Seven Startling Shorts

By Walt Sautter

A compilation of all my stories in one volume. They range from suspense and revenge to humor and fantasy. You are sure to find some if not all entertaining and enjoyable. Here are a brief introductions for each.
Sticks - A Golfer's Tale - A hacker's dream comes true.
Fish Farm –An old man seeks revenge against a suspected swindler.
Who Killed Coach – A legendary coach is murdered and his dark secret is revealed.
The Three Dollar Phoenix - An altruistic doctor confronts corruption.
The Adventures of Jesus - A humorous play about Jesus returning.
Blood of Judas - Vampires of the Third Reich - Revenge by a vampire and her lover in Nazi Germany.
Plan of Attach – A childhood promise leads an adventure of retribution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Walt Sautter
• Release date: Nov 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370169993

Walt Sautter

Walter Sautter has been writing crime thrillers and comedies for the past three decades. His diverse work is inspired by true life events and socials issues.Walt lives in a small New Jersey town with his wife of over 40 years. He enjoys golfing, wrestling and is passionate about educational reform.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Country Livin’

FADE IN:

Int. A church - sunday morning.

The CHOIR is just finishing the final lines of the Lord's Prayer. The volume increases as the singing concludes.

Choir

(singing)

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

The PRIEST is seated as the choir ends. He stands, walks to the pulpit, stands solemnly peering into the mass of seated parishioners and begins the sermon. His voice echos loudly throughout the church.

Priest

Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God

The Priest's voice begins to fade as he speaks the following lines.

PRIEST (cont'd)

For it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.

JACK and his wife a couple in their early sixties are seated in the front pew as the priest speaks. They appear with hands folded and highly attentive, hanging on every word.

DISSOLVE TO:

Ext. The church doorway - after the service

The priest is standing at the doorway speaking to the parishioners as they leave. Jack and his wife are next in line.

JACK

Thank you Father. Your message was truly inspirational. If only we could all live by those words.

PRIEST

Thank you Jack but those are not my words, they are the words of God. I merely pass them on to those who are willing to receive them and act accordingly. The peace of the Lord be with both of you.

Cut to:

INT. BEAT UP 92 PONTIAC - EARLY AFTERNOON

Jack is in the passenger's seat while his friend PETEY a balding, portly 68 year old is driving. They are driving along a country road bordered by woods and farm land. Flashing red and blue lights suddenly illuminate the rear view mirror.

PETEY

Hey, Jack what's that cop want? He's right on our ass.

Jack turns in his seat to look out the rear window.

JACK

(Anxiously)

How should I know? Better pull over!

They pull over and wait nervously for the COP to approach. The cop car pulls up behind them. After a few seconds the cop exits his car and walks up to Petey's car. He stops momentarily and looks at the large box protruding from the trunk of the car. He then continues to the driver's window.

COP

How are you gentleman doing today?

PETEY

What's the problem officer?

COP

What's in the box in your trunk?

Jack stares straight ahead in sweaty silence. After a second or two he turns towards he cop and struggles to appear less anxious than he is.

PETEY

It's a television! We're takin' it up to a friend.

COP

Television, huh? In a box that big?

JACK

It's an old one.

The cop turns and walks to the back of the car. Looks over the box and returns to speak again with

Petey.

COP

(in an interrogating tone)

Just where exactly are you taking it?

PETEY

We're takin' it to Larry up at 'Larry’s Fishin' Hole' a couple miles up the road.

Immediately the cop strikes a less threatening pose and tone. He smiles.

COP

Oh, you mean Larry Fine. Known him for years. I take my kids up there fishing now and then. (a beat)

Anyway, the reason I stopped you is you can't have that box hanging outta the trunk like that without a flag on it. A piece of cloth will do it. A red piece would be the best.

The cop looks at the clutter in the back seat of Petey's car and points to an old shirt lying on the back.

COP (COnT'd)

That plaid shirt there. You can use that.

Jack reaches back for the shirt as the cop begins to leave.

COP (CONT'D)

That's about it boys and by the way tell Larry that Tim Harbor was asking about him. Have a good day.

The cop gets into his car and drives away. Jack expels a sigh of relief. Jack gets out of the car and puts the shirt on the protruding box. He reenters the car and they drive away.

JACK

Man that was a close one.

PETEY

What do you mean?

Jack hesitates and then speaks rather unconvincingly.

JACK

You don't have the money for a fucking ticket do you?

PETEY

Oh, yeah, I know what you mean. Yeah that was a close one.

DISSOLVE TO:

A sign appears in the distance The sign reads - 'Sorry - No fish are bitin' today - Closed for Repairs'. They turn and drive down the long, dirt lane adjacent to the sign. A dust cloud pours from the rear of the car as they drive. It is Sticksville for sure.

EXT. Larry’s HOUSE - MID MORNING

LARRY with a long scraggy, white pony tail, a beard, and some missing teeth. He's got tats on both arms - Nam 68 and Khe Sanh and a huge scar on his cheek. He is sitting in a rocker on his dilapidated porch. He is wearing faded blue jeans and flannel shirt. His large, shaggy, mongrel dog Rusty is lying next to him. He is slowly rocking back and forth as the car approaches. He continues to rock even as Jack and Petey get out of the car.

Larry

You got it here alright I see.

Petey

Hope it's gonna work okay after that ride down your road there.

LARRY

(Grinning broadly)

Oh, it's gonna work just fine I'm sure.

Petey goes to the the trunk and he starts to untie the box.

JACK

No, leave 'em on.

PETEY

Well, how are we gonna get it out of the trunk and into the house if we don't untie it?

LARRY

You didn't tell 'em Jack?

JACK

No, I didn't.

LARRY

(laughing)

Guess ya wanta make is a surprise, huh?

JACK

Petey, we gotta drive down to the pond.

LARRY

No, wait a minute. We can't just throw it in there. We gotta do some preparin' first.

JACK

What do ya mean?

LARRY

Pull around the back by the garage.

Petey gives Jack a surprised look and get back into the car. Jack follows Larry on foot to the garage.

Ext. LARRY'S garage - minutes later

The garage is an old, partially, dilapidated building with swing open doors. Larry opens the garage. The walls are aligned with old car parts, rusty tools and scrap lumber. In the middle stands a large, commercial style, meat grinding machine.

JACK

What's that?

LARRY

A meat grinder.

PETEY

What's it for?

