Vagrant - "Lisa in the Morning"

7/27/2019 Vagrant - "Lisa in the Morning"

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VAGRANT

"Lisa in the Morning"

Written by

Brad Cook


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TEASER

INT. COUSINS PARTY STORE - DAWN

A cramped, dirty shop. Every inch of space is covered, if not

with products, with grime. LISA WITZEL (29) drags a ragacross the glass counter, but the streaks remain.

She slouches forward on her stool as her cleaning arm slidesout. Her head gently comes to a rest on it.

Just as her eyes flutter closed, a bell RINGS out. A roundMiddle-Eastern MAN waddles through the door.

Lisa sits up as he approaches her, waggles his finger.

LISABashir! I was just--

BASHIRAnd you ask me for more hours.

Lisa blushes, looks down.

LISAIm sorry.

BASHIRAlways sorry. Never good work.Never a smile.

He steps behind the counter, passes her. He taps theregisters screen a few times to log her off.

BASHIR (CONTD)Now it is my turn to apologize. Imsorry, Lisa. You must go.

LISAWhat do you mean?

BASHIRI will hire new employee. Many

applications.

She steps down from the stool, clasps her hands together.

LISABashir, please, Im begging you. Ineed this job.

He shakes his head.


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BASHIRSo do other people who can stayawake. I will need the shirt back.

Her mouth hangs open a moment.

LISAI dont have another with me...

He points to a rack of shirts.

BASHIRT-shirt. Ten dollars.

Lisas lip quivers a bit.

LISAI only have five.

Bashir turns, scans the maze of products on the wall. Hefinds something, hands it to her. A poncho.

BASHIROne-fifty.

INT. COUSINS PARTY STORE - BATHROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Lisa stands in front of the scummy mirror. She unbuttons thetop of her custom-embroidered shirt, pulls it off.

She stares at her nearly gaunt figure, her ribs visible under

her skin. Her bra, splotchy and stained, doesnt fit anymore.

Tears threaten to spill over her eyelids.

Lisa holds the small package. Her dirty fingernails pickapart the plastic. She pulls the poncho out, slips it on.

INT. WOMENS SHELTER - LATER

The shelter is one big room. Bunk beds line the walls, tablesdot the middle. Women of all ages go about their business.

Lisa sulks through the door in her poncho.

A few snickers here and there as she walks toward thelockers, head hanging.

She halts a few feet away. The lock on locker 23 hangs open.

LISANo, no...

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She rushes forward, pulls the lock off, flings it open. Herclothes are strewn about. She throws them to the groundbeside her until she finds her wallet.

Next to it, her drivers license and five pennies. She opensthe wallet. Empty.

Her hand shakes as she sets the wallet back in the locker,picks up her clothes. She shuts it.

Lisa turns, inhales deeply. She steels herself.

LISA (CONTD)Excuse me, um... someone stole mystuff.

She lifts her eyes, looks around. The people who didnt flatout ignore her stare back silently.

One grizzly WOMAN at a table speaks up:

WOMANI saw who did it!

Lisa brightens.

LISAYou did? Oh, thank--

WOMANIt was SATAN!

The woman cackles, pounds the table.

EXT. JEFFERSON AND RIVARD - LATER

Lisa stares out at the Detroit River in the distance. Thesurrounding park, the trees, the boats on the water all makefor a picturesque view.

A passing car HONKS its horn, bringing her back to reality.She stands, in the middle of a busy intersection, holding acardboard sign that reads Anything helps.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

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EXT. ABANDONED OFFICE BUILDING - MORNING

Side parking lot. Perpetually parked there, an old full-sizevan: dented, rusted, a tire blown out. The building obscuresit from the street. Inside, the sound of papers rustling.

INT. BLALOCKS VAN - SAME

ASHLEY BLALOCK (15) shuffles through papers scattered acrossthe middle row of seats.

A groan. She stops, glances over. WAYNE (37) and CRYSTAL (34)BLALOCK sleep in the reclined front seats.

She quietly resumes her search. She holds up a paper, sighswith relief. She shoves it into a textbook, which shesqueezes in her backpack.

WAYNEDamnit, girl, cant you be quiet?

ASHLEYI tried. I wouldnt have to rushand leave so early if--

WAYNEIm not going over this again. How

many times I gotta tell you no?

Crystal stirs in her seat.

CRYSTALNow were all awake. Thanks, Wayne.

WAYNEAint my fault! Ash is over heredoing paperwork at the crack ofdawn, and, and...

CRYSTALIf you coulda kept your mouth shut

wed both be asleep again!

Wayne sits up slightly.

WAYNEDont you take that tone with me,

woman.

Crystal turns away. Wayne sits up further.

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WAYNE (CONTD)I wont take no cold shoulder,neither!

Ashley sighs again, but not from relief. She grabs a scooter,slings her backpack around her shoulder, opens the door.

CRYSTAL(over her shoulder)

Have a good day, baby.

WAYNEThats fine, ignore me. Yknow--

Ashley closes the door, unfolds the scooter. Under the weightof her bulging backpack, she rides off.

EXT. HOMELESS CAMP - MORNING

The circular courtyard behind the abandoned hobby shop isempty. In the center, the ashes of last nights fire stillsmolder in a ring of stones.

In the glare of the rising sun, TERRELL HUTCHISON (42) andNORMAN SULLIVAN (63) return carrying bags.

TERRELLGuess theyre not up yet.

NORMANOh, little boys just love to wake

up early. Especially on theirbirthday.

They reach the courtyard, take a seat on the benches.

TERRELLTouch.

NORMANDont go all Frenchie on me, guy.

Norman pulls a loaf of bread from one of the bags.

NORMAN (CONTD)Baguette?

They chuckle. Behind them, the door to the old hobby shopopens. TALIA (58) and PIO MADRIGAL (9) shuffle out, thelatter rubbing his eyes.

NORMAN (CONTD)Heeeeyyyyyyy!

TERRELLHappy birthday, buddy!

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Talia smiles wide, but not as wide as Pio.

TALIAWhat do you say, pap?

PIO

Thank you!

Terrell starts to unpack the bag.

TERRELLCheck out all this loot, little

man!

Pio rushes over. Terrell pulls out five slices of pizza, onewith pepperoni. He points at it.

TERRELL (CONTD)That ones yours.

Pio claps his hands with a grin.

TERRELL (CONTD)Now go see what Uncle Norm has foryou while I heat these up.

On another bench, Norm unpacks his bag. A few loaves ofbread, a couple donuts.

PIOOooooh.

Then, the pice de rsistance: a big frosted cupcake with acandle in it.

Pio throws his hands up in the air.

PIO (CONTD)Cupcaaaaaake!

Norm hands it to Pio.

TALIAMira, dont eat that yet!

(to Norm)Is it safe?

NORMANOh, perfectly. The high sugarcontent in the frosting retardsspoilage.

Terrell raises an eyebrow, adds kindling to the fire pit.

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Out of nowhere, LORETTA (49), plump, black, turns a cornerwith a crudely wrapped box in hand.

LORETTAMister birthday boy! Look what Ivegot!

Pios eyes go as wide as saucers. He hands Norm the cupcakeso quickly it almost falls, then runs over to her.

She walks with the box out of his reach as he grabs at it.

Terrell stokes the tiny fire.

TERRELLWow, where did you get that?

Loretta sits, hands Pio the box.

LORETTAGo ahead, hun.

The child tears the brown paper wrapping away, revealing aremote control helicopter.

Pio yells out in joy.

TALIAOh, miss Loretta, thats too much.

Loretta waves her hand dismissively.

LORETTANonsense. Its a special occasion.

Terrell watches Talia move to hug Loretta as Pio rips openthe box.

INT. PRESTON STREET - OLD HOUSE - MORNING

Dust glistens in the air of a barren living room. On a sofa,MARCUS PITT (24) lays with his legs across BLAKE WALCOTT(23), asleep sitting up, tucked inside his hoodie.

