2. INT. HIGH-SCHOOL HALLWAY - MID AFTERNOON.
Lockers line the walls. A door opens and a young RUSSELL
emerges, aged 13-14, carrying a hall pass. As he walks down
the hall, he passes an open door through which we can hear a
lecture on mathematics. From inside the classroom we see
Russell pass right by without glancing in. He passes by
another open door through which may be heard the sounds of a
wood shop, this too fails to pique his interest. Eventually
Russell passes by an open door through which another teacher
can be heard, his voice underlaid with the hum of a
projector.
TEACHER
So who wants to tell me why Beowulf
is such an excellent representation
of the classical “hero” archetype?
Kurt?
Russell backtracks quickly and stands at the open doorway
peeking in. The projector is lighting up the wall beside the
cool young teacher with images of battle from the lay of
Beowulf. The class is filled with older students.
KURT
Because he killed the shit out of
all those monsters.
The class erupts into laughter.
TEACHER
Watch it! But you’re half-right.
Kennedy?
KENNEDY
Strength, bravery, and loyalty?
TEACHER
Good. Strength, bravery, and
loyalty; these are the identifying
characteristics of a “hero”. When
Beowulf throws down his weapons in
order to fight Grendel hand-to-hand-
The teacher notices Russell standing at the door and pauses
in his lecture. He turns back to the class and gestures
toward the door.
TEACHER (CONT’D)
It seems we have a spy in our
midst.
Several students giggle and Russell flees, red-faced.
3. INT. LIBRARY - EARLY AFTERNOON.
An older woman, the librarian, is bent over behind a desk
with a file cabinet open in front of her. She is sorting
through the cabinet and humming while she does so. The door
to the hallway creaks opens, and in walks Russell. She
straightens with a grunt and leans over the desk, smiling as
Russell approaches.
LIBRARIAN
Afternoon Russell.
RUSSELL
Afternoon Ms. Finch.
Russell walks up to the desk and lays down a copy of the book
“The Thief”. Ms. Finch picks the book up and regards the
cover for a moment before flipping to the back and removing
the index card which she stamps and puts back in.
MS. FINCH
So how was it?
RUSSELL
Awesome. Do you have the next one?
MS. FINCH
As a matter of fact I think it was
just returned. Let me have a look
for you.
Ms. Finch walks around her desk and over to a wheeled cart
piled with multiple shelves of books and puts the copy of
“The Thief” on one of the shelves. She then begins shuffling
through the books on the top. Meanwhile, Russell has wandered
over to the cart as well and also begins to look through the
books on the bottom.
RUSSELL
Ms. Finch?
MS. FINCH
Yes Russell?
Russell straightens up with a book clutched in his hand; it
is a copy of “Queen of Attolia”.
RUSSELL
Found it.
MS. FINCH
Perfect.
2.
4. Ms. Finch holds her hand out for the book which Russell hands
over, and the two of them straighten up and make their way
back to her desk where she slides the index card out of the
book and adjusts her stamp.
MS. FINCH (CONT’D)
So what are you reading in class?
RUSSELL
Hatchet.
MS. FINCH
And how are you liking it?
RUSSELL
It was great, but I’m done.
Ms. Finch stops for a moment and looks at Russell with a
small grin before finishing the stamping and handing Russell
the index card and a pencil with which he proceeds to sign
out the book.
RUSSELL (CONT’D)
Mrs. Chan said we were still doing
quiet reading for a while so I
could come get another book.
MS. FINCH
And will that be all for today?
RUSSELL
How’s Melvin?
MS. FINCH
(Taken aback) Well aren’t you
sweet. As a matter of fact I had to
take him to the vet yesterday to
get tested.
RUSSELL
What for?
Ms. Finch leans closer to Russell and scrunches up her face.
MS. FINCH
Gut worms.
Russell squirms and laughs.
RUSSELL
Eww.
MS. FINCH
I’ll tell him you asked.
3.
5. Ms. Finch winks at Russell and turns her attention back to
the filing cabinet. After a moment she hears the scuffing of
feet on the carpet. She turns around and Russell is still
standing there, looking around the room.
MS. FINCH (CONT’D)
Something else you needed?
RUSSELL
Do you know who Beowulf is?
MS. FINCH
Beowulf? Sure I know who Beowulf is-
RUSSELL
Are there any books?
MS. FINCH
Well yes, but if I remember
correctly they’re reserved for the
grade nine English classes.
Russell looks down at his shoes.
RUSSELL
Oh.
Ms. Finch regards him for a moment before smiling and walking
back into her office.
MS. FINCH
Wait just a minute Russell.
Ms. Finch returns with a copy of “The Lay of Beowulf and
slides it across the desk to Russell.
MS. FINCH (CONT’D)
Here. You know half the students in
those classes don’t even read it.
Books like to be read. No need to
sign it out, just bring it back
when you’re done.
RUSSELL
Thanks Ms. Finch!
Russell grabs his books and walks towards the door. He opens
it and steps out into the hallway.
RUSSELL (CONT’D)
I hope Melvin’s okay!
4.
6. He walks away down the hall, leaving Ms. Finch smiling and
shaking her head. Presently another student enters and walks
toward the desk.
MS. FINCH
Hi Lora, how can I help you?
INT. HALLWAY - EARLY AFTERNOON.