LARRY

Get the box outta the trunk and I'm gonna show ya.

JACK

(with a look of realization)

Holy shit!

LARRY

Ya didn't think we were gonna just throw him in the pond in one piece did ya? I mean my guys a pretty good at eatin' stuff but they're not piranhas. If we don't cut him up it'll take days. If we do it'll be minutes.

Petey walks to the trunk and starts to untie the box.

JACK

Is this thing going to handle bones and all?

LARRY

Ya gotta quarter up the leg ones first and then it'll do 'em just fine.

JACK

How do you know?

LARRY

Cause I done it. Let me tell ya how I got this thing in the first place. I usta have a huntin' buddy, Ralph. We always got a couple of deer every season and sometimes inbetween seasons too, if ya know what I mean. Anyway, Ralph was really into making venison sausage so he bought this grinder here. Then about ten years ago the price of the liver that I usta feed the fish with went sky high. So what I did, was after we dressed out our deer I took the guts from 'em and ran 'em through the grinder. Made perfect fish food for free.

JACK

But the deer guts didn't have bones did they?

LARRY

No, but I usta run the feet and the left over bones through too and they went just fine.

JACK

You said it was your buddy Ralph's machine. How come you got it?

LARRY

Ralph, he hasn't hunted in five years now. He can't no more.

JACK

How so?

LARRY

It seems that poor Ralph was using the grinder and he got his hand caught. It took off all of his fingers includin' his trigger finger. After that happened he didn't want no part of this machine and I got it.

Petey has untied the box and dragged it into the garage. Jack untapes the box and opens it exposing the body. Petey flinches back at the sight. Larry goes to the back of the garage and returns with a yellow rain slicker, a shower cap, a scuba mask and a small electric chain saw. He takes a sheet of plywood which was standing against the wall and lays it on the ground in front of the grinder. He points to the body in the box and the plywood.

LARRY

Strip him down, put him here and stand back.

PETEY

(anxiously)

Did you ever do this before? To a human being I mean?

LARRY

(calmly)

Can't say as I have.

(a beat)

Larry looks up at Petey and smiles.

LARRY (CONT'D)

Ya know what they though, - the first time is always the best!

Jack puts the body on the plywood and strips it. Larry then puts on the slicker, mask and cap, starts the saw and begins to dismember the body. After removing one of the arms he points to a pile of plastic leaf bags and calls to jack.

LARRY (COnT'D)

Grab one of the bags, put it under the machine and run this through.

Larry holds up the arm for Jack to take. Jack hesitates.

LARRY (CONT'D)

Come on man! You didn't think it was all on me did ya?

Jack timidly starts the grinder and follows Larry's commands.

DISSOLVE TO:

Larry and Jack have finished grinding the body. It is all in the plastic bag. Larry has the blood covered plywood sheet leaning against the garage door with his slicker, cap and mask lying next to it. He is washing everything down with a hose. Petey has just finished vomiting at the side of the garage. Larry speaks to Petey.

LARRY

(grinning)

Now that wasn't so bad, was it?

PETEY

(With vomit dripping from his chin)

Wasn't so bad! It was fuckin' awful!

LARRY

Tie up the bag so he doesn't ooze out on the way.

Larry points to a wheelbarrow and shovel leaning against the side of the garage.

LARRY

Get the wheelbarrow and the shovel.

Larry points to a can next to the garage wall.

LARRY (CONT'D)

Oh yeah! And the kerosene can too.

Petey obliges and they together lift the plastic bag into the wheelbarrow.

LARRY

Get his clothes and put 'em on top.

Petey gathers the pile of the dead man's clothes and puts them on top of the bag in the wheelbarrow.

LARRY

(grinning)

Okay, let's get down there. It's already passed their lunchtime.

EXT. LARRY'S FISH POND - minutes later

Larry cuts the bag open to reveal the red, pulpy mass it contains. He throws the first shovel full into the pond. The fish swarm voraciously devouring the pieces.

TIME CUT:

Larry has thrown the final portion of the body's remains into the pond and is now washing the last pieces from the bag.

LARRY

Throw his clothes in that barrel over there.

Larry points to an old, rusty burning barrel.

LARRY (CONT'D)

I wanta burn the clothes. We don't wanta have any trace of him left - not so much as a fart.

Jack tosses the pile of the man's clothes into the barrel and larry pours some kerosene on them and sets them ablaze. The three men stand silently as flames leap from the barrel.

JACK

Do you think that will get rid of everything for sure?

LARRY

No worryin'. If anything got spilled the rats will take care of it pronto.

Chapter 2

Before the fall

FADE OUT

INT. JACK'S OFFICE AT work (TYRON) - EARLY EVENING

Jack is seated at his desk laboriously working. Suddenly the door opens and MARK a coworker appears.

MARK

Don't you ever go home?

JACK

Gotta finish this up. Why are you here?

MARK

I left early and forgot my phone. Hadda come back for it. You know there's no time and a half here don't ya?

JACK

Yeah, I know.

MARK

A day's work for a day's pay - not a day and a half's work for a day's pay.

JACK

I guess I'm just a company man. Always have been. Can't help myself, that's the way I was raised.

MARK

(laughing)

So you're blaming your mother for you're being stupid.

JACK

(laughing)

Gotta blame somebody.

Jack turns back to his work as Mark leaves.

MARK

Well, have a good night. See ya tomorrow.

Dissolve to:

INT. JACK'S OFFICE - SEVERAL DAYS LATER - MID MORNING

Jack is working at his desk. The door opens and Mark is standing there.

MARK

Hey Bud, it's here.

JACK

What's here?

MARK

All those rumors that were going around, it's happening. The Feds are downstairs right now. Better start packing.

JACK

What do you mean?

MARK

We're belly up. The party's over. Bankruptcy!

JACK

But our stock price is up and...

Suddenly two in black suits men appear at the door behind Mark. Mark steps aside and they enter holding out their badges.

MAN

We're sorry to tell you that Tyron has declared bankruptcy and we'll have to ask you to gather you're personal belonging. Someone will inspect them at the door on your way out. Thank you for your cooperation.

Jack appears startled and slumps back in his chair.

INT. JACK'S CAR IN TYRON'S PARKING LOT- later that MORNING.

Jack stares straight ahead for a few seconds. At the far side of the parking lot - he sees a cat approaching a large flock of black birds which then soar from the puddle at which they had been drinking. They vanish into the distant, gray mist. Jack sighs deeply, starts the car and leaves.

INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - MID MORNING

Jack is standing, squinting pensively through the dirty window pane of his dingy, tenement apartment. The walls are in need of a paint job and the furniture has seen better days. Jack is with uncombed hair, is unshaven and wearing pajamas covered by a well-worn bathrobe.

EXT. THE VIEW FROM JACK's WINDOW

It is a grey day. The littered street below is bordered by aged, dirty facades and boarded store windows. Two homeless people are pushing shopping carts filled with plastic bags containing their meager possessions. Another sits in the mouth of an alleyway, semiconscious, with a bottle protruding from a paper bag by his side.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. FUNERAL HOME - LATE AFTERNOON

Jack is standing before a closed coffin meeting a line of mourners. His daughter JANE is standing by his side.

MOUNER 1

I can't tell you how sorry I am. She put up one hell of a fight.

JACK

Thanks Arnie.

MOUNER 2

I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say.

Jane

Thanks. She was a good woman and a wonderful mother.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. IN FRONT OF JACK'S HOUSE - MID MORNING

Jack is standing on the sidewalk looking back at his daughter standing in the doorway of his old house.

JANE

Do you think you have everything? Look around again just to be sure.

JACK

No, I'm sure. I can't take much with me anyway. It's only three rooms you know.

JANE

Okay, grab the box and let's go!

She points to a large cardboard box on the step filled with pictures and a few books. On top is a frame of several military medals and decorations. He puts the box in the trunk of the Jane's car along with several others and they both get into the car.

INT. JANE'S CAR - LATER THAT MORNING

JACK

(Muttering slowly)

Thirty-five years, gone in a flash!

JANE

What?

JACK

I was thinking out loud.

JANE

Are you sure you don't want to stay with us?

JACK

(Solemnly)

You know I can't do that Honey.

INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - MID MORNING

Jack is now dressed and again is standing in front of the window with a vacant stare - the phone rings. He's startled out of his thoughts.

JACK

(on the phone)

Hello.

JANE (O.C.)

(On the phone)

Dad! Did you see the TV today?

JACK

(on the phone)

No!

JANE (O.C.)

(On the phone)

Turn it on. They have the verdict.

Jack hangs up the phone and walks to a small, old, CRT type TV sitting on a table at the corner of the room and turns in on.

TV NEWS ANNOUNCER

This latest news bulletin. James Wheeler, Hal Meter and several other high-ranking executives who have been found guilty in the collapse of Tyron have been sentenced today.Here comes John Hurley, Wheeler's lawyer now. Mr. Hurley - what is your opinion of today's sentencing?

HURLEY

(on TV)

I think Judge Gavin was extremely fair. Justice prevailed. The judge's sentence speaks for itself. That's all I have to say. Thank you.

Jack snaps off the TV and sinks back into the chair next to the phone. A hateful look spreads over his face.

JACK

(Muttering to himself disgustedly)

One year and a chump change fine! Justice prevailed! Son of a bitch!

Jack stares straight ahead for a moment. He then arises and leaves the apartment slamming the door behind. He stops, walks back and rattles the door knob.

JACK

(Muttering to himself)

Gotta make sure it's locked.

(With a sigh)

But what's there to steal!

He turns and walks down the dimly lit stairs.

Chapter 3

I Think He’s Dead

EXT. THE FRONT OF JACK'S BUILDING - Moments later

Jack walks out of the front door and towards a bench at the front of the building. The sidewalk is dirty and littered. A group of small birds are gathered on the far side. Jack sits on the bench unwraps a short cigar and lights it. He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a hand full of popcorn and throws it to the birds. The birds are scurrying for the popcorn. Suddenly a Blue Jay chases the small birds around and begins to eat all the popcorn. HAL an old, gray haired, black man limps towards the bench.

HAL

How ya doin' Jack?

The muted tapping of a basketball being dribbled and banter of the players in a nearby court can be heard in the background.

JACK

(Unconvincingly)

Not bad, Hal. How about you?

HAL

Okay, for an old man I guess. The knee is acting up a little again. It's that old Nam wound again.

(a beat)

Did you hear about Matty?

JACK

Matty- the guy who lives in the building next to yours?

HAL

Yeah! They walked him down to the bank and made him cash his Social Security check right in front of them and took the money right outta his hand.

JACK

(Surprised)

They who? What do you mean 'Took the money'?

HAL

The Fireman! Petty punks! I guess they haven't got to your building yet. They come and say they're collectin' for the Fire Prevention Fund. They get fifty dollars a month outta everybody. Matty didn't pay so they marched him down to the bank and got the money out of him there and then.

JACK

What's the Fire Prevention Fund?

HAL

They say they'll make sure no fires start in your apartment. If you don't pay, they'll make sure fires do start.

(a beat)

You know Petey, the guy that lives in the other building next me? He wouldn't give them nothing. So last week he leaves and goes to the store and when he gets back, his door is knocked off the hinges and his bed is on fire. Lucky he got home when he did or the whole place woulda went up!

JACK

So what did he do after that?

HAL

Now he's payin' just like everybody else.

JACK

So why doesn't somebody call the cops?

HAL

Are you kiddin'? The cops don't want any part of down here. And second, who's gonna call? If they find out who did, you can be god damn sure that guy's gonna have a serious problem?

Jack looks away from Hal and stares straight ahead while puffing on his cigar. Hal begins of thumb through the newspaper he has brought with him. A brief silence.

JACK

Any good news in there?

HAL

Yanks won three in a row.

JACK

Well, that's about it for me. Gotta go up and get something together for lunch. See ya tomorrow.

HAL

Okay Bud!

Jack rises and walks towards his building.

INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - the next day - early MORNING

A loud pounding at his apartment door awakens Jack.

JACK

(Muttering to himself)

What the hell is going on?

He arises and stumbles to his door and opens it a crack. MRS. MURRAY, his downstairs neighbor is at the door sobbing and breathless. She is a frail, graying black woman and appears to be older than Jack.

MRS. MURRAY

Let me in! Please let me in!

He opens the door widely. She hurries in and slumps in a chair.

JACK

What's the matter? What happened?

MRS. MURRAY

(still sobbing)

I think he's dead! I know he's dead!

JACK

Who's dead?

MRS. MURRAY

The man in my apartment.

JACK

In your apartment?