Blakes nose twitches. Again. A sneeze THROWS his bodyforward, waking both of them up in the process.

Blake notices Marcus legs on him, throws them off. He looksaround.

BLAKEJesus.

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Marcus sits up slowly, scratches his head.

MARCUSSecond thoughts already?

Blake pokes his arms through his hoodie sleeves.

BLAKEFuck no. But Ima need my sleepingbag.

He pulls his cell phone out. The screen says 15 missed calls.

BLAKE (CONTD)Well, the dictator didnt cancel myphone.

MARCUSI know pissing Walter off is fun

for you, but what were about toundertake is some serious shit.

They stare each other down.

MARCUS (CONTD)You slept on it, now Im gonna askone last time. Are we really doingthis?

A beat.

BLAKE

Like I said. Ima need my sleepingbag.

Marcus sits back, takes this in.

MARCUSAlright, then. First thing we needto do is find your gun before thepolice do. If they havent already.

BLAKEDog, I aint goin nowhere until I

got some flamin hots up in me.

INT. HONEYBEE MARKET - COOLER - MORNING

JUSTIN SHEN (25) and his BOSS stand exhaling plumes of vapor.Amongst them, a stack of crates four high.

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BOSSYou wanna explain to me why Im upto my ears in bananas back here?

JUSTINIt was my mistake, sir. It wont

happen again.

BOSSYouve been here a long time.Didnt Tim show you the ropes?

JUSTINYes, he did.

BOSSI thought you could handle theposition, Shen. Was I wrong?

JUSTINYou absolutely werent, sir.

BOSSProve it.

The boss walks out. Justins brow furrows in his wake. Hefollows.

INT. HONEYBEE MARKET - PRODUCE - CONTINUOUS

As the boss walks toward customer service, he passes GIDEON

KENNEY (27). The greet each other politely.

Gideon continues over to Justin.

GIDEONI amso tired.

JUSTINThat bastard has never liked me.

GIDEONFunny, weve never had a problem.

JUSTINSo backwards. I do so much morethan you.

GIDEONWow, okay. Thanks.

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JUSTINTim really screwed me by being sosecretive. I have four extra cratesof bananas now. Makes me look bad.

GIDEON

Didnt you tell the boss that?

JUSTINOf course not. First rule ofpolitics - never burn bridges.

Gideon shakes his head.

GIDEONYou give any more thought toletting me use that old produce?

JUSTIN

Is that all you think about?Homeless people?

Gideon cocks his head slightly, looks off.

GIDEONNo, hockey sometimes. So what do yasay?

(yawning)Help em out?

JUSTINLook how well thats working out

for you.

EXT. COUSINS PARTY STORE - LATER

Marcus leans against the store window. Blake walks throughthe door.

They analyze each others choices: Blake holds a FaygoRedpop, a big bag of Flamin Hot Cheetos. Marcus, a VernorsGinger Soda and potato chips.

Blake grins.

BLAKESome things never change, yo.

They get to stepping. Blake pulls out his cell phone, speeddials someone. He holds it to his ear.

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BLAKE (CONTD)(into phone)

Yeah, I need Witzel. Its BlakeWalcott.

(he listens)Because hes my lawyer and I need

to talk to him!

He looks at Marcus, shakes his head. Marcus doesnt react.

BLAKE (CONTD)(into phone)

Howard, real quick, any update onmy case?

(he listens)So they havent found anything?

(he listens)Cool. Peace.

He hangs up. Turns to Marcus.

BLAKE (CONTD)Were good. Lets go.

EXT. JEFFERSON AND RIVARD - DAY

The high sun beats down on Lisa. Sweat drips from her chin.She coughs softly from the exhaust of passing cars.

Traffic comes to a stop as the light turns red. Lisa turns toregard the line of cars. She walks.

Music blares from the open windows of the first car. A youngGIRL, on seeing Lisa, turns it way down, averts her eyes.

Lisa continues on with her cardboard sign. Car after carrefuses to acknowledge her.

She comes to a convertible with a middle-aged CREEPER at thewheel. He takes his time looking her up and down.

CREEPERDown on your luck, baby?

Lisa doesnt speak. He reads her sign.

CREEPER (CONTD)Anything helps. Huh. How about youget that sweet ass in here and let

me help it?

Disgusted, she strides away. The traffic in front of the cartakes off, but this guys head is turned.

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CREEPER (CONTD)Cmon! I got a job for ya!

The cars behind him unleash a cacophony of horns. The manyells as he speeds off:

CREEPER (CONTD)Fuckin slut!

Lisa closes her eyes. A shudder rocks her body. She sits inthe median as vehicles whir past her.

She collects herself. Reaches into her pocket, pulls out ahandful of bills. Mostly singles, a few fives.

LISAGood enough.

She shoves them back into her pocket, gets up.

INT. WALCOTT ESTATE - MASTER BATHROOM - DAY

In front of the mirror, WALTER WALCOTT (56) zips up his wifeSILVIAs (48) dress.

WALTERBlakes little shitstorm cost usbig, so really lay on the sugar.

He arches his back.

WALTER (CONTD)Chest out, hun.

He laughs and she smacks him. He finishes zipping her up.

SILVIANo, you know what, unzip me. Imnot going.

Walter throws his hands in the air.

WALTER

Here we go.

Silvia turns around to face him.

SILVIAHow can you expect me to attendchurch while my son is out Godknows where?

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WALTERSil, the bullshit obligation topretend to share your faith is justpart of life at the top.

He tightens his tie.

WALTER (CONTD)Besides, your son shot at someoneand robbed a mechanic. We could usethe brownie points.

SILVIAI wish hed answer his phone. Or atleast text me.

Walter walks to the intercom on the wall, pushes the button.

WALTER

Someone tell Phil to bring theLexus around.

(to Silvia)Going for austere today.

Through the speaker, a man replies.

PHIL (O.S.)Got it, boss.

Walter pushes the button again.

WALTER

Oh, hey Phil. Nice of you torespond for once. Now dontrespond. Get the Lexus.

He walks out of the bathroom. Silvia calls after him:

SILVIAHow Christian of you.

EXT. DOWNTOWN STREETS - DAY

Blake and Marcus approach the alley Blake was arrested in.They stop a block away from it. No cops, no caution tape.

BLAKEShit looks good to me.

Blake starts forward but Marcus reaches out to stop him.

MARCUSNah. Stay here. Just to be safe.

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BLAKEHey, can do.

He leans up against the building behind him.

Marcus walks over to the alley. A few trash cans stick out

like a bad set of teeth. At the front, the dumpster.

Marcus ambles up to it, looks around before he opens it. Heleans over the top.

A single black bag. He lifts it. Nothing. He shakes it, letsit drop from a few feet up. It practically floats down.Theres no gun in there.

He closes the dumpster softly, walks back to Blake.

MARCUSNothing.

BLAKEFuckin hell. Some asshole outthere has my piece. Good thing thebitch was filed down.

MARCUSWont help if your fingerprints arestill on it.

BLAKEMaybe that homeless fucker I almosthit has it. Ha.

MARCUSWe cant be roaming the streets ofthe D without protection.

BLAKETrue. Lets hit up my house. Therents are at church.

MARCUSYour house?

Blake walks off, leaving Marcus standing there.

END OF ACT ONE

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ACT TWO

EXT. HOMELESS CAMP - NOON

Talia and Pio sit on a bench in the round courtyard behind

the abandoned hobby shop. They read from a childrens book.

The back door of the building opens. Norm holds it open forTerrell, who pushes a shopping cart through.

They approach Talia and Pio.

NORMANAnd were off!

Talia looks up from the book.

TALIA

Be careful, por favor.

TERRELLYou too. You know the drill. Yousee anyone you dont know, getinside and lock the doorimmediately.

