13 Straight

"13 straight"
ext. inglewood park - day
a basketball hoop. the sounds of a bouncing basketball,

sneakers pounding on cement courts, heavy breathing and smack
talk.
a basketball is caught above the rim and slammed through a

hoop
streetball players run back toward the opposite goal
nate
eat that, beeaatch!
nate "silk" davis , 30's, tall and muscular african american

male, d's up dave aka "doc", 30's, bookish-looking african
american male.
street baller #1
yeah baby, get that ass, silk!
dave
you don't want nonna this, silk! check
up! better not leave me any space, i'll
embarrass your old ass!
nate
bring it, doc! what you got?
dave attempts a crossover. nate picks him clean, throws

himself a lead pass in the opposite direction, bounces the
ball at the foul line, catches off the backboard and slams
it.
multiple howls are heard.
nate takes a bow and trots back toward dave, shaking his head
in disbelief, gives nate his dap.
nate (cont'd)
i love this game, baby.
pan the park to
c/u on the backboard
ext inglewood park- night
the same backboard, a ball swishes through the net.
a few players remain on the court, most milling about the

sidelines, drinking beer and telling stories.
doc plays one on one with mike taylor, 30's, african

american, nerdish-looking.
dave dribbles, contemplating a move. mike taunts him like one
10-year old would tease another.
mike
pussy doc, pussy doc!
dave
shut up! watch this!
dave attempts the same crossover move as before. mike plucks

the ball away, dribbles to the foul line, turns, drops a 15
footer in dave's face.
howls and laughter are heard from the remaining bystanders.
mike
(laughing hysterically)
get me my cell phone. i'm calling a.i.
someone needs crossover lessons!
we see nate turn from his conversation to laugh. more

laughter from the bystanders.
dave
fuck you. take the ball out funny man.
(dave reluctantly laughs)
dave throws the ball at mike.
int. jade's car - night
two silhoettes a parked nondescript 5.0 mustang on a dark

street about 100 yards from an upscale restaurant with valet
parking.
thumping bass from a hip hop tune from inside the car.
in dash cd player.
omar
oh yeah!
we see a hand turn the volume up on the player.
omar (cont'd)
oh baby, that's my jam!
female hand turn the volume back down.
omar, aa male, mid 20's bounces with the music. he wears a

sean john sweatsuit and matching baseball cap. jade brown
shakes her head. jade is a very attractive young aa woman -
mid 20's, also wearing a dark sweatsuit and baseball cap.
jade
we're not supposed to be draw attention,
idiot!
omar
we jammin' at the red onion friday night,
you down?
jade
no
omar
come on, baby. we went out that one time.
didn't you have a good time? didn't you?
jade
yeah.
omar
so whassup? how come a nigger can't get
no play?
jade
shut up. you're so stupid. look, we've
been out here for two hours, i just want
to get this done, okay? is that okay with
you?
omar
that's how stakeouts go, baby! you know
what them cops be doin' on stakeouts
don't you?
(he moves toward her and licks
his tongue at her)
jade pushes him away
jade
(reluctantly laughing)
eewww you nasty.. get away from me with
that.
(jade immediately gets serious)
look.
ext. upscale restaurant- night
affluent looking midle aged caucasian couple in front of the

restaurant approach the valet-driven new black mercedes s-55.
jade
that's it.
omar
you sure?
jade
the valet told ray that they're at this
restaurant every wednesday night and they
fit the description.
omar
how can you tell? they all look the same
to me.
jade shows him a computer sheet with the picture.
jade
that's the car. that's the plate number.
get ready.
ext. street - night
the couple drives past their position as they duck out of

sight.
jade turns the key and the modified 5.0 liter engine rumbles
to life. jade slowly execute a u-turn.
ext inglewood park- night
mike and dave, like most of the players, are packing up to

leave. nate is seen shooting foul shots with an entourage
nearby.
dave
hey, pussy doc c'mere!
dave reluctantly puts down his gear and approaches nate and
the group. nate throws the ball at him.
nate
check up pussy doc.
dave throws it back and nate begins his move.
dave
just doc, if you don't mind.
nate
aren't you a gynecologist? just shut up
and listen. the key to a successful
crossover is the center of gravity.
you're dribbling too high. knee level!
try to take it.
dave lunges at the dribble, nate crosses him over,

practically breaking dave's ankle as he drives past him for
an easy dunk. nate throws the ball to dave.
nate (cont'd)
o.k., let's see you do it.
dave, flattered and embarrassed by the attention, begins his

move. nate pushes him down at the shoulder.
nate (cont'd)
still too high.
dave complies, dribbling at knee level. he attempts the

crossover, but nate swipes the ball with ease, then throws
the ball at dave.
nate (cont'd)
work on that.
dave
thanks silk, i will.
dave is beaming as he approaches mike, who throws him his

gear. as they begin to leave, they are cut off by a young aa
male who flies past them so fast, he's a blur in a sweatsuit.
seconds later, two police cruisers appear and screech to a
halt. the officers exit and run toward the players.
officer #1
where'd he go?
street baller2
who?
officer #1
that little punk in the blue sweatsuit!
street baller #1 shrugs his shoulders. officer #1 turns to

the rest of the group. they shrug their shoulders. the
officers disperse except for one young black officer who
recognizes nate.
black officer
hey, you're silk davis.
nate
i know.
black officer
autograph my ticket book?
o.s. voice
miller! let's go!
nate quickly scribble on the notebook.
black officer
thanks silk, you're the greatest.
the officer quickly runs away.
o.s. voice
that brother's in the valley by now the
way he was bookin.
mike and dave continue to walk
mike
interesting park you brought me to, dave.
dave
best players in l.a.
the pair don't get far before they are called back.
street baller2
p.d.! where you going? we need two!
dave
nah. i gotta go. we're beat!
mike turns and runs back toward the court, leaving dave
behind.
mike
what do you mean, we? c'mon, you in?
nate nods at mike in approval. the players happily begin to

choose sides. they all turn toward dave, still standing in
the same spot.
nate
c'mon pussy doc, you know you want to.
i'll take it easy on you...
nate unties his shoelaces
nate (cont'd)
look, i'll play without my shoes!
they all laugh
dave
i have work to do at home!
nate
work at home? what kind of work does a
gynecologist do at home?
street baller2
(laughing hysterically)
the poody doc takes his work home from
the office!
(they all laugh)
dave reluctantly walks back toward them.
nate
you'd better tape your ankles, p.d.
they all laugh as they take the ball out.
cut to:
ext street - night
the benz pull up to a stop sign, then down a dark street.

seconds later, the mustang stops at the stop sign.
jade
three more blocks until the freeway. we
got to do this now.
jade puts on her mask. omar begins to put on his mask, but
first, a snort of "nose candy".
jade (cont'd)
omar!
omar
it helps me focus. want some?
jade
hell no, and you'd better not let nate or
ray find out!
omar pulls his gun from under the seat.
omar
it's under control. let's do this!
jade guns the growling engine and the car accelerates and
cuts off the benz after it turns a corner onto a deserted
dark street.
the couple is shocked to see a masked omar as he jumps out

and waves the gun at them. they frantically produce their
wallet, purse, jewelry. the man lowers the window just enough
to drop the items out, then raises the window.
benz man
that's all we have, take it and leave us
alone.
omar
i don't want that shit! get outta the
fuckin car!
the man unlocks the power locks and slides out of the car
with hands up, leaving the keys in the ignition. omar
nervously looks around.
omar (cont'd)
put your fuckin hands down!
(to the lady)
hey lady, get outta the goddamned car.
she snatches the keys out of the ignition and exits the car,
trembling with indignation and fear.
omar (cont'd)
come round here!
benz woman
(contempt)
honestly, why don't you just take the
money and jewelry and just go?
benz man
for god's sake, adriana!
benz woman
this is just unbelievable. we come into
town just once a week...
omar rolls his eyes
omar
hello? remember me? i want you and mr.
hugo boss to have a seat on that curb.
the man begins to move.
benz woman
you cannot be serious if you think that i
would...
benz man
adriana will you shut the fuck up! do
what he says!
she starts to say something else, but her husband grabs her
before she is able to. omar glances in the car.
omar
where are the keys?
benz man
in the ignition
benz woman
you're not taking my car and leaving us
out here! steven do something!
benz man
do what? he has a gun!
omar
they ain't in there!
(starting toward them)
alright man, where are the keys?
the woman defiantly tosses the keys into the dark bushes.
omar and her husband stare at her.
jade, watching from the mustang, rolls her eyes.
omar (cont'd)
you gotta be shittin me!
benz man
have you lost your mind?
jade
let's go!
omar
don't move, unless you think you can
outrun a bullet.
omar starts laughing as he pulls out his tools, a laptop

computer attached to a probe, which he inserts in the
ignition. he pops loose the steering column ignition lock.
omar (cont'd)
german engineers are the best. don't you
agree?
intercut between omar at work and the couple seated on the

curb.
benz woman
i will not just sit here while he takes
my benz.
omar
nice security system.
omar attaches the probe into the ignition and punches in a

code on the laptop.
close up on laptop screen
the numbers scroll and stop at 71600924*2853.
close up on omar
omar grins and types in another code.
benz woman
you can forget it. the system makes the
car virtually theft proof, so you might
as well just take the jewelry and...
omar presses the ignition button. the woman's words are

drowned out by the 300 hp engine roaring to life. omar slide
out of the car and does a little dance move.
omar
you were saying? whos bad? make sure you
tell your country club friends that you
were jacked by the best!
jade impatiently flashes the high beams.
omar (cont'd)
all right. i'm just having a little fun
with the people! damn! now...
(turning to the couple) since
you folks cost me an
additional 95 seconds...face
down on the curb!
benz man
what are you going to...
omar
not that way...this way! face to his
johnson!
omar positions the couple head to crotch. jade flashes the

high beams again.
jade
c'mon!
omar waves her off.
benz woman
this is absurd! do you have any idea who
we are?
omar
yeah, you're the muhfuckers who'll be
counting backwards from 69 and not moving
until you get to one!
benz woman
this is an outrage...
omar
(as he starts back toward the
benz - pointing the gun at
them)
69, 68, 67
benz man
66, 65, 64, 63
as they both begin to count, omar does another dance move

before hopping into the idling benz.
the woman starts to look up, but the man pushes her head
down. omar pulls off, followed by jade.
the couple, in the same position, as the man continues to

count backward on the curb of the deserted street.
the woman had stopped counting and looks at him in disgust.
benz woman
oh shut up steven! they're gone!
ext. warehouse - night
jade approaches the exterior gate, opening it with her

remote, then opening the huge steel; warehouse door with
another remote. she pulls in.
int warehouse -night
jade slowly drives past men working on cars, painting cars,

stripping parts,etc.
jade exchanges waves with one of the workers.
omar is seated on the trunk of the benz. jade pulls alongside

and gets out.
car body parts on the floor in the background.
jade
didn't you see that policeman?
omar
what policeman? he didn't see me! not as
fast as i was going!
jade
you need to be more careful!
jade glances up toward the second floor offices. ray, 50's,

caucasian male, who wears a perpetual frown, watches them. as
jade climbs the steps, followed by omar, work comes to a
standstill as the workers admire the way jade fills her tight-
fitting sweat suit.
int. ray's office - night
ray stands by the door as jade and omar file in. omar dangles
the benz keys in front of ray. when ray reaches for them,
omar drops them. when ray tries to catch them, omar catches
them first.
omar
(slapping the keys in ray's
hand)
you gotta be faster, ray!
ray glares at him and omar glares back defiantly.
ray
(turning to jade)
how'd it go?
jade
just as you said. they were there for
their wednesday dinner and we got the
benz.
omar
it was sweet, man! you should have been
there!
ray
(crosses to his desk)
nate's idea is paying off. those busboys
are giving up some good information.
jade
yeah, nate's real smart that way.
omar
look! i don't care how good the
information is, you don't get the car
without good hands and heart.
jade
(sarcastic)
you were good.
ray chuckles.
omar
good, my ass! i'm the greatest!
ray
(opening his desk drawer)
omar, get over yourself.
he pulls out two bundles of cash.
omar
yeah baby! come to papa!
ray hands one to each of them.
jade
thanks.
ray
thank you!
omar
yo, ray, i don't mean to dis homegirl
here, but i was the one who took all the
risk. how come we get the same money?
(to jade)
nothing personal, strictly business,
baby.
ray
omar we're been over this before. jade
takes the same risk. nobody else will
ride with you.
omar
that's bullshit, man. girlfriend asked to
ride with me so she could learn from the
master. it ain't right that the student
gets as much as the master.
ray
word is that the student has gotten to be
as good as the master
omar
no fuckin' way. i taught her everything
she knows, but not half of what i know!
ray
tell you what, then. why not discuss it
with nate?
omar gets silent
omar
naw man, that's alright.
jade crosses to exit. omar follows.
omar (cont'd)
y'all gonna appreciate me one day!
ray
jade, take wants you to bring his car to
him at the park.
he tosses her the keys. she catches them and exits, followed
by omar.
int warehouse - night
omar follows jade down the steps. the benz is a shell.
omar
yo, jade, hold up!
jade continues toward a customized benz sl600 convertible.
omar (cont'd)
c'mon jade, don't be mad. it's just
business.
jade
i'm not mad, omar. the one thing i can
say about you is that it's easy to see
where you're coming from!
she moves to close the door. omar blocks it.
omar
let me come with you.
jade shakes her head "no".
omar (cont'd)
c'mon jade, i need to talk with
nate....(she stares at him) not about
money, i got something else i want to
talk with him about! no shit!
jade
(reluctantly)
...all right, come on.
she closes the door as omar hops in on the other side over
the closed door.(the top is down)
ext. inglewood park- night
the games are over. several players remain on the court -

joking and laughing, trying ridiculous shots.
mike and dave gather their gear.
nate is having a conversation with a small white man.
dave
what time is it?
mike
10:30 you need a ride?
dave
naw, i got this news pediatrics nurse
bringing me my car. i gotta call her.
(pulls out cell phone)
street baller2
damn, it's 10:30, my old lady's gonna
kill me. i told her i'd be home by 9
mike
new nurse, huh? have you worked your way
through the old staff already?
dave
gotta welcome the new employees, you know
that's my job! welcoming committee!
street baller3
(to street baller #2)
look man, you're doing it all wrong! you
gotta take charge of these bitches! you
gotta set the rules! this is the way it's
gonna be! dig?
street baller #5
silk, i told my son i'd ask you to come
by his school and talk to them. can you
schedule it?
street baller2
get the fuck outta here.
street baller3
i'm serious as a heart attack. you gotta
tell her straight up, otherwise she can't
possibly respect you!
nate
sure, call me office next week. i'll
schedule it.
a woman appears at the edge of the court. she appears to be
looking for someone. she sees street baller #3 and eyes him
impatiently.
street baller2
my woman don't play that shit.
street baller3
you gotta let her know whose got the
balls in the house!
street baller #5
thanks silk. i'm on this committee at
school,trying to get as many positive
role models as possible to come to
encourage the kids. they'll be thrilled!
nate
not a problem. give me a call.
woman
t.c.!
street baller #3 double takes. the woman stands with hands on

