Low Spade in the Hole Act1

8/9/2019 Low Spade in the Hole Act1

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LOW SPADE IN THE HOLE

ByArthur Wei

Draft: April 2010


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L O W S P A D E I N T H E H O L E

ACT 1:

FADE IN:

[EXT. NIGHT. DECREPIT DOWNTOWN STREETS.]

Footsteps on wet concrete. Quick pace. And only getting quicker. One

foot methodically followed by another, trekking along the sidewalk as

the rain overhead pelts down on the dingy streets.

A MAN low hat, long coat, high collar hustles down the desolate

downtown sidewalk. He holds his hands in his pockets, hunching his

shoulders, keeping his head down, shielding himself from the rain.

This man is DEUCES.

DEUCES nears a common-looking building along the sidewalk,

indistinguishable from the adjacent rows of identical buildings.Swiftly, he jogs up the stairs to the door and enters.

[INT. NIGHT. HALLWAY.]

DEUCES walks down the dark hallway, sparse lights overhead guiding his

footsteps. He stops at a door and pulls out a short, GOLD KEY. He

inserts the key, jostles the door handle, and hurriedly opens the

door.

[INT. NIGHT. APARTMENT ROOM.]

DEUCES enters the dark room, shrugging off the rain, taking off his

hat and coat. He casually reaches for the light switch by the door. He

toggles it. Toggles it again. No lights.

A voice:

(O.S.)

Anthony Deuces Armone.

DEUCES jerks around in the darkness, surprised at the sound of this

name.

Suddenly, a lone light ignites from the shadows, searing through thepetty apartment, casting long eerie shadows around the walls.

A MAN, clad in a black trench coat, sits at the kitchen table, his

face half hidden in the shadows. One gloved hand rests on the table

a silenced pistol sits under the hand, pointed directly at DEUCES.


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DEUCES:

Yous back in town?

THE MAN nods, slightly.

DEUCES breathes a sigh, not surprised, as if expecting this. He

casually pulls out a pack of cigarettes from his coat and offers oneto THE MAN.

THE MAN shakes his head, no.

DEUCES grabs himself a cigarette and puts the pack back in his coat.

He flicks open a lighter and amidst the flame, DEUCES face is

illuminated for just an instant, quivering between light and dark as

the flame flickers two parallel, jagged SCARS run down across his

nose and face, remnants of a past life.

DEUCES takes a few drags of the cigarette, savoring the smoke,

unhurried and calm. He nonchalantly plops down on the nearby couch,facing THE MAN.

THE MAN eyes Anthonys every move, sitting motionless, hand on gun.

DEUCES:

Always wondered who hed send todo me It gets to a man

yknow all dat double-crossing secrets only stay secret

for so long

DEUCES takes a long drag, calm, as if talking to a friend. THE MAN

sits motionless.

DEUCES:

But I guess I dont gotta worry no more, do I?

DEUCES takes another long drag, slowly burning the cigarette.

Suddenly, as swift as the last words landing, DEUCES unveils a pair of

silenced PISTOLS from the couch cushions behind his back.

He points the metal barrels straight at THE MAN, unflinching. Beat.

THE MAN coolly looks down the twin barrels in DEUCES hands,

motionless. A smirk spread across DEUCES face.

DEUCES:

You never shoulda come back here. I changed. And Im notso ready to shake hands with death just yet.

MAN:

You have changed, Deuces. Youve gotten sloppy.

DEUCES smirk evaporates as the guns in his hands suddenly dont seem

as threatening. He pulls the triggers in both guns, knowing the

results CLICK CLICK. Empty.


4/29

THE MAN stands up at the table, calmly. His gloved hand unfolds,

dropping a handful of gold bullets on the tabletop. DEUCES sighs a

heavy sigh, taking the cigarette butt from his mouth as a look of

sadness washes over his eyes.

DEUCES:Yknow, one day your types wont be around no longer. And

yous gonna have to find a decent job like I did.

MAN:

I know what a decent job does to a man in this city.

But Im not so ready to shake hands with death just yet.

DEUCES:

You dont get it do you? You can try to ditch your past

but the past dont let the man go as easy

THE MAN:Duly noted.

DEUCES takes the cigarette out of his mouth, burnt down to the butt.

He holds the butt in his hand, examining it as if gazing upon the end

of his own life.

DEUCES:

Tell him I say thanks. And make it quick, will ya

Dealer?

Deuces flicks the cigarette butt into the air.

[C.U.] The smoky trail of the cigarette flutters through the darkness.

[C.U.] A gloved hand raises the pistol, swiftly.

[C.U.] The cigarette butt falls to the wooden floor, flinging a puff

of red-hot ash into the air.

[C.U.] A metallic echo resonates through the small room as a bullet

tears through DEUCES head, unleashing an explosion of dull red blood

onto the wall behind him.

[C.U.] The cigarette butt bounces against the floor, unleashing

another puff of ash into the air.

[C.U.] Another bullet tears through DEUCES head, a grisly splatter of

blood stains the wall again.

[C.U.] The cigarette butt comes to a stop on the floor, the red ash

finally settling on the floor.


5/29

DEUCES body reverberates from the force of bullets tearing through

flesh, grisly bullet holes where his two eyes once were, blood flowing

down his face like tears.