PIOTheyre going bottle hunting?! I

wanna go!

He drops off the bench, runs to the cart and hops on the

side.

TALIANo no pap. You stay with abuela.

NORMANFor goodness sake, let the boy havesome fun. Its his birthday.

PIOPlease! PLEASE!

TALIAI dont think its a good idea.

TERRELLThere really isnt much of a risk.

TALIA(in her thick accent)

Look at you! Ganging up on an oldwoman. Fine. Justice once.

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Norman bursts out laughing. Terrell stifles one.

NORMANDid you just say justice once?

TALIA

Yes, like, justice once, but afterthis--

She swipes her hand across her throat with a whistle.

TALIA (CONTD)No more justice.

Norman cracks up again. Terrell grins.

TERRELLOkay. Justice once. Well take careof him, abuela.

TALIA(to Pio)

Mira, you be good. Listen to youruncles.

PIOYes! Lets gooooo!

Norman takes the cart from Terrell, races off with Piohanging on the side.

TERRELL

Oh, boy. Better catch up. Youshould head inside and lock upuntil we get back.

Talia nods.

TALIABe careful with him.

He places a hand on her shoulder.

TERRELL

Of course.

INT. KING HIGH SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - NOON

A lunchroom full of rowdy students. The din is deafening.

In the back corner, Ashley Blalock sits at a table byherself, playing with an old iPod Nano.

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Even with her headphones in, she can hear her stomachrumbling. She lifts her hand to it.

A few tables over, a fat kid yells something. The kids aroundhim erupt in laughter. He cracks another joke. More laughs.

Ashley turns her head. She stares for a few moments, thenstands and walks over to him. She subtly taps his shoulder asshe passes.

He glances up at her, watches her pass.

EXT. KING HIGH SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - MOMENTS LATER

Outside the lunchroom, Ashley leans against a stone pillar.

JEFF BOWDEN (16), the fat kid, comes out.

ASHLEYIm really hungry... I gotcha ifyou need to cop.

Jeff shrugs.

JEFFIm not out yet, but it never hurtsto stock up.

He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a few twenties. Slipsone off and hands it to her. She palms him a small bag.

ASHLEYThanks, Jeff.

He pockets it, heads back inside. She waits a few moments,looks around, then follows.

INT. BRICKTOWN PEOPLE MOVER STATION - NOON

Lisa stands in line at the ticket counter. A CLERK opens up.

CLERK

Next.

Lisa approaches, hands her monthly pass over.

LISAFinancial district, please.

The clerk scans the pass.

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CLERKMaam, this pass expired almost a

week ago.

Lisa blushes.

LISAOh, is it... I didnt know. Imsorry.

She reaches into her pocket, pulls out her cash. She handsthe clerk her only two fives. A few ones remain.

LISA (CONTD)For this month.

The clerk checks Lisa out. Her blonde hair is knotted, herskin weathered. She avoids eye contact like an abused animal.

The woman types something into the computer. A printer spitsout a pass. She grabs it, hands it to Lisa.

Lisa begins to pocket the pass, then notices the five dollarbill under it. She looks up at the woman gratefully.

LISA (CONTD)Thank you...

CLERKTake care.

(to the line)Next.

INT. PEOPLE MOVER - MOMENTS LATER

Lisa takes a seat in the small tram. A MAN in a suit acrossfrom her glances over.

MANYou look homeless.

Lisa turns to him, meets his gaze, looks away quickly.

MAN (CONTD)Can I ask you something?

Lisa ignores him.

MAN (CONTD)Why dont you just get a god damnjob? Its really not hard.

Lisa gets up to switch seats.

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MAN (CONTD)Thats right, run away from yourproblems. Real good.

She takes a seat in the back, gazes out the window.

EXT. WALCOTT ESTATE - NOON

Blake and Marcus stand on the porch to the huge house.

MARCUSThink Im gonna wait here.

Blake nods. He saunters inside.

INT. WALCOTT ESTATE - CONTINUOUS

Blake cracks the door open an inch, peers inside. The coastis clear. He heads inside, softly closes the door.

As he creeps forward, the Walcotts BUTLER, an elderly man,steps into the foyer from a side room.

Blake stops in his tracks.

BLAKEYo, we always been cool, right? Imjust here for some of my things.

The Butler stares at him for a moment. A subtle nod.

BUTLERHow could I have seen anything? I

was upstairs taking a nap.

Blake smirks.

BLAKEGood man.

INT. ENORMOUS CHURCH - NOON

Stained glass windows, Christ statues, stone pillars. Thekind of church thats too big for pews.

A young PASTOR gazes out at the congregation on a huge stage,microphone in hand.

From the back door, Silvia and Walter Walcott hurry to takethe only empty seats, right up front.

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The Pastor eyes the Walcotts. He looks up.

PASTORWell, now seems like a good time toget started. Good morning!

Salutations ring out from the congregation.

PASTOR (CONTD)Music to my ears. Im glad you guysare so awake, because todayssermon is very important.

He walks across the stage as he speaks.

PASTOR (CONTD)It is a subject that has touchedthe lives of many. Its social andeconomic toll cannot be overstated.

It comes in many forms, each asmuch a sin as the last. It is theeighth commandment, appearing eighttimes in the Bible. Im talking, ofcourse, about these four simple

words: Thou Shalt Not Steal.

Silvia covers her eyes with her hand.

WALTER(under his breath)

Ah, hell.

INT. WALCOTT ESTATE - BLAKES ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Blake stands in the doorway, staring at what used to be hisroom. A pile of posters that plastered the walls covers thebed. A few trash bags line the wall.

BLAKECleanest its been in years.

He walks over to the closet, slides it open. On a shelf atthe top, a sleeping bag sits, rolled up. He pulls it down,

unrolls it out on the floor.

Blake looks around at his possessions.

PASTOR (V.O.)(dramatic)

Did you know that every single daythere are almost twenty-two-thousand theft crimes reported?Thats over seven million a year!

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Blake opens the top drawer of a dresser in his room, pullsout a wad of cash and slips it in his pocket.

PASTOR (V.O.)It doesnt matter whether you steala paperclip from the office or the

cash from a safe. Its all stealingin the eyes of God, and stealing isa sin.

Blake walks across the hall to his parents room. He enterstheir bathroom. A jewelry box sits by the sink.

PASTOR (V.O.)These misguided souls shoplift,pirate, rob, even steal from theirown family.

He slides open the top drawer. A multitude of fancy watches.

He pockets two of them. Onto the next drawer.

PASTOR (V.O.)They forget the golden rule: dounto others as you would have themdo unto you. They think only ofthemselves.

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, all covered in gems. Blakesnatches a few, slips them in his other pocket. He grabs abottle of shampoo from the shower.

PASTOR (V.O.)

You see, God wants us to trust inhim for our needs. He will provideus with the means to provide forourselves. We must trust in him tosupply what we truly need.

Blake moves to the door. Stops, turns around. From under thesink, he pulls out two rolls of toilet paper. He jogs back tohis room, empties his pockets onto the unrolled sleeping bag.

PASTOR (V.O.)Matthew seven, verses seven to

eleven: Ask and it shall be givenyou, seek, and ye shall find, knockand the door shall be opened untoyou. For everyone that askethreceiveth; and he that seekethfindeth, and to him that knockethit shall be given him.

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He rips clothes off hangers in the closet, tosses them ontothe floor. Alternately, he tosses jewelry and clothing intothe sleeping bag, then the toilet paper and shampoo.

PASTOR (V.O.)Those who choose to break this rule

shall pay, if not by law, thensurely by Gods divine judgement.

Blake slings the sleeping bag over his shoulder like theGrinch, scrambles out of his room and down the stairs. Heheads to the kitchen.

PASTOR (V.O.)For first Corinthians six, versesnine and ten say, Or do you notknow that the unrighteous shall notinherit the kingdom of God?

