Nick Of Time Script - Dialogue Transcript

Conductor

Los Angeles is next. Los Angeles is next. Please. . .

Announcer

Can I have your attention please. Amtrak train number seven-seventy-one. Amtrak train number seven-seventy-one is now arriving at track number nine, from San Diego, Solano Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Fullerton and Commerce. Now arriving at track number nine, the San Diegan.

Smith

Keep your eyes peeled. Sharp.

Rollerblader

Okay, okay. . .

Woman

Porter! Porter!

Announcer

May I have your attention in the station, please. Paging Ms Joan Beary, please report to Amtrak station services. Ms Joan Beary. . .

Security Guard

Hey, what the hell are you doing? Get your ass. . .You know you can't skate in here. Hey, this is George. Where you at? I ain't gonna tell you. . . Get your ass outta here, boy. What the hell you doing in here anyhow?

Woman

Come on, you're leaving your bags.

Jones

That one. Right there.

Smith

Nah. Hates his wife.

Rollerblader

Damn!

Jones

Oh, man, I hate rollerbladers. Skateboarders I don't mind, even though they dress like fucking idiots, but when I see some pin-head on rollerblades, it really gives me the urge to grease the front of may car with them.

Smith

Keep your eyes peeled.

Gene

Lynn, honey. Lynn! Lynn, don't run off now, Sweet-pea. Stay close to Daddy. Okay?

Lynn

Okay.

Gene

We made it.

Lynn

We made it.

Jones

What about them? Right there.

Smith

Too old.

Jones

Them?

Smith

You ever had an idea that died of malnutrition? Leave it to me. I know people. It's my job. People person.

Jones

What are you looking for, huh?

Smith

I'm looking for them, you see?

Jones

Where?

Smith

Right there.

Jones

Oh, yeah. I see.

Gene

Honey I gotta make a phone call. Do you see a phone anywhere? Hey, come on, you. Didn't you ever see anybody kiss like that before?

Lynn

On TV.

Gene

You never saw your mom and me kiss like that? Hey. Listen to me. It's all right to talk about it. You know that, don't you? All right. Well, tell me something. You never once saw your mom and me kiss like that?

Lynn

No way.

Gene

Not once? How'd you see us kiss? That's it? That. . . that little peck of a kiss? Honey, you missed a whole lot of kisses. Come here. Oh God, Honey. Daddy's late. We gotta go.

Smith

Look at him. He'd do anything for her.

Jones

Young love.

Couple

(talking in French)

Smith

Fuck me. Foreigners.

Jones

Frogs. They copy our blue jeans, but when we need their help in Kuwait, where are they?

Smith

Look at that.

Gene

Hi, Mr Conners, it's Gene Watson calling.

Rollerblader

Give me that little teddy bear.

Gene

Hold on one second. Hey! Hey! Honey, come here. Come here, sweetheart. You stay away from her. Come here. Sorry about that, sir. . .

Rollerblader

I want the teddy.

Gene

Stay close, Honey. Just guys on rollerskates. Look, er, er. . . My train just got in, I'm running a little bit late, but I'll get there as soon as I can, all right?

Rollerblader

Yo, punk.

Gene

Thank you very much.

Rollerblader

Check this out.

Gene

Hey, get outta here would ya? Leave her alone. Okay, bye. You ready, sweets?

Rollerblader

Yeah.

Gene

Let's do it. Oops. There you see. . . That's why you should always wear a helmet and knee pads. Because you never know when you're gonna fall down and go boom, right?

Lynn

Right.

Gene

Come on. Let's get outta here. Watch your step. Come on.

Smith

It's perfect.

Jones

Perfect.

Smith

Can I see some identification, sir?

Gene

Excuse me?

Jones

ID. Can we see some?

Gene

Er. . . Sure. Sure. Is driver's license all right?

Smith

Fine.

Gene

What's the problem? Oh, it's about those guys there, you know they were circling my little girl. . .

Smith

You're from Santa Maria, Mr Watson?

Gene

Yes, I am.

Jones

Where's that?

Gene

It's north, near Lompoc. Why?

Smith

Come with us, sir.

Gene

I'd like to know what's going on first.

Smith

Don't cause a ruckus, sir, not with the little girl along.

Gene

Er, ma'am. . .

Jones

Come with me.

Gene

Listen. Ma'am, I'll take my daughter.

Smith

Don't worry. My partner's good with kids.

Lynn

You stole that.

Jones

No, I didn't. I confiscated it. There's a difference.

Lynn

No, there's not.

Gene

`I'd like to know what's going on, officer.

Smith

I'll explain.

Gene

Officer, what's going on?

Smith

Get the front seat. Into the van, Mr Watson, thank you.