THE MAN swiftly holsters the gun in his jacket, almost mechanic. He

grabs a phone from his jacket. The line connects.

MAN:

Its done. (Beat) Deuces says Thanks.

THE MAN hangs up and, careful to avoid the pooling blood on the

ground, walks to the front door. THE MAN stops in the doorway, half in

shadow, never revealing his face. He reaches into DEUCES coat pocket

on the hangar and retrieves the GOLD KEY and the pack of smokes. He

turns to the lifeless body, gazing at his handiwork, shadows filling

the voids where his eyes should be. Beat. His face is pure darkness

no emotion, no features, no life.

The door closes. DEUCES dead body lies awkwardly limp on the couch,the lone light on the kitchen table casting an eerie shadow on the

blood-stained wall behind him.

On the floor, at DEUCES dead feet, is an ordinary playing card an

ACE OF SPADES with a bullet hole torn through the center. THE DEALERs

CARD.

CUT TO:

[EXT. NIGHT. DOWNTOWN STREETS.]

THE MAN exits the decadent building and begins walking on the empty

sidewalk, keeping his head down in the pelting rain.

[V.O.]

Im the best at what I do. And what I do aint very nice. I was

born Alonzo Damiano. But my friends call me The Dealer.

ALONZO walks up to the drivers door of a random parked car. He

glances up and the down the block no soul in sight. He jostles the

car handle until it gives, opens the car door, and sits in the

drivers seat, calm and nonchalant.

[V.O.]

I use that term friends lightly. In my line of business,money flows freer than blood. And I get paid real well to

make friends.

ALONZO reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a RING OF KEYS,

dozens of jangling keys - long, short, silver, gold all looped on a

metal ring. He rings DEUCES GOLD KEY onto the ring of keys, now

indistinguishable from the others.


6/29

[V.O.]

Most people in this town dont know I exist. They know nothing of

my past, my business, my connections, or my employer.

He fingers through the keys and begins to try the car ignition, one

key after another. The car engine sputters and coughs. He swiftly

fingers through the variety of keys and keeps trying the engine untilfinally, the engine coughs to life. Tires screech as ALONZO drives off

into the night.

[V.O.]

And the few that do know me are either dead or wish they didnt.

Im alone. No baggage. No strings. No connections. Its why I do

what I do.

[EXT. NIGHT. HEART OF DOWNTOWN.]

Tires screech as ALONZOS car pulls up to a fancy downtown building -shimmering lights in the night, brightly lit. Giant granite pillars

guard the grand double-door entrance. A massive sculpted dcor hangs

overhead the doors, sculpted into the marble: AGOSTINA GRAND HOTEL.

[V.O.]

I left this town years ago. Left everything and everyone -

behind. But no matter how long its been, I still love The

Agostina just the same. Always have.

Alonzo steps out of the car. The nearby valet driver a young, skinny

kid barely out of his teens, no older than 16 walks over eagerly.

The regal hotel uniform loosely hangs off his meager frame. This is

FATS.

VALET:

Welcome back, sir. Its been a while.

Alonzo tosses him the keys to the car and breezes past him, ascending

the entrance stairs, never revealing his face.

ALONZO:

Not long enough Fats.

FATS:

(yelling after him)Business tonight?

ALONZO:

Just keep her safe.

FATS:

(eyeing the new car)

Yes sir.


7/29

[INT. HOTEL LOBBY. GRAND. SHIMMERING.]

Alonzo strolls through the grand entrance doors, trench coat

billowing, and raises his eyes to the bright hotel lobby the first

time his face is revealed.

Sharp features, crisply combed-back hair, clean shaven. His eyes

stern and intense dart back and forth, scanning the room as if

laying eyes on it for the first time in years. For all intents and

purposes, hes an ordinary man, blending into the crowd. No

distinguishing features. No identifying marks. And thats the point.

[V.O.]

Shes the only lady I need in my life. Private rooms, stiff

drinks, and the towns supply of dizzy dames. A place where

anythings for sale if you play your cards right.

A shimmering chandelier drapes overhead. Marble pillars support the

intricate roof. Bustling bellboys push carts back and forth as

visitors stroll in fancy night gowns and sharp suits. In the far wall

is a line of elevators old, golden, polished doors open and close.

Alonzo makes his way through the lobby crowd to the elevators. He

enters the empty elevator at the far end of the lobby.

He turns around in the elevator as a couple approaches, tipsy from the

nights excursions. Alonzo shakes his head slightly, staring a hole

through the couple. They stop in their tracks, intimidated, their

drunken giggles ceasing.

The elevator doors close on Alonzo.

[V.O.]

But tonight, I dont come here for whats on the menu.

[INT. ELEVATOR.]

Inside the elevator, alone, Alonzo opens a compartment in the wall

disguised as a rich mahogany wood panel. He pulls out his ring of

keys, picks a short silver one, and inserts the key into the wall. The

elevator jolts and begins to move, the lights overhead still

indicating L for LOBBY.

[V.O.]

I dont mix business with pleasure. And tonight, its all

business.


8/29

[INT. UNKNOWN HOTEL FLOOR. HALLWAY. DIM.]

The elevator doors open and Alonzo steps out into a softly-lit

hallway. Overhanging lights shine soft halos of light on the dark

carpet, guiding his footsteps to the only door at the end of the

hallway. He walks down the corridor decorated in elegant wood panels.

