From a high roller suite to the arena floor for Round One, the only way out is to play the game. Starring Joe Stevens, Kenneth Wayne Bradley, June Griffin Garcia, Alejandro Vargas-Lugo, Roman Garcia, Heath Allyn, Michael L Garcia Jr, Jake Painter, Lisa Dell, Tony Bartys, with Terry Harrison and Shavonne Conroy
TITLE TRACK V.O.
Audible Parade Productions. An Audio Story presentation. Triple Six. By Sean Patrick Bridges. Episode Four.
INT. SERVICE HALLWAY
DING, and elevator doors part open. A light echo to their voices in the cramped cement hallway.
KELLER
Here we go. Last stop.
RILEY
Where are we?
KELLER
Underground. I don’t like to think how deep. Come on, Sir. This way.
Audible footsteps. Riley plods forward. Keller right behind him.
RILEY
How can you do this to people? Me. My wife. My pregnant wife. My family. You can get us out of here. You can. Make that happen.
KELLER
If I made that happen, I’d be a dead man. Keep moving.
RILEY
You want me to open this door?
KELLER
Yes, Sir. It’s where you’re going. Riley. You’ll find a blue jumpsuit inside. You want to put that on.
Riley takes tentative steps; up to the handle. He opens it.
INT. HIGH ROLLER SUITE
Soothing MUSIC from unseen speakers. FEMALE LAUGHTER.
MO
Mr. Banks. Welcome. Come on in. That’s right. This is all for you.
Riley enters. The door closes and locks behind him.
RILEY
Where am I?
MO
High-roller suite. Take a gander. Marble floors. This here is oak. I think. Artwork doesn’t do much for me, but you know it cost a mint.
RILEY
Sky box. I’m looking for a sky-box. That mean anything to you? Hey.
Mo keeps moving into the suite. Riley follows.
MO
Massive screen. 120” of smart TV.
A HORSE RACE runs on a giant TV. GREEN and DEE DEE make love in the jacuzzi.
MO
And check out this jacuzzi. Oh, jeeze. We didn’t mean to disturb.
GREEN
Mo-ran. I see you peepin’ at us.
MO
(to Riley) Sorry, sorry, sorry. Let’s go over here. Oh, the buffet. You must partake. You’re gonna love this.
GREEN
(to Desiree) Hand me a towel, Darlin. A towel. Fuck it. I’m out, swinging.
DESIREE and DEE DEE PLAYFULLY PROTEST. Green gets out of the water. Mo guides Riley away and up to a table.
MO
Here is our world famous, casino buffet. Any drug you could possibly imagine. See something you like. Take as much as you want.
RILEY
Where is the sky-box? And who the fuck are you?
MO
I’m Mo. Green’s Handler. Sir. If you don’t mind me asking. How come you’re not dressed?
Green walks over, drying his hair.
GREEN
What you lookin’ at? Hey. Dickless.
I’ve got a Russian Blonde. Spitfire Latina. Thick Moroccan. Tight Brazilian. Black, White, Brown. It’s a candy store and I can eat any piece I want.
MO
Our goal is your happiness.
GREEN
Screw you, Kiss-ass. Guess what flavors I’m missing?
MO
Oh, I am so sorry to hear--
GREEN
Japanese. Chinese. Pacific Islander. Fiji. I’m so doin’ Fiji.
MO
Sir, the Agency assured me--
GREEN
I don’t give a shit what the Agency said. I’m telling you. You’re not.. Are you calling me a liar?
MO
No. I will fix this. Immediately.
GREEN
Damn snappin’. I’m crossing the rainbow bridge tonight.
MO
Of course you are, Sir. (to Riley) Excuse me. I’ll be right back.
Mo leaves. A silent beat.
GREEN
Who the fuck are you?
RILEY
Watch your mouth.
GREEN
Yeah? You look like a damn deer in headlights. Green. I said, Green. That’s my hand, dipshit. Shake it.
RILEY
Go fuck yourself.
GREEN
Why aren’t you dressed? You here to play. Or you from the hotel? ‘cause if you are, I gotta complaint.
RILEY
Leave me alone.