hips.
street baller3
oh shit! i'll be right there honey!
he tosses the ball to the others, gathers his gear and

sprints toward the woman. the others laugh.
street baller2
t.c.'s full of shit. he's always
like..."i'm the man", then she shows up
and he's like..."anything you say baby!"
all eyes turn as jade arrives in the sl600 benz and parks
with a slight tire squeal. she throws the door open and
strides proudly through the other players.
omar tries to perpetrate like he's with her. nobody notices

him. he diverts toward the courts.
dave
oh my god! it's jade!
mike glances at her without emotion.
dave (cont'd)
she works for silk. jade, you remember i
told you about her. the goddess who sold
me my porsche turbo.
mike
i remember something about that between
your obstetrician and hospital
administrator...
dave
man! i'd love to get with that!
jade strides to silk.
jade
your keys, sir!
(holding out the keys)
the man with silk is spellbound, with mouth agape.
nate
(puts his arms around her)
hey baby girl! how you doing?
jade
i'm doing well, nate.
nate
jade's my sales manager. best salesperson
in the company!
street baller #5
really? i...must get down there to see
what you sell.
omar
hey nate! nate!
nate glares toward omar, turns back to his conversation

dismissively.
nate
you should stop by. we don't get any
minivans in, but maybe jade can find
something for you.
omar
hey jade, check this out!
omar has a basketball, attempts to dribble behind his back

and shoot a jumper which falls short. jade rolls her eyes.
dave
man, i must have her. i tried everything
on her, but she was just not responding,
cordial, just not giving up any rhythm!
mike
i'll see you later.
dave
c'mon mike. just because you're engaged,
doesn't mean you can't look!
mike
i have a motion to write for tomorrow!
dave
you'll be needing a car soon!
they both turn to mike's 1985 cutlass.
dave (cont'd)
real soon!
mike
what did i tell you about making fun of
my car. my dad gave me that car!
dave
when you left for law school, i know, i
know! it's a family heirloom! don't you
think it's time to put it away for your
unborn children?
mike
she runs fine. there's no car note.
insurance is inexpensive...i'm outta
here.
dave
c'mon man please! maybe if i can break
the ice by introducing her to a potential
customer, maybe she'll show me that love!
mike looks at him with exasperation.
dave (cont'd)
please! mike c'mon!
mike
you're pitiful. i'm not buying a car just
so you can hook up! i have work to do.
i'll never get home!
i can't believe i'm spending the night in
a park in inglewood.
mike follows dave, who has already initiated conversation

with nate and jade.
jade gives street baller #5 a business card from her purse.
jade
call me. i'm sure i can find something
that suits you.
street baller #5
i'll bet you can!
(he catches nate's eye and
catches himself)
oops, silk, i'm sorry, i didn't mean
to...
nate
it ain't like that. jade's like my baby
sister so (mock threat) you'd better be
real careful!
they all laugh as dave approaches with mike trailing. omar is

still showing out on the court, trying, in vain to get jade's
attention.
omar
jade! jade!
he shoots and hits, but nobody's looking.
dave
jade! how you doing?
jade
pretty good, dave. how's that turbo
treating you?
dave
i'm having a ball!
street baller #5
see you silk, i'll call next week.
nate nods as he turns to leave. jade notices mike before he

joins the group and watches him approach as she and dave
talk.
jade appears to like what she sees. nate observes.
jade
(somewhat preoccupied)
bring it in for an check-up. i'll try to
work you in...
dave
maybe you'd like to take a spin...
(he notices that she's not
listening to him as mike
arrives)
oh yeah, this is my friend mike. he might
be a possible customer
jade turns on the full charm
jade
nice to meet you mike
mike
(lukewarm)
hello.
jade
you're looking for a new car?
mike
no, not really, dave's just trying to...
dave
(interrupts)
uh..i'm still working on him.
omar
jade, jade!
jade waves him off without looking
jade
(slipping him a card)
maybe i can do something for you.
mike takes the card, slightly amused. dave sees her

attraction for mike and is slightly peeved. a red cabriolet
pulls up and we hear the horn. the other guys stare slack
jawed as the attractive driver waves toward dave.
dave
(reluctantly)
there's my ride. good to see you jade.
maybe i'll see you when i bring the car
in.
horn blows again
dave (cont'd)
she likes the horn.
jade
o.k dave, i'll look for you.
dave grins and runs toward his car. he waves as he climbs in.
omar joins the group.
jade (cont'd)
so...mike.
mike
(abruptly)
nice meeting you. i gotta go, too. good
games silk, see you this weekend!
the park lights flicker.
nate
i guess we all gotta go.
mike head for his cutlass as nate, jade and omar head for the
benz.
mike reaches the car, fumbles with the key in the lock
mike
shit! not again!
mike struggles with his key in the lock.
nate and the group slowly ride by and u-turn in front of

mike's car.
jade, in the passenger seat, gives mike eye contact as they

pass.
mike, exasperated, finally gets the door open and throws his
stuff in the back seat.
int. courtroom - day
the judge reads the motion. mike stands as another deputy

sits beside him at the prosecutor's table. the defense
attorney and defendant are also standing. defendant is a
distinguished-looking gray haired caucasian male, 40's.
judge
has the defendant been fully counselled
as to his rights in the proposed plea
agreement and entered into it
voluntarily?
defendant
i have, your honor.
judge
any sentencing recommendations from the
prosecution?
mike
the prosecution recommends the maximum
allowable sentence.
the defendant is stunned and turns to his defense attorney.
defendant
what the hell's he doing? i though we
agreed...
the audience is heard buzzing.
defense attorney
(frantically protesting)
your honor, we had an agreement with the
prosecution that stipulated probation, no
jail time! the prosecution has breached
the terms of this agreement...
the judge slams the gavel down. mike is unmoved.
judge
order!
defense attorney
your honor, milton friedman is a well
respected member of his community,
involved in numerous social causes and
charities...
mike
who, in these plea negotiations,
represented that there were no additional
counts of fraud not covered by this
prosecution. we have since traced
additional sham credit unions back to the
defendant, which represent an additional
45 counts of fraud, which cost 45 hard
working innocent investors in this
community a total of $4.5 million in
savings and pension funds.
defense attorney
your honor, that's absurd! this is a
political move by an overzealous federal
prosecutor...
judge
counsel, be quiet. i'd like to hear this.
(turns to mike)
counsel, i'd like to see both sides, and
this new evidence in my chambers. fifteen
minute recess.
judge slams the gavel and exits.
bailiff
all rise
everybody stands.
int. chambers - day
mike hands the judge and defense counsel file folders of

evidence. they both read silently. the judge picks up the
plea agreement and turns to defense counsel, whose expression
indicates defeat and resignation.
judge
this seems pretty straight forward to me,
counsel. this is not covered under your
original agreement.
defense attorney
your honor, these credit unions failed as
a result of bad investments, a downturn
in the market...surely you cannot hold my
client responsible for...
judge
(interrupts, shaking his head)
your client withheld material evidence,
thereby voiding this plea agreement.
should the people choose to retry this,
they would be well within their rights.
mike
your honor, these additional 45 counts
would put the defendant behind bars for
up to 150 years, without the possibility
of parole. we would decline further
prosecution, provided that your honor
impose the maximum sentence that is
available based upon the plea agreement.
judge
any objections?
the defense attorney silently shakes his head.
int. courtroom - day
the defense counsel is having a heated discussion defendant

as the judge enters.
bailiff
all rise!
judge
(looks disgustedly at
defendant)
based upon this plea agreement, the
defendant was to receive probation and
community service.
in light of the new evidence that has
been presented, however, community
service would be not only completely
inappropriate in this case, it would
probably result in the first lynching in
l.a. in years should any of the defrauded
investors get wind of his whereabouts.
(laughter from the gallery)
i feel that community would be best
served if i impose the maximum available
sentence, 25 years to life with parole
consideration in 35 years as well as
restitution from mr. friedman's
liquidated assets. this court is
adjourned.
the gallery cheers. judge slams the gavel, glares at

defendant, then exits. defendant is escorted from the
courtroom. mike and his second chair nod in approval.
bailiff
all rise!
the defense counsel approaches mike, shaking is head.

defense attorney
mike, i swear, i had no idea about those
credit unions when i agreed to the plea
agreement but damn!, what political
office are you running for?
mike
he's lucky we decided not to move on
those additional counts. your client
could rot away in prison and that would
be just fine with me. and i'm not running
for anything.
defense counsel pats mike on the shoulder and exits, as mike

disappears through the crowd, shaking the hands of well
wishers as he goes.
int. u.s. attorney's office -day
mike strides down the hall. as he passes an office, his

supervisor, bob freeman, calls to him. mike sits and waits
while bob finishes his phone conversation. the office walls
are filled with photos of bob with prominent figures.
bob
look, i'm a federal prosecutor, not a
politician. yes, i've been approached
about running for mayor, but i'm not so
inclined. we have some major cases and i
plan to see them through. no further
comment.
bob (cont'd)
reporters!...hey mike, you're creating
quite a track record for yourself! larry
drake is real upset about getting
ambushed today!
mike
well imagine how someone like mr. juan
rodriguez must feel, five years from
retirement, having to take a second job
to replace the money that was keeping his
son in college, while friedman's wife and
kids live in a palm springs palace.
larry's lucky that we declined further
prosecution.
bob
good job! how's your caseload? i've got
another case that may be right up your
alley.
mike
it just so happens that i was about to
ask for something with more of a
challenge. most of this stuff is chicken
shit.
bob
(sliding a thick file across
his desk to mike)
take a look at this and give me your
thoughts.
mike
what is it?
bob
a pending fbi/irs investigation into a
possible rico, organized crime money
laundering operation.
mike
that's what i'm talking about!
bob
thought you might approve. we want to
take this to a grand jury for indictments
in 30 days, so you'll need to put this on
the front burner.
mike
i'm all over it!
he grabs the file and heads for the door, but pauses.
mike (cont'd)
so...are you running for mayor?
bob
(shrugs his shoulders)
who knows? i got my feelers out. you get
me this prosecution and that would help.
perhaps you'll take this desk if that
happens.
mike
i hear you.
fade to:
int museum - night
a black tie soiree - affluent-looking people are sip drinks

and schmooze. waiters and waitresses move amongst them with
finger food and drinks. chamber music is heard in the
background.
snooty woman
there's stuart finebaum...founding
partner of finebaum, wetzel and crane.
extremely well-connected, low profile.
man #2
i hear that bob freemen is still playing
cat and mouse with the press.
man #3
...and the democratic party, i might add.
snooty woman #2
the mayor's nervous
man #2
and for good reason
mike and his fiancee lynn dixon, attractive aa female, 30's,

laugh with another couple. lynn displays an air of self
possession and aloofness.
brenda
so, lynn, have you two set a date yet?
lynn
we're still in negotiations.
she and brenda exchange knowing smiles.
ed
uh oh, take it from me, this lady of
yours can be very tough negotiator.
mike
tell me about it. deciding where to go to
have dinner is like the camp david
accord.
ed
there's david harris...honey, i want to
talk with him before we square off in
court next week.
brenda
duty calls. lynn, give me a call, we'll
do lunch next week.
lynn
i will
the couple moves off. a woman waves from across the room.
snooty woman #3
mike, lynn! i'm working my way over to
you.
lynn
hi sandy!
mike nods and waves his drink.
int. mike's condo -evening
very light on furniture and heavy on stereo equipment,

television and computer.
mike flips through documents until his attention turns to a

tab called marked "exoticars" mike frowns and pauses.
he reads another document that lists as co-owners, "nate

davis" and "ray boyle".
he picks up and dials the phone.
int. dave's game room - evening
a phone rings and the phone lights up and flashes.
dave and his date, a beautiful young aa woman, play a video

game on a huge television in dave's large and elaborately
equipped game room that looks like an adult amusement park.
they both wear toy space helmets. the music is too loud.
dave and his date are preoccupied with the game. she loses a
round and sits back disappointed. she notices the phone
flashing and nudges dave.
dave
just when i was about to kill off the
last of your army! to the victor go the
spoils! i'm about to collect mine!
(fondling her breast)
she pushes away his hand.
date
just answer your phone.
dave uses a remote to answer the phone and yells to it from

across the room. his date resumes the game with renewed
determination.
dave
i'm not on call! leave me alone!
mike
what? what did you say? dave. it's mike.
dave uses the same remote to turn down the stereo. the video
game sounds are audible.
dave
mike, is that you? what do you want?
mike
sorry to interrupt star wars night. i
have a question for you...
date
got you, sucker!
dave
(watching date)
dammit, she got one of my cruisers.
mike
what's the name of nate davis' car
dealership?
date
yes!
she hikes up her skirt in excitement to reveal phat thighs.
dave
(preoccupied)
damn! you should see what i'm seeing...
mike did you say something?
mike
(patiently)
the name of nate davis' car dealership
is...?
dave is watching his date wiggle with excitement.
date
exotic...
mike
exoticars?
dave
yeah, exoticars...
mike
in beverly hills?
the video game makes a loud exploding noise. date jumps out
of her chair as she wins. she turns to dave, looking like a
wild woman.
date
to the victor go the spoils!
dave
mike, gotta go!
he disconnects by remote while turning up the music.
int. mike's condo - evening
mike blinks as the phone clicks in his ear. he stares at the

file for a few seconds before rifling through his gym bag to
retrieve jade's card.
he returns to the sofa and tosses the card on the file. lynn
peeks out of the bedroom doorway. she wears a nightgown and
appears to have been sleeping.
lynn
mike!...(no response) mike!
mike
hey baby, what are you doing up?
lynn
what are you doing up? it's after one.
mike
i'm going over this new case that i was
telling you about.
lynn
(yawning)
the money laundering thing...
mike nods and turns back to the file. lynn watches him for a
few seconds before quietly walking to him and wrapping her
arms around him.
lynn (cont'd)
(rubbing her breasts against
his back)
i don't know, mike, it doesn't say much
for my abilities when i can't keep you in
bed with me for the whole night.
mike
lynn... (she kisses the back of his neck)
i...just wanted...(she kisses his ear) to
go through this file...(she rubs his
stomach while kissing his cheek) before
morning...
lynn
hmmm. my workaholic fiancee. what am i
going to do with you?
she plants a kiss on the side of his mouth. he turns slightly

