TITLES OVER YELLOW BACKGROUND.
    We PULL BACK to reveal we 're looking at THE SUN . In the distance lie the gorgeous San Gabriel Mountains and the Downtown Los Angeles skyline . In ONE LONG TRACKING SHOT , we CRANE PAST some trees to reveal the vast expansive homes scattered in the hills of Brentwood . HOMEOWNERS walk dogs , a PAPERBOY chucks papers fr9m a gleaming mountain bike . It 's early in the morning , and the landscapers have n't come with their leaf blowers yet . CONTINUE BOOMING DOWN to road level to face the resplendent Martin residence . We STEADICAM down the fr ont walk , able to admire the manicured hedges and the black E scalade in the driveway , to the front door decorated with a whimsical placard that reads , `` The Martins '' - and we pass THROUGH THE KEYHOLE into the foyer .

INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - MORNING
    We TRACK through the living room , passing framed photos of an athletic eleven year old boy , and we hear a WOMAN 'S VOICE as she comes down the stairs with a GOLDEN RETRIEVER at her side .
    WOMAN
    ( into phone . )
    Yes Donna, I'm out the door. We TRACK over the Woman's shoulder and follow her into the kitchen, unable to see her face.
    WOMAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Just inform Kayleigh that anesthesia is on the way to prep the epidural and I'll be there as soon as I can.
    Still looking over her shoulder , we watch her absently straighten a PHOTOGRAPH of her son on the fridge as she talks .
    WOMAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    And promise her she's about to have a woooonnderful labor.
    As the woman pours herself a fresh cup of coffee , her HOUSEKEEPER enters the kitchen with a full laundry basket . They give each other a silent wave .
    WOMAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Right, I'll see you in twenty.
    She hangs up her cordless and takes a breath as we COME AROUND to finally REVEAL JESSICA MARTIN ; slightly weary , but ready for the day ahead .
    JESSICA
    Buenas dias, Rosario.
    ROSARIO
    Good morning Miss Jessica.
    Jessica sees her answering machine blinking , hits PLAY . In the background , a cheerful Rosario enters frame and heads for the back door carrying the basket of laundry .
    MALE VOICE
    ( on machine . )
    Honey? Honey, wake up. Pick up the -
    And as she brings the coffee cup to her lips - SLAMM ! The door EXPLODES open and a squad of FIVE GUNMEN storm in , wearing SKI - MASKS . Everything is a whirlwind of quick cuts , noise and confusion . Jessica 's DOG starts to lunge at the men and - thup ! - is stilled by a silenced pistol before its second bark . Rosario runs for the ALARM SYSTEM -
    LEAD GUNMAN
    Get away from there! Do n't touch that -!
    - but as she reaches out for the PANIC BUTTON - BLAM ! He blows her away , too . The Gunman curses , then turns on Jessica .
    LEAD GUNMAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( dire . )
    Where is he? Jessica cringes.
    JESSICA
    Where is who?
    LEAD GUNMAN
    Wrong answer.
    The bastard hauls back and - WHAM I - punches her in the face , knocking Jessica cold . Then he turns to his men .
    LEAD GUNMAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Search the house.
    And as the answering machine fills the silence :
    CRAIG
    ( V.O . )
    ( on machine . )
    - I'll call back later.
    The LEAD GUNMAN spins around , and we PUSH INTO the blackness of his masked face .

EXT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - DAY
    The BLACKNESS of a BLACK VAN and ESCALADE passing below us . We quickly CRANE DOWN to see the vehicles traveling through : An IRON GATE at the edge of an aband9ned property . They bounce down a long lonely driveway lined with barren trees - ANGLE ON : THE KIDNAPPERS ' VAN as it arrives at its destination ; an isolated HOUSE in the Hills . The grass is dead . The trees are dead . It 's the kind of place you could scream for a week and no one would hear a thing . As the van stops -