GREEN
Come on. Pull that stick out and tell me. (beat) Nothing, huh. Fine. Lemme guess. Slaughter, meet lamb. Gambling sank you? You couldn’t pick out a winner for your life. Could ya’?
RILEY
Get the fuck away from me. And put on some clothes. You’re embarrassing yourself.
GREEN
What are you gettin’ all bent out of shape about? Did you slip it to the wrong guy’s wife? You did, didn’t you. You pervy bastard.
RILEY
Last warning.
He backs Riley over towards the Bikinis in the jacuzzi.
GREEN
Ladies. Any of you see a banker? You monkeyed with the books, it’s a numbers and shit game. That’s it, isn’t it, Scum-bag.
Riley PUNCHES Green. (Sound f/x of punch and reaction)
GREEN
Oww, shit. Goddamnit. The hell is wrong with you.
RILEY
Want some more? What part of fuck off did you not understand.
Green puts up his hands.
GREEN
God Damn bat-shit crazy Cowboy. Christ. That hurt. (to DD’s) You ladies see what he did to me? So much for southern hospitality.
He heads back into the jacuzzi. Ladies act happy to see him.
DEE DEE
Come here. Lemme see. Poor Baby.
DESIREE
Kiss you and make you all better.
GREEN
Oh, I like that. You ladies get me. (to Riley) Hey, Punchy. I’m taking this whole thing come game time. Deal with that. You hear me, Cowboy.
RILEY
Oh, I hear ya.
Water SPLASHES. LAUGHTER. Double D’s approach Riley.
DEE DEE
Would you care for some company?
RILEY
I’m married.
DESIREE
Ohh, don’t be so shy.
DEE DEE
Let us change your mind.
RILEY
Please. Leave me alone.
Dee Dee SLIPS on the tile. RED comes to her aid.
RED
Slippery when wet. You okay?
DEE DEE
You saved me. My hero.
RED
A beautiful woman in a bikini. That’s the finest kind.
DESIREE
Oh, you ain’t seen anything yet.
RED
Sounds like a lot of fun. Can’t wait. I’ll join you soon. I will.
DEE DEE
Now. Why not? Aww. Too bad. You’re missing out.
RED
Yes I am. I sure can see that. Ohh. (to Riley) You should watch your step, Cowboy.
RILEY
What’s it to you?
RED
Uh huh. Well, it sure sounds like you’re having a lot of fun.
RILEY
They’re fattening the calf for the kill. You call that fun.
RED
Yeah. It’s what they do. Can’t say I mind all this Vegas hospitality though.
Red prepares and lights a cigar.
RED
Do you smoke? I quit years ago. But it’s time for a cigar. Appropriate. Cohiba. Habanos. Good stuff.
Red coughs a bit. YELLOW retches and dry heaves on the floor.
RED
Ahh, he’s awake. That tattooed mess puking his guts out on the floor over there, is Yellow.
RILEY
What’s wrong with him?
RED
He’s either sick or passed out. For as long as I’ve been here anyway. Hey, you’re seeing him at his best.
RILEY
Who are you?
RED
Who do you think? Look at me. I’m wearing a full-length red jumpsuit. Red. You think I dress like this all the time?
RILEY
I think this is a fuckin’ loony bin. That’s what I think.
Red chuckles. He likes that and agrees.
RED
Good one, Cowboy. So what color are you? The game. You’re playing right. What color.
Silence beat.
RILEY
Green, Red, Yellow. Whatever. I’m not a fuckin’ color, Mister. (beat) I don’t believe any of this shit. Not any of it.
RED
You don’t, huh? Well, the way I figure it, is. You roll a four. You better hope your God is listening.
Red smokes and moves to make himself a drink. Sound f/x: glass & ice & bottle & pour, loud on the mix.
RED
Get a five. You give the devil a holler. But you roll a six. And it won’t matter. Because you’ll be seein’ one or the other, real soon.
Red cheers his own glass against a bottle. Drinks.
RED
Check this out. Karuizawa. Geisha Label. Vintage, single-case, malt whiskey. Nobody’s drinking it because they don’t know what it is. I do. Sells for 5-K a bottle. Kid you not. Care to join me.