Jones

Let's get your seat belt on. Always wanna wear your seat belt, huh? Right?

Lynn

I want my daddy.

Jones

Well, you're Daddy's right there.

Gene

Daddy's right here, Honey. Daddy's here.

Jones

We're your Daddy's friends.

Smith

That's right. A policeman's your friend. Isn't that right, Daddy? Daddy?

Gene

That's right, Honey. Police are our friends.

Jones

Hey, would you look at this green car. . .

Gene

Listen, officer, I have an appointment that I'm late for. I'd really like to know what's going on.

Jones

This is the jack. Say "Hi, Jack".

Smith

Hi, Jack!

Jones

And this goes in this little hole, right here.

Lynn

Let me do it.

Jones

Okay, go ahead.

Lynn

It's loud.

Smith

Let's get down to business.

Gene

Who are you people?

Smith

Pay attention, Mr Watson, pay attention. And your daughter won't be hurt.

Gene

All right, Honey, come to Daddy.

Smith

Mr Watson, you're not paying attention. Your daughter's life depends on you. Do you understand? Do you understand that?

Gene

Yes.

Smith

Good. This is for you. In it there's a picture of a woman and an itinerary. It's her itinerary. She is presently. . . You listening, Mr Watson?

Gene

Yes.

Smith

She is presently at the Bonaventure Hotel. It's not far from here. When you leave this van, you'll get yourself a taxi over there and you will take it to the Bonaventure Hotel. Then, you will take this, and you will kill the woman whose picture's in there. Not just shoot her, mind you, kill her. I recommend you empty the gun into her, close up. You got all that?

Gene

You're outta your mind.

Smith

What's your point?

Gene

I will do no such thing.

Smith

Yes you will, Mr Watson.

Jones

Don't worry. We'll take good care of the kid.

Smith

It's now twelve-sixteen. If the woman in the picture's alive at one-thirty, half past one. I call my partner, you're daughter's dead. What happens if I don't call you?

Jones

Kill her anyway.

Smith

You hear that, Mr Watson? Do you understand? It's the woman in the picture or your daughter.

Gene

My God.

Smith

God can't help her, Mr Watson. Only you can help her.

Jones

Only you.

Smith

We're wasting time. Let's go.

Gene

Honey? Daddy has to, go somewhere. I'll be back soon. Okay? Stay with the nice lady.

Smith

Move it. Let's test this thing. Are you on?

Jones

Read you.

Smith

You'll need some cash. There you go. I'll hang on to the wallet, for the time being. You'll need these. Cabs are that way. Get moving, Mr Watson. Time's a-wasting. Let's do it.

Lynn

Where's my Daddy going?

Jones

Your Daddy's gonna help the police, he's gonna be a hero.

Lynn

Like 'Power Rangers'?

Jones

Yeah, just like 'Power Rangers'.

Girl

Mamma!

Woman

(talking in Spanish)

Officer

Check you in about an hour.

Gene

Officer. . .

Smith

You talk to a cop, you even look at a cop too long, and your daughter's dead. Get over there. Just do it.

Jones (on radio)

Go ahead, Sugar-Pie.

Lynn (on radio)

Lynn calling Daddy. Lynn calling Daddy. Come in, Daddy.

Gene

Lynn.

Lynn (on radio)

I can hear you good. Can you hear me?

Gene

I can hear you, Honey. Where are you? You okay? Are you okay?

Jones (on radio)

That's enough. Daddy has to go now.

Lynn (on radio)

You have to say 'over and out'. Daddy you have to say 'over and out'.

Gene

Over and out.

Smith

Okay. Look at your watch. Look at it. At one-thirty your little girl is dead. Say it with me. At one-thirty my little girl is dead. Say it! Say it! Name it!

Gene

At one-thirty my little girl is dead.

Smith

Unless you do what you're told. You go do it. Don't forget, I'll be watching you.

Gene

Excuse me, I need to get to the Bonaventure Hotel.

Taxi Driver

Bonaventure?

Gene

Yeah. You know where that is?

Taxi Driver

Yeah, yeah. I can see it from here. Amtrak?

Gene

Huh?

Taxi Driver

What did you come in on, Amtrak?

Gene

Oh, yeah.

Taxi Driver

Business or pleasure?

Gene

Business.

Taxi Driver

So where'd you come in from?

Gene

What?

Taxi Driver

Where'd you come in from?

Gene

San Diego.

Taxi Driver

Ah, San Diego. I thought about moving down to San Diego. It's hard to make a living in this town. With short hops you can't make a dime. What do you think?

Gene

About what?

Taxi Driver

San Diego. Better opportunities in San Diego, or what?

