MOTOWN BLUES

by

Eli Cates

Elicates@gmail.com

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. DETROIT - HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD - DUSK

A blighted neighborhood. Plywood and graffiti and mostly abandoned homes.

A police CRUISER is parked along infamous Highland Park, empty tonight and oddly romantic in the rain.

INT. CRUISER

OFFICER MONIQUE DAWKINS(26), in the driver seat, opens the window to feel the rain. OFFICER LEE CHAN(36), sitting shotgun, looks at her like the old look at the young.

MONIQUEWhat? I like the rain.

CHANIn China they have a saying: A drowned man is not bothered by the rain.

MONIQUEA drowned man is not bothered by much Lee. Float or dont float. Thats it.

CHANThey mean a lost soul might find comfort in the rain.

MONIQUEYou know what we say in Detroit?

CHANWhat?

MONIQUEThe rain keeps the hoes away.

CHANI like mine better.

MONIQUEThe parks empty aint it Lee?

CHANYeah.

DISPATCH calls over the radio:

DISPATCH (V.O.)C-51.

CHAN(answers radio)

C-51 go ahead...

DISPATCH (V.O.)Possible 10-94. 166 Lester Street. Requesting Code 2.

CHANDispatch, show us 10-19.

Monique rolls up her window. LIGHTS flash on, and the Cruiser rushes into the night.

EXT. 166 LESTER STREET - MOMENTS LATER

The house is dark, quiet behind overgrown shrubs.

The Cruiser arrives and Monique and Lee emerge. The 911 CALLER is waiting for them out front: VANESSA JACKSON (25). Shes shaking and twitching, looking suspicious.

MONIQUEDid you call 911?

VANESSAYes maam. This my baby daddys house. He got my son in there!

MONIQUEAre you sure hes home?

VANESSAHis car right there! And that his hoes car too!

MONIQUEWhat is your sons fathers name?

VANESSACecil. They call him C-Ride.

MONIQUEWhats your sons name?

VANESSARayshawn. Thats a good name right?

2.

MONIQUESure. Its good.

VANESSAGod picked it out for me.

MONIQUEReally?

VANESSAEven if its a dream its real. When it comes through and you feel it then you know-

MONIQUE-All right maam. Just wait here.

FRONT DOOR

Monique knocking loudly. Lee is waiting back with Vanessa.

MONIQUE (CONTD)Detroit Police! Open the door!

Nothing.

Monique pounds with her open hand.

MONIQUE (CONTD)DETROIT POLICE!

The door slips its flimsy lock and opens slightly. Monique smells something bad. She un-clips her holster and rests her hand on her gun. Then she looks inside.

Immediately, Monique rushes back out. Shocked. Someone whos seen something horrific.

MONIQUE (CONTD)(pointing at Vanessa)

GET HER BACK!

VANESSANO! Wheres my baby?!

CUT TO:

INT. DETROIT WESTIN - HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

A CELLPHONE rings: God Save the Queen.

3.

Detective ELLERY SIETHER (25), already awake, answers it. Shes a Scotland Yard transfer and speaks with an English accent.

ELLERYNo, Im awake. Yes sir. I will find it. Right away sir.

Ellery hangs up the phone. Sleeping in the adjacent room is the producer for Ellerys reality show - MOTOWN TRANSFER.

JULIAN HARDY (37), is the producer. Already awakened by the call, hes up and meets Ellery at the door.

ELLERY (CONTD)I got a case.

JULIANA murder?

ELLERYI think more than one.

JULIANBeautiful.

Ellery disappears into the BATHROOM to get ready. Meanwhile Julians key grip, SARA ALFORD (26), enters the room and prepares the camera, framing the bathroom door.

BATHROOM DOOR

Ellery emerges looking cop fabulous. Urban Detective by Vera Wang. She does a movie star pose for the camera.

JULIAN (CONTD)This isnt the Spice Girls.

ELLERYSorry.

JULIANWheres the gun?

Ellery pulls a locked gun case from under the bed, spins the combo, opens it. Inside, a deadly looking -

GLOCK PISTOL

Ellery sticks the gun in her holster.

4.

JULIAN (CONTD)Can you pull it out, and stick it back in a few times? This is a money shot.

Ellery stifles a laugh but complies.

ELLERYWas that money enough for you?

SHAGGY SHAMUS OCONNER (24), crew Tech, enters the room carrying a wireless CAMERA disguised as a blouse button.

SHAGGYLooking good luv.

JULIANMake sure its hidden.

Shaggy puts the camera into Ellerys collar and adjusts it.

JULIAN (CONTD)Perfect.

INT. PARKING GARAGE - MOMENTS LATER

The ELEVATOR DOOR opens, and Ellery strides out confidently.

JULIANStop. Go back. We werent rolling.

ELLERYYou know Im supposed to be catching a murderer right now?

JULIANThis is the last shot babe I promise.

Ellery returns to the elevator, walks back out, and gets into her fancy brand new unmarked police SUV. The engine fires up, and the SUV drives away, the suddenly stops.

SUV

Ellery is putting it into reverse when her phone rings. The hi-tech SUV connects and puts the call to speaker.

LT. GARZA (V.O.)Where are you Detective?

5.

ELLERYIm heading to the scene now, sir.

LT. GARZA (V.O.)Cancel that.

ELLERYWhat?

LT. GARZA (V.O.)I need you to retrieve Sgt. Mays from his residence. Ill send you the address.

ELLERYIs there a problem?

LT. GARZAA problem? Let me see, does a dead body count as a problem?

ELLERYUhh...

LT. GARZACuz I got a whole family of problems over here.

ELLERYOf course sir.

LT. GARZAFind my detective. Thats your only problem right now.

Julian and Sara have caught up to the parked SUV.

ELLERY(rolling down window)

Get in.

JULIANWe need a shot with the lights and sirens.

ELLERYI have to go!

JULIANCome on babe. How hard is it to flip a switch?

Ellery takes off in the SUV, leaving Julian and Sara behind.

6.

The SUV slams on its breaks at the exit. Thinking England Ellery almost shreds her tires on the wrong way spike strip.

The SUV reverses, then pulls to the right/correct lane. Ellery flashes her badge at the Parking Attendant and he opens the GATE.

JULIAN (CONTD)Did you get that?

SARAOf course.

EXT. DETROIT - NORTH END - LATER

Ellery driving the SUV through blighted neighborhoods shrouded in rain. Following close behind is the Crew VAN driven by Shaggy.

EXT. JOY ROAD

Houses here list for a dollar. Most are abandoned to gangs and homeless. In the middle of it all, an anomaly: an urban farm.

EXT. MATTS HOUSE

Well maintained Craftsman style. On four lots, more than an acre, including a converted barn. A proper fence runs around.

Ellery parks the SUV. Is this the place? GPS says yes.

Shaggy pulls the Crew VAN in behind. Sara and Julian jump out like SWAT in their rainproof hoodies, camera ready.