Blake whips open the closet. He grabs a loaf of bread, shovesit into the bag. Canned food, chips, pop-tarts, waterbottles.

He lays the bulky bag on the ground, struggles to roll it up.He wraps the ties around it, dashes to the front door.

INT. ENORMOUS CHURCH - CONTINUOUS

The Pastor stands at the podium, the front row in his sights.

PASTOR (V.O.)

Do not be deceived; neitherfornicators, nor idolaters, noradulterers, nor effeminate, norhomosexuals, nor thieves, nor thecovetous, nor drunkards, norrevilers, nor swindlers, shallinherit the kingdom of God."

Walter puts his mouth to Silvias ear. He whispers:

WALTERQuite the shit list.

EXT. MICHIGAN AVENUE - AFTERNOON

The heart of downtown. Terrell pushes the shopping cart, Piohanging off the side. Norm leads the way.

Terrell looks down at Pio.

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TERRELLThe second rule of can hunting isif you can see people around, itsprobably not a good spot. Can youguess why?

Pio furrows his brow as he considers this.

PIOBecause people will say mean thingsto you?

Terrell and Norman share a look. They stop walking. Normkneels down in front of the child.

NORMANDo people say mean things to you?

Pio shakes his head.

PIOThey say mean things to abuela.

Norman narrows his eyes, chews on his lip. He looks at Piohard, speaks with a growl:

NORMANIf it happens again, you tell UncleNorm. Ill handle it.

Terrell crouches, regards Pio.

TERRELLSometimes people are just mean,buddy. Its best to ignore it.

He looks at Norman.

TERRELL (CONTD)Being mean back wont help a thing.

A beat as they stare each other down. Norm nods, turns toPio.

NORMANGood advice. Now, whos ready tofind some cans!

Pios hand shoots into the air.

PIOMe!

They continue on.

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TERRELLLike I was saying, if you can seepeople around, its probably not agood spot because its likely beenpicked over already.

A long back street ahead of them is lined with dumpsters andtrash cans.

NORMANHere we go.

They turn in, walking past glistening wet patches of blacktopfrom drains behind the buildings. Halfway down the street isthe first trash can. Pio points at it.

PIOThis one is mine!

Norman glances down into it, shuffles the loose trash arounda bit. Turns to Terrell.

NORMANLooks okay to me.

Terrell places the shopping cart between Pios trash can andthe dumpster next to it.

TERRELLRemember, metal, glass, or plastic,if its a bottle, its good. Wereright here if you need anything.

Pios already digging through the trash. Norman and Terrellgo to work on the dumpster.

PIOGot one!

He raises a glass bottle high above his head.

TERRELLWow! That was fast.

Pio sets it in the cart, returns to digging. He piles thesifted-through trash in the back half of the bin. As he does,he digs deeper on the other side.

Terrell and Norman unearth a few cans, toss them in the cart.

Pio digs deeper, scooping up wrappers, cardboard, tissues. Hepulls out a can, continues digging. Deeper.

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Pio WHIPS his hand back and lets out a yelp. He looks down ata bead of blood forming on the tip of his finger. Norman,face stuffed in the dumpster, calls out.

NORMANYou alright, Pio?

Pio looks past his hand into the trash. A hypodermic needlepokes up from the pile.

Terrell looks over as Pio wipes his finger on his pants.

TERRELLBuddy?

PIOIm okay! It was just a nasty bug.

Pio cautiously watches Terrell until he resumes searching

with Norman. He covers the needle with garbage, digs slowlyinto the back half of the trash can.

EXT. HOMELESS CAMP - AFTERNOON

Alone on a bench in the courtyard, Loretta scribbles on asmall note pad.

Footsteps break her concentration. She shoves the pad in herpocket, looks in the direction of the sound.

JAYZON KESSLER (26) follows DEANDRE THOMAS (22) around the

corner of the hobby shop in big winter coats.

JAYZONYou just who I was lookin for.Where everybody else at?

LORETTAOut somewhere, it would seem.

JAYZONSat down, D.

He does.

Jayzon stands before Loretta.

JAYZON (CONTD)I know you kinda run the show here.

Loretta shakes her head.

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LORETTAWere adults. We make decisionstogether.

JAYZONYou gotta say that, I know. But

Im...(searches for the phrase)Appealing to your authority. I needa favor.

She absorbs this, doesnt respond.

JAYZON (CONTD)D been havin some trouble stayinin one place. He need somesupervision.

DEANDRE

Man, I dont even!

Jayzon turns to him.

JAYZONYou wanna end up naked in an alleyagain? Its a motherfuckin miracleyou aint get locked up. Or worse.

Loretta shushes him.

LORETTAKeep your voice down.

JAYZONSo?

LORETTAYou want him to stay here?

JAYZONWell, yeah. Not all the time. Just

when I got things to do.

DEANDRE

What the hell Im sposed to dohere, huh?

JAYZONYou sposedto stay safe.

LORETTAIts fine for now, but long term, Idont know.

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Ill have to talk to the others.This is a group decision.

JAYZONDo what you got to do and let meknow.

Jayzon takes a seat by DeAndre. Thirty feet away, the backdoor of the hobby shop is cracked open. On the other side,Talia listens, and she doesnt like what shes hearing.

INT. KING HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - AFTERNOON

An overhead projected onto the wall shows a series of mathproblems. Long division. The TEACHER writes the answer to onein marker.

TEACHER

Good, James. Next up, four-thousandtwo-hundred fifty divided by twenty-five. Lets see...

She scans the room, settling on Ashley Blalock, hood up, headdown on the desk.

TEACHER (CONTD)Ashley! You look ripe for some

mathematics.

She doesnt move.

TEACHER (CONTD)Ashley? ASHLEY!

Ashley slowly lifts her head, clearly confused.

TEACHER (CONTD)Good morning. Can you answer--

Over the intercom, a WOMANs voice.

WOMANPlease send Ashley Blalock to the

office as soon as possible.

Ashley wears a sleepy grin. She gets up out of her seat.

WOMAN (CONTD)And have her bring her things.

The smile fades from her face.

END OF ACT TWO

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ACT THREE

INT. PRINCIPALS OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

A tidy office. Ashley sits on her hands in a chair, her bulgy

backpack next to her. At the desk across from her, PRINCIPALNINA WALLACE (38), a weary black woman.

She holds up a small bag of marijuana. Ashley stares at it.

NINAJeffrey was found showing this offto some friends in the bathroom. Heclaims he got it from you. I wantedyour side of the story before this

went any further.

Ashley shifts in her seat, but says nothing.

NINA (CONTD)Nothing to say?

She fidgets, looks down. Nina sighs.

NINA (CONTD)This isnt gonna end well, unlessyou shed some light here.

A moment passes. Ashley bites her lip, shifts in her seatagain. She cant meet the principals gaze.

NINA (CONTD)Ash, what happened? You were thebest student in my class. The onlyone to finish with over one-hundredpercent. Now you sleep through theclasses you dont blow off!

Her leg bounces. Shes bursting at the seams to saysomething, but it wont come out.

NINA (CONT'D)Let me help you... Let me in.

When Ashley finally looks up, tear tracks line her face. Hervoice is thick as she blurts out:

ASHLEYMy parents and I are homeless.

Nina moves to sit next to Ashley. They embrace. She handsAshley a tissue from her desk.

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NINABaby, Im sorry. You know we have aprogram for that.

ASHLEYI know. My parents didnt want me

to tell. They were too embarrassed.

She rubs Ashleys back.

NINAYoud be surprised how often wehear that. They probably worriedyoud be taken away, too, huh?

Ashley nods.

ASHLEYMy mom was.

Nina returns to her desk. She pulls a paper out of a drawer,hands it to Ashley.

NINAYoull have to fill this out to getthe assistance from the state. Haveyour parents sign it and bring itback to me tomorrow.