Gene

I really wouldn't know. I don't live there. I, I just went down there for a funeral.

Taxi Driver

Somebody close?

Gene

Excuse me?

Taxi Driver

Was it somebody close to you?

Gene

Yeah. Yes. It was my wife. Well, ex-wife. Soon-to-be-ex. She wanted a divorce. Listen, er. . . I've got a problem, I've got a really big problem.

Taxi Driver

Oh, yeah? Maniac! What the hell are you doing?! Sorry about that. Well, I'd like to hear about your problem, but the ride's over. That'll be three-fifty. I hope your problem's got nothing to do with my three-fifty.

Gene

No, no.

Taxi Driver

What, you writing a cheque?

Gene

Thank you very much.

Taxi Driver

All right. Thank you.

Doorman

I got you, sir. Right here. I got one for the airport. You free?

Taxi Driver

You betcha. Public accountant? What the hell'd I need with an accountant? Hello.

Man

Hey.

Workman 1

Ben! Ben! Coming on down. Coming in.

Workman 2

Let it go!

Gene

Oh, shit. Excuse me. Can you tell me where the Emerald Bay Room is?

Gustino

Third floor. Yellow stairwell. Follow the signs.

Gene

Thank you.

Gustino

No problem.

Brendan

The governor and I have an enormous admiration for people like you. . . I'm sorry. You okay?

Gene

Yeah.

Brendan

Sure? Nice body-check. Anyway, it's illuminating, it's inspiring. . .

Gene

Excuse me, ma'am, is the thing over?

Woman

You didn't miss anything. The food, soggy pancakes. . .

Gene

I guess the governor's gone.

Woman

Nice speech. You know. It's the same at all these things.

Smith

Okay. Just check that itinerary and move along. It's right here.

Gene

That says 'invitation only'.

Smith

See, you're a big donor to the campaign. Of course you're invited. They love you. That'll get you in anywhere.

Gene

Who are you?

Smith

I'm the guy's gonna kill your daughter if you don't get moving.

Eleanor

Nobody heard a word I said. The mike was too low on the podium.

Ms Brooks

How much did we pay for that room?

Franco

We didn't.

Eleanor

Well somebody did. Make sure you have Melvin pre-check the PA system.

Franco

Excuse me, sir. This elevator's for the governor. You can take the next one.

Eleanor

No, no, no. Don't you dare, Franco. This is one of our biggest contributors. Look at the name tag. Come on in, it's okay. Hi, Eleanor Grant, gubernational incumbent. It's a mouthful, isn't it? I love saying it. Whose idea was it to schedule lunch right after brunch?

Ms Brooks

We'll just walk through, we'll do a little grip and grin. And we'll get ready for the press.

Gene

Governor?

Eleanor

Yes.

Gene

I need your help.

Eleanor

What can I do for you, Mr, er, Watson?

Gene

It's about my daughter... Now, my daugh. . .

Smith

Got room in there for one more?

Eleanor

Well I think we can accommodate one more.

Smith

Pleasure, Governor.

Eleanor

Well, thank you very much. Erm, you were saying. . . Your daughter. Yes?

Gene

Well. . . She just wanted me to be sure that I got your, um, autograph.

Eleanor

Of course! I wish everything were that easy.

Ms Brooks

I've got the pen if you've got the paper. How about that? That something precious?

Gene

No.

Eleanor

Um, her name? Her name?

Gene

L. . . Lynn. Her name's Lynn.

Ms Brooks

You know, it's funny, I don't even keep a pad of paper with me any more. Everything's gone so electronic.

Eleanor

Are you all right? I know, elevators make me queasy too. Here. Good luck. All right, here we go guys. Let's go. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Smith

She was right in front of you.

Gene

Listen to me. . .

Smith

What's wrong with you? Are you fucking with me? Are you fucking with me? Get up there.

Gene

The gun isn't loaded.

Smith

It's not? Give it to me. Give me the gun! You don't get chances like that. Mr Watson. That's the way life works. Turn around. Now look at that. Huh? You see that? Do not blow the next one. Hear me? All right. It's loaded. It's ready, for the hunt, and so are we. Sorry I hit you.

Gene

Yeah.

Smith

Breathe deep. Let's go.

Gene

I think I need a restroom.

Smith

It's that way.

Chinese Man

(talking Chinese)

Huey

You having a rough day? Down at the heels, as they say? You don't see your face, you don't pay. What you need is a shoeshine.

Jones

That's pretty good.

Lynn

I've done much better ones than this.

Jones

You have, huh?

Lynn

Oh, yes. I'll show you. I have much more colours at home.

Jones

Well, that's good. That's good, Sweetie-Pie.

