Gang Related_1997

EXT. NEON SIGN - THE PRINCE MOTEL - NIGHT
    The N and the E are not working . So it reads the PR IC motel . ROOMS TO RENT BY DAY , WEEK , MONTH . KITCHENETTES . The Prince Motel has passed its prime . A few beat up cars are parked outside rooms . We CRANE DOWN to ROOM SEVEN . Curtains closed , but someone is holding it open a crack , looking out . We PUSH in CLOSE TO THE WINDOW and the EYE looking over the parking lot . Then the curtain closes .

INT. ROOM SEVEN - PRINCE MOTEL - NIGHT
    Peeling flowered wallpaper , ultra - cheap furniture . The man moving away from the window is RODRIGUEZ . He is slender , sports a thin mustache , hair slicked straight back . He 's in his late thirties . Slightly nervous . Another man sits on the couch , looking at a magazine . He is forty , solidly built . His name is FRANK DIVINCI .
    DIVINCI
    Says here they got slips in Honolulu. 325 a month. Utilities included. That's not bad.
    Rodriguez sits down .
    DIVINCI
    But I got ta get at least a forty footer. It'll handle rough water better and I'll need the room if I'm gon na live on it.
    Rodriguez stands up , moves back to the window . Divinci looks up .
    RODRIGUEZ
    I do n't know how you do it.
    DIVINCI
    What?
    RODRIGUEZ
    How you can think about Hawaii now?
    DIVINCI
    My heart's in Hawaii.
    RODRIGUEZ
    You never been there. How can your heart be there.
    DIVINCI
    You're tellin' me there's no place you'd rather be other than here?
    RODRIGUEZ
    No, I'm saying I just do n't know how you can think about Hawaii right now.
    DIVINCI
    If I was in Hawaii right now, I would n't be thinking about here. See the difference?
    RODRIGUEZ
    No.
    DIVINCI
    Look, I'm not in Hawaii, I'm here. But I do n't want to be here, I want to be in Hawaii. I ca n't be in Hawaii, therefore I think about it so as to not get depressed about being here.
    RODRIGUEZ
    But I'm here, I know I'm here, I do n't like being here, but I ca n't be anyplace else because I look around and I see all this shit. How do you get around that?! That's what I'm asking.
    DIVINCI
    Focus.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Focus.
    Divinci nods . Rodriguez looks at his watch .
    RODRIGUEZ
    It's time. No more Hawaii, okay? Focus on this.
    DIVINCI
    ( smiles . )
    Aloha.
    Rodriguez shakes his head , exasperated , and exits .
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( to himself . )
    Aloha my ass.

EXT. DARK STREET - NIGHT
    Poor side of town . A few old cars parked on the street . Some buildings vacant . A LATE MODEL WHITE CADILLAC cruises past . We HEAR LOUD RAP MUSIC .

INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
    LIONEL HUDD drives . Hudd is thirty . African American . The MUSIC is loud . His clothes lean to African roots . A WOMAN sits next to the passenger window . Her name is CYNTHIA WEBB . Cynthia is thirty - five , dressed in short provocative skirt , tight top . A little too much make - up . She 's lead a hard life . She glances at Hudd . Hudd glances at her , looks down at her skirt hiked up on her leg .
    CYNTHIA
    Left at the corner.
    Hudd 's eyes linger on her thighs for a moment , then he turns his attention back to driving , tapping along with the heavy bass .

EXT. PRINCE MOTEL - NIGHT
    The Cadillac pulls into the parking lot . Parks in front of room SEVEN . Hudd gets out , looks around . Cynthia gets out , leads him to SEVEN . Knocks . The curtains pull back . Divinci looks at Hudd and Cynthia . She nods to him . The door unlocks and opens . Cynthia enters . Hudd looks around again . Then follows .

INT. MOTEL ROOM SEVEN - NIGHT
    Divinci waits at the door . He and Hudd eye each other as Hudd enters the room . Divinci looks out , making sure no one has followed , then shuts the door .
    DIVINCI
    Hope you do n't mind me checkin' you for weapons.
    HUDD
    Hell yes I mind.
    Divinci hesitates . This could break the deal .
    HUDD
    I just do n't want no man handlin' me.
    Hudd looks at Cynthia . The suggestion is taken .
    DIVINCI
    Okay. Check him.
    Hudd spreads his legs , lifts his arms . Cynthia would rather not have the job , but there 's no choice .
    HUDD
    Lotta good hidin' places on this body. Check good.
    Cynthia runs her hands over Hudd , checking pockets , pants , sleeves . Finally coming to his crotch . Hudd smiles .
    HUDD
    Careful. It's loaded.
    Cynthia has heard it all before . She 's not squeamish in the least and she gives him a good going over .
    CYNTHIA
    He's got nothin'.
    She smiles back at Hudd . Then moves away , sits on the couch and seductively crosses her legs . Divinci , satisfied , pulls a PLASTIC BAG packed tight with COCAINE out of his pocket , tosses it to Hudd . Hudd sits on the couch , opens the bag , sticks his finger in and tastes the contents . But never takes his eyes off Divinci .
    HUDD
    Not bad, not bad. Any more where this came from?
    DIVINCI
    Maybe.
    HUDD
    Then maybe we talk again.
    DIVINCI
    Maybe.
    Hudd stands , unzips his pants . Reaches in to grab his cock , but instead , pulls out a stack of MONEY . Inch thick .
    HUDD
    Told you there was a lotta good hidin' places on this body.
    Hudd hands the money to Divinci and pockets the plastic bag . Then crosses to the door . Glances back at Cynthia .
    HUDD
    Bet you got ta lotta nice hidin' places, too.
    Then Hudd smiles and exits .

EXT. PRINCE MOTEL - NIGHT
    Hudd gets into his Cadillac , pulls out of the motel parking lot .

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    Deserted . No one on the street this late . Several of the buildings are boarded up .

INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
    Hudd drives . No music this time . His attitude has changed . More serious . LIGHTS in the REAR VIEW MIRROR . Coming up fast . Hudd watches as the car pulls around to pass . He glances at the CAR as it pulls past him , but all we SEE is the FLASH OF A BLAST FROM A GUN . Front WINDOW EXPLODING . THE CADILLAC swerves into a parked car . The OTHER CAR - a BUICK REGAL - screeches to a stop next to it . ONE MAN gets out . Moving quickly to the Cadillac . It 's dark , difficult to see . He carries a SMITH AND WESSON .44 . Opens the door . He 's wearing PLASTIC GLOVES . Hudd is dead , slumped against the passenger door . The man reaches in , turns off the engine , grabs the plastic bag of cocaine . And now we see it 's Divinci .

INT. BUICK REGAL - NIGHT
    Rodriguez is the driver . Anxious . Engine running .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Come on! Hurry up!
    Divinci dashes back to the Buick , hops in . Rodriguez floors it . THE BUICK tears off down the dark street .

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
    Not a great part of the city . Apartment buildings line both sides of the street . An alley runs between two of the buildings . A TAXI pulls up in front . HEADLIGHTS SHINING on a MAN passed out in the street . Cynthia exits the taxi . The taxi pulls away . She glances at the man passed out in the street . His clothes are ragged . He 's filthy . His face covered in beard and greasy dirty hair . Hard to tell how old he is . Maybe forty . Maybe eighty . Who knows ? His hand clutches a bottle in a bag .
    CYNTHIA
    Hey, Joe, wake up. Get outa the street before you get run over. Joe, wake up!
    She nudges him with her foot . The man groans , rolls back . Dead drunk .
    CYNTHIA
    You're in the street, Joe. Get outa the street.
    The man , JOE , is silent for a moment , then he starts to crawl - toward the middle of the street .
    CYNTHIA
    Other way, Joe.
    Joe turns his crawl toward the curb . Cynthia watches him for a moment . He is truly pathetic .
    CYNTHIA
    Forget it, Joe. Maybe you're better off right there. I do n't think you'd even feel it.
    Cynthia enters the building next to the alley . CYNTHIA - INT . APARTMENT - NIGHT asleep . The room is dark . We HEAR a door open and close . Cynthia wakes .
    CYNTHIA
    Who is it?
    Divinci crosses to the bed .
    DIVINCI
    Got your money.
    CYNTHIA
    Put it on the table.
    She closes her eyes , trying to go back to sleep .
    DIVINCI
    Tired?
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    DIVINCI
    I'm not.
    CYNTHIA
    Take a sleeping pill. There's some in my purse.
    DIVINCI
    You want your money?
    Cynthia 's eyes open and she looks up at Divinci . He 's smiling , holding up FIVE ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS .
    CYNTHIA
    I already worked for that.
    Divinci unzips his pants .
    DIVINCI
    This is a bonus.
    CYNTHIA
    For who?
    Divinci smiles . Cynthia snatches the money . Divinci starts to undress .
    DIVINCI
    This ai n't my fault. This is a failure of our educational system. If you had n't fallen through the cracks and dropped outa school, you would n't be here now.
    CYNTHIA
    So what's your excuse?
    DIVINCI
    I'm in love.
    Cynthia just stares at him for a long beat . Then she unbuckles Divinci 's pants . KEY - INSERTED INTO DOOR LOCK - NIGHT A door is pushed open . Rodriguez enters his one bedroom apartment . Starts to shut the door when TWO MEN appear from the shadows . The first is short , well dressed . His name is VIC . The second is large , heavy - set , shaved head . His name is CUTLESS SUPREME . Cutless Supreme is not a man to be messed with .
    VIC
    Keepin' some late hours.
    Rodriguez looks at Cutless Supreme .
    RODRIGUEZ
    What the hell you doin'? What're my neighbors gon na think?
    VIC
    I apologize. I understand your concerns. But you must understand that, unlike a bank, I can not rely on a late fee as sufficient encouragement to repay one's debts. I am forced to employ the likes of Mr. Cutless Supreme, whom I might add, contributes significantly to my overhead. I am the real loser here. And I am concerned about your sincerity in repaying the twenty - seven thousand, nine hundred forty - two dollar gambling debt that is one week past due. What can you do to reassure me of your good intentions?
    RODRIGUEZ
    I can make your life fuckin' miserable that's what I can do.
    VIC
    Look at me. Do I have a wife and three kids? Do I have a good job at IBM? Am I a handsome guy? No, no and no. I loan money at excessively high interest rates to pricks like you who ca n't control their urges to lose big money playing cards and then I am forced to stay up all night trying to convince them that I have needs, too. The point of which is, I already have a fuckin' miserable life. So do n't threaten me you lousy bag of cat shit.
    Rodriguez steps toward Vic , but Cutless Supreme slides in between them . Rodriguez is n't going to win this one .
    VIC
    All I'm askin' is that you be responsible. Is that unreasonable?
    Rodriguez backs off , hesitates as he runs over his options . There are n't any . He reaches into his pocket , pulls out some of his night 's earnings .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Four thousand is all I got.
    VIC
    I am proportionally reassured. You purchased yourself an extension.
    Vic takes the money , heads for the street . Rodriguez watches Vic walk away . Cutless Supreme watches Rodriguez .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Cutless Supreme, what kind of fuckin' idiot name is that?
    CUTLESS SUPREME
    It was the car my daddy stole to take my momma to the hospital, but the cops stopped him and shot him dead in an alley before he could explain. I was born in the back seat.
    Rodriguez glares at Cutless Supreme , then he shuts the door . CREDIT SEQUENCE - BLACK AND WHITE MONTAGE CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS - Dead drug dealers lying where they were shot . Overlapping CLOSE - UPS of EVIDENCE TAGS and SHELVING filled with EVIDENCE from hundreds of crime scenes . And CLOSE - SHOTS of CRIME SCENES - chalk outlines - bullet shells - bloody foot prints . And finally CRIME SCENE TAPE . The BLACK AND WHITE fades back into COLOR - YELLOW CRIME SCENE TAPE surrounding the CADILLAC . We PULL BACK , revealing COPS controlling the area . It 's early morning . A FEW PEOPLE have stopped to watch . But this is not a high traffic area . ANOTHER CAR pulls up . Unmarked . Two men get out . We FOLLOW BEHIND THEM as they approach the Cadillac and PATROLMAN MAHONEY , who knows them .
    PATROLMAN MAHONEY
    Another day, another body. Where you wan na start?
    FIRST MAN
    A hit?
    PATROLMAN MAHONEY
    Looks like. Could be gang related.
    And now we SEE THE TWO MEN from the unmarked car . It 's DIVINCI and RODRIGUEZ . Suit and ties . They act like they own the area . And they do .
    PATROLMAN MAHONEY
    Happened sometime last night, early morning, two, three o'clock. African - American male, looks like in his thirties. But even that's a guess. Half his head is on the upholstery.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Any witnesses?
    PATROLMAN MAHONEY
    Oh, sure, hundreds.

INT. CADILLAC - DAY
    The bloody scene is untouched . Hudd 's body is where it fell , on the seat . Dried blood everywhere . Divinci looks in .
    DIVINCI
    Fuckin' Animals.

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
    EVIDENCE ROOM . Behind a locked fenced in area . A DESK OFFICER checks in and out all evidence . He is twenty - eight , wears glasses , very clean cut . TWO DETECTIVES are checking in evidence as Divinci walks in .
    FIRST DETECTIVE
    three shotgun shells, twelve gauge.
    The Desk Officer checks in the evidence .
    DESK OFFICER
    Three shotgun shells, twelve gauge.
    The two detectives wave hellos to Divinci as he approaches .
    SECOND DETECTIVE
    ( SGT. GARDNER . )
    Heard you got a gang related. Lucky guy, Divinci. You get all the pretty ones.
    DIVINCI
    One less drug store on the street.
    DESK OFFICER
    And the world is a safer place.
    The Desk Officer buzzes Divinci through the door . Divinci crosses to the - EVIDENCE STORAGE ROOM - filled with shelves . Stacked with evidence from on - going investigations . And the shelves are full of guns , knives , bloody gloves , masks , shoes , etc. . Divinci looks around , then removes the PACKAGE OF COCAINE and the .44 from his pockets and places them back on one of the shelves . CASE NUMBER C - 549087 . One thing about the .44 which we can see now - a BLACK STAIN on the metal of the handle .

INT. HOMICIDE SQUAD ROOM - DAY
    Desks , phones , computers , typewriters and HOMICIDE DETECTIVES . Some witnesses being interviewed . Rodriguez is on the phone at his desk . He 's in the middle of an interview as he fills out one of the many forms that complicate his life .
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( into phone . )
    - a green car. you know what make. Maybe a Ford, uh - huh. You did n't see the license, did you?
    Divinci comes back to his desk , next to Rodriguez . Rodriguez looks up . Divinci gives him a confident smile and brushes his hands together - clean hands .
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( into phone . )
    Yeah, no, I understand, it was dark. Uh - huh.
    Divinci sits at his desk . He pulls an ADVERTISEMENT for a 42 FOOT SPORT FISHING BOAT out of his desk . He holds it up to Rodriguez , points to the boat .
    DIVINCI
    Wan na go for a ride?
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( into phone . )
    You think you could describe the driver?
    ( covers phone ; to Divinci . )
    You bought it?
    DIVINCI
    As of last night, I've got the down. Just picture me under swayin' palms with a Mai Tai.
    We can HEAR someone describing a felon over the phone , but Rodriguez is n't listening . He 's looking at the boat .
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( into phone . )
    Uh - huh.
    ( covers phone . )
    You're gon na buy it, no shit. When?
    DIVINCI
    Just a phone call away.
    Divinci picks up the phone , starts to dial .
    RODRIGUEZ
    That's really great, man.
    Divinci smiles . Rodriguez suddenly realizes the person on the other end of the phone has stopped talking .
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( back to phone . )
    Uh - huh, okay. how tall was he?
    A heavy set man in his fifties approaches - CAPTAIN HENDERSON .
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    You got primary on the drug related this morning on 27th.
    DIVINCI
    I'm workin' it up now.
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    Who's your second?
    ( Divinci points at Rodriguez . )
    In my office. Both of you.
    DIVINCI
    Why?
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    Now.
    Captain Henderson does n't wait for a response . He heads for the office - an inner office of glass and wood . Divinci looks at Rodriguez , who is suddenly a little nervous . We can HEAR the PERSON OVER THE PHONE that he 's talking to , but he 's no longer interested and hangs up on them .
    RODRIGUEZ
    What the hell -
    Divinci motions `` keep calm . ''

INT. CAPTAIN HENDERSON'S OFFICE - DAY
    Henderson is hanging up his coat as Divinci and Rodriguez enter . They are n't the only ones in the office . RICHARD SIMMS , thirty - two , trim , short cut hair , suit , is waiting .
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    Detectives Divinci and Rodriguez, this is Richard Simms. He's with the D.E.A.. He wants to ask you some questions about your case.
    DIVINCI
    What's the occasion?
    SIMMS
    You get an i.d. on the victim?
    RODRIGUEZ
    We're waitin' for prints.
    Divinci pulls out his note pad .
    DIVINCI
    Car was registered to -
    SIMMS
    - Anchor Imports. 81 El Dorado. Black.
    DIVINCI
    If you got all this, what d'you want from us?
    SIMMS
    The man in the car is Lionel Hudd.
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( a little incensed . )
    How d'you know that?
    ( to Henderson . )
    What's goin' on here?
    SIMMS
    Hudd was DEA, undercover.
    Rodriguez and Divinci take the news like a sledgehammer . On their frozen expressions we HEAR -
    SIMMS
    ( O.S . )
    He was workin' a case on syndicate distribution of drugs on the south side. But every dealer we tagged kept getting killed. He finally got a lead on a girl - Hudd was a friend of mine. I'm gon na nail the sonuvabitch who killed him.
    A long beat on Rodriguez and Divinci , then -
    DIVINCI
    We'll do everything we can to help.
    THE UNMARKED POLICE CAR - EXT. . STREET - DAY screeching around a corner and up a drive into a VACANT LOT . The car skids to a stop and Rodriguez gets out of the driver 's side , slamming the door and storming off . He 's out of his mind . Divinci gets out quickly , follows him . Rodriguez is so fired up and scared he ca n't stop moving .
    RODRIGUEZ
    SHIT, FUCK, SHIT, JESUS CHRIST!
    DIVINCI
    Calm down!
    RODRIGUEZ
    WE'RE DEAD, WE'RE FUCKING DEAD!
    DIVINCI
    SHUT UP!
    RODRIGUEZ
    FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!
    Divinci catches Rodriguez , tries to stop him from flailing about .
    DIVINCI
    STOP IT! YOU HEAR ME, RIGHT NOW, STOP IT!
    RODRIGUEZ
    GOD, GOD, THIS IS REALLY FUCKIN' OUT OF CONTROL!
    Rodriguez tries to push Divinci away , but Divinci holds on . They struggle -
    RODRIGUEZ
    LET GO OF ME!
    - pushing , shoving , falling to the dirt . Divinci jumps on top of him , pulling his pistol and shoving it into Rodriguez mouth .
    DIVINCI
    Shut up and listen to me!
    Rodriguez glares up at Divinci .
    DIVINCI
    They could be watchin' us right now you asshole. So fuckin' shape up! You got it?!
    ( nothing from Rodriguez . )
    I want you to nod!
    It takes Rodriguez a moment , but he nods . Divinci pulls his gun out of Rodriguez ' mouth , gets off him and holsters his pistol . Rodriguez is scared to death , not of Divinci , of the mess they 're in . He just lies in the dirt .
    DIVINCI
    Get the fuck up!
    Rodriguez starts to get to his feet . Divinci grabs him , yanks him up . Pushes him to the car .
    DIVINCI
    Get in the car!
    They move back to the car . Rodriguez gets back into the driver 's seat . Divinci moves around to the passenger side . Gets in , slams the door shut .