Ashleys smile shines through the sadness.

Nina leans back in her seat.

NINA (CONTD)(sarcastic)

Fornataros gonna love this.

INT. STUFF N JUNK PAWN SHOP - LATER

Typical pawn shop fare - instruments, books, DVDs, antiques -lines the walls. Behind the counter, a long gun rack.

Blake waits with Marcus, wearing the sleeping bag like a

backpack. Spread across the counter in front of them is thejewelry Blake took from his parents.

Blake shakes his legs off.

BLAKEMy legs are killin me.

MARCUSGet used to it.

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A bald MAN comes from the back room. He approaches thecounter.

MANAlright, lets see what we gothere.

He looks down at the bejeweled earrings, necklaces, watches.

MAN (CONTD)Wow, whod you steal all this from?

He emits a sour cackle. Blake and Marcus dont laugh.

MAN (CONTD)No, really though, I cant takethis.

BLAKE

Fuck not?

MANNot many kids just happen to have adiamond necklace laying around.Its too sketchy, Im sorry.

BLAKEIm fucking Blake Walcott, not justsome kid.

MANOh good, then Ill know who to send

the police to when they show uplooking for stolen jewelry.

BLAKEDumbass, my dad is Walter Walcott.Of Walcott Estates. I dont need tosteal shit.

MANRight, how ignorant of me. Let mering this up for you right away,sir.

The man stands there, staring at him.

BLAKEWell?

MANGet out of my shop.

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EXT. STUFF N JUNK PAWN SHOP - MOMENTS LATER

Blake and Marcus exit the shop carrying the jewelry. Down thestreet, a neon sign boasts the words Guns and Gold Pawn.They walk.

MARCUSMaybe try changing up your tacticsfor this place. Say you bought thestuff for an ex.

BLAKEShit makes me sound like a dick.

MARCUSRight. Stealing from your parentsis much less dick.

Blake adjusts the sleeping bag on his back.

BLAKEAll this walkings gettin old.

INT. DETROIT REPUBLICAN PARTY HQ - LOBBY - AFTERNOON

A big open room split by the front desk. Suits everywhere.Justin Shen, in dress clothes, approaches the RECEPTIONIST.

RECEPTIONISTHello! How can I help you?

JUSTINHi, there. I just wanted to checkon the status of my internshipapplication. My name is JustinShen.

RECEPTIONISTAlrighty, let me just look you up.

She types.

RECEPTIONIST (CONTD)

Is that S-H-E-N?

He nods. She stares at the computer screen.

RECEPTIONIST (CONTD)Im sorry, hun, no update. Wellcertainly keep you in mind for thenext round, though.

She flips on her smile switch.

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RECEPTIONIST (CONTD)You could try putting in anotherapplication.

JUSTINI have. Twice.

RECEPTIONISTThe wheels on these things do moveslowly sometimes. What I can do foryou, is bump your name up to thetop of the list.

He sighs.

JUSTINThatd be great. Thanks.

She flashes that empty smile again. He turns to leave.

All of a sudden, a door at the back of the room bursts open.Two INTERNS, male and female, both white, walk out ahead ofPOLITICIAN.

POLITICIANId like you guys to meet our twonewest members, Jenny and Brian!

A smattering of applause. Justin looks back at them, unableto believe what he just heard.

POLITICIAN (CONTD)

Okay, now back to work! We arentnot paying you to stand around!

Some laughs. The interns head back in the office. POLITICIANsits down at a desk in the back. Seeing this, Justin stepsback up to the receptionist.

JUSTINEight months.

She looks up at him.

RECEPTIONISTIm sorry?

He raises his voice.

JUSTINIve been applying here for eight

months. I havent gotten one call.

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RECEPTIONISTIf you could bring down the volumejust a notch or two...

People in the back look over at the commotion. Justin stepsback from the desk to address the room.

JUSTINIve been here sixteen times inthat span. Twice a month. Everytime I come, there are more peoplein here. And every one of them is

white. Look around you.

Light murmuring.

RECEPTIONISTIm going to have to ask you--

JUSTINIm not looking for a handout. Im

willing to work, and hard. Im noteven asking to be paid! All I wantis a fair opportunity, and Im notseeing one.

All eyes are on Justin.

JUSTIN (CONTD)Democracy is about giving voice tothe populace. With all due respect,a room full of white people isnt

quite perfectly representative ofDetroit. If the party keeps up itscurrent exclusionary tactics, weregoing to lose more than just votes.Were going to lose the future. Wecan only grow stronger by branchingout. We must show the youth and the

minorities how our ideas can andwill benefit them. We have to makethemcare. Do you want trueconservatism to die out with thebaby boomers, or are you willing to

step outside your comfort zone forthe good of the Grand Ol Party?

Silence.

Justin turns, walks to the door.

As he leaves, a smirk spreads across his face.

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EXT. HOMELESS CAMP - AFTERNOON

Jayzon faces DeAndre on a bench in the shade of the overhang.DeAndre is turned away defiantly.

DEANDRE

Man, I dont even wanna do this.

JAYZONWork wit me, D, you got to give mesomethin.

He resists.

JAYZON (CONTD)Do you like it?

DEANDRELike what?

JAYZONFeelin how you feel.

DEANDRECourse not.

JAYZONThen lemme help you.

A pause.

DEANDRE

I cant tell it right. Dont knowhow.

JAYZONWhy you call it being headsick?

DEANDRESometimes it aint me.

JAYZONWhat you mean?

DEANDRESometimes it aint me bein me.

JAYZONWho is it?

DEANDREShit, I dunno! This stupid.

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DeAndre slumps over on the bench, rests his elbows on hislegs.

JAYZONChill. You be hearin things?Voices?

DEANDREVoices. Noises. Sometimes I cantthink right. Its just... words.

JAYZONDo you... see things?

DeAndre stares at the ground. He nods lightly.

Jayzon silently winces at this confession.

DEANDRE

A man in black. He never there,though.

He finally looks up at Jayzon.

DEANDRE (CONTD)You still wanna help?

Jayzon looks him in the eye.

JAYZONHell naw!

DeAndres caught off guard.

Jayzon lets out a big baritone laugh. DeAndre manages asmile.

EXT. ABANDONED OFFICE BUILDING - AFTERNOON

A BMW parks in the road, reflected in the large windows ofthe old building. The passenger door opens. Ashley, clutchingher scooter, hops out. She waves, shuts the door.

The car pulls away as Ashley rounds the corner to herfamilys van. Her dad is crouched next to it, grasping ashotgun. He lowers it in relief on seeing her.

WAYNEWhat the hell you doin comin homein a car?

Ashley strides confidently toward the van.

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ASHLEYI told them.

WAYNETold who what?

She walks around him, opens the vans door.

Crystal looks up from a book.

CRYSTALHey honey! How was school?

Wayne grabs Ashleys shoulder, turns her around.

ASHLEYI told the school were homeless.

Wayne throws his hands in the air.

WAYNEOh, great. Thats just great. Andyou brought em right to us.

Crystals horrified.

CRYSTALBaby, they can take you away! Whydid you--

ASHLEYThey wont, mom!

CRYSTALOf course theyre gonna say that!

ASHLEYI talked to Principal Wallace forhalf an hour today. She explainedeverything. We can get schoolsupplies, food and clothing, eventransportation for free!

WAYNE

Thats fantastic and all, but youforgot one little thing. Ourbusiness. Which we run out of thishere van.

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WAYNE (CONTD)Now that they know where we are,they can come check up on you anyold time. They wont take you awayfor being homeless...

He lowers his voice.

WAYNE (CONTD)But theyll sure as hell take you

when we get caught with coke, meth,weed, and dope. And itll be yourfault.

He sulks off.

Ashley is speechless. She hadnt considered that.

She turns to her mom, her eyes full of emotion.

