Contestants fight to survive as Players howl for blood. The will to live isn’t enough if you don’t have luck on your side. Starring Joe Stevens, Kenneth Wayne Bradley, Shavonne Conroy, Heath Allyn, Michael L Garcia Jr, Mark Vassberg, June Griffin Garcia, Nerinda Pennington, Tony Bartys, Cadyn Quinn, with Arwen Tedhams and John Hall
INT. SKY BOX
Soothing MUZAK. CROWD dinned through glass. Glasses clink.
ARUBA SPONSOR
You’ve lost your touch, Steven.
STEVEN
In the short term. I’m not worried.
ARUBA SPONSOR
You’re not winning either. After that round, I’m up again. And Blue? Poor wager. How much do you owe us?
STEVEN
Choke on it, Michelle.
ARUBA SPONSOR
Ooo, I just love a sore loser.
Muted Crowd CHEER mixed with FIREWORKS Sound f/x.
BRAZIL SPONSOR
The show begins. Quite a spectacle. Look. They drive into the arena.
IRISH SPONSOR
It’s a Shark Limo. Check out the fool on the back. Waving his arms about like he’s on a gay float.
ARUBA SPONSOR
Wait. Is that Carter? Yes, it is.
BRAZIL SPONSOR
Mr. Nix does put on a good show.
IRISH SPONSOR
Fuckin’ deadly.
Brazil and Irish clink glasses. A beat. Soothing MUZAK.
STEVEN
Ms. Banks. Can I get you anything? A glass of champagne perhaps?
BRYNN
You offer a complimentary beverage to everyone you take captive?
STEVEN
Only the special ones. Like you. You can have anything you desire.
BRYNN
Stop talking to me.
STEVEN
Think of it. And it’s yours.
BRYNN
I’m not playing. You hear me. Then understand. You don’t get to play your stupid little games with me.
STEVEN
You should be proud of your husband. He’s doing quite well. Frankly, better than I expected. He’s costing me money.
BRYNN
Good. Hope it costs you everything. Your money. Your life. Every-thing.
STEVEN
Be true to your school, Ms. Banks. Support the home team, rah rah rah.
BRYNN
Fuck you.
STEVEN
When Riley loses. And he will--
BRYNN
No. You don’t say that. He’ll win.
STEVEN
When he goes down. The second his life blinks away. You belong to me.
She spits on him. He chuckles as he wipes it away.
STEVEN
I don’t expect you to comprehend what all that entails, until it’s actually happening. I look forward to you finding out. Cheers.
INT. BUNKER
The floor drops away. It sinks into the bunker below.
MELANIE
Return of the conquering heroes. Very well played, Gentlemen.
The lift settles. Red strides forward.
MELANIE
Outstanding. One and all. If we could gather inside the suite.
RED
Get the fuck out of my way. It’s in my hair. Christ. I want it off.
MELANIE
Some soldiers didn’t make it back. There’s no reason to be upset.
YELLOW
I’m real shaky. Don’t feel so good.
MELANIE
Uh huh. You have a present waiting. Every tool you need. Topped off with a little taste. Just for you.
YELLOW
Ohh, just for me. Junky Christmas.
MELANIE
Blue. White. This way. Please.
INT. HIGH ROLLER SUITE
WHITE
No. I won’t. Go back. I am sorry. But I can’t. I won’t continue.
MELANIE
Now push that stage fright aside.
RILEY
I’ve got this. Will you just...Leave him alone.
WHITE
(mantra, to himself) My wife is Angelita. Angelita Gimenez. We met in 1988. Our daughter is Carmen Luna. She was born in Baja. She is 26 years old.
MELANIE
Now don’t you go all screw-loose. Nobody here is interested in your family tree.
RILEY
I said leave him alone. Just say your piece and get the hell out.
MELANIE
I feel the stress. Forget the hat. For Round Two. We shall go, Blue, White, Yellow. And Red. Objections? Great. Keep up that energy level.
Melanie goes through the bunker door and seals it.
YELLOW
Oh Baby. That’s the sweet stuff.
Yellow sinks into the couch as the skag hits. White on a PANIC, he moves for the doors. He stops and SOBS.
WHITE
We have to get out of here.
RILEY
You run and they’ll kill you. And that is a sure bet in this game. You stay and the odds are against you but at least you have a prayer.