to respond. as the kiss deepens, she breaks it off and steps
back.
lynn (cont'd)
come to bed.
she backs down the hall. locking eyes with mike, she slides
out of her gown and steps into the darkness of the hallway.
mike jumps up and rushes into the bedroom, shedding clothes
along the way. lynn giggles.
int. mike's bedroom - night
mike, half asleep, pulls lynn closer and snuggles. lynn is

awake. she turns and looks at him for awhile before speaking.
mike feels her gaze and opens his eyes.
mike
what's the matter baby?
lynn
we should really go ahead and set the
date.(beat) everybody keeps asking me...
mike
everybody?
lynn
okay, my parents, my sisters, our
friends...me. we all want to know when
we're getting married.
mike
i thought we agreed that i was going to
get really established at the u.s.
attorney's office first.
lynn
mike, you've been there two years with a
90% conviction rate. you have the full
support of your boss. what else to you
need to be established?
mike
i need that big signature case yet, you
know? the case that puts me in the legal
journals. i get these little white collar
crime convictions, but to really
establish myself, i need the big news
conference case.
lynn sighs and moves away from him.
lynn
i'm shooting at a moving target! why
cant' we just set a date and be done with
it if you're sure that you want to marry
me? or is that the problem?
mike
lynn this is what we talked about and
dreamed about since law school.
he pulls her back toward him
mike (cont'd)
i'd have never gotten through law school
without your love and support.
lynn
then set a date! if that's what you
really want, set the date!
mike hesitates. lynn angrily gets out of bed and begins to

get dressed.
mike
lynn, what are you doing?
lynn
i'm going home.
mike
it's 3am.
lynn
i will not wait around with my wedding
date contingent upon the u.s. attorney
anointing you with a big case.
she gathers her things as mike scrambles from the bed. he

fumbles for his clothes.
mike
at least let me take you home.
lynn
i have my car, remember?
she exits from the room. mike scurries after her.
cut to:
ext mike's building - night
lynn strides toward her car. mike catches up with her.
mike
lynn, can we talk about this? don't go,
baby let's...
lynn opens the door and climbs in.
lynn
i'll be making arrangements. if you want
to be a part of this, let me know! if
not, let me know soon!
mike
lynn!
she starts the car and begins to back out. mike blocks her
path.
mike (cont'd)
lynn, at least call me when you get home.
she glares at him with the fury!
mike (cont'd)
i just want to know that you got home
safely!
lynn
mike, i swear you can really piss me off
sometimes!
she burns rubber as she takes off. mike look on with dismay
and perhaps, a touch of relief.
int u.s. attorney's office -day
mike drops the file on bob's desk.
bob
so what do you think?
mike
that's one hell of a case.
bob
it's a press conference case. it's very
high profile, a make or break prosecution
with international ramifications.
mike
well there may be a problem, a conflict
for me.
bob
what?
mike
i've had contact with one of the subjects
of the case. with all of your civic
involvements, you've probably met him,
too.
bob
who?
mike
nate davis. remember him from the n.b.a
finals two years ago? he hits a game
seven ending 3 pointer.
bob
i shared a dais with him at the "who's
who in corporate america" luncheon. so
where's the conflict? you know him well?
mike
not well. i just met him, in fact,
playing pick up basketball in inglewood.
bob
i don't see any conflic. have you
socialized off the court?
mike
no.
bob
he's not a family member. does he know
what you do?
mike
no, it's just a bunch of guys playing
basketball.
bob
i know you won't disclose anything to
him. what's the problem.
mike
it just seems to me that there is a
conflict. i'll be playing basketball with
this guy every week during this thing.
bob
you know my signature case was the
meisner banking fraud indictment.
i sent howie meisner to the federal pen.
he's a member of my club. i'd see him on
weekends on the golf course after
grilling him in court all week. same
thing. no conflict whatsoever.
mike
but this is nate "silk" davis. i mean...
this man's a hero...
bob
oh, i get it. he's a hero in the african
american community, a role model. so if
he breaks the law, he should get a pass
because he's a celebrity?
mike
well...no.
bob
look, i understand the cultural
implications here, but you've been on me
about getting a high profile case. it
won't get any higher than this one. you
pass on this one and...who knows?
mike
i know, bob.
bob
besides, perhaps your weekend basketball
games may reveal some information about
him, his associates...i'm not paying you
overtime for that. (laughs)
mike nods his head, picks up the file and exits.

ext. mike's building - morning
mike waits impatiently by his car. dave pulls up in his

cabriolet. mike activates the garage door opener while
tapping on his watch as dave drives into the garage. he
climbs out of his car and sprints to mike's car. dave
struggles with the door handle, mike opens it from the
inside.
dave
another of the many things to get fixed
on this old...
mike
shut up, you're late!
dave
you damned right i'm late. who's idea was
it to play ball 8am on a saturday?
mike
it's after nine now, besides, you've got
nothing better to do on a sat. morning.
dave
(looks at him with disbelief)
listen dickwad, this is the first
saturday i've had off in a month. nothing
else to do? what did you do this week,
send a couple of embezzlers to club fed?
i performed three c-sections, and
flawlessly, i might add! my car was
broken into at l.a. county hospital. i
had to replace my dashboard.
mike
(amused)
poor baby. you want a hug?
dave
fuck you!
they both laugh.
dave (cont'd)
just drive! at least we're taking your
car. nobody's breaking into a car with an
am radio.
mike
hey, what did i tell you. my dad...
dave
...gave you the car when you went to law
school i know, i know!
cut to:
ext inglewood park - morning
mike pulls into a parking space facing the main court. there
are several games going on. omar plays on a side court. jade
is sitting on the sideline, dressed to impress.
dave jumps out of the car before it comes to a stop.
dave
jade!
mike fumbles with the lock, then follows. dave sits on the
bench next to jade.
dave (cont'd)
how are you doing, jade?
jade
i'm fine dave.
dave
i know that, i asked how you're doing!
they both laugh. mike approaches. jade looks him up and down.
mike
morning.
he passes her and sits by dave. jade isn't used to being

snubbed by a man.
jade
morning.
dave
you're up early, i thought you'd be the
type to party late, sleep in late,
y'know, get that beauty sleep.
mike smirks at dave's lame attempts. the game ends, another

group of players takes the court
jade
no, i'm up pretty early. i don't need
much beauty sleep.
street baller #2
y'all in or not?
dave
and that's a fact
mike
dave, let's go.
dave heads for the court where omar and others shoot around.
dave
thanks for helping me get my car fixed.
jade
anytime.
dave runs to catch mike on the court
ext. inglewood park b-ball - day
mike
(mimics dave)
y'know, get in that beauty sleep?
dave
hey man, i figure she needs 10-12 hours a
night.
mike
what she needs is 10-12 hours to get that
hair and those long ass nails done.
jade hears the comments. she watches them as they play and
purses her lips in a determined fashion.
a less than typical inglewood park game; run, shoot, miss,

swear. omar is, as usual, more mouth than substance.
omar
ball! ball!
the ball is passed to omar, who goes in for an awkward move,

which is swatted.
omar (cont'd)
he fouled me!
(as he chases the play and they
all ignore him)
the ball is passed to mike, who walks the ball into the
frontcourt. he accelerates through an opening, with omar
waiting to block the shot. mike fakes a shot, sending omar
flying as he passes to dave for an easy lay up.
mike
yeah, baby!
omar
shit! play d y'all.
he and dave slap hands. omar glares at them as he catches his

breath. mike's eyes meet jades' who nods approvingly.
the game nears its end. omar makes a hard-fought basket. mike
hits a jumper, glances toward jade.
omar senses this interplay and over plays. instead of hitting

an open man, he attempts a shot that is blocked cleanly. omar
steps to the player who blocked the shot. (face to face)
omar
motherfucker!
street baller 4
boy, don't step to me unless you ready to
do something!
omar
you'd better stay outta my face!
dave
hey! hey! it's just a game!
street baller 4
tell this asshole that.
omar
don't make me have to fuck you up!
street baller 4
what?
dave
brothers! brothers! can't we all just get
along?
street baller #2
take it off the court! we're out here to
play!
mike
(to street baller #5)
let's switch off. you take him.
street baller #5
(glaring at omar)
yeah.
omar glances at jade, who displays her disgust with a single

look, then gets up and leaves. omar turns back to face mike,
who looks him dead in the eye, expressionless.
ext. inglewood park parking lot - day
jade is at mike's car. she opens the locked door after a

struggle. she slides into the front seat and pops the hood.
she starts to slide out, but first, she opens the glove
compartment. she quickly examines the contents, pulls out a
repair invoice with mike's name and phone number and puts it
in her purse. she starts the engine.
the winning basket is hit, the game is over. mike turns to

look for jade - sees an empty bench. he and dave approach the
bench to sit, dave notices that mike's hood is raised.
dave
mike
(pointing toward the car)
mike
aww shit!
he takes off running toward the car.
dave
i'll grab your stuff.
he grabs mike's bag and follows at a safe distance.
mike
hey, get the...
mike stops in his tracks as soon as he recognizes the legs

and figure leaning under the hood of the running car. jade
straightens up and wipes her hands on an oily rag.
jade
you really should get this steam cleaned.
mike
what?
jade
it's a good engine., a small block 350,
one of the last really good engines
general motors made.
ext. inglewood park courts - day
omar looks for jade, sees her with mike in the parking lot.
ext inglewood park parking lot - day
mike
(still confused but fascinated)
i like it.
jade
i can remember when this model came out.
mike
you're kidding right? you couldn't have
been more than...
jade
twelve...
dave arrives, winded.
dave
jade? what are you...?
jade
just checking out this soon to be
classic.
dave
you're kidding! this?
jade
mike, you really should bring this into
the shop. we have a guy who can have it
running like new.
mike
maybe i will.
omar pulls up and stops with the tires screeching. he throws

the door open for jade.
jade
i made a couple of adjustments for you.
jade gets into the car.
jade (cont'd)
sometimes long nails come in handy.
she shuts the door. omar pulls off. mike and dave are both
dumbfounded.
int. ray's office -night
ray and nate inspect two cash-filled suitcases.
nate
how much?
ray
about a million five.
nate
from cabrera in mexico?
ray
yeah. cabrera's people pay on delivery,
unlike those goddamned desarian brothers.
nate
are we still having trouble with them?
ray
it's like dealing with fuckin'
barbarians. i was so glad to get away
from those fuckin camel jockeys. i though
the cubans were animals but they're just
not like us. they just don't understand
the american way of transacting business.
nate
so, fuck 'em. no more orders from the
desarians. we have more than we can
handle anyway.
nate locks the cases and walks toward the door. he opens it
and calls to orencio. orencio sits quietly, watching the
activity in the shop.
nate (cont'd)
orencio, esto va al cheque que cobra
lugar en compton.
(this goes to the check cashing place in compton)
orencio takes the cases, nods and leaves.
ray
this is a sweet operation you built.
dollars exchanged to pesos, deposited
into secure caribbean accounts! you've
got it all figured out, nate.
nate looks out over the shop. he watches as a baby seat and
other belongings are dislodged from a lexus suv.
nate
sure, now, maybe. not a few years ago...
ray
so, you got overextended. it happens. i'm
been real impressed and so is my brother.
let's just say that he's happy with his
investment.
nate watches men preparing to paint a car. he masks the

windows and chrome.
ray (cont'd)
my brother's a big fan. he likes working
with an american hero.
nate turns serious, pensive.
nate
yeah...hero.
ray punches the computer keyboard and prints a sheet.
ray
cabrero's people ordered this ferrari
daytona about a week ago from our
website. our spotters located one in bel
air. it's been cased out.
nate
who's picks it up?
ray
well marco's been asking for a pickup.
his old lady's remodeling, he needs cash.
nate
who's driving chase?
ray
how about jade. i really like the way she
operates. patient! smart. she knows the
city real good.
nate
she doesn't know bel air. i don't want
her out there. too high profile. too
risky.
ray
she seems like she can handle it.
nate
i said i don't want her out there!
ray
okay, okay!..how about something in santa
monica. she can ride with omar. she's the
only one who can handle him anyway.
nate
when's the last time you pulled a test on
him?
ray
last thursday! he was clean. he's just
one crazy sonofabitch!
nate
he's not as crazy as you think...any word
from cabrero on that shipment of
ferrari's into long beach?
ray
all he knows is that it'll be coming in
the next 2 weeks.
nate
stay on cabrero. tell jade to stop be
when she gets her assignment.
int. exoticars showroom - day
jade moves among the cars, customers and salesmen. she heads
for nate's office, a well appointed, sculpture and art-filled
environment with a glass wall overlooking the showroom.
int. nate's office - day
nate has a customer in his office, a young yuppie type. they

stand up and shake hands. the door opens automatically as
they approach it.
nate
if you have any problems whatsoever, call
me and i'll send someone to your home or
office to either pick it up, or repair it
on site. your choice.
yuppie customer
as much as it cost me, that's the least
you can do.
nate
look at it this way. you're the only one
on your job with an aston martin volante!
we pulled the strings for you to get it
through customs. what else can i do to
make you happy?
jade waits outside for nate to usher the man out.
yuppie customer
there is one thing...
nate stares at him for a second.
yuppie customer (cont'd)