INT. UNMARKED CAR - DAY
    They sit silently in the car for a moment in the middle of the vacant lot . Breathing hard . Dirty . After a beat -
    DIVINCI
    There's no fuckin' reason to panic.
    Rodriguez turns slowly and looks at Divinci incredulously .
    RODRIGUEZ
    No fuckin' reason to panic? Did you say no fuckin' reason to panic!
    DIVINCI
    Stop being an idiot! We're the cops on the case. It's our case. We are going to find the fuckin' killers.
    RODRIGUEZ
    WE'RE THE FUCKIN' KILLERS!
    DIVINCI
    Since when does that matter?!
    Rodriguez stares at Divinci for a beat , then we -

EXT. UNMARKED CAR - PARKED - DAY
    Rodriguez and Divinci are sitting on the car , each with a beer and sharing a bottle of whiskey .
    DIVINCI
    All they want is someone to go down for the crime, right? Do we care who goes down for the crime? Fuck no. As long as someone goes down for the crime. It's a slot that's got ta be filled.
    Rodriguez is calmer , but still something bothers him -
    RODRIGUEZ
    We killed a cop, does n't that bother you?
    DIVINCI
    Of course it bothers me. What d'you want me to do, turn myself in? Well I'm not. That's the risk we take everyday, somebody might pop us, especially undercover like that. So he got popped. It happens.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Not by other cops!
    DIVINCI
    I patted him down! He was n't wearin' a wire, he had no badge, no gun, how was I supposed to know?!
    A moment of silence , then -
    DIVINCI
    Look, I feel just as bad as you do, but we got ta start thinkin' about us here. The important thing is we do n't lose control of the case. We can never lose control of the case. Whatever evidence there is goes through us. We lay down the trail. Make it nice and logical. We're the teachers and two and two can add up to five if it's our classroom.
    RODRIGUEZ
    What're you talkin' about, are you sayin' we stick somebody with this?
    DIVINCI
    Evidence points wherever we want it to point. Shit, we can provide so much evidence, even the asshole we pick will think he fuckin' killed him.
    RODRIGUEZ
    You got some asshole in mind?
    DIVINCI
    Just do n't worry. We'll find a killer. There's lots of'em out there.

EXT. STREET - DAY
    THREE AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTHS , all in their twenties , are hanging on a street corner . Talking . Normal street traffic . They give a long hard look to an ATTRACTIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN who walks past . A little chatter . The UNMARKED CAR suddenly screeches to the curb . The black youths scatter quickly as Divinci jumps out and goes after the tallest of the three . His name is JAMES . Rodriguez guns the car and gives chase on wheels . James darts across traffic . Divinci running hard after him . Rodriguez spins the car in a u - turn . Racing after them .

EXT. ALLEY - SAME TIME
    James darts down the alley . Narrow , dark , lined with trash bins . Divinci turns into the alley , but he is n't going to catch him . James is almost to the end when the car turns into the alley , skidding to a stop . Rodriguez jumps out , gun leveled at James . No where for him to go . He slows down . Rodriguez moves in from his front , Divinci runs up from behind . James is disgusted .
    JAMES
    What the hell'd I do now?

INT. POLICE STATION - EVIDENCE STORAGE ROOM - DAY
    Divinci removes the PACKAGE OF COCAINE and the .44 from the shelf . CASE NUMBER C - 549087 . THE .44 - INT . INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY SLIDING across a table to James , who stops it with his right hand . Divinci and Rodriguez are across from him .
    JAMES
    Ai n't my gun.
    DIVINCI
    Never is, is it.
    JAMES
    That ai n't my fuckin' gun.
    He shoves the gun back . Divinci stops it with his arm , careful not to touch it .
    DIVINCI
    Got your fuckin' prints on it.
    James quickly realizes what they 've done . He lunges for the gun , but Divinci picks it up quickly with a pencil through the trigger guard . James glares at them with murderous intent .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Where were you Friday night?
    JAMES
    Friday night. last Friday night?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Where were you?
    JAMES
    Whatever you think I did went down last Friday night?
    DIVINCI
    Better have a good alibi, James, or it's good ali bye - bye.
    A beat , then James smiles .
    JAMES
    I was in jail you assholes. Check it out.
    ( starts to laugh . )
    All night. What a couple a dickheads!
    Rodriguez and Divinci are silent . DOOR - INT . APARTMENT - DAY KICKED IN on a grungy small apartment . Divinci and Rodriguez burst in , guns drawn . Scaring the shit out of an HISPANIC MAN -LRB- CORTEZ -RRB- and his half - naked GIRLFRIEND as they watch television .
    DIVINCI AND RODRIGUEZ
    NOBODY MOVE! HANDS IN THE AIR! NOW! MOVE IT!
    THE .44 - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY SLIDING across the table back to Rodriguez and Divinci . Cortez sits across from them . Wearing white t - shirt , baggy pants . Tattoos on his arms .
    CORTEZ
    Ai n't my gun.
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( smiles . )
    Got your prints on it.
    CORTEZ
    ( stands ; angry . )
    You fuck, I ai n't never seen that gun before!
    RODRIGUEZ
    Where were you last Friday night?
    CORTEZ
    Fuck you. I wan na talk to a lawyer!
    Just want they wanted to hear . No alibi .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Lawyer's not gon na help you, Cortez. All the evidence we got points right to you.
    Cortez stares at them for a moment , then -
    CORTEZ
    Did you say last Friday night?
    Cortez smiles and pulls up his shirt , revealing a long scar across his stomach .
    CORTEZ
    Intensive Care, you pindejo fuckin' gutter shits. And Thursday night, and Saturday, too. I just fucking got out this morning.
    MAN - EXT. . ALLEY - DAY SLAMMING INTO A WALL , hitting hard , falling back to the dirty garbage covered alley . He 's about twenty - seven , thin , blond hair tied in a pony tail . He wears a flannel shirt , jeans , boots . He does n't want to fight . His name is DAVE .
    DAVE
    Alright, alright, alright. shit. I ai n't gon na fight you.
    He looks up at Divinci and Rodriguez moving toward him .

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
    Dave is behind the desk handling the .44 with no apparent problem .
    DAVE
    Ai n't my gun.
    RODRIGUEZ
    That's what they all say.
    DAVE
    Wish it was. No better gun than Smitty and Wes.44 mag with serial numbers filed off.
    ( opens cylinder . )
    Got any bullets?
    Divinci walks around , holds out his hand for the gun .
    DAVE
    Who did I kill?
    DIVINCI
    Where were you last Friday night?
    DAVE
    You mean, what's my alibi right?
    Dave spits on the gun , wipes off his prints with his shirt .
    DAVE
    I was breakin' and entering. Jewelry store on seventh and Front, about nine o'clock. Not even close to your jurisdiction. I got the rocks to prove it.
    He drops the gun , clean of prints onto the table .
    DAVE
    Sorry I ca n't help ya. But one to five is better than ten to life.
    Divinci and Rodriguez stare at Dave . They are not happy . MUG SHOTS - INT . HOMICIDE SQUAD ROOM - DAY in plastic pages . A BINDER full of criminal portraits . Divinci is going through one book . Rodriguez searches another .
    DIVINCI
    Montrose LaJolla.
    RODRIGUEZ
    We pulled him in last year for knifing that dealer on 32nd.
    DIVINCI
    Yeah. Almost killed him, remember? He'd be good.
    ( calls out to ANOTHER DETECTIVE . )
    Anybody seen Montrose LaJolla?
    ANOTHER DETECTIVE
    He's dead. His life partner killed him in a Domestic D about a month ago.
    Rodriguez suddenly slams his book shut .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Shit!
    Divinci looks at him . Rodriguez is angry , tense . Divinci gives him a look telling him this is not the time and place for a discussion on this topic .
    DIVINCI
    Take it easy.
    RODRIGUEZ
    This is n't gon na work!
    Divinci leans toward Rodriguez .
    DIVINCI
    Nobody said it was gon na be easy. But let's not advertise our despair. Okay?
    The PHONE RINGS . Divinci picks it up .
    DIVINCI
    ( into phone . )
    Divinci.

INT. CAPT. HENDERSON'S OFFICE - DAY
    Captain Henderson is sitting behind his desk . Divinci and Rodriguez are in front of him . Rodriguez is trying to hide his nervousness . Divinci is absolutely cool .
    DIVINCI
    This is our case! Not the goddamn DEA's!
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    It's been three days.
    DIVINCI
    We're not fuckin' magicians! What the hell is three days?! This is a goddamn murder case! It takes a little bit of goddamn time!
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    When a Federal Undercover Officer goes down, it's never a fuckin' murder case! I do n't like the DEA on my ass any better than you like'em on yours. But this is personal for them and they want answers. Forget your other cases and get something, anything that I can give to them. The last thing I want is the goddamn F.B.I. on my back, too.
    Divinci and Rodriguez are quiet for a beat , then -
    DIVINCI
    We've got a couple leads. We need a little more time.
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    I ca n't hold'em off much longer.
    RODRIGUEZ
    This is no fuckin' way to run an investigation.
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    Let me tell you both something, if you do n't solve this quick, they're gon na start askin' why? And they'll be lookin' to blame somebody in this department. So my advise to you is, get something fuckin' fast or turn over what you've got and get outa the way.
    Rodriguez and Divinci are quiet for a moment , then -
    DIVINCI
    How much time we got?
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    A couple days. The funeral's this afternoon.
    RODRIGUEZ
    What funeral?
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    For Agent Hudd. Simms wants you there.
    DIVINCI
    What for? We did n't know him.
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    How the hell do I know?! It's DEA, it's their thing. You're the cops on the case, I suppose they want you to know what a great guy Hudd was so you'll work all that harder to find his killer. Just go. It'll reassure'em how much you care and keep'em off my ass.

EXT. CEMETERY - GRAVE SITE - LATE AFTERNOON
    MOURNERS gathered around the grave site . WIFE in tears . MOTHER in tears . The men trying their best to hold up . Beyond the family , DEA AGENTS . Simms among them . A show of support and solidarity . A REVEREND delivering -
    REVEREND
    - and it is too easy to say that he was a good man in his job because he gave more than most. And it's too easy to say that he was a good man in his community because he gave more than others. And it's too easy to say he was a good man at home with his family because he was always there when they needed him. Special Agent Lionel Hudd was not just a good man, he was an extraordinary man. And his death shall not be in vain.
    CAMERA FINDS Divinci and Rodriguez at the back . Rodriguez looks nervous . Divinci notices . Their conversation is quiet .
    DIVINCI
    Do n't Humpty Dumpty on me.
    RODRIGUEZ
    What's that mean?
    DIVINCI
    Your cracks are startin' to show.
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( covering . )
    Bullshit.
    Divinci sees Simms approaching from the side .
    DIVINCI
    Get your balance. Here comes the King.
    Rodriguez glances toward Simms as he walks up . The conversation is quiet . Not wanting to disturb the ceremony .
    SIMMS
    Glad you came. Anything break?
    Divinci glances at Rodriguez .
    DIVINCI
    Nothin' to brag about. But we've got a couple new leads we're followin'.
    SIMMS
    Look, normally we'd be all over this, but your Captain seems to think you can do the job. It's your territory. I guess you know it better than anybody. And that can be worth a lot. But you understand. we wo n't wait forever.
    Divinci is pissed . He does n't like Simms .
    DIVINCI
    Just outa curiosity. What happened to his backup? You guys use backup on undercover do n't you?
    SIMMS
    It was a new lead. Hudd was afraid backup would blow his cover. He was supposed to check in ten minutes after the deal went down. He never checked in.
    RODRIGUEZ
    We want this one as bad as you do. A cop's a cop. We're in this together, right?
    Simms stares at Rodriguez and Divinci for a moment , then he returns his attention to the ceremony .
    SIMMS
    That's why I asked you to come here. Just so you knew that.

EXT. HOT DOG VENDOR STREET - DUSK
    Rodriguez and Divinci walk down the street , hot dogs in hand , returning to their car parked curbside .
    DIVINCI
    He did n't have backup. You believe that?! Jesus what a dick.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I do n't think we should criticize that particular decision of his.
    DIVINCI
    I do n't care what the reasons are, you do n't play Lone Fuckin' Ranger on a drug buy. You're just askin' for it. That's all I'm sayin'.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I do n't trust those bastards. They're not waitin' for us. That's bullshit. They're runnin' their own investigation. I know it!
    DIVINCI
    Let'em. The gun, the coke came from evidence. The car came from impound. So what's to find?
    RODRIGUEZ
    That's what I'm afraid of. There's nothing for them to find. We were too good.
    DIVINCI
    So what're you worried about?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Nobody is that fuckin' good.
    Divinci looks at Rodriguez , then smiles .
    DIVINCI
    Except us.
    STRIPPER - INT . STRIP JOINT - NIGHT bumping and grinding her way through her performance . We do n't see her face yet . Just her body . G - string and skin tight tank top . LOUD MUSIC . MEN in the audience appreciative . The room is smoky . LIGHTS swirl over the stage . The tank top comes off . WHISTLES and CHEERS . And now we see the dancer - it 's CYNTHIA .

INT. HALLWAY - BACK STAGE - NIGHT
    Cynthia moves down the hall in her g - string and high heels . She enters the dressing room .

INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
    Divinci is sitting in the only chair in the cramped little room . He 's going through her purse . Cynthia stops when she sees him , then shuts the door .
    CYNTHIA
    I think this is breaking and entering, is n't it?
    DIVINCI
    I work homicide, I do n't deal with that shit.
    CYNTHIA
    ( puts on robe . )
    Learn anything you did n't already have on file?
    DIVINCI
    Yeah. You surprise me sometimes. Here I think you're just a hard case and I discover you've got a heart of gold.
    ( holds up her drivers license . )
    You're an organ donor. That's really nice. The only problem is, they'll never use your best parts.
    CYNTHIA
    I'll make sure you get them.
    DIVINCI
    Hey, do n't get me wrong. I was just surprised that we had something in common. Besides what we have in common.
    CYNTHIA
    Do everybody a favor, if you're gon na donate your heart, make sure it goes to science. Most people want one that beats.
    DIVINCI
    Cynthia. pretty name. What do the first three letters spell?
    CYNTHIA
    Do n't get so clever. It's out of character.

INT. CYNTHIA'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
    Divinci and Cynthia are lying in bed . Divinci has his arm around her , but he 's staring at the ceiling .
    CYNTHIA
    What's so interesting up there?
    DIVINCI
    Nothing.
    CYNTHIA
    Then why's it got all your attention?
    DIVINCI
    I'm thinkin', that's all.
    CYNTHIA
    About us?
    DIVINCI
    No.
    CYNTHIA
    Good.
    Divinci looks at Cynthia .
    DIVINCI
    What if I was thinkin' about us?
    CYNTHIA
    Do n't waste your time.
    DIVINCI
    What if I was?
    CYNTHIA
    Where's it gon na get us?
    DIVINCI
    Maybe I got plans.
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't wan na hear'em. Plans just make you think somethin's gon na get better. I'm fine now. I do n't need to get screwed up waitin' for something good to happen.
    DIVINCI
    I just want you to know, love is important to me.
    CYNTHIA
    Me, too.
    DIVINCI
    But more important is loyalty. Nothing is more important than that. Not love, not anything. Because loyalty is about respect. You can talk about love all you want, but without respect it's empty. I mean the first thing that goes in a marriage is respect. And once it's gone, forget the love. So I am telling you, I am loyal to you. Like I'm loyal to my partner. We are closer than blood. And I trust him with my life.
    Cynthia did n't really expect this from Divinci . She 's actually , despite herself , a little touched .
    CYNTHIA
    Why're you telling me this?
    DIVINCI
    When you asked if I was thinkin' about us and I said I was n't, I just want you to know that I do.
    A beat , then -
    CYNTHIA
    Just do n't ask me to marry you.
    DIVINCI
    ( smiles . )
    Why are n't more women like you?
    Divinci leans in and they kiss .

EXT. CYNTHIA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    Divinci exits the building . Starts to cross the street to his car parked on the opposite side when he HEARS SOMETHING BEHIND him . He turns , instantly reaching for his pistol . A drunk staggers out of the alley - looks like he has a gun in his hand . Divinci instinctively raises his gun to shoot when - THE LIGHT - catches the object in the drunk 's hand - a BROWN BOTTLE , the neck sticking ahead like the barrel of a gun .
    DIVINCI
    ( lowers gun . )
    You fuckin' idiot.
    The drunk stops when he hears the voice . Looks through his matted greasy hair that cascades in front of his eyes . Now we recognize Joe . Divinci turns away , disgusted . Opens his car door , then stops . Caught in a thought . He turns back and looks at Joe again .

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
    Joe stumbles back into the DARKNESS OF THE ALLEY . Lies down next to a trash bin . LIGHTS suddenly illuminate Joe . Joe squints as a CAR moves right up to him . Joe shields the light with an arm . We HEAR the DOOR OPEN and CLOSE , then Divinci bends down into the LIGHT . He is wearing a BASEBALL CAP backwards on his head . And GLOVES on his hands . He reaches inside Joe 's JACKET POCKET .
    DIVINCI
    What've we got here?
    He pulls out the Smith and Wesson .44 . Divinci looks at Joe .
    DIVINCI
    Where were you last Friday night?
    Confused , Joe looks up at Divinci through matted hair .

INT. CAR - DRIVING - NIGHT (EARLY MORNING)
    Divinci drives . Joe up front . In an alcoholic daze .
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    What's your name?
    Joe looks at Divinci . Having trouble focusing .
    DIVINCI
    Your name, what's your name?
    WILLIAM
    Joe.
    DIVINCI
    Where'd you get the gun, Joe?
    Joe looks down at his hands - he 's holding the .44 .
    DIVINCI
    It was in your pocket, Joe, your coat pocket. You must keep it for protection, right?
    WILLIAM
    I do n't know.
    DIVINCI
    Sure you do, Joe. Everybody needs protection. Especially a guy like you lives on the street, right?
    Joe just stares at the gun .
    DIVINCI
    Put it back in your pocket, Joe. You do n't have to worry about me, I'm not gon na hurt you.
    Joe puts the gun into his jacket pocket .