RILEY
I’ll pass.
RED
You should try to enjoy yourself instead of being so sour.
RILEY
Last time I got drunk. These fuckers kidnapped my wife.
RED
Oh yeah? Well. They are ruthless.
Doors opens. Melanie walks in. Followed by (3) REFEREES. An innocent in a white coverall, WHITE, follows her.
RED
Speak of the she-devil. Hotel entourage. With another fresh fish for the gun barrel.
MELANIE
Gentlemen. You’re making yourself at home I see. Could I have you gather around. Green. Out of the tub. All of you, come here. Yes.
Shakes the hat, dominos sound f/x
MELANIE
It’s time to pick from the hat.
RED
Referees. With guns. I like that.
MELANIE
(to Riley) Oh, no, no, no. Mr. Banks? You’re not dressed? We require formal attire from here on out.
(to Referee) Can I have two Referees, please. Assist him. -- Carefully. Do not use any more force than necessary. He’s had a hard day and we need him in one piece for the game. --
REFEREE
Come on. This way.
RILEY
Hey. Don’t touch me. God damn it. Get your hands off me.
REFEREE 2
I got his clothes.
RILEY
Do your best you sons of bitches, I guarantee you go down with me.
MELANIE
The uniform is a must. Our Players prefer to place their wagers on colors. It keeps the game impersonal.
RILEY
Get that gun out of my side. Alright, I get it. I’ll put the fuckin’ thing on. (snatches it sound f/x). Fuck every one of you.
MELANIE
You’re fun, Riley. I will miss you. (to Room) Attention. Allow me to introduce, Contestant White. Please, listen.
Referee RATCHETS A SHOTGUN. It gets all of their attention.
MELANIE
Thank you. This, is Mr. Estefan Delgado. The ‘El Alacran scorpion’ Loteria winner, courtesy of the Macau syndicate, and the Baja Templar cartel. Two generations of his family will be provided for. For life. Thanks to his humbling and human gesture. I think that deserves applause. Welcome, Contestant White.
Melanie claps. No one else does.
Green approaches stoned, his arms around (2) Bikinis.
GREEN
God Damn. Way to go there, Elvis. In that white jumpsuit, he’s Latin Elvis. What? You can’t see that?
DEE DEE
Elvis has left the building.
Green laughs; he paws at available flesh. Melanie holds out a folder.
MELANIE
Mr. Banks. A copy of your contract. And it’s time to choose your lot.
RILEY
My what?
MELANIE
For position in the first round. (shake top hat) Place your hand inside the top hat and pick out a domino.
She shakes the hat. Riley doesn’t move.
RILEY
You want me to stick my hand in there? That is not happening.
RED
I’m ready. I can go. My number is...
Red takes out a domino from the hat.
RED
Four.
He drops the domino on the table and walks away. Melanie motions for White. He gladly steps up.
WHITE
I shall choose. My domino is. Five.
Green untangles himself.
GREEN
Keep your seats warm, Darlins'. Daddy’s gotta work.
He loops over to the table, and studies the hat.
GREEN
Rabbit out of a hat, huh. Is there any kind of prize for this or what?
MELANIE
Sorry, no. Maybe next time.
GREEN
Ta-dah. I’m looking at. Two.
Riley’s shoved against the table. Melanie all cheery.
MELANIE
Your turn, Riley. Your choice is simple. Either you choose or Brynn takes your place.
She shakes the hat. Riley places his hand inside.
RILEY
Three.
MELANIE
Thank you. Next up. Yellow. Yello. Where is he? Oh I see him. Face down in his own vomit. Wonderful.
Melanie steps over and looks at Yellow, completely out of it.
MELANIE
Would you please roll him on his back. Thank you. How long has he been like this?
GREEN
He doesn’t say much and he likes to get shit-faced wasted. That’s my kinda pal.
MELANIE
Fine. I’ll choose. Yellow is, one. First up. It might be better if he was conscious for that. (beat) White. Green. Would you be so kind to assist him. (beat) Now.
White moves to help. Green talks to his companions.
GREEN
You all rest up. I’ll be back.
DEE DEE
Ohhh. Please don’t go.