MRS. MURRAY

(Stammering)

He came to rob me.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. - MRS. MURRAY'S KITCHEN - the night before

Mrs. Murray goes to see about a noise at her door. The door is broken open as she approaches. A THUG with tattoos and holding a crowbar stands in the doorway.

MRS. MURRAY (O.C.)

(narrating)

I was in the kitchen. I was opening a can of cat food for Suzy when I heard a noise at my door. It was a thud. I got up to see what was going on and suddenly there he was in the doorway.

THUG

I need some cash. Whatta you got?

MRS. MURRAY

(Quaking voice)

I don't have any except what's in there.

She backs into the kitchen, sinks to the floor in a corner and cowers. She points with a shaking hand to the drawer at side of the kitchen. The thug starts rifling through the drawer. Suddenly he looks up at her holding several bills.

THUG

(Agitated)

You only got twenty bucks here!

The cat is old and feeble. It too is cowering in a corner. The cat tries to run as the Thug moves towards it but it is very slow. The Thug catches it and grabs the cat by the scruff of the neck, carries it over to the stove and turns on the burner.

THUG

(while holding the squirming cat)

If you don't tell me where the rest of it is this cat is gonna get lit up.

Mrs. Murray is frantic. She spies the cat food can lid lying on the floor next to her and grabs it. She impulsively gets up and rushes towards him and slices it down the Thug's neck. Blood gushes from the wound. He drops the cat and crowbar, clutches his neck, stumbles backwards, slips on his own blood and falls striking his head on the radiator behind him. Mrs. Murray grabs a knife from the drawer and hovers over his motionless body.

MRS. MURRAY (O.C.)

I probably should have just run out but I was so scared. If he woke up I don't know what I would have done. I sat there next to him, frozen, for the whole night and he never moved. I tried to see if he was breathing and he wasn't.

JACK (O.C.)

So he's downstairs in your kitchen?

INT. MRS. MURRAY'S APARTMENT - LATEr that morning

Jack has left Mrs. Murray in his apartment and cautiously enters her apartment. He immediately spies the dead man by the radiator in a pool of blood. He checks for breath and sees none. He picks up the man's hand to check for a pulse and immediately drops it.

JACK

(muttering)

Cold and dead alright!

CLOSE UP - FM IN A FLAME TATTOO ON DEAD MAN'S ARM

Jack hears the sound of footsteps in the hall through the partially opened apartment door. He jumps to his feet. Jack picks up the dead man's crowbar and turns towards the open door. Mrs. Murray suddenly appears.

JACK

I thought I told you to stay upstairs!

MRS. MURRAY

(Voice quaking)

I couldn't stay alone. I was so afraid. What am I going to do? What am I going to do?

Jack lowers the crowbar and hesitates. He then speaks.

JACK

We can't have this spread all over. He's a gang member and they'll want revenge. We can't call the cops. If they see the cops coming here they'll find out in no time.

MRS. MURRAY

Then what should I do?

JACK

Well, we can't just leave him laying here on the kitchen floor. Let me go upstairs and you stay here. I'll be right back and this time do what I tell you - stay here!

Mrs. Murray takes a knife from the kitchen. She sits on the chair next to the body and holds the knife ready to strike if he should awaken. Jack leaves.

CROSSFADE:

He returns shortly with several large plastic garbage bags, a telephone cord and a scissors.

JACK

Get your vacuum cleaner and the hose with it.

He folds the body into a fetal pose and ties it with a piece of the telephone cord. Mrs. Murray returns with the vacuum.

JACK (CONT'D)

I have to tie him up so we can get him into the bag. If I wait much longer he'll stiffen up and we'll never be able get him in. Give me a bag.

He lifts the dead man's head and slides the bag over it and down over the shoulders.

JACK (CONT'D)

Now, I'll lift the other end and you pull the bag all the way down. Okay, one, two, three - pull!

The corpse is finally pulled into the bag. Jack stands upright and points to the bag. He then speaks with an air of satisfaction.

JACK (CONT'D)

Lucky I remembered seeing those bags in the super's closet. He just fit. Give me the hose and plug the vacuum in.

He clamps the bag opening around the hose with both hands.

JACK (CONT'D)

Okay, start it up.

The bag shrinks to outline the body inside. Jack ties the opening closed with a piece of the telephone cord.

JACK (CONT'D)

Clean out the bottom of the bedroom closet and bring me the biggest towel you have.

Jack rolls the bag containing the body onto the towel and together they drag it to the closet.

JACK (CONT'D)

He's not as light as he looked. Okay, let's see if he fits in here.

The body is rolled into the closet and he pushes it to the rear as far as he can.

JACK (CONT'D)

(Breathing heavily)

Do you have any moth flakes?

MRS. MURRAY

Yes!

She retrieves the moth flakes and Jack scatters them around the closet floor. He then takes some of her clothes off the hangers and covers the body with them.

MRS. MURRAY

We can't just leave him here can we?

JACK

We've got a few days to figure this out. He's going to keep just fine in that bag with the air sucked out. Let's go in and clean up the kitchen.

MRS. MURRAY

I can't stay here with him in the closet like that. I'll be scared to death. What if he wakes up?

JACK

Wakes up! What are you kidding me? Unless I see Jesus Christ coming through that door, he's not waking up.

MRS. MURRAY

I still can't stay here. I'm so scared.

Jack pauses and sighs.

JACK

Okay, you can come up and stay with me for a while. You can have the bed. I'll stay on the sofa.

MRS. MURRAY

(Exuberantly)

Oh, thank you! Thank you!

(Meekly)

What about Suzy?

JACK

(Slightly irritated)

Oh shit! Okay, the cat can come too. Just be sure to bring the litter box.

INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - the next day - EARLY MORNING

JACK is lying on the sofa wide awake. He arises and carefully checks Mrs. Murray who is still sleeping in his bedroom. He dresses and walks to her apartment to check the body. He cautiously opens the closet and peers in and takes a deep breath (sniff).

JACK

(Muttering to himself)

Just the moth flakes - good!

Chapter 4

Divided We Fall

EXT. THE BENCH - LATEr MORNING the same day.

Both Jack and Hal are seated and in conversation.

HAL

Hey, ya know what I heard? I heard the boy that was runnin' the FM gang went disappeared.

JACK

(Feinting ignorance)

What do you mean disappeared?