WHITE
Help me. You have to help me. I’m doing this for my family. For them. I know. But I can’t. Do that again.
A KNOCK at the front door. Followed by ANOTHER.
RILEY
Go away. Will you just, FUCK OFF.
The door opens. Steven peeks inside. His smile grows.
STEVEN
Wow. I gotta hand it to you, Dad. Pure magnificence out there.
RILEY
What do you want, Sunner.
STEVEN
I knew you had the juice. Some doubted us. But, boy howdy. You sure showed them. How you feelin’? Any inside info for the next round.
RILEY
You put me here. You son of a bitch. You better pray I don’t make it out of here alive. If I do, you’re a dead man walking. I will hunt you down and I will kill you.
Riley springs forward and THROTTLES HIM. THEY STRUGGLE.
STEVEN
Riley. You’re hurtin’ my feelings.
Riley FLINGS HIM against the drug table.
RILEY
You don’t get to walk away from me. Not until I have her back.
STEVEN
Jesus, Dad. I gave you my word. As long as you fulfill our agreement--
RILEY
How many times have you lied to me?
STEVEN
Christ. Just listen. Brynn is fine.
Steven pulls and COCKS A PISTOL.
STEVEN
That’s enough. Easy. We have a deal (beat) Think about it. Brynn in your spot. What do you guess her luck is like?
RILEY
I’m playing. Don’t hurt her. You got me. I’m right here, you fuck.
STEVEN
No worries. Not a bit. She’s good. She’s waiting for you to finish the game. Or the game to finish you.
Red and White step up on either side of Riley.
RED
I thought you threw the trash out.
WHITE
He did. I saw him do it.
RED
You heard him, garbage. Get lost.
Contestants close in on Steven. He keeps the gun out.
STEVEN
That’s a bit too close. Relax, Gentlemen. I’m leaving. Here I go. Riley. We have a contract. And you owe me two more rounds. Two.
RILEY
Remember what I said.
STEVEN
I’ve got money and reputation riding on you. Don’t let me down.
Steven slips out. Riley shuts the door tight. His HEAD THUDS against the wood. He hides his emotions but they spill out.
WHITE
I am sorry for your troubles. I know, it is not much to hear right now. But from my heart, it’s true.
RILEY
You walked into this, eyes open. How can you want any of this? What the hell are you all doing here?
RED
That’s funny. We could ask you the same question, Cowboy.
RILEY
Me? Easy. I’m here, because I have to be. I don’t have a choice. But maybe. Just fuckin’ maybe. I can jump through these hoops and get my wife and unborn child (chokes him up) If I do this. Crazy fucking thing. I can get our lives back.
Riley flings a rock glass across the suite. It shatters.
WHITE
I’m here because of pure stupidity. The Scorpion Loteria was impulsive. A snap decision made on a dinner date. I wanted to look brave for the wife. Strong. So I entered. And life went on. Until I actually won. They offer my family, more money than we would see in our lifetimes. As long as I freely put my life on the line. I must take this chance.
RED
Come on, Elvis. Pick your poison. Have a drink with us.
WHITE
Poison? I don’t. I don’t drink.
RED
You don’t, huh. That’s even better. (searches the shelves) Oooo. You’re in luck. Zafiro Anejo.
WHITE
I like the bottle. Pretty blue.
RILEY
Can I count on you?
RED
What’s that, Cowboy?
RILEY
Before they took her. Before this whole nightmare. It was the last thing she said to me. She was so ticked. I went and made her mad.
Riley knocks glasses over and drinks from the bottle.
RILEY
We’re gonna have a baby. Can you believe that? I’m not. I mean, she is. She’s going to have a baby. I could tell something was up with her. But I didn’t know. She wanted to tell me. Said everything but that. It’s just the way she is. I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl? It doesn’t matter. But I wonder.
RED
Sure are putting it away. Straight from the bottle. Hey. You keep it up like that and you’re gonna keel right on over, stone dead.
RILEY
Yeah? I hope so. I’ve got nothing. They have it. Everything that means anything to me. They’ve got it all. That’s why I’m here.
RED
You got your contract handy? I saw the Witchy Witch give it to you. Ahh, there it is. Did you read this? Look it over at all?
RILEY
Are you fuckin kidding? Don’t play with me. Not now. Just don’t do it.