GREEN
Don’t you pout. I got plenty more sweet lovin’ for ya’ when I get back. You too, Baby. Wish me luck.
Green blows kisses and walks away.
DESIREE
You know what, Dee Dee?
DEE DEE
No, what is it, Desiree.
DESIREE
I’ve got 100 down says that shrimp-dick eats a bullet.
DEE DEE
A tool like that? Not this round. 100 down. You’re on.
They share a laugh. Melanie and Refs herd Contestants.
MELANIE
If you would all just follow me. This way. Thank you. We can begin.
Green and White help Yellow up from the couch. He stirs.
GREEN
Get your ass up, mellow-yellow. Rise and shine. Damn. Come on, Man. I know you can walk.
WHITE
Is he sick? What is wrong with him?
Melanie walks to the far end of the suite. She opens a large submarine hatch-type door. It squeals opens.
RILEY
Looks like a door to a vault. What’s on the other side?
MELANIE
Please. Step on through.
RED
Let me find out.
GREEN
God damn it, Red. Get the fuck out of the way. This mother is heavy.
INT. BUNKER
Into a vast empty space. Bit of an echo to voices. Melanie pulls out her phone. She motions to the group.
MELANIE
A group photo. Go on, gather together on that platform.
White keeps up and Green drops Yellow to the chairs.
MELANIE
Use those chairs. This year’s team in the bullpen. There you go.
GREEN
You like me all hot and bothered.
MELANIE
Referees in back. Contestants up front. Bunch all together.
GREEN
Snap away, Darlin’.
RILEY
Red, why are you smiling? What do you know that I don’t?
RED
I know where we’re going.
MELANIE
Blue. Look this way. Perfect.
She sets the photo and clicks.
MELANIE
Gentlemen. Welcome to the show.
The PLATFORM STARTS TO RISE. Sound F/X, Industrial.
GREEN
We’re off to the fun house, Boys.
Yellow DRY HEAVES. White tries to aid him.
WHITE
Be calm, Mr. Yellow. Easy. Steady as she goes.
RED
Hey, Cowboy. Look at this. This place is endless.
RILEY
It goes on forever.
RED
You only see what’s underneath.
The platform RISES UP. A section of roof CRACKS OPEN. Metal CLANGS into place. A THUNDEROUS ROAR from above.
RILEY
That doesn’t sound good.
RED
They throw us in the deep end.
GREEN
Woo Hoo. Here we go. Game on.
STADIUM MUSIC grows on the mix. CROWD ALIVE.
INT. ARENA
Platform settles. Chainlink fence shakes. CROWD PASSION.
Sound mix: Loud Music, Crowd roar. Mimic a rock show. Add in F/X noises over synthe-pop techno.
A STADIUM VOICE thunders through the speakers.
STADIUM VOICE
Introducing. Tonight’s Referees. Your Judge and Jury. Upstanding citizens of this fine state.
INT. BULLPEN
Referees walk out of the enclosed pen. Gate swings closed behind them. They step across the floor to CHEERS.
RILEY
Grab that gate. Before it closes.
Gate closes. Riley grabs the mesh. It’s locked. He shakes it.
RED
You late for a date? Really. Where were you gonna go?
INT. ARENA
STADIUM VOICE
And as your Executioner. The woman of the hour. From her tower of power. Vegas’s own, Billi Rose.
BILLI ROSE, flashy and brash, works the crowd like a pro.
BILLI ROSE
Welcome to fabulous Sin City. And the Golden Spike hotel and casino main event. Are you ready? I can’t hear you. Players. Hear us roar.
Crowd responds. Sound F/X grows like a wave.
BILLI ROSE
No expense spared tonight. We are global. Contestants have arrived from across the world. They’ve come all this way. To be here. For you.
She saunters over to a Craps table.
BILLI ROSE
Here we have a casino craps table. Regulation height and length, of course. A precision dice shooter.
Billi rolls the die. It bounces down the table. S f/x
BILLI ROSE
Did you see that bounce. Green felt just turns me on. We are ready to roll. First, our contestants will try their luck at the table.
She works her way to the end of the table, to a chair.