Ellery exits the SUV with an umbrella. She uses a flashlight to read the faded address off the curb.

JULIANWheres the murder?

ELLERYThis is Sgt. Mays house. Were giving him a ride.

JULIANWhats wrong with his car?

ELLERYI dont know.

7.

FRONT DOOR

Julian and Sara are back a few steps, filming. Ellery rings the door bell. An old-fashioned GONG echoes inside but no answer. Ellery looks back at Julian.

JULIANDont look at the camera.

ELLERYSorry.

Ellery knocks again on the door just as it opens. Standing there: the devastatingly handsome SGT. MATTHEW MAYS, wearing only pants. But hes irritated and hung over.

Julian nods his heads and smiles. He approves of this shot.

MATTJesus Christ Im here.

ELLERYSorry to bother you sir. The Lt. ordered me to--

MATT--I know. Give me a minute, all right?

Matt disappears to get ready. A GOAT walks up and sticks his head out the door.

ELLERYIts a goat!

Ellery looks back at Julian.

JULIANDont look at the camera.

Ellery stares forward. The goat disappears and Matt reappears, fully dressed and ready. Except the gun is missing from his holster.

ELLERYIs that your goat?

MATTNo, its my girlfriend.

ELLERYWhy does it live inside?

8.

MATTShe mows my lawn.

ELLERYShe doesnt do a very good job.

LAWN is totally overgrown.

MATTThe gunshots ruin her appetite.

Matt closes his door and heads towards the SUV. Ellery notices the empty holster

ELLERY(tapping her holster)

Uh... sir?

MATTSo I should probably drive. Dont they drive on the other side of the road in Scotland?

ELLERYYes sir.

Ellery moves close to Matt as she hands over the keys.

ELLERY (CONTD)(whisper)

Your gun.

Matt realizes his holster is empty. So does Julian.

MATTGod damn it.

JULIANMake sure you get that.

Sara zooms on the empty holster. Matt flips off the camera, his finger blurred out by the censors, and goes back inside. Ellery looks at Julian again.

JULIAN (CONTD)Dont look at the camera.

Ellery looks straight up, holding up her hands. What else!?

I/E. SUV - MOMENTS LATER

Matts driving, Ellerys in the passenger seat. Sara in back, always filming.

9.

MATT(giving middle finger)

You have to blur it out every time I do this?

SARAYes.

MATTHow much does it cost?

SARAI dont know.

MATT(waving middle finger)

It probably costs more if I wave it around like this.

SARAProbably.

Flashing police lights up ahead reveal -

EXT. 166 LESTER STREET

Now a CRIME SCENE. Onlookers gawk and POLICE stand watch, including Monique and Lee. But its unusually quiet, a communal sense that this is especially gruesome.

The SUV and crew VAN park next to the Lt Garzas brand new SEDAN. Detectives and crew exit.

MATTStay there.

JULIANThe chief promised me access.

MATTThis is access. And if you go past the tape, youre getting jail access.

Monique holds the CRIME SCENE TAPE up for Matt and Ellery. Matts surprised to see her shaken up.

MATT (CONTD)You okay?

MONIQUEIts bad sir.

10.

MATTIll get em.

MONIQUEI know.

FRONT PORCH

Even the normally unflappable LIEUTENANT LISA GARZA appears dazed. She holds booties and gloves for Matt and Ellery.

LT. GARZAThe body count is higher than usual.

MATTHow high?

LT. GARZAHigh.

Matt and Ellery put on the gloves and booties.

CRIME SCENE TAPE

Sara has her camera zoomed in on the Houses open DOORWAY, framing Matt and Ellery as they disappear inside.

SARAI think I can see blood.

JULIANKeep filming.

Julian heads toward the Crew Van.

INT. CREW VAN - CONTINUOUS

A/V EQUIPMENT fills the rear. Shaggy sits at a mini-desk and watches a monitor, headphones over his ears.

The feed is coming from Ellerys hidden cam - a fisheye shot of the FOYER. Plain enough, just hints of small blood drops.

Van doors open and Julian gets inside.

JULIANTurn it up.

Shaggy removes his headphones and turns up the sound -

11.

INT. 166 LESTER STREET

HIDDEN CAMERA FEED

Ellery following Matt, making a right turn from the Foyer. This is where the horror begins. Fours dead BODIES...

ELLERY(sotto)

Oh my god.

Her hand comes to her face, blocking the camera view. Julian waves at his display, futilely contorting his body to see.

FAMILY ROOM

Two couches, pushed up against the back walls. Two couples, cut in half where they sat. Bullet casings, littering the floor.

MATTAre you okay?

ELLERYThe smell.

Aptly named DETECTIVE REGGIE HIGHTOWER (46) is leading the investigation.

REGGIETheyve been dead for almost 48 hours.

Matt hands Ellery a mint. She takes it.

REGGIE (CONTD)(pointing out the victims)

Cecil Taylor, 26. This is his place. Lashawna Murphy, 21, the girlfriend. The second male vic is Willis Taylor, Cecils cousin. The second female vic is Jane Doe right now.

Matt steps into a void on the carpet amongst the shells.

MATTSo this is where the magic happened...

12.

REGGIEWe found twenty rounds so far. But we havent checked under the coach yet. 380s and nines.

ELLERYTwo shooters?

Matt points at the male victims with either hand, simulating two guns.

MATTIt could have been one, if he emptied both clips.

Unlike the other 3 victims, dead where they sat, Cecil is turned sideways..

MATT (CONTD)(pointing at Cecil)

It almost looks like hes reaching for something.

Reggie examines the gap between the couch and the wall, next to Cecils body. He pulls out a AK-47, locked and loaded.

MATT (CONTD)He knew trouble was coming.

REGGIE(checking the rifle)

Full clip. Hasnt been fired.

Ellery can only shake her head in stunned silence.

MATTToo slow on the draw.

REGGIEAnd another one bites the dust.

ELLERYIs this normal!?

MATTNormal is relative.

REGGIEThe fun isnt over. Theres more in back.

13.

BACK HALLWAY

It dead-ends in a BATHROOM. DETECTIVE BRADLEY EVANS(29), former Marine, is taking pictures. Inside the small tub is a dead teenage BOY.

BRADBased on the age, this is gonna be Cecils son Rayshawn. His mom called 911. She thought Cecil was dodging her.

MATTYeah, well... dodging is the one thing Cecil wasnt doing.

BRADOh man.

ELLERYThat is not funny.

BRADIts a little funny.

MATTI think Rayshawn heard the gunshots and tried to hide in the tub.

ELLERYWhy the tub?

BRADTheyre made of old Detroit steel.

(slapping side of tub)Itll stop a pistol round.

MATTI dont see any sign of gunshots.

BRADHe wasnt shot.

Brad carefully lifts Rayshawns head. Its deformed and unrecognizable.