EXT. STREET - EARLY MORNING
    The LOCATION of HUDD 'S MURDER . The street is empty . Quiet . Divinci stops his car next to where Hudd died .

INT. DIVINCI'S CAR - EARLY MORNING
    Joe is asleep , leaning against the window . Divinci reaches across and yanks him .
    DIVINCI
    Wake up, Joe! I want you to look at something. Out the window, Joe. Look out the window.
    Joe 's eyes open . Divinci forces his head to the window .
    DIVINCI
    This is where it happened, Joe. I want you to remember it. This is where you killed him
    Joe tries to turn to Divinci , but Divinci holds his head .
    DIVINCI
    You remember it now? How you shot him through the head? You remember it?
    WILLIAM
    I. do n't.
    DIVINCI
    ( lets go of Joe . )
    You will.
    Divinci slams his foot down on the accelerator and - THE CAR - tears off down the street . RODRIGUEZ - INT . BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING asleep . Alone in a double bed . The PHONE RINGS . Rodriguez startles awake . Catches the phone on the second ring .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Who the hell is this?
    INTERCUT WITH DIVINCI - INT . MOTEL ROOM - EARLY MORNING Divinci on the phone in the f.g. Joe is passed out on the bed in the b.g. . The room is dark .
    DIVINCI
    Is that any way to answer the phone?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Divinci, shit! It's quarter to six.
    DIVINCI
    I know what time it is, I'm not the one in bed. I need the photos of the scene.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Now?
    DIVINCI
    I got a suspect. But he ca n't remember all the details. He needs a little help. And I thought, since you're my partner, you might jump at the opportunity to lend me a fuckin' hand.
    Rodriguez sits up in bed .
    RODRIGUEZ
    He does n't remember last Friday?
    DIVINCI
    He does n't remember a lotta Fridays. Bring the shots and pick up a fifth of Vodka.
    ( glances at Joe . )
    Make it two.
    JOE - INT . MOTEL ROOM - DAY asleep on the bed .
    DIVINCI
    Time to get up, Joe.
    Divinci slaps him . Joe 's eyes open .
    DIVINCI
    I want you to look at something.
    The room is still dark . Curtains drawn . We now see Rodriguez . He 's wearing a black sock cap and gloves . He hands Divinci POLICE PHOTOGRAPHS of the car , the street , the victim - the murder scene . Divinci pulls Joe into a sitting position .
    DIVINCI
    There's the guy and the street and the car. You remember how you shot him.
    Joe stares at the photographs and starts to shake his head .
    DIVINCI
    You do n't remember? That's not what you told me last night.
    Joe is confused .
    DIVINCI
    If you remember you can have a drink.
    Joe looks at the bottle Rodriguez holds out to him .
    DIVINCI
    But you got ta remember how you saw him driving toward you and you were in the street and you were afraid he was going to hit you so you had to shoot to protect yourself. You remember now do n't you?
    Joe stares at the photographs for a moment , then nods .
    DIVINCI
    And where's your gun, Joe, where do you keep your gun?
    Joe thinks a moment , then reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out the .44 . Divinci hands Joe the bottle and Joe drinks . We PUSH IN on the BOTTLE OF VODKA as the liquid drains away and we CLOSE IN TIGHT until we can SEE LIONEL HUDD 'S FACE as we - CLOSE UP - THE PHOTOGRAPHS Hudd dead . Blood on the windows . The street . Joe is drunk again . In a haze . Starts to lift the bottle . Rodriguez pulls it away . Rodriguez and Divinci always stay behind Joe .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Why'd you kill him?
    WILLIAM
    I. do n't know.
    RODRIGUEZ
    It was your gun.
    WILLIAM
    I do n't have a gun.
    DIVINCI
    Yes you do. In your pocket.
    WILLIAM
    I'm tired.
    DIVINCI
    I know, Joe, it's tough to remember things you do n't wan na remember. What about your last name, Joe. You got a last name?
    Joe looks up as if trying to remember . Or trying not to .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Come on, Joe, everybody's got a last name.
    WILLIAM
    I do n't remember.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Do n't fuck with us, Joe. We're trying to help you. What's your last goddamn name?
    Joe shakes his head .
    WILLIAM
    I do n't know.
    Rodriguez suddenly smacks Joe on the side of the head when he tries to look back . Joe is surprised by the blow . Divinci pushes Rodriguez back . Shakes his head telling him to back off .
    DIVINCI
    ( to Joe ; friendly . )
    Come on, we're all tired here, Joe. Just give us your last name.
    WILLIAM
    I do n't remember.
    DIVINCI
    Okay, fine, what's in a name? But you remember the gun, right, in your pocket.
    Joe nods .
    DIVINCI
    And you remember that you told me you thought he was going to hit you, right? That's why you shot.
    WILLIAM
    Yeah.
    Divinci looks at Rodriguez . Rodriguez nods .
    DIVINCI
    How'd it happen, Joe, tell me how it happened.
    ( prompting . )
    You saw him driving toward you -
    WILLIAM
    - I saw him driving toward me -

INT. CAR - NIGHT - LIONEL HUDD
    driving . The night that he was shot . He looks ahead into the darkness of the street . Suddenly he SEES -

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    A MAN standing in the street ahead of him . HUDD - INT . CAR - NIGHT smiles and turns toward the man in the street . A .44 is pulled from a jacket pocket , lifted toward the APPROACHING CAR . The gun is in the hands of Joe . He is scared . The HEADLIGHTS COMING RIGHT AT HIM . He aims and FIRES the gun . THE FRONT WINDOW SHATTERS . And the car swerves to the curb .

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    Joe watches from the street , then looks at the .44 in his hand . BACK INSIDE THE MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT Rodriguez leans into Joe who is now sitting on the edge of the bed , looking down at the .44 in his hand .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Then what did you do?

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    Joe is in the street again . He does n't know what he did . BACK INSIDE THE MOTEL ROOM Divinci leans close to Joe from behind now .
    DIVINCI
    You ran.
    And now Joe can imagine it . We PUSH INTO JOE 'S EYES . BACK TO THE STREET as Joe turns and runs . As fast as he can away from the death . He looks back over his shoulder , scared .
    JOE'S VOICE
    I did n't mean to.
    BACK INSIDE THE MOTEL ROOM Joe is staring at the gun . Divinci and Rodriguez watch him .
    WILLIAM
    He was going to hit me. I was scared. he was going to hit me.
    Rodriguez looks at Divinci .
    DIVINCI
    That's why you shot him.
    WILLIAM
    That's why I.
    JOE - BACK ON THE STREET - NIGHT AIMS the gun again at the APPROACHING CAR .
    JOE'S VOICE
    shot him.
    And we HEAR the GUN SHOT AGAIN , shattering the silence as we - THE SMOKING .44 - INT . ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY held by Joe 's hand , which is held by Divinci 's gloved hand . Divinci has held Joe 's finger on the trigger and pulled it . The gunshot is deadened in the old building . Joe is lying in the back seat of a car , passed out , with Divinci holding the .44 in his hand . The back door is open . The engine is running .
    DIVINCI
    Helluva nice shot, Joe.
    Divinci pulls the 44 . out of Joe 's hand , then shuts the door , gets into the front . The car pulls away , exiting the warehouse . HAND - INT . INTERROGATION ROOM - POLICE STATION - DAY signing a name at the bottom of a paper - Joe . Beneath it is the type written name : JOE DOE . We PULL BACK and see it 's Joe signing a typewritten page as Divinci and Rodriguez watch . Joe is a mess . When he finishes he pushes the paper away and puts his head down on the table . Divinci picks up the paper and we -

EXT. CYNTHIA'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
    A small yellow Toyota with a bashed up left fender pulls to the curb . Cynthia gets out lugging her purse and a bag of groceries . We HEAR ANOTHER CAR DOOR SHUT . She turns . Divinci is walking across the street from his car toward her .
    CYNTHIA
    It's the middle of the day.
    Divinci gives her a look as he takes the grocery bag from her .
    DIVINCI
    Just talk.
    CYNTHIA
    Since when?
    Divinci leads the way into the apartment building .

INT. CYNTHIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
    Cynthia opens the door , pulls the key out of the lock as Divinci enters behind her with the groceries .
    DIVINCI
    I need you to do something.
    CYNTHIA
    Good, I need the money.
    She shuts the door . Divinci deposits the bag on the table . Cynthia picks it up , moves into the kitchen .
    DIVINCI
    This is n't a deal. Where you goin'?
    CYNTHIA
    I got perishables, okay?
    Cynthia enters the kitchen and Divinci follows . Cynthia starts unloading the groceries , putting the milk , eggs , etc. into the refrigerator .
    DIVINCI
    The guy we did the last deal with is dead.
    Cynthia turns suddenly .
    CYNTHIA
    What?
    DIVINCI
    Somebody popped him that night, probably when he tried to unload the stuff. I do n't know.
    CYNTHIA
    Jesus, does anybody -
    DIVINCI
    - Do n't worry, there's no connection. We got the guy who did it.
    Cynthia breathes a sigh of relief .
    CYNTHIA
    You scared the hell outa me.
    DIVINCI
    We just need you to do one thing.
    CYNTHIA
    What?

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
    Divinci and Rodriguez are moving down a hallway with Cynthia . She 's nervous . Wants very much not to be here .
    DIVINCI
    He'll be third from the left. Do n't fuck up. Third from the left.
    CYNTHIA
    What'm I supposed to say?
    DIVINCI
    Just look at'em and then look at the man the third from the left and say, It's him.
    RODRIGUEZ
    And I'll say, Are you sure?
    DIVINCI
    And you say, Absolutely. No question.
    CYNTHIA
    This is all I need to do right?
    DIVINCI
    We have a signed confession. You i.d. him, he's goin' straight into the can.
    CYNTHIA
    Okay, okay. But this is it. I'm not doin' anything more than this.
    DIVINCI
    Hey, it's a done deal.

INT. POLICE LINEUP ROOM - DAY
    ROWS of seats face a small platform . The LINEUP WALL is striped with horizontal lines with HEIGHT NUMBERS . The brightly lighted lineup is separated from the gallery , which is in the dark . UNIFORMED GUARDS are on hand to make sure there is no discussion , verbal or otherwise , between accused and witness . SIX MEN file onto the platform . All shady characters .
    A VOICE
    Stop and face front.
    The six men obey . A couple keep their heads down . The others squint from the bright lights .
    THE VOICE
    Lift your heads, look straight.
    Heads are lifted . Eyes front . But we only recognize one of them , standing third from the left . It 's Joe . Divinci , Rodriguez and Cynthia are in the gallery .
    DIVINCI
    Take your time. Try and remember his face.
    Cynthia counts three from the left and . wait a minute . She looks more closely . Just to be sure . Rodriguez and Divinci watch her . She 's obviously putting on a good show . Then she turns to Divinci , sitting next to her and whispers -
    CYNTHIA
    I know him.
    Divinci is caught a little of guard - he did n't expect a private conversation , nor does he want one for fear of it looking like he 's coaching her .
    DIVINCI
    If you can identify the man -
    CYNTHIA
    ( whisper . )
    I know him.
    DIVINCI
    Just tell us which one.
    Cynthia , frustrated , gives Divinci a look .
    CYNTHIA
    No. I fucking know him.
    Divinci still is n't sure what 's gotten into her . Rodriguez looks over , a little annoyed .
    RODRIGUEZ
    What's the problem?
    DIVINCI
    There's no problem!
    ( to Cynthia ; pointedly . )
    Do you see him up there?!
    CYNTHIA
    ( aside . )
    You do n't understand.
    Divinci is losing his patience . He does n't want to blow the whole thing now , not in front of guards and police personnel . The Guards are beginning to wonder what the hell 's going on . So are the MEN in the line .
    ONE OF THE MEN
    Hey, come on, do it or do n't!
    THE VOICE
    No talking.
    Divinci leans in close to her . We can HEAR GRUMBLING from the men on the platform .
    DIVINCI
    Pick the asshole out!
    Cynthia starts to protest again , but she suddenly feels Divinci 's hand grip her arm . He 's had enough . Cynthia gets the message . And while keeping her eyes locked on Divinci she says -
    CYNTHIA
    Third man from the left.
    JOE squints against the harsh light , trying to see into the room , as if he recognized the voice .

INT. HALLWAY - POLICE STATION - OUTSIDE THE LINEUP ROOM  DAY
    Rodriguez , Divinci and Cynthia move briskly down the hall . None happy about what just happened . The conversation is strained .
    DIVINCI
    You mind telling me what that was all about?!
    CYNTHIA
    I know him. He hangs around my building. He lives in the alley or something.
    Rodriguez looks at Divinci . Is this a problem ?
    DIVINCI
    You do n't think people that hang around your neighborhood can kill somebody. Well let me tell you something. You do n't live in a great fuckin' neighborhood.
    Divinci pulls a paper from his pocket .
    DIVINCI
    Just sign the goddamn paper.
    CYNTHIA
    What paper?
    RODRIGUEZ
    You picked a man out of a lineup, you have to sign that you did that so they do n't think we made it up.
    Cynthia just stares at Rodriguez for a beat , then -
    CYNTHIA
    Now why the hell would they think something like that?
    DIVINCI
    Sign it.
    CYNTHIA
    You said all I had to do was pick him out.
    DIVINCI
    This is part of it. Just sign it and you're done.
    CYNTHIA
    How come you're so sure it was him?
    Rodriguez rolls his eyes .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Jesus Christ!
    DIVINCI
    He confessed.
    CYNTHIA
    Bullshit.
    RODRIGUEZ
    We got it in writing.
    CYNTHIA
    He did n't do it.
    DIVINCI
    How the hell d'you know that? Were you with him at the time?! You have a good goddamn alibi for him?!
    RODRIGUEZ
    Maybe she was blowing him!
    CYNTHIA
    Better him than you.
    Rodriguez grabs her arm and pushes her against the wall . Divinci looks around quickly to see who 's watching .
    DIVINCI
    Take it easy.
    Rodriguez angrily throws up his hands and glares at Divinci .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Fine, I got nothin' at stake here.
    Divinci gives him a look , then leans right up next to Cynthia .
    DIVINCI
    This is what they call an open and shut case. He did the kill and he's going down. Do n't make the mistake of thinking you know the right thing to do.
    Divinci holds out the paper . Cynthia hesitates a beat , then takes it and signs her name . JOE - CLOSE SHOT - MUG SHOTS holding a number . The SCENE FADES WHITE with the FLASH . CELL DOOR - INT . JAIL - DAY closing on Joe who is standing in the small CELL , facing the wall , his back to us . The door is locked and we -

INT. EVIDENCE ROOM - DAY
    as the .44 is placed on a shelf . But this time it 's tagged with a different number . M5114000 . THE SIGNED CONFESSION - INT . CAPT. HENDERSON 'S OFFICE - DAY as Agent Simms reads through it to the end .
    SIMMS
    Doe?
    Simms looks across at Rodriguez and Divinci . Capt. Henderson and TWO OTHER DEA AGENTS -LRB- HOOPER and SARKASIAN -RRB- are also present . The DEA are in suits and ties .
    RODRIGUEZ
    He would n't give us his last name.
    SIMMS
    He signed a confession but he would n't give you his last name?
    DIVINCI
    He said he could n't remember it.
    ( points to his head . )
    He's a head case.
    AGENT HOOPER
    You run prints?
    RODRIGUEZ
    No priors.
    AGENT SARKASIAN
    Ballistics match?
    RODRIGUEZ
    We're waiting. But a forty - four was used in commission. He had a forty - four on him.
    AGENT HOOPER
    It went down pretty quick.
    DIVINCI
    It's our street.
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    I think they did a helluva job.
    Suddenly Simms slams his hand down on the desk .
    SIMMS
    Goddammit!
    Everyone turns to Simms . He 's angry . Rodriguez is uneasy .
    SIMMS
    Some goddamn piece a shit blows him away for NOTHING!
    The intensity of Simms anger quiets everybody . A beat as Simms regains his composure .
    SIMMS
    I'm sorry. Hudd was too good for this to happen. I just did n't think he'd go down this way.
    Simms crosses the room to Divinci and Rodriguez .
    SIMMS
    Good work. Thanks.
    He shakes their hands . Then exits . Hooper and Sarkasian follow their boss out the door . Rodriguez , Divinci and Henderson exchange a look .
    CAPT. HENDERSON
    Do me a favor. Make sure this one sticks. I do n't want the D.E.Assholes back in here.
    HEADLIGHTS -LRB- B&W -RRB- coming right at us . Closer and closer . Filling the screen . FLAMES BURST -LRB- COLOR -RRB- from the barrel of a .44 in SLOW MOTION - a FIREBALL . The GUNSHOT is deafening , like thunder . GLASS SHATTERS in SLOW MOTION . JOE covers his face with his hands to protect himself from the glass . But there is no glass . Joe is sweating , detoxing . Wild eyed . He looks through his fingers , but there is no street , no dead man . Just the BARS of his CELL . GLASS OF WHISKEY - INT . CYNTHIA 'S APARTMENT - NIGHT golden liquid caressing the ice . A hand lifts the glass to red lips . The liquid disappears . Cynthia lowers the glass , staring at it .
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    ( FILTERED . )
    Cynthia. pretty name. What do the first three letters spell?
    Cynthia suddenly hurls the glass across the room . THE GLASS - SLOW MOTIONS shatters against the wall . And bits of glass , edges sharp tumble through space like ice .

INT. POLICE JAIL - CELLBLOCK HALLWAY - DAY
    A GUARD leads a MAN in a dark suit and striped tie down the corridor . He carries a briefcase . Short hair and a beard and wire - rimmed glasses . His name is ELLIOT GOFF .
    GUARD
    Word is he killed a DEA undercover.
    ( no response . )
    Word is he shot him in the face.
    ( no response . )
    Word is he signed a confession.
    ELLIOT
    Word is everyone's entitled to a defense. no matter how guilty they are.
    They stop at the cell block door . The guard unlocks the door . INSIDE THE CELL we can see Joe on the floor in fetal position . Shaking from lack of alcohol .
    ELLIOT
    Oh shit.

INT. INFIRMARY - DAY
    Elliot waits in the hall . Fingers impatiently drumming his briefcase . The door opens and a DOCTOR exits the room .
    DOCTOR
    He's detoxing. I gave him something to help him through it.
    ELLIOT
    Can I talk to him?
    The doctor nods , opens the door . Elliot enters .