[V.O.]

Her secrets remind me of my own. All those lonely nights years

ago, when Id step foot in here for all the wrong reasons.

At the door, Alonzo slides open a nearby wall panel to reveal a keypad

and a key-hole. He enters another key and types in a pin. Immediately,

the wooden door begins sliding open with a heavy metallic moan.

[V.O.]

Hed give me names. A place. And a time. A complete schedule for

the end of a mans life, written out on little sheets of paper.

And Id give him blood. No questions asked. Its how we used todo it. Its how its always been done.

[INT. THE VAULT.]

He enters the room as harsh fluorescent lights flicker on overhead,

illuminating the small room and the bits of dust wafting through the

air, remnants of a past forgotten.

Bright lights shine against the far wall a polished metal wall of

various PISTOLS and attachments silencers, cartridges, holsters,

etc. Various photos are pinned on the opposite wall men in trench

coats, smoking, talking on the phone, eating, all shot from far away

in a long lens DECEASED stamped across the top of the board.

Alonzo walks over to the gun wall, takes out the pistol from his coat

pocket and replaces it on a vacant spot on the wall. He grabs a new

silenced pistol. Beat. He grabs another identical one and pockets that

one too.

[V.O.]

And its how its still done. All these years later, he still

runs this town like I remember.

Alonzo walks over to the DECEASED wall and pins a photo of Deuces onthe wall.

In the middle of the room, a sole table sits under a bright light a

spotless black granite top except for a plain BLACK SUITCASE with a

plainWHITE ENVELOPE on top.


9/29

[V.O.]

One last job. Thats what he called it. Five hits. No more. No

less. A limited engagement. And as he knows, I cant say no. I

came back not because I wanted to, but because I owe it to him. I

came back not by choice, but by circumstance.

Alonzo picks up the envelope, printed on it: THE DEALER. He opens it.Inside is a printed note:

SALVATORE THE BULL BATTISTA.

503 3rd STREET.

TOMORROW. 11pm.

-THE EMPLOYER

Behind the note is a picture of The Bull shot from a long lens.

Hes a big man - gaudy jewelry hangs off his barrel frame, a thick

beard with a sharp mustache covers his face. Alonzo pockets the

picture.

Alonzo opens the black suitcase inside, perfect rows of crisp $100

bills, bundled into piles, line the suitcase walls.

[V.O.]

I love the Agostina. And on nights like this, I can think of

another 500,000 reasons why I come here. And why I came back to

this town.

CUT TO:

[EXT. NIGHT. DOWNTOWN STREETS.]

Alonzo exits the hotels main doors, stepping down the grand entrance

stairs to the sidewalk. He glances around the streets, breathing in

the night air. He pulls out the pack of smokes and lights one, taking

a few drags. Alonzo bundles up his coat and begins walking down the

sidewalk, suitcase in hand.

A shadowy FIGURE in a hat watches Alonzo from around the corner of the

hotel. The FIGURE begins following Alonzo.

[V.O.]

In this town, it aint the cops or judges who run things. Here,

The Employer holds the citys balls in a vice. Nobody knows who

he is. Not even me.

The sound of the womans heels click against the concrete sidewalk,

walking behind Alonzo. She follows pace with his steps.

[V.O.]

But he pays the right people and he pays them well. And the town

knows it. But on account of The Employer owning the lives of


10/29

those that matter in this town, people know the rules: either

stay cool or start shopping for caskets.

Alonzo keeps his head down and quickens his pace. THE FIGURE quickens.

He walks through a group of people. THE FIGURE continue to follow

through the group of people and upon emerging on the other side,

Alonzo is gone. THE FIGURE stops, lost.

[V.O.]

In this town, some things never change

From the darkness of the adjacent alleyway, a gloved hand points a

silenced pistol to THE FIGUREs head. She wears a big fashion hat,

hiding her face, and a slick dress. She stands frozen.

[V.O.]

and some things do.

ALONZO:Why are you following me?

WOMAN:

Put the gun away sweetheart.

ALONZO:

I wont ask again.

WOMAN:

Do you really not recognize me anymore Dealer?

She turns her head to face the darkness of the alleyway. Piercing eyes

shine from under the brim of her hat rich and exotic, piercing.

FAMILIAR. Waves of smooth chocolate hair flow down her shoulders. A

coy smile spreads across her face.

WOMAN:

Or should I say Lon?

She stares into the darkness, waiting. Beat. From the alley shadows,

Alonzo steps out, his face twisted in confusion. He stares into her

eyes, incredulous.

ALONZO:

Adriana?

ADRIANA:

Good seeing you too handsome. Can we put the gun away

please?

Beat. He finally holsters his gun.


11/29

ALONZO:

What are you doing here Ana?

ADRIANA:

Came to see you. Heard you were back in town.

ALONZO:You followed me?

ADRIANA:

You may be a tough man to find, but I knew youd be at

the Agostina sooner or later. You always loved the place

more than anything. And anyone.

She approaches him and grabs his cigarette from his lips. He stands

frozen, watching her every move.

ADRIANA:

Its been a while.

ALONZO:

Seven years.

ADRIANA:

Seven years? Seems like a lifetime ago

ALONZO:

Not long enough.

She takes a drag from his cigarette and blows the smoke into Alonzos

face, slow and sensual, unhurried.