ELLERYDear God...

MATTBlunt force trauma.

BRADEmphasis on trauma.

14.

Brad points out a bloody piece of WOOD.

BRAD (CONTD)Its a LEG from the babys crib. Ill show you.

Backing out of the bathroom. The adjacent door leads to a small bedroom, pictures of cute cartoon animals on the wall.

NURSERY

A smashed CRIB. Blood. A babys BLANKET, used as a shroud over a small, lifeless BODY.

ELLERY(sotto)

No, no...

BRADOne of the R.O.s put the blanket there. The rest is the same.

Matt kneels down to lift the blanket.

BRAD (CONTD)Cecil Junior, nine months.

A small, censored shape, purple and blue, trailing blood.

MATTIt looks like he moved towards the door.

BRADI dont think he died right away.

Ellery is overcome and rushes

OUTSIDE

She PUKES in the bushes, Sara filming the whole thing.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

INT. SUV - LATER

Ellery sits in the passenger seat. Still composing herself. Julian and Sara sit in back seat, interviewing -

ELLERYYou want me to describe it?

15.

JULIANOr you could take better video and I wouldnt have to ask.

ELLERYNot enough bodies Julian?

JULIANMy viewers wanna know the real story, not me. Im sorry. But to make you puke like that... must have been heavy.

ELLERYThe worst thing Ive ever seen.

JULIANOh my god dont tantalize me!

ELLERYA two month old baby. Perfect. Head caved in by the leg from his own crib.

JULIANWow... Ironic really.

ELLERYWhat?

JULIANBabys head destroyed by his own crib. Thats a money shot.

ELLERYYou are so damaged.

JULIANThats the whole world baby.

Matt gets in the driver seat. Takes off.

JULIAN (CONTD)Are we going somewhere Detective?

MATTDowntown. Were gonna interview the 911 caller.

JULIANIsnt she the mother of one of the victims?

16.

MATT(looking at Ellery)

How do you know that?

JULIANI listened to the 911 call... Its public record.

MATTDamn, thats fast. I should put you on the squad. Were about to have an opening.

ELLERYMe?

MATTWere you puking in the bushes outside the crime scene?

ELLERYYes sir.

MATTThis isnt some hidden prank camera show thing, is it?

ELLERYI wish.

MATTSteven Speilberg over here probably got a nice high def shot. I mean, you can probably discern the actual chunks...

ELLERYIt was orange juice sir.

MATTWhatever it was. Its not a good look for us. Doesnt inspire a lot of confidence when our officers are ralphing in various bushes.

ELLERYI am so sorry sir.

MATTYou swear this isnt a prank show?

17.

INT. DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT - INTERVIEW ROOM

Vanessa sits by herself, dazed and numb from the death of her son. Her hands hide inside the sleeves or her sweater.

Behind the one-way GLASS, Lt. Lisa and Matt are observing. Ellery walks to interview room door and KNOCKS.

VANESSAHello?

Matt and Lisa share a chuckle.

MATTWe dont normally knock first.

ELLERYIts polite. Her son just died.

Ellery enters the room and shakes Vanessas hand before sitting.

ELLERY (CONTD)Miss Hawkins, Im detective Seither. Im very sorry for your loss.

VANESSAWhats wrong with your voice?

ELLERYUh, my voice? Im from England.

VANESSAYeah, you sound like you trying to be the queen of something.

ELLERYThank you.

MATTI thought she said she was from Scotland?

VANESSAYou know I knew something bad was gonna happen. I had a feeling.

LT. GARZAScotland Yard.

ELLERYYou knew your son was going to get murdered?

MATTThats not in Scotland?

VANESSAYep. Uh huh.

LT. GARZANo.

18.

ELLERYWhy?

VANESSAGod told me. He gonna help me raise Rayshawn right this time. Up in heaven with his Father.

ELLERYDo you know why anyone would want to hurt Rayshawn?

VANESSARayshawn is an angel. Nothing can hurt him now.

ELLERYSomeone beat your son to death with a piece of wood. It took him more than a day to die. They found him in a filthy bathtub.

VANESSAI had a feeling. A mother knows.

ELLERYDo you know why anyone would want to hurt Cecil?

VANESSACecil is a good father. He provides for my kids.

ELLERYWas Cecil selling dope?

VANESSAOnce I get clean Im gonna get my son back. But Cecil a good father.

ELLERYIll be right back.

Ellery joins Matt and Lisa at the observation window.

MATTYou didnt get much.

ELLERYMiss Hawkins does not seem lucid.

19.

LT. GARZA(acknowledging FILE)

Shes a crackhead. Thats why she got her kids taken away.

ELLERYHow long before she sobers up?

MATTNever.

Matt grabs the file and joins Vanessa inside.

VANESSAYou dont knock no more?

MATTSorry.

(places down the FILE)Ive got Rayshawns record.

VANESSAIts his birthday next week. He thinks I forget but I dont.

MATT(pulling out a pack)

You want a cigarette?

ELLERYAre they allowed to smoke in there?

VANESSAAre we allowed to smoke in here?

LT. GARZADefinately not.

MATTWhos gonna stop us?

Vanessa and Matt lighting up, smoking. Matt motions to the file.

MATT (CONTD)(showing PICTURE)

When Rayshawn heard gunfire, he got down in the tub. That was smart. Ive seen them stop AK rounds.

VANESSAI taught him that.

MATTHe said you were a good mother.

VANESSAHe did?!? Oh my baby. I tried.

20.

MATTRayshawn stayed with Cecil.

VANESSAYeah Im trying to get clean.

MATTRayshawn knows that.

VANESSABut Cecil is a good father.

MATTHe always provides for his kids.

VANESSAThats right. Rayshawn like it over there. He get pizza every week.

MATTHow did Cecil make his money?

VANESSAI dont know...

MATTHe sells rock, doesnt he?

VANESSAWhen he can get it.

INT. EVIDENCE ROOM

Brad is standing over a table of bagged evidence, logging the details into a form. Matt and Ellery enter.

BRADAre you feeling better ma'am?

ELLERY Oh. I'm fine. Thank you detective.

BRADThe first time is hard for everyone.

ELLERYIt's not really my first time-

MATT-Is this everything?

21.

BRADPretty much. Eight balls of powder in the baggies, sir. And dimes in the foil. About four ounces all together.

ELLERYWhats a dime?

Matt opens a foil wrap.

MATTTen dollars worth.

ELLERYA whole family gets slaughtered over this?

MATTIt does seems like a lot of trouble...

BRADMy gut says this is the Disciples. Cecil must have been creeping in on their turf. This is a message. Loud and clear. Now everyone is too scared to talk.

ELLERYUnderstandable, Id say.

MATTSo we make them talk.

ELLERYHow?

MATT(stuffing bagging into pocket)

Leverage. Lets go.

Matt heads to the door.