RED
We’re nothing more than pieces on an obscene board. Disposable. Used by the rich. Powerful. I get that.
RILEY
The hell are you on about?
RED
A way out. You just gotta look in here. Escape, is in these pages.
RILEY
It’s their game, in their house, by their rules. How the fuck do you beat that?
RED
It can be done. Hey. It can. The house doesn’t always win. Seriously. Your contract. Read it.
RILEY
I will.
The heavy door to the bunker opens. Melanie peeks in.
MELANIE
Gentlemen. A two-minute warning. Please prepare yourselves.
WHITE
(a little tipsy) Red my good friend. You were right. This drink is something special. I need something to write with. I can’t find anything. Do you see?
RED
Told you it was good. I saw some pens; paper, over on that lounge.
WHITE
Gracias. Perfecto.
RILEY
My question. You never answered it. Come on, Red. Why are you here?
RED
I want to be. I studied this game. I have a history with it. This is year 9. Fifty-four contestants have entered Triple Six. Including us.
RILEY
You been here before? You said, history. How many made it out?
RED
Not including us. You don’t want to know....Three.
RILEY
Three? Christ. And you want this?
RED
Like I said. I’m a student.
RILEY
You don’t head into odds like this. Not without something. An edge.
REFEREE
(to the room) Let’s go. Get up. Get out. Now.
RED
They’re playing our tune, Cowboy.
RILEY
What’s your trick, Red. Talk to me.
REFEREE
Drag this drug fool on out of here.
YELLOW
No. Get off. Off. Skag is a drift. I want to fall. Give me more. More.
Referees PUMMEL Yellow and shut him up.
MELANIE
Don’t hurt him. Too much. My gentle friends. This way. Yes. It is time.
WHITE
I only need a little bit longer. I’m almost finished. This letter. It goes to my family. If I--
MELANIE
--Please, gather on the platform.
RED
We heard you the first time, Witch.
RILEY
Red. Stop bull-shittin’ me. You’re as much of a student as that Yellow guy is sober. Come on. Please. How’d you learn to beat the odds?
RED
You ask a lot of questions, Cowboy. (beat) I have a problem. I plan to fix it.
RILEY
What kinda nothing answer is that?
INT. BUNKER
MELANIE
The clock is ticking. This way, Gentlemen. First up, is Blue.
RED
Are you sure you want to know?
RILEY
Yeah. I do. I wanna know.
RED
I lost someone I loved. Like you.
RILEY
That’s not telling me anything.
RED
You don’t believe me? Maybe I’m running from debt I can’t ignore.
Pistons pop and wheeze as the platform starts to rise.
YELLOW
You know what I did? I killed a kid in cold blood. At a steak-house. Me. I did that. Yep. Sure did.
RILEY
You’re bragging about it?
RED
Christ. That’s horrible. Pure evil. (to Riley) Hey, Cowboy. Ask Evil-Ed here. Maybe he’s got a way out.
RILEY
I’m not talking to that scum.
YELLOW
Yep. I do. Got a way out. Front door. And there’s me. Walkin. Out.
WHITE
Can you hold the door open for us.
RED
That’s the spirit. Head held high.
Metal plates in the ceiling clank open. ROAR of the crowd.
RILEY
I don’t buy it. You’re doing this for money? No. It’s something else.
RED
What’s it even matter anymore? Here we are. All of us. Right now.
RILEY
You have a way out. I know you do. I can see it on you. Tell me.
RED
Got no idea what you’re seeing. Sounds like, wishful thinking.
INT. BULLPEN
The platform locks into place. A RAUCOUS CROWD dominates.
STADIUM VOICE
Round Two.
RED
The Grim Reaper. He’s right there. In that voice. The screaming crowd. Just waitin’ for us. But I know how to cheat the bastard. That’s what I do. And here I am. To do it again.
RILEY
How do you cheat death?
Referee UNLOCKS and opens the bullpen gate.
REFEREE
Blue. Get your ass on up.
RED
I’ll tell ya’. When you get back.
INT. STEEL CAGE
Referees shove Riley up to the table.
BILLI ROSE
Our tough-guy returns. There was a lot of action on you tapping out.
RILEY
Real fuckin’ sorry to disappoint.
BILLI ROSE
Mounds of money wants to see little Wifey strapped into that chair. Only fair that she gets a turn.