Smith

Let's go.

Huey

Shoeshine. Shoeshine today. Hey, hey, shoeshine. Take ten. Take a break. Take a seat. Take a load off. What you need is a shoeshine. Shoe shining day. Come on. Take ten. Take a break. Take a load off. Put the world in perspective. So, are you a visitor?

Gene

No, no I'm just visiting.

Huey

What do you do? If, I may be so bold.

Gene

Sorry, what?

Huey

What do you do?

Gene

I'm an accountant.

Huey

Well, don't denigrate yourself, my friend. Where would the government be without accountants? They wouldn't know how hard they could squeeze us, until we popped. Isn't that right? Now, you take tips. Time was, a tip was between a man and his customer. Not anymore. They've figured out what they call, a formula. They take your sales see, and slap a percentile on that figure. And somewhere between your lies and your bad luck, they'll hit on the 'mean amount', mean meaning in the middle. But if you ask me it just means plain mean. You can have Uncle Scrooge wring a nickel over your palm, or Daddy Warbucks dropping pearl stickpins, don't make no difference. They'll tax your behind according to that same formula. Doesn't seem quite right, does it?

Gene

No, it doesn't.

Porter

Hey, Mr Huey. How's it going today?

Huey

Well, it's a load, my friend. But somebody's got to carry it.

Gene

Sir. Sir. I need your help.

Huey

What's that? You'll have to speak up.

Gene

There's a little girl in a van. She's my daughter.

Huey

I'm, I'm a little deaf in this ear. I mean, between that and my wooden leg, I'm all messed up. Compliments of the United States Army, Artillery Corps.

Gene

Listen to me. A man and a woman were at the train. They showed me a badge and then they took her away from me. They took her because they want me to do something for them, do you understand? She's in trouble.

Huey

I'll have you out of here in a few shakes.

Gene

Please, I don't have much time. I need your help. He's watching me.

Huey

Who's watching you?

Gene

The man.

Huey

You know, for a quality shoe, you can't beat a good wing-tip. No, sir, it wears like iron. No you're a, you're a wise man, you know? There you go. Two bucks'll do you. You got anything smaller?

Gene

Keep it.

Huey

Well, that's a twenty.

Gene

It's fine, keep it.

Huey

Well, thank you.

Gene

What street is that?

Huey

That's Flower. Just go out past the bar. Takes you right out there.

Gene

Do me a favour. If anything were to happen to me, remember the van. She's in the van.

Smith

Ten minutes, you get another chance.

Gene

Good. Then I've time to get a drink.

Smith

All right. Make it just one, Mr Watson, wouldn't want to lose you.

Man 1

So, where was I?

Man 2

Something about the governor's new regime.

Man 1

Oh, yeah, yeah. She's dumping the good old boys faster than yesterday's newspapers.

Man 2

It's no wonder they're howling.

Man 1

They had no idea she was gonna turn into this flaming Liberal.

Man 2

They're pisses, huh?

Man 1

She's turned the governor's office into the United Nations. You don't think they're gonna make her pay?

Man 2

Fuck with this bunch, they could blow your ass to kingdom-come.

Man 1

That's right. The only people not on her staff, are those ones still lost in the rainforest. I'm serious, I'm serious. Who are these people? They don't represent you and me.

Jones

Ssh, ssh, ssh. You'll wake the baby up. What we have here, is what they call a Mexican Stand-Off. Now, the thing you've gotta ask yourself is, what's behind the seat? Now, a twenty-two'd go right through it. But even a button'll throw a twenty-two off, so there is a good chance that it could get screwed up somewhere along the way and miss the target. What about a thirty-eight? Well, a thirty-eight will drill pretty straight, unless, of course, it hits metal. Then it's gonna bust up into little biddy pieces. It'll keep going. But it'll get slowed down quite a bit. How's about a three-fifty-seven? Now that'll go through the seat, her, the dashboard. Shit, it'll go through the entire engine block before it even knows it hit anything. It'll end up in some pedestrian three blocks away. What do you think? What's my poison? Huh? Well, it's a comfort to know you've got the cajones to pull that thing out. Whether or not you've got the balls to pull the trigger, we've still gotta see. Close the door. It's hot outside. He's coming back in.

Smith

I got him, in the cross-hairs.

Gene

Excuse me, pool deck, where's the pool deck?

Porter

Fourth floor. Take that escalator.

Gene

Thanks very much.

White

Take positions near the stage area. Keep your eyes open. Let's have a safe day.

Officer

You got it.

Security Guard 1

Sir, do you have metal in there?

Man

Er, just my keys.

Security Guard 1

May I see them? Thank you.