ELLERY(sotto)

Is he allowed to do that?

BRADDo what?

Brad applies WHITEOUT to a line on his list.

22.

I/E. NORTH END - DETROIT - SUV - NIGHT

Matt drives, Ellery the passenger. Sara in the backseat.

SARADo you suspect gang involvement?

MATTIs that a joke?

SARASo is he a blood or a crip?

MATTYou saw Boyz in the Hood.

SARAI wanted to prepare.

MATTIts a good movie. But this isnt the movies. Bloods shoot bloods, Crips shoot crips.

ELLERYThe witness said Cecil was a G.D.

MATTGangsta Disciple. Theyre a Crip sect from Chicago. Most of the rock in Detroit goes through them.

ELLERYWhat are their colors?

MATTBlack and blue.

ELLERYLook at that car.

MATTThats him.

Matt puts the SUV behind the CAR, two males visible inside. Matt flips a switch, and a holographic display illuminates his windshield. MPH, GPS, etc.

MATT (CONTD)What the hell?

SARAThe car has advanced navigational Heads Up Display.

23.

MATTDoes is shoot missiles too?

SARAThis isnt the movies.

Matt switches off the HUD and hits another switch, activating LIGHTS and SIREN. The CAR hesitates, then takes off. Matt hits the gas and roars after it.

ELLERYHes fleeing?!

MATTOh this happens all the time.

(points at Ellerys shoes)Can you run in those?

ELLERYRUN?! These are Manolos!

MATTIs that a yes or a no?

ELLERYHes pulling over!

The car slows and pulls over.

MATTGet ready.

ELLERYAre you serious?

The car stops. The DRIVER and PASSENGER jump out and run in opposite directions.

MATTI got the driver.

FOOTCHASE -

Matts out of the car, running. A moment later Ellery is out, chasing down the passenger, Julian and Sara close behind. The Manolos are still in the footwell.

Ellery is gaining on the Passenger, when her bare feet slip in a muddy yard. She pulls herself up but the Passenger is gone.

ELLERY[BLEEP!]

24.

Ellery looks up and sees Sara filming. She trudges back to the

SUV

Matt has the Driver ANTAWAN (28) in cuffs. Theyre standing around, watching Ellery.

ELLERY (CONTD)He got away.

MATT(fake British accent)

He got away, did he?

Antawan chuckles.

MATT (CONTD)Watch him.

Matt enters the Car and begins searching.

ANTAWAN You fine for a detective.

ELLERYThank you.

ANTAWANI got the hook up on shoes girl. My boy work at the outlets.

ELLERYI have shoes, thank you.

ANTAWANIt dont look like it.

ELLERYYou think this is all a joke? I could shoot you, you know? No one would care!

ANTAWAN(sees the camera)

Hell no! For realz! Im on Pranked!

ELLERYNo-

ANTAWANIm on TV yo!

25.

ELLERYWell, yes-

ANTAWANShout out Highland Park. Gangsta Disciple for life!

Matt emerges from the car carrying the BAG of drugs.

ANTAWAN (CONTD)Oh hell no! Thats not mine.

MATTThats what everyone says.

(to Ellery)Put him in the back.

ELLERYLets go.

ANTAWANFor real?

ELLERYFor real, for real.

ANTAWANThose arent my drugs.

ELLERYWell get it sorted.

Ellery puts Antawan in the back of the SUV.

Matt approaches Julian and Sara.

MATT(for the camera)

We found this in is car.

JULIANWhat is it?

MATTCocaine. High quality. On the streets they call it Glass.

JULIANGet a tight shot of that.

SARARelax, I got it.

26.

I/E. INTERSTATE 24 - SUV - LATER

Matt and Ellery up front, Antawan cuffed in the back seat.

The crew Van follows close behind, but with some tactical driving, Matt loses them in the alleys of North End.

Ellerys phone rings over the SUV speakers. Its Julian.

MATTDont answer.

ELLERYWhy not? Where are we going?

MATTAntawan is never gonna talk with the cameras around.

ANTAWANI dont know anything man.

Ellerys phone rings again and she silences it in frustration.

ELLERYDo you know Cecil Taylor?

ANTAWANNever heard of him.

ELLERYHis family was murdered. His infant baby lay on the floor for 24 hours before she died.

ANTAWANThats a tough break.

ELLERY(pantomiming)

A tough break? Actually yeah, they broke the leg from the crib, and used it smash-

MATT(reaching over)

-Enough.

I/E. GAS STATION - CONTINUOUS

Rundown, befitting the neighborhood. Matt parks the

27.

SUV

ANTAWANWhat the hell are we doing here?

ELLERYDo we need petrol?

MATT(getting out)

Antawan told me he needed to use the restroom.

ANTAWANNah man Im cool.

ELLERYTheres a restroom at the station.

MATT(pulling Antawan out)

Then hes gonna say we violated his civil rights.

ANTAWANIm good man. Im good.

STATION KIOSK

MATTI need the keys.

ATTENDANTThe toilet is out of order.

MATT(showing his badge)

I dont care.

The Attendant slides the keys through the security drawer.

EXT. MENS ROOM

Matt leads the cuffed Antawan to the DOOR. Ellery follows.

MATTThis is the mens room detective. Well be right out.

Ellery watches the door close and lock. Her when her phone rings. Its Julian. She powers the phone off.

28.

INT. MENS ROOM

Matt unlocks Antawans cuffs.

ANTAWANYou on TV now dog?

MATTI didnt have a choice.

ANTAWANThey paying you?

MATTNo.

ANTAWANYou need a manager. We could get rich together bro.

MATTI dont want to be rich. More money, more problems.

ANTAWANYeah right. How many rich people you ever arrest?

Matt pulls out the drugs and hands them to Antawan. Antawan removes a baggie and the men exchange a nod. Antawan carefully pours out a line on the counter.

MATT(rolling up a twenty into a straw)

You heard about Cecil?

ANTAWANYeah. Its crazy.

Matt and Antawan share a line.

MATT(pounding on the counter)

Wow! God damn.

ANTAWANGood shit, right? This has to be Docs stuff.

Antawan holds the half empty ziploc up to the light.

ANTAWAN (CONTD)The packaging is amateur though.

29.

ELLERY (O.S.)(pounding on the door)

Are you okay?

MATT(sotto)

Hide that.

More pounding from Ellery.

ANTAWANIs your new partner cool?

MATTWere gonna find out.

Antawan tucks the drugs into his pants and Matt unlocks the door. Ellery enters.

ELLERYI thought I heard screaming.

MATTWere fine.

ANTAWANWere cool.

Blood begins dripping from Antawans nose.

ELLERYWhat did he do to you?

MATTNothing.

ANTAWANNothing.

Anton SNIFFS and wipes away the blood. Both subtly talking faster.

MATT (CONTD)Tell us about Cecil.

ANTAWANMan, Cecil small time. He still trying to make his bones.