CRYSTALCome here, honey.

Ashley climbs into the drivers seat, hugs her mom.

CRYSTAL (CONTD)Dont worry about all that. Weregonna be just fine.

Ashley cant see it, but her moms face betrays herreassurance.

EXT. BRUSH PARK APARTMENTS - AFTERNOON

Blake and Marcus wait in a small patch of woods behind thebuildings.

Marcus sits on the ground, tossing pebbles.

BLAKEThere he go.

A SKETCHY GUY in a grey hoodie hustles over to them. Marcus

stands.

BLAKE (CONTD)Sup, yo?

Blake reaches his hand out, gets nothing in return.

SKETCHY GUYYeah, yeah. Gimme the money.

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Blake reaches into his pocket, pulls out a wad of bills. Hehands it over. Sketchy guy counts it. Satisfied, he pulls asmall GUN out of his pocket, shoves it in Blakes hand.

BLAKEThe fuck is this?

The sketchy guy pockets the money, shrugs.

SKETCHY GUYA gun.

BLAKEMotherfucker, this aint no Glock.

SKETCHY GUYWhat you gonna do about it?

Blake steps to him.

BLAKEBad idea, fuckin over a guy youjust sold a gun to.

Sketchy guy scoffs.

SKETCHY GUYAn unloaded gun.

He trots off as quickly as he came.

BLAKE

Christ.

MARCUSA piece is a piece. Long as itshoots were good.

He regards the small gun in his hand.

BLAKEI feel like Ima break this damnthing.

INT. WITZEL, WERNSTROM, & WEINTRAUB - HOWARDS OFFICE - DAY

HOWARD WITZEL (42) and his associates WERNSTROM and WEINTRAUBare seated around his desk, each with a drink in hand.

WERNSTROMAnd the entire courtroom knows theschmuck killed the guy, but none ofthem can do a thing about it.

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HOWARDStand your ground law?

WERNSTROMCriminal defenses best friend.

WEINTRAUBThank you, neo-cons.

WERNSTROMGod, I love the American justicesystem.

Howard raises his glass in a toast.

HOWARDLChayim!

WERNSTROM

LChayim!

WEINTRAUB

LChayim.

They all drink.

WEINTRAUBSo you had your monthly appointment

with Blake Walcott, I hear?

They chuckle.

HOWARDYou know, thats not a bad idea.Even if the little punk decides not

to be a criminal, I still get tocharge him.

INT. WITZEL, WERNSTROM, & WEINTRAUB - LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER

Through a large window, the majestic spires of downtownDetroit. At the back of the lobby, a SECRETARY clacks away ona computers keyboard.

Lisa walks in the door. The secretary immediately recognizesher.

SECRETARYOh... hello, Lisa.

Lisa tenderly approaches the modern desk.

LISAHi. Can I see him?

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SECRETARYIm sorry. You know the deal.

LISAI know. I do. But Im desperate. Ijust... I need to see him.

She looks at Lisa with sympathy.

INT. WITZEL, WERNSTROM, & WEINTRAUB - HOWARDS OFFICE - SAME

Howard is mid-sip, whiskey flowing down his throat, as hissecretary buzzes him.

SECRETARY (O.S.)Ms. Lisa Witzel for you, Howard.

Howard swallows hard. Coughs harder. He looks at his

partners.

HOWARDIf youll, uh, excuse me.

WERNSTROMCareful.

The partners exit the room.

Howard looks at the glass. Just a gulp left. He downs it.

He hits the button on the speaker.

HOWARDLet her in.

After a moment, the door opens. A disheveled Lisa floats in.

Howard sighs when he sees her.

She drops onto one of the chairs. All of a sudden, shes anentirely different person. She looks him dead in the eye.

LISA

Hows our child, Howard?

HOWARDShes just fine, as you alreadyknow. You get the e-mails.

LISAYes, I do. Its a wonderful way toexperience motherhood. Digitally.

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HOWARDYou forfeited your right to custody

when you started living on thestreet. Look at yourself.

LISA

I know its a lawyers job tocherry-pick facts and concoct theirown truth, but were not in court.You got me pregnant and pulled meout of college.

Howard snorts.

HOWARDWho paid for your tuition in thefirst place, darling? Hmm?

LISA

And then prevented me from findingemployment in order to raise thechild.

HOWARDThat was your duty as a mother.

LISATrue. Does it not seem cruel, then,to prevent a mother from doing herduty? From even seeingher child?

Howard grins, wide and wicked.

HOWARDYou lived with a lawyer for toolong.

LISAI couldnt agree more.

HOWARDThe bottom line is, the courtsfound you unsuitable for custody.

LISAAnd the cycle begins again.

She shakes her head.

LISA (CONTD)All I want is my life back. I just

want to be myself again. To be LisaVandine, not

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(sneering)Lisa Witzel.

HOWARDThats your responsibility. I canthelp you.

LISAOf course you can. You just wontbecause you are not a good person.

HOWARDI never claimed to be.

LISAI lost my job today, Howard.

HOWARDYou could always try being a nanny.

LISA(frazzled)

Oh, yes! Homeless Mary Poppins!Good thing the childrens parents

will have spoons and sugar, becauseI sure as hell cant afford them!

Howard cant help but laugh.

LISA (CONTD)Do you know why I lost my job?

She doesnt wait for an answer.

LISA (CONTD)Because I fell asleep. Do you know

why I fell asleep? Because I cantget any rest in the shelter sincethe people there are literallycrazy. One of them stole my money.

HOWARDThats a sad story. Im sorry. Whatdo you want me to do about it?

Lisa is flustered.

LISAI dont know. I dont even know whyI came. It just happened.

Howard pounces on this moment of weakness.

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44/61

HOWARDYou shouldnt have come. You shouldbe out looking for another job soyou can get your life backtogether.

LISAMy life wouldnt be in pieces ifyou didnt break it in the firstplace.

HOWARDYou were a willing participant.

LISAI wasted a whole day on this.

HOWARDI apologize, I know how full your

schedule is.

LISAYou are truly a bastard, Howard.

HOWARDI could have you arrested, youknow. A bastard with a restrainingorder would do that. Did I?

LISANo. But you clearly considered it.

She gets up to leave, slams the door shut.

END OF ACT THREE

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ACT FOUR

INT. SHEN RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - DUSK

Justin Shen forks food into his mouth at the dinner table.

Around him, his sister MAGGIE (21) and father FENG RI (55).

Justin makes sure to swallow his food before he speaks.

JUSTINDid I tell you Gideon got shot?

Maggie gasps softly.

MAGGIEIs he okay?

JUSTIN

Hes fine. The bullet grazed hisleg. Of course, hes pretty muchforgotten it even happened already.

MAGGIEAnd I thought he couldnt get any

more attractive.

JUSTINGross.

FENG RII say for years, that boy going to

get shot.

JUSTINActually, he was getting his carfixed when the mechanic was robbed.Wrong place, wrong time.

FENG RIAh. Then he still due for a bullet.

JUSTINNice, ba. You may not like him but

hes a good friend.

FENG RIThis is true.

Theyre silent as they eat their food.

MAGGIEAt the shelter today--

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JUSTINNo homeless stories, please. I getenough of it from Gid.

MAGGIERight. Never mind.

JUSTINI dont understand why everyonesso quick to help them. They need tolearn to help themselves. Sleepingin the street isnt going to gettheir life back together.

MAGGIEIts a complex set of factors.

JUSTINIts not that complex. Get a job,

make money, rent an apartment.Thats it. Thats all it takes.

MAGGIEActually many of the people at theshelter were laid off from jobsthey held for years. Some of themeven have a job currently but cantafford housing.

JUSTINThen they should get another job.Either you do what is necessary to

get what you want, or you dont.

MAGGIEIts just not that black and white.

FENG RIEnough.

Justin clears his throat, looks at his dad.