ALONZO:

What do you want?

ADRIANA:

I need your help.

ALONZO:

No.

ADRIANA:

Dont you wanna know what this is about?

ALONZO:

No.

ADRIANA:

Wont you do it for me Lonnie? For him?

Alonzo stiffens. His apathy gives way to simmering anger. Shes

touched a nerve.


12/29

ALONZO:

I dont owe you anything. And dont call me that.

ADRIANA:

Oh sorry, Alonzo. Or would you prefer The Death Dealer?

Why are still doing this? He putting you up to it again?

ALONZO:

I owe it to him.

ADRIANA:

That was another life. We were young then.

ALONZO:

Youre right. That was another life so drop it Ana. And

dont come looking for me again.

He begins to walk away.

ADRIANA:

Why wont you look me in the eye Alonzo? Still avoiding

your past?

He doesnt stop walking, footsteps resonating on cold concrete.

ADRIANA:

Still hunting the only enemy you cant find?

Alonzo freezes. Shes hit the nail on the head.

ALONZO:

I cant

ADRIANA:

Cant? Or wont?

ALONZO:

And I cant forgive myself for what happened.

ADRIANA:

Why wont you let that go? Its been seven years.

Beat.ALONZO:

Because I dont want to let go.

And because you did so easily.

Alonzo walks away as Adriana watches him walk into the distant

shadows, a single tear rolling down her face.


13/29

[INT. PAWN SHOP. DARK. SMALL.]

A shabby wooden door jostles open as Alonzo enters the small room, the

ring of keys in hand. A paper sign hangs in the window, flipped to

CLOSED. The opening door jingles a rusty bell over the doorframe.

Rusty, dusty, old objects line the walls, long forgotten by anyone,

extending down the lengths of the small room. Meager lights hangoverhead, casting rays of light through the dusty air.

A MAN sits behind the counter of the decrepit pawn shop, leaning back

in his chair, hat low over his eyes, feet up on the counter sleeping

loudly. The jangling bell stirs this man THE LOCKSMITH.

LOCKSMITH:

Huh? Wereuh wereclosed

ALONZO:

Youre always closed Locksmith.

The Locksmith lifts his hat from his sleepy eyes, surprised at the

muttering of this name. His face is wrinkled with the passage of time

long years spent in this city. But his eyes sharpen as they gaze

upon a familiar face.

LOCKSMITH:

Alonzo?

ALONZO:

Good seeing you.

LOCKSMITH:

Alonzo! When whend you get back into town?

ALONZO:

Earlier tonight.

LOCKSMITH:

Oh its been too long my boy. Business again? Or back for

good this time?

ALONZO:

Business.

LOCKSMITH:So whatd you need?

ALONZO:

I need your help. (Beat) I need to go home.

The Locksmiths eyes narrow. Beat. A sly grin spreads across his face.


14/29

LOCKSMITH:

Lets talk in the back.

[INT. POLISHED ROOM. COLD WALLS.]

A heavy door retreats to the side, silhouetting Alonzos and TheLocksmiths shadows. Lights flicker on, illuminating a small, clean

room. Cold, dark walls surround the room. On each wall, thousands of

individual keys hang, jangling from the rumble of the door opening. In

the center of the room, a vice and key filers sit on a crowded desk.

LOCKSMITH:

I remember it like it was yesterday, you coming in here

wide-eyed and stupid

ALONZO:

I was young then

LOCKSMITH:

but you were happy. Thats what I remember. Thats the

boy I want to remember.

The Locksmith sits behind the desk, grabbing a pair of high-

magnification glasses and a basic key template. He clamps the slab of

metal into the vice and begins filing teeth into the key, focused and

alert.

ALONZO:

Who says Im not happy now?

LOCKSMITH:

That suitcase youre carrying. Those guns in your coat.

The cards you deal

ALONZO:

I didnt come here for a lesson in morals

LOCKSMITH:

I know I know Im not your father. But someone had to

keep you grounded after he bit the bullet. Just because

you like to live alone doesnt mean you dont have

enemies and friends.

ALONZO:I know I didnt mean to

LOCKSMITH:

Ive known you since before you could walk, when all you

were good for was snot and shit. You dont need to

explain yourself to me son.


15/29

ALONZO:

Did you know then? That Id turn out this way?

LOCKSMITH:

Good men do whatevers necessary to survive in this town.

I never expected anything less from you. And neither

would your father.

ALONZO:

Then Im sorry to disappoint you and him but Im not

that man.

LOCKSMITH:

Youre not a bad man Alonzo. I know that, even if the

world doesnt.

ALONZO:

But do I know that?

Beat. The Locksmith pauses working and looks up into Alonzos eyes.

LOCKSMITH:

Only you can know that.

ALONZO:

Ive seen what this town does to good men. And more

importantly, Ive seen what it can do to men like me.

LOCKSMITH:

Dont rock the boat Alonzo. This citys already seasick

enough. It aint like the old days no more

ALONZO:

As long as The Employers in control, this town wont

ever change.

LOCKSMITH:

You might be right. Theres always something pushing us

to our place. To our roles. Most of the time in this

town, its The Employer. But other times, fate steps in.

ALONZO:

And whats my purpose in all this? Why should I even give

a damn about this dump anymore?

The Locksmith opens the metal clamp. He hands Alonzo a crisply cut

SILVER KEY.