ELLERYHis bones?

MATT(explaining for Ellery)

He wasnt a full fledged member of the gang yet.

ELLERYHow does someone make their bones?

30.

ANTAWANBy jacking fools.

MATT(for Ellery)

Robbing people, basically.

ELLERYSo Cecil was making bones, he and his brother Ike jack some coke coming in from Windsor.

MATTWhos coke was it?

ANTAWANDoc. He bakes all the rock in North End

MATT(for Ellery)

He turns cocaine and baking soda into crack.

ANTAWANHe got 10,000 gangsters that would kill for him. All colors. Cuz he got the best dope.

ELLERYEven the baby?

ANTAWANHe cold.

MATTThanks man. You ready?

ANTAWANYeah.

Matt punches Antawan, cutting his eye. Antawan shakes it off and leaves. Ellery gasps and brings her hand up to cover the hidden camera.

ELLERY(whispering)

What are you doing?

MATTSaving his life.

31.

INT. CREW VAN - CONTINUOUS

Julian and Shaggy watching DISPLAY from Ellerys hidden camera.

Matt punching Antawan.

JULIANDetroit is gonna riot when they see this.

END ACT TWO

INT. HOMICIDE BULLPEN - LATER

Matt and Ellery return. Through the glass of her OFFICE, we can see Lt. Garza watching a laptop. Shaggy operates the controls, while Julian jabs his finger at the screen.

Lt. Garza makes eye contact with Matt and waves him inside.

INT. LT GARZAS OFFICE

JULIANIts police brutality.

Matt walks in, and Julian goes quiet.

LT. GARZARewind it.

Shaggy complies. Lt. Garza turns the laptop around so Matt can see.

MATTWhat the hell is this?

LT. GARZAI was about to ask you that, Sgt.

JULIANYou beat that man. Another white cop beating a black man.

MATTI bet you got an erection when you saw that. It makes you hot, doesnt it.

LT. GARZADetective, please.

32.

MATT[BLEEP] [BLEEP]!

Matt walks out. Julian looks shocked, indignant.

JULIANI should have gone to the press with this!

LT. GARZABut you want it for your own show.

JULIANI couldve started a riot.

LT. GARZAI know. Thats why Im seizing all copies of this video.

JULIANYou cant do that.

LT. GARZAYes I can. They pose an imminent and inherent danger to the public. You said so yourself.

(to Shaggy)Turn off that laptop.

Shaggy complies.

INT. HOMICIDE DIVISION - MOMENTS LATER

Ellery is briefing Reggie and Brad. Brad is the junior partner, so he takes notes.

ELLERYApparently Cecil and his brother Ike jacked a shipment of cocaine.

BRADDo we know whose cocaine?

ELLERYSomeone named Doc.

REGGIEDoc Holiday.

ELLERYYou know him.

33.

BRADOh yeah. Hes big time.

ELLERYAccording to Antawan, he bakes all the rock in the north end.

REGGIEAll the rock in Detroit.

Matt joins them, clearly angry.

ELLERYIs everything okay?

MATTCome with me.

Matt takes Ellery by the arm and pulls her to a secluded corner.

ELLERYWhats wrong?!

Matt yanks open the top buttons of Ellerys shirt, revealing the hidden CAMERA. She covers herself defensively.

ELLERY (CONTD)I had to.

MATTPeople shouldnt see the things we see. Some of the world deserves to be innocent.

ELLERYIm sorry.

MATTYoure reassigned. Detective Hightower will be your new partner.

ELLERYYes sir.

MATTOne more thing. In this country, secretly filming inside a restroom is illegal.

ELLERYYes sir.

34.

Matt leaves. Ellery pulls out the camera and throws it in the trash.

I/E. CROWN VIC - LATER

Reggie drives the unmarked patrol car through DOWNTOWN. The mighty GM Towers crown the impressive skyline. Couldnt be more different than the hood.

Ellery stares out the passenger window, the rain lighter now. Sara in the back seat, always filming.

REGGIEHow you doing?

ELLERY I'm fine.

REGGIEIts kinda my job to know when people are lying.

ELLERY(Looking at Reg)

Thank you detective, but Ill be fine.

She hides a tear, just something in her eye.

REGGIECall me Reg. Thats what my friends call me.

ELLLERYThey used to call me Elle, back home.

REGGIE(To Sara)

Could you turn off the camera for a second?

SARAI cant. Julian would kill me.

REGGIEYou can be human for a second. He cant kill you for that. Im a homicide detective. I would know.

SARA(Turning off camera)

Ha.

35.

Reg hands Ellery his handkerchief.

ELLERY(Wiping eyes)

Thanks. I don't know what came over me.

REGIt's rough out here. We all have our moments. Thats how it is for people that do our job. Unless you some kind of Robocop. Hes from Detroit, you know.

ELLERYIm not Robocop. Thirty minutes into my first shift shes recording me puking in the bushes.

SARAI had to.

ELLERYI know. That's what I told Sgt. Barnes. But hes still mad.

REGGIEDon't worry about Matt. Hes moody like a girl. Brad says hes got permanent PMS... No offense.

ELLERYNone taken.

SARASpeak for yourself.

PARKING LOT

Reg parks the car, the Crew Van pulling in moments later. Ellery quickly reapplies some eyeliner.

REGGIEMy daughter says they have eyeliner for men now.

ELLERYIt's called "guyliner".

REGJesus Christ. What is the world coming to?

36.

SARAEquality.

REGGIELord help us.

ELLERY(Puts away makeup)

Okay. Thank you Sara.

Sara resumes filming.

EXT. LIBERTY SOLUTIONS INC - CONTINUOUS

An old Social Security building from the 70s, re-purposed and featuring a new sign and logo... The SCALES OF JUSTICE.

ELLERYThis is it?

REGThey closed the probation department last year. Now it all goes through private companies.

INT. LIBERTY SOLUTIONS INC - CONTINUOUS

An obese SECURITY GUARD watches the entrance. Reggie waves and the Guard buzzes them in.

GUARDNo cameras allowed.

REGGIEDont worry. This is not gonna be interesting.

A mass of cubicles, desks, paperwork. Staffed by a skeleton crew this time of night.

A disinterested RECEPTIONIST guard the entrance, more interested in her computer.

REGGIE (CONTD)Hi. We are looking for a parolee.

RECEPTIONISTJust a minute.

Ellery leans to see the screen. The Receptionist is surfing Facebook.

37.

ELLERYFacebook?

Reg puts his BADGE on the table.

REGGIEThis is important.

RECEPTIONISTFine. What?

REGGIEWe need to find a parolee named Ike Taylor.

RECEPTIONIST(typing)

Ike Taylor?

REGGIEYeah.

RECEPTIONISTWe dont got no Ike Taylor.

ELLERYTry Isaac Taylor.

RECEPTIONISTIts Isaac Taylor now?

ELLERYJust check.