Russell walks along the hallway, stopping for a drink at a
water fountain beside a row of lockers. Hurried footsteps are
heard, and Russell looks up in time to see ALEC running
toward him. He pulls up beside the fountain and hurriedly
inspects the row of lockers. Finding one without a lock he
opens it and steps in. He looks at Russell and raises one
finger to his lips in a shushing motion before closing the
door behind him. More footsteps can be heard as a teacher
rounds the corner and starts moving toward Russell.
TEACHER
Alec? Alec!
Russell begins to drink from the fountain again as the
teacher comes closer.
TEACHER (CONT’D)
Alec I- Oh, Russell. Did you see
anyone run past just now?
Russell stares at the teacher with wide eyes for a moment
before pointing down the hallway.
TEACHER (CONT’D)
Thanks.
The teacher continues down the hall.
TEACHER (CONT’D)
Alec!
Russell stares after the teacher and is just about to knock
on the locker when Alec whispers:
ALEC
He gone?
RUSSELL
Yeah.
Alec piles out of the locker, looking down the hallway in the
direction the teacher went. He turns back to Russell and
grinning, holds his hand out.
5.
7. ALEC
Thanks!
RUSSELL
You’re welcome.
Russell shakes Alec’s hand.
ALEC
What’s your name?
RUSSELL
Russell.
ALEC
Cool, I’m Alec.
The two stand there for a moment, Russell scuffing his feet
against the ground and Alec looking around.
ALEC (CONT’D)
Well, see ya.
Alec takes off down the hallway in the opposite direction of
the teacher.
RUSSELL
See ya.
INT. RUSSELL’S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
The room is fairly spacious and orderly, apart from one
thing; the books. They are piled on every available flat
surface. A large map of the continental US is tacked on the
wall. An alarm begins to buzz and an older Russell sits
immediately up in bed, yawning. He leans over to his bedside
table and retrieves a notebook in which he jots something
down. He then sets the notebook down and retrieves a book
(The Iliad), also from the bedside table. He finishes the
last few pages lying down and then rolls out of bed.
Replacing his book on a shelf and carefully selecting a new
novel.
Russell is a strapping young man of about 21. He has good
posture and an athletic build. He has shortish light brown
hair and is clean shaven.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
The kitchen is bright and airy, obviously lived in and taken
care of. On the wall are various newspaper clippings
featuring his father in relation to court cases he has won.
6.
8. A dog bowl sits in the corner. Russell enters, plonks his
book down on the table, and opens the fridge, removing a
carton of eggs and a carton of milk. He sets a pan up on the
stove and cracks two eggs in to it.
CUT TO:
Russell sets his breakfast down on the table and eats it as
he reads.
INT. ALEC’S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
The large bed takes up almost the entire room. The covers and
pillows are scattered, and the floor is littered with
clothing. Alec remains in bed, unmoving, in an unorthodox
position.
Alec is quite thin. He is of medium height with mid length
brown hair and the trace of a beard.
INT. KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING
Russell sits at the kitchen table absorbed in his book, his
breakfast half-eaten. The alarm on his phone buzzes again and
he starts. Putting down the novel, he exits the room and
returns to the kitchen table with a number of hefty
textbooks. He moves to the sink and tosses out his cold
coffee. He pours himself a new cup and opens a textbook.
INT. ALEC’S BEDROOM
Alec has shifted position but remains in bed and said
position remains very much unorthodox.
INT. KITCHEN - MID MORNING
Russell reads some more, occasionally interrupting his
studies to leave the frame as he stretches or moves around.
CUT TO:
Russell pours food in to the dog’s bowl.
CUT TO:
Russell clips a leash on to his dog and exits the kitchen.
7.
9. INT. ALEC’S BEDROOM - MID MORNING
Alec has begun to snore vigorously
INT. KITCHEN - NOON
Russell’s alarm sounds again at 12:00 PM, prompting him to
close his books and make himself lunch, he then reads the
novel for another half-hour whilst eating.
INT. RUSSELL’S BEDROOM - NOON
Russell changes in to his workout clothes.
INT. HOMEGYM - NOON
Russell moves around the weigh troom, setting up for his
workout. In the weight room are several trophies for lacrosse
with the names “Martin Buchanan” or “Russell Buchanan”
engraved on them (The Martins outnumber the Russells).
INT. KITCHEN - NOON
Russell is sweaty after his workout. He makes himself a small
protein shake and chugs it, gasping when he finishes.
INT. ALEC’S BEDROOM - NOON
Alec finally gets out of bed after stretching and yawning
like a lion. He throws on a robe over his boxers and
leisurely walks out of the room.
INT. ALEC’S KITCHEN - NOON
Alec begins making himself an intricate brunch, topping it
off by popping the cork on a bottle of champagne. He eats and
then makes his way into the living room.
INT. ALEC’S LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
The living room is dark, curtains are pulled over the windows
and the couch is heavy and overstuffed. A larger than life
poster of for the movie “Scarface” dominates one wall. Alec
strolls over to a stereo where he plugs in his iPod and
dances around listening to soul music; he may pick up and
address a picture of his mother and father, or tear open the
curtains to let the sun in.
8.