JUSTINYou know, ba, Maria and I were

thinking about finding a place.

FENG RIBad idea. Live here, save money.

JUSTINWell, I mean since Im produce

manager now, my paychecks will be alittle bigger.

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FENG RIGood. More to save.

Justin goes back to eating.

FENG RI (CONTD)

What about the internship? Did youvisit the office?

Justin nods.

JUSTINNo update.

EXT. MICHIGAN CENTRAL STATION - TRAIN YARD - LATE AFTERNOON

Detroits iconic abandoned building stands in the distance,ravaged by time and vandalized by people.

Ashley Blalock approaches an old train car. She knocks therhythm of the Two Bits jingle.

A voice rings out from inside.

VOICEWho is it?

ASHLEYIts Ashley. I thought thats whatthe knock was for.

The door slides open, revealing JAIME SOTO, a light-skinnedHispanic with a thin mustache. He speaks with almost a lisp:

JAIMEGirl you know we got to be careful.

He helps Ashley climb into the boxcar, slides the doorclosed.

INT. BOXCAR - CONTINUOUS

On a pile of blankets to the right, GEMISHA PERRY, a verydark woman, beyond disheveled.

Jaime takes a seat on the left side.

JAIMEThanks for coming by, Ashley.

ASHLEYThats my job.

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He reaches into a tin lunch box by his bed.

JAIMEI only got twenty this week.

Ashley takes off her coat. From an inside pocket she grabs a

small scale, searches through bags. She pulls one out.

ASHLEYYoull like this stuff. Looks muchbetter than the last batch.

Jaime rubs his hands together.

JAIMEI like the sound of that.

Ashley weighs out a small amount of marijuana. They exchangegoods.

In her corner, Gemisha raises her hand.

GEMISHAI got some money.

Ashley looks over.

JAIMEHold up. You didnt say nothinabout that to me.

GEMISHA

I gotta?

JAIMEThat stuffll kill you. I cantjust watch you do that.

GEMISHA(to Ashley)

I need a gram.

Ashley glances at Jaime.

JAIMEGemisha!

She speaks his name incorrectly, with a hard J.

GEMISHAJaime.

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JAIMEYou gon do me like that andsay myname wrong?

GEMISHAYou know I dont speak Spanish.

JAIME(riled up)

Its Jaime. Like, Hi bitch,crack is bad for you.

She rolls her eyes.

JAIME (CONTD)What if I started calling you Guh-

misha? That aint how your parentswanted you called, is it? Theywanted it to be Gemisha, like you

was a beautiful gem.

GEMISHAThats me. A real gem.

(to Ashley)Can I get that rock, please?

INT. DER VORBAU - DUSK

An unusually bright diner, German themed, empty. FELIX WITZEL(23), wiry as his father but with more hair, squints throughhis glasses a clipboard behind the counter.

A bell rings as Lisa enters. She cringes at the sound.

Felix looks up.

FELIX(awkward)

Oh, hey, Lisa... How have you been?

She takes a seat at the front counter.

LISA

Im alright.

Everything about her suggests otherwise. She checks out thediner.

LISA (CONTD)This is a really nice place. Imhappy for you.

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FELIXThanks, thank you. I never reallygot to say this, but Im sorryabout my dad. What he did to you

was awful. He knows it, too. Butyou know him.

She nods. No longer ablaze with anger, she finds it hard tolook him in the eye.

LISACould I maybe see a menu?

FELIXSure.

She quickly adds:

LISA

I have money, of course.

He hands her a menu.

FELIXEven if you dont, thats okay.Pops picks up the losses.

He winks at her.

LISAHow did that father of yours createsomeone like you?

INT. SHEN RESIDENCE - JUSTINS ROOM - EVENING

The room is a mess. He clearly doesnt sleep in his bed, asits covered in books, coins, DVDs, clothes.

Justin is seated on the ground against the wall, Indianstyle. In front of him is a large chainmail vest, half done.

With wire cutters he clips through a tightly wound spiral ofwire, creating small metal rings. Then, using pliers, he

connects the rings and closes them.

He continues the process absentmindedly until his door opens.Feng Ri walks into the room, closes the door.

FENG RIWasting your time on toys again?Why not work ahead on homework?

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JUSTINI already finished the whole week.

FENG RIWork further ahead. Maria is here.Door stays open.

After Feng Ri leaves, MARIA FERRERO (24) enters. She closesthe door immediately.

MARIADid your dad really just make me

wait outside your room?

JUSTINSorry.

He gets up, goes in for a kiss, but gets her cheek.

JUSTIN (CONTD)Whats wrong?

MARIADid you tell him were moving out?

JUSTINUh, well--

Maria scoffs at him.

JUSTIN (CONTD)I did! He just doesnt want me to.

MARIASo? Are you gonna let an old manrun your life for you?

JUSTINHes my father. Not an old man.

MARIAAnd Imyour girlfriend.

JUSTIN

And I appreciate that. But hesright. We can be broke and on ourown, or I can live here and save

money for the- our future. You haveto look at the big picture, babe.

She looks away, shakes her head stiffly. Notices thechainmail.

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MARIAWasting your time with that again,huh?

Justin chuckles.

MARIA (CONTD)Whats so funny?

EXT. HOMELESS CAMP - EVENING

Terrell watches last orange of the day fades from the sky. Heturns to face the group: Talia, Pio, DeAndre, Norman,Loretta.

TERRELLWaiting on one more?

ASHLEY (O.S.)No Im here!

Ashley jogs over, catches her breath.

TERRELLWell then, shall we?

They walk off as a group. When they come to the sidewalk, thegroup turns left. Noticing this, Loretta turns to Terrell.

LORETTAIsnt your shelter the other

direction?

TERRELLYeah but its one big triangle. Ilike to walk with them to the

womens shelter. Safety in numbersand whatnot.

LORETTAYou dont have to do that, dear.Etta can take care of herself.

Terrell grins.

TERRELLOh, I know it. But Id still feelbetter if I saw you there.

LORETTANow dont you worry about us! Ihave protection and I know how touse it.

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She pulls a switchblade knife from her jacket pocket.

ASHLEYHey, I have the same one!

She pulls it from her jeans pocket. Ashley and Loretta pose

next to each other, grasping their twin knives.

LORETTAWere pretty secure.

Terrell looks at Norman, who is looking at Talia.

TALIAIts fine, cario. Go! Eat!

TERRELL(begrudgingly)

Okay. Okay. Meet you back here in--

LORETTAWhen were all fat and happy.

The girls and Pio walk off.

DEANDREShit, Im going to McDonalds.

DeAndre departs, leaving Norman and Terrell standing there.

EXT. LAFAYETTE STREET - EVENING

The women and Pio traverse the sidewalk.

Pio tries hard not to step on the excessive amount of cracks,but in doing so accidentally does.

ASHLEYYou broke your mothers back!

PIOAbuela said mom is not with usanymore.

ASHLEYOh, sorry...

Pio, oblivious to the gravitas of the statement, continuesavoiding the cracks.

Hearing this, Loretta puts out an arm in front of Talia toslow her down. The children pull a few feet away from them.

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LORETTADo you mind if I ask what happenedto his mother?

A slight grimace from Talia.

TALIAI dont really like to talk aboutit.

LORETTAIt helps to get it out. And itllhelp me. To understand the child,to understand you.

She takes a moment.

TALIAHer name was Julia. My little girl.

Mi cielo...

Loretta rubs her back. Her lip trembles as she speaks.

TALIA (CONTD)She got involved with a man. Piosfather. He was in the Latin Counts.

LORETTAIm so sorry. You dont need tocontinue.

EXT. JEFFERSON MENS SHELTER - EVENING

Terrell and Norman lean against the wall of the building, atthe front of the line with twenty or so others.

Terrells lost in thought. Norman notices.

NORMANLoretta is a capable woman. Theyregonna be fine.