REFEREE
Pick up the die.
RILEY
Touch me again, and I’ll kill ya.
BILLI ROSE
Gonna choke? Please do. We can get her down here in a jiffy. And I’ll even let you live, long enough to see how she does. How ‘bout that?
RILEY
Screw you, Bitch. How ‘bout that?
BILLI ROSE
Feisty. It suits you.
STADIUM VOICE
Blue. Two.
BILLI ROSE
Husband of the year, right here. Would you care to be strapped down? No. You’re not going anywhere.
BUZZER. She pulls the trigger fast. TWO DRY CLICKS.
BILLI ROSE
Way to play. You’re in the finals.
Crowd RAINS DOWN CHEERS and BOOS.
INT. BULLPEN
WHITE
This letter. Is for my family. Will you hold it. Just in case I don’t..
RED
I’ll keep it safe. And give it right back to you. I promise.
REFEREE
Stop moaning. Get inside, Blue.
RILEY
Fuck you. Big man with a gun.
YELLOW
Yeah, Big Man. (mimic machine gun)
REFEREE 2
White. Let’s go.
RED
Don’t worry, Elvis. You got this.
INT. STEEL CAGE
White casts the die down the stretch.
STADIUM VOICE
White. Six.
SIRENS WAIL. Lights strobe. Rose gives White a hug.
BILLI ROSE
Awww, yes. Hells to the bells. That’s what we wanted to see.
White in a PANIC, tries to bolt. Cage door closes.
BILLI ROSE
A six. We’ve got a six. And you know what that means. Bonus round.
WHITE
Please. I can’t do this. Let me go.
BILLI ROSE
Guess the kill shot. And on top of your winnings, you’ll receive an all-expense weekend, for two, right here at the Golden Spike. Courtesy of our generous hosts. Referees. Would you please. Strap him down.
White BLUBBERS and SHAKES as they secure him to the chair.
BILLI ROSE
That’s it. Turn on the waterworks.
Crowd RUMBLES. White CRIES OUT. BUZZER sounds.
BILLI ROSE
Vaya con Dios, Amigo. I’ll make this quick.
CROWD
ONE
Click.
CROWD
TWO
Click.
CROWD
THREE
Click.
CROWD
FOUR
The GUN GOES OFF. Sporadic SHOUTS of joy. WHISTLES.
BILLI ROSE
Four. The kill shot was four. Much congratulations and some bonus gift certificates for all our winners.
INT. BULLPEN
RED
I’ll get this letter to his people.
RILEY
How does that happen? We have to get out. You hear me. We have to.
RED
Yeah, I hear you. And we will.
RILEY
Then just fuckin’ tell me.
RED
You’re in the finals. Doing fine on your own. Why do you need my help?
REFEREE
Yellow.
YELLOW
I want more. I’ll do it. I will. But gimme some more first. Just a little taste. On the tongue. Tip.
REFEREE 2
Get up. (beat) Move it.
YELLOW
Hotel Lady. A ff-fucking present? This shit she gave me, wasn’t shit. I want more. I am talking to you, Mister. Figure it out. Gimme more.
REFEREE
Shaddup. Shut the fuck up.
Referees prod him from the pen.
RED
Cowboy. Listen carefully. But don’t make it obvious. Now look down at the palm of my left hand. See it.
RILEY
Fuck me. Are you kidding?
RED
You catch on quick.
RILEY
A loaded die. Damn.
RED
My ticket to a low ride.
RILEY
How low?
RED
Get’s ya a one or two. Every time.
INT. STEEL CAGE
YELLOW
If I play. I get it. Okay, I can do that. Here I go. Play the game.
STADIUM VOICE
Yellow. Three.
Yellow moves fast to sit, fists clenched, head rocks.
YELLOW
Go, go. Give it to me...(repeat)
BILLI ROSE
Ooo, I can’t wait. I’ll give it to you so good, Burn-out.
INT. BULLPEN
RILEY
You’re still taking a chance.
RED
No one said it was gonna be easy.
RILEY
Cheat the house. Son of a bitch.
RED
I’ve been called worse.
They share a slight laugh. It fades to quiet.
RILEY
Got any room left on that ticket?
RED
It’s risk enough that I’m using it.
RILEY
Only for one round. We go back to back. Come on. We can make it work.