10. INT. ALEC’S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Alec pulls on pants and throws on a shirt after smelling the
armpits. He grabs a set of keys off the dresser and exits the
room.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - AFTERNOON
Russell jogs along the pavement. He is sweating heavily and
when Alec buzzes up beside him on his scooter. Russell
acknowledges his presence with a nod. Alec paces Russel who,
after a while, begins to slow.
ALEC
You’re slowing down.
RUSSELL
(Panting) Thanks.
Russell attempts to pick up his pace.
ALEC
How’s Sharon?
RUSSELL
Okay.
ALEC
Think she can make it out tonight?
RUSSELL
Don’t know.
ALEC
Well I can always make her a doggy
bag.
Russell slows but does not stop, he is breathing greedily as
he bends his torso up and down to get rid of a stich.
EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON
Alec still tails a faltering Russell, egging him on.
ALEC
Okay the sprint’s coming up. Just
keep it going.
The two round a corner and begin to approach a stop sign.
9.
11. ALEC (CONT’D)
When you get past that stop sign
you light it up and don’t look
back.
They pass the stop sign and Alec revs the scooter and begins
leaning on the horn.
ALEC (CONT’D)
Let’s go, go, go!
Russell begins to sprint down the road, followed closely by
Alec who continues to shout encouragement.
ALEC (CONT’D)
Come on! Fast fast, boom!
Russell passes a stake in the ground and immediately slows
down, panting. His face is red.
RUSSELL
Oh shit, oh Jesus.
ALEC
Now that’s what I call Stanford
material.
RUSSELL
What’s my time on the sprint.
ALEC
Ah... I may have forgotten to time
you on that one buddy. Don’t worry
though, you were fast as hell.
Russell arrives at a patch of grass and flops down on his
back, legs splayed out.
RUSSELL
You’re kidding me.
ALEC
Afraid not. Hey I gotta bounce.
You’re coming tonight?
Russell is still short of breath as he begins to chuckle.
RUSSELL
Wouldn’t miss it.
ALEC
See ya there man. Don’t forget to
check the mail!
10.
12. Alec turns the scooter and drives away. Russell stares at the
sky for a few moments before grunting and stiffly climbing to
his feet. He begins to perform some dynamic stretches.
EXT. ALLEY - MID DAY
Alec drives up an alley, pulling over beside a metal door. He
leans the scooter against a wall and goes to enter the door
but pauses with his hand on the latch. Reaching into his coat
he removes a small vial of white powder and stares at it
intently.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Alec sits in the kitchen of a restaurant with another, older
chef; MARCO. Marco is stocky, with a wizened face and and
crinkled eyes from smiling. He has a moustache and short wiry
grey hair. On the counter beside them are the remnants of a
meal. The sink is piles high with dishes and the two are both
holding glasses of a golden liquid. Alec takes a sip and
savors it.
ALEC
What’d you say this was?
MARCO
Acqua Di Cedro. Hard to find. From
my private stash. You say Grappa,
but with a kind of lemon.
Alec inhales the scent of the liquor before doing an
apocalypse now impression.
ALEC
Smells like victory.
The two share a laugh.
MARCO
You know, you do good Alec. You
make some beautiful food tonight.
ALEC
All credit goes to the master-
MARCO
No, listen. I think about it, and I
think you gonna take the kitchen
when we open this new menu.
11.
13. Alec stares open-mouthed at Marco for a moment before
draining his Grappa and leaping into the air with a joyous
whoop. He Spins over to the counter and begins drumming on
the stainless steel top.
ALEC
Yes, yes, yes!
Marco rises stiffly up from his chair and raises his hands
up.
MARCO
Woah, woah. You want I should
change my mind? Relax that’s not
all.
Alec makes a very visible effort to contain himself and turns
back to Marco. Marco fixes a stern gaze on Alec, but he turns
away and we can see he is smiling. Marco looks around the
kitchen, reminiscing.
MARCO (CONT’D)
When we working together on this
menu I see you. I see the love
that’s in you for the food you
make. That’s why I gonna let you
open the menu. We talked about you
buying this place so you gonna show
me you got what it takes to run the
kitchen.
Marco turns back toward Alec is nodding his head quickly.
ALEC
I do, I-
MARCO
(holding up his hand) Ah-ah. One
thing,
Marco walks toward Alec, pressing his index finger against
his nostril and inhaling sharply. Alec has stopped nodding.
MARCO (CONT’D)
I don’t wanna hear about none of
that! You my sous-chef I don’t care
but you gonna run the kitchen in my
place you gotta be clean, and you
not gonna freak out capisce?
Alec’s grin slowly reforms and he nods, slowly now, at Marco.
12.
14. EXT. ALLEY - MID DAY
Alec stares at the vial for a moment longer and compulsively
sniffs once before putting it in his jacket pocket and
entering the restaurant.
INT. RESTAURANT - MID DAY
Alec enters through the service entrance and removes his
coat, hanging it up on a peg. Only one other coat adorns the
pegs.
ALEC
Hey Giordano!
There is no response, and as Alec moves further into the
restaurant he can hear a muttered stream of curses. On his
way to the front of house he peers into the kitchen and
freezes. The counters are bare, there are no pots bubbling on
the stove, the work lights are off, and the radio is quietly
playing a broadcast of a baseball game.
ALEC (CONT’D)
Oh shit.