INT. INFIRMARY - DAY
    Basic first aid station . Joe is on a table . Eyes closed . Elliot walks up . Doctor behind him .
    ELLIOT
    Joe, can you hear me?
    Joe 's eyes open .
    ELLIOT
    I'm Elliot Goff. I'm your attorney. Do you understand what I'm saying?
    Joe 's eyes close . Leaving Elliot in the dark .

INT. SMALL COURTROOM - DAY
    Court is in session . Old metropolitan courthouse . The PROSECUTOR and his TEAM are at one table . The DEFENSE ATTORNEY and his CLIENT are at the other . The Prosecutor is a woman . Her name is HELEN EDEN . She is thirty - nine . She wears a business suit . RICHARD STEIN is her second in command . Richard is thirty - three . The DEFENSE ATTORNEY is fifty and a little on the portly side . His name is JOHN OBLINGER . But it 's the DEFENDANT that really attracts our attention . His name is CLYDE D. DUNNER . He 's done his best to look like a law abiding citizen , but no matter what kind of clothes he wears or how he slicks down his long hair or trims his mustache , this sonuvabitch looks like he 'd kill for a nickel . He 's on trial for murder . In the first . What a surprise . We are in the midst of opening statements . And Helen is keeping the JURY riveted . The presiding Judge is a WOMAN , JUDGE WEINBERG .
    HELEN
    - when the defendant, Clyde Dunner, entered the house of George and Carol Beaman on Friday night, a.44 caliber pistol in his hand. He entered the house with one thing in mind. To kill George and Carol, the people he blamed for the break up of his marriage to Carol's sister, Paula.
    The defendant is hardly listening . His attention is on TWO MEN SITTING BEHIND the prosecution table . And he turns to glare at them . The two men are DETECTIVES RODRIGUEZ and DIVINCI . Clyde glares at them as if he 'd like to get up right now , walk over to them and cut off their heads . Actually , that 's what he 's thinking . He mouths `` You die . '' Divinci mouths back . `` Fuck you , prick , asshole , dickhead . '' Then he smiles . Clyde boils .
    HELEN
    George and Carol were watching a movie when he entered the living room and opened fire. George was killed instantly, hit in the face. Carol died later of three bullet wounds to her chest.
    John Oblinger , his attorney , catches Clyde 's murderous look and instructs him , with a point of his hand , to pay attention to Helen . Clyde reluctantly turns his gaze from Divinci .
    HELEN
    Then the defendant, in his effort to cover up the crime, doused them with lighter fluid and set the house on fire. Carol was still alive.
    A YOUNG MAN , looking very upset , enters the courtroom , shows i.d. to a GUARD , then makes his way down the aisle . He tries his best to be quiet , not to interrupt Helen 's statement .
    HELEN
    Ladies and gentlemen of the jury we will prove to you, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the defendant, Clyde David Dunner, is guilty of two counts of murder in the first degree.
    Helen looks at the jury for a beat , then returns to her table .
    JUDGE WEINBERG
    The defense may now proceed.
    John Oblinger stands to present his side of the case . But our attention stays with Helen as she approaches the table to find her team in an upset . Their conversation is a tense whisper .
    RICHARD STEIN
    - Jesus Christ!
    YOUNG MAN
    - I do n't know where?
    RICHARD STEIN
    Are you sure?
    YOUNG MAN
    They looked all over -
    HELEN
    What's wrong?
    RICHARD STEIN
    They ca n't find the murder weapon.
    HELEN
    What're you talking about?
    RICHARD STEIN
    Dunner's.44. They ca n't find the goddamn gun!
    YOUNG MAN
    They lost it or something. Misplaced it, I do n't know. They ca n't find it anywhere.
    HELEN
    ( no whisper this time . )
    What?!
    A pause in the court . The judge taps his gavel in anger as we -

INT. HELEN'S OFFICE - DAY
    Rodriguez , Divinci , Richard Stein , the young man and Helen . Helen is furious .
    HELEN
    - I do n't have a goddamn case without the goddamn gun. His fingerprints, the ballistics, everything! I have to have the fucking gun or he's gon na walk. That murdering piece of filth will go free without the.44. How could they lose it?!
    Rodriguez and Divinci exchange a look . RODRIGUEZ AND DIVINCI - EXT. . COURTROOM - DAY walking quickly down the steps .
    RODRIGUEZ
    The Dunner gun, you used the fucking Dunner gun?!
    DIVINCI
    This is not my fuck up! Our shooting was supposed to be gang - related and unsolved! Only because we tagged a goddamn undercover cop do we need the fucking.44 for evidence! Otherwise, we never woulda needed it. So do n't point your finger at me!
    RODRIGUEZ
    Alright, alright. But how are we supposed to explain how the same gun was used in two murder cases by two different killers when it was supposed to be in police custody?!
    DIVINCI
    We do n't explain it. It's not our fault they lost the evidence. Ballistics are already complete in Dunner's case. All we need is another gun.
    BRIEFCASE - ALLEY - DAY as it opens , revealing a DOZEN different HANDGUNS .
    THE GUN SELLER
    All my merchandise is in top condition. Untraceable. The best money can buy.
    A BLACK MAN in a three piece suit , picks up the .44 with a GLOVED HAND . His accent is British .
    THE GUN SELLER
    It's got good knock down, but it's slow. Unless you have a preference for revolvers, I suggest a nine millimeter auto. They are more expensive, but what they cost in money, they save in time.
    Rodriguez and Divinci look down at the gun .
    DIVINCI
    The.44.
    The gun seller eyes them for a moment .
    RODRIGUEZ
    What?
    THE GUN SELLER
    You look like police.
    Divinci and Rodriguez stare at the gun seller . Then he smiles .
    THE GUN SELLER
    No offense.

INT. EVIDENCE ROOM - DAY
    as the NEW .44 goes onto the shelf . CASE NUMBER C - 549087 .

INT. JAIL - INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY
    Elliot is waiting , sitting at a table , staring at papers in his open briefcase . Door opens and a GUARD leads Joe into the room . Joe looks better , for the first time . His hair is combed . And he 's clean . He wears jail blues . But he is a little gaunt . And tired . Elliot stands . The guard shuts the door , leaving them alone .
    ELLIOT
    Joe, I'm Elliot, we met the other. well, you were n't in very good shape. You look much better.
    Joe just stares at Elliot .
    ELLIOT
    Have a chair. We need to talk.
    WILLIAM
    About what I did.
    ELLIOT
    Yes.
    Joe crosses to the table and takes a chair opposite Elliot .
    ELLIOT
    Joe, before we get into what happened that night, I'd like to check a couple of things first.
    ( looks at papers . )
    Joe is your first name, I assume Joseph?
    WILLIAM
    Okay.
    Okay ? Not the answer Elliot was looking for .
    ELLIOT
    What about Doe? Is that what you told the officers your last name was?
    WILLIAM
    I do n't think so.
    ELLIOT
    What did you tell them your last name was?
    WILLIAM
    I do n't remember.
    ELLIOT
    Well, is Doe your last name?
    WILLIAM
    I'm not sure.
    Elliot stares at Joe . This is going to be a little more difficult than he thought .
    ELLIOT
    Do you know what your last name is?
    WILLIAM
    I do n't remember.
    ELLIOT
    Joe, I'm your attorney, I'm here to help you. It does n't matter if you give the court your last name or not, they will still put you on trial. Do you understand?
    WILLIAM
    Yes.
    ELLIOT
    So there's no reason to try and hide your identity.
    ( Joe nods . )
    What is your last name?
    WILLIAM
    I would tell you if I could remember.
    ELLIOT
    Joe Smith, Joe Jones, Joe DiMaggio.
    Elliot hopes he can trigger a response . Joe tries hard .
    WILLIAM
    I do n't think so.
    ELLIOT
    Okay. Look, we'll move on. You understand the charges against you. They're serious. And if you are found guilty, you could go to prison for a very long time.
    WILLIAM
    Maybe I should.
    ELLIOT
    What?
    WILLIAM
    Go to prison. I killed him. I did n't mean to. But he was going to hit me.
    ELLIOT
    Yes, I know, I read your confession. Joe, if you really felt your life was in danger, we might be able to use self - defense as our argument. But before we get into that. Do you have any family, Joe? Any friends?
    WILLIAM
    I do n't think so.
    ELLIOT
    Joe. do you know what a psychiatrist is?
    WILLIAM
    Yes.
    ELLIOT
    Have you ever seen a psychiatrist?
    WILLIAM
    I'm not sure.
    ELLIOT
    Joe, you do n't remember much about yourself.
    WILLIAM
    No.
    ELLIOT
    but you remember the night you shot the man in the car.
    WILLIAM
    Yes.
    ELLIOT
    Why?
    WILLIAM
    because. I can. I'm sorry, I'm not much help.
    Elliot stares at Joe , then looks down at the blank page in front of him .

INT. SMALL COURTROOM - DAY
    The trial of Clyde D. Dunner in progress . Prosecution team at their table . Defense team at their table . JUDGE WEINBERG at the bench . Divinci on the stand . Clyde glaring at him . And Jury listening to Helen on the floor , prosecuting with vigor .
    HELEN
    - and when you approached the suspect in his apartment, did you identify yourself as a police officer?
    DIVINCI
    Yes.
    HELEN
    Did the suspect respond?
    DIVINCI
    Yes, he did?
    HELEN
    In what way?
    DIVINCI
    He started shooting through the door.
    HELEN
    The Defendant fired six times, until his gun was empty. We would like to show you the weapon he used.
    Helen crosses to the prosecution table , picks up the .44 . She holds it up for the jury to see .
    HELEN
    And we would like to enter it into court records. It was the same Smith and Wesson revolver he used to viciously murder George and Carol Beaman.
    The .44 is duly entered into the records . CLYDE glances at `` his '' .44 as it passes into the BAILIFF 'S HANDS . It 's a .44 all right .
    HELEN
    The prosecution would like to call Mr. Steven J. Allen to the stand.
    BAILIFF
    Steven J. Allen.
    STEVEN J. ALLEN , a short balding bespectacled man in his fifties , crosses to the witness box where he is sworn in , then sits .
    HELEN
    Mr. Allen, would tell the court what you do.
    STEVEN J. ALLEN
    I am a lab technician for the police department. One of my duties is to examine weapons used in violent crimes.
    Clyde 's attention is on Helen 's LEGS . He 's bored by the proceedings , but something suddenly strikes him . He looks at - THE .44 SMITH AND WESSON - on the evidence table . There is no BLACK STAIN on the handle .
    STEVEN J. ALLEN
    I tested the defendant's revolver and matched the bullets fired to the bullets removed from the deceased.
    CLYDE
    That ai n't my gun.
    All attention turns to Clyde . His attorney , the judge , the jury , Helen , everybody is surprised by the sudden statement .
    JUDGE WEINBERG
    I must remind the defendant that he is not to speak out when -
    CLYDE
    That ai n't my gun!
    The Judge taps her gavel . John Oblinger puts a hand on Clyde 's arm . Clyde pulls it away . And now things happen very fast .
    CLYDE
    THAT AI N'T MY FUCKIN' GUN!
    And Clyde is moving toward the gun . And the Bailiff and GUARDS are moving toward Clyde . And Helen is moving out of the way . And the Judge is standing , banging her gavel . And the jury is scared .
    CLYDE
    YOU'RE TRYIN' TO FUCKIN' FRAME ME!
    Clyde grabs for the gun as the bailiff and guards grab for Clyde . Clyde turns and decks the bailiff and all hell breaks lose .
    CLYDE
    IT AI N'T MY FUCKIN' GUN!

INT. MEN'S ROOM - DAY
    Door slams open . Rodriguez and Divinci enter . Rodriguez quickly checks all the stalls as Divinci closes the door . They are alone . When Rodriguez finishes with the stalls -
    RODRIGUEZ
    We got ta put the right gun back.
    DIVINCI
    We ca n't put the right gun back! Without that gun, they wo n't convict Joe.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Without that gun they wo n't convict Clyde!
    DIVINCI
    I'm not worried about Clyde, I'm worried about us!
    RODRIGUEZ
    Look, Joe's never goin' to trial, right. He signed a goddamn confession! Like you said, this one is open and shut. Clyde's the one we got ta worry about. We ca n't let him go back on the street! He's a fuckin' psychopath. He'll kill somebody again.
    DIVINCI
    Shit. How the hell did that piece of puke know it was n't his fuckin' gun?! I do n't think he knows his own fuckin' mother, but he knows his fuckin' gun!
    RODRIGUEZ
    I do n't think that's important right now.

INT. EVIDENCE ROOM - DAY
    The harried Desk Officer is filling out his usual paper work when Divinci and Rodriguez approach . Divinci knocks on the door . The desk officer looks up . He 's had a tough day .
    DESK OFFICER
    Sorry, Divinci, ca n't do it.
    DIVINCI
    What d'you mean you ca n't do it? I got ta check something.
    DESK OFFICER
    You got ta get written permission from the Chief.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Since when?!
    DESK OFFICER
    Since an hour ago when he came down here and chewed me a new asshole bigger than a three car garage.
    DIVINCI
    What's the problem?
    DESK OFFICER
    Something about missing evidence or who the hell knows. I just wan na transfer the hell outa here.
    DIVINCI
    What the hell're we supposed to do?!
    DESK OFFICER
    Ask the chief. Policy ai n't my department!

INT. SMALL COURTROOM - DAY
    Joe 's preliminary trial . Joe is seated at the defense table with Elliot . ANOTHER JUDGE , JUDGE HAROLD PINE , is behind the bench . No jury . This is a preliminary hearing to determine if there 's enough evidence for Joe to stand trail . Elliot is shuffling papers in preparation for his opening . And at the prosecution table is a very tired Helen . She looks completely pissed off and worn out . In no mood for anything to go wrong .
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Whenever you're ready.
    Elliot stands .
    ELLIOT
    We would like to plead not guilty to the charge of murder at this time for reason of Insanity.
    Helen gives Elliot a look . She does n't need this .
    WILLIAM
    But I did it.
    Elliot turns to Joe .
    ELLIOT
    Yes, Joe. Let me handle this.
    WILLIAM
    But I signed the confession.
    ELLIOT
    Yes, Joe. Do n't worry about it. I'm the attorney.
    HELEN
    Your honor, can we have a moment?
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Council may approach the bench.
    Helen and Elliot cross to the bench .
    HELEN
    Your honor, my colleague's client admits to the killing. I do n't see any reason to go through a trial when it's obvious he would like to plead guilty.
    ELLIOT
    I do n't agree.
    HELEN
    If he wants to plead guilty, you have to let him plead guilty.
    ELLIOT
    Not if he's not of sound mind.
    HELEN
    Come on, Elliot!
    ELLIOT
    I think he's crazy. I know you think he's just putting it on, that's D.A. standard procedure, but I do n't think he is. So, your honor, I'm standing by the not guilty because I believe he's incapable of making that judgment.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Have you had a psychiatrist look at him?
    ELLIOT
    Yes, your honor.
    ( hands him papers . )
    I think you'll see that my diagnosis is not without warrant.
    The judge hesitates , then looks at Joe . Joe is staring at him .
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    I'll review the findings and make my decision tomorrow.
    ELLIOT
    Thank you, your honor.
    ( to Helen . )
    Besides, I hear there's a good chance of beating the charges for lack of evidence.
    Helen 's look turns icy .

INT. ETHNIC BAR/RESTAURANT - DAY
    Dark , smoky . Not a place for the health - conscious . Rodriguez and Divinci at a corner booth . Both with scotch and waters .
    DIVINCI
    Nobody can connect us to the evidence thing. we're clean there.
    Rodriguez is quiet .
    DIVINCI
    The most important one is this DEA mess anyway. Once that's finished, we're completely in the clear.
    RODRIGUEZ
    You know we ca n't do it anymore.
    DIVINCI
    yeah, I guess.
    RODRIGUEZ
    No, we're through. That's it.
    DIVINCI
    Good while it lasted though. A hundred grand apiece. Not bad for a few nights work.
    Divinci lifts his glass in a toast to himself , drinks .
    RODRIGUEZ
    I just wan na get through this.
    DIVINCI
    We're gon na get through it. No evidence problems on this one.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I hope not. I do n't know, Frank, lately I been thinkin'. maybe what we did was n't such a good idea.
    DIVINCI
    Hey, we took out a few scumbags, that's it. Nobody's ever gon na miss those shitheels. They were all pieces of garbage. Not one of'em had a sheet less than a mile long. Drugs, extortion, assault. They were all fuckin' guilty as hell and still on the street, you know that.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Except the cop.
    DIVINCI
    Yeah, except the cop. That's part of the job. Could just as easily have happened to you or me.
    RODRIGUEZ
    But we're cops, you know? We fucked up.
    DIVINCI
    We fucked up once. Once outa ten. That's not bad.
    ( a beat . )
    I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, what can I say. I'm not goin' down for it.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I know.
    DIVINCI
    Look, if we got paid a decent salary we would n't be tempted by this, right? And what happens when we retire? You think our pension's gon na take care of us? Shit no. We are on our own. I mean all I want in life is a goddamn fishing boat, a beach, a couple drinks and some Hawaiian fuckin' music. That ai n't much for twenty years putting murdering assholes behind bars. I mean, the dealers, the pimps, the killers, they got no rules. We got all the fuckin' rules. It ai n't fair. That's all I'm sayin', it ai n't fair. For awhile, we made it fair.
    Rodriguez downs his scotch .
    DIVINCI
    Quit thinkin' you're a bad guy. You're not a fuckin' bad guy. You made one mistake. Let it go.
    Rodriguez nods . A WAITRESS comes to the table . Rodriguez orders another . The Waitress leaves . Rodriguez hesitates a moment , then -
    RODRIGUEZ
    Do you think we're corrupt?
    DIVINCI
    Hey, I never took a fuckin' bribe in my life.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Me either.
    DIVINCI
    Nobody ever bought me.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I know.
    DIVINCI
    No fuckin' way. Even the thought makes me sick. And what we did has nothing to do with being corrupt. It's two completely different things. Do n't get'em confused.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I guess you're right.
    DIVINCI
    I'm telling you. It's nothin' to do with corrupt.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I'm worried, that's all.
    DIVINCI
    Hey, you got ta worry a little. It's natural. Just do n't lose your sense of humor.
    RODRIGUEZ
    My sense of humor, right.
    DIVINCI
    The problem with people is, nobody gives a shit about makin' the world a better place. You and me, I do n't care what anybody says, we made the world a better place. No matter what happens. There are ten less drug dealin' assholes on the street today because of us. They're not plea bargainin' their way back onto the street, they're not clogging up the courts, and they're not costing the tax payers a fuckin' penny because they're not in prison. They were garbage. And there's nothin' wrong with takin' out the garbage.
    Divinci downs his scotch . Rodriguez nods , then -
    RODRIGUEZ
    So, you think you'll get back with Caroline?
    DIVINCI
    Shit. Nothin' I ever do is good enough, you know?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Never is, never was, never will be.
    DIVINCI
    Guess I got ta make the effort. It's gon na cost me if I do n't.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Tell me about it. You know how much I got left.
    DIVINCI
    You're gon na think I'm an idiot, but. I like Cynthia. There's no bullshit with her. I just fuckin' like her.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I think you just like fuckin' her.
    Rodriguez smiles . Divinci looks at him for a beat , then -
    DIVINCI
    Yeah, that, too.
    NEWSPAPER - INT . CYNTHIA 'S APARTMENT - DAY with JOE 'S PHOTOGRAPH on the front page . HEADLINE : UNDERCOVER COP GUNNED DOWN BY UNDERCOVER KILLER . We PAN AROUND to Cynthia , sitting in her kitchen , staring at the photograph .
    CYNTHIA
    What the hell, Joe, at least you wo n't get run over.
    She folds up the paper and throws it in the trash can .