BILLI ROSE
And then they try their luck in the chair. You see the straps, I see the straps. You know what’s coming.
Crowd responds. Billi goes solemn.
BILLI ROSE
Some can take it. I give them that. They go stand up. All the way. But others. More than a few, I’m afraid. Need an incentive.
She pulls a revolver from under her jacket.
BILLI ROSE
This is what I have for you today. .357, six-shooter, Magnum revolver. Straight out the Wild West. Oh yeah, I’ve got some tricks for you.
She does gun tricks. Audience responds.
BILLI ROSE
Rose by any other name. With a few tricks up my sleeve. You know it.
She snaps open the chamber.
BILLI ROSE
One contestant. One bullet. One die. What will fortune dictate? Put that money down. Ladies and Gentlemen. It is betting time.
She slides the cartridge home, snaps it closed; and spins.
STADIUM VOICE
Round One.
INT. BULLPEN
REFEREE
Yellow.
RED
He’s out cold.
WHITE
Let me help.
REFEREE
Sit down.
Referees grab Yellow; drag him out of the pen. He’s GROGGY.
GREEN
Easy. Can’t you see he’s fucked up.
INT. STEEL CAGE
Referees throw Yellow onto the table.
BILLI ROSE
Hells-bells, Son. You look like death warmed over. You ask me, I’m doing you a favor.
Yellow grunts back as he lifts himself up.
BILLI ROSE
Roll the die.
Yellow stares at the felt. He picks up the red die. And casts it down the length of the table. It tumbles to a halt.
STADIUM VOICE
Yellow. Three.
BILLI ROSE
And we’re off. Clocks are running. (to Yellow) Do you wish to be strapped down?
YELLOW
More. You said. You promised. I play; I get it. And I want more. I NEED IT. Now. Right now.
BILLI ROSE
(to Referees) Throw his ass in the chair. You believe this? Some big-shot whale, brings this weak shit to the game. That’s not right. Downright disrespectful.
Referees rough-house Yellow into the chair.
Clock runs out with a BUZZER.
BILLI ROSE
That’s my cue. Post time.
Rose aims the revolver. She counts. Crowd overwhelms her.
CROWD / ROSE
ONE
(dry click)
TWO
(dry click)
THREE.
A DRY CLICK. CHEERS overpowered by BOOS.
BILLI ROSE
My lucky junkie. Onward and upward.
Yellow slumps to the floor in a withdrawal spasm. Rose gives him a swift kick to the guts. Crowd LAUGHTER.
Referees drag Yellow out of the cage.
STADIUM VOICE
Winner. 3. Alive. Yellow advances
A clean ‘DING’ on the sound mix.
INT. BULLPEN
Yellow babbles at the Referees as they bring him inside.
YELLOW
I did it. You told me to do this and I did. I’m done. Give it to me. Now. I want more. Right now.
Green shoves Referee away. White helps him to a seat.
GREEN
Yeah. On a three. Kick-ass, Mellow.
WHITE
Nice job. You did good. Very good.
Red turns to Riley. He stays frozen in his chair.
RED
How about now? You believe it yet?
RILEY
I’m getting there.
Green takes a deep breath and claps White on the back.
GREEN
Save my spot, Elvis. I got this. Boys. I’ll only be gone a minute.
Green shoves aside Referees and strides for the cage.
GREEN
Money in the bank. Get the fuck out of my way, Apes. Got places to be.
INT. STEEL CAGE
Green at the table. Grabs the die. Leers at Rose.
BILLI ROSE
Roll the die.
GREEN
You wanna blow on something for me, Baby? Uh huh. Yeah. Here we go. That hard rain. Is gonna fall.
STADIUM VOICE
Green. Two.
Green does a VICTORY DANCE. He soaks in the shower of love and anger from the crowd. He takes a casual seat.
GREEN
That’s how you play the game. Don’t you just love it. Hey. That’s it. You’re like, Ms. Wayne Newton. Get it snappin’ Pussy Newton. Let’s go.
Rose takes a fresh round and loads the revolver. Spins.
BUZZER.
Rose pulls the trigger. And the GUN GOES OFF.