Terrell looks over.

TERRELLNo, I know. Im sure they will be.Im just a worrier. Always was.

NORMANOnce upon a time I was, too. Butthe fairy tale ended.

The door next to them opens. A MAN ushers them inside.

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INT. JEFFERSON MENS SHELTER - CAFETERIA - MOMENTS LATER

Norman waits for Terrell to receive his food in line. AWORKER hands him his roll, fills his bowl with soup.

TERRELL

Thank you.

The worker doesnt even look up.

WORKERYep.

Terrell and Norman come to one of the few empty tables. Itsis covered with crumbs and splashes of soup.

Norman sets his tray down, goes to sit. He stops. A yellowpuddle resides in the chair.

NORMANI dont even wanna know.

He switches seats with the adjacent table, sits.

Norman bites into the roll to no avail. Hard as a rock. Hedips it in the soup, then manages to tear a bite off.

NORMAN (CONTD)Soup tastes like water.

TERRELLI keep thinking about Ashley, that

knife. That she needs to have one.

Norman dredges the bottom of his soup bowl with his spoon.

TERRELL (CONTD)Could you imagine having to rundrugs for your parents? At fifteen?

Norman missed that, because on his spoon, a maggot wriggles.

NORMANTell me again why we didnt just go

to McDonalds?

INT. WOMENS SHELTER - LATER

Compared to the Mens Shelter, this place is a resort. Thewomen and Pio eat pasta at a table in the middle of the room.

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Across the room, Lisa emerges from the bathroom, her hairstill wet from a shower. Next to the door, a line of WOMEN.An EMPLOYEE comes out after Lisa, locks the door.

EMPLOYEEThats all for tonight. Try again

tomorrow.

Groans from the women.

HOMELESS WOMANI have an interview in the morning!

EMPLOYEESorry, hit our limit. Watersexpensive.

Lisa walks past, sits on the closest bed. She wraps her hairwith a towel, lies down. Yawns, pulls the sheets over her.

But she cant keep her eyes closed.

The sounds of the shelter fill her ears. Talking, chewing,laughing, groaning, crying.

She shuts her eyes hard, but the sounds grow louder untilthey crescendo into a wall of noise.

She throws the sheets off her, hops out of bed. Heads to herlocker. She opens it, pulls out a hoodie and slips it on.Pockets her wallet, a small can of pepper spray.

Lisa heads for the door.

EXT. PRESTON STREET - NIGHT

No streetlights in this dead zone. House after abandonedhouse is draped in darkness.

Blake lights the way with his cell phones camera. Marcuswalks with him, grasping a pizza box.

BLAKEShits kinda creepy actually.

Anybody could be hiding here.

Blake laughs.

BLAKE (CONTD)I feel like the god damn GhostHunters. Yo, let me get a slice.

He opens the box and pulls one out, making it hard for Marcusto walk.

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Blake shoves the pizza into his mouth. He looks over atMarcus, realizes his rudeness.

BLAKE (CONTD)(mouth full)

Did you want one?

MARCUSIll wait.

They turn and walk up the lawn to old 8989 Preston street.

INT. PRESTON STREET - OLD HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

They pass through the hallway into the living room.

Marcus plops down onto the couch in the middle of the room.Sets the pizza on the ground.

Blake takes off his sleeping bag backpack and unrolls it. Hesits, grabs the pizza box. Shoves another into his mouth.

BLAKEThe cheese is so good.

Marcus just nods. He lays across the couch, covers his eyeswith his arm.

Blake chews noisily.

BLAKE (CONTD)

If you dont eat some of this soonits gonna be gone, dog.

No response.

Blake glances at him. Waits a minute.

BLAKE (CONTD)Well find your mom, man. Shesgonna be fine.

Marcus moves his arm.

MARCUSIs she? Angry alcoholics dontexactly thrive on the streets.

Blake stuffs the pizza crust in his mouth, looks at hisphone.

BLAKEFuckin things dying.

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EXT. HOMELESS CAMP - NIGHT

Terrell, Norman sit by the fire in the courtyard. Jayzon andDeAndre stand to the side.

JAYZON

Thanks for keepin an eye on him.Preciate it.

TERRELLNot a problem.

JAYZONYou talk to Loretta about himstayin here?

Terrell looks slightly surprised.

TERRELL

Hasnt said anything to me. Shellbe here soon, though.

JAYZONCan I wait? I cant watch himtonight. Got some business.

TERRELLSure. You mind going inside while

we talk?

Jayzon nods. He and DeAndre head inside the shop.

Terrell turns to Norman.

TERRELL (CONTD)You know anything about that?

Norman shakes his head.

NORMANNot sure its a good idea.

TERRELLExactly what I was thinking.

Female voices float around the corner of the hobby shop.

NORMANGood. Theyre back. Letsstraighten this out.

Talia, Loretta round the corner, Pio on Ashleys shouldersbehind them. She sets him down.

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LORETTA(to Ashley)

Howd you get so strong?

ASHLEYYou build muscle riding a scooter

three miles to school every day.Probably the only thing Ill miss.

TERRELLLoretta, can we talk a moment?

The two groups come together.

LORETTAI have to see Ashley home. Can it

wait?

TERRELL

Ashley, could you and Pio go insidefor a minute? Jayzon and DeAndreare in there, dont be alarmed.

They walk through the back door to the shop.

TERRELL (CONTD)Whats this about DeAndre, now?

LORETTAJayzon wanted to know if he coulddrop him off here occasionally whenhes busy. I said the adults needed

to discuss it. Lets.

NORMANNeither of us like the idea, much.The kids unpredictable.

LORETTAI would argue thats why we shouldhelp him. With our supervision,hell be as safe as possible.

TERRELL

What about our safety? Piossafety? Hes just a child.

LORETTAWell if were properly supervising,he should be a danger to no one.

TERRELLEasy for you to say, when yourebarely ever here.

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She looks at them.

LORETTADeAndre is a child, too. A mentallyill one, at that. He doesnt have agrandmother to look after him. He

has Jayzon. But he needs us.

NORMANIf anything happens, theres gonnabe trouble.

LORETTAIf anything happens, hes gone. Buthe deserves a chance.

Terrell sighs.

TERRELL

Okay. Well try it out.

Loretta smiles.

LORETTAI knew youd make the right choice.Ill go let him know!

Terrell and Norman share a look.

EXT. JEFFERSON COURT - NIGHT

Lisa ambles down the dead-end road under the streetlights.

She passes Inman Auto Service at the front, various otherabandoned buildings as she continues on.

At the dead-end, a large, empty concrete lot. Lisa surveysthe area. Dark, isolated, quiet. Good enough.

She plops down in the middle. Pulls her skinny arms and legsinto her hoodie as she watches her breath plume in the cold.

A tear trickles down her cheek. It takes her a moment to

notice. As soon as she does, more follow. She sobs softly,rocking back and forth, holding her legs to her chest.

After a few moments, her eyes finally stay closed.

FADE TO BLACK.

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EXT. JEFFERSON COURT - EMPTY LOT - DAWN

VOICE (O.S.)Maam?

Lisas eyes flutter open.

A CONSTRUCTION WORKER stands before her.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERMaam, are you okay?

Lisa takes a moment to answer.

LISAYes, Im fine. Im...

CONSTRUCTION WORKERYoull have to move until we get

all the hardware set up. We wontbe doing the planting until later,but you can hang out till then.

LISAUm...

CONSTRUCTION WORKERYoure here to help out with thegarden, right?

Lisa looks around. Some construction equipment, a few otherworkers. A truck piled high with topsoil bags.

LISARight. Sorry, I was still halfasleep.

The worker smiles at her.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERHey, thats alright. Thats why webrought coffee!

He turns to the other workers.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER (CONTD)Johnny, bring me a vente!

60.

Documents

Vagrant - "Lisa in the Morning"