
you look tired go up to your room
and get some sleep and Razor and I
will try to find out about the guy,
beside Ginger won't be back at work
tomorrow evening.
Joey looks at the clock it is almost eleven thirty. He nods
his head OK. Lisa leaves the table.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
Lisa returns with a sandwich and a small beer. Joey eats
some of the sandwich and takes a big gulp of the beer. He
stands up and turns to Razor.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Razor wake me up before 9:30
tomorrow.
Joey walks out of the bar. Razor goes over to where Lisa is
standing. They have a concerned look on their face.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
24 INT. BACK IN JOEY'S APARTMENT -- DAY 11:30 AM 24
(JOEY FERDINANDO, RAZOR _, SPEEDY)
Razor is waking Joey up.
JOEY FERDINANDO
What time is it?
RAZOR _
It's 11:30 boss but don't get mad
I've been out working. I went to
Ginger's apartment and she wasn't
there but I ran into her neighbor
who works the second shift at the
printing plant. This guy had to work
overtime the night of the murder and
he came home at about 4:00 AM and he
saw Ginger coming into the apartment
building then. And yeah boss Rich
was some kind of salesman who should
be back in town before the week is
over.
Joey is putting his clothes on as Razor was talking.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I wonder if Ginger was the person
who killed Mariana? I never figured
she would do something like that.
You know she wasn't a bad kid as far
as dames go.
Razor looks like he is thinking of a reply.
RAZOR _
You're right boss but you know them
dames when they get all worked up
they can, well god help their victim.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Come on Razor let's get over to the
lounge and catch Ginger.
RAZOR _
She ain't there boss, Lisa told me
she would be back in by six o'clock.
And boss Speedy is leaving town
tonight. He is catching the 7:15
for DC. He is down stairs do you
want to talk to him.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Yeah, tell him to come here.
Razor goes to the door and yells.
RAZOR _
Come on the boss wants to talk to
you.
Joey and Razor sit down on the couch after Joey pulls a chair
for Speedy to sit in. Speedy comes into the room. His eyes
are bloodshot he looks sick.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Sit down Speedy. You look terrible!
SPEEDY
Yeah man I feel worse than I look.
Look no offense but you didn't do it
did you?
JOEY FERDINANDO
No Speedy
(Pause)
Where is your suitcase? Razor tells
me your leaving town.
SPEEDY
It's on my back man, I hocked
everything I had, to get a train
ticket to DC.
Speedy starts shaking he rubs is face.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Speedy you look like you could use a
drink?
Joey reaches under the couch for his bottle. He hands it to
Speedy.
JOEY FERDINANDO (CONT'D)
Just take a big shot don't drink it
all!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
Speedy takes the bottle from Joey and takes a slug. Coughs
and hands the bottle back to Joey.
SPEEDY
Thanks man, I had to sell all my
shit, it's kind of ruff.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Speedy, I'm trying to find out who
killed Mariana what do you remember
about that night.
Speedy becomes upset he almost starts to cry.
SPEEDY
I don't know man, she was a real
nice kid.
(pause)
I kind of remember us having a big
fight at the bar, after that things
are real fussy.
RAZOR _
Boss, he went over to Laraine's place
about an hour after you left the
bar.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Damn Speedy, Laraine is almost old
enough to be your mother!
SPEEDY
I think she had some shit, you know
me man I do anything to get some
dope. But I don't remember going
there.
RAZOR _
Boss he left Laraine's at about 8:00
AM went over to Mariana's apartment,
he discovered the body.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Is that true?
SPEEDY
I don't know man. I remember talking
to Sergeant Monday and I knew she
was dead. I was real broken up.
RAZOR _
Boss I checked it out he didn't leave
Laraine's until 8:00 AM.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Speedy, do you remember what Sergeant
Monday ask you and was the Captain
there?
SPEEDY
I remember a little, they knew where
I was I mean I remember them saying
that I was at Laraine's last night.
They ask me if you went home with
Mariana, I told them I couldn't
remember. The Captain got real mad,
he told me to get the hell out of
Passionville fast if I knew what was
good for me. He ask Sergeant Monday
something about Ginger, but I couldn't
hear everything that they said.
Then the Captain pushed me down on
the floor and kicked me, he told
Sergeant Monday something, I don't
know. Man, that's all I remember, I
swear.
Joey looks in his pocket and hands Speedy some small bills.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Use this for food. Understand. So
who do you know in DC?
Speedy takes the money and gets up.