HAL

Well, the way I heard it, they been havin' some problems with a rival uptown gang and they think he was killed and dumped by them. Too bad!

JACK

What do you mean 'Too bad'?

HAL

All of 'em shoulda been killed. The whole bunch.

JACK

Are they still collecting from everybody?

HAL

You don't think a little thing like one of 'em gettin' killed is gonna stop 'em do ya?

JACK

Did they come to get dues from you yet?

HAL

Not yet. But I think they're comin'. They're kinda workin' their way down the block from buildin' to buildin'. They haven't got to mine yet. I'm pretty sure that they'll be comin' soon and to your buildin' too.

JACK

What are you going to do?

HAL

Don't know. I'd like to say that I'm not gonna give 'em nothing but who knows. If they got Petey to pay up, I don't know. He's a tough buckaroo and he paid.

(a beat)

What about you, Jack?

JACK

I don't know either. I guess I'll have to wait and see. (Pause) Did you ever hear of Aesop?

HAL

Aesop? Where does he live?

JACK

No! Aesop was a famous old Greek story writer. He said 'United we stand, divided we fall'. Do you know what that means Hal?

HAL

Yeah, sure! Ya gotta stick together or you're done for.

JACK

Right!

HAL

Who are we gonna unite and what are we gonna do? We're all too old.

JACK

(Angrily)

We're old but we're not dead and we're not stupid.

(Pause)

Did you ever play Bocce, Hal?

HAL

Never even heard of it!

JACK

How would you like to learn? There's a Bocce court down at the other end of the park. Nobody ever uses it. I've got the balls. Let's go tomorrow and I'll show you how to play.

HAL

I guess. It's gotta be better than sittin' here all day.

JACK

And Hal - ask Petey to come too. Okay?

HAL

Sure!

They both leave the bench.

EXT. BOCCE COURT - the next day - EARLY AFTERNOON

JACK

Hey, Hal you made it, and you brought PETEY with you.

HAL

Yeah, Jack this is Petey; Petey, Jack.

JACK

Now let me tell you how we play this game.

DISSOLVE TO:

They are in the midst of playing and talking as they play.

JACK

Hal tells me you live over by him in the gray, brick building.

PETEY

Yeah, been there for about three years now.

JACK

How is it?

PETEY

Are you kiddin'? It's like all the other places in this neighbor, it's for shit! But everybody's gotta live somewhere and this is it for us.

JACK

How’d you wind up here?

PETEY

I wound up broke, that's how. Not a pot to piss in.

JACK

Hal told me that you were in Special Forces during Nam. How long were you in the service?

PETEY

'Bout eighteen years.

JACK

And you didn't get a pension?

PETEY

That's a long story. A long sad story.

JACK

We've got all afternoon!

PETEY

I don't even wanna talk about it. Let Hal tell ya if he wants to. He knows the whole thing.

Hal gets an approving glance from Petey and he begins.

HAL

When Petey was in Nam he had a commanding officer and well, they didn't see eye to eye about a lot of stuff.

JACK

(Interjects)

What do you mean?

FLASHBACK begin:

Ext. A vietnam village during the war - afternoon - (stock)

Villagers are being rounded up by soldier as Hal speaks.

HAL

Treatin' people. A woman in the village they were in came to Petey and told him the Lieutenant had raped her kid. The kid was twelve and Petey was gonna report it. He had to. It was military law. Somehow the Lieutenant found out that Petey knew so he went to the girl and forced her to accuse Petey before he could report it.

Ext. Vietnam jungle - afternoon - (stock)

Soldiers are stealthy tramping through the jungle.

PETEY (O.C.)

(Interjecting soberly)

He even got some of the guys in our company to say that I bragged about it to them. He told them 'If you don't go with it you'll be point man on every mission from here on out'. You know what that means; you'll probably be a short timer. You'll be goin' home real soon - in a box.

Flashback end:

Ext. Back at the bocce court - minutes later

Petey is continuing his story at the Bocce court.

PETEY (CONT'D)

So I wound up doing three years in the brig and got a Dishonorable. And here's the bitch of it. Shay - that was the guy's name; he wound up in the Pentagon, a full bird colonel.

JACK

And what happened to you? How did you wind up here?

PETEY

When I got out I went lookin' for a job. What kinda job are you gonna get with my record? Not a good one, that's for sure. So I kinda bounced around from one shitty job to the next. Never got a military pension, of course. All I got is a little Social Security and that's it.

JACK

Sounds like you really got a screwin'.

PETEY

I'd say so. And ya know what! I think about it every goddamn day. I don't know what's worse, what happened or the thinkin' about it day after day after day.

JACK

I know. I know what you mean.

There is a brief silence and Jack turns to Hal.

JACK

Hey, ya know Hal; you never told me how life treated you. We talked a lot but every time I brought it up you kinda danced around it. Since we're all here spilling out our guts, I think it's your turn.

HAL

Ain't my turn. No use whinin' 'bout things gone by.

JACK

I don't think anybody's whining, just telling like it is. What do you think Petey?

PETEY

(Nodding)

I guess. I showed you mine maybe you should show us yours Hal?

A silence and Hal reluctantly speaks.

HAL

Well, I suppose but there ain't a hellava lot to tell. Grew up down south. Didn't have shit.

FLASHBACK BEGIN:

Ext. Main street of an old southern town - afternoon - (stock)

The camera pans down the hot, dusty, main street of the old rural town as Hal speaks.

HAL (o.C.)

Dad got real sick. Ma, she couldn't work. She stayed home to take care of him. We lived on his Social Security. After a while the money we were getting just wasn't enough so she hadda get a job. She use ta lock the old man in the bedroom and go to work and hope for the best.

PETEY (O.C.)

How about your brothers and sisters. Couldn't they help out?

HAL (O.C.)

Ain't got none.

Ext. A 50s high football game - afternoon- (stock)

The game is being played as Hal continues to speak.

HAL (CONT'D)

Anyways, my town was a good old southern football town. In school everybody was expected to play unless you was crippled. We won thirty-two games in a row and were state champs for five years straight when I started.

JACK (O.C.)

And you played?

HAL (O.C.)

Are you kiddin'? Two hundred and ten pounds, six foot two, of course I played. Don't mean to be braggin', but I was good. All-State three years runnin' and still got the state rushin' record. After high school I got a scholarship to college. They called it a scholarship but it was really a job to play football. I don't remember seein' too many classrooms but I did see lots of locker rooms. I was second team All-American as a senior. After the last game, I got the C.O.A.