Security Guard 2

Sir, I can take you down here. You don't have to wait, I can take you up here. Come on. Sir. Yes, you. I can take you down here. Come on down. Come on. Okay, you're all done. Move on now. Right here.

Officer

Sir, they're all in place.

White

Best we check the entryway over here.

Gene

Officer.

Smith

I know what you're thinking. You're like a worm on a hook, wriggling around thinking you might get off.

Gene

What would you do?

Smith

She'd be dead. You do what you're supposed to do, young man. You do it now. Whoa, what're you doing?

Gene

Officer.

White

Yeah?

Gene

There's a plot to kill the governor. Now, if you don't believe me, you can check that man right there. He has a gun.

White

So do you, Mr Watson. You got this under control, Smitty?

Smith

Yeah.

White

Sure doesn't look like it.

Smith

Well, it's under control.

White

Yeah. Well, it'd better be, 'cos I'm running out of these.

Smith

I ought to throw you after that walkie-talkie but, I'm gonna give you a break 'cos you're amateur.

Waiter

Gentlemen?

Smith

Yeah, thanks.

Gene

No, thank you.

Smith

Have a cracker, Mr Watson. Thank you. You got spunk. There was this guy, big guy, Irish-Italian, red face, black hair, jolly son of a bitch. Wait a second. Nobody could make me laugh like him. He made a science of collecting jokes. Closed more bars together than I could count. Now, he was a pal. I loved the crazy Mick. I'm not ashamed to say that, but, he was a fuck-up. He had this image of himself. He thought he was a, a con-man. Always trying to shave the edge. He was nickel and dime. I'll always miss him. Tell me why.

Gene

Tell you why what?

Smith

Tell me why I miss him.

Gene

He's dead?

Smith

That's right, he is dead. But tell me why.

Gene

How do I know? I don't. . . I. . .

Smith

Tell me why he's dead.

Gene

'Cos you killed him.

Smith

That's right, I did. I killed him. He fucked up one too many times, so, I put a bullet in his eye, then I put two more into him just to make sure. Now, that was somebody I loved. I loved him. But, I got the call, I put him down like a sick animal. So, if you got doubts about what's gonna happen, if you don't deliver, let me tell you something. I'll make gravy out of your little girl, just to season that black Irish cocksucker's meat. You do what you're supposed to do, young man. You do it now.

Announcer

May I have your attention, please. May I have your attention. Let's give a big warm welcome to the honourable Tom Bradley.

Ms Brooks

Hi.

Gene

Hi.

Ms Brooks

Are you feeling better? The elevator, you weren't feeling well. Are you better now?

Gene

Oh yeah.

Ms Brooks

Better now?

Gene

Yeah, much better, thanks.

Tom Bradley

I give you now, my friend and yours, Governor Eleanor Grant.

Gene

You know something? My wife, always said I had a problem trusting people.

Eleanor

Thank you, Tom, for that lovely introduction.

Ms Brooks

Well, you can trust Eleanor Samara Grant.

Gene

Yeah. Well, I'm gonna trust you, and you're gonna trust me.

Ms Brooks

Er, I don't understand.

Gene

Listen, I don't want to hurt you, but my little girl needs your help. She's going to die if you don't help me.

Ms Brooks

Okay, I'll help you. Let me, let me just get Mr White. He's our head of security.

Gene

No, no, everything's fine, just take a walk with me, just you and me. Right this way.

Eleanor

As it is, this is not the life I want for our children, for myself and for you. . .

Gene

I'm gonna put the gun back in my pocket now, but don't make a move 'cos it's still pointing at you, all right?

Ms Brooks

Okay.

Gene

Just pretend that nothing's happening. My daughter's been kidnapped. They say they're going to kill her if I don't kill the governor. I don't wanna do that. But. . .

Ms Brooks

All right, all right. Let's talk to security.

Gene

No. Can't talk to security, they're involved.

Ms Brooks

I don't see how they could be involved. They're the best. They're hand-picked.

Gene

Well, how'd I get in here with this?

Ms Brooks

I don't know.

Gene

Listen to me. Now, if you don't help me, the governor'll be dead. I promise you. Please, you gotta trust me.

Ms Brooks

It's a little hard to trust you, under the circumstances.

Gene

All right then, here. Do you trust me now?

Ms Brooks

I guess I'll have to.

Gene

Well, good.

Ms Brooks

Okay, there's one person that we can go to, come on.

Gene

We can't go anywhere. They guy that's following me's got eyes in the back of his fucking head. If he see's I'm not here, my daughter's dead.

Ms Brooks

Well, he'll think you're in the crowd until the end of the speech. Wait a minute, wait, wait. Er, we got about ten minutes.