INT. SMALL COURTROOM - DAY
    The Dunner trial . The JURY is back . Helen , Judge Weinberg , Clyde D. Dunner -LRB- who now sports a couple bandages to his head -RRB- , his attorney John Oblinger - they 're all waiting for the verdict .
    JUDGE WEINBERG
    The defendant will stand and face the jury.
    Clyde stands .
    JUDGE
    What is your verdict?
    JURY FOREMAN
    We find the defendant, Clyde David Dunner, not guilty.
    Helen closes her eyes in defeat . Clyde smiles .
    CLYDE
    Fuckin' A!

INT. HOMICIDE DIVISION - DAY
    Divinci is on the phone .
    DIVINCI
    - when was the last time you saw him? - Uh - huh - And you have n't seen him since then?
    Rodriguez suddenly strides up . He looks panicked .
    RODRIGUEZ
    We got ta talk.
    DIVINCI
    ( into phone . )
    Just a second.
    ( covers phone . )
    Calm down. I heard. Clyde walked.
    RODRIGUEZ
    No!
    ( leans in close . )
    They're takin' Joe to trial.
    Divinci stares at Rodriguez for a beat , the reality of his statement taking a moment to fully slam home .
    RODRIGUEZ
    They found him mentally unable to plead so his attorney pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
    DIVINCI
    You got ta be kiddin' me.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yeah, that's me, I love to make people laugh. You hear the one about the two cops who popped the undercover DEA?

INT. STRIP JOINT - NIGHT
    Cynthia on stage , in the middle of her routine . Hoots and whistles from the all MALE CROWD . But she 's not really into her performance tonight . She pulls off the last of her clothing to APPLAUSE and CHEERS .

INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
    Cynthia enters . An ASIAN MAN in sweat shirt and jeans is sitting in the room .
    CYNTHIA
    Who the hell're you and what the fuck are you doing in here?!
    ( calls down hall . )
    HEY, BOB, I GOT AN ASSHOLE IN THE DRESSING ROOM.
    ( to the man . )
    I suggest you get out before Bob gets here. He does n't like assholes.
    ASIAN MAN
    You're Cynthia Webb.
    CYNTHIA
    ( calls down hall . )
    BOB!
    The Asian Man stands .
    ASIAN MAN
    But you are Cynthia Webb the famous dancer, yes?
    CYNTHIA
    Yeah, yeah, nice try, get out.
    The man moves toward her , pulling a PAPER from his pocket . He hands it to her .
    ASIAN MAN
    I liked your show very much.
    CYNTHIA
    What the hell's this?!
    He exits . No answer . Cynthia stares at the paper -
    CYNTHIA
    A subpoena?! For what?! I did n't do anything!
    But the man is gone . BOB , a HUGE BOUNCER , tears past , giving chase .
    CYNTHIA
    ( staring at paper . )
    Oh shit. oh shit. He served me! He fuckin' served me!

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
    Dark , quiet . PHONE RINGS . A hand picks up the phone .
    MAN'S VOICE
    Hello.
    ANOTHER MAN'S VOICE
    Detective Divinci?
    DIVINCI
    Yeah.
    ANOTHER MAN'S VOICE
    This is Sergeant Gardner down at the station.
    INTERCUT WITH SERGEANT - INT . HOMICIDE DIVISION - NIGHT The station is alive with activity . Even at this early hour . HOOKERS , PIMPS , PUSHERS , DRUNK DRIVERS . Some being booked , some being released , some being obnoxious .
    SERGEANT GARDNER
    Sorry to call so late, but I got a hysterical woman here says she needs to talk to you about a murder.
    Divinci turns on the light revealing a WOMAN in bed with him . He picks up his watch , looks at the time .
    SERGEANT GARDNER
    I told her I could n't call you at home, but she said that it was very important. A matter of, you know, life and death.
    DIVINCI
    What's her name?
    SERGEANT GARDNER
    Cynthia.
    Divinci perks up at the name . And now we SEE Cynthia in the POLICE STATION trying not to look as freaked out as she feels . But she 's not holding together well .
    DIVINCI
    Tell her to wait, I'll be right down.
    Divinci hangs up . Starts to dress . The woman groans .
    WOMAN
    What the hell're you doing?
    DIVINCI
    I got ta go down to the station.
    WOMAN
    Now? What time is it?
    DIVINCI
    Go back to sleep.
    WOMAN
    Frank, this is no way to repair our marriage, you know?
    She pulls the covers over her head . Divinci pulls on his pants .

INT. POLICE STATION - 3:38 A.M.
    Divinci pushes into the room . Sees Cynthia sitting on the bench , looking nervous as hell . Smoking , tapping her foot , looking around . Just this side of a wreck .
    DIVINCI
    Hey!
    Cynthia sees him and is immediately on her feet , moving to him .
    CYNTHIA
    Frank, I ca n't do this. He came to the club. You got ta -
    DIVINCI
    Not here!
    He takes her arm , leads her out of the station .

INT. POLICE STATION PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT
    Divinci leads Cynthia out of the station to his car .
    CYNTHIA
    I thought you said all I had to do was pick him out?! That's what you said, that's all I had to do. I did what you said. But that was supposed to be all.
    DIVINCI
    SHUT UP!
    He opens the driver 's door , pushes her in . Gets in behind her .

INT. UNMARKED CAR - NIGHT
    Cynthia is a bundle of nerves . Divinci slams the door . Cynthia is startled by the suddenness of his anger .
    DIVINCI
    What're you talkin' about?
    Cynthia opens her purse and pulls out the subpoena .
    CYNTHIA
    They want me in court.
    Divinci glances at the papers .
    CYNTHIA
    You promised me I was n't gon na have to do anything! What the hell is goin' on?!
    This is yet another glitch that Divinci had n't counted on .
    CYNTHIA
    I ca n't do this, Frank. I ca n't go into court. I'm gettin' outa here!
    DIVINCI
    You are not getting outa here!
    CYNTHIA
    Well I ca n't go to court! THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAID I'D HAVE TO DO!
    DIVINCI
    WELL THIS WAS N'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN! NOW JUST FUCKIN' CALM DOWN FOR A SECOND AND LET ME THINK!
    Cynthia glares at him , then turns away , takes a drag and blows out the smoke .
    CYNTHIA
    Fine. Think away.
    Divinci hesitates as ANOTHER CAR pulls out . Then turns to her .
    DIVINCI
    Look, you're a witness, that's all. You got nothin' to worry about. You saw something happen -
    CYNTHIA
    - What?! What did I see?!
    DIVINCI
    I will tell you everything you got ta know. You understand? Everything. You will know exactly what to say.
    Cynthia looks at Divinci , unsure . Divinci gives her a confident smile . Look , it 's another stage , that 's all . Just like dancin ' . THE UNMARKED CAR pulls quickly out of the PARKING GARAGE .

INT. JAIL - MEETING ROOM - DAY
    Elliot is waiting . The guard opens the door and Joe enters . Joe is looking better . Getting him off booze has helped immensely .
    ELLIOT
    Hi, Joe. You're looking much better.
    WILLIAM
    I guess jail's been good for me.
    Elliot nods , motions for Joe to take a chair .
    ELLIOT
    Trial date's been set for Thursday.
    WILLIAM
    I've been thinking about what I did. and I do n't think it's right that I try getting off.
    ELLIOT
    Excuse me?
    WILLIAM
    I want to plead guilty. I killed a man and I should be punished.
    ELLIOT
    I'm a little surprised.
    WILLIAM
    Why?
    ELLIOT
    Nobody ever wants to be punished for what they've done. It's just a new concept. But I still think our defense is reasonable. I do n't believe, under the condition you were in, that you were responsible for your actions.
    WILLIAM
    But why was I carrying a gun? I had no right to carry a gun.
    ELLIOT
    If you had n't been carrying the gun, you might be dead.
    WILLIAM
    And he might be alive.
    ELLIOT
    I understand. Can I think about this?
    WILLIAM
    No. I've made up my mind.
    Elliot stares at Joe for a beat , then we - YELLOW CRIME SCENE TAPE - EXT. . APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY TWO MURDER VICTIMS lying in the street . POLICE OFFICERS have the area under control . A few CURIOUS PEOPLE have stopped to watch . An UNMARKED CAR pulls up . Stops .

INT. UNMARKED CAR - DAY
    Parked . Rodriguez behind the wheel . Divinci next to him .
    RODRIGUEZ
    What if she takes off?
    DIVINCI
    Then we got no goddamn witness puts him at the scene.
    RODRIGUEZ
    And what happens if she testifies and nobody fuckin' believes her?
    DIVINCI
    Perjury, maybe. But that's a fifty fifty. They might believe her.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Shit, Frank, she's a goddamn stripper for Chrissake, who's gon na believe her. I do n't believe her when she's telling the truth!
    An OFFICER walks to the car and knocks on the window . Divinci rolls it down .
    DIVINCI
    What?
    OFFICER
    Ahh, we got two bodies out here and three more in the house.
    DIVINCI
    So?
    OFFICER
    I was just wondering if you were gon na be the primary on this one, that's all.
    DIVINCI
    Yeah, yeah, we're comin'. Just give us some room.
    Divinci rolls the window back up . The officer backs off .
    RODRIGUEZ
    She could blow the whole thing. She could tie us in and that would be it. We'd be fuckin' fried.
    DIVINCI
    If it looks like she's gon na crumble we'll take steps.
    RODRIGUEZ
    What steps?
    Divinci looks at Rodriguez .
    DIVINCI
    One more chalk outline more or less in this city who's gon na know?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Oh shit, Frank.
    DIVINCI
    Hey, hey, you think I like this?!
    RODRIGUEZ
    We just ca n't go around killin' everybody!
    DIVINCI
    Just a second. Look around. Whatta we got here? Two stiffs on the street, shot to shit, three more inside. That's five chalk lines in one night in one deal in one neighborhood in one city. Let me fill you in on some statistics, we're not killin' everybody.
    ( a beat , then - . )
    Look, this is strictly last resort. Okay? But let's not kid ourselves. If push comes to shove, somebody has to go down. If you got another candidate, I'm willin' to listen.
    Rodriguez is silent . Divinci opens the door . Rodriguez watches him , then he follows . To the scene of another crime .

INT. CYNTHIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
    Cynthia is in the kitchen , making herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as she watches Sally Jesse Raphael interview yet another moron on television . The phone rings . She takes a bite of the sandwich as she picks up and mumbles -
    CYNTHIA
    Hello.
    INTERCUT WITH INT . OFFICE - D.A. 'S DEPARTMENT - DAY Richard Stein , the attorney , is on the phone . His office is cluttered with the myriad of case files he 's forced to juggle .
    RICHARD STEIN
    Cynthia Webb?
    CYNTHIA
    ( swallows . )
    . yeah.
    RICHARD STEIN
    I'm Richard Stein with the District Attorney's office. You're a witness in a case we're handling and I'd like to talk to you as soon as possible.
    Cynthia puts down the sandwich , her appetite suddenly gone .
    RICHARD STEIN
    Ms Webb?
    CYNTHIA
    Yeah.
    RICHARD STEIN
    Any chance we could get together today?
    CYNTHIA
    ( nervous . )
    I'm ah. pretty busy.
    RICHARD STEIN
    It wo n't take long. Will you be home about two?
    ( no answer . )
    Ms Webb?
    CYNTHIA
    Yeah, okay. two.
    RICHARD STEIN
    Good. Let me make sure I've got your correct address.
    SUITCASE - INT . CYNTHIA 'S BEDROOM - DAY as clothes are stuffed into it . The suitcase is slammed shut . And Cynthia heads for the door .

EXT. MANSION - DAY
    A BLACK CONVERTIBLE MERCEDES pulls into the circular , gated drive of the large two story home on immense manicured grounds . A BMW is parked in front of the FOUR CAR GARAGE . It is being waxed by car care specialists . The Mercedes stops and a MAN gets out . He has gray hair and expensive clothes . He carries a briefcase and heads for the front door . His name is ARTHUR BAYLOR .

EXT. MANSION - PATIO - DAY
    A BUTLER shows Arthur to the patio where another MAN , NATHAN MCCALL , is seated behind a table , reviewing documents . McCall is fifty - five , wears glasses .
    BUTLER
    Mr. Baylor is here.
    McCall looks up , smiles .
    WILLIAM
    Arthur.
    Arthur crosses . The two men shake hands .
    ARTHUR
    Nathan. How are you?
    WILLIAM
    Good, Arthur, thanks. Would you like some coffee, juice.
    ARTHUR
    No, I'm fine.
    WILLIAM
    Well, this is all a bit of a mystery. You certainly got my attention with your phone call. What's this all about?
    Arthur removes a NEWSPAPER from his briefcase . Opens it . Revealing the PHOTOGRAPH OF JOE and the headline : UNDERCOVER COP GUNNED DOWN BY UNDERCOVER KILLER . McCall looks at the paper .
    WILLIAM
    Is there something you want me to see?
    Arthur points at the photograph . McCall looks . A beat , then -
    WILLIAM
    Oh my God.

INT. BUS STATION - DAY
    Cynthia boards a greyhound . Getting the hell out of Dodge .

INT. CYNTHIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
    We HEAR a key in the lock . The door opens and Divinci enters . He looks around .
    DIVINCI
    Cynthia.
    He moves into the bedroom . Sees clothes strewn around and a half empty closet .
    DIVINCI
    Shit!
    He heads back into the living room . Pulls open the door and almost runs into Richard Stein who was just about to knock .
    DIVINCI
    ( startled . )
    Jesus!
    Richard Stein is just as startled and it takes him a moment to recognize -
    RICHARD STEIN
    Divinci?
    Divinci is caught off guard .
    RICHARD STEIN
    Richard Stein, D.A.'s office.
    DIVINCI
    Oh, yeah, sorry. I did n't expect - what're you doing here?
    RICHARD STEIN
    I have to talk with Cynthia Webb. A witness in - well, wait, are n't you and Detective Rodriguez on this one?
    DIVINCI
    ( vamping . )
    Yeah, yeah, that's why I'm here. I wanted to go over some of the details.
    RICHARD STEIN
    Me, too. Is she there?
    DIVINCI
    No.
    RICHARD STEIN
    I was supposed to meet her at two.
    ( looks at watch . )
    Do you know her?
    DIVINCI
    What d'you mean?
    RICHARD STEIN
    Well, I just mean, if she's not here. you were.
    ( a little awkward . )
    . inside.
    DIVINCI
    ( forces a smile . )
    Oh, yeah, the legal thing. Well, she's a witness in a murder case. And when they do n't answer a knock and the door's open, it's my experience, you know. I like to make sure there's no dead bodies layin' around.
    ( pulls door shut . )
    Do n't tell on me.
    RICHARD STEIN
    No, no, of course not. Well, maybe I should wait. She might be stuck in traffic or something.
    DIVINCI
    Yeah. If she shows up, let me know. I'd like to talk to her, too.
    RICHARD STEIN
    Of course.
    Divinci looks at Stein for a beat , then smiles and -
    DIVINCI
    See you in court.
    RICHARD STEIN
    Right.
    Divinci heads down the walkway . Richard Stein watches him for a moment , then looks at the closed door , then at his watch .

INT. ELLIOT'S OFFICE - DAY
    Elliot 's office is a cramped space in the PUBLIC DEFENDERS FLOOR of the CRIMINAL COURTS BUILDING . A buzz of activity outside . The staff is overworked , underpaid and underappreciated . Elliot is reviewing legal documents . Knock on the door .
    ELLIOT
    Yeah.
    The door opens and Arthur Baylor enters .
    ARTHUR
    Elliot Goff?
    Elliot looks up and suddenly recognizes -
    ELLIOT
    Arthur Baylor?
    ARTHUR
    Yes.
    Elliot is stunned and flattered . He stands quickly .
    ELLIOT
    Arthur Baylor, oh my God. I ahh, would you ahh. are you here to see me?
    ARTHUR
    Yes.
    Arthur shuts the door .

INT. JAIL - INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY
    Door opens . Joe is lead into the room by the JAIL GUARD . Joe looks even better now . His stay in jail has broken his dependency on alcohol . His hair is clean and combed . And he 's not as depressed . He stops upon seeing Elliot and Arthur at the table . Both men stand . The guard shuts the door . Arthur looks at Joe for a moment , then says -
    ARTHUR
    William.
    Joe stares at Arthur as if fighting a lost memory , then -
    WILLIAM
    yes.

INT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY - HELEN'S OFFICE - DAY
    HELEN
    What are you telling me?!
    Richard Stein is facing a not very happy Helen . She is seated behind her desk stacked high with case files .
    HELEN
    She missed the appointment? She forget you were coming? What?!
    RICHARD STEIN
    If you want my best guess, I'd say she split.
    HELEN
    She split, our witness split. Ca n't we keep our evidence and witnesses from disappearing around here? I mean what do I have to do, lock them in the trunk of my car? What the fuck is going on?! I want that bitch back here and on the stand or in jail!
    Richard Stein nods quickly .
    RICHARD STEIN
    I'll get her.
    And he exits fast . He does n't like it when his boss is pissed . And right now his boss is really pissed .

EXT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - DAY
    A seedy side street near the courthouse and jail . The unmarked car pulls up and Divinci gets out .