well. i was wondering...i play pick up
ball at sports club l.a....i was
wondering if you would drop by sometime
for a game. the guys would get a real
kick out of it!
nate
...why not? let me know when you play,
i'll try to fit it in.
yuppie customer
that would be fantastic. i know how busy
you are, but wow, to play ball with
"silk" davis.
nate
yeah, well. keep in touch.
(as nate shows him out the
door)
yuppie customer
i will, i will!
nate
(desperate to get rid of the
yuppie)
jade! what can i do for you?
jade
you wanted to see me, remember?
nate
that's right, come on in.
(to yuppie)
take it easy man.
yuppie customer
(ogling jade)
yeah, you too.
nate closes and locks the door behind him.
ext. sidewalk cafe -afternoon
mike and lynn are lead to a table close to the sidewalk. mike
holds the chair for lynn, then sits.
mike
please bring us some evian with a lemon
twist. i'm surprised you agreed to meet.
lynn
i was telling daddy about your latest
case. he says that the publicity from a
case like that one should allow you to
write your own ticket.
mike
so bob keeps reminding me.
lynn
you have your signature case. does that
mean that i can tell my family that we're
setting a date?
mike hesitates.
int. nate's office -day
nate
you're looking good, jade.
jade
i try.
nate
(holding up some papers)
you're my top salesperson every month. i
just wanted you to know that i'm proud of
you, the way you've grown up.
jade
thank you for the opportunity. it's a
great job, plenty of excitement, and i
love l.a.!
nate
you don't miss brooklyn?
jade
what's to miss?
ext sidewalk cafe - day
lynn
the real reason i wanted to meet with you
is that daddy wants to talk with you.
mike looks apprehensive
lynn (cont'd)
not about that. one of his golf partners
is interested in you.
the waiter arrives with water and bread.
mike
interested in me?
lynn
it could be you. he's looking for a
bright young african american with a
proven litigation background to join the
in house legal staff at synergy
technology.
mike
synergy technology? that's the firm being
sued by epa for illegal dumping in that
black town in louisiana?
lynn
i don't know all the details. daddy just
said they're looking for...
mike
i know. a young african american attorney
with a proven litigation background"
doesn't it seem to you like there's
something wrong with this picture?
lynn gives him a puzzled look as the waiter approaches.
nate
have you heard from your mother?
jade
yeah, i wired her some money about a week
ago. i called to see if she got it and
got an answering machine.
nate
is she still with sonny dove?
jade
yeah, as soon as he gets that front
office job, he's gonna leave his wife and
they'll get married. i've been hearing
that for years!
nate
don't be too hard on jackie. she'll
always need someone to take care of her.
jade
i'm glad that's not hereditary
nate
(laughs and shakes his head)
ouch! you haven't lost your chip. when i
first met you, you were the toughest 10
year old i had ever met! i'd hate to be
the one who crosses you!
jade
momma was the romantic in the family. i
was always the realist. still am.
ext. sidewalk cafe - day
the waiter takes their orders.
waiter
any dessert?
mike
no thanks.
the waiter nods and leaves.
lynn
anyway, i figure you can get details from
daddy at sunday dinner.
mike has a blank look
lynn (cont'd)
you didn't forget, did you?
mike
i'll be honest with you. i had. i really
need to put some time in on this case.
lynn
(growing impatient)
among other things, the folks want to
discuss our wedding plans so they can
make the necessary arrangements!
mike
lynn, you take care of...
lynn
i'm not doing this alone, mike. why do i
feel like i'm dragging you into this?...,
after seven years! this is not the way i
want it to be. if you can't take the time
to be involved...
mike
you and your sisters...
lynn
this has nothing to do with my sisters.
i'm talking about you and me! all of a
sudden, we're not on the same page about
what we want. what's going on?
mike
lynn, what do you want from me?
lynn
how can you ask me that? i've been
telling you that since we met. i want a
husband who adores and respects me! i
want a comfortable home! i want children!
i want what my parents have. why is that
suddenly a problem for you?
mike
the "comfortable" home you're talking
about is some $1.5 million palace in
palos verdes estates...
lynn
i don't recall putting a price tag on a
home.
mike
you know what i mean... like what your
parents have.
lynn
oh, i think i know where this is
going...and?
mike
and, i like my job! i'm not going to make
that kind of money working for the
government to live at that level...
lynn
that's why i work in house corporate...
mike
and what happens when we have children
and you want to stay home for a few
years?
with a child and that huge mortgage, i'll
have no choice but to go corporate.
lynn
you say it like it's a bad thing.
mike
that's not my choice!
lynn
and where do you propose that we live, in
south central l.a., with gangs and drive
by's.
mike
it's not all about gangs and...
lynn
don't you even try it!
mike
you act as if there's no middle ground!
i just don't want to raise my kids out
there in some fairyland. i want them
exposed to diverse cultures and real
life.
lynn
that's our responsibility!
mike
we'll be so busy working paying a huge
mortgage...
lynn
wait. your logic is eluding me! (beat)
when you took this job, you said it was
only going to be for a couple of years...
mike
right, i was going to do a couple of
years, gain the experience that would
allow me to get a top-level corporate
job. well, i've changed my mind...i like
this challenge.
lynn
and how long will this phase last?
mike
...i don't know.
there is silence. the waiter arrives with the lunches.
lynn
thank you.
lynn stares at the plate.

nate
what about omar? seems like there's some
romance there.
jade
(shakes her head)
we went out once. he reminded me too much
of every guy i've ever gone out with.
nate
ray thinks he's crazy. it may be time to
cut him loose.
jade
he does a good job of bringing
inventory...i've learned a lot from him.
nate
he profiles too much. he presents too
much risk. there's a lot at stake here -
a lot of other people involved.
jade
he's just a little wild...he's hyper!
nate
chemicals?
jade pauses. they lock eyes. she half shrugs. the phone
rings, nate reaches to answer it. jade gets up.
nate (cont'd)
i'm not finished...yeah, put him through.
jade sits.
ext. sidewalk cafe - day
mike
now the silent treatment. talk to me!
lynn
this isn't about the job, or where to
raise our children, isn't it?
mike
ah, lynn, can we not get into...
lynn
it always comes back to this. mike, i
thought i'd convinced you that i would
never do to you what your mother did to
your dad.
mike
leave my dad out of this. he's a...
lynn
a good man! a wonderful father! the kind
of father that i hope that you will be.
ever since i met you, i've been trying to
resolve that fear.
mike
lynn, i love and respect you. i know
you'd never...
lynn
you've got to trust me, mike. it's not
just me, you're afraid to trust any
woman.
mike
that's not true. we've been together for
7 years!
lynn
i know. that's why i can say that. i
think we need to take time to regroup. i
understand what you feel about making
things better. i have my pro bono cases
and charity work, but this is not what we
planned.
mike
plans change.
lynn
no, i think we need to think about
whether we're headed in the same
direction. don't worry about sunday
dinner...i'll... call you.
she walks away, leaving mike with two plates of food. he

stares at them.
mike
lynn!
she stops, stares at him, keeps walking.
nate hangs up the phone, turns to jade.
nate
well? is it?
jade
it's coke and heroin.
nate
and that's just what i don't need! i
almost lost my shirt three years ago to
keep this dealership afloat. now i got
the chicago boyle brothers as partners
and that's not what i had in mind when i
started this. i just want to buy them out
and i don't need no internal shit getting
in the way. keep an eye on him. if he
doesn't kool out, i want to know!
jade
nate, you know i'm no rat...
nate
what did i tell you about accountability?
jade
i am responsible. i do my job. i keep my
mouth shut. i'm loyal...
nate
loyal to whom? you're a realist, so
believe in this 'cause this is as real as
it gets...if he or anybody else fucks
with this, the hammer comes down and i
ask no questions!
jade
what are you gonna do?
he stares at her. she trembles as she looks back.
jade (cont'd)
i don't want anybody to get hurt. i left
n.y. to escape that shit.
nate
hey, you wanted in. you're in! the main
thing to being in is that you do as i
tell you, and i'm only telling you once!
got it? accountability!
she nods. he waits for her to compose herself, then pushes

the button to open the doors. she stands up and leaves.
int. mike's condo - night
mike studies the file, making notes. he sits back and stares
at the phone. he reaches over and dials.
int. lynn's apartment - night
we see lynn reading as the phone rings. the machine picks up.
mike (v.o.)
lynn, this is my fourth message, not
counting the two i left at your office.
give me a call, okay?
he hangs up and wanders into the kitchen, gets a beer and

sprawls on the sofa. he turns on the television, but doesn't
watch it. he reaches for the phone and dials.
int. dave's fitness room - night
the fitness room has every imaginable weight machine, stair

machine, treadmill, etc. dave and bambi, 20's, attractive
caucasian woman, exercise to blaring pop music. she is young
and energetic, he is winded. the phone rings and he stumbles
to pick it up.
dave
mike, thank god! what's up?
mike
what are you doing that got you so
winded? should i even ask?
dave
hold on...bambi, turn that down please.
she nods as she dances over to hit the remote. as she turns
it down, she waves to him.
mike
are you dating a deer, now?
dave
aerobics instructor. what's up, man?
mike
aw man, i really screwed up with lynn
today. she's bigtime pissed at me.
dave
what happened?
mike
i let her know that i wasn't into
pursuing any kind of high pay corporate
gig right now and she's questioning
everything that we planned.
dave
damn! you told her the truth? what's the
matter with you?
mike
i guess i did, then she started with all
that not trusting her, and my dad and mom
and...
dave
time to let it go, man!
mike
my dad taught me to honor and respect
women...
dave
mike, i'm not arguing with you. being
taught something and having it actually
work are two different things sometimes.
i've been there. let's see..."you need
time apart to think...you're not headed
in the same direction...
mike
that's it! i've been leaving messages...
dave
let it go!
mike
i can't just "let it go" we've been
together for...
dave
i don't care how long you've been
together. you never took the time to
play!
mike
that's your style, dave, it was never
mine.
dave
look mike, you haven't even dabbled. you
got to l.a., caught up in law school,
then the trophy fiancee straight up.
lynn's right. you both need time apart.
figure out what you want...what she
wants. if it's the same thing you'll get
back together, if not...
mike
since when did you become the
philosopher?
dave
man, i fall in love every day. i have to
be philosophical!
bambi dances over and pulls dave to his feet.

(jogging in place) give some
space for a few days, then try
to call her. in the mean
while, just kool out, have
some fun...i'm out!
mike disconnects. he glances up at the basketball game and

notices nate being interviewed. he turns up the volume.
jim gray
we found nate "silk" davis in the
audience. how are you, nate?
nate
pretty good, jim. i'm just glad to be
here and not out there playing.
jim gray
it's been a brutal game. it hasn't been
long since you retired. is it more
physical than you remember?
nate
well, a few years ago each team had an
enforcer, maybe one or two physical guys,
but not the whole team. you got to deal
it the way its being dealt to you. if
they play you physically, you can't back
down.
jim gray
that is the name of the game, isn't it?
physical! good seeing you "silk". back to
you marv.
mike
(picks up the file)
this ain't no game, silk!
the phone rings
female voice
hi
mike
lynn! baby, i've been calling...
female voice
nope. guess again...it's jade.
mike
jade!
jade
remember me? from inglewood
park...exoticars.
mike
yeah. what can i do for you, jade?
jade
i was calling to see if there is anything
i can do for you.
mike
excuse me?
jade
your car. do you want my mechanic to work
on it? he says that if you can bring it
in this week, he'll look at it.
mike
oh yeah. can i get back to you?
jade
sure, you have my card. give me a call.
mike
sure, hey how did you get my...
jade disconnects
jade
...my number? that was weird.
int. u.s. attorney's office - day
fbi agents brief mike, bob and other ausa's around a table
agent #1
we've followed this man, orencio lopez
(shows a slide of orencio)
for the past 3 months. he's the bag man
for the organization. he transports cash
to a network of check cashing, currency
exchange storefronts.
mike
they are not regulated as banks, so
oversight is very lax. they handle
millions of dollars every month.
bob
so, how does the money leave the country?
agent #1
once the check cashing places deposit the
funds in their business accounts, a
portion is given back to the bagmen in
cashier's checks, the rest is converted
to pesos and euros, then transported over
the mexican border through their mexican
connections. the boyle brothers have a
labyrinth of fictitious companies set up
for these transfers.
ausa #1
where are they getting all this money
from?
agent #1
cash payments from the sale of stolen
exotic cars and parts. we suspect that
this is just the tip of the iceberg,
since this ring fills orders from around
the world, we suspect that overseas
buyers make their payments directly to
accounts either in the caribbean, mexico
or switzerland.
bob
no other surveillance subjects?
agent #1
no, and we've tried to get people into
the body shop. nate davis and his people
are very close knit. no outsiders get
inside.
mike
what would you need to know?
agent #1
the basic layout. we need pictures of
known stolen cars or their parts.
mike
i may be able to get inside.
everybody in the room turns to mike.
agent #1
how?
mike
i have an opportunity to have my car
worked on by one of their mechanics. i
really hadn't taken it seriously...
bob
that's great! there we go!
mike
wait! i don't have the first idea of what
to look for...
agent #1
we'll brief you. anything you might get
will help.
bob
so you guys brief mike and set it up. i
see the headlines now..."assistant u.s.
attorney leads undercover operation on
car theft ring led by nba superstar!"
the others chuckle. mike is not amused.
bob (cont'd)
if there are no other questions, we're
done here.
the meeting breaks up, the others gather papers and exit.
mike stops bob.
mike
can we talk?
bob
sure
mike
i just want to make sure that our
objectives are clear here.
bob
sure, get the bad guys. what's the
problem?
mike
is splashing nate davis through the media
for profile more important to you than
making sure we have a solid case? i've
studied the file. the evidence is largely
circumstantial. we have nothing that ties
nate to any wrongdoing. do we even know
that nate knows what's going on his body
shop?
bob
mike, you gotta be kidding me.
mike
as an african american man, i just don't
want it to look like i'm going after this
guy because he's highly visible,
successful and african american man.
bob
you know there's more to it than that!
mike
i know, but it's the appearance that
concerns me. i know i was assigned this
case for political reasons. an african
american prosecutor is perhaps more
palatable to a jury when an african
american defendant is concerned...
bob
that never entered into it.
mike
and nate davis, an american icon, a
symbol of african american success, owns
one of the showplace dealerships in a
town that worships cars...
bob
no he doesn't.
mike
no?
bob
he's a figurehead. three years ago, he
nearly filed chapter 11, then overnight,
he had a cash infusion. he's a front.
mike
for whom? why was this not mentioned in
the file?
bob
we made an agreement with the bureau to
restrict our investigation to local
activities. nate davis is very well
connected. we can afford no leaks and no
stepping on bureau toes. the bureau has
been tracking the boyle brothers as part
of their organized crime task force. they
hope that our investigation of exoticars
will turn up the direct link with the
boyles, part of the chicago wing of the
gambino crime family.
mike
you mean this is all about some chicago
mobsters?
bob
ray boyle has been in town since the
bailout.
mike
i think it's about time for me to know
everything.
bob
agent smith will brief you.
mike strolls into the showroom and becomes dazzled by the