RECEPTIONIST(typing)

Isaac Taylor. Aggravated robbery.(pointing)

Cubicle 11.

CUBICLE 11

A computer, overflowing paperwork, and a phone. Behind it all, the harried Parole Office KYLE MILLER(55).

KYLECan I help you?

REGGIEIm detective Hightower, this is detective Seither. Were from Detroit Homicide.

38.

KYLEAh crap.

ELLERYWhats wrong?

KYLEI already got 4 points this month.

ELLERYI get a point every time one of my guys kills somebody. 10 and Im fired.

ELLERY (CONTD)Ten per month?

KYLEIt sounds like a lot but its not.

REGGIERelax my man. Your guy didnt kill anybody.

ELLERYWere trying to save his life... Were trying to save someone a point.

Reggie presents a sheet with Ike Taylors info.

REGGIEIkes brother was murdered, along with five family members.

KYLEI heard about that. Six points right there.

REGGIEIke is gonna be next unless we find him.

KYLE(typing)

His address is listed as 166 Lester Street.

ELLERYThats his brothers house.

REGGIEWhen does he check in?

39.

KYLENext report is... six weeks.

ELLERYDo you have his number?

KYLEYeah. Do you want me to call him?

ELLERYYes. Please.

Kyle picks up the phone and dials.

KYLEIsaac Taylor? This is PO Miller... Is there any way you can come down today?... Okay... How about later this week?

ELLERYGive me the telephone.

Ellery takes the phone from Kyles hand.

ELLERY (CONTD)Mr. Taylor? My name is Ellery. I work for the Detroit Lost Property Department... Thats why Im calling. My condolences... A large amount of cash was recovered from your brothers home... We need to return it to his next of kin...Thats you?... Perfect.

Ellery returns the phone. Kyle hangs it up.

KYLEHow much money?

ELLERY(rolling her eyes)

Thank you for youre help.

KYLETell him he still owes us parole fees.

EXT. PARKING LOT - LIBERTY SOLUTIONS INC

Julian and Sara arguing behind the open Crew van. Shaggy behind the controls of the video monitor.

40.

JULIANJesus Christ.

SARAShe asked me to.

JULIANWho gives a shit!? You are paid to film. It's not hard. A monkey can hold a goddamn camera.

SARAIt was off for less than a minute.

JULIANLess than a minute?! Have you watched the news in the last ten years? Everything is less than a minute. The World Trade Center... gone in ten seconds.

SARAPretty sure no buildings collapsed.

JULIANEllery was about to start crying. That's what the viewers want to see. That's how we make money.

SARAI know that.

JULIANIf it happens again you're done. Back to dancing for slimy dollars in some Reno shit hole.

SARAI got it.

JULIANI got your replacement on speed dial.

SARAUntil he eats his banana phone.

JULIANWhat?

Ellery and Reggie exit the building and approach.

Sara picks up her camera and starts filming.

41.

REGGIEWe need you to move the Van and stay out of sight.

JULIANWhat's up?

REGGIECecils brother agreed to meet us here. If he sees anything sketchy he's gonna bounce.

ELLERYHe knows the people who killed his brother are looking for him.

REGGIENo telling what his state of mind is right now. If he pulls a gun, lay flat on the ground. Get small.

JULIANIs that likely?

REGGIEIt happens.

JULIAN(eyes Sara)

Well be ready.

Julian enters the Van, and Shaggy drives to a large lot across the street.

ELLERYThe camera has to be out of sight.

SARAI got it.

They walk towards the Crown Vic.

REGGIEI can throw Julian in jail for a couple days, if you want. A little attitude adjustment.

SARASo tempting.

REGGIEIts a standing offer.

42.

SARAThanks.

INT. CROWN VIC

Reggie checks his watch. A CAR pulls into the lot. Ellery and Reggie compare the Driver to photos of Ike.

REGGIENope.

SARAAre you sure this guys gonna show?

ELLERYHe thinks hes coming to collect some of Cecils property.

REGGIEProperty. She told him we had Cecils cash. Lots of it.

SARALike how much?

REGGIEOh, there ain't no cash.

ELLERYYeah, I lied.

SARASo it's gonna be like: Hey man. Sorry your whole familys dead. Oh and we lied about the money. Pranked!

ELLERYWell use a little more tact than that.

SARAWell then Im sure hell love it.

A beat up CAR pulls in the lot.

ELLERYThat's him.

A nervous IKE TAYLOR exits his car in an oversize hoodie and heads towards the building entrance. Reggie and Ellery exit the Crown Vic in pursuit.

43.

REGGIE(to Sara)

Wait here.

EXT. LIBERTY SOLUTIONS INC

Ellery is close when Ike sees her from under his hood, wary.

ELLERYIsaac Taylor?

Ike hears her voice and relaxes.

IKEYou Ellery?

ELLERYIm Ellery.

IKEYou from England?

ELLERYYes actually.

IKEWhy you come to Detroit?

ELLERYI like Detroit.

IKEYou never been to my neighborhood.

ELLERYActually, I have.

(showing her badge)I need to ask you some questions.

Ike turns and runs. Reggie stops him in his tracks and takes him down. Ellery helps hold Ike and Reggie slaps on cuffs.

REGGIEChill out, my man. Were trying to help you.

INT. INTERVIEW ROOM - LATER

An unhappy Ike sits against the wall. Ellery and Reggie are across the table.

44.

REGGIESo what do you think happened to Cecil?

IKEI dont know man. Niggas be dying all the time in the hood. For no reason.

REGGIEWe found rock in his house.

IKEI dont know nothing about that. Cecil do his own thing.

REGGIEWord on the street is that you and Cecil jacked the rock from Doc Holiday.

IKEFairy tales man. Niggas say anything to dodge a beef.

REGGIESo you dont know anything about it?

IKEHell no. They revoke me just for being around that shit.

ELLERYYou were living at Cecils house.

IKEOne night. He hollering at me about rent so I bounced.

ELLERYDid you see ever see drugs in the house?

IKEI keep my eyes closed and my head down. You feel me?

Ellery and Reggie exchange a look.

ELLERYHang tight Mr. Taylor.

Ellery and Reggie exit.

45.

INT. LT GARZAS OFFICE

A video feed of the Interview Room on the monitor - Ike by himself, thousand yard stare on his face. Lt Garza at her desk, Matt leaning against the back credenza.

ELLERYI dont think hes gonna talk.

MATTHe just got out of prison. He knows the game.

ELLERYI thinks hes mad I lied to him about the money.

MATTHes mad because were cop. We put him in prison and we can do it again.

LT. GARZAIf Ike can ID Cecils killer, well take any possible charges against him off the table. And tell him Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for a conviction.

ELLERYHow much?

LT. GARZAI dont know. Make up a number.

Before Ellery leaves, Matt hands her a folder.

MATTTake this.