INT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - DAY
    The interior is sparse . Several FRAMED FIGHT POSTERS on the walls . All with MANNY LADREW , a young tough fighter in the featherweight division , in his best pose , explaining where and when the next bout will be - but all these posters are at least fifteen years old . Two desks . One for the secretary , who is on vacation , and the other for MANNY LADREW , the ex - pugilist . He 's put on some pounds in the intervening years , plus an added thin mustache . Manny is on the phone -
    MANNY
    - yeah, uh - huh.
    ( takes notes . )
    Why you think he'd go there?
    Divinci enters .
    DIVINCI
    We need to talk.
    MANNY
    ( covers phone . )
    Just a second.
    DIVINCI
    Not just a second, now!
    Manny glares at Divinci . He does n't like Divinci , never has , never will . But he 's a cop . Cop 's you have to make room for .
    MANNY
    ( into phone . )
    I'll call you back.
    ( hangs up . )
    What d'you want, Divinci?
    Divinci pulls some papers out of his pocket , hands them to Manny .
    DIVINCI
    I got a witness who took off. I got ta get her back. I do n't got a lotta time.
    MANNY
    You're the fuckin' police. What're you comin' to me for?!
    DIVINCI
    Do n't ask fuckin' questions, you just find her!
    Manny , annoyed , looks at the papers - photo of Cynthia included .
    MANNY
    Where've I seen her before?
    DIVINCI
    She dances.
    MANNY
    Yeah, right, okay. So what'd she take off for?
    DIVINCI
    I said -
    MANNY
    - I know what you fuckin' said, but you want me to find her I got ta know why the fuck she took off! So I know where not to look! Okay?!
    DIVINCI
    she's supposed to testify. She got scared, thinks somebody might kill her, so she's hidin'. That's why I want you to find her. If somebody is tryin' to pop her, I do n't want anyone knowin' where she is. Manny eyes Divinci. He does n't believe anything anybody tells him. Especially in his business.
    MANNY
    How long I got?
    DIVINCI
    Two days.
    MANNY
    Shit, two fuckin' days!
    DIVINCI
    Find her, puss head.
    Divinci glares at Manny , then exits . Manny watches him leave .
    MANNY
    Sure, Detective. Always like to help out the police whenever possible!

INT. LARGE COURTROOM - DAY
    Joe -LRB- William -RRB- is lead into the courtroom by GUARDS . Takes his place at the DEFENSE TABLE which includes Elliot and TWO YOUNG ATTORNEYS . The PROSECUTION TABLE , which includes Richard Stein and Helen is going over last minute minutia . PEOPLE are taking seats in the gallery . But another attorney joins the Defense table . It 's Arthur Baylor . And Richard Stein double - takes when he sees him . AT THE PROSECUTION TABLE
    RICHARD STEIN
    ( to Helen . )
    Is n't that Arthur Baylor?
    Helen turns .
    HELEN
    Yes.
    They watch Arthur shake hands with everyone - Elliot , the two young attorneys and Joe .
    RICHARD STEIN
    What's he doing here?
    Arthur takes a seat at the defense table and glances across at Helen and Richard and nods . Helen and Richard are stunned .
    HELEN
    What the hell?
    BAILIFF
    Hear ye, hear ye. All rise, face our flag and recognize the principles for which it stands. The Criminal Court, Department G is now in session. The Honorable Harold W. Pine presiding.
    Everyone rises as JUDGE HAROLD PINE enters . In black robe . Taking his place behind the bench . He sits .
    BAILIFF
    Please be seated and come to order.
    Everyone sits . And even Judge Harold Pine double - takes when he sees Arthur Baylor at the Defense table .
    BAILIFF
    The People versus Joe Doe in case number 95 - 24705.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Before we proceed, I'd like to ask the Defense if there's anything this court should be made aware of.
    Arthur stands .
    ARTHUR
    Yes, your honor. I have joined the defense in the representation of Mr. William Dane McCall, otherwise known to this court as Joe Doe.
    Everyone turns to look at Joe -LRB- William McCall -RRB- . CAMERA PUSHES in on him . It does n't look as if he 's sure who he is yet .
    ARTHUR
    I have represented the McCall family for several years before William McCall's disappearance seven years ago. It was assumed that he had died, but since he has reappeared under these tragic circumstances, I would ask this court for a continuance to allow the defense to prepare adequately in light of his real identity now being known.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    How long do you need.
    ARTHUR
    One week should be sufficient.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Any objection to a week's continuance by the State?
    HELEN
    I do n't. believe so, your honor.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Then I grant a one week continuance. We will start the proceedings next Monday morning.
    Judge Harold Pine taps his gavel . TELEVISION NEWS REPORTS - INT . HELEN 'S OFFICE - DAY FLASH Joe 's photograph and scenes of him being lead from the courtroom . Helen and Richard Stein are watching . They ca n't believe it .
    NEWSCASTER
    - when it was discovered that the man who has confessed to killing an undercover DEA agent, was actually himself thought dead for seven years. The man who signed the confession as Joe Doe is actually William Dane McCall, brother of Nathan McCall. Both are sons of the founder of McCall International, a corporation involved in telecommunications, computer design and development and other related industries. The net worth of both men is estimated at over a billion dollars -

INT. UNMARKED CAR - DAY
    Parked on the street . Rodriguez and Divinci inside . Rodriguez reads the paper .
    RODRIGUEZ
    - but William McCall shunned the business world and turned his life to medicine, receiving his medical degree from Harvard in 1969. Once again he turned his back on the established norm and spent several years in Africa performing organ transplants for the poor.
    Rodriguez slams down the paper .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Jesus Christ, this is who you picked? A goddamn surgeon who performs organ transplants on poor Africans?!
    DIVINCI
    He was living in the fuckin' street! How the hell was I supposed to know he was a goddamn doctor?!
    RODRIGUEZ
    He's not a goddamn doctor! You picked a fuckin' Saint to pin a fuckin' murder on!
    Divinci grabs the paper away from him . Both cops are angry , upset , frustrated and scared to death .
    RODRIGUEZ
    When we pick'em, we really fuckin' pick'em. We shoulda just picked up the fuckin' Pope.
    DIVINCI
    ( reading . )
    - he disappeared seven years ago on September 19 two weeks after the tragic death of his wife and two young children in a multiple vehicle accident. At the time it was assumed that he had returned to Africa, but that was never confirmed. What William McCall has been doing for seven years is now the mystery that the court will try to help unravel.
    Divinci closes the paper .
    DIVINCI
    Alright, alright, let's think here. What's the worse case scenario?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Are you asking me if I can think of something worse than what we've done that we can still do, or something worse that might happen to us if this all blows up and we are convicted and sent to jail and die in the electric chair and go to hell?
    Divinci looks at Rodriguez .
    DIVINCI
    Work with me here.
    RODRIGUEZ
    I'm sorry. I'm a little on edge. Would you repeat the question?
    Both men are quiet for a moment , then -
    DIVINCI
    Even if the doc walks, there's no evidence ties us to it. There's only one person who can connect us to Hudd.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Okay, fine, I do n't wan na argue about it anymore. Let's just fuckin' kill her.

INT. BALL BOND OFFICE - DAY (LATE AFTERNOON)
    Manny LaDrew is pouring himself a cup of coffee . His SECRETARY is typing up a letter at her desk .
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    We need to talk.
    Manny recognizes the voice . He mouths an oh fuck to himself , then turns around to Divinci who is standing in the doorway .
    MANNY
    Are you fuckin' with me?
    DIVINCI
    No, I'm not fuckin' with you. Are you fuckin' with me?!
    MANNY
    You do n't know?
    DIVINCI
    Know what?
    MANNY
    Well this is a good one. You're a cop and you do n't know.
    DIVINCI
    Stop it.
    MANNY
    Cops got her. Ai n't that a gas. Cops got her, you're a cop, and you got ta find out from me. It's a crazy world we live in, do n't you think?
    Divinci suddenly explodes , going for Manny , grabbing him , slamming him against the wall , his arm to Manny 's throat .
    DIVINCI
    Cops?! What fuckin' cops?!
    MANNY
    I do n't know what fuckin' cops. All I know is, my people got to her sister's place and she was already gone. Her sister said some cops took her. I thought it was you!
    Divinci glares at Manny for a beat , then he storms out .
    SECRETARY
    What an asshole.
    Manny looks down at his Secretary .
    MANNY
    You're a good judge of character.
    DIVINCI - INT . HOMICIDE DIVISION - DUSK at his desk , on the phone .
    DIVINCI
    - look, she's our witness, if she's in custody, somebody better tell me!
    Divinci slams down the phone . He sits quietly for a moment , then rubs his face . Rodriguez crosses to his desk , sits down .
    DIVINCI
    Anything?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Nothin'. Nobody knows nothin'. The D.A. thinks she's gone. D.E.A. does n't know shit.
    DIVINCI
    If she was bein' held by police, we'd know.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Unless she said somethin'.
    DIVINCI
    If she said something we would n't be sittin' here.
    ( a beat , then - . )
    I think it's that lyin' piece of shit.
    MANNY - INT . BALL BONDS OFFICE - NIGHT getting the shit beat out of him . The room is dark . Two men are hammering on Manny . Throwing him against the wall , pulling him up and hitting him in the stomach - not the face . Throwing him across the room , over the desk . Manny is too hurt to get up . Divinci walks over to him , rubbing his gloved hand .
    DIVINCI
    Do n't ever lie to me again.
    Manny looks up weakly . Divinci walks away . Rodriguez opens the door and they exit .

INT. COUNTY JAIL CELL - MORNING
    Joe is sitting on his cot , staring at the floor . ANOTHER MAN is in the cell with him , reading a magazine . His name is DUNCAN . Duncan looks at Joe .
    DUNCAN
    First trial, huh.
    WILLIAM
    Yes.
    DUNCAN
    I got one piece of advise. When you break for lunch, do n't get the pastrami.
    We HEAR the BARRED CELL DOOR open .
    GUARD
    Time to go.
    Joe gets up . Puts out his hands . They shackle him as we HEAR -
    THE BAILIFF'S VOICE
    Hear ye, hear ye. All rise, face our flag and recognize the principles for which it stands.

INT. COUNTY JAIL CELL - HALLWAY - MORNING
    Joe is lead down the hall by TWO GUARDS , past rows of cells filled with other PRISONERS -
    BAILIFF'S VOICE
    The Criminal Court, Department G is now in session. The Honorable Harold W. Pine presiding.
    ( We HEAR people rise . )
    Please be seated and come to order.

EXT. COUNTY JAIL - PARKING AREA - DAY
    Joe is lead to a waiting prison van . He gets inside .
    BAILIFF'S VOICE
    The People versus William McCall in case number 95 - 24705.
    The van pulls away . THE .44 SMITH AND WESSON -LRB- CLYDE 'S .44 -RRB- as it is introduced into evidence .
    HELEN
    - when he pulled this gun and fired at the driver of the car. Killing him instantly. Let the record show that this is the weapon used in the crime, a Smith and Wesson forty - four caliber handgun.

INT. LARGE COURTROOM - DAY
    Joe is sitting at the Defense table with Arthur and Elliot . The trial is underway . And they watch the .44 go to the evidence table - the .44 with the BLACK STAIN . Richard Stein is seated at the Defense table . He , too , is watching the .44 . He leans across to his ASSISTANT .
    RICHARD STEIN
    All these goddamn guns are startin' to look the same to me.
    DIVINCI - INT . LARGE COURTROOM - LATER on the stand , being questioned by Helen .
    HELEN
    And when you arrested the defendant, did he deny that he had killed Agent Hudd.
    DIVINCI
    No.
    HELEN
    Can you describe the defendant's condition at the time of his arrest.
    DIVINCI
    He was drunk. We could smell the booze on him. But we drew blood. He did n't object.
    HELEN
    We have the blood test report that shows -.
    ( picks up report . )
    - that he had four times the legal limit to drive. The people would like to enter this into evidence.
    They so enter it . RODRIGUEZ - INT . LARGE COURTROOM - LATER on the stand . Elliot is cross - examining .
    ELLIOT
    - and you arrested the defendant four days after the killing. What lead you to suspect Mr. McCall?
    RODRIGUEZ
    You ask questions. Work the neighborhood. Find out who was on the street that night.
    ELLIOT
    Yes, but specifically Mr. McCall? He had no previous criminal record.
    RODRIGUEZ
    We found someone who'd seen him in the area. So we picked him up for questioning. We did n't expect it to be him. But if someone saw him in the area that night we would want to talk to him. If he was n't the killer, he might've seen the killer. Just routine really.
    ELLIOT
    Where did you find the defendant?
    RODRIGUEZ
    On the street. Corner of Third and Madison.
    ELLIOT
    What was he doing?
    RODRIGUEZ
    He was passed out.
    ELLIOT
    But you knew it was the man you were looking for.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yes.
    ELLIOT
    Based on what?
    RODRIGUEZ
    His description.
    ELLIOT
    Who provided you with the description?
    RODRIGUEZ
    ( hesitates a beat . )
    Cynthia something, I think.
    Elliot moves to the defense table , glances at Arthur as he picks up a paper . Arthur nods approvingly . Elliot looks at the paper .
    ELLIOT
    I believe her name is Cynthia Webb. According to the statement filed the night she picked him out of the line - up. The name familiar?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yes. that's her.
    ELLIOT
    Where did you find Ms Webb?
    RODRIGUEZ
    On the street. Same area.
    ELLIOT
    And she agreed to pick the defendant out of a line up.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yes.
    ELLIOT
    Where you aware that Ms Webb disappeared after she was served with a subpoena?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yes, my partner and I tried to contact her about the case and were unsuccessful.
    ELLIOT
    Thank you, Detective, that's all the questions I have.
    Rodriguez gets up as we -

INT. ETHNIC BAR/RESTAURANT - NIGHT
    A waitress cruises past tables to the booth in the back . She sets down two scotch and waters to the two men . Rodriguez and Divinci . The waitress exits . Divinci picks up his glass .
    DIVINCI
    To justice in all its forms.
    Rodriguez picks up his glass .
    RODRIGUEZ
    We're not home free yet.
    DIVINCI
    Without Ms Webb, there's no place they can go. We still got the confession, the gun, the ballistics. And I do n't give a shit about all this African doctor crap. the man is a drunk and he's been a drunk for seven goddamn years. So lets have a drink for drunks.
    Rodriguez reluctantly lifts his glass . They clink and drink .
    DIVINCI
    That's the thing about life. You control it or it controls you. Most people do n't understand that. They try'n blame their fuck - ups on something or somebody else. But it's not like that. I do n't wan na hear why your life's a mess. It's a mess cause you're a mess. That simple. They're waitin' to live happily ever after. But after what? After all the shit happens? Well, I got a clue for everybody, the shit never stops happening. So you deal with it or you get buried in it. I'm not talkin' about you, you know what I'm sayin' here.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yeah.
    DIVINCI
    Life do n't work in mysterious ways. There ai n't no mystery to it. You just work it. And you do n't take it too serious. You ca n't take it too serious otherwise you get fragile. And you ca n't be fragile and have any fuckin' fun.
    RODRIGUEZ
    You think I'm fragile?
    DIVINCI
    That's the first sign of trouble, when you start askin' other people.
    Rodriguez nods .
    RODRIGUEZ
    I just wish I knew where the hell she was.

INT. HELEN'S D.A. OFFICE - NIGHT
    Helen and Richard Stein are working late . Over take - out Chinese .
    RICHARD STEIN
    ( referring to papers . )
    - so I think we'll have to rely on the confession for his description of what happened. He'll never take the stand, even if -
    The phone rings . Richard picks up .
    RICHARD STEIN
    ( into phone . )
    D.A.'s office. What? When? Where will -
    Richard is surprised . He turns to Helen .
    RICHARD STEIN
    They found Cynthia Webb.
    HELEN
    Where?
    RICHARD STEIN
    I do n't know.
    HELEN
    When?
    RICHARD STEIN
    I do n't know.
    HELEN
    Well who the hell was that?
    RICHARD STEIN
    I do n't know. They hung up.
    Richard hangs up the receiver . He and Helen exchange a look .
    HELEN
    What the fuck is going on?!

INT. LARGE COURTROOM - DAY
    HELEN
    Your honor, the people call Ms. Cynthia Webb to the stand.
    VARIOUS REACTIONS Rodriguez and Divinci are stunned . Cynthia ? Elliot is completely surprised . Cynthia ? Arthur is never shaken by anything . The courtroom doors open and Cynthia is lead down the aisle by a SHERIFF 'S DEPUTY . She moves to the chair . But it 's Joe 's turn to double take . He remembers her . My God , he knows her . It 's Cynthia - the girl from the apartment building . He never saw who pointed him out , but he never expected it to be her .
    BAILIFF
    Raise your right hand.
    Cynthia raises her hand . But her look goes right to Joe . Staring at him . She 's never seen Joe like this - cleaned up , trimmed , handsome . She 's not sure she even recognizes him .
    BAILIFF
    You swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God.
    She turns her eyes from Joe .
    CYNTHIA
    Sure.
    BAILIFF
    You may be seated.
    Cynthia sits down . Looks at Divinci . And Joe leans across to Arthur and Elliot . Their conversation is in whispers -
    WILLIAM
    I know her.
    ELLIOT
    She's the woman who identified you.
    WILLIAM
    No. I mean I know her.
    ARTHUR
    How?
    WILLIAM
    I'm not sure. I think I lived near her.
    Arthur exchanges a look with Elliot . Arthur turns now and looks at Cynthia . The wheels are turning .
    HELEN
    Please state your name for the court.
    CYNTHIA
    Cynthia Webb.
    HELEN
    Do you see the man that you identified in a police line - up in this room.
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    HELEN
    Is it the defendant, Mr. McCall?
    Cynthia looks at Joe . Joe looks straight at her . Cynthia turns her eyes away .
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    HELEN
    Please describe what you saw the night of September 14th.
    CYNTHIA
    I was comin' out of an all night minimart -

EXT. STREET - MINI MART - NIGHT
    Cynthia comes out of a ALL NIGHT MINI - MART with a bag of food . She walks down the street and suddenly we HEAR a GUNSHOT . Followed by a CAR CRASH . She turns toward the sound . And we HEAR RUNNING FOOTSTEPS . Then we see a man running . He has a pistol in one hand . Cynthia watches the man run past and disappear into the darkness .