collection of six figure price tag exotics.
jade is talking with the other salesmen and notices him. her
expression changes. she rushes over, delighted.
jade
hey!
mike
i decided to take you up on your offer.
jade
good! you won't regret it...i'll call
john and see if i can have the car sent
over.
mike
over where?
jade
the shop is in compton.
mike
can i see it?
jade
(shaking her head)
nothing to see. it's just a shop. i'll be
right back.
she goes to the phone and dials. mike strolls around the
shop. she sees nate in his office. nate doesn't notice him.
the phone rings, nate answers.
nate
nate davis...tammy! long time no see. how
are you doing with your fine self? what's
new at the courthouse?
mike walks past and waves. nate nods back. nate watches jade
on the phone. she watches mike as she talks.
nate (cont'd)
(turning his back to the
showroom)
what?...how long have they been
investigating?...when are they going to
the grand jury?...shit! i need that
document you found. how about dinner
tonight? no baby, you know it's not just
the paper i want. i'll see you tonight
and i'll have a special gift. thank you,
baby. i'll pick you up at 8.
(disconnects)
nate looks concerned.
jade hangs up and finds mike.
jade
everything's okay. i can have the car
taken over.
mike
sure i can't go with it?
jade
it's just a shop. judging from your car,
mechanics is not your specialty. don't
worry, my guys will take good care of it.
mike
how do i get back to work?
jade
we always provide transportation for our
clients
mike
i'm impressed.
jade
dealerships have changed a lot in fifteen
years.
mike
very funny.
they exit the showroom.
int. u.s. attorney's office - day
mike steps out of his office, papers in hand, and heads down
the hall to the secretarial pool.
mike
tammy, i can't figure out which...
he stops. lynn is there.
tammy
look who's here, mike.
mike
lynn!
lynn
i was in the building...i stopped to say
hello to tammy. i gotta get back, now.
mike
let me walk with you.
he takes her arm, they walk to the elevators.
int. u.s. attorney's office hallway- day
they stand next to a group of chattering women. lynn averts

her eyes from mike.
int. u.s. attorney's office lobby- day
the group spills out into the lobby, followed by mike and
lynn.
mike
we need to talk
lynn
mike, we've talked enough for now.
mike
lynn, it's not...
she quickly steps into the revolving door. he follows. they

exit the building. he stops her on the front steps.
mike (cont'd)
wait lynn, we need to set things right.
lynn
i don't think i misunderstood you the
other day. do we have a wedding date?
we hear a car horn.
mike
no, it's not as simple as...
lynn
it's very simple. yes or no?
mike
i think we can work this through.
lynn
and when you change your plans about our
future again? what am i supposed to do?
car horn blows
jade (o.s.)
mike!
mike is slightly distracted.
mike
it was not a sudden decision.
car horn again.
jade (o.s.)
michael taylor
mike and lynn both turn. jade slides out of mike's car, still
honking the horn. she waves to him.
lynn
well you certainly waited long enough to
cue me in on it. someone's waiting for
you. i gotta go.
she hurries down the steps. he watches her leave, then, in

frustration, turns to jade who primps for him. he walks over
to the car and she drapes herself across the hood.
jade
i decided to bring it down myself! it
sounds better than new. i even talked the
guys into detailing it and fixing those
stupid door locks.
mike stares at her. she hops off the hood, hands him the
keys. jade pushed him into the car.
jade (cont'd)
fire it up.
mike turns the ignition key, the car starts right up

smoothly.
jade (cont'd)
you've never heard it run that
smoothly...a little excitement please!
mike
sorry. i've had a long day.
jade
and i'm starving. you owe me dinner.
mike
jade...i...
jade
well at least you gotta take me back to
beverly hills. i left my car there to
bring you your's.
mike
i'm still at work.
jade
did i mention that they fixed your door
locks?
mike
all right, wait here, i'll go get my
things.
he slides out, she slides into the passenger seat with a

proud smirk, having gotten her way.
int. downtown deli - day
jade eats hungrily. mike looks at her.
mike
you've got a good appetite. i figured you
for the type who eats like a bird.
jade
i like good food.
mike
i know how ladies like to watch their
figures.
jade
no, you know how men like to watch
ladies' figures! i got good genes. my mom
is in her 40's and she still gets carded
at liquor stores.
mike
well enjoy. i want to make sure that this
is proper payback...let me ask you
something...how do you know so much about
cars?
jade
nate always collected cars. he taught me.
he and my mom used to kick it when i was
a kid and he kind of took me under his
wing...a big brother-type thing.
mike
i thought you two were...you know?
jade shakes her head.
mike (cont'd)
but you're pretty close.
jade
as close as nate lets anybody get.
mike nods.
jade (cont'd)
so what's your story? was that your lady
i saw you with?
mike shrugs.
mike
she was, or, is. i'm not really sure at
this point.
jade looks into his eyes and smiles.
mike (cont'd)
we're going through a thing right now.
jade
really? what a shame.
mike is oblivious to jade's suggestive look.
ext. jade's apartment bldg - night

jade and mike walk to the door. jade opens the door.
jade
thanks for the dinner.
mike
i appreciate the work on my car.
jade
let's hope you still do when you get my
bill.
mike shrugs. they look at each other.
jade (cont'd)
you want to come in?
mike
no...it's getting late.
they look at each other.
jade
i'd better go
(looks at mike expectantly)
good night.
mike
(backing off)
yeah, see you later, and thanks again.
he turns and walks away. she watches him with disappointment

and determination.
ext. body shop parking lot - morning
jade gets out of her car. as she reaches in for her purse,
omar appears at her side.
omar
i waited for you last night.
jade
why?
omar
we were going to case neighborhoods,
remember?
jade
(walking toward the shop)
i was busy.
omar
hey, i thought we were a team!
jade
you didn't need me last night. it doesn't
necessarily take two to case.
omar
we're supposed to be a team.
jade
wait a minute! how many times have you
stood me up?
omar
why'd you have to take the dude's car to
him. the boys usually deliver customers'
cars.
jade
none of your business.
omar
there's something fake about mr. buppie!
jade
shut up, you know nothing about him!
omar
i seen on the basketball court, trying to
be something he ain't.
jade
give me a break!
omar
and he ain't interested in but one thing
from you...!
jade
and you're interested in something else?
omar
yeah, but you know what i'm about! he's
not your type!
jade
and you are?
omar
i know what you need...
jade
(walking away)
what i don't need is a boy. you need to
grow up!
omar
(changing tactic)
hey, you gonna run with us tonight?
p.v. estates! it'll be sweet!
jade
(still fuming)
i don't know
int. u.s. attorney's office - morning
mike arrives and walks past tammy at her desk.
tammy
mike, i signed for a package for you.
it's on your desk.
int. mike's office - morning
mike enters his office, sees the package and opens it.
mike pulls out an engagement ring. he picks up the phone and

dials.
mike
lynn holland please...mike taylor.
voice
ahh. lynn has taken a couple of days off,
mike.
mike
i see.
he disconnects and angrily dials lynn's home number. he gets

the answering machine, starts to speak, then hangs up the
phone.
dave
hey mike. call me on my cellphone.
he dials his phone.
mike
what's up.
dave
yo! i got tickets to the hollywood bowl
tonight, but i have a delayed delivery
about to happen tonight. woman's been in
labor for 17 hours and it's time to
induce! i can't make the show, but i
figure it might get you and lynn talking.
mike
forget it. she returned my ring to me
today.
dave
you're kidding. what did she say?
mike
nothing! she fedex'ed it!
dave
damn! that's cold!...well what about the
tickets.
mike
what about them?
dave
take them and invite a friend and enjoy
yourself.
mike
dave, i'm not like you with a little
black book with a stable of...
dave
ask jade!
mike
jade?
dave
she obviously likes you. she called you
at home. hell she's already given you
more play than she'd ever give me and i
bought a $120,000 automobile from her!
mike
i don't know if that's a good idea...
dave
lynn's like a security blanket. time to
lose the blanket, linus....oops! that's
my pager, gotta go!
mike
later...
mike hangs up the phone. thinks for a minute, then dials

again.
ext. hollywood bowl -evening
mike enjoys the concert. he looks over and we see jade with
him, entranced by the music.
ext. street - night
a van door opens. five men, including omar, exit the van.
they are dressed as valets from five different l.a.
restaurants. omar straightens out their jackets, and hands
out fake photo i.d.'s. they disperse.
ext. restaurant - night
omar checks in. the man stares at his i.d., looks at omar,
(look impatient) the man reluctantly waves him in, then
disappears into the restaurant.
omar falls in line with the other valets. he delays as others

scurry to get cars and line up to park cars. as a bentley
continental pulls up, omar tricks the valet in front of him
to get out of the line.
the bentley owner gets out hands the keys to a smiling omar.
ext. hollywood bowl - night
mike and jade exit with other attendees. jade is jostled into
mike, who places his arm around her protectively, guiding her
through the crowd.
mike
hungry?
jade
always.
mike
i know a place on this side of town...
jade
actually, i was hoping for someplace with
some privacy...
mike
it won't be crowded at this time of
night.
jade
a place that only serves two.
mike looks at her as if he finally gets it.
mike
any suggestions?
jade
i heard about a place called...chez
mike's.
she grins at him. he is intrigued despite himself.
mike
i heard of that place. they only serve
omelettes.
jade
i like omelettes.
int. mike's kitchen - night
jade sits on the counter while mike pulls ingredients from

the refrigerator.
mike hands jade an onion and grater.
mike
i won't refuse any help.
jade
why is it that men only think of help
when they're in the kitchen, but not when
their wives or girlfriends are cooking?
mike
at chez mike's you don't help, you don't
eat!
jade
(hopping off the counter)
yes, sir!
she grates as mike pulls things from the refrigerator.
int. mike's dining area - night
the meal is finished, they sit an listed to the last notes of

a jazz cd.
jade
my turn!
mike nods as she jumps up and disappears into the living

room. he begins to clear the table as she puts on an new cd.
jade dances through the door, moves over to mike, takes the
dishes from him and places them on the table.
she and mike begin to dance slowly. jade looks up at mike,

she leans forward and kisses him. he responds after
hesitating. halfway through, he abruptly stops and holds her
away from him. she looks at him, puzzled.
mike
i've got to get you home.
jade
no you don't.
mike
(looking for his keys)
yes, i do.
he finds the keys and grabs her shawl.
mike (cont'd)
ready?
jade
(sardonically)
i guess i am!
she turns her back on him, waiting for him to drape the
shawl. he does so awkwardly trying not to touch her. there is
a pause between them. jade turns suddenly and exits.
ext. jade's apartment bldg - night
mike and jade walk up to her bldg. she opens the door.
jade
(trying again)
well...thanks for the concert and...
dave
you can thank dave for the tickets...
jade
i'd rather thank you for the company.
mike
(uneasily)
i enjoyed your company, too...
jade
you want to come in?
mike
(deep sigh)
no, i'd better not.
jade
saving yourself for ms. lady?
mike
i've got a big day tomorrow...
jade smiles knowingly at him. he hesitates, then reaches for

her and they kiss deeply. they can't seem to get enough of
each other.
omar
yo, jade!
they break apart.
jade
what are you doing here?
omar
i need to talk with you.
mike
i've got to go. (glance at omar) you'll
be o.k.?
jade
(grim)
yeah.
he walks away, past omar. they make eye contact. omar glares
at him. jade watches as mike climbs into his car and drives
off.
omar
have a good time with mr. uptown?
she moves to close the door. he stops her.
omar (cont'd)
you too good to talk to me now that
you're hanging out with that uptown
nigger?
jade
no, i was always too good for your fool
ass.
omar
(he grabs her)
fool! who are you calling a fool?
jade
get your hands off me...
he glares at her, she stares him down.
jade (cont'd)
i'm not playing.
omar releases her. she turns to leave.
omar
nate wants to see you.
jade
at midnight? come on, omar...
omar
i'm serious. he's calling a meeting.
something's gone down and he wants
everybody at the shop. he sent me for
you!
she stares at him. omar shifts uncomfortably.
jade
this better be for real
he points toward his car. she slides past him.
jade (cont'd)
no! i'll drive myself.
int. body shop - night
everyone is there as jade and omar enter. she gets some

whistles and appreciative glances. omar glowers at her from
the side. nate and ray stand in front of the group.
nate
who's missing?
ray
tommy and hector...
nate
i'm not waiting any longer. let's get
this thing going.
(to the group)
listen up!
nate (cont'd)
two important things going down! first,
i'm closing this shop, paying everybody
off.
group murmers.
nate (cont'd)
i got word that the feds are closing in.
yeah! they've been watching us for months
and they're trying to get grand jury
indictments in a couple of weeks. i
figure we got less than a week to get
outta here, so i'm paying off everybody
tonight! better to lay low for awhile.
group
i hear that!
man
nate, you said two things.
nate
we have some information about two
truckloads of ferrari's and lamborghini's
due to arrive at the long beach port in
48 hours. they're headed for northern
california,... correction...were headed
to northern california.
(laughter and cheers)
four 18 wheelers. we have inside
connections at the gates who will allow
our drivers to get out of the port with
them with about a 3 hour headstart - long
enough to run them down to baja, mexico.
one last big hit. i need four cdl's and
four escorts. who's in?
group
mexico's a good place to chill while
things cool off. i can dig that.
man #2
yeah, i got a house down there.
older man
how real is this thing?
nate defers to ray and steps aside to listen. omar glares at