INT. DARKENED ATTIC - KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE
    A door CRASHES open . Light slices through the dark revealing the dusty , skeletal interior . Jessica is hurled into the room and falls to the floor . With bound hands , she frantically pulls her blindfold off to see - THE LEAD SKI - MASKED KIDNAPPER Standing in front of her . Sturdier than the rest . Solid . Imposing .
    JESSICA
    Wh. what do you want?
    Unsettlingly , the Kidnapper says nothing , staring at her . Jessica tries to remain calm under his angry gaze . Then suddenly , the Kidnapper turns and exits the room . Jessica breathes a sigh of relief . but it catches in her throat as he returns ten seconds later - with a BASEBALL BAT . Grim as death , he stalks toward her -
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    No, wait.
    And reaching.her , he hauls back and SWINGS -
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    NO! PLEASE - / /
    SMASH ! The bat connects with a wooden beam an inch above Jessica 's head , OBLITERATING the ROTARY DIAL TELEPHONE that hung there . As phone guts shower down on her , the Lead Kidnapper turns and stomps away , slamming the attic door shut and locking Jessica in the darkness . Only now that they 're gone does Jessica allow her fear to show through . Trembling , tears running down her face , Jessica finally breaks down , pleading to the empty attic -
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Wha. what the hell is happening?!
    The attic 's suffocating silence is the only answer she gets . THE OCEAN Skimming along the water . And we TILT UP to reveal the majestic beaches of Southern California , and at the center of it all , the SANTA MONICA PIER .

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - MORNING - ESTABLISHING
    It would be a typical day , except for that some PEOPLE are preparing for a `` HEAL THE BAY '' rally at the end of the pier . VENDORS set up , preparing for the daily grind ahead . BIKERS gather around a bad - ass HELLCAT G2 CONFEDERATE MOTORCYCLE and admire its cutting - edge design . HOT CHICKS in bikinis try on sunglasses at a stand . FISHERMEN crack beers while awaiting the next bite .

INT. SANTA MONICA PIER - ARCADE - MORNING
    ANGLE ON - ARCADE GAME SCREEN . The screen displays a car - race arcade game . A computer generated hot - rod passes other racers at breakneck speed . Playing the sit - down game , DAYTONA USA , is : RYAN ACKERMAN , early twenties , looks like he grew up on the beach without so much as a pot to piss in . His lethal reflexes and bold recklessness , however , have made him a Jedi Master of the game . Ryan 's score approaches the HIGH SCORE at the top of the screen .
    RYAN
    You recording this?
    CHAD
    ( O.S . )
    Yeah, sure.
    CHAD , his best bud , aims a BLUE TOOTH VIDEOSTREAMING CELLPHONE at some CUTE GIRLS instead . We can see their faces on the tiny SCREEN of the cellphone . Ryan 's car gets caught behind a blue speedster , then passes on the shoulder .
    RYAN
    Move, bitch.
    He gets an EXTENDED PLAY and the screen flashes `` NEW RECORD . '' Nearby , a KID watching the game nods .
    KID
    Nice.
    The HIGH SCORE starts rising to match Ryan 's score .
    RYAN
    Get that?
    Ryan turns around to see Chad has shoved the cellphone down the front of his tattered shorts . And he 's freeballing it .
    CHAD
    Check it ; Attack of the Bubblegum Monster in Hi - Def videostream -
    RYAN
    C'mon Chad, I got ta put my mouth on that.
    Holding a cup of soda between his teeth , Chad pulls the cellphone out of his pants and hits `` SEND '' .
    CHAD
    ( through cup - holding teeth . )
    Sweet. It's going to my email right now.
    S9me soda inadvertently SPILLS onto the cellphone and Chad wipes it dry on his pants .
    RYAN
    Watch it dude, I got ta return that thing in seven days.
    CHAD
    They are n't giving you shit yet?
    RYAN
    Nah, whenever I return it, I just list off why the phone sucks and they give me a new model. Figure by the tenth time I'll have to go somewhere else.
    Ryan 's car finally CRASHES in a wall of flames . Game Over . THE OCEAN As seen looking over the rail of the pier . The tide is in , but it 's still a forty foot drop . RYAN stares over the railing like a death row inmate contemplating his last meal .
    CHAD
    Go already. No one's looking.
    His left hand holds his WALLET .
    CHAD
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( re : wallet . )
    Need me to hold that?
    Ryan sticks it in the pocket of his surfer shorts - he zips a zipper , tucks a Velcro flap . Pats his pocket proudly .
    RYAN
    Waterproof.
    But as soon as Ryan covertly CLIMBS ONTO THE RAIL , his left leg starts trembling like crazy .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    This is stupid. I could get killed. Pick another dare. Chad lowers the phone, irritated.
    CHAD
    My ass. Not after you made me march in the Gay Pride Parade wearing a thong.
    RYAN
    Screw it then. In one. Two. Two and a half -
    CHAD
    Whole numbers only, Rabbitfoot. Ryan stares at the waves crashing below. His leg starts snaking like crazy. And he chickens out, hopping back to the deck.
    CHAD
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Just so you know, I'm emailing this to every chick you ever met. But suddenly Ryan's oblivious to the dare. His eyes are glued to something else -
    CHAD
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( speaking like HAL 900 . )
    Transmitting pussy file now.
    CHLOE , early 20s , a head turner , confident , funny ; she can pull you in like a tractor beam . She and some CUTE FRIENDS carry heavy cardboard boxes toward a table set up for the `` Heal The Bay '' rally . Ryan walks over like he owns the place .
    RYAN
    Got any more? I'm here to help.
    CHLOE
    Thanks, but no, we got'em all.
    RYAN
    What's in'em?
    Chloe opens the box . Hands him a `` Heal The Bay '' pamphlet .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Cool, you're handing these out during the concert?
    CHLOE
    Yeah, wan na help?
    Ryan tries to ignore his thundering heart .
    RYAN
    Hell yeah. I'm all about `` Heal the Bay.''
    His eyes ricochet off the pamphlet in his hand .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Me an Chad do the monthly cleanup thing, of course.
    An awesome wing - man , Chad appears over Chloe 's shoulder , pretending to read a pamphlet , but really holding it up so Ryan can see it . Piece of cake , now .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    We've collected water samples with the Stream Team, raised money on the Promenade. I'm surprised I have n't seen you.
    He offers his hand .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Ryan.
    She takes it .
    CHLOE
    Chloe.
    The handshake lingers a second longer than necessary , and they both smile at each other . Chad splits .
    CHLOE
    ( CONT 'D . )
    I ca n't tell if you're full of it.
    Ryan stops posturing , gets real .
    RYAN
    You ever go up to Santa Barbara? My dad used to take me there all
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    the time. Their pier is amazing, clear water, huge crabs everywhere, oysters right there on the rocks, starfish. Hard to believe it's the same ocean sometimes.
    He 's managed to win her back .
    CHLOE
    Maybe you and I can take a break later when Pat Benatar goes on.
    RYAN
    Sounds like a plan.
    There 's a moment . Then -
    CHLOE
    Oh no - I forgot. I still have to pick up a box of T - shirts at the Kinkos on Venice.
    RYAN
    I'll do it for you. if you want.
    CHLOE
    Seriously, you would?
    RYAN
    Sure. How much is the bill?
    CHLOE
    Nothing. It's been paid up front.
    RYAN
    Do you promise not to go anywhere?
    CHLOE
    Done.
    Ryan makes a graceful exit . Turns back .
    RYAN
    Okay, I wo n't be long.
    CHLOE
    ( laughing . )
    Bye.
    Ryan grabs Chad , and as they walk out of earshot :
    RYAN
    Dude, does Santa Barbara have a harbor or a pier?