SPEEDY
Thank's man, I know this cat there,
he's cool, you know what I mean, and
maybe I can get straight. Joey, you
catch that SOB that killed her!
Speedy leaves. Joey looks around the room shakes his head.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Razor are you hungry?
RAZOR _
You know me boss I can eat anytime.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Good let's go up to the The Gerst
House to get something to eat, time
we get back Ginger should be at work.
I could use a good German meal now,
something to really fill me up. No
other word on the Rich character?
RAZOR _
No boss, he won't be back in town
for a few more days.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
The two leave Joey's office.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
25 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- EVENING 25
(GINGER, LISA LOSERS, JOEY FERDINANDO, RAZOR _)
Just inside the doorway of the bar, Joey turns his head.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Razor go see if you find Tommy, he
stills owes me thirty bucks!
Joey enter the lounge. Lisa is talking to Ginger who stares
at Joey in an angry sort of way. A couple of customers also
look at Joey with disbelief on their face. Joey go over to
Lisa and Ginger. Ginger turns away but Lisa grabs her.
LISA LOSERS
Ginger you need to talk to Joey.
Ginger looks at Joey and Lisa. She is getting mad.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Ginger lets go into the backroom I
want to ask you some questions.
GINGER
I don't screw murders!
(loud)
JOEY FERDINANDO
You don't have to worry neither do
I!
Ginger stares at Joey.
GINGER
What the hell is that supposed to
mean?
They both stare at each other for a few moments until Ginger
snaps her head back and walks toward the backroom. Lisa
watches as they go to the back room. She shakes her head as
if she is sick, then looks down.
CUT TO:
26 INT. THE BACKROOM -- MOMENTS LATER 26
(GINGER, JOEY FERDINANDO, RAZOR _)
Joey and Ginger are in the backroom. Both are standing.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
Ginger is walking around circling Joey.
GINGER
You know the Captain told me.
(pause)
So why did you kill her? Wouldn't
she give you a blow job?
JOEY FERDINANDO
I didn't kill her, but I think that
maybe you did.
(angrily)
GINGER
You're crazy! Why would I kill the
little slut?
JOEY FERDINANDO
So where were you the night of the
murder and the next day?
GINGER
None of your damn business. You
ain't no cop any more.
(angrily)
JOEY FERDINANDO
I just made it my business. Where
were you?
(pushy)
GINGER
Look I got no reason to kill her,
none! You were the one who was with
her last.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Well maybe you were jealous of
Mariana, she was younger than you,
all the regulars were hitting up on
her, and maybe you were jealous that
I took Mariana home.
GINGER
Fuck You!
Ginger turns to leave, Joey grabs her, Ginger starts to knee
him but stops. Joey lets her go.
Ginger doesn't say anything for a few moments. Ginger almost
breaks down looking everywhere but into Joey's eyes.
GINGER (CONT'D)
You are right I was jealous of her
She was young, and pretty. She was
everything I used to be.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
GINGER (CONT'D)
And yes, I was angry that you took
her home, because,
(pausing)
You never took me home. Why didn't
you ever want to be with me?
(crying)
JOEY FERDINANDO
Look Ginger, I am no good, I mean
anytime I get involved with a woman
bad things end up happening to her.
Sometimes a lot worse than what
happened to Mariana. I hate myself
after I get real close to a woman.
I know I shouldn't. You can thank
your lucky stars we never got
together.
GINGER
Well, you mean it? I don't know…
JOEY FERDINANDO
Hey, you're still a terrific dame,
all right?
GINGER
Thanks, Joey.
JOEY FERDINANDO
But listen, I still need to know
where you were when Mariana was
murdered.
Ginger takes a deep breath and dries up the last of her tears
with a Kleenex.
GINGER
I was with the Mayor the night of
the murder. The Mayor has a trick
apartment and sent word to me to
meet him there. I went there and we
decided to go into the city the next
day. The Mayor wanted to get me
something nice. So I went back to my
apartment at about 4:00 AM to clean
up and we caught the 6:00 AM for
Chicago and I didn't get back to my
apartment until about 10:30 PM last
night. Please don't tell Lisa.
Joey shakes his head.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Oh Ginger, I mean how, well it's
none of my business.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
Ginger is stopping crying.
GINGER
Joey I am sorry about what I said.
Can I ask you a question?
Joey believes her. Beside the mayor will backup her story.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Sure.
GINGER
Have you ever been married?