BACK TO:

INT. INTERVIEW ROOM

Ellery and Reggie return. Ellery puts the FOLDER on the table.

ELLERYI want you to see what happened to your brother and his family.

Ellery slowly arranges photos of the victims, starting with the adults. Ike is shocked and upset, eyes getting wet.

46.

IKEI dont want to see that man.

Ellery places the photo of the teenager.

ELLERYThis is Rayshawn, we think. Right now hes a John Doe because his mom couldnt recognize his face.

IKE(touching pic)

Ray Ray, you always be my boy... He the only one who write me when I was locked up. We was gonna see Avengers.

ELLERY(places last photo)

Cecil Jr. Nine months old. He didnt die right away. He tried to crawl. You can see the trail. He made it six inches. In 24 hours.

Ike, overcome, hides his face in his hands.

REGGIEListen to me Ike. Six people are dead. Thats all we care about. Help us find the killer and we wipe the board clean on everything else.

ELLERYAnd there is money. Real money. Crime Stoppers is offering $50,000 to any witness that can help close this case. You can get back on your feet.

Ike wipes his face and pulls himself together.

IKEWe didnt know the coke was Docs. It was just a couple white guys from Canada.

REGGIEWhat happened?

IKECecil got a tip. They staying at the Motor Lodge. We jacked em. It was easy... Then the Blackout Squad showed up.

47.

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DPD

The SWAT TEAM preparing for battle. Body armor strapped on; rifles loaded; scopes checked.

INT. HALLWAY - DPD

Ellery and Reggie walking fast, determined. In Ellerys hand, a stack of PAPERS. Sara follows with her camera.

Matt is waiting for them at the end, holding a DOOR open -

INT. SWAT BRIEFING - CONTINUOUS

The SWAT team assembled. Their commander, former Navy SEAL SERGEANT WOLFE, stands in front next to Lt. Garza. She sees Ellery enter and waves her forward.

SGT. WOLFEYou got it?

ELLERYWe got it.

SGT. WOLFEGo ahead.

Ellery hands a sheet of paper to Wolfe. Its warrants for Doc Holiday and his two accomplices. More papers get handed to the SWAT team.

ELLERYCan you pass these around?

SWAT hands the papers around, while Ellery eyes the weapons. Serious hardware. Men prepared for war.

WOLFEListen up men. Were dealing with human garbage. They beat a nine month old baby to death with a piece of his own crib. If you have a chance to take out the trash and save this city a trial, take it.

Ellery looks at Wolfe. Did he really just say that?

48.

SWAT(chorus)

Yes sir.

Ellery watches Matt whisper something to Lt Garza. Then he turns and exits.

WOLFELets rock and roll.

INT. GARAGE - DPD - MOMENTS LATER

And old SCHOOL BUS. Flaked yellow paint. The SWAT team boards in military precision. Wolfe uses his hand to invite the detective to board next.

Sara filming Elllery, Lt Garza, Reggie get on the bus next.

WOLFEAfter you.

SARAThank you.

WOLFEThe back seat is the safest.

I/E. MICHIGAN AVE - DPD - MOMENTS LATER

The SWAT School Bus exits the garage and pulls into traffic. Wolfe is standing in the center aisle, bracing his hand on the driver seat.

WOLFE(checking his watch)

School is out in fifteen minutes.

The BUS traveling through high class downtown Detroit.

CUT TO:

INT. INTERVIEW ROOM

Ikes hoodie covers his head, which is face down on the table. A KNOCK at the door and Ike raises his head, seeing Matt enter.

On the table is a fast food meal. Matt sees its untouched.

MATTNot hungry?

49.

IKENah... not right now.

MATTYou wanna get out of here?

IKEDid they grab Doc?

MATTSWAT is on its way. Itll be over soon. Come on.

Matt holds open the door. Cecil grabs the bag of food on his way out.

INT. DPD MAIN ENTRANCE

Matt walking Ike to entrance. He exchanges a wave with the duty Officer. She smiles broadly, way more interested in Matt than anything else.

EXT. DPD MAIN ENTRANCE

Matt shakes Ikes hand.

MATTThanks for your help Ike.

(pulling out bis card)If theres anything I can ever do for you.

IKEIm cool. But thanks.

MATTWhere you staying tonight?

IKEProbably first Methodist. They have fifty beds. But it fills up when it rains.

MATTWe have a hotel room for witnesses. Its downtown. Its nice. Let me hook you up. The police will pay for it.

IKEUh, Im cool.

50.

MATTFree mini-bar.

IKEAll right.

EXT. SWAT BUS - FREEWAY

Tinted windows obscure the occupants. Rolling down the interstate, taking the exit to -

HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

Deep in the hood.

CUT TO:

EXT. UNMARKED CRUISER - DOWNTOWN

Majestic skyline. Beautiful waterfront.

MGM GRAND HOTEL

Matt pulls the Cruiser into the main driveway.

IKEThis is it?!

MATTThats right.

IKEDamn.

Matt parks right in front. They get out. Ike in awe of the marble fountains; gold filigreed walls.

BELLHOPYou cant park here!

Matt flashes his badge.

MATT[BLEEP] off.

The ENTRANCE doors slide open as they walkthrough.

51.

INT. MGM GRAND HOTEL - CONTINUOUS

The interiors even more impressive. The high class guests look suspiciously at Ike. He doesnt belong here.

COUNTER

A Japanese Businessman receives his key from the RECEPTIONIST, then turns and heads towards the elevator.

MATTWait here.

Next in line is a group of chatty New York DEBUTANTES. The ALPHA female approaches the counter when Matt cuts in front.

ALPHA DEBUTANTEHey! We were next.

MATT(flashing badge)

Police business.

ALPHA DEBUTANTEI dont care! My husband knows the mayor!

MATTYou want me to search your bags for drugs?

Silence.

MATT (CONTD)Then get back in line.

Debutantes go quiet, get back in orderly line.

MATT (CONTD)I need a room. The highest floor you have.

RECEPTIONISTDo you have a reservation?

MATT(puts badge down )

Its important...

RECEPTIONIST(typing)

We have one room available on the 20th floor. But its 400 a night.

52.

MATTThat works.

Matt hands over a credit card and the Receptionist swipes it. Matt checks over his shoulder. Ike is still there, looking awkward.

RECEPTIONIST(handing over keys)

Enjoy your stay.

MATTThank you.

ELEVATOR

DING. Matt and Ike enter.

MATTTwenty... Just push it.

Ike pushes the button and the doors close.

CUT TO:

I/E. SWAT BUS - HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

The SWAT bus pulls to a stop. Wolfe checks his watch.

WOLFESchools out boys. Sniper teams, move out.

Six men disembark, snipers and their spotters.

WOLFE (CONTD)Drive around the block.

The bus moves on as the snipers infiltrate the neighborhood.

RANDOM HOUSE

Snipers pounding on the door.

SWATGet down. Get down!