Crowd quiet, until it tilts with CHEERS and WHISTLES. Rose pops open the chamber. The spent shell falls out.
Green’s body slumps to the ground. F/X, gory slide off chair.
BILLI ROSE
You. Do not advance.
A PENALTY BUZZER.
STADIUM VOICE
Winner. 2. Death. Green. Out.
(3) COVERALLS (o.s.) enter the cage with a stretcher and body bag. They attend to Green’s body.
BILLI ROSE
That’s always a nice moment. When the bet goes your way, on the first down of the day. May we have the next contestant, please.
INT. BULLPEN
YELLOW
Get me out of here. Get me out of here. Get me out of here. Get me--
Yellow REPEATEDLY BASHES his head into the fence-post. Until he falls to the floor in a daze.
WHITE
Did you know his name?
RILEY
Yeah. Good riddance.
RED
God damn it, Cowboy. That’s harsh.
RILEY
You can say the same thing about me. I don’t give a shit.
Referee opens the cage.
REFEREE
Blue.
RILEY
Don’t put your hands on me.
Riley walks out on his own.
INT. STEEL CAGE
REFEREE
Hey. Get over here.
Referee grabs Riley. Riley CLOCKS the Referee.
BILLI ROSE
Whoa. Blue has knocked his escort out. I don’t see him getting up.
Crowd REACTS. Crowd GOES WILD.
BILLI ROSE
Looks like we have a crowd favorite. That hasn’t happened it awhile. Give it up for Blue.
CROWD CHEERS. Riley stands at the end of the table. Crowd dies down. Sound f/x of die roll.
STADIUM VOICE
Blue. Four.
BILLI ROSE
(to Crowd) Seal the cage. We’re gonna have ourselves a little, free range.
Cage door closes sound f/x. Crowd CHEERS.
BILLI ROSE
(to Riley) Please. Move all you want. Utilize the space. Roam free. Climb up the side if you can. I’m a good aim. Hey. You mind if I say. You don’t look so good.
RILEY
I’m fine.
Rose loads the round into the chamber and spins.
BILLI ROSE
How ‘bout a joke? It’s a keeper. So this pissant in a blue body stocking walks into a bar--
An overhead BUZZER cuts through the wave of CAT-CALLS.
BILLI ROSE
Ooh. Another time. Duty calls. That’s it. Run rabbit, run.
CROWD
ONE
The DRY CLICK of an empty chamber. Sound F/X of CHEERS low on the mix. Rose turns to crowd.
BILLI ROSE
Who’s got the action? Your wagers are locked, but I’m not looking. Place those side bets. Here we go. Are you ready?
RILEY
Take your best shot. Here I stand.
Crowd THUNDERS BACK. Rose swings around and aims.
BILLI ROSE
Tag. You’re it.
CROWD
TWO
RED
(shouts out) Let’s go, Cowboy. You got this.
DRY CLICK. Increase CROWD APPLAUSE on mix.
CROWD
THREE
Rose pulls the trigger. CLICK.
Mixture of CHEERS / JEERS rain from the rafters.
BILLI ROSE
I hear you. Right there with you. Half the chamber gone. Three slots left, with just one more pull. One in three. Trust me, it’s in there. Here we go. Ohh. Face off.
RED
(worked up) Wooo. Ride it out.
She pulls the trigger. CLICK.
STADIUM VOICE
Winner. 4. Alive. Blue advances.
The cage door opens.
A quiet crowd GRUMBLES with anger. A CHORUS of ‘Fix’ turns into a STEADY CHANT that rattles around the arena.
BILLI ROSE
I hear you. Yes I do. Watch.
She pops opens the chamber; the round falls out to the floor.
BILLI ROSE
You sure are one Lucky-Ducky. You made it to the next round, Fan Boy.
Riley steps out under a rain of crowd FURY AND TAUNTS.
INT. BULLPEN
Riley heads inside.
WHITE
I prayed for you.
RILEY
I appreciate that, White.
REFEREE
Red. Red, let’s go.
RED
I hear ya’. Excuse me, Yellow. Don’t wanna step on ya’.
WHITE
Good luck out there.
RED
Keep it. I don’t need yours. My luck is all taken care of.