JOEY FERDINANDO
Yes, I was just a Kid, 19. I had
just started working on the Chicago
police force, night beat. Kim had
just turned 17. She was like a dream,
long dark hair, dark complexioned,
very thin, very hot blooded. Well
the truth is she became bored because
I was working the night shift. The
marriage didn't last a year. She
left me for some two bit clown, you
know some rough looking big guy. I
haven't seen her since,
GINGER
Did you try to look her up?
JOEY FERDINANDO
No I believe she moved somewhere
South, maybe Nashville, but I am not
sure.
(pause)
I guess that just leaves Rich as a
suspect in the murder.
(as if thinking out
loud)
What do you know about Rich.
Ginger wipes the last of her tears off.
GINGER
Nothing much. Did Lisa tell you
about Mariana's uncle?
Joey looks surprised
JOEY FERDINANDO
What?
GINGER
Well Lisa told me that the morning
after the murder, this guy comes in
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
GINGER (CONT'D)
and asks for Mariana. Lisa ask who
he was and he says he was her uncle
who also lives in Kansas City. Lisa
tells him she was found dead and
Lisa told me there was no expression
on his face, no shock, no grief, he
just said 'oh well' and left I believe
she said he was staying in Chicago.
Don't you think that's strange?
JOEY FERDINANDO
Hum, Ginger what did The Captain say
to you?
Ginger looks up at Joey.
GINGER
He said that he thought you did it,
that you were upset about not having
any clients and that she must have
said something that set you off. He
told me there was no sign of a forced
entry and that you were the last
person to see her alive. He told me
he had witnesses of you entering and
leaving the apartment.
JOEY FERDINANDO
But he still has no good motive, I
mean you know me, and I am not a hot
head, well maybe I am just a little,
but it takes a lot to set me off.
Razor shouts through the door.
RAZOR _
Look boss I am sorry but Lisa just
told me about the uncle. And a cop
told Lisa the uncle would be down to
the City hall tonight to fill out
some paper work as the next of kin.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Thanks Razor, I'll get down there,
do you know what he looks like.
RAZOR _
Yeah boss. Want me to go with you?
JOEY FERDINANDO
No, you get down to Carl's, he knows
every drifter that comes into down.
I'll Catch you later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
RAZOR _
Ok boss.
They all leave the backroom. Joey puts his arms around Ginger
and she looks up at him and understands what he is trying
to say with his actions.
CUT TO:
27 INT. CITY HALL -- LATER 27
(JOEY FERDINANDO, TOM WALKER, JASON CAMPBELL)
Joey are walking down a dark corridor. No one is there.
Joey see a shadow. An older man is walking down the hallway.
Joey goes up to the stranger.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Are you Tom Walker.
TOM WALKER
Who wants to know?
They both stop walking.
JOEY FERDINANDO
I'm Joey Ferdinando, I knew Mariana.
TOM WALKER
So you're the one who killed her.
(nonchalant)
JOEY FERDINANDO
No, I didn't kill her, but I have
some ideas of who may have. You
don't seem all that broken up about
her death. Where were you the night
she was killed.
TOM WALKER
Look I don't have to tell you a damn
thing. You ain't no cop. I don't
care about the little slut. She got
what was coming to her!
(pause)
But if you really care where I was,
I was on an overnight train here to
see her to get her to sign some
papers.
JOEY FERDINANDO
So you didn't like Mariana.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
TOM WALKER
No, its because of her that my brother
is dead. You want to know what
happen, you really want to know?
(pausing)
You see when Evan, my brother, came
home from the war he couldn't get a
job because of the war injury. Well
she was 13 years old but acted like
she was 17 years old, she was dating
all kinds of men, lots older then
she was. Well one night when she
was about 15 my brother had been out
drinking and when he came home she
seduced him. The next day Evan felt
terrible, then a little later he
found out she was pregnant. Well he
took care of it, and for a few months
she calmed down. Then it started up
again. She would stay out all night
with all kinds of men. Evan told
her she had to stop and she told him
she would tell everyone he raped
her. He got mad and struck her.
The next day she ran away. A few
days later Evan was drinking, he
came over to see me and told me what
had happened. On his way back home
he was in a car accident and killed.
She was just a bad girl , I mean she
was a slut, believe me I know. That's
all I got to say. Understand?
JOEY FERDINANDO
Wait a minute, she stayed with you
while your brother was away during
the war, isn't that right.
TOM WALKER
I don't have anything else to say.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Yeah I bet I know what kind of uncle
you were.