Gene

Ten minutes, you sure?

Ms Brooks

Yeah, I'm sure, I've heard this speech a lot. Now come on, we'll take care of it.

Gene

No, wait. I can't, I gotta. . .

Ms Brooks

Hey, hey, trust me. You asked me for my help. Let me help. Come on.

Gene

Listen, put that thing away, would you?

Ms Brooks

Oh, yeah. Er, okay.

Gene

Thank you.

Eleanor

. . .control crime and prove that communities do belong to the people. . . . . .and change a perverted system that let's us carry guns to school, but forbids us to pray there. Education is the key. Education is. . .

Albert

Ms Brooks

Ms Brooks

Is he in?

Albert

Yes, ma'am.

Gene

You sure we can trust these people?

Ms Brooks

It's her husband, he's her campaign manager.

Brendan

What is it? Is there a problem?

Ms Brooks

Brendan, we need to see you.

Brendan

Aren't you supposed to be downstairs, covering the conference?

Gene

We gotta hurry.

Ms Brooks

Brendan, listen to me. Someone is trying to kill Eleanor.

Brendan

What, what are you talking about?

Ms Brooks

We, we need people that we can trust, we've only got a few minutes.

Brendan

Well, that's absurd. How do you know that?

Gene

I know it, because I'm supposed to kill her.

Brendan

You are? You're supposed to kill my wife?

Gene

That's right.

Brendan

And you brought this man to our suite?

Ms Brooks

I had to, Brendan. Her security people may be involved.

Old Man

Is there a problem, Brendan?

Brendan

Er, I think you could say that. This man says he's been hired to kill Eleanor.

Gene

No, not hired. Blackmailed. They're blackmailing me.

Old Man

Now, who is this 'they'?

Gene

I really don't know, sir. Mr Grant, we've gotta hurry. They've kidnapped my little girl. Your, your wife's in serious danger here. I mean, anything could happen at this point.

Old Man

Er, just a minute. On the strength of this. . . story, you bring this man to Mr Grant's suite? You think that shows very good judgement, Miss Brooks? I may be just a friend of Brendan, but it certainly. . .

Ms Brooks

He brought a gun, onto the pool deck.

Brendan

What?

Ms Brooks

He got onto the pool deck carrying a gun. Now, how did he get past her security, with this gun?

Brendan

I'd like to know that.

Old Man

Is it real? I mean, do we know anything about it?

Ms Brooks

It looks real. I don't know anything about guns.

Old Man

May, may I see it, please?

Gene

The gun's real.

Old Man

Well, it certainly looks real. May we have your opinion? You're supposed to be the expert in these matters.

Smith

Yeah, I'd say it's real.

Brendan

Are you out of your fucking mind?

White

What are you doing?

Smith

Help me. Get her outta here.

White

What's the matter?

Brendan

God, what have you done to me?

Gene

Bastard!

Smith

You fucked up! You want me to kill your kid?! You want me to kill you?!

Old Man

That's enough. I said that's enough. Don't let him get away.

Gene

I killed you.

Smith

You fucked up.

Gene

No, please. Please, no!

Lynn

Help me, Daddy!

Old Man

You put him down, right now! You nearly killed him, you idiot.

Smith

Nearly doesn't count.

Brendan

Well, this is a nightmare. This was supposed to be clean and simple. A high-powered rifle and it's over. But no, you've gotta get creative. Drag some jerk in off the street, stick a gun in his hand, and what? I mean, what the hell were you thinking?

Old Man

Relax, relax will you? It's academic now.

Smith

What were you thinking, lock her in a closet? He's been seen all over the hotel, looking like some looney-tunes. Got him on video. It'll work. Don't worry about it. Come on, you. Up, let's go. I want to show you something.

Brendan

I don't think we should go through with this.

Old Man

I'm afraid it's too late for that now.

Brendan

How do I explain a dead woman on my bathroom floor?

Old Man

She's Eleanor's assistant. She would have been shot by the same gun, by the same man, some, anonymous loser who went over the edge.

Smith

Okay. Look at that. That's what it looks like. She was alive a minute ago, now she's dead because. . . you wouldn't do what I told you to do.

White

Here, here, clean up. Come on, let's get going, we've only got a few minutes to pull this together.

Smith

Look at that. Let's go.

Old Man

Every single promise made to us when we got that woman elected was broken. I don't have to remind you who was supposed to keep her in line.

White

Hey, Albert. Let me use your phone for a second.

Gene

I know how this thing's supposed to work.

Smith

Do you, Mr Watson? Huh?

Gene

I kill her and you kill me.

Smith

Keep your voice down.

Gene

Even if you don't, a security man will. How am I supposed to get away?