jade, who doesn't notice as she listens to ray.
ray
we have all the necessary forged
documents, keys and uniforms. we get
there two hours before the regular crew
and lock them up when they arrive. the
risk comes in the run to mexico. we don't
have much lead time. cabrero's people
have mexican customs in their pocket.
high risk, high reward!
older man
too much risk. i'm to old to end up in
some mexican jail.
ray
it ain't like a pick up in bel air.
there's no way to case this.
nate
it's up to you.
some others shake their heads.
man
what's the split?
nate
it works out to $500k per driver, $250k
for each escort.
man
shit! you can live for awhile in mexico
with that. i'm in to drive the 18
wheeler.
man #4
i'll drive escort
man #5
yeah, me too.
nate
just let ray know if you're in.
they gather around ray. jade stays pit and thinks. nate walks
over to her.
nate (cont'd)
what are you going to do?
jade
i don't know nate. this is very sudden, i
have to think about it. i knew this
wouldn't last forever...
nate
if you need money...
jade
no, i always save for a rainy day. maybe
this would be a good time to go to
college, then settle into a 9-5.
nate
whoa! i didn't see that coming from ms.
"i gotta have excitement..."
omar overhears this and comes over.
jade
from what i come from, that doesn't seem
to bad now.
nate
what's brought all this on?
omar
that sellout uptown nigger she's been
running with!
jade
nobody's talking to you.
omar
her shit don't stink since she's got mr.
uptown hanging around!
nate
(glares at omar)
chill!
omar
she...
nate gives him that look, omar glares back, then he shuts
right up and walks away.
jade
nate' you didn't have to say anything, i
can ...
nate
take care of yourself, i know you can. i
warned you about that boy.
jade
omar's just mad because i went out with
this guy a couple of times. i was
straight up with omar from the start.
nate
he doesn't understand "straight up"...
who's the guy who's got him all fired up?
jade
i met him at the park. he's one of the
guys you played ball with. mike...mike
taylor. the serious guy who's always with
dave.
nate is not familiar
jade (cont'd)
pussy doc dave? bought a turbo cabriolet
a couple of months ago.
nate
ohhh, pussy doc! my man p.d. and his
buddy. i remember them. he doesn't seem
to be your type.
jade
he's different. he's making me work and
i'm not used to that. i guess all my
tricks don't work on regular guys.
nate
"regular" guys?
jade
you know, regular car, regular crib,
regular gig. he's not a player.
nate
well can this regular guy support you in
the style to which you've become
accustomed? what is his regular job?
jade
i don't know. i know he works downtown,
in the federal building.
nate's smile changes slightly.
nate
he's never talked about his job? most
guys do.
jade
i'm still trying to figure him out.
nate
seems like he's got a good head on his
shoulders.
jade
i'll let you know.
nate
(pensive)
pick up your money from ray and let him
know what you want to do.
she nods and heads toward ray.
nate and ray are meeting, most of the crew have left.
nate
did we get a full crew?
ray
(handing nate the list)
full crew. jade's gonna let me know
tomorrow. we've got enough to man four
semis and eight escorts.
nate
i don't want omar on this gig.
ray
we need him. he's one of the few who is
cdl and can handle an 18 wheeler.
nate
he's wild and he's on the nose candy. i
don't want that risk! this is my last big
hit. i'm paying off your brother and
retiring. i don't need him fucking this
up for me!
ray
nate, there's no time to find someone we
can trust. we drop one truck, it lowers
our take by 25%. we need omar. jesus
christ, i complaining about this
cocksucker for months and now, when we
really need him, you want to cut him
loose!
nate thinks about it for a few seconds.
nate
okay, you want omar, then he's your
responsibility! the baby-sitting job is
yours. you sit on him!
ray
all right, i'll sit on him, for christ's
sake!
int. nate's office - night

nate dials the phone on his desk.
nate
hey baby. i know it's late. i just wanted
to hear your voice!...how you feeling
tammy? how'd you like the leather outfit
i sent over?...of course i would know
your size! i'll bet you fill it nicely!
tammy... baby, you know somebody named
mike taylor? he works downtown in the
federal building....oh yeah?...assistant
u.s. attorney?...what's his reputation?
nate winces
nate (cont'd)
hey baby, can you find out if he's
working on that investigation?...i know,
i know. i don't want you getting in any
trouble either, but i really need to
know....baby, you know there's always
something special in it for you of you
can help...thanks, baby. let me know.
int. u.s. attorney's office - morning
mike stops by reception area to get mail.
mike
morning tammy.
tammy
(nervously)
bob wants to see you in his office.
mike
what about?
tammy
i don't know.
int. bob's office - morning
bob paces, highly agitated. mike knocks and enters
mike
what's going on?
bob
last night, nate davis' crew hit five of
the most exclusive restaurants in town.
mike
what?
bob
i'm at chez lausanne with the wife when
maurice, the maitre'd asked me for help.
several very expensive cars were
discovered missing from the parking lot
when their owners finished their dinner.
i find out later that four other places
were missing cars.
mike
what makes you sure that it was nate's
crew?
bob
their signature was all over it. no other
crews operate that aggressively in l.a.
it doesn't look good. i'm thinking about
a political run and this can't continue
on my watch.
mike
so that's what this is all about?
bob
how close are we to getting these
indictments?
mike
we're going through wiretap transcripts
now. there's still nothing incriminating
enough to take to the grand jury.
bob
well let's get on it. if you can't handle
this, let me know, i'll...
mike
look, bob. i'm not rushing this
investigation to suit the timing of your
political aspirations!
bob
i've been feeling a lot of resistance
from you on this. usually you're like a
pit bull on a case. that's why i assigned
you. what is it? is it some kind of black
thing?
mike
(furious)
hold it right there goddammit! don't ever
presume that you know me well enough to
throw that kind of shit in my face! i'll
not tolerate having my motives
questioned!
bob
i just want...
mike
you put me on this because my conviction
rate is the highest in this office! if
anybody can get a grand jury to give
indictments on this, i can! i'm setting
this up so that it won't fall apart under
scrutiny and if you don't like the way
i'm handling it, then take over the
investigation!
mike storms toward the door. bob catches him.
bob
look mike, i'm sorry. that was out of
line. i'm just nervous about this case,
you understand...
mike nods and leaves.
nate, dave and several others play ball.
dave dribbles downcourt, only to have nate knock it into the

hands of another player.
dave
shit!
the others run the fast break in the other direction, nate
hangs back with dave.
nate
hey p.d., where's your partner?
dave
mike? he's probably working late. he's
one of the few guys i know who likes his
job.
the ball is passed to nate. he walks the ball upcourt. dave

covers, lunging at the ball.
nate
he's a lawyer?
street baller #5
silk! silk!
nate fakes dave out of his shoes' laughs, then passes to

another player. he and dave watch as the player does
"iverson" moves, then scores.
dave
yes, he works for the government! one of
the good guys. he'll be here any minute.
nate
good.
ext. inglewood park parking lot -night
mike's car pulls up. nate turns and stares at mike as he

walks toward the court. nate slowly rejoins the game. dave
notices mike.
dave
yo mike!
mike
what's up?
dave
(points to himself)
three buckets!
mike reacts sarcastically. he watches the game for awhile.

nate does his usual spectacular play. he turns and locks eyes
with mike.
dave's "turbo cab" pulls up, horn blowing. behind the wheel
is a spectacular-looking woman. mike glances back and shakes
his head. dave runs toward the bench and grabs his things.
dave (cont'd)
mike, get my spot!
mike
what's this one's name?
dave
that's sabrina! she's a child
psychiatrist!
mike
appropriate.
dave winks as he runs toward the parking lot. mike pulls off
his sweats and walks onto the court. there is a pause in the
game for the usual argument.
street baller 4
you've been all over me all game you
butcher!
street baller 1
then call a foul bitch!
street baller 4
shit. if you was on me any closer we'd be
fuckin!
street baller 1
you got a new man. tell him what's up!
street baller #5
dave was guarding silk, so you get him.
mike steps in front of nate, nods at him. nate stares at him
without emotion or acknowledgement.
nate
how you doin' counsellor?
mike looks at him but doesn't respond. the ball is passed to

nate.
nate (cont'd)
(dribbling)
how are things at the federal building?
mike does not respond. he concentrates on defense.
nate (cont'd)
i've been hearing things.
mike hesitates, nate drives past him for a dunk.
street baller #5
mike, don't just give it to him. play d!
street baller 4
silk's gonna wear his ass out!
nate
you got that right!
the ball comes to mike. nate plays "d" on him.
nate (cont'd)
what's up counsellor? is you the man, or
what?
another player breaks free. mike fakes a drive and does a no

look pass to the player, who pulls up and hits a 20 footer.
mike
i'll let you decide that...silk
they head downcourt side by side.
ext. inglewood park - night
mike drives for the basket, nate blocks the shot physically.
mike loses his balance and nate catches him with an elbow.
mike goes sown, taking another player with him.
another player helps them both up.
street baller 4
what did you say to him? i've never seen
him that physical, he tried to take your
head off. i've never seen him do that.
ext. inglewood park - moments later - night

the game continues with nate trying to physically intimidate
mike.
mike struggles to suppress his rising anger.
when they both go for a loose ball, nate bumps mike out of
bounds. when mike has the ball, nate deliberately fouls him
and knocks him off stride.
mike scores a basket and receives a shove in the back. the

other players sense something.
street baller #5
hey man. let me cover silk for awhile
mike
no! i got this.
the player shrugs and the game continues.
the game is over. mike, bruised and sore, picks up his bag.
another player approaches him. nate and another player trade
shots in the background. everyone else is leaving.
street baller #5
hey. i don't know what was going on
between you and silk, but way to hang
tough.
mike nods, gingerly feeling his ribs. mike heads for the car.
a ball bounces past him. he stops to pick it up. as he turns
to throw it back, it's nate with his hands out.
nate
you leaving counsellor? i though we might
play one...13 straight.
mike
(tosses the ball back hard)
not tonight.
nate
hey, you didn't take that personal did
you? it's just a game. man to man.
mike
it's never been just a game to you.
mike turns to walk away.
nate
got to hurry off! read them transcripts,
get them subpoenas ready. buy the new
suit for the grand jury presentation!
mike walks up on him angrily.

mike
i'm not discussing this with you!
nate
i hear you the u.s. attorney's number one
boy. they send a brother to try to
destroy another brother! a brother who's
just trying to make it!
mike
oh man, don't give me that!
nate
hey brother, i'm no different than you. i
want success, my 40 acres and my mule.
mike
no, you're not like me and no, you're not
my brother! i can't believe you're
talking to me about 40 acres and a mule!
you had that and everything
else...talent, fame, fortune, women!
everybody looks up to you and what have
you done with it?
nate
sounds like you've convicted me already,
mr. prosecutor!
mike
i told you i'm not talking about this!
he turns to leave. nate puts up a shot and retrieves the

ball.
nate
you don't even want to talk about jade?
mike comes back. nate puts up another shot and retrieves the
ball.
mike
(angrily)
leave jade out of this. this isn't about
jade!
nate
it isn't about jade? what about when i
tell her you've been using her to get to
me?
mike
this is not about jade. it's about the
law. right and wrong!
nate
jade and i go way back. i'm the only man
she's been able to depend on. now you're
about to bust her bubble again.
mike
you use jade like you use everybody else.
you're about to let everybody down, silk!
all those kids...
nate
hey! i can't help it if nobody wants a
hero that comes in a regular package like
you.
mike
you took all the rewards that come with
playing the hero.
nate
(tossing the ball to mike)
cause they were mine! i was the one out
there leaving it on the court since i was
a kid! training, playing with all kinds
of injuries. golden state was nothing
without me. they hadn't even seen the
playoffs before i got there. i took them
all the way and they ain't been back
since i left! when it was over, not even
a front office job for "silk" davis.
mike
(tossing the ball back)
and this was your only alternative?
nate
no, this was the best one though. you
know, sometimes you have to decide
whether to take it to the hole! are you
ready to take it to the hole mr.
prosecutor?
nate laughs as mike turns and walks away.
int. mike's condo hallway - night
mike achingly walks up to his front door. he fumbles for his

keys. jade appears behind him.
jade
mike?
mike
(whirling and dropping his
keys)
jade! what are you doing here?
jade
i just came by to talk. what have you
been doing?
mike
just some ball.
he leans over painfully to pick up the keys. jade scoops up

the keys and opens his door.
jade
you look like you got hit by a truck!
she helps him in and shuts the door.
she helps him onto the sofa where he sprawls in a heap,

breathing heavily.
jade
do you want to go to the hospital?
mike
(laughs)
no. it's just some bruises and...i'm real
sore!
jade
(heading into the kitchen)
i can see that. i'm going to run you a
hot bath.
mike
i only take showers.
she pulls out an open box and disappears down the hallway in
the bathroom. the sound of water running is heard. mike gets
up and staggers down the hall.
int. mike's bathroom -night
the bathroom steams up as jade dumps the baking soda into the
tub. mike sticks his finger in the water.
mike
too hot!
jade looks at him condescendingly, sticks her hand in the

water.
jade
it's not too hot. get in.
he stares at her.
jade (cont'd)
(giggles, covering her eyes)
i won't peek!
mike
get out of here!
she slides past him.
jade
call me when you need your back scrubbed!
mike pushes the door closed. he undresses and slides into the
tub with a deep sigh. music is heard from the living room as
he settles in.
int. mike's bathroom - moments later
mike sleeps in the tub. there is a quiet knock on the door.

jade pushes the door open slightly.
jade
mike...mike...
mike
(covering up with a washcloth)
what?
jade
just wanted to make sure you didn't
drown...
she sits on the edge of the tub.
mike
(uneasy)
what did you want to talk about?
jade
i wanted to see you and try a more direct
approach.
mike
jade...uh...i can't...
jade
...and i don't want tot hear about ms.
lady!
mike
it's not that...i....i...
jade
look, i may not be exactly your type -
you think i'm a round the way girl. i'm
just trying to be real straight with you
and i want to get to know you better,
that's all.
mike painfully turns away
jade (cont'd)
wow! i didn't mean to embarrass you! i
mean. all you had to do is say that
you're not interested...
she turns to leave
mike
jade, wait a minute!
jade
i just thought there was something there
between us, but hell! i must've just
misread the signals...
mike
(holding out his hand)
you don't understand. there's something
we have to talk about. come here!
jade
look, i don't need pity, you can save
that for someone who does.
mike
come on... come on...
she approaches the tub, takes his hand and sits down on the
edge. under her anger is a vulnerability that strikes him.
jade
you don't owe me an explanation!
he puts his finger over her lips. she stares at him, her look
eventually softens. he smiles at her. she smiles back. he
slides his hand around her neck and pulls her toward him.
they kiss lightly, then more intensely. as the kiss deepens,

they both struggle to free themselves from their wet clothes.
wet clothes fly all over the small bathroom. there is a deep
mutual sigh as they settle into the tub.
int. mike's condo hallway- night
there is a single set of wet footprints leading from the

bathroom to the bedroom.
int. mike's bedroom - moments later
jade and mike make passionate love in the bedroom.
int. mike's bedroom
jade lies on mike's chest. they are both half asleep.
jade
you said there was something we had to
talk about.
mike
(pulling her closer)
later.
int. u.s. attorney's office briefing room - morning
the agents and lawyers sit around the conference table.
mike
we have a leak! nate's been tipped off.
bob
what?
agent #1
how do you know?
mike
i played basketball against him last
night and he sent a strong message.
bob
what did he say?
mike
nothing specific! just enough to let me
know that he knows.
agent #1
well that's just fucking great! every
time we bring something through this
office, somebody leaks it!
bob
it wasn't one of my people!
agent #2
well it certainly wasn't one of us!
mike
it doesn't matter. it could have come
from anyplace. somebody got careless and
he found out, now we've got to move
quickly!
agent #1
he's right! we need arrest warrants.
agent #2
mike, how much do you think he knows?
mike
enough to start closing shops and
destroying evidence.
bob
i'll call judge wright. he's pro-law
enforcement. these are exigent
circumstances. he'll sign those warrants
for us.
agent #1
i'll get headquarters to authorize more
manpower.
both agents rush from the room.
bob
damnit! where's that leak?
mike
when this stuff hits the fan, how much
flexibility can we offer for plea
bargaining?
bob
plea bargain? you? maximum mike? plea
bargain?
mike
for some of the minor players.
bob
if they're minor, they may not have much
to offer us. you know that.
mike
...the woman i was telling you about.
we've been out a couple of times.
bob
did she tell you anything about the
operation?
mike
(shaking his head)
and it's gotten to be more than a casual
acquaintance...
bob
mike! and you were worried about a
conflict before? you think that's smart?
mike
no, it's pretty stupid.
bob
you think she can be turned?
mike
i don't know how involved she is.
bob
if nothing else, she must have knowledge.
mike
i just want to see what the parameters
are.
bob
if she knows something of value to us and
she's willing to talk, i'll see what we
can do.
he and mike head toward the door. bob stops him.
mike
mike. you haven't told her anything
about...
bob
no! of course not!
bob nods and they exit the conference room.
ray, nate and a group of men, including omar, are present.