FLASHBACK END:

Ext. Back at the bocce court - minutes later

JACK

A C.O.A.? What's that?

HAL

Certificate of Attendance. No diploma, just a weak handshake and a kick in the ass out the door. That's pretty much what most guys got then.

JACK

So what did you do then?

HAL

Got a job - what else. I was drivin' a bulldozer. That was a pretty good job in my town and I only got it cause I was kinda the local football hero.

JACK

So you did that all your life?

HAL

Nah, only for a year or two. Then one day I read about a guy I knew from college playin' pro ball. I knew I was better than him so I called my old coach to see if he could help me out.

JACK

And?

HAL

This was the fifties. Coach told me that there wasn't too much room for a black guy in pro ball unless you was like Jim Brown.

PETEY

What about the guy you saw in the paper, the guy you played with?

HAL

He was a white guy.

JACK

So what did you do then?

HAL

I got another job in a plastics factory. A little more money than the bulldozer job. Worked there for forty years. The company got sold and the pension was sold off too. That happened a lot in those days. They'd buy a company, steal the pension money and fold up the company.

PETEY

Gotta family?

HAL

Wife died 'bout ten years ago. I got two boys.

PETEY

Do ya see 'em much?

HAL

Not really! They got some serious problems on their own.

JACK

So how do you get by?

HAL

I got Social Security. I get food stamps and a little rent help by the government, so I'm hangin' in. That's about it man.

PETEY

It must really piss you off when you watch football today? Guys making millions?

HAL

Born too soon I guess but that's the way it is. What can ya do?

Int. Mrs.murray's apartment - later that evening.

Jack climbs the stairs and stands before the apartment door. It is taped shut with a piece of duct tape. He hesitatingly enters the apartment. He immediately goes to the closet to view the body. He takes a deep breath (sniff). A slight smile crosses his face. Being satisfied that it has been undisturbed, he closed the closet and walks up the stairs towards his apartment.

CROSSFADe:

EXT. THE BENCH - the next day - EARLY AFTERNOON

Jack is sitting and smoking as Petey approaches.

JACK

Where's Hal?

PETEY

Said he hadda go somewhere.

JACK

Sit down. Do you smoke? I got an extra one right here.

PETEY

Nah, thanks anyways but I gave it up when cigarettes were thirty-five cents a pack. I know if I smoke a cigar I'll be right back. I used to do a pack and a half a day. I don't want to take a chance.

JACK

Yeah, I get it. Hey, how did you like that Bocce?

PETEY

Pretty good. A lot of fun.

JACK

Wanta play tomorrow?

PETEY

I'd like to but I'm going fishing. Did you ever fish?

JACK

When I was a kid.

PETEY

Did you like it?

JACK

Yeah, it was fun. Nice and relaxing. Quiet. I'd even say serene.

PETEY

Wanta go with me tomorrow?

JACK

I'd need to get equipment and a license.

PETEY

Not where I'm going. I'm going to a friend of mine's place up state. I was in the service with him. He's got a fish farm. He raises trout and got a big pond in the back. He stocks fish in there and charges people to fish. You don't need a license because it's not public waters. He even supplies the rod and reel and all the fishing stuff if you don't have your own.

JACK

How much does it cost?

PETEY

For me and you, free. I've known LARRY for thirty years. You just gotta bring him a case of beer. What do you think?

JACK

Is Hal going?

PETEY

Can't, he's got some stuff he's gotta do again tomorrow he said.

JACK

Well, sounds like a good time. I'll be like a kid again. Sure, sign me up. I'll go!

PETEY

I'll pick you up at about eight-thirty. It'll take around an hour to get there. Just gotta hope for good weather. It's supposed to be nice. And, bring a couple of extra cigars. LARRY's a cigar guy.

Chapter 5

Fishing

EXT. PETEY'S CAR in front of JACK's building - EARLY MORNING.

Jack is about to enter the car.

PETEY

Throw those papers in the back and hop in. I got the beer in the trunk. Away we go!

JACK

Where'd you get this?

PETEY

My daughter's kid. She went to college with it and when she graduated, like all the kids today, first thing she does is gets a new car. So I got this. Looks like shit but runs good. Good for around here too. Who's gonna steal it?

DISSOLVE TO:

They have been driving for a while. A roadside sign appears through the windshield - LARRY's Fishin' Hole - No License Required. Petey turns down the long dusty road to Larry's.

EXT. LARRY'S FRONT PORCH - LATEr MORNING

Larry is sitting on the ram-shackled porch. His dog Rusty is lying next to him. He is slowly rocking back and forth as the car approaches. He continues to rock. Jack and Petey exit the car and walk towards Larry.

LARRY

(Boisterously)

What do we got here? Two fishin' city slickers? How ya been PETEY? Ya look okay. Ain't seen ya since last year.

PETEY

Doin' good Larry, doin' good. This is Jack, a buddy of mine from around the corner by me.

Larry stands and shakes Jack's hand while talking to Petey.

LARRY

Got the beer?

PETEY

Sure do! In the trunk with a bag of ice on it just like usual.

LARRY

Well get it on out here.

Petey gets the beer from the trunk and they all go inside.

CUT TO:

INT. inside LARRY'S HOUSE - as they enter.

Rusty (Larry's dog) immediately runs and jumps onto the torn, stained sofa. The house is really a shack consisting of three rooms. The living room where they are seated has two old, overstuffed chairs and the sofa all covered with dog hair. A portion of a crack in the ceiling is covered with duct tape and a small kerosene heater is mounted against one wall. The floor is covered with faded, worn linoleum.

LARRY

Rusty! Get the fuck off!

The dog immediately jumps from sofa and scurries to his cardboard box bed in the corner.

LARRY (CONT'D)

Grab one of the beers and sit down. Let's talk a bit and then we'll get to doing some fishin'. How's things down by you? Just as shitty as here I suppose?

JACK

Yeah, but probably worse. Here, at least, you don't have street gangs breakin' your balls.

LARRY

(Laughing)

Street gangs! We don't even have streets! So, what's with these gangs anyway?

JACK

(Nodding to Petey)

Go ahead Petey, tell 'em what happened to you the other day.

PETEY

(Hesitatingly)

Some punks in the neighbor came around shakin' down everybody for protection money. I refused to pay 'em so a couple days later they tried to burn me out. I got home just in time or the whole place woulda gone up.