Tom pushes Joey away and walks away. Joey is mad.
Jason Campbell, a police officer comes up and looks around
to make sure no one sees him
JASON CAMPBELL
Look Joey it looks like the Grand
Jury will have their report in two
days and things are not looking good
for you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Thanks for the information. Don't
worry about me.
Jason leaves.
CUT TO:
28 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- AFTERNOON THE NEXT DAY 28
(SERGEANT MONDAY, RAZOR _)
Razor is at a table alone. Sergeant Monday comes over to
his table and sits down.
SERGEANT MONDAY
Well it looks like your boy will be
taking a long vacation, and it
couldn't have happen to a nicer guy.
Now no one will be able to keep the
heat off you. You know Razor your
free ride is over, its time to start
paying rent, if you get my drift.
So tomorrow night have one hundred
bucks, that's for me and the Captain
to split. WE know you run some
numbers and do a little book, I hear
from time to time you fence some
ice, so one hundred dollars a month
ain't going to hurt you none.
RAZOR _
Look Sergeant I ain't got that kind
of money, I stopped fencing when I
moved from the city, and I do good
to clear twenty dollars a week on
the numbers, you know my rent is
thirty bucks a month, you know, give
me a break?
SERGEANT MONDAY
Look I ain't asking! I am telling!
The Captain wanted to charge you
more but I told him you were just a
washed up hood. But you better have
that one hundred dollars tomorrow,
you know your eye sight ain't too
good and I sure would hate to hear
about you falling down a couple of
flights of stairs, it will be night
soon ,so you better hightail it out
of here and get the money.
Understand?
Razor stands up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
RAZOR _
Please Sergeant Monday, I'm begging
you, Ain't no way I can get that
kind of money. I would be hard
pressed to pay you fifty bucks a
month. Please can you help me out?
SERGEANT MONDAY
No! I don't give a shit about your
personal problems. You better have
the hundred bucks tomorrow night.
Sergeant Monday pushes Razor aside and storms out of the bar
with Razor almost in tears.
CUT TO:
29 INT. INSIDE LISA LOSERS LOUNGE -- LATER THAT NIGHT 29
(GINGER, JOEY FERDINANDO, LISA LOSERS)
(JOEY FERDINANDO, LISA LOSERS, GINGER)
Joey enters the bar and goes over to where Lisa is at.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Lisa have you seen Razor, he was
suppose to meet me in my office an
hour ago.
LISA LOSERS
Let's go set down over here I have
some news.
Joey and Lisa sit at a table close to the bar Lisa has a
beer for Joey.
LISA LOSERS (CONT'D)
Razor came in earlier and Sergeant
Monday talked to him and Razor was
real upset anyway he told me he didn't
think he could watch you go through
all this. He looked bombed out. He
said something about going to see a
cousin in Detroit and that he was
leaving right away. He hit me up
for twenty dollars, told me he would
send me the money once he was settled.
Joey shrugs his shoulder and takes a drink of his beer.
JOEY FERDINANDO
Oh well, He'll be back, or get into
real trouble there.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
LISA LOSERS
You know you never told me how you
hooked up with him.
JOEY FERDINANDO
It's a long story.
LISA LOSERS
Well I got time.
Joey takes another drink.
JOEY FERDINANDO
It was back in 1940. I was a
detective in Chicago. I worked the
night beat. Well Razor was this two
bit hood, you know he had been around
forever. He did a little book,
numbers, fenced some hot ice. When
he was just a little kid he worked
for Big Al. Well Razor had been to
Joliet so often I believe they had a
special cell for him. Well Razor
was working for me, you know under
cover.
LISA LOSERS
What?
JOEY FERDINANDO
Let's just say that he owed me a
favor. Well there was this gang of
hoods down on the South side and
they were fencing all kinds of hot
stuff. I thought the Ward Boss was
the ring leader and I was closing in
on the gang with Razor's help. Then
damn if Razor didn't get busted by
some other cop with some hot ice.
He was on probation and I knew that
they would send him away for a long
time. He got bailed out and well we
faked his death.
LISA LOSERS
What!
JOEY FERDINANDO
It was not a big deal, I found an
unidentified body at the morgue,
took it and put it in an old jalopy
and set it a fire. I got some people
to say Razor was in the car. He
moved to Passionville after that and
laid low for awhile, you remember
Benny's Garage down on 4th avenue?
Well Razor worked for him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
LISA LOSERS