Alec runs into the kitchen and turns on the lights. He opens
the walk-in fridge and looks around, espying a quarter-full
stock pot of sauce and shelves filled with vegetables. He
walks over to a shelving rack which is bare but for some lamb
chops he picks them up and stares at them and the empty shelf
in disbelief.
GIORDANO
Alec?!
Alec drops the meat on the shelf and spins around to see
GIORDANO standing at the doorway to the walk-in. Girodano
looks to be in his early thirties, tall and rapier thin,
wearing the uniform of a maitre D.
ALEC
Giordy! What the fuck man where’s
all the base? Where’s the pig for
Christ's sake?
GIORDANO
I just got off the phone with the
delivery guy, Tony never fucking
showed up. I just got in and
there’s no and there’s no mise done
at all!
Alec stands unresponsive for a moment.
13.
15. MARCO (V.O.)
And you not gonna freak out...
ALEC
Get the keys to the van.
Alec begins to comb the shelves, grabbing a number of raw
ingredients and taking them out to the kitchen; he is
followed by Giordano. He lays the ingredients out on the
counter-top and sets up a mise-en-place station; wetting a
cloth and laying it out, placing a cutting board on top. He
begins prepping vegetables as he addresses Giordano
ALEC (CONT’D)
Go to the market. See if Victor has
any more St. Canut pork already
processed. If it’s on hold for
someone offer him double. Then get
back here fast. Did you call Tony?
GIORDANO
No answer.
ALEC
Marco?
GIORDANO
Same.
Alec sighs and looks down at the cutting board for a moment
before resuming his chopping.
ALEC
Oh boy.
He bends over and opens the door of the low boy.
INT. HOUSE - MID DAY
The front door opens and Russell enters.
RUSSELL
Hey mom, hey dad!
CONNIE
Hi honey!
MARTIN
Hi son.
14.
16. Russell walks through the house, entering the kitchen where
he finds his mother (CONNIE) making lunch while his father
(MARTIN) sits at a desk in the corner with a number of papers
splayed out in front of him. He walks over to his mother and
gives her a hug. His father is of a similar build to Russell,
if stockier, he wears thick rimmed glasses and his hair
sticks out in all directions. His mother is a slight woman,
and pale. A bandana is tied around her head in lieu of hair.
RUSSELL
What’re you making?
CONNIE
Borscht.
MARTIN
Yuck.
CONNIE
You’ll eat it and like it mister.
MARTIN
I’ll eat it anyway... How was the
run?
RUSSELL
Okay. Alec forgot to time my last
sprint.
MARTIN
I’d never have guessed.
CONNIE
Manners Martin. How is Alec?
RUSSELL
He’s opening the new menu tonight.
MARTIN
With Marco?
RUSSELL
No, Marco’s letting him have the
kitchen tonight.
MARTIN
Well well, good for him.
RUSSELL
Do you guys wanna come?
Martin raises his head and looks at Connie who pauses
stirring the borscht momentarily before continuing.
15.
17. MARTIN
I don’t know if your mom will be up
to going out that late Rus.
RUSSELL
Yeah. Yeah it’s no problem.
The three are silent for a moment before Russell moves toward
the doorway.
RUSSELL (CONT’D)
I’m gonna go grab a shower before I-
CONNIE
Did you check the mailbox?
Russell stops at the threshold
RUSSELL
Forgot; I’ll check it when I go
out.
MARTIN
Don’t forget again.
Martin gets up and walks over to his son, putting his hand on
Russell’s shoulder.
MARTIN (CONT’D)
There might be something waiting
for you.
RUSSELL
I won’t.
Russell turns and exits the room, making his way up the
stairs.
INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - EARLY AFTERNOON. (MONTAGE)
Alec chops vegetables at a furious pace.
Alec sets several pots on the stove to warm.
Alec meets Giordano outside the building and helps him carry
in the pork.
Alec parboils several large pots of pasta, burning himself
with the water as he removes the pasta, and sets it on trays
to cool before sprinkling them liberally with olive oil and
mixing them around.
16.
18. INT. HALLWAY - EARLY AFTERNOON.
The bathroom door opens and Russell steps out wearing a
towel, followed by a cloud of steam. He sighs contentedly and
walks down the hallway toward the door to his room
INT. RUSSELL’S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Once inside, Russell walks over to the wall upon which hangs
a large map of North America. He places two fingers on the
state of Maine and slowly walks them all the way across the
map to California. He sighs and walks over to his bookshelf
where he regards the books for a moment before removing a
copy of “The Grapes of Wrath”. Opening the front cover he
reads the inscription: “To my friend the bookworm. Do
wrathful grapes make angry wine? - Alec”. Russell smiles and
closes the book, replacing it carefully on the shelf.
INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - MID AFTERNOON (MONTAGE)
Alec runs his hand under cold water.
The two waiters enter the building and begin to set the
tables.
Alec is crushing lemons for a salad dressing when he squirts
lemon juice in his eye.
Alec chops more vegetables and cuts his finger.
Giordano checks over the table settings and inspects the
bottles behind the bar.
INT. BEDROOM - MID AFTERNOON.
He dresses himself and heads downstairs to find his father
sitting back at his desk, the remnants of a bowl of borscht
by his side.
RUSSELL
Hey.