INT. LARGE COURTROOM - DAY
    Cynthia is looking at Helen .
    HELEN
    And you're positive the man you saw with the gun is the defendant.
    Instead of looking at Joe , Cynthia turns to Rodriguez and Divinci who are seated in the rows behind the prosecution table . They are looking right at her . They wait for her answer .
    CYNTHIA
    Yeah.
    HELEN
    No further questions.
    Divinci offers her a small smile . Cynthia turns away . Arthur is now standing in front of her .
    ARTHUR
    Miss Webb. is it Miss?
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    ARTHUR
    Miss Webb, had you ever seen the defendant before that night, the night you described to us?
    CYNTHIA
    No.
    ARTHUR
    Do you know what perjury is?
    CYNTHIA
    When you lie.
    ARTHUR
    When you lie under oath in a court of law. Do you know what the penalty for that is?
    CYNTHIA
    You go to jail.
    ARTHUR
    Yes. Cynthia, have you ever seen the defendant before that night?
    HELEN
    Objection. The witness has already answered that question.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Sustained.
    ARTHUR
    I just want to give the witness the opportunity to remember if she could have seen Mr. McCall anyplace else before the night in question.
    Divinci stares at Cynthia . As if willing her to give the answer he wants her to give .
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Ms. Webb, do you understand the consequences of perjury?
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Let's get on with it then.
    ARTHUR
    What did you buy the night you went into the mini - mart?
    CYNTHIA
    What did I buy?
    ARTHUR
    You remembered seeing Mr. McCall that night and hearing the gunshot and a car crash. I just wondered if you remembered what you bought in the mini - mart.
    CYNTHIA
    shampoo I think.
    ARTHUR
    That's all?
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    ARTHUR
    Where do you live?
    CYNTHIA
    4356 17th Street. Number 37.
    ARTHUR
    Is that close to where this mini - mart is?
    CYNTHIA
    Close? Sort of.
    ARTHUR
    How far would you say?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't really know.
    ARTHUR
    Within walking distance?
    CYNTHIA
    No. I do n't think so.
    ARTHUR
    Did you walk there that night or drive?
    CYNTHIA
    I ahh. drove.
    ARTHUR
    You drove. But when you left the mini - mart you stated that you walked down the street.
    CYNTHIA
    Yeah.
    ARTHUR
    How far?
    CYNTHIA
    to the corner.
    HELEN
    Objection. Your honor, I do n't see a point to this line of questioning.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Is there a point?
    ARTHUR
    Yes, your honor. Since this is the only witness, I'm trying to establish what the scene was like that night.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Try to get there as quickly as possible.
    ARTHUR
    ( to Cynthia . )
    And how far away from the corner was the Mini - mart? For example was it in the middle of the block, close to the corner, where?
    CYNTHIA
    In the middle I think.
    ARTHUR
    So you walked all the way to the corner. I assume then you were walking back to your car, yes?
    CYNTHIA
    yeah.
    ARTHUR
    Was there a reason you parked so far away?
    CYNTHIA
    ( getting nervous . )
    Um. there were lots of cars parked on the street.
    ARTHUR
    Was there anyone else on the street besides you?
    CYNTHIA
    No.
    ARTHUR
    Lots of cars, but no people. Any traffic?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't remember.
    ARTHUR
    So you were the only person to see Joe on the street that night?
    CYNTHIA
    I did n't see anybody else.
    ARTHUR
    So you heard a gunshot, a car crash and a man running with a gun in his hand.
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    ARTHUR
    What did you do then? Did you call the police, 911?
    CYNTHIA
    I went home.
    ARTHUR
    You went home. Straight home?
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    ARTHUR
    And you're sure it was Joe you saw that night?
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    ARTHUR
    When you went home.
    CYNTHIA
    Yes.
    Arthur pauses .
    ARTHUR
    When you went home you saw Joe?
    Cynthia realizes what she 's said .
    CYNTHIA
    No.
    HELEN
    Objection. Defense is trying to confuse the witness.
    ARTHUR
    I'm not trying to confuse the witness, it's the witness that's trying to confuse the court. I have witnesses who will refute her testimony. Witnesses who were on that corner the night of the shooting, who never saw Ms. Webb, who never heard the gunshot, who never saw Joe run past. Ms Webb saw Joe outside her apartment building that night because he lived in the alley next to it. Is n't that right, Ms Webb?
    Arthur turns dramatically to Cynthia . She is scared .
    HELEN
    Objection!
    Everyone 's attention is on Cynthia .
    ARTHUR
    When I referred to him as Joe, you knew who I was talking about, did n't you. This case is the People versus Mr. William McCall. Not Joe. Joe has never been mentioned in this trial. How did you know who I was talking about, Ms. Webb?
    Cynthia looks from Arthur to Divinci . Divinci is frozen . Rodriguez is sweating . Then Cynthia turns and looks at Joe . Joe looks at her , feeling sorry for her . Not hating her .
    ARTHUR
    Ms. Webb, how did you know that Joe was the defendant?
    Cynthia lowers her eyes to the floor .
    CYNTHIA
    He lived in the alley next to my apartment building.
    Helen and Richard Stein are stunned yet again .
    HELEN
    ( to herself . )
    Oh shit.
    Divinci and Rodriguez are doing their best to remain cool , calm and collected .
    ARTHUR
    Why did you lie to this court?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't know.
    ARTHUR
    Are you afraid of somebody?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't know.
    ARTHUR
    Are you protecting somebody?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't know.
    JUDGE HAROLD PINE
    Answer the questions, Ms. Webb or I'll be forced to cite you for contempt.
    Cynthia looks up at the judge . She 's not talking . CYNTHIA having her mug shots taken . Holding a number . On the FLASH -

INT. UNMARKED CAR - STREET - DAY
    Driving .
    RODRIGUEZ
    She did n't talk.
    DIVINCI
    Do n't hold your breath.
    RODRIGUEZ
    You think she'll talk.
    DIVINCI
    I know she'll talk.
    RODRIGUEZ
    We'll make it look gang related.
    DIVINCI
    Problem is we're gon na need another gun.
    RODRIGUEZ
    The problem?! Have you forgotten? She's in fucking jail. That's the goddamn problem.
    DIVINCI
    Since when is being in jail a guaranty of a long life? You just get a fuckin' gun.

EXT. STREET - DAY
    Rodriguez gets out of the car . Divinci pulls away , driving into traffic . Rodriguez heads into the Station .

INT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - DAY
    Divinci enters . Manny looks up from his desk . His face is bruised and bandaged .
    MANNY
    Oh shit. I did n't do anything!
    DIVINCI
    Everything's fine, Manny. I just came to apologize.
    ( looks at secretary . )
    We need some privacy.
    Manny looks at Divinci , then motions for his Secretary to take a walk . She gets up , exits .
    DIVINCI
    Just one more favor. I want you to bail somebody out of jail.
    MANNY
    You're kiddin'.
    DIVINCI
    Bail's twenty - five thousand.
    Divinci pulls out a piece of paper .
    DIVINCI
    I want her out tonight. And do n't tell her who. It's a surprise.
    MANNY
    And how'm I payin' for this? They do n't take American Express.
    Divinci pulls a plastic bag filled with cocaine out of his pocket - tosses it onto Manny 's desk .
    DIVINCI
    I know you know how to exchange that. It's worth a lot more than twenty - five grand. You can keep the change.
    ( points to cocaine . )
    I want her back in two hours. Or I'll nail you for possession.
    MANNY
    How'd you get to be such a prick?
    DIVINCI
    DNA.
    Divinci exits .
    MANNY
    What a piece of shit.

INT. COUNTY JAIL CELL - NIGHT
    Cynthia sits alone in her cell .

INT. COUNTY JAIL CELL - NIGHT
    Joe lies on his cot . But even though he is in jail for murder , he is no longer the bum . This is a new man now . Clean shaven . Hair cut . Prison clothes neat . Duncan rolls over on his cot .
    DUNCAN
    You do n't have to say nothin', but. you really a doctor?
    WILLIAM
    I was. a surgeon.
    DUNCAN
    No shit, no shit, really. A surgeon. I know I'm nobody to judge, but you musta been a smart guy. What the hell's a smart guy like you doin' in here?
    Joe looks up at Duncan , hesitates , then -
    WILLIAM
    I had an affair with another woman. a nurse at the hospital I worked at. It was nothing. I ca n't even remember much about her. Except my wife found out. We had a fight. She left the house, took the kids. She was hysterical. I should've done something. gone after them, I do n't know. they were killed in a car accident about a mile from the house. I've never told anybody that. about why she left.
    Duncan nods .
    DUNCAN
    Hey, doc, you can trust me. It wo n't go no farther.

EXT. 6TH STREET OUTSIDE STATION - NIGHT
    Rodriguez is outside the Station . Looking nervous and upset . The unmarked car pulls up . Rodriguez moves for the car . He gets in and the car pulls away .

INT. UNMARKED CAR - NIGHT
    Divinci drives . Rodriguez sweats . Divinci notices .
    DIVINCI
    You get the gun?
    RODRIGUEZ
    I got it.
    DIVINCI
    Everything okay?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Are you kidding? We're going to kill a goddamn witness who's in fucking jail because we killed an undercover DEA agent. I'm sorry, but this kinda shit troubles me a little.
    DIVINCI
    Take off the dress and get back in the game. We got ta do what we got ta do.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yeah. I know. Let's just get it over with.
    Divinci glances at Rodriguez . He 's more nervous than normal .

EXT. COUNTY JAIL - FRONT - NIGHT
    Manny walks out of the jail building . Cynthia is with him .
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't understand. Why ca n't you tell me who put up the bond?
    MANNY
    Look, a guy comes in, says bail her out, gives me the money, I do it. That's how I make my living, I bail fuckin' people outa jail. You wait with me.
    CYNTHIA
    Was it a cop?
    MANNY
    Yeah, right. Cops bail people outa jail all the time. Does n't there seem to be a dichotomy there for you?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't like this.
    MANNY
    You wan na stay in jail, that's up to you. Or you come with me.
    CYNTHIA
    What'd he look like?
    MANNY
    You're a stripper right? Lotta guys fall in love with your type. But they do n't know how to get close, know what I mean? Somebody wants you to owe them something.
    ( shrugs . )
    Take it or leave it.
    Manny starts down the steps . Cynthia hesitates , then follows .

INT. UNMARKED CAR - PARKED DOWN THE STREET - NIGHT
    Divinci and Rodriguez watch Cynthia get into the car with Manny .
    RODRIGUEZ
    This is the last time, Frank. The last time we kill somebody.
    DIVINCI
    Yeah, it's the last time.
    RODRIGUEZ
    This'll be eleven, Frank. Eleven is enough.
    DIVINCI
    I get the picture.
    Divinci looks at Rodriguez . He 's staring out the window , but he looks ill . Something is not right with him .
    RODRIGUEZ
    It was all okay until you shot Hudd.
    DIVINCI
    What's goin' on here? You mad at me or something?
    RODRIGUEZ
    It was n't my idea to start killing people, Frank. That's all I'm sayin'. We're in this goddamn mess because you started killing people.
    DIVINCI
    Drug dealers do n't qualify as people. Never did, never will. So what the hell's wrong with you tonight? You suddenly worried about where all the money went?
    RODRIGUEZ
    I'm just sick of it, that's all.
    Divinci stares at Rodriguez for a beat , then starts car .

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
    The unmarked car turns off the street onto the side street and stops . The lights go out .

INT. UNMARKED CAR - NIGHT
    RODRIGUEZ
    What're you doin'?
    DIVINCI
    I need some fresh air.
    Divinci exits . Rodriguez hesitates , then gets out with him .

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
    RODRIGUEZ
    Frank -
    DIVINCI
    Talk to me, okay? Just fuckin' talk to me.
    Rodriguez hesitates a moment , then -
    RODRIGUEZ
    I do n't know. I owe some money. I do n't know how I'm gon na pay it.
    DIVINCI
    You gambling again?
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yeah, yeah. I just could n't. Frank. let's forget about this. Let's just get the fuck outa here. We got enough money, let's go. We'll get outa the country or something.
    Divinci turns toward Rodriguez . And he 's got his pistol out .
    RODRIGUEZ
    What the hell're you doin'?!
    DIVINCI
    Take off your shirt.
    RODRIGUEZ
    What're you talkin' about?
    DIVINCI
    Just take off your shirt. If there's nothin' to worry about, then I'll apologize. But I'm not gon na argue. Take off your fuckin' shirt now.
    RODRIGUEZ
    What is this, you piece of shit?! You do n't trust me?! Is that it?! YOU DO N'T FUCKIN' TRUST ME AFTER ALL WE'VE BEEN THROUGH?!
    DIVINCI
    Take off your shirt.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Fuck you, you do n't trust me.
    DIVINCI
    I'm askin' you one more time.
    RODRIGUEZ
    You wan na shoot me? Shoot me.
    Divinci hesitates . He does n't want to . This is his partner . A beat , then he lowers his gun .
    DIVINCI
    Okay, I'm sorry. You're right. I'm fuckin' nervous. Like you. Forget it. This thing. shit. Let's just get it over with.
    Divinci holsters his gun . Rodriguez hesitates , breathes a sigh , then returns to the car . They both get back in .

INT. UNMARKED CAR - NIGHT
    Divinci starts up the car .
    DIVINCI
    I'll just feel a whole lot better when she's dead. Then we're off the hook.
    RODRIGUEZ
    Right.
    Divinci starts to shift gears , but suddenly throws his elbow into Rodriguez ' face . And Divinci is all over him like a tornado . Slamming a fist into his face repeatedly . He grabs his shirt and rips it open REVEALING the TAPE RECORDER strapped to his body , recording their every word .
    DIVINCI
    YOU FUCKIN' RAT!
    Divinci puts his revolver to Rodriguez ' head . Rodriguez , bleeding from the mouth and nose , looks at Frank .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Yeah. yeah. I am, I'm a fuckin' rat. I traded you, Frank, I fuckin' traded you. Simms knows everything.
    Divinci pulls back the hammer , ready to blow Rodriguez ' head off .
    RODRIGUEZ
    Just fuckin' shoot me, get it the fuck over with! I DESERVE IT! I FUCKING DESERVE TO DIE!
    Divinci is ready to pull the trigger .
    DIVINCI
    You're fuckin' right.
    Divinci rips the wires off the recorder . Rodriguez closes his eyes , waiting for the end . A tense moment , then -
    DIVINCI
    Get out.
    Rodriguez opens his eyes , looking at Divinci , who is still holding the gun to his head . Another moment , then -
    RODRIGUEZ
    Frank -
    DIVINCI
    ( calm . )
    Get outa the car NOW!
    A beat , then Rodriguez gets out . Divinci looks up at his partner .
    DIVINCI
    This is why you can never - ever - lose your sense of fuckin' humor.

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
    The car tears away , leaving Rodriguez alone in the alley . THE KEY - INSERTED INTO THE DOOR LOCK - NIGHT Rodriguez pushes open the door to his apartment , enters . Shuts the door . Stands alone in the room for a moment , then suddenly erupts in rage . Ripping off his coat , ripping off his shirt , ripping off the tape recorder taped to his chest . He throws the recorder on the ground . Stomps on it until it 's shattered into pieces . He stares at the broken recorder .
    MAN'S VOICE
    ( VIC . )
    I guess we caught you at a bad time.
    Rodriguez spins around . Vic steps into the moonlight streaming in through the window . Behind him is Cutless Supreme .
    VIC
    But we all have problems.
    Rodriguez suddenly YELLS and CHARGES THEM . He tackles Vic . But in the darkness we ca n't see anything . Until the explosion of a GUN and the FLASH of flames lights up the room . A moment of silence then -
    VIC
    Oh shit. You shot him, you fuckin' shot him!
    Two men stumble to the door . Leaving one on the floor . The door is flung open and Vic runs out . Followed by Cutless Supreme . CRIME SCENE TAPE - INT . RODRIGUEZ APARTMENT - EARLY MORNING The crime scene is swarming with cops , DEA and FBI . The task of evidence collection in progress . Rodriguez ' body on the floor . Agent Simms is standing over the body with Agent Sarkasian .
    AGENT SARKASIAN
    Divinci musta figured it. I did n't think he'd kill his own partner though.
    SIMMS
    He's an animal.
    DEA AGENT Hooper comes up behind Simms .
    AGENT HOOPER
    Recorders busted up. But we might be able to salvage some of the tape.
    SIMMS
    I want him. You understand me, I do n't care what it takes. I want that sonuvabitch!
    Simms heads for the door . Sarkasian and Hooper follow .

EXT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - MORNING
    A car pulls up in front .

INT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - MORNING
    It is deadly quiet . We PAN SLOWLY around the office until we find Manny in his chair , sprawled back . Continuing to PAN until we see Cynthia sprawled on the couch . But no signs of blood . Just the bodies . The door opens . TWO MEN enters . All we SEE are GUNS in hands . Cynthia and Manny wake up with a start . Manny is scared .
    MANNY
    Shit! Who the fuck're you?!
    A BADGE comes out . And now we see Agents Hooper and Sarkasian .
    AGENT SARKASIAN
    Ms. Webb. We'd like you to come with us.
    Cynthia looks at Manny . She 's pissed .
    CYNTHIA
    This was the big secret? Shit. You're an asshole.
    Cynthia puts her coat on and heads for the door . Manny does n't know what the hell is going on .

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - FEDERAL BLDG. - DAY
    Cynthia is in with Agents Simms , Hooper and Sarkasian .
    SIMMS
    Who set it up?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't know.
    AGENT HOOPER
    It was Divinci was n't it?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't know.
    SIMMS
    Which one pulled the trigger? Divinci or Rodriguez?
    CYNTHIA
    I do n't know.
    Agent Simms looks right into Cynthia 's eyes .
    SIMMS
    Detective Rodriguez is dead. He was shot in the head last night.
    This gets Cynthia 's attention .
    SIMMS
    Rodriguez was wearing a recorder. Divinci found it. You can do addition, ca n't you.
    CYNTHIA
    You're full of shit.
    AGENT SARKASIAN
    Just tell us what you know.
    Cynthia looks at both of them .
    CYNTHIA
    Where's Divinci?
    SIMMS
    We do n't know. But we're gon na find him.
    CYNTHIA
    You're gon na find him?
    ( smiles sarcastically . )
    Right. I do n't know a fuckin' thing.
    Simms stares at her for a moment , then turns to Hooper and nods . Hooper takes Cynthia 's arm and leads her out of the office . When the door closes -
    SIMMS
    Get a copy of the tape to Bailor. But make sure it does n't come from us.

INT. COUNTY JAIL CELL - DAY
    Cynthia is alone in her cell . We HEAR footsteps . She looks up as the GUARD approaches .
    GUARD
    Your attorney's here.
    CYNTHIA
    What attorney?