LARRY

Then what?

PETEY

Gotta pay 'em!

LARRY

I can't believe you'd ever take that shit!

He points to a shotgun in the corner.

LARRY (CONT'D)

Maybe you gotta get yourself a gun. I got one right here. I'll loan ya for as long as ya want. I know you're pretty good with it Petey. I saw you in Nam shootin' them gooks, like they was tin cans off a fence post.

Larry gets the gun and hands it to Petey.

LARRY (CONT'D)

What about you Jack? I got one you can use too, if you want it?

JACK

It's not that simple. There's dozens of them and they pretty much run the neighborhood. You can't just go around shooting them. If you threaten them, you're going to have to lock every door, every window and never leave the house or you'll be a dead man. There's not much you can do even with a gun.

Larry looks down at the floor for a moment and hesitates.

LARRY

I suppose your right but I couldn't be livin' that way. I'd have ta fight back somehow. Livin' in fear all the time and kissin' these bastards asses ain't no way to live. Knowin' you Petey, I'm kinda surprised that you're suckin' down all this shit. I remember you bein' an awful lot tougher than that.

PETEY

Sure Larry, I was an awful lot younger too. And besides just like JACK told you, there isn't much we can do.

LARRY

Ain't no excuse. Just because you got older, don't mean you gotta take all that shit. There's gotta be something you could do.

(a beat)

Well, you guys think about it and if you want those guns there right here for yas. And if you need my help, I'll even come down and give ya a hand at teachin' these pricks a lesson. Just gimme a call. Now, let's do some fishin'. Grab those poles over there.

EXT. THE FISH PONDS - EARLY AFTERNOON

They are walking by the pond with the fishing equipment. Larry is chewing on a half smoked cigar. A large school of fish churn the water near the bank. The school follows them as they walk along the edge of the pond.

JACK

Look at these guys. They look like piranha without the teeth. There's hundreds of them.

LARRY

Oh, they think they're getting fed. Every time you come near the pond they think its dinner time.

JACK

What do you feed them?

LARRY

Use ta be liver but that got expensive and messy, so now I use commercial food. Dried stuff. It's cleaner and cheaper. But they'll eat anything that you throw in there. Watch this.

Larry throws his cigar butt into the pond and the fish devour it instantly.

LARRY (CONT'D)

See what I mean?

Jack points to small holes dug into the bank of the pond on the other side of the pond.

JACK

What's all those holes?

LARRY

Rats!

JACK

Rats?

LARRY

Yeah, lots of rats are livin' by the ponds. They survive on the fish food that falls on the bank when I feed the fish. If I feed 'em and come back an hour later there ain't a scrap nowhere. The rats get is all clean as could be.

They walk towards another pond. Larry points to the path and then to a chipper and a pile of wood chips alongside it.

LARRY (CONT'D)

Here, we gotta go this way. I got all my equipment blocking the road. Tryin' to clean the brush away from the bank over there so there's more fishin' room. That reminds me, I gotta call Ted. When I get a big pile, he comes down and picks 'em up.

PETEY

What's he do with them?

LARRY

Don't really know, I think landscaping. I know his son's in the business. I don't really care as long as he gets 'em out of here.

JACK

(laughing)

Why don't you feed them to the fish?

LARRY

(laughing)

Don't ya think I haven't thought about it?

EXT. PETEY CAR - EARLY EVENING

Jack and Petey are riding home after the day of fishing with Larry.

JACK

Wonder if I remember how to cook them?

PETEY

Nothin' to it. Larry already cleaned and filleted them for us. All you gotta do is put some butter in the pan and fry 'em up. And there you have it. A great fish dinner.

JACK

Yeah, Larry is a cool guy, kinda rough on the edges but cool. Man, he was really into guttin' those fish like he did.

PETEY

Sure is. He'd do anything to help you. You know when he was talkin' about the guns and comin' down and helpin' out, he wasn't shittin'. He'd do it. I was with him in Nam one time when he got into it with three guys. They beat the livin' shit out of him. Two days later, he came back with a bat and gave all three a good old ass kickin'. Larry never was no good at takin' shit from nobody. He didn't care who, what or where, he wasn't about to suck it down and he hasn't changed a bit.

JACK

What's with that big fuckin' scar on his cheek?

PETEY

He got shot by a Cong right through the cheek. The bullet went in one side and out the other and blasted out most of his back teeth on the way through. The way he tells it, he just spit 'em out and kept on shotin' and knowin' Larry the way I do, it's most probably true.

EXT. JACK'S APARTMENT BUILDING - EVENING

They pull up to Jack's apartment building. Police cars and an ambulance are in front with lights flashing. The front door is wide open and a stretcher is being carried out.

CLOSE UP - JACK'S STUNNED STARE

PETEY

Somebody probably died and they're pickin' up the body. When you got a lotta old people livin' here ya gotta expect it. Happens all the time.

Petey hands Jack a scrap of paper.

PETEY (CONT'D)

Jack, here's Larry's number. Remember you asked me for it before?

Jack is speaking in a hollow, voice and still staring at the commotion in front of his building as he takes the note from Petey.

JACK

Thanks, Petey.

Jack gets out of the car and starts to walk robotically towards the building. Petey pops the trunk lid and shouts to Jack.

.

PETEY

Jack - get your fish out of the trunk.

JACK

Oh yeah, sure - thanks.

Jack slowly turns and while still staring, goes to the trunk to get the fish. He then approaches the onlookers in front of the building.

JACK

What's going on?

A BYSTANDER

I think it's an old lady.

JACK

What about the old lady?

BYSTANDER

Think she had a heart attack. They found her in the hallway. Here, they're bringing her out now.

Mrs. Murray is being carried on a stretcher to the ambulance. As they pass Jack he goes over to her.

JACK

Mrs. Murray! What happened?

MRS. MURRAY

I don't know Jack, I just passed out and the next thing I knew these men were here. They said I had a heart attack but I don't really remember.

EMT

Excuse me Sir. We've got to get her to the hospital.

Jack is nudged out of the way by one of the EMTs. Jack speaks to the man in an excited voice.

JACK

Well how is she?

EMT

We think she's going to be okay but that's for the doctors to decide.

JACK

(Muttering sigh)

Thank God.