they wear trucking company uniforms. the shop has been
completely cleared of all cars and parts.
ray
you ditch the uniforms as soon as you
pass the border check. take the road
marked on your maps to the checkpoint.
there, we transfer the shipment to the
trucks provided by our people.
jade is seen entering the shop. she glances up at ray's

office.
nate
you will meet me at the safe house in
baja for payment 48 hours later. does
everybody understand?
they nod. jade appears at the door.
ray
come in jade. are you joining us?
jade
i don't think so...
sounds of disappointment are heard.
omar
come on jade! terry's old lady won't let
him come. if you don't come, i'll be
stuck with old ray for the whole trip.
ray
you're gonna be stuck with me anyway!
the others laugh. omar sulks.

jade
i've got other plans.
nate
okay, get back to work. any changes,
we'll let you know.
they file out. nate looks at ray and nods toward omar. ray
follows omar and pulls him aside outside of the office.
nate (cont'd)
(pulls jade aside)
so you gonna hang out here in l.a.?
jade
i just don't want to take off right now.
from the office, ray is seen tearing omar a new one.
nate
any particular reason?
jade
you know the guy i was telling you about?
nate
mike taylor.
jade
our relationship is getting serious. i
just want to stick around and see where
it might go.
in the background, omar stomps off, ray surveys the shop with
satisfaction. he descends the steps.
nate
jade, how well do you know this guy?
jade
a lot better after last night.
nate
did you know that he's an assistant u.s.
attorney?
jade
(shrugs)
i told you we'd never discussed his work.
nate
what have you discussed?
jade
what's this all about, nate?
nate
i got word that your new boyfriend heads
the government team trying to bring us
down.
jade
you must've heard wrong.
nate
what did you tell him, jade?
jade
nothing. i wouldn't tell him anything.
you know that!
nate
do i?
jade
look! i told you i just started seeing
this guy. he never asked about exoticars!
he's never been interested in...
(she pauses with a blank look)
nate
what?
jade
he...he wanted to see the body shop, but
i told him there was nothing to see there
and he just dropped it. i didn't tell him
anything,nate, i swear!
nate appraises her without sentiment. she bears up to his

look, angry.
nate
(almost satisfied)
...i want you to come to mexico with us.
when all this goes down, i want to be
able to keep an eye on you.
jade
you don't trust me? you know i
wouldn't...
nate
this has nothing to do with trust. find
ray and tell him that you're in for the
ride!
after hesitating for a moment, jade nods and heads out.
jade
jade...don't make me have to come looking
for you!

mike opens the door to a furious jade.
mike
jade! what are you doing...
jade slaps mike's face. mike grabs her hands.
jade
you son of a bitch! you used me! played
me like some dumb bitch to get to nate!
mike
jade! it wasn't like that and you know
it!
jade
(struggling in his grasp)
you could've told me! you knew what was
going down. get your hands off me!
mike
(shaking her)
be quiet and listen to me!
she breaks away. she glares at him.
mike (cont'd)
i didn't use you, jade!
jade
you wanted to see the body shop!
mike
and you shut me down! did i persist?
jade
(shakes her head)
why do you have to go after nate?
mike
nate's breaking the law.
jade
he's not hurting anybody! the cars are
insured, their owners are rich...
mike
you think it stops there? this ties into
money laundering, drugs, murder...
jade
nate's not into all that!
mike
how do you know?
jade
he's just a guy trying to succeed. he
does a lot more for his people than you
do. children look up to him and you'll
destroy that!
mike
give me a break! nate does nothing for
anybody but himself. if others benefit,
it's purely coincidental! he plays hero
while breaking the law and he can't have
it both ways. now you have to decide what
you're going to do to help yourself.
jade
i'm not turning on nate!
mike
how deep are you into this?
jade
it's none of your business!
mike
how deep, jade?
jade
you don't want to know!
mike
it's time for you to break clean. get out
of it, now!
jade
i won't...i can't!
mike
how long did you think this was going to
last before it all came tumbling down?
jade
mike, you don't understand!
mike
has he threatened you? we can protect
you!
jade
what about us? i though we had the
beginning of something special. i though
that maybe just once, i had met a guy who
was for real. all you wanted me for was
to help you put nate in prison!
mike
that's not true! i tried to stay out of
this, but you wouldn't let me...
jade
so this is my fault?
mike
...and i couldn't...last night was
beautiful, really special.
jade
oh give me a break!
mike
it was. you know it was. did you think i
wanted to put this investigation and my
job at risk? now everything is all
entangled. this has to get straightened
out before we can see each other.
jade
what you're saying is that until i decide
to roll over on nate...
mike
what i'm saying is that you have to
choose between...
jade
you and nate!
mike
no...between you... and nate
jade
big time prosecutor! i'm not playing your
mind games!
(as she heads for the door)
she opens the door.
mike
this is for real jade! i'm not playing.
jade slams the door and leaves.
nate sits in his office, staring out at customers and sales

staff at work.
int. jade's apartment - day
jade packs methodically
int. body shop - day
ray, omar and a small crew help to place trucking company

decals on a panel truck. the phone rings. omar watches ray as
he answers the phone. omar sneaks out.
int. federal courthouse - day

mike and bob burst out of judge wright's chambers carrying
papers. they stride to where the agents are seated and slaps
the warrants on the table in front of them.
mike
we have warrants! let's pick them up!
agent #1
we're on it!
the agents rush from the building.
bob
good job mike, judge wright was impressed
with the preparation. about the other
day, you understand that i had to ask
about what your conversation with jade. i
didn't really believe that you may
have...
mike
forget about it.
int. jade's apartment - evening
jade sips coffee in her kitchen. there is a knock on her

door. she glances at the door but does not respond. there is
a second knock.
omar (o.s.)
jade! i know you're in there!
jade crosses and opens the door. jade does not invite omar
in.
jade
is it time?
omar
uh...no. they still putting stuff in
place.
jade
what do you want?
omar
i though you might want to come out and
party before we go to mexico.
jade
i thought ray was supposed to be watching
you.
omar
yo, fuck ray! i found a new club. all the
stars hang there!
jade
i'm tired. i need to rest before we take
off.
omar
what you really need is to relax.
jade
not in some club!
omar
(suggestively)
there are other ways to relax.
jade
(moving to shut the door)
forget it!
omar
(stopping the door)
jade! why you going all cold on me?
jade
omar, this is getting real old real fast.
you'd better go home or to your club or
wherever!
omar
i'm sorry. i just keep forgetting myself,
i mean you're so fine! no! i'm gonna
stop! i'll stop!
jade
(closing the door)
good night!
omar
uh...can i use your phone?..no...really.
i got to call ray...let him know where i
slipped off to. if he knows i'm came
here, it'll be kool.
jade reluctantly lets him in and heads toward the kitchen.
he enters, crosses toward the phone and dials with the

disconnect button pressed, watches jade as he talks.
omar (cont'd)
yeah! let me talk to ray! ray! hey man,
everything's kool. i'm over at jade's...
jade crosses toward her bags and folded clothes and packs.
omar (cont'd)
i'll be back in an hour after i get a
bite to eat! i'll be there!
omar puts the phone down and reaches for an article of

clothing to help her pack.
jade
that's o.k.!, i don't need any help!
he ignores her and places the clothes in a suitcase while

watching jade's every move. when jade momentarily turns her
back to him, he pounces and grabs her.
jade (cont'd)
(calmly)
let me go, omar.
omar
i just want to hold you!
jade
(struggling to break loose)
let...me...go!
omar tries to kiss her. she pushes him away and heads for the
door. he jumps her and they both fall to the floor. she
grimaces in pain and grabs her ribs.
jade (cont'd)
get off me!
she rolls, kicking. he tries to open her blouse. she bites

him. he falls back in pain. she scrambles away. he cuts her
off, grabs her and slaps her hard. she falls back, hitting
her head, lies stunned and semi-conscious. he crawls toward
her.
omar
oh shit! jade! jade!
as he leans over her, she sucker punches him and rolls away
trying to get to her feet.
omar (cont'd)
c'mere bitch!
he grabs her foot but she kicks free and grabs a lamp. she
brings the lamp down on his head. as he sinks to his knees
unconscious, she makes it to the door and exits.
nate strides into the shop. ray and others await him
nervously.
nate
everything ready?
ray
the shipment comes in at 2 a.m.
nate
where's jade?
ray
i've been calling her for the last
hour...no answer.
nate
where's omar?
ray
he gave me the slip!
nate
i told you...
ray
i got people look all over for him!
nate
you've got one hour! if he fucks this up,
you've got me and your brother to answer
to!
he turns to exit.
mike works at his desk. there is a weak knock at the door. he

lifts his head. there is a louder louder.
mike walks over and opens the door. a battered and bloody
jade falls into his arms.
mike
jade! what the fuck?
int. jade's apartment - night
nate walks around the apartment. he sees the signs of a

struggle and blood on the floor. he sees the open suitcases.
with an expletive, he runs out.
ext. county hospital - night
mike's car pulls up in front.
int. county hospital - night
mike carries jade into the emergency room - filled with

people. he strides past a couple arguing with a security
guard,past the admittance desk headed toward the examination
rooms.
nurse
sir, wait a minute, you can't...
mike
call the police! there's been an assault!
int. county hospital exam room - night
mike lays jade gently down on the examination table. in the

background, the nurse frantically dials the phone. dave, on
call, comes down the hallway. the nurse waves him toward the
exam room. when he sees mike, he rushes over.
dave
mike, what are you doing here...
(he sees jade and pushes mike
aside)
oh shit! jade! what the hell happened?
nurse, i need help in here!
a nurse rushes in.
mike
(enraged)
that motherfucker beat her up!
dave quickly and deftly examines her. she moans as she

regains consciousness.
dave
don't move, jade. you're going to be all
right. she's got a broken rib, but this
really worries me!
(pointing to a trickle of blood
in her ear)...get her ready!
dave pulls mike aside
dave (cont'd)
what's going on, mike?
mike
nate beat her up.
dave
nate davis? why?
mike
i can't tell you everything right now.
jade moans and tries to sit up. the nurse restrains her, as
dave rushes over.
dave
jade, you've got to lie still.
jade
(weakly)
m-mike?
mike
i'm here, baby.
jade
nate...nate...
mike
i'll get him for this, baby, don't
worry!
jade
it...wasn't...nate...omar!
she lapses into unconsciousness. dave checks her eyes. the

nurse steps out and waves in an orderly.
mike
what? jade!...jade!
the orderly pushes the gurney to the exam table. dave pushes
mike aside.
dave
we've got to get an mri. she's got
pressure building in there!
dave, mike, the nurse and orderly slide jade onto the gurney.
the nurse and orderly push the gurney down the hall.
dave (cont'd)
(running after them)
don't worry! i'll do everything i can!
mike nods as dave disappears. two policemen enter. the nurse

points them to mike.
int. county hospital e.r. lobby - night
dave finds mike in the waiting room. things are much quieter.
mike sees him approach and stands.
mike
how...?
dave
we got the pressure relieved. she's got a
concussion...
mike
will she be o.k.?
dave
we'll observe her for a few days. she's
strong! that helps....you want to tell me
what's going on?
mike
nate's dealership is an organized crime
front. they run a car theft ring out of
there.
dave
hold up! you mean to tell me that i might
be driving a stolen car?
mike nods his head.
mike
possibly.
jade
and jade?
mike
she worked for him. she knew what was
going on.
dave
this is too deep for me!
(looks at mike)
you're all wore out! you'd better go get
some rest.
mike
no! i want to be here when she wakes up!
dave
she's heavily sedated...she'll be out for
awhile. i'll call you if there's any
change!
mike
thanks, dave...i...
dave
go home, man.
mike nods and leaves.
ext. mike's condo -night
mike parks his car in front and gets out. as he walks up the
walk, nate appears from his car.
nate
taylor! where's jade?
mike
the hell with you, silk! you've done
enough.
nate
where is she?
mike
why do you want to know?
nate
we've got business! just tell me where
she is.
mike
right, business! your kind of business.
she's in the hospital where one of your
boys put her.
nate
what?
mike
you heard me right!
nate grabs mike. mike grips him. they lock together in anger.
nate
what the fuck are you talking about?
mike
omar! he beat the shit out of her!
nate glares at him, then pushes him away. he's beside himself
in anger!
mike (cont'd)
i thought you were looking after her,
silk! what happened?
nate
i'll take care of it!
mike
too late, silk! the police are looking
for omar and the feds are closing in on
you! you don't have much time, "hero"!
nate
goddammit, i said, i'll take care of it!
nate shoves mike, runs to his car and drives off, laying
rubber.
ext. nightclub - night
omar exits, stands in front, looking around. a police cruiser

pulls up to the intersection.
the officers look at omar, who casually walks in the opposite

direction. the car turns and slowly follows him.
the cruiser pulls alongside nate as he walks.
policeman #1
what's going on?
omar
not a thing...
policeman #1
you got any i.d?
omar
(turning slightly)
sure.
he suddenly takes off, turning down an alley. he pulls down

garbage cans behind him as he runs. the car follows, lights
flashing. one of the cans catches the front of the car,
slowing it. omar glances back and laughs. as he nears the end
of the alley, another police car blocks his path. an officer
jumps out, gun drawn!
policeman #2
freeze omar!
int. holding cell - night
a guard escorts a prisoner to the cell and uncuffs him and