EXT. VENICE - DAY
    A short time later , Ryan cruises through a Venice neighborhood . Ryan drives an early 70 's Ford Bronco ; clothes are strewn across the backseat , and a box of `` Heal the Bay '' T - SHIRTS now sits on the shotgun seat . Ryan reaches into the glove box and pulls out a toothbrush . He sips warm soda from a bottle and begins brushing . Checking himself out in the mirror , he sniffs his pits , whoa , and grabs the cellphone .
    RYAN
    ( into phone . )
    Dex, wassup? You wo n't believe the hotties I just met at the pier. Smoking. You wan na meet them? Yeah? Well do n't get too excited'cause I need my money.
    Ryan stops at a red light .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Bullshit, you're not going anywhere.
    ( quickly adding . )
    I'm pulling up right now.
    Some AMBULANCES SPEED BY , SIRENS BLARING . It 's deafening . Ryan lays on the horn . When the light changes , Ryan peels away angrily .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( covering his ear . )
    What? Yeah, you better be. And I need your shower, I'm talkin' code red stankage -
    The CELLPHONE begins to CRACKLE with STATIC just as Ryan drives under an OVERPASS . Suddenly - The car ahead of him STOPS in the middle of the street . Ryan notices too late and has to jam on the brakes . The car skids , he SCREAMS . and comes to a stop an inch before hitting the other car 's bumper . He lifts the phone receiver to his ear but the call is WASHED WITH STATIC .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( into phone . )
    Dex? You still there?
    And as has happened to all of us , he loses the call .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Damn.