LOCKSMITH:

Go home and figure it out my boy.

CUT TO:


16/29

[INT. HALLWAY. DARK & DINGY.]

Footsteps walk down the dull carpeted floor. They stop before a door,

indistinguishable from the line of identical doors down the hallway.

Gloved hands insert a SILVER KEY in the lock, jangling from a ring of

dozens of keys.

[V.O.]

Fate. Nothing that happens in this town is coincidence. The

Locksmith knows that. But do I?

[INT. APARTMENT. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.]

The gloved hand flicks on the nearby light switch. A lonely ray of

light sears through the darkness.

A small, desolate, bare room ignites before Alonzos sad eyes, barely

illuminated by the lone light in the corner. He looks around the room.Dust thinly coats everything. The walls are bare. Everything is clean

and pristine. A table sits nearby, spotless. A couch. And the light. A

mausoleum of nothing.

Alonzo drops the suitcase on the table, taking a long glance around,

uneasy in this place.

[V.O.]

Adriana Moretti. I always said the day I saw her again would be

the day I put a bullet between her eyes.

He walks down the long, dark hallway and enters the bedroom. Its

similarly bare. Nothing but a bed, a stand and a closet, all covered

in a thin layer of dust, long forgotten. The moonlight outside the

window casts eerie shadows across the room.

Alonzo sits at the bedside, fitful. He pulls out his ring of keys,

inserting one into the nightstand drawer. He opens it and grabs

something.

[V.O.]

But how could I have know that shed come blazing back into my

life as if our fire had never died all those years ago? As if

nothing had ever happened? As if I still loved her.

We cant tell what THE OBJECT is. But as he looks at it, the coldness

in his eyes disappears and is replaced by an ancient sadness.

[V.O.]

What good is a mans life if he comes home to nothing? No one to

hold. And no one to love. What good is a mans home if an empty

room only feels emptier when hes returned?


17/29

He lies down on the bed, alone, sad. He tucks a silenced pistol under

his pillow, drifting off to sleep, tightly holding on to THE OBJECT in

his hand.

[V.O.]

She always tried so hard to make us work. To make me a better

man. A better husband. A better father. But that was anotherlife. And as much as she tries now, Im alone. No baggage. No

strings. No connections. Its why I do what I do.

SMASH CUT TO:

[C.U.] Pure darkness. A light glistens in the distance. Another

shimmer. Eyes.

[C.U.] The eyes flicker in the dark, reflecting whatever meager light

exists. They shine through the shadows - the youthful, innocent stare

of a young boy.

A wave of indistinguishable flashes dark streets, shimmering lights,

silhouetted figures. A distinct sound echoes over everything the

metallic cocking of a gun. The gun fires BAM.

SMASH CUT TO:

[INT. BEDROOM. THE NEXT DAY. SUNSET.]

Eyes flicker open abruptly. Alonzo stirs in bed, awakening from the

dream. Beat.

He lies in bed, staring at the ceiling of the room, a look of worry

and sadness wash over him. This is Alonzo at his most vulnerable, a

side of him no one ever sees. A side of him he doesnt like to show.

He feel THE OBJECT in his grasp and just as quickly, his eyes are

replaced with cold steel, reversing back to the killing machine.

Alonzo returns THE OBJECT to the drawer and locks it. He pulls out his

gun from under the pillow and heads out.

CUT TO:

[EXT. NIGHT. PARKING LOT. CLUB DOORWAY.]

Two sleek black SUVs pull up to a plain building, desolate and

decrepit 503 is faded into the wood above the weathered door. No

other markings on the building. In the background, the citys lights

shimmer in the darkness.

The SUV doors open 8 men, breathing heavy, greet the 2 bouncers and

enter the club. One of these men is a mammoth of a man clean suit,


18/29

gaudy jewelry, bald, and a full beard with a sharp mustache. This is

THE BULL.

[V.O.]

It takes me less than 48 hours to remember this towns heartbeat.

A heart beating nothing but filth and lies and death. The cops

and mobsters still scurry around with their heads up their asses.The people still go on with their petty lives, ignorant and

happy.

[INT. NIGHT. CAR. FRONT SEAT.]

Alonzo sits in the seat of a nearby car, shrouded in darkness. He

watches the men enter the building. He peeks down at his watch

10:58pm. He cocks his gun and opens the car door.

[V.O.]

And The Employer still owns everything thats worth a damn.Including me.

[EXT. PARKING LOT. CLUB DOORWAY.]

Two bouncers stand at the door, one is a towering man with a shaved

head and a wicked goatee. The other is younger, arms full of tattoos.

A sole light hangs above the door to the building, casting a halo of

light around the entrance.

Something stirs from the shadows. The bouncers peer into the darkness,

trying to see anything, cocking their guns

Suddenly, two silenced shots ring out through the night. Both men jerk

their heads back violently and fall limp against the wall, bullet

holes in their foreheads, eyes staring the cold stare of death.

Footsteps casually approach as Alonzo walks past them, holstering his

guns.

[INT. STRIP CLUB. DINGY AND DARK.]

Alonzo strolls through the door and into a wave of smoke, sex, and

lust. The place is small and the air is thick with smoke. A few pooltables sit on the far end of the room. A stripper dances onstage, no

older than 16. Men crowd the tables around the stage, staring at her,

breathing hard.