RED
Make me an offer.
RILEY
I’ll give you a million dollars.
RED
That’s not an offer. What you’ll give me is half your purse.
RILEY
Done. It’s a deal.
INT. STEEL CAGE
BUZZER. Rose aims and fires. THREE DRY CLICKS.
BILLI ROSE
Awww. I’m so sorry, Needles. Better luck next time.
YELLOW
I played. I did. Now give it TO ME.
Yellow LEAPS for Rose. Rose looks disgusted. Referees drag him out of the cage. Yellow HOWLS AND STRUGGLES.
BILLI ROSE
Gah. Just an unpleasant waste. Will the next contestant. Come on down.
INT. BULLPEN
RED
That’s me. I’m up. You already made it through, Cowboy. You got this.
RILEY
So will you. Then we got one more.
Referees drag Yellow inside. He KICKS AND SCREAMS.
REFEREE
Shaddup, Junkie. Red...Red.
RILEY
So this is a square deal, this Triple Six. We win, we walk.
RED
Like the kid-killer said. With all the money. Through the front door.
INT. STEEL CAGE
Red walks up to the table. Picks up the die. Shakes.
BILLI ROSE
Hold it, Slick. I have’ta tell ya. I’ve gotta itch. To scratch. Refs.
RED
Hey. Hands off. Stay away from me.
BILLI ROSE
Fool me once. Shame on you. After your last roll. You stopped. And picked up the die. Now, you can fleece these sheep. That’s why they’re here. But try and put one over on me? Yeah, I don’t think so.
REFEREE
Open the hand. Or we break it.
RED
Steady there, Chief. You got me.
BILLI ROSE
A pair of dice, huh. Tough to tell the fake. You bring this into my house? Can’t walk away from that.
RED
Even if I ask real nice.
A quick audio mix, car alarm annoying. CROWD reactions.
STADIUM VOICE
Cheat (drum) Cheat (drum) Cheat
BILLI ROSE
You’ve got a pair of dice. And you’re gonna roll them. Both.
RED
You still wanna play. Huh.
BILLI ROSE
Roll your fake one.
STADIUM VOICE
Red. One.
BILLI ROSE
Now the real one.
STADIUM VOICE
Red. Four.
BILLI ROSE
Cheating is a death penalty offence around here. Listen to that crowd. (to Crowd) With a total of Five. Live or die. He’s done. Referees. Strap him in.
Rose slides in the round. Closes the chamber, and spins.
RED
Let’s play, Billi.
Red SPRINGS FOR Rose. They STRUGGLE.
RED
Gimme that gun.
Rose DRY FIRES TWO rounds. Red takes the gun from her.
RED
Stay back. Or she gets it. I swear.
BUZZER. Red has Rose. His hand has the gun to Rose’s temple.
REFEREE
He’s got her gun. Pointing it at her.
REFEREE 2
I can’t get a clean shot.
BILLI ROSE
Wait. Be smart. Put the weapon down.
RED
Not one more word. Not one.
Arena RUMBLES quiet.
Carter Nix carefully steps in the cage.
NIX
Sir. Please. Take it slow. See. My palms are out. I am unarmed. I assure you. Everything is fine. No harm will be brought onto you.
RED
Right. This is game over. You hear me. Unlock the pen. Let them out.
NIX
Open it up. Set them free. Do it.
REFEREE
Yes, Sir.
BILLI ROSE
Just stop it. There’s no way out.
RED
Oh yeah? Here. Scratch this itch.
Red pulls the trigger. A DRY CLICK. Rose clams up.
NIX
As you can see. Your friends are free. Now. Release Madam Rose.
RED
No. Now. We play by my rules. We all walk out of here. Get back.
Red DRY FIRES another round. Nix barks the command.
NIX
Take him.
Referee FIRES A BURST. Crowd GASPS.
REFEREE
Red is down. And out.
NIX
You stupid fool. Billi’s been hit. Wait. She’s breathing. Stretcher. Help. We need help. Over here.
Riley and Yellow head into the cage. Riley goes for Red.
RILEY
Aww, God-damn it, Red. No.
MELANIE
What a mess. Sorry to say. I guess we’ll see you all again next year.
RILEY
Next year? You gotta be--
MELANIE
Blame it on your dead Red friend. Your contract was not fulfilled.