INT. ROOM - COUNTY JAIL - DAY
    Cynthia enters the office . The Guard shuts the door . Cynthia finds herself facing Arthur Baylor . A tape recorder on the table in front of him .
    ARTHUR
    Hi, Cynthia. Please sit down.
    CYNTHIA
    I got nothin' to say.
    ARTHUR
    So I'm told.
    Arthur pushes the tape recorder and we HEAR -
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    Take off your shirt.
    RODRIGUEZ'S VOICE
    Fuck you, you do n't trust me.
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    I'm askin' you one more time.
    RODRIGUEZ'S VOICE
    You wan na shoot me? Shoot me.
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    Okay, I'm sorry. You're right. I'm fuckin' nervous. Like you. Forget it. This thing. shit. Let's just get it over with. I'll just feel a whole lot better when she's dead. Then we're off the hook.
    Arthur watches Cynthia 's reaction to `` when she 's dead . '' But Cynthia has seen enough not to be too shocked by anything . And her reaction is subtle . She knows better than to reveal what she 's really feeling and thinking .
    RODRIGUEZ'S VOICE
    Right.
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    YOU FUCKIN' RAT!
    RODRIGUEZ'S VOICE
    Yeah. yeah. I am, I'm a fuckin' rat. I traded you, Frank, I fuckin' traded you. Simms knows everything. Just fuckin' shoot me, get it the fuck over with! I DESERVE IT! I FUCKING DESERVE TO DIE!
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    You're fuckin' right.
    The recording ends . Arthur shuts off the machine .
    ARTHUR
    I think you know my client is innocent. That's all I care about, my client. But I understand why you're scared. You're already facing perjury charges. My guess is, your involvement is deeper than that. But I do n't really care, I'm not after you. I get nothing if you go to jail. But I think if I help you, I can help my client.
    CYNTHIA
    how?
    ARTHUR
    William - Joe - did n't do it, did he?
    Cynthia hesitates , then shakes her head .
    ARTHUR
    Why do n't you sit down.
    A beat , then Cynthia pulls up a chair . AGENT SIMMS - INT . OFFICE - DAY angry .
    SIMMS
    No goddamn way! I'm not going to grant that whore immunity. She lied on the stand, she's protecting somebody. And she's involved. I want them all.
    Arthur , who was sitting across from him , stands .
    ARTHUR
    Before I leave, let me remind you that you have shit for a case. If you really care about seeing justice for your dead agent, do n't blow this deal. Immunity for her testimony is a small price for a bad cop. It's the only way she's going to talk.
    Simms glares at Arthur .
    ARTHUR
    And William McCall walks, right now, all charges dropped.
    Simms hesitates , then -
    SIMMS
    If what she says is any good, I'll deal. If it is n't, then nobody goes anywhere.

INT. HALLWAY - CRIMINAL COURTS BUILDING - DAY
    Cynthia is lead down the hall by GUARDS . They enter an office .

INT. OFFICE - CRIMINAL COURTS BUILDING - DAY
    Agents Simms , Hooker , Sarkasian and TWO TECHNICIANS are waiting inside with Arthur . Cynthia is lead into the room . The guards withdraw , closing the door . Cynthia looks at the men , then at the TAPE RECORDING EQUIPMENT on the table and the empty chair . A MICROPHONE is waiting . Cynthia looks at Arthur , then sits down in the chair .

EXT. CRIMINAL COURTS BUILDING - DAY
    REPORTERS swarm around Arthur and Joe as they exit the courthouse .
    REPORTERS
    How does it feel to be a free man again?
    Arthur and Joe head down the steps to a waiting LIMOUSINE .
    REPORTERS
    Do you remember everything that happened to you? What are your plans?
    WILLIAM
    I just want to go back to work.
    REPORTERS
    As a surgeon?
    WILLIAM
    Yes.
    REPORTERS
    What about the signed confession, did the police coerce you into signing it?
    ARTHUR
    I'm sorry, no more questions.
    They get into the back of the waiting limo and it pulls away .

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY
    Nathan is in the back , staring at Joe . Arthur sits next to Joe . Nathan smiles . Joe smiles .
    NATHAN
    Good to have you back, Will.
    WILLIAM
    I'd like to make one stop.
    NATHAN
    I know.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
    The limousine is parked curbside . Nathan and Arthur wait . Watching Joe walk across the lawn . He stops , looking down . The grave stones are for his wife and two children . He sits down beside them . It 's very near where Agent Hudd was buried .

EXT. THE MCCALL MANSION - DUSK
    Giant party in progress . Expensive cars parked along the drive .

INT. MCCALL MANSION - DUSK
    Filled with well - wishers in TUXES and GOWNS . Arthur Bailor and Elliot in attendance . Elliot is n't used to this much glory , but he 's taking credit where where he can - with one of the PRETTY YOUNG WOMEN .
    ELLIOT
    - you know, it just did n't make sense, a man wanting to be punished for a crime? How many times does that happen? Once in a lifetime, I can tell you.
    CAMERA MOVES to Arthur , who is also receiving his share of the credit .
    ARTHUR
    - to tell the truth, I had no other witnesses to refute her testimony. But she did n't know that. All we knew was that she was reluctant to testify. You look for signs.
    And CAMERA CONTINUES TO Joe and Nathan .
    A MAN
    My God, we thought you were dead, you know. It's just incredible that you're here.
    A WOMAN
    Life moves in such strange ways. Oh, I just think what might've happened to you had you not been arrested for killing that poor policeman. You still might be on the street.
    Joe just takes it all in , smiling and nodding .
    ANOTHER WOMAN
    Joe, you look wonderful. After what you've been through. I just ca n't imagine.
    ANOTHER MAN
    ( SINCLAIR . )
    When you're ready to come back to work, let me know. I've already spoken to the board, they're ready to re - certify you anytime. I can put you in the emergency sector until you get warmed up. We all want you back. We ca n't afford to waste someone of your talent.
    A beat , then Joe smiles .
    WILLIAM
    I'm ready.
    A BLACK TUXEDO WIPES past CAMERA as we - BLACK SCREEN . We HEAR the POUNDING of the MUSIC - a FAMILIAR RHYTHM . And in GRAFFITI across the screen : FOUR MONTHS LATER .

EXT. STRIP JOINT - NIGHT
    The neon blares as usual .

INT. STRIP JOINT - NIGHT
    And there 's Cynthia . Back bumping and grinding to the music . He life has n't changed at all . And she knows it . But there 's nothing else she can do .

INT. CYNTHIA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT (EARLY MORNING)
    Door opens . Cynthia enters . Shuts the door . Tries the light . It does n't go on . Suddenly a man is next to her -
    MAN'S VOICE
    ( DIVINCI . )
    I guess you had no choice.
    Cynthia tries to move , but a hand grabs her arm . And now we see Divinci . He looks like hell . A man on the run . Desperate and dangerous . He has n't shaved . His clothes are filthy . He looks like . Joe . Cynthia looks up at him .
    DIVINCI
    You had to do the right thing.
    CYNTHIA
    What d'you want?
    DIVINCI
    What do I want?
    Divinci suddenly shoves her hard across the room .
    DIVINCI
    Why're you asking me that? You gon na grant me three wishes? I do n't know where to start. Let's see. money would be nice. love would be better. but a little loyalty. you can never get enough of that.
    ( moves up to her . )
    . But we'll start with. money.
    Divinci pushes her into the bedroom .

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT (EARLY MORNING)
    Cynthia goes to her closet , pulls out a box , opens it . It 's got her savings .
    CYNTHIA
    This is all I've got.
    Divinci grabs the money and stuffs it into his jacket pocket .
    CYNTHIA
    They'll catch you.
    DIVINCI
    I do n't think so.
    CYNTHIA
    You wan na bet?
    DIVINCI
    They do n't have a clue, baby. And you wan na know why? Because I am following my heart.
    Divinci puts aside his gun . And pushes Cynthia down on the bed . He leans in close to her . Face to face .
    DIVINCI
    And they do n't know where that is.
    CYNTHIA
    So tell me about your plans. I think I'd like to hear'em now.
    Divinci looks at Cynthia for a moment , almost with remorse .
    DIVINCI
    Loyalty is what it all comes down to. Nothing holds together when it's gone. And once it's gone, you do n't ever get it back. You should n't've told'em.
    CYNTHIA
    I should n't've done a lotta things in my life. But that's not one of'em.
    DIVINCI
    Let me tell you something. the only difference between a liar and a witness is that just one of'em knows what he's doing.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT (EARLY MORNING)
    It is dark and quiet . No clue as to what 's going on inside . And we hold on this for a long moment . Just wondering what 's she being made to do . And then there 's a MUFFLED BOOM . Divinci exits the bedroom quickly . He is upset . We HEAR the DOOR close . AND WHITE FEATHERS fall like snow flakes on Cynthia 's body draped across the bed . The pillow on the floor beside her with the stuffing blown out . She has a hole in her chest , right above her heart .

INT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - EARLY MORNING
    Manny unlocks the door , enters his office .
    DIVINCI'S VOICE
    Shut the door and lock it.
    MANNY
    Jesus Christ!
    Manny looks toward the voice . Divinci is sitting on the floor out of sight . Holding his revolver .
    MANNY
    You scared the shit outa me.
    DIVINCI
    Lock the door.
    Manny locks the door .
    DIVINCI
    One more favor, Manny.
    MANNY
    Since when did I become such a good guy?
    DIVINCI
    I'm takin' some time off. I want a car, here tonight, and a driver. You can do that for your old friend, right?
    MANNY
    ( disgusted . )
    Yeah, I can do that. But you are a hot fuckin' potato. And drivers that do n't talk, do n't come cheap.
    DIVINCI
    I got the money. Just put it together.

EXT. HOSPITAL - EARLY MORNING
    An AMBULANCE races up to the EMERGENCY entrance .

INT. HOSPITAL - EARLY MORNING
    TWO PARAMEDICS push the gurney down the hall . Cynthia is conscious on the gurney . Looking up at the ceiling . She is fading . We HEAR -
    VOICES
    - come on, hang in there, hold on.
    CYNTHIA 'S -LRB- MOVING -RRB- P.O.V OF THE CEILING and FACES . The gurney pushes past and CAMERA PICKS UP TWO SURGEONS moving out of an Operating Room . Pulling off masks and rubber gloves bloody from surgery . One of them is Joe . The other surgeon pats him on the back .
    OTHER SURGEON
    Just like riding a bike.
    Joe finally breathes a sigh of relief and manages a smile . BLACK LINCOLN - EXT. . BAIL BOND OFFICE - NIGHT pulls up in front of the office . Tinted windows .

INT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - NIGHT
    Manny is looking out the window .
    MANNY
    Leather upholstery, moon roof, CD. What more could you ask for?
    Divinci looks out . Gun in hand . He 's cleaned himself up . He 's now wearing a Hawaiian shirt , slacks . A traveler .
    DIVINCI
    Better not be a set up.
    MANNY
    Want me to hold your hand?
    DIVINCI
    Just walk me to the door.

EXT. BAIL BOND OFFICE - NIGHT
    The Lincoln idles at the curb . Divinci and Manny exit the office . Divinci glances up and down the street as they move toward the car . Manny opens the back door . Nobody inside .
    DIVINCI
    I think I'll let you live.
    MANNY
    You are a real prince. Now how about my money?
    Divinci hands Manny a wad of cash from his pocket , then gets into the back of the car .
    DIVINCI
    You never saw me.
    MANNY
    Do n't I wish that were true.
    He closes the door . The Lincoln pulls away . Manny watches it move off down the street .
    MANNY
    Have a nice trip.

INT. LINCOLN - NIGHT
    Driving . Divinci in the back . Can only see the DRIVER 'S EYES in the REAR VIEW MIRROR .
    DIVINCI
    Head south. Get on the interstate. Do n't break the speed limit.
    Divinci settles into the leather seat . Looks at the rear view mirror .
    DIVINCI
    You know, the one thing about life. you can never lose your sense of humor. Without it, you got nothin'.
    Suddenly the driver turns around , holding a 9mm and fires . BLAM . BLAM . BLAM . Divinci 's head snaps back as the BACK WINDOW BLOWS OUT of the Lincoln . And now we recognize the driver . It 's Clyle D. Dunner .
    CLYDE
    Fuckin' A.
    THE LINCOLN moves right into CAMERA . BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS filling the screen . The car stops . We HEAR the DOOR OPEN and RUNNING FEET . And PAN INTO THE BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS GLARING into CAMERA . SURGICAL LIGHTS - INT . OPERATING ROOM - NIGHT SHINING BRIGHTLY into CAMERA .
    MAN'S VOICE
    - run the cardioplegia.
    Faces appear . Looking down . We recognize Joe and one of the friends from the party - Sinclair .
    WILLIAM
    She's fibrilating. Go on bypass.
    Faces move away as we HEAR MEDICAL MACHINES in operation . A NURSE reappears . CAMERA MOVES back now , revealing the room . And the operation in progress .
    SURGEON SINCLAIR
    Forceps.
    ( A nurse hands him forceps . )
    Just like old times.
    WILLIAM
    I would n't have done this without you. I owe you.
    SURGEON SINCLAIR
    Lucky to have a donor. Never would've survived the night. Have a suture ready.
    NURSE
    ( picks up suture . )
    I heard it was a cop's heart.
    Joe looks at the nurse .
    NURSE
    He was shot in the head a couple hours ago.
    CAMERA PUSHES IN ON JOE
    NURSE
    They think it was gang related.
    The BRIGHT LIGHTS OVERHEAD bleed the scene to WHITE and we - WAVES - DAY crashing on white sand . PANNING with the clear blue water racing up the sand to a woman in a bathing suit , sitting alone . We PAN UP HER LEGS , past her stomach , to her CHEST where we see a SCAR ABOVE HER HEART . We CONTINUE UP TO HER FACE NOW . It 's Cynthia . Staring out at the ocean . Palm trees behind her . She 's beautiful . She leans back , hands behind her and . She smiles . Her life has changed . And we HEAR HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR MUSIC as we - THE END

Summary: Vice police detectives Franklin "Frank" Divinci (James Belushi) and Jacob "Jake" Rodriguez (Tupac Shakur) gun down narcotics dealer Lionel Hudd (Kool Moe Dee), after the two engage illegally in drug trafficking; this is in order to recover the cocaine Hudd purchased from them. When Divinci and Rodriguez find out Hudd was actually a "deep cover" DEA agent—because Hudd's partner, Richard Simms (Gary Cole) drops by their precinct for help sniffing out the killers—they try to frame anyone else with the murder. It does not help that Rodriguez has outstanding gambling debts, and that a loan shark and his "enforcer", known as Mr. Cutlass Supreme (Tiny Lister) is eager for repayment. After arresting numerous felons without success (because they cannot possibly link Hudd's murder to any of them), Divinci and Rodriguez arrest a homeless drunk by the name of Joe Doe (Dennis Quaid). While Joe is still intoxicated, the detectives convince him that he shot Hudd. They even make him sign a confession. Divinci and Rodriguez convince local stripper Cynthia Webb (Lela Rochon), also Divinci's mistress, who was the "bait" in their trap for Hudd, to "identify" Joe in a police line-up. At his first legal hearing, Joe is declared mentally unfit to stand trial (he cannot even remember his own last name). The trial is postponed accordingly. Really believing that he killed Hudd, Joe informs his attorney that he deserves to be in jail and is not willing to accept a plea bargain. Meanwhile, it turns out that the .44 Magnum that Divinci stole from the police-evidence room to kill Hudd is that of Clyde David Dunner, a murderer and arsonist arrested by Divinci and Rodriguez and whose case is currently being tried. To fill the void, Divinci gets another gun to replace the other, but during trial Dunner recognizes that this one is not his gun and the case is dropped for lack of evidence. At Joe's second hearing, high-profile lawyer Arthur Baylor (James Earl Jones) attends the proceedings. Baylor reveals that his client's name is actually William Dane McCall, and that he is actually the missing-and-presumed-dead co-heir to the financial empire of a high-status family, as well as a surgeon who used to perform organ transplants for the poor in Africa. Baylor asks the court to grant a one-week continuance so he can prepare his defense properly and the court agrees. Afterwards, Cynthia is summoned to testify in court. Nervous and afraid, she disappears. Divinci, fearing that she may betray him, hires a bail agent named Manny (Terrence C. Carson) to locate her; when Manny's efforts fail, he is roughed up by Divinci and Rodriguez. Cynthia is finally discovered and brought in for The People vs. William Dane McCall. She gives her rehearsed testimony against "Joe", at which time William informs Baylor that he lived in an alley next to Cynthia's apartment. Baylor questions Cynthia and points to the contradictions in her testimony until she finally confesses to knowing "Joe". The fact that she knows the defendant as "Joe" and not as "William Dane McCall" shows that she had previous knowledge of the defendant, thus proving her testimony for "Joe" being Hudd's killer to be false. She is arrested for perjury while the verdict of William's case remains pending. Divinci hires Manny to get Cynthia out of jail, planning to kill her before she can testify. On their way to "take her out", Rodriguez yet again complains and opens up to Divinci about how he feels about the murders they have committed. All the while Det. Rodriguez makes sure to imply "you" instead of "us". Divinci drives to an alley to discuss further plans, to which Rodriguez tells Frank about his $27,000.00 debt and possibly fleeing the country. Immediately Divinci suspects his partner is wearing a wire and holds Rodriguez at gun point demanding him to take off his shirt. Rodriguez refuses and minutes later Divinci forcibly searches him after attacking him, suspecting that he is up to something. Rodriguez informs Divinci that he has already confessed to the DEA regarding what they have done and tells him to go ahead and pull the trigger on the gun he has pressed to his temple. Instead, Divinci orders him out of the car and Rodriguez begins his heavy hearted walk home alone. Rodriguez returns home with his wire showing and in frustration starts to tear up the place before seeing his bookie and Mr. Cutlass Supreme waiting for him. Overwhelmed by his circumstances he attacks them, driving them back into the next room. Two shots ring out and the next scene finds the police investigating his murder, Divinci being the main suspect. Cynthia is found at Manny's and taken in to Simms, the prosecutor. She claims she doesn't know anything, enraging the police who brought her in. The prosecutor tells them to get the recovered wire recordings to Baylor, but to insure that they don't appear to come from them. After hearing the tape where Divinci tells Rodriquez he plans to kill her, she agrees to tell the truth. But when Baylor informs Simms that Cynthia wants blanket immunity, he balks since she committed perjury. Baylor then reminds him that he has no case and that the main objective is to capture Davinci. Four months later, Frank has become a fugitive and Cynthia is back to dancing. Knowing that Cynthia blew the whistle on him a bedraggled Frank breaks into her home and waits. Before taking her money, he berates her for turning on him. When she had had enough and attempts to leave, he throws her on her bed, grabs a pillow and shoots her. Having been shot in the shoulder and not the head as Frank thought, she is able to call for help and is rushed to an emergency room. One of the ER docs present is Doctor McCall (Joe Doe) and it is assumed that he will operate on her. Divinci forces Manny to help get him out of town that night. Manny reminds him that he is a wanted man and that it's incredibly short notice, so it will be expensive. Divinci states that money isn't an issue. Manny is able to quickly hire a driver with a towncar for Frank. After threatening that it better not be a setup, he tells Manny to walk him to the car. Before entering the car, he reminds Manny that he never saw him before paying his large fee. Glad to be rid of his biggest headache, Manny goes back inside. Divinci sits back in the limousine thinking he is finally free, barking directions at the driver. In the middle of Divinci saying his well known phrase, the driver (who turns out to be Dunner), turns and shoots him in the face before abandoning the car in a deserted alley.