MARTIN
Good shower?
RUSSELL
Always.
Martin smiles and looks up at Russell, removing his glasses.
17.
19. MARTIN
Want some beet goop? Supposed to be
good for your immune system.
RUSSELL
I’m ok.
MARTIN
Well it’s probably for the best. I
love your mother but she’s never
been a gifted cook. Still never
would let me touch the stove.
Martin gets up and brings his dishes to the sink where he
turns on the water and begins to wash them.
RUSSELL
Dad.
MARTIN
(Jokingly) Yes, my son?
RUSSELL
I was just thinking about school.
What if I’m not accepted?
MARTIN
Are you kidding? They’d be crazy
not to accept you.
RUSSELL
But-
MARTIN
Straight As, track and field star.
Besides it’s my alma mater, and I
do have a little bit of clout you
know.
RUSSELL
Just say I didn’t.
Martin turns and looks at Russell.
MARTIN
I promise you, you don’t need to
worry about it.
Russell smiles stiffly and turns away.
RUSSELL
I guess you’re right.
18.
20. MARTIN
‘Course I am, it’s what I do for a
living. Now if I’m not mistaken-
Martin places his dishes in the rack to dry and walks over to
the fridge, opening the freezer door.
MARTIN (CONT’D)
I think there’s still some leftover
cheesecake.
RUSSELL
I’m gonna go for a walk before I
head over.
MARTIN
You mean you don’t wanna stay and
help me sort through case files?
RUSSELL
Ha, next time. See ya dad.
Russell turns and walks out of the room as his father finally
snags a piece of cheesecake from the freezer and begins
eating it without a plate.
MARTIN
(With mouth full) Don’t forget to
check the mail!
INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON (MONTAGE)
Alec prepares several fish, pricking himself on a fin.
Alec makes Parmesan shaving out of a large block of cheese.
Giordano puts some relaxing music on the sound system.
Alec chops more vegetables.
The door bell tinkles as the first pair of customers walks in
and Alec exchanges a glance with Giordano.
EXT. PARK - LATE AFTERNOON
Russell walks easily along a path through a park, a book held
loosely in his hand. Eventually he comes to a bench and sits,
opening the book. Inside the book is a folded paper which he
retrieves. He closes the book and unfolds the paper upon
which can clearly be seen the Stanford letterhead. Upon
review the phrases “we are pleased”, and “extend our
congratulations” may be seen.
19.
21. Russell regards the paper for a moment before refolding it
and putting it in his pocket. He closes his eyes and leans
back. The wind picks up and can be heard clearly as it
whistles through the leaves. The laughter of a child drifts
through the air. After a while Russell opens his eyes and
looks down at his cook, smiling. He picks it up and begins to
read.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. PARK - EVENING
Russell turns a page in his book and smiles. He dog ears the
page and closes the book. He pulls out his phone to check the
time and hurriedly stands, pocketing his phone and striding
off down the path.
INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING
Russell enters Cucina to find it bustling. The restaurant
proper is a rectangular space, the front entrance being
located at the narrow end, opposite the open kitchen. He is
seated by Giordano who whisks himself off immediately to help
another customer. Russell cranes his neck toward the kitchen
and catches a glimpse of Alec speedily cooking away. Giordano
returns and hands him a menu.
GIORDANO
So, is this your first time at
Cucina D’Oro?
RUSSELL
Hey Giordano
Giordano stares at Russell for a moment before his eyes
widen.
GIORDANO
Russell! Madonna I didn’t recognize
you. You’ve grown so much.
RUSSELL
True.
GIORDANO
So Alec told you about the new
menu?
RUSSELL
Not really. He just made me promise
to come tonight.
20.
22. GIORDANO
Well we’re opening a new menu
tonight, why don’t you have a look.
Can I get you something to drink?
RUSSELL
Diet Coke.
GIORDANO
Coming right up.
Giordano walks away and Russell looks into the kitchen again,
where he can see Alec bent over the counter plating food with
utmost precision. He smiles and opens his menu.
INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - EVENING (MONTAGE)
Alec scoops a variety of pasta sauces into several small
pans.
Alec sprinkles salt into a pan and sears a piece of meat on
both sides, picking up the pan and sliding it into the oven.
The ticker will not stop spitting out meal tickets.
Alec flash-boils several portions of pasta and adds them to
the small pans, flipping them into the sauce.
Alec plates a portion of fish.
The ticker does not cease.
Alec reaches into the oven and grabs a pan, burning himself
badly and causing him to reel back, stifling a curse. He
wraps a towel around his hand and removes the pan, placing it
on the counter top. He stands in silence for a moment before
wheeling around and striding out of the kitchen.
INT. RESTAURANT - BACK ROOM - EVENING
Alec enters the room wherein he had previously hung his coat.
He plunges his hand into his coat and retrieves the vial of
white powder. He raises his hand out of the shot and
presently we hear a loud sniff followed by a whoop. He struts
back to the kitchen, pocketing the vial.
INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING (MONTAGE)
(Whenever Alec is seen taking a bump, it is in the back room)
A table receives their meal with smiles and laughter.
21.
23. Alec tears down a ticket stub and spikes it.
Russell orders from Giordano.
Alec lays sears another two pieces of meat.
Alec takes a bump.