Smith

That's not my problem. Come back.

Gene

How do I know you're not gonna kill my kid once I'm gone?

Smith

It's the radio. Come back. I told you, she'll be all right. You do your job.

Gene

Fine. I'm supposed to trust you?

Smith

What choice do you have? After you. Gene, look out there. You see the van?

Gene

Yeah.

Smith

Come back.

Jones (on radio)

Yeah.

Smith

Do it!

Lynn (on radio)

Daddy! Help me, Daddy! No!

Gene

You son of a bitch!

Smith

Security force, take the next car. Thank you. Do it again.

Lynn (on radio)

Daddy! No!

Smith

You got one last chance. Half an hour, the kid is dead. I'll kill her myself. . . rip her head off right in front of you. Get up. Come on. Come on.

Lynn (on radio)

Daddy, did you hear me scream? She told me to scream as loud as I could. Did you hear me?

Man

Oh, Jesus!

Smith

Next time I tell you to do something, you damn-well do it.

Jones

Hey fuck you. You wanna baby-sit a screaming kid in traffic, you come out here and do it. He got the message, didn't he?

Huey

Come on, step up. Give 'em a shine with that extra something. Come on, step up. Do your shoes a favour. What you need is a shoeshine. Shoeshine, shoes shines today. Hey, take ten, take a break, take a seat, take a load off, put the world in perspective. So, what do you do, if I may be so. . . you got a complaint?

Gene

Remember me?

Huey

Yeah, the big tipper.

Gene

Good. Listen, something's gonna happen. When it's over with, you'll know what I was talking about.

Huey

What? The end of the world? Look man, don't give me your crazy rap. I'm not a bartender. I don't wanna hear it. I raise a family doing this bull-shit. Do me a favour. Get your white ass outta my chair. Big tip doesn't give you the right to crap in my ear. You want change, then you got it, brother. What was that you gave me? A twenty?

Smith

Let's get some privacy.

Gene

He's deaf.

Smith

You wouldn't be kidding me?

Gene

No. No, no, he can't hear a thing. Look, read that sign.

Smith

Is that right? Shine man, you can't hear me? Hello.

Huey

Well, well lookee here. My customer quotient just got multiplied by two. What do you think of that? Oh, you'll have to forgive me, sir, I didn't hear you approach. Fact of the matter is, I'm deaf as a post. You want a shine, sir? You don't see your face, you don't pay.

Smith

Yeah, sure, give me a shine. Let's get out our itinerary. Hold that. Don't throw it away. I'm putting your toy back in your pocket, Mr Watson. It's all wound up. Now, let's check this itinerary. Right there.

Gene

One-thirty, California Ballroom.

Smith

That's right. That gives you twenty-eight minutes to get your shit together.

Gene

Let me talk to her again.

Smith

No.

Gene

I wanna talk to her.

Smith

Forget it.

Gene

You let me talk to her, or you can forget it.

Smith

Don't you threaten me, young man.

Gene

It'd be a lot less trouble if you'd just let me talk to her. You're wasting time.

Smith

Come back.

Jones (on radio)

Yeah.

Smith

Put her on.

Jones (on radio)

What gives?

Smith

Just put her on.

Lynn

Daddy?

Gene

Yeah, Honey, it's me.

Lynn

I'm tired. I want to go now.

Gene

I know you do, Honey. So do I.

Lynn (on radio)

Can we go now?

Gene

Not just yet, Baby.

Gene (on radio)

Daddy has to do something, first.

Lynn

To be a hero?

Gene

No, no, not to be a hero, Honey. I want you to remember something for me, okay?

Lynn

All right.

Gene (on radio)

Daddy's doing it for you, no matter what anybody tells you, he's doing it for you, because he loves you, all right?

Lynn

All right.

Gene

Promise me that.

Lynn

I promise.

Gene

All right, kisses to you.

Lynn

No. Kisses to you.

Gene

Kisses to you, Sweet-Pea.

Smith

You done yet?

Huey

Two dollars, if it pleases ya.

Smith

It does not. I remember when it was two bits. Twenty-seven minutes.

Huey

Thanks for the tip. Mister, what are you dragging me in to?

Gene

I'm dragging you in to. . .

Huey

Cover your mouth!

Gene

What?

Huey

That screwball's watching, is that right?

Gene

Yeah.

Huey

Then don't let him see you being talking to me.

Gene

All right.

Huey

That's your kid on the walkie-talkie?

Gene

Yeah. They got her in a van across the street. They said they're gonna kill her if I don't do something for them.

Huey

Twenty-seven minutes in the California Ballroom?

Gene

Yeah, that's right.

Huey

What are you supposed to do?

Gene

Kill the governor.