[V.O.]

Nights here still reek of lust and bad consciences. And everyone

tries to turn a blind eye to the seedy underbelly of this town.


19/29

Alonzo casually walks around the room, scouting it, keeping his head

on a swivel.

[V.O.]

But as much as I try to deny it, that knot in my gut keeps

growing, hard and fast, ever since I got back to town. And deep

down I know, this town aint the same.

Alonzo locks onto a back room. Through the crack in the curtain, he

sees THE BULL, getting a private lap-dance, grinning like an idiot

with a fat cigar in his mouth.

[V.O.]

And I aint the man I used to be

Alonzo walks over to the booth, draws open the curtain, grabs the girl

by the arm and shoves a handful of bills in her arms.

GIRL:Hey whats your deal mister?!

Alonzo keeps his eyes fixed on The Bull, sitting quietly.

ALONZO:

Keep the tip.

The girl looks down into her hands at the bills.

GIRL:

(feigning sweet & innocent)

Oh whatever you say, sugah.

Alonzo closes the curtain. The Bull stares at Alonzo, neither scared

nor surprised. He sits calmly in the leather booth, relaxed, and takes

a slow drag from his cigar.

ALONZO:

Salvatore The Bull Battista.

BULL:

Yea? Youre him, aint ya?

ALONZO:

The one and only.

BULL:

Yea I heard of you. Your reputation

precedes you, my friend.

No response. The Bull takes a drag, smirking, smug. Alonzo stands

motionless.


20/29

BULL:

The Dealer, they call you. So what can I do for you

tonight, dealer-man? Or should I say, what can I do for

your employer?

ALONZO:

You dont need to do anything. Im here to do you.

The Bull laughs a hearty rumble, spitting cigar smoke into the air.

BULL:

HA! Still running around doing his dirty work? This town

aint his. And if he thinks he owns it, he can come into

my house and talk to me himself. Or is he too much of a

coward to do that?

Alonzo swiftly draws his gun, pointing straight at the forehead of

The Bull.

ALONZO:

Ill be sure to tell him that.

The Bull glares up at Alonzo, down the barrel of the gun, dead

serious.

BULL:

Dont you get it dealer-man? The odds arent on your

side. The house always wins.

Suddenly, a set of giant hands grasps Alonzos arm, dislodging his

gun. Another set of hands grasp his shoulder. More hands reach in from

behind the curtain and drag Alonzo out from the private booth.

The burly arms throw Alonzo against a wall. A group of 7 men surround

him. The girls flee from the stage. The Bull casually strolls out

from the private booth, cigar in hand.

BULL:

And you better get it straight, my friend.

Youre playing in my house now.

The Bull pulls out a silver revolver from his jacket.

BULL:Its very rude, entering a mans home without so much as

a knock at the door. Didnt your poppa ever teach you

that?

The Bull nonchalantly takes a drag of his cigar. He feigns remorse.


21/29

BULL:

Oh thats right I almost forgot hes dead aint he? Ha!

No wonder you turned out the way you did

The Bull throws back his head, letting out a bellowing laugh. Just as

quickly, The Bulls laughter ceases, his eyes wash over with a deadly

serious glare. He cocks his gun.

BULL:

So you got any last words for me before I blow your

brains out Dealer?

Alonzo peers at The Bull square in the eye. Unflinching. Angry.

ALONZO:

No words. Just bullets.

Alonzo pulls out his 2nd gun from his coat and turns the closest

henchman around. The Bull shoots once, hitting the henchman in thechest. Alonzo keeps moving, firing 4 shots, each one finding the

forehead of the 4 furthest henchmen. The Bull retreats, firing

wildly at Alonzo.

A henchman grabs Alonzo and dislodges his gun, kicking it away. Alonzo

turns and kicks in the guys knee. The last henchman attacks Alonzo

from the side. Alonzo takes him down, close combat. The Bull runs

out of bullets for his revolver. The henchman with the broken knee,

groveling on the ground, whimpers and moans. Alonzo takes him out.

Alonzo glances over to The Bull a cold stare. Beat. The Bull

tosses his empty gun and calmly takes off his jacket rippling arms

show through his fancy shirt. Alonzo, without a gun, grabs a nearby

pool cue, feeling the weight in his hands. Amidst the empty club, dead

henchmen at their feet, Alonzo and The Bull charge at each other.

Alonzo swings the pool cue methodically but The Bull avoids each

whizzing swing. Hes quicker than Alonzo had thought. The Bull lands

a few punches, deafening, stunning blows. Alonzo finally connects a

wide swing against The Bulls body, sending shards of wood spraying

across the club. The Bull doesnt even flinch. He easily overpowers

Alonzo and rushes him, obviously stronger. He grabs Alonzo around the

waist, digging into his back, lifting him off the ground. Alonzo feels

his back tightening, on the verge of breaking. Desperate, Alonzo

flings his leg up, solidly catching The Bull in the groin. TheBull drops Alonzo instantly, falling to his knees.

Alonzo quickly retrieves his gun from nearby and heads over to The

Bull, on his knees.

BULL:

Who do you think you are huh? You coward! Just like The

Employer!


22/29

Alonzo wipes the blood from his mouth and steadies the gun.