RILEY
I don’t know about that.
MELANIE
You and Yellow carry over. Tough break yes. But those are the rules. Can someone get me a microphone.
YELLOW
I can play, all the live-long day. Keep me happy. I’ll keep you happy. Fair and square. Deal that deal.
RILEY
(solemn) Red. I know how to get out of here. If I’m wrong. I’ll see you soon.
MELANIE
(to Crowd) Settle down. Calm. Please. Calm.
RILEY
Yellow. Did you really shoot a child?
YELLOW
No. I didn’t shoot her. I cut her throat. She wriggled like a fish.
Riley AIMS AT YELLOW. And fires. CLICK. Fires. GUN GOES OFF.
MELANIE
Oh my God. Why did you shoot him?
REFEREE
Yellow is down. He’s gone.
NIX
You just violated his contract.
RILEY
Did I mess with your freak show? What? You win or lose on Blue? Well guess what. Blue just fucked you.
Crowd TURNS UGLY.
Sponsors all gather at the closed cage door.
STEVEN
Open up. Open this God-damned gate.
NIX
Go ahead. Let them in.
RILEY
Hey. It’s my Sponsor, Steven. And his douche-bag foreign friends.
STEVEN
Have you gone completely mad?
RILEY
Mental. Mr. Vegas. What’s the odds on dragging you to hell with me?
STEVEN
Do you realize what you just did?
RILEY
Uh huh. I put you in the game. Tough break, but rules and shit.
NIX
Referees. Please intervene. Leave the contestant alone, Mr. Sunner.
STEVEN
What? You’ve gotta be kidding me?
MELANIE
(to Crowd)
All official results not including Red Man are valid. All bets on Red Man. Are disqualified. No payout. (ANGRY Crowd) The Golden Spike apologizes for this unfortunate event. (BOOS)
STEVEN
I don’t believe we need the muscle, Carter. Nix. What are you doing?
NIX
Problems galore. Contestant Red. Ms. Inez. Is the Lampiao Clan aware that cheating is a death sentence.
BRAZIL SPONSOR
There’s no need to explain anything to us. I’m shocked as anyone this marker was a cheat. I had no idea.
IRISH SPONSOR
Just where are you getting your supply from these days, Maria?
BRAZIL SPONSOR
You can not blame me for this.
NIX
We can. The question is. Will we?
IRISH SPONSOR
Sorry, Girl. Thumbs down.
MACAU SPONSOR
Thumbs up.
ARUBA SPONSOR
It wasn’t her fault. Up.
NIX
Steven, no vote. My vote. Life. Majority rule. Congratulations. However, damage incurred. For Red. I require a percentage.
BRAZIL SPONSOR
How much of a percentage? A single digit one? No. Okay. Teens. Low.
NIX
Low. Deal. Seal it with a shake.
IRISH SPONSOR
No hard feelings there, Love.
BRAZIL SPONSOR
(she BELTS HIM) Arrombado, pau no seu cu. Idiota.
NIX
I’m afraid Yellow is unable to continue. Due to contestant interference. And the fault here lies with Mr. Sunner. Mevrouw De Vries. You were the harmed party. How would you care to resolve this?
RILEY
Let me take him on. In a duel. Just Steven and me. We settle this. Right here. Right now.
NIX
Can anyone control this contestant?
ARUBA SPONSOR
You know. I actually like his idea.
STEVEN
Michelle. Don’t listen to these fools. We go back a long ways.
ARUBA SPONSOR
You’re a dear friend. But this is business. Mr. Nix. Code of Honor.
RILEY
(to Crowd) Let’s play. Let’s play. Let’s play.
A CHORUS of ‘Let’s Play’ GROWS and THUNDERS in the arena.
RILEY
The crowd seems to agree with me.
MELANIE
They just want to see your brains splattered on the ground.
STEVEN
Carter. No. You can’t be serious?
NIX
Customers. They’re always right. (into microphone) Let them play.
RILEY
Steven. Game on, asshole.
INT. ARENA
An anxious and excited crowd bubbles in the stands.
STADIUM VOICE
Round Three.
INT. STEEL CAGE
NIX
Gentlemen. It’s an affair of honor. A duel. You must remain at opposite ends of the craps table. You each have one revolver. Loaded with one shot. You aim and fire, point blank at your opponent. One shot each. Until one of you goes down.