The ambulance doors close and it takes off down the street with sirens blaring. The crowd dissipates and Jack is left standing alone momentarily. He then suddenly begins walking hurriedly towards the apartment.

INT. MRS. MURRAY'S APARTMENT - LATE EVENING

Jack races into her apartment. The still broken door is held closed with a strip of duct tape. He enters and hurriedly checks the closet. The bag with the body is just as he left it. He slumps into a relaxed pose, closes the closet door and leaves the apartment.

Chapter 6

House cleaning

INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - LATEr that EVENING

Jack sits pensively for a few seconds. He then takes the paper scrap given to him by PETEY from his pocket. A few more seconds and he reluctantly reaches for the phone and dials.

Intercutting between JACK and LARRY:

JACK

(on the phone)

Hello Larry - this is Jack.

LARRY

(on the phone and laughing)

What's the matter? Ya forget something or ya just wanta come back tomorrow for some more fishin'?

JACK

(on the phone)

No Larry! I really did like it but that's not why I called. Remember this morning, when we were talking about our problem here and you said you'd help out if you could? Did you mean it?

LARRY

(on the phone)

I don't never say nothin' I don't really mean unless I'm jokin' and that wasn't no joke. I hate to see anybody get abused by those shit bags, especially when their friends of mine that's bein' abused.

JACK

(on the phone)

Well, I got this problem..

Jack begins to explain to Larry on the phone.

TIME CUT:

LARRY

(on the phone)

Okay then, I'll see you tomorrow if you can get Petey to drive you back up. Call me before you come so I can be sure I don't have any customers around and I can get everything ready.

Jack hangs up the phone and calls Petey.

JACK

(on the phone)

Petey, this is Jack. Can you do me a favor tomorrow, really two favors?

PETEY

(on the phone)

Sure Jack.

JACK

(on the phone)

First I need you to go down to the furniture store on Hastings Street and get an empty box - the biggest one that will fit in your trunk. I'm going to get rid of an old TV for the lady downstairs. I want you to help me carry it out. I want the box so just in case we drop it; the glass doesn't fly all over. Then we'll take it up to Larry. It still plays good and he said he'd be glad to have it. What do you think?

PETEY

(on the phone)

Sure Jack, I'll be over tomorrow morning as soon as I get the box.

EXT. FRONT OF JACK'S BUILDING - EARLY MORNING

Petey is pointing to the box in the trunk of his car.

PETEY

Is this the kind you wanted?

JACK

Perfect!

Jack hands Petey $5.

JACK

Listen, go to the Dunkin Donuts over there on Haynes Street and get us some coffee and donuts for the ride up to Larry's. And Petey, make sure you get Dunkin Donuts coffee. That other stuff tastes like piss.

PETEY

Okay, but don't ya need some help with the TV?

JACK

Yeah, to get it down the stairs. I'll go up and load it into the box while you get the coffee.

Petey leaves and Jack walks back to the building.

INT. MRS. MURRAY'S APARTMENT - while PETEY is gone

Jack struggles to load the body into the box. He stuffs newspaper around it and ties the box closed with heavy twine. He slides the box out into the hall. Petey finally returns with the coffee.

JACK

Let's get it down these stairs and into the car. I'll take the bottom.

PETEY

God damn, this is some heavy TV!

JACK

They don't make 'em like they used to. The old ones like this are heavy okay.

EXT. PETEY'S CAR in front of the building - moments later

They wrestle the box into the trunk. The box does not completely fit in the trunk. Jack secures the trunk lid down on the protruding box with a cord and they leave for Larry's.

EXT. LARRY'S PORCH - the same day - early afternoon

All three with beers. A train whistle sounds in the distance. Suddenly Larry stands up and looks at a dust cloud rising from a car coming down the lane. He squints to see who it might be.

LARRY

Who the hell is that? I thought I put up the closed sign?

A police car slowly comes into view. It stops in front of the porch and the COP steps out. It's the cop who stopped Jack and Petey earlier that morning.

COP

How's it going?

LARRY

(Calmly)

Not bad Tim. Not bad. How about yourself?

COP

Okay! I saw that closed sign out front. I wanted to bring my kid over tomorrow to do some fishing. Are you gonna be closed tomorrow too?

LARRY

No, back in business tomorrow.

COP

Great! How'd you guys make it here with that TV? It was just about hanging out of your trunk and I was wondering if you made down this old bumpy road here without it falling out?

JACK

Yeah, we made it down okay.

COP

How's it workin'? Reception's not too good around here ya know?

LARRY

Ain't hooked it up yet. Want a beer Tim?

COP

Not when I'm drivin' the car here. But thanks anyway. I'll see you tomorrow then. So long boys. Have a safe one home.

EXT. THE BENCH - the next day - MID MORNING

JACK

(Casually)

What's you hearing around the neighborhood?

HAL

Well, yesterday, a guy in the building next to mine was tellin' me that he heard some street talk.

JACK

Street talk? What do you mean?

HAL

Stuff about that gang of young bastards, you know, the Firemen.

JACK

So what did he hear?

HAL

The gang that they thought took out their boss man really didn't have nothin' to do with it.

JACK

What do you mean?

HAL

They're all startin' to say he just took off with a bunch of their money.

JACK

How's that?

HAL

Sandman, he was the head honcho and he used ta carry most of the cash and whenever any of 'em needed any he would just peeled it off to them. He used ta give 'em chits, like little pieces of paper tellin' 'em how much they had comin'. Like a bank I guess.

JACK

(Shocked)

You said he always kept the cash on him? In his pocket? Are you sure?

HAL

I'm not sure about any of this. I'm just tellin' you what I was told.

JACK

How come the rest of them went along with that? Why didn't they just demand their money right up front?

HAL

I don't know. I guess because Sandman was a pretty merciless dude. Did you ever notice the one of them that has a patch over one eye?

JACK

I've seen him around.

HAL

Here's how he got that patch. One time he got in Sandman's face about the money setup and Sandman wound up cuttin' his eye out. That set the rest of them straight. They just did exactly what they was told, after seein' that. They're all shittin' in their pants.

JACK

Why do they call him? Sandman?

HAL

Cause he don't mind puttin' people to sleep, for keeps!

JACK

Do you know who's in charge now?

HAL

They call him DS. That stands for Deuce of Spades, like he's number two and he's good at puttin' people in the ground too. I guess that's where the Spades comes in.

JACK

Who's telling you all this