BULL:

Ill tell ya, your employer aint the man you think he

is hes a low-life a disgrace! If he had any balls hed

face me himself like he used to and not send some half-witputo to do me!

ALONZO:

Ill let him know you say hi.

Alonzo fires two swift shots into The Bulls eyes, point blank,

expelling two bursts of blood through the back of his head. The Bull

falls limp to the ground dead.

Beat. A look of sadness washes over Alonzos face, just for an

instant, as if contemplating The Bulls last words. Just as quickly,

he regains his composure. He grabs a set of keys from the dead bodyand leaves the trademark ACE OF SPADES playing card. He grabs his

phone.

ALONZO:

Its done.

Suddenly, a noise stirs from the far corner of the room. Alonzo turns

quickly, gun drawn.

In the meager light, a small frame walks out onto the club floor A

LITTLE GIRL, no older than 5 or 6, tightly holding her teddy bear,

wearing flowery PJs. She rubs her sleepy eyes. Alonzo freezes, the

cold stare in his eyes now replaced with genuine shock.

LITTLE GIRL:

Daddy?

Alonzo stands aghast, quickly holstering his gun. A wave of guilt hits

him as he stares into the eyes of the little girl.

LITTLE GIRL:

Who are you Mister?

Long beat. Alonzo feels the guilt course through his body. He cant

take his eyes off the little girl. An ancient sadness washes over hiseyes as if this scenario reminds him of something long forgotten

ALONZO:

(muttering)

Im your fathers Dealer.

Alonzo turns and disappears out the door.


23/29

The little girl slowly walks over to her fathers body blood flowing

from The Bulls eyes, pooling around theACE OF SPADES at her feet.

She tightens her hold on her teddy bear, trying to console herself. A

little girl lost in the world, fatherless

[INT. NIGHT. DOWNTOWN STREETS.]

Tires screech as a slick SUV pulls up to the Agostina curbside. Fats,

the young valet, runs over to the car door, eyeing the new ride.

Alonzo steps out, clearly flustered, and tosses Fats the keys.

FATS:

Hell Mr. D, whered you get this beauty?

ALONZO:

Get rid of this one Fats.

FATS:Aw you sure Mr. D? Look at it!

ALONZO:

Do it.

Alonzo swiftly walks up the stairs, avoiding everything and everyone,

trying to find solace and consolidation in what he just did.

FATS:

(yelling after him)

Business tonight?

ALONZO:

(to himself)

No, Fats. Not tonight.

[INT. AGOSTINA HOTEL LOBBY. BRIGHT. BUSY.]

Alonzo walks through the crowds bustling in the hotel lobby, heading

for the elevators. He suddenly stops in the middle of the traffic.

[V.O.]

I try to run back to the only place in town I feel safe. I try to

run away from myself. To my Vault. But her smell stops me in mytracks and makes me almost forget what I just did to that little

girl.

Adjacent to the lobby, lights from the hotel bar shine, a halo of

warmth and comfort. At the bar sits a woman, her back to the main

lobby, rich chocolate hair flows down her back. She sips on a tall

glass martini, patiently waiting.


24/29

[V.O.]

Her sweet perfume cuts through all the blood on my hands and hits

me square in the mug.

[INT. HOTEL BAR.]

The bar is dark and elegant, rich mahogany wood lines the walls.

Intricate chandeliers spot the ceiling. All around, thick leather

booths surround polished stone tables. A lone bartender busies behind

the counter, wearing a crisp vest and bowtie.

[V.O.]

And just like that first day I met her, I cant resist her.

Alonzo walks up to the bar stool next to the woman and slips a crisp

bill on the counter.

[V.O.]And she knows it.

ALONZO:

A shot of the strong stuff tonight, Tiny. And keep it

coming.

TINY:

Yes sir.

The bartender serves up a shot. The woman turns to Alonzo piercing

eyes shimmer through her thick hair, covering half her face Adriana.

ADRIANA:

Tough night at work, Dealer?

Alonzo downs the shot.

ALONZO:

Something like that.

ADRIANA:

Havent seen you this flustered in a while. Musta been

quite the job.

ALONZO:Why are you still here Ana?

ADRIANA:

I told you. I need to talk to you.

ALONZO:

Why come to me? Theres plenty of bums looking for a

quick buck in this town.


25/29

She inches closer to Alonzo. He tries to refrain from looking into her

eyes, knowing he wont stand up to them. She senses somethings wrong

she senses his vulnerability.

ADRIANA:

Because I trust you.

ALONZO:

Dont.

ADRIANA:

Dont what? Tell me the truth Lonnie, hows the new life?

Is it everything you expected?

Beat. Alonzo finally looks into her eyes. His glaze of toughness

evaporates, replaced with an ancient sadness that was long bottled up.

ALONZO:It is what it is hell without you baby.

ADRIANA:

It never had to be like that. We could have made it work

ALONZO:

I couldnt do it Ana. Not after what happened.

ADRIANA:

You still think about him?

ALONZO:

How could I not? Not everyone can bury the past as easily

as you

ADRIANA:

You think it was easy for me? I didnt get over it, I

accepted it.

ALONZO:

I dont want to accept it.

She moves in close, peering into his eyes.

ADRIANA:He had your eyes you know

ALONZO:

I know. Why do you think I left?

ADRIANA:

I know why you left. But nothing we do now can change

what happened then I miss him just as much as you do


26/29

but we gotta move on Alonzo things change. Youre back

here now. And so am I.