A scared female (65) throws her hands up.

SWAT (CONTD)Police! Hands up!

53.

Female complies. Swat retrains her with zip-ties.

SWAT (CONTD)Sit tight.

SWAT sniper team opens second floor window, setting up the rifle. Through the scope - a clear view of Docs house.

BACK TO:

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - 20TH FLOOR

Matt leads Ike to the room: 2021. He sticks in a magnetic key and the door opens.

MATTLet me check it out.

HOTEL ROOM

Matt enters first. Its a high class room, two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Matt checks one by one. Ike sees the balcony for the doorway. It pulls him forward.

Matt finishes his search and sees Ike on the balcony. He dials a number on his phone... Lt. Garza.

He slides the phone into his pocket and joins Ike outside.

BACK TO:

INT. SWAT BUS

The Bus parks in a secluded spot, behind an old garage.

WOLFETime to rock and roll.

SWAT Team exits with precision, followed my Wolfe. The detectives in the back rise and prepare to follow, when Lt Garzas phone RINGS.

LT. GARZAStop. Everybody back down.

The detectives sit back down. Garza puts her phone on speaker.

LT. GARZA (CONTD)(mouthing words to Sara)

RECORD THIS.

54.

Sara nods and points the camera at Garzas phone. On the display: Matt (555)432-1422.

IKE (V.O.)I cant believe this is Detroit.

MATT (V.O.)Nice, huh?

IKE (V.O.)My last room didnt even have windows.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL ROOM - BALCONEY

Beautiful VIEW. Waterfront and the Detroit River.

MATT(pulls out pack)

Want a cigarette?

IKE(points - no smoking sign)

You wont arrest me?

MATTId have to arrest myself.

Matt lights a cigarette, puffs. The he lights Ikes.

MATT (CONTD)(hands hotel key)

Heres the key.

IKEThanks.

MATTWere moving on Doc right now. Itll be over soon.

Ike smokes in silence.

MATT (CONTD)You know my brother was supposed to do a dime in Jackson.

IKEHe got early release?

55.

MATTYeah ... But it was in a body bag.

IKEDamn. He get shanked?

MATTBedsheet around the neck.He made it one year.

IKESorry man.

MATTI had a feeling. The light was gone from his eyes. When they told me I wasnt surprised.

IKEIt happens. Theres nothing you can do.

MATTI mean I visited him every weekend... More when I could.

IKEYour brother was lucky. I didnt get one visitor. In ten years.

MATTNot even Cecil?

IKEHell no. And I went away for him man. We both jacked the Gas Station. But I took the rap. He just had a kid.

MATTThen you finally get out and he starts bitching about rent money.

IKEThey treated me like a criminal.

MATTRayshawn didnt. He knew you were a decent person.

IKERayshawn. He was the one good thing in my life...

(MORE)

56.

He wasnt supposed to be there. He supposed to be with his mom.

MATT(pointing up)

Rayshawns up there now Ike. He knows youre hurting.

IKEI didnt mean to man. I just got so angry. Something just snapped.

MATTGod forgives Ike. You can still do right by him. Rayshawn can rest in peace.

IKE(crying)

Im so sorry.

Matt and Ike embrace.

MATTTell me what happened Ike.

BACK TO:

INT. SWAT BUS - MOMENTS LATER

MATT (V.O.)The baby too?

IKE (V.O.)Yeah.

MATT (V.O.)Okay. You know I gotta put these on now.

IKE (V.O.)I know.

Lt Garza hangs up her phone. Ellery cant help but looked shocked.

SARAWell I guess thats a wrap.

Sgt. Wolfe boards the bus.

IKE (CONT'D)

57.

WOLFEMy men are in position. Its time to do this.

LT. GARZATell your men to stand down.

INT. DETROIT JAIL - LATER

Matt and the handcuffed Ike stand in front of the intake desk, Matt signing paperwork.

DEPUTYLets go.

The DEPUTY leads Ike away.

MATTTake care Ike.

IKEYou too.

EXT. DETROIT JAIL - MOMENTS LATER

Matt finds Ellery waiting for him.

MATTWhat are you doing here?

ELLERYI wanted to say goodbye.

MATTGoodbye?

ELLERYI turned in my resignation.

MATTThat didnt take long.

ELLERYIm not cut out for this.

MATTOkay.

ELLERYSorry I wasted your time.

58.

MATTHey, I do it all the time. Let me buy you a drink before you go.

ELLERYUh...

MATTFor old times sake.

ELLERYSure.

INT. OMALLEYS BAR - LATER

An Irish style pub. Irish flag and accoutrements decorate the walls. PIERRE, the bartender, is French-Canadian.

MATTJust like home, right?

ELLERYThis is an Irish bar.

MATTI know.

(to Pierre)Two Jamisons please... doubles.

ELLERYIm English.

MATTOh yeah. So Jamison doesnt work on you?

ELLERYI didnt say that.

(clinking glasses)Cheers.

They pound their shots.

MATT(to Pierre)

Two more.

Two more doubles are poured.

MATT (CONTD)So youre quitting?

59.

ELLERYI sat across the table from the killer. I had no idea. I let him go.

MATTWe got him in the end.

ELLERYYou got him.

MATTI watched your interview. It was good. It put me on the right track.

ELLERYHow did you know?

MATT(downs his shot)

Hard time destroys a mans ability to feel empathy. When Ike got upset, it had to be something else.

ELLERYGuilt.

MATT(nod to Pierre)

Or regret.

ELLERYIm sorry about your brother.

MATTIm an only child.

ELLERYWow.

Ellery shakes her head and sips her shot. Matts phone rings. Born in the USA...

MATT(into phone)

Hey... Yeah... Got it... Ill be there.

(to Ellery)Round 2. Lets go.

ELLERYI told you Im done.

60.

MATTYou know I used to read Ellery Queen when I was a kid.

ELLERYMy brother always said Ellery was a boys name. He used to make fun of me.

MATTIts a good name. He solved every crime.

(takes Ellerys hand)You were born to do this. Were one for one. You cant stop now.

Ellery smiles and nods.

MATT (CONTD)So lets do this.

Matt stands, putting cash down on the counter. Ellery downs the rest of her shot and they head out.

ELLERYLets do this.

EXT. HIGHLAND PARK - NIGHT

Police CRUISERS with flashing lights surround the scene. COPS congregate near a BODY, covered with a TARP.

Matt and Ellery exit their SUV and approach the body.

MATTJust one this time?

MONIQUEIts your lucky day.

MATTID?

MONIQUEBlack male in his twenties. Shot twice in the head and chest. Hes a John Doe right now.

Matt crouches and lifts the tarp, revealing a FACE.

ELLERYOh my god. Its Antawan.

61.

MATTYep.

ELLERYDid we do this?

MATTMaybe. Maybe not. But thats life in Detroit.

FADE TO BLACK.

THE END

62.