Russell receives his food and tucks in.
Alec tears down multiple ticket stubs and spikes them.
Alec takes another bump, spikes another stub, takes another
bump.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The restaurant has quieted down, Alec is bouncing on the
balls of his feet in the kitchen and doing air-karate. The
back door of the restaurant opens and TONY comes in, he
hurries to the kitchen and walks up to Alec, who turns and
regards him in disbelief.
ALEC
Tony?
TONY
Alec I-
ALEC
Where the fuck have you been?!
TONY
My wife had an accident, I had to
drive her-
ALEC
Don’t give a shit, don’t give a
shit! Hey didn’t matter right? Took
care of it, fucking aces!
Alec flips his spatula. At this point a few heads have turned
and are regarding the two in the open kitchen.
TONY
Hey keep it down man there’s people-
ALEC
Jesus Christ I know there’s fucking
people I’ve been cooking their
fucking food all night. Hey-
22.
24. Alec walks over to the stove and retrieves some sauce on his
spatula.
ALEC (CONT’D)
Taste this.
He flicks the sauce on Tony’s face.
ALEC (CONT’D)
Too salty?
TONY
Aw what the hell man.
ALEC
Don’t even start. Just fucking sit
down or something ok, I got this.
TONY
I can get changed-
ALEC
I got this!
By this last eruption Alec’s shouting has attracted the
attention of most of the diners. Noticing that the sounds of
the dining have gone down, Alec turns to find a sea of blank
faces staring into the kitchen. He stares down at his shoes
for a moment before spinning on his heel and walking out the
back door of the restaurant. Russell sees him go and
hurriedly exits the restaurant.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Russell rounds the corner of the alley to find Alec on his
scooter, attempting to start it. He runs toward him.
RUSSELL
Al, dude what happened?
ALEC
Alec’s arms drop to his sides. He slowly gets off the scooter
and leans it against the wall.
ALEC (CONT’D)
I fucked up man. God damn it.
RUSSELL
Alec-
23.
25. ALEC
That was my chance. I was gonna
show everyone. Then Tony never
showed up, I was in the weeds all
night, and this shit man. This
fucking shit!
Alec removes the vial from his pocket and hurls it against
the wall. He then slides down the wall until he is sitting on
the pavement, legs splayed out.
ALEC (CONT’D)
I just couldn’t say no.
Russell walks over to Alec and sits down beside him, putting
his hand on his shoulder.
RUSSELL
You messed up man. It happens.
Marco’s a hard ass but he gets that
right? That’s what you told me. So
you let him down-
ALEC
Not just him.
Russell opens his mouth as if to respond but closes it.
Instead he puts his arm around Alec’s shoulder and hugs him
as Alec fights back tears.
RUSSELL
Shit man. At least the food was
good.
Alec stares at Russell as if in disbelief for a moment before
beginning to laugh through his tears.
ALEC
Yeah?
RUSSELL
Oh yeah. I haven’t tasted food like
that in a long time.
ALEC
Thanks.
RUSSELL
And you finished the service.
Everybody’s on dessert anyway...
Alec pulls out a cigarette and lighter and begins to smoke.
24.
26. RUSSELL (CONT’D)
Wanna hear something cool?
ALEC
What’s up?
RUSSELL
I got in to Stanford.
Alec turns toward Russell and smiles widely. The cigarette
forgotten, he catches Russell in a big hug.
ALEC
Fucking guy, I knew you would. You
tell your parents yet?
RUSSELL
I was gonna tell them tonight.
ALEC
Your dad’s gonna be psyched.
RUSSELL
I know.
The two sit in silence for a moment, staring at what little
of the sky they can see.
ALEC
So, when’s the big day?
RUSSELL
Huh?
ALEC
When are you leaving?
RUSSELL
In a few weeks probably. Mom and
dad said if I got in they’d fly me
over. I’m kinda freaking out out be
honest-
ALEC
Let’s go tomorrow.
RUSSELL
What?
ALEC
Tomorrow man. Look screw flying,
let’s drive.
(MORE)
25.
27. School’s over, and you don’t have
any track meets coming up in the
next few days, so let’s drive to
California.
RUSSELL
What about the restaurant.
ALEC
Marco’s fine. Tony can cover for me
a while.
RUSSELL
What about what just happened. Sure
you’re okay to just leave it like
that?
ALEC
Do you wanna do this?
RUSSELL
Well yeah man.
ALEC
So, let’s go.
RUSSELL
Alrigt.
EXT. STREET - EARLY MORNING.
A car is parked on the street outside Russell’s house. Alec
leans on the trunk to close it as Russell stands at the door
speaking with his parents.
CONNIE
And you double checked your room?
RUSSELL
Yes mom.
MARTIN
I’m proud of you Russ.
RUSSELL
Thanks dad.
CONNIE
And you’re going to call us when
you can right?
RUSSELL
Absolutely.
ALEC (CONT'D)
26.
28. MARTIN
Don’t be afraid to call-
Martin looks over at Alec who finally manages to slam the
trunk shut and turns to look at the group, waving at them.
MARTIN (CONT’D)
You know, if you get into any
trouble. Now you guys better get
going, you’re losing time.
Russell shakes his father’s hand and hugs his mother who is
beginning to cry.