INT. STEEL CAGE
Red casually steps up to the table. Rose loads the round.
BILLI ROSE
Look like you’re out for a stroll. I love that. I really do.
Red tosses the die. It bounces down the length.
STADIUM VOICE
Red. Two.
RED
Ohh, that’s what I wanted to see. Come here, you little die. Yes, I could kiss you. (and he does)
Rose spins the chamber.
He tosses the die back on the table and turns for the chair.
RED
You’re gonna leave the chair like that? It’s covered in, gore. Come on. At least put something down.
BILLI ROSE
Are you talking to me?
RED
No. Not in that. You want to play. We do it right here. Face me.
BILLI ROSE
(to Referees) Customer support. Make this fool sit down in that chair, or feel free to cut him right in half.
RED
Bullshit. That would take all the fun out of it for you assholes.
The BUZZER goes off. Red stands his ground.
BILLI ROSE
Referees. Strap him in.
Referees DRAG HIM to the gore-streaked chair. A STRUGGLE between Red and Referees. They secure him in place.
INT. BULLPEN
White starts to panic.
WHITE
My chest. I can’t breathe. I can’t.
RILEY
Sure you can. One breath at a time.
Riley offers a comforting hand. White pushes it away. He claws at the neck of his coverall.
RILEY
Calm down. There you go. Breathe. Listen. We’ll make it. We will.
Yellow sprawled out on the floor. He laughs.
YELLOW
Why you lyin’ to him like that. Simple. We are all going to die.
INT. STEEL CAGE
Red burns in the gore-streaked seat. His arms secured tight.
Rose stands over him with the revolver in hand.
BILLI ROSE
There you go. All tucked in. Nice and comfortable. Can I get you anything else?... What? You gonna huff and puff, red-riding hood.
Red CRIES OUT. Rose aims and fires.
A DRY CLICK.
BILLI ROSE
Oh no. Not that one. No. Ooohhhh. Here it comes.
She pulls the trigger. A DRY CLICK.
STADIUM VOICE
Winner. 2. Alive. Red advances.
BILLI ROSE
Way to go. Aww, you don’t like being in that chair, huh. Allow me.
Red squirms. Rose shoves his head against the chair.
BILLI ROSE
Get that blood and shit all over you. Nice and wet. In your hair. There you go. On your clothes. Feel that? Ohh, we feel it. Yes, we do.
INT. BULLPEN
Red is shoved forward. He stumbles but picks himself up. He tears off his coverall. His neck and hair matted with gore.
RED
Get this off of me. Get it off.
RILEY
Hold on, Man. Stop squirming. Let me help. I got you.
Riley tries to use his sleeve but it doesn’t help much.
REFEREE
White.
RILEY
(to Referee) Hey. You. Gimme a towel. Something.
REFEREE
Shaddup. (beat) White.
White looks up from his seat in terror, throat hitches.
INT. STEEL CAGE
BILLI ROSE
I know how it’s going for me. What do you think so far? Are we having fun? I said, are we HAVING FUN?
Crowd ROARS BACK. Rose slides a cartridge home.
BILLI ROSE
Yes indeed-y. That’s what we want to hear. That’s why we are here. We give you. What you want.
White is brought in the cage. Rose looks up with a smile.
BILLI ROSE
Look at you. Shivering like a leaf. Step on up there and try your luck. Let’s see what you can do, Shakey.
STADIUM VOICE
White. One.
Rose spins. Referees bring White to the chair.
BILLI ROSE
Way to go. Hole in one. Wow. Do you ever look as pale as a ghost. You runnin’ a fever? Friend. I know how we can clear that right up.
BUZZER. Rose aims and pulls the trigger. A DRY CLICK.
BILLI ROSE
Nice and clean. Good to go, Old Boy. Doctor Rose says, take two pills and see me in the next round.
INT. ARENA
MUSIC swells and LIGHTS strobe up. Fireworks pop and whiz. Blasts of streamers fire in the air.
STADIUM VOICE
End of Round One. Yellow. Blue. Red. White. Advance to Round Two.
Fade out on the BELLS AND WHISTLES and ELECTRIC CROWD.
END OF EPISODE 04