Referees CHAMBER ASSAULT RIFLES.
NIX
If you deviate from the rules. A Referee will intervene. Referees. Place the barrel of your guns to the back of their heads. Now. The duel begins. Blue. (FLIPS a silver dollar) Call it.
RILEY
Tails.
NIX
It is your honour.
RILEY
Steven. It’s gonna be me. I’m the one who’s gonna kill you. Die.
Riley pulls the trigger. CLICK.
STEVEN
I’m still here. Right here. Scared?
Steven pulls the trigger. CLICK.
RILEY
I left my fear out there on your tightrope. I don’t feel scared anymore. This isn’t the first time I’ve had a gun pointed at me today. What about you? No answer?
Riley pulls the trigger. CLICK.
RILEY
That’s too damned bad. You’re up.
STEVEN
Good-bye, Riley.
Steven pulls the trigger. CLICK.
STEVEN
Take the shot. Just TAKE IT.
Riley pulls the trigger. CLICK. Steven LAUGHS.
STEVEN
I beat you. I beat YOU. This is it.
RILEY
Pull the trigger and find out.
STEVEN
Oohhh. I got you. Mr. Lucky.
Steven pulls the trigger. CLICK.
RILEY
I got lucky. Any last words?
STEVEN
You’re nobody. You’re worse than that. You’re a pathetic waste of--
Riley pulls the trigger. GUN GOES OFF. Silent Crowd CHEERS.
STADIUM VOICE
Triple Six. Winner. Blue Man.
MELANIE
Close the gate.
Melanie swings the gate closed. Riley stops at the fence.
RILEY
I won. You got nothing more on me.
MELANIE
We have everything on you. We keep tabs on our investments. Sometimes we’re easy to spot. Most times not. If we need you. Or your family. We’ll simply take you.
RILEY
Uh huh. This letter is from White. Make sure you get it to his wife.
MELANIE
I’m happy we understand each other. You know. Some come running back. They get a taste. Can’t stay away. You’ll be back.
RILEY
Wanna bet. Open the fuckin’ gate.
INT. ARENA
Mix of CHEERS and BOOS rain down.
BRYNN
Riley. It’s you. It’s really you.
RILEY
Brynn? Oh my God, Brynn.
He SOBS and embraces his wife. They hold each other.
RILEY
We’re finished. It’s all done.
BRYNN
You’re here. Safe. Don’t let go.
RILEY
Never. I never will. Let’s go home.
KELLER
Congratulations, Riley. I’m sure you wouldn’t believe me if I said I knew you had it in you.
RILEY
You’re right. I don’t.
KELLER
You are six-million dollars richer. The entirety of your funds will be wired to a Swiss account in your name. I have your pass codes--
RILEY
Just get us out of here.
KELLER
Of course. This way. Please. It was a pleasure to watch you work, Sir.
Arena CROWD fades into the DRONE of an airplane.
INT. PLANE
CABIN CREW
(DING) The Captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign. We are crossing a zone of turbulence. Please remain in your seats.
Brynn and Riley cuddled together. They talk in hushed tones.
BRYNN
Are we gonna be all right?
RILEY
Yeah, it’s nothing. Just some air pockets. We go right through them.
BRYNN
I mean us. Our family. After this.
RILEY
Don’t worry. We’re perfectly fine.
BRYNN
Do you think? These people. Will they come after us?
RILEY
They’ll never find us. Never again.
BRYNN
Can’t sleep. I want to but I can’t.
RILEY
I’m not going anywhere. Here. Turn this light off. Shh. Try and sleep.
They stay huddled in quiet. TURBULENCE shakes and shudders.
FLIGHT ATTENDENT
Hey. Very well played. I can’t wait to see you again next year, Blue.
RILEY
What? What did you just call me?
FLIGHT ATTENDENT
Sorry, Sir? You pressed your Flight Attendent button? Are you okay?
RILEY
Oh. Yes. We’re fine. It was an accident. Switched off the light.
FLIGHT ATTENDENT
Okay. Please keep your seat belt fastened until we’re through this.
RILEY
(to himself) We’ll get through this. We will.
The plane continues to SHUDDER and SHAKE.
Turbulance FADES OUT.
THE END
SPB -- APP / One 11 Productions