CONNIE
Don’t listen to your father, you
stay out of trouble to begin with
young man.
RUSSELL
I love you mom, dad.
CONNIE
We love you too Russell.
Russell turns and walks toward the car. Seeing him coming,
Alec waves once more at Connie and Martin before getting in
to the driver’s seat. Russell slides in to the passenger seat
and rolls down the window.
ALEC
We ready to go?
RUSSELL
Hit it.
The car accelerates away as Russell waves out the window at
his parents.
RUSSELL (CONT’D)
Bye guys!
MARTIN
Bye son!
CONNIE
Be safe!
The car has pulled away, leaving Connie and Martin standing
by the door. Connie leans her head on Martin’s shoulder, and
he puts his arm around her.
CONNIE (CONT’D)
I’m gonna miss him.
27.
29. MARTIN
Don’t worry, we’ll see him soon
enough.
Martin kisses Connie on the forehead and walks inside,
leaving the door open. Connie remains standing outside
looking after the car.
CONNIE
Marty? Marty-
She turns her head toward the open door. Wiping the last
traces of tears from her eyes she enters the house.
CONNIE (CONT’D)
You better not be into that pie
mister!
The door slams shut.
INT. CAR - MORNING (MONTAGE SET TO MUSIC)
Alec drives and sings along to music as Russell reads and
looks out the window.
The car is parked at a gas station and Russell gets in
holding two coffees.
Russell drives, sipping on his coffee as Alec talks,
gesticulating wildly.
Russell drives as Alec fiddles halfheartedly with a map.
Alec drives as Russell reads the map.
The two eat lunch sitting at the bar in a diner.
Alec drives as Russell points out an engaging landmark.
Russell drives as Alec naps with his face pressed against the
window.
They pass a sign saying “Nelson, Lake Erie - 15”. Russell
smiles.
INT. MOTEL - AFTERNOON
Russell and Alec enter a motel. Alec approaches the desk and
Russell looks around the room, noticing several small
details. On the wall is a framed faded portrait of a man
holding a large walleye.
28.
30. On the desk sit several trophies in the shape of fishing
rods. The woman behind the desk reaches for her glasses as
Alec walks toward her.
WOMAN
What can I do for you boys?
ALEC
We’re looking to stay the night.
WOMAN
Sure sure, no problem. I’ll just
need a piece of ID.
Alec fishes his wallet out of his jacket and presents his
driver’s licence to the woman, who slides a map of the rooms
over the desk toward him.
WOMAN (CONT’D)
And here’s the rooms, two and four
are occupied.
ALEC
Do these all have two beds?
WOMAN
Yes sir they do.
ALEC
I’ll take five.
WOMAN
That’d be thirty dollars for the
night. Excuse me sir!
The woman cranes her head toward Russell, who has moved over
to the wall and is fondling a large preserved fish. He pulls
his hand away from the fish and walks over to the desk.
WOMAN (CONT’D)
Only it’s a rather delicate piece
and I wouldn’t want to see it
scratched.
RUSSELL
It’s a whopper.
WOMAN
Indeed it is. My husband took first
place for it at a tournament some
years back. Largest walleye on
record so they say.
(MORE)
29.
31. One man claimed to have almost
landed that very same fish, says it
nearly took his finger.
RUSSELL
He all right?
WOMAN
Oh he’s fine. Although his wife was
in a bit of a state at the time.
Apparently the fish managed to
snatch the man’s wedding ring as he
was trying to get the hook out.
ALEC
Did you ever look inside the fish?
WOMAN
We wanted to keep it whole, to
preserve it you see. Tell you the
truth most people think he just got
drunk on the boat and lost his ring
in the lake.
The woman casts a glance at the preserved fish on the wall.
WOMAN (CONT’D)
But on the other hand, folks around
here do enjoy a good story, and we
never did open that fish up. For
all we know the ring could be
inside that fish to this very day.
Now, let me find you boys your room
key.
EXT. STREET - LATE AFTERNOON (MONTAGE)
Russell and Alec walk along the boardwalk, taking in the
town. Alec is jittery and looks all around while Russell
casts his gaze out at the lake.
ALEC
You hungry?
RUSSELL
Always.
ALEC
Good. Marco told me about this
great place to eat, said we gotta
try it.
WOMAN (CONT'D)
30.
32. RUSSELL
What kind of food?
ALEC
Cuisine Marché. Hang on I’m just
gonna go ask these guys if they
know where it is.
Russell nods as Alec walks over to a group of five young
adults (SUZY, TREVOR, KAITLYN, CHU, and KELLY) walking down
the boardwalk ahead of them. Russell watches him go and then
turns his attention to a man sitting on a bench on the side
of the boardwalk. He is slumped in his seat, massaging his
temples. A briefcase lies on the bench beside him. Russell
frowns. Footsteps are heard behind him and a young girl runs
past, leaping into the lap of the man on the bench who looks
up, startled. His face breaks into a grin and he hugs the
little girl rightly. A woman follows the girl and sits down
beside the man. She puts her hand on his back and kisses his
cheek. Russell’s attention is diverted by Alec who is running
back toward him.
ALEC (CONT’D)
Hey! Those guys are actually
heading to the same place we are,
and they’re going to a party after,
and guess who got us invited out.
RUSSELL
How did you swing that?