ALONZO:

Im only back for a few days.

ADRIANA:Wont you help me Im not asking for much Lonnie. Just

for your help. Someones after me. A man, dressed in

black, carrying a scarlet rose on his lapel

ALONZO:

You have your connections straight in this town. You

dont need me.

Alonzo downs a shot, nonchalant, feigning uncaring.

ADRIANA:

This is bigger than just you or me. Whoever it is aintjust going for my blood, theyre going for the city.

ALONZO:

How do you know that?

ADRIANA:

Last month, the Armone poppa was found dead in his

bathtub, soaking in a pool of his own blood for nearly 3

days. Last night, the Battista dad was killed in his own

home. They found his body this morning under a swarm of

crows or what was left of it

ALONZO:

Why should I care?

ADRIANA:

You know better than anyone, if you want someone dead in

this town, The Employer takes care of it. Cleanly and

quietly. These werent clean or quiet. This wasnt The

Employer. These were meant to send a message to the rest

of The Households.

ALONZO:

The Households? You dont still believe in that do you?

ADRIANA:

The Five Households? Its not something you choose to

believe in Lonnie. You should know that. Your father died

protecting his name. Yourname.

ALONZO:

My fathers dead. Drop it.


27/29

Alonzo downs another shot, drowning away the bitter taste in his

mouth.

ADRIANA:

Then wont you help me? If the Armone and Battista heads

are dead, the Moretti legacys in the crosshairs. And

deep down, I know Im next. Whoevers been following meLonnie theyre gonna use me to get to my father.

ALONZO:

Franco Morettis outlasted bullets before. Why should

your father be afraid of some lowly thugs?

ADRIANA:

If theres one thing I learned when we were together,

its how to spot a man thats up to no good. My fathers

been getting threats. Scarlet roses stained red with the

blood of his brothers the same roses on the lapels of

whoevers been following me. Lonnie please hes not safein this city and for the first time in a long time, I

dont feel safe eitherthis towns changing too fast I

dont know where else to go or who else to go to if its

money youre looking for-

ALONZO:

This aint about business Ana. This is personal. You

shouldnt have come to me

ADRIANA:

Oh Lonnie will you drop the tough guy act? Dont you get

it? I came to you because I still think of you because I

still lay awake wondering where you are wondering if

youre safe or if that job of yours finally caught up

with you

ALONZO:

I did fine without you. And Im doing fine now.

He downs another shot.

ADRIANA:

I know. But tell me the truth, what we had couldnt have

been that bad even someone as cold as you cant forget

everything we shared. You cant just ditch your past soeasily Lonnie.

ALONZO:

I hold onto only what I need


28/29

ADRIANA:

I get it, you dont need me. But I still need you Lonnie.

I still think of you. And I still love you I never

stopped loving you

ALONZO:

Im not the same man anymore. Why are you still holdingon to that?

ADRIANA:

Because I want to. And because you let us go so easily.

Beat. Alonzos words are shoved back in his face. Hes speechless and

cant bear to look her in the eye. She calmly slides a key over to him

on the bar counter, understanding.

ADRIANA:

I have the old room. If you want to talk, you know where

Ill be.

She leans in and kisses him on the cheek, gently and passionately.

Alonzo closes his eyes at the touch of her lips, as if the kiss could

wipe away everything hes tried so hard to forget in their past. She

looks at him one more time. He doesnt turn to look at her. She sighs,

understanding, and walks out the bar.

He downs a shot. Beat. He stares at the key left on the bar counter.

[INT. HOTEL LOBBY.]

Alonzo walks over to the elevators. He gets into the far one, like

usual.

[INT. ELEVATOR.]

Alonzo pulls out his ring of keys in one hand. In his other hand, he

holds Adrianas key. Beat. The elevator doors close on him.

[V.O.]

I love the Agostina. Always have. Her secrets remind me of my

own. All those nights years ago, when Id step foot in here for

all the wrong reasons.

[INT. HOTEL FLOOR HALLWAY.]

Footsteps walk down the dark carpet of a hallway. One step after

another. Fancy wood panels line the walls. Dim lighting overhead.

[V.O.]

But I dont come here for whats on the menu.


29/29

The feet stop. A door slides open, spilling a ray of light into the

dim hallway. Adriana stands at the door, half behind the door,

emotionless. Alonzo stands at the doorway. He looks into her eyes.

Beat.

V.O.]I dont mix business with pleasure. Not anymore.

They dont say a word. Her lips finally curl up at the edges as she

grabs his jacket lapel and pulls him into the room. The door closes, a

sign hanging on the doorknob: PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB.

[V.O.]

And tonight, I aint here for business.

[EXT. AGOSTINA CURBSIDE. OPPOSITE SIDEWALK.]

Under the street lamp, creasing halos of light into the dark concrete

of the sidewalk, a foot steps into the light, half illuminating THE

FIGURE, staring across the street at the AGOSTINA GRAND HOTELs doors.

THE FIGURE is clad in a long coat, black as the night, opulent and

thick. A top-hat drenches the face in shadow. A vibrant SCARLET RED

ROSE is pinned on the lapel.

A slow smile creeps across THE FIGURES mouth

Date post:	30-May-2018
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Low Spade in the Hole Act1

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