Huey

I knew I should have packed up and gone home, as soon as I got that twenty. What am I supposed to do about this situation?

Gene

What am I supposed to do? These people have my baby. I make one wrong move and she's dead. I don't know who to trust. Everybody's involved in this, I mean everybody. Except. . .

Huey

Who?

Gene

The governor.

Huey

Oh, Jesus Christ!

Gene

I gotta somehow do right by my little girl. I don't care what happens to me, as long as she's okay.

Huey

Look, I can't keep. . . er, can't keep playing with these shoes. Er. . . it'll look funny. Look, er, you go out and get yourself a drink. Make sure Godzilla there follows you.

Gene

What are you gonna do?

Huey

I don't have the faintest idea. Just go on over there and I'll get word to you.

Gene

Stay out of it. Keep the change.

Huey

Yeah. Well, don't think I won't.

Gene

I'm gonna get a drink. Can I get a Jack and Coke, please?

Barman

Jack & Coke.

Man 2

Yeah, I thought she was gonna get out the violins.

Man 1

Oh shit, if I hear that 'stop the violence' routine one more time, I swear to God, I'm gonna shoot somebody.

Man 2

Politicians. All the same.

Smith

God can't help her, Mr Watson. Say it with me. At one-thirty my little girl is dead. Say it! . . .gravy out of your little girl. . . the guy who's gonna kill your daughter if you don't get moving. Get moving mister.

Waitress

Sir? Sir, here's your Jack and Coke.

Gene

Thank you.

Man 1

. . .bullshit because there is no such animal. You know what we are? We are a nation of two-hundred and forty special interest groups and that is it.

Barman

Er, sir, you haven't paid for that.

Gene

It's on that special interest right there, at the end of the bar.

Barman

Sir, sir. Don't make me call a cop.

White

Where is he? Did you lose him?

Smith

Shut up.

Gene

Let's hope so.

Huey

Hey, quick, quick. Off with the shoes and pants. Trade with Gustino. Hurry up, come on, just do like I tell you.

Gene

What are you talking about?

Huey

Don't worry about it. No time to be shy, ladies. Come on, do as I tell you! Hurry up! Godzilla's coming. Come on, come on, hurry up. Okay. Come on, shut the door.

Cleaner

It's all right, he's gone.

Huey

This is Irene.

Gene

Hi.

Irene

Hello.

Huey

Irene's going to help.

Gene

Oh, thank you.

Irene

Yes, follow me.

Gene

Where am I going?

Huey

You said there was only one person you knew wasn't in this.

Gene

Right.

Huey

Well, you're going to see her.

Gene

What?

Huey

You sure she's asleep?

Irene

I took some extra pillows. She take a nap before her big speech.

Gene

What am I going to say to her?

Huey

It'll come to you. See if you can stop this thing before it gets started. Save us all considerable embarrassment.

Irene

You don't have to save me. I've got nothing to do with it.

Huey

Irene.

Irene

I'm not going to give you no key.

Huey

Irene, come on.

Irene

No, I'm not going to do it.

Huey

Come on now, Irene.

Irene

I'm sorry. Hi, Albert.

Albert

Hi, how're you?

Irene

How you doing? Pretty good. Thought I'd come by and clean up a little bit for you. You mind?

Albert

Thank you.

Irene

Thank you. You deserve a nice, clean place.

Albert

Well, thank you.

Irene

So... give me that. Yes. Thank you. How's everything? Working hard, huh?

Albert

Working hard.

Irene

Oh, yes, I know how it is. So, how long you gonna work here?

Albert

Oh, about five.

Irene

Oh, really? Well, see you later, huh?

Albert

Take care.

Gene

I am not gonna hurt you.

Eleanor

Now, my security people are right outside. Any loud noise they'd just come right in here, you, you wouldn't get very far.

Gene

And if I was gonna hurt you, I would have done it already.

Eleanor

At least that's a little comfort.

Gene

I have a problem.

Eleanor

I can see that.

Gene

I'm sorry to say, ma'am, that my problem is also your problem.

Eleanor

Wait a minute, I know you. You're. . . from the elevator.

Gene

That's right.

Eleanor

You were very nervous.

Gene

Guns tend to make me very nervous.

Eleanor

Yeah, me too.

Gene

We don't have much time. I need you to listen to me carefully. Three lives depend on you listening very carefully to what I have to say. Do you understand?

Eleanor

Yes, I do, I do. And I wanna hear you, I mean. . .

Gene

Okay.

Eleanor

Maybe, just let me call my assistant, her name's Krista Brooks and she's in charge of. . .

Gene

She's dead.

Eleanor

She's dead? How do you know that?

Gene