ALEC
Told ‘em I was shepherding you
across America, frontier-guide
style, on one final adventure
before you settle down and become a
boring old lawyer.
RUSSELL
(Admiringly) Good narrative.
INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING
The group sit around a large table at the restaurant. Several
waiters arrive with trays of dishes and begin placing them on
the table. Alec immediately tucks in. Suzy is blonde and
genuine, if excitable. Trevor seems akin to Russell, slightly
more cocky. Kaitlyn is waif-like, with dark hair and hollow
eyes. Chu is Asian, he pays attention but is mostly silent.
Kelly is a smiling, even-tempered brunette.
ALEC
Madonna Mia that’s good.
31.
33. SUZY
Yeah this place is like, our
favorite place to eat.
RUSSELL
I can see why.
TREVOR
My dad used to be a part owner; as
a matter of fact the owner and him
are still good friends so order
what you want man, it’s on me
tonight.
KAITLYN
(To Russell) He likes to show off.
TREVOR
You heard the man, he’s on his last
hurrah. Gotta make sure he has a
good time.
SUZY
Wait, you’re like, going to law-
school right?
RUSSELL
Yeah, Stanford.
TREVOR
Woah, now who’s the show off?
Trevor nudges Kaitlyn who rolls her eyes and looks down to
her food.
ALEC
My man here’s a prodigy, a regular
idiot savant.
CHU
Is that what that means?
RUSSELL
Ignore him.
KELLY
My cousin’s in law-school right
now. He says it’s getting better
but last year he legit wanted to
blow his brains out.
TREVOR
Is that necessary? We are eating
after all.
32.
34. ALEC
The man wished to leave behind the
sorrows of this world.
TREVOR
A poet!
ALEC
But a humble scribe. Russell’s the
real poet.
RUSSELL
Hey-
ALEC
Aw come on man, don’t pretend like
you haven’t been scribbling away in
that notebook of yours.
CHU
What do you write about?
RUSSELL
Oh it’s really just a journal-
SUZY
Can you read us something?
KELLY
A recitation!
RUSSELL
I don’t think so.
TREVOR
Oh come now, pay these brutes no
mind. I assure you we’re an
attentive audience.
KAITLYN
He’s right.
With the eyes of the group upon him, Russell slowly removes
his notebook from a pocket and puts it down on the table.
RUSSELL
I’m gonna need another drink.
THE GROUP
Hey!
33.
35. EXT. RESTAURANT PORCH - NIGHT
The group sit around a table outside the restaurant. Golden
light spills out from the glass front of the building, and
oil lamps burn on the table. The table is littered with empty
bottles. Trevor and suzy are sitting close together, and
Kaitlyn is sitting beside Alec. Chu is playing a portable
gaming device.
ALEC
So just as I’m about to grab the
tongs, I notice he’s holding onto
them with a towel; and before the
impulse of what the fuck can get
from my brain to my hand I grab
onto them and they’re screaming
fucking hot.
Several of the group laugh, while others wince.
KAITLYN
Wait, how did you piss this guy
off?
ALEC
Didn’t. He was just seeing how I
would react.
TREVOR
And?
ALEC
And I took the tongs and left.
TREVOR
Unbelievable.
ALEC
Had to show him what was up.
RUSSELL
This guy, right?
ALEC
Hey, they asked for kitchen
stories.
KELLY
Wait! What about the poem?
TREVOR
Ah yes! We were promised a
recitation.
34.
36. ALEC
Hey yeah. Read something man!
The group lean toward Russell.
RUSSELL
Ah geez, okay.
TREVOR
Huzzah!
Alec tops off everybody’s glass. He leans over Russell as he
pours and rolls his eyes back toward Kaitlyn. Russell glances
at Kaitlyn, locking eyes with her momentarily and eliciting a
grin. He drops his eyes to his notebook. Picking it up, he
feels the pages for a moment before opening it to a specific
page near the beginning.
ALEC
Make it a good one.
RUSSELL
I-
ALEC
(In a subdued golf-announcer’s
voice) Without further ado, may I
present the poet laureate of
Potemkin, Maine; Russell Buchanan!
The group laughs and some clap as they lean back in their
chairs. Russell momentarily closes his book and looks up at
the group.
TREVOR
Come on!
RUSSELL
Okay, okay. Alec I wrote this the
day you got the job at Cucina. ‘It
was always coming slowly, but now
it’s moving fast, this time I
thought would be forever, now I
doubt will last. We’ve walked
together often, we’ve spoken of our
fears, and the one that finds me
always, is the passage of our
years. You fill your time with
action, I spend my time in thought,
both searching for the next event,
more scared of it than not.
(MORE)
35.
37. So tell me if you lose your way, I
swear I’ll do the same, We’re
brothers if I have my say, in
everything but name.
The group sit in silence, staring down at their plates.
CHU
That was good.
The group all look at Chu, who nods at Russell and goes back
to his game.
RUSSELL
Thanks man.
TREVOR
I am impressed.
Alec nudges Kaitlyn who has been staring at Russell since he
started reading.
ALEC
Told you he was the real deal.
Russell looks at Alec who winks at him. Russell notices that
Kaitlyn has been staring at him and the two lock eyes.
FADE OUT.
RUSSELL (CONT'D)
36.