pushes him in with the others. omar pushes his way to the
front of the cell.
omar
hey! what y'all holding me here for? hey!
the hallway door opens. mike and a detective enter. they

approach the cell.
detective
(motions to omar)
that's him?
omar
what the fuck?
mike
bring him to the interrogation room.
the detective gestures to the guard who moves forward to cuff

omar.
int. interrogation room - night
omar slumps in the chair and looks around. mike leans against
the wall, partly in the shadow. the detective sits at the
table.
omar
i knew you was a front! i ain't got
nothin' to say to you, uptown!
detective
we want to discuss jade brown.
omar
what about her? i haven't seen her in a
couple of days!
detective
(poking at a mark on omar's
face)
where'd you get that?
omar
ow!...i got in a scuffle with some dudes
at the red onion the other night.
detective
looks real fresh!
omar
ow! get off, man!
the detective pushes a folder across the table. photos spill

out.
omar (cont'd)
what's that? your family photo album?
(he laughs)
detective
i want you to see what you did to her.
omar
i didn't do nothing! she ran out! hit me
on the head! there wasn't nothing wrong
with her!
detective
that's not what she says! that's not what
the medical report says!
you're looking at an assault with
attempted rape ...that's about 7 years,
minimum and they don't like rapists at
vacaville!
omar is silent. the detective stands up abruptly.
omar
where you going? i told you...
detective
(moving toward the door)
save it for the judge!
omar
wait a minute! i got something you want
to know about!
detective
i got work to do!
omar
no! wait! this is big! bigger than some
little whore!...
mike starts toward him. the detective restrains mike.
detective
like what?
omar
(cocky)
something big's coming down tonight!
detective
well?
omar
what do i get?
detective
depends on what you give us.
omar
no way! i gotta know, first.
detective
(motions to the guard)
put him back in the cell.
omar
no! wait! i'm talking about a big car
heist...probably going down right now!
detective
let's hear it!
omar
get me somebody who can make me a deal!
the detective turns and looks at mike, who steps forward.
omar (cont'd)
i told you i ain't got nothing to say to
this sellout negro! let me talk to the
man in charge!
detective
he is the man in charge. meet ass't. u.s.
attorney mike taylor.
omar
aw....shit!
ext. body shop - night
ray and the other men load the last of the gear into the
panel truck. they are dressed in jackets bearing the same
trucking company logo on the truck.
a passenger van and two mustang cobra chase cars are parked
nearby. ray's cell phone rings. ray picks up.
int. nate's car - night
nate
ray, you gotta leave now!
ray
you find jade? we couldn't find omar!
nate
she's in the hospital! the police
probably have omar by now. get out now!
ray
let's get the hell outta here. come on,
move it! move it!
there is frantic activity as the men board the vans, start

the cars and the panel truck. they begin to pull away.
int. hospital room -night
jade awakens slowly, focusing with difficulty. mike stands at

the window. he hears jade moan and rushes to her.
mike
jade! don't try to move!
jade looks at him. tears stream down her face.
mike (cont'd)
i know, baby. you're gonna be alright!
jade
...nate?
mike
the police are looking for him.
jade
but i...told...you...
mike
we picked up omar. he sang like a bitch -
told everything...about the ring, the big
heist tonight. the feds are closing in...
she turns away from him. caresses her face, wiping it with a
tissue.
mike (cont'd)
you gotta talk to me now, baby. it's the
only way i can help.
jade looks frightened and vulnerable.

int. interrogation room
omar paces back and forth, anxious as he realizes what he's

done.
omar
(banging on the door)
hey! hey!
guard
what do you want?
omar
i wanna talk to that detective.
guard
he's gone.
omar
i'm the star witness! you ain't treating
me right!
the officer turns away. omar kicks a chair. he paces for

awhile, then bangs on the doors.
guard
you don't want me to come in there!
omar
i gotta take a leak! you take me, or i'll
do it in here!
the guard opens the door, cuffs in hand.
guard
step back.
omar
you gonna cuff your star witness? i want
to talk to mike taylor!
guard
cuffs, or you don't go!
int. trucking van - night
ray drives, leading the convoy. he heads for the freeway.
ray
man, am i glad to see the last of this
town! we'll be in long beach in 15
minutes, mexico in 3 hours.
he turns down the street leading to the freeway entrance. the

streets are deserted. the man next to him looks apprehensive.
ray (cont'd)
this must be the time to travel around
here!
int. bathroom - night
omar is escorted by guard into the bathroom. the guard

removes the cuffs.
omar disappears into a stall as the guard stands by the door.

omar begins to choke and he collapses onto the floor of the
stall.
the guard carefully approaches the stall as omar convulses on

the floor. as the guard bends over to examine omar, he head
butts him, breaking the guard's nose, knocking him out as he
bends over.
omar takes the gun and drags the guard into the stall. he
lifts the guard onto the toilet and leaves.
ext. freeway onramp - night
flashing lights are seen at the onramp. ray stops the van.
behind the convoy, more flashing lights are seen.
mike walks in, exhausted. he checks his messages.
bob
mike, bob! call me as soon as possible,
urgent!
he dials
mike
what's up?
bob
omar beat up a guard and escaped.
mike
damn! i'd better get back to the
hospital!
bob
don't bother! we have a 24 hour guard on
jade! just watch your back.
mike
he's not interested in me. he's too busy
running from the cops and from nate.
bob
just be careful!
mike
have they picked up nate?
bob
no. get some rest, mike, you've done one
hell of a job!
mike disconnects. he turns on the news as he undresses.
newscaster
repeating a breaking story, a combined
federal and local task force has broken
up a major car theft and money laundering
ring in los angeles. still at large is
retired n.b.a. star, nate "silk" davis,
proprietor of exoticars...
(video switches from nate's
picture to show the showroom)
mike turns and walks toward his bedroom.
int. nate's car -night
nate heads for the freeway, sees flashing lights in the

distance.
nate abruptly detours down a quiet south central residential

street and pulls the benz over.
nate removes his gun from the glove compartment and

contemplates for a few seconds.
nate stashes the gun in his jacket pocket and walks down the
deserted street, surveying parked cars.
after trying two locked doors, he opens an unlocked chevy. he
hotwires it and pulls off slowly.
int. mike's bedroom - morning
mike lies on his bed in his clothes from the night before. he
stares out the window into the sunrise. he puts on his sweats
and shoes and grabs his basketball.
ext. inglewood park - morning
mike joins three other men shooting around in the early

morning.
mike
what's up?
street baller #6
we got four now, let's go 2 on 2.
street baller #7
i got time for one before i gotta get
ready for work!
as they play, they have a conversation.
street baller #8
hey, i saw "silk" on the news this
morning!
street baller #7
yeah, blew me away! i thought silk was
kool, had his act together!
street baller #6
yeah, now we know what his act was.
damned shame! another black hero ruined!
mike makes no comment. the game ends, the players gather

their bags and wave as they leave.
mike waves, stays on the court shooting free throws. as he

concentrates, he is hit hard from behind and knocked to the
ground. as he focuses and looks up, he sees omar standing
over him.
omar
surprise, motherfucker!
mike
this is really stupid, omar. the police
are looking all over for you and so is
nate. you'd better hope for the police.
omar
that's why i need some insurance.
(pulls out a gun)
get up!
mike gets up slowly. he raises his hands.
omar (cont'd)
put your fuckin' hands down!
mike
this will never work!
omar
no? i figure, who better to help me get
outta here than the man who put me here!
let's go!
mike
you're making it worse!
omar
(laughs)
tell me about it, mr. prosecutor!...move
or i'll blow you away right here!
as mike turns, the ball flies from off camera with great
force, hitting omar.
omar falls back stunned and drops the gun.

omar and mike both dive for the gun, struggling to keep the
other away. mike kicks it away. it slides to the edge of the
court at nate's feet.
nate picks up the gun and places it in his belt. nate has his
gun trained on them.
omar (cont'd)
yo, nate! i'm glad you showed up! he
works for the feds, man, he talked jade
into turning on us!
nate
shut up!
omar
nate! you don't understand!
nate fires at omar's feet. people at the far side of the park
scatter like roaches startled by the light.
nate
(moving closer)
it ain't gonna take nothing for me to
blow your fool head right off!...move out
of the way, counsellor!
omar
why are you mad at me? i didn't do
nothing! i found out he was after us and
i was coming to tell you!...
he is cut off by nate's backhand. omar stumbles backward as

nate grabs him and holds the gun to his head. omar wipes
blood from his mouth, terrified.
omar (cont'd)
nate, please don't...
nate
you begging now? you little bitch, i'll
bet jade didn't beg while you beat her
ass!
mike
(calmly)
nate...
nate
i told you to get outta here!
mike
i can't let you do this...
nate
always mr. righteous!
mike
he's not worth it. the rap for murder is
a lot heavier than the rap for car theft.
nate
by the time they finish piling on the
counts, it won't make a difference!
mike
no, that's not true! you cooperate, you
can plead down! you'll get reduced time,
you'll still get out young enough to
start fresh!
nate
don't snow me counsellor. i'm an ex-
hero! where can an ex-hero start fresh?
mike
you gotta give it up, nate, the whole
operation!
omar
yeah, give it up, man. i was with you
but...
nate
shut the fuck up!
mike
it's time to take it to the hole, silk.
what's it gonna be?
as nate hesitates, omar grabs the gun from his belt. as they
struggle for it, the gun goes off.
nate crumples to the ground.
mike freezes.
omar kicks nate in the ribs. nate does not respond.
omar
stupid motherfucker. treat me like shit!
nate is sprawled out on the court. mike looks for an escape.

omar turns the gun on him. mike backs up.
omar (cont'd)
where are you going, sorry motherfucker?
(raising the gun) later for
your sell out ass. i don't
need you no how!
he aims the gun. just as he's about to pull the trigger, a

shot rings out and omar is hit and turns around and his hit
by another shot.
in the background, nate half-lying down, holds the gun.

omar unsteadily aims the gun at nate and nate fires again.
omar falls.
nate's gun is pointed at mike. mike and nate stare each other
down. slowly, nate lowers the gun and leans back, staring at
the sky.
ext. inglewood park - morning
the police, ambulance and coroner's wagon are on the scene.

omar's body is zipped into a body bag.
nate is being loaded onto a gurney. mike talks with police.
policeman #3
wasn't there a female suspect at large?
mike pauses, then shakes his head.
mike
no, all suspects have been apprehended.
one of the medics looks startled by nate's presence.
medic #1
you know who this is?
medic #2 shakes his head.
medic #1 (cont'd)
that's nate "silk" davis. remember the
nba finals a couple of years ago?
medic #2
oh, sure, i remember now. he was mvp.
medic #1
shame how they fall!
medic #2 shakes his head as they load him into the ambulance.
nate
(weakly opening his eyes)
mike...
nate grabs the edge of the ambulance, blocking the gurney

from rolling in.
medic #1
take it easy, silk, you're gonna be okay!
nate
...talk...to...mike!
medic #1
you can talk later, we have to get you
to...
nate
now!
medic #2
(yelling back toward the court)
mike taylor! who's mike? silk wants you.
mike runs over.
nate
jade?
mike
don't worry about jade. i'll take care of
her.
nate
you'd better...
mike starts to walk away but pauses...
mike
...what made you come here looking for
omar?
nate
i wasn't...looking for...omar...
medic #1
that's enough. we gotta get you to the
hospital, right now!
nate falls back. they push him into the ambulance, shut the
doors, hop in and drive away, siren blaring. mike watches as
the ambulance drives away, barely missing dave as he pulls
into the parking lot. dave's eyes widen as he takes in the
scene. he's wearing sweats.
dave
what the hell?
mike
they just picked up nate.
dave
are you o.k.?
mike
yeah.
dave
i stopped by your crib to let you know
that jade's doing pretty well and to see
how you are. i figured you'd be out here.
he stops as they load omar's body into the coroner's wagon.

dave looks at mike.
mike
omar
dave
what will happen with jade?
mike
jade's not involved in this.
dave
...and nate?
mike
that's up to nate.
dave looks around the park. the police are completing the
crime scene investigation. the far side courts are empty.
dave walks over and picks up the ball.
dave
13 straight?
mike smiles and nods. they head for the court.
fade to black.

13 Straight

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13 Straight

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"13 straight"

ext. inglewood park - day

a basketball hoop. the sounds of a bouncing basketball,

a basketball is caught above the rim and slammed through a

streetball players run back toward the opposite goal

nate "silk" davis , 30's, tall and muscular african american

dave attempts a crossover. nate picks him clean, throws

multiple howls are heard.

pan the park to

c/u on the backboard

ext inglewood park- night

the same backboard, a ball swishes through the net.

a few players remain on the court, most milling about the

doc plays one on one with mike taylor, 30's, african

dave attempts the same crossover move as before. mike plucks

howls and laughter are heard from the remaining bystanders.

we see nate turn from his conversation to laugh. more

dave throws the ball at mike.

int. jade's car - night

two silhoettes a parked nondescript 5.0 mustang on a dark

we see a hand turn the volume up on the player.

female hand turn the volume back down.

omar, aa male, mid 20's bounces with the music. he wears a

jade pushes him away

ext. upscale restaurant- night

affluent looking midle aged caucasian couple in front of the

ext. street - night

the couple drives past their position as they duck out of

ext inglewood park- night

mike and dave, like most of the players, are packing up to

dave throws it back and nate begins his move.

dave lunges at the dribble, nate crosses him over,

dave, flattered and embarrassed by the attention, begins his

dave complies, dribbling at knee level. he attempts the

dave is beaming as he approaches mike, who throws him his

street baller #1 shrugs his shoulders. officer #1 turns to

nate quickly scribble on the notebook.

the officer quickly runs away.

mike and dave continue to walk

nate nods at mike in approval. the players happily begin to

nate unties his shoelaces

they all laugh

dave reluctantly walks back toward them.

they all laugh as they take the ball out.

ext street - night

the benz pull up to a stop sign, then down a dark street.

omar pulls his gun from under the seat.

the couple is shocked to see a masked omar as he jumps out

omar rolls his eyes

the man begins to move.

jade, watching from the mustang, rolls her eyes.

omar starts laughing as he pulls out his tools, a laptop

intercut between omar at work and the couple seated on the

omar attaches the probe into the ignition and punches in a

close up on laptop screen

the numbers scroll and stop at 71600924*2853.

omar grins and types in another code.

omar presses the ignition button. the woman's words are

jade impatiently flashes the high beams.

omar positions the couple head to crotch. jade flashes the

omar waves her off.

as they both begin to count, omar does another dance move

the couple, in the same position, as the man continues to