EXT. HIGHWAY OVERPASS - MOMENTS LATER
    As traffic resumes and Ryan clears the overpass - SFX : THE CELLPHONE RINGS . Ryan picks up the phone .
    RYAN
    Sorry, got cut off. Hey - what's my Caller ID say?
    But there 's no voice on the other end , only shuffling sounds .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Yo Dex?

INT. KIDNAPPERS' ATTIC
    ECU - A TANGLE OF PHONE WIRES Their insulation picked off and spliced together . PAN ALONG the attic floor , past the rubble of the shattered phone , foll9wing the crudely repaired wires to JESSICA 'S HANDS , tapping the dialer wires together . She 's trying so hard to simulate a NUMERIC PULSE that she almost does n't hear :
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Hello?
    Jessica 's hands go suddenly still , then - WHOOM ! - her head slams down INTO FRAME on top of the crushed earpiece , a desperate hope filling her eyes .

INT. FORD BRONCO - CONTINUOUS
    With still no answer , Ryan pulls the phone from his ear -
    RYAN
    Whatever. Signing off -
    - and is just about to hit END CALL when he hears a tiny female voice on the other end .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Wait! Do n't hang up!
    Ryan puts the phone back to his ear .
    RYAN
    Hello?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    There's not much time! I need you to go to the police. My name is Jessica Martin ; I've been kidnapped!
    RYAN
    ( not buying . )
    Oh really? Kidnapped, huh?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Please. I know what you're thinking, but it's real! I'm in an attic somewhere. I think they're going to kill me! You need to -
    RYAN
    Awfully polite kidnappers to give you a phone.
    Jessica 's voice TREMBLES uncontrollably . Desperate , fearful and frustrated .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    No! You do n't understand!
    Suddenly , the cellphone BLIPS twice in Ryan 's ear . He pulls it away and looks at its faceplate . INSERT SHOT - THE CELLPHONE The LCD reads : CALL WAITING . ACCEPT ?

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - DAY
    RYAN
    If you were really in trouble, you would've called the cops, not me. Now I've got a real call on the other line -

INT. ATTIC
    A WIDER SHOT so we see Jessica 's bound hands . Her bruised face . Whispering frantically into the DEMOLISHED TELEPHONE she 's JERI - RIGGING back together as she talks .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Goddamn it, listen to me! The phone I'm on. it's shattered! There's no dialer! I've been clicking wires together for hours trying to get someone, anyone, and you're the only connection I was able to make!
    ( important beat . )
    If you hang up, I may not get anyone else.
    INTERCUT CALL - RYAN IN FORD BRONCO/JESSICA BOUND IN ATTIC SFX : Ryan 's call waiting BLIPS again . He considers everything Jessica has said , then :
    RYAN
    Hmm. Sucks to be you. Try crank yanking someone else. Late.
    JESSICA
    Wait! Do n't hang up! DO N'T HANG UP!
    But - CLICK ! Ryan flashes over to the next call .
    RYAN
    Dex?

INT. TELEMARKET BULLPEN - DAY
    A TELEMARKETER checks Ryan 's name on a list , then glances at the script .
    TELEMARKETER
    Hello, Mr. Ackerman. My name is Mark and I'd like to discuss with you the benefits of Mastercharge Credit Union's -
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Awesome, I can totally use a credit card. Tell me more.
    TELEMARKETER
    Absolutely. We've lowered our APR -
    RYAN
    - Shucks, now's really not a good time, but why do n't I get your number and get back to you later.
    TELEMARKETER
    Sure, it's 818.
    RYAN
    That's the office number?
    TELEMARKETER
    Yes.
    RYAN
    Why do n't you give me your number instead. That way I can call you when you're having dinner with your family.
    A beat .
    TELEMARKETER
    Sorry to have bothered you.
    Click ! The Telemarketer hangs up .
    RYAN
    Damn skippy.
    And that 's when he notices the message flashing on the phone 's faceplate : CALL ON HOLD . Ryan clicks the FLASH button to pick it up . and Jessica is still there . INTERCUT CALL - RYAN IN CAR/JESSICA IN ATTIC
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    - an you hear me?!
    RYAN
    You still there? You're getting kinda creepy, lady. See ya.
    JESSICA
    No! Do n't! They're going to kill me! They're going to kill me!
    A silent beat . A calculated look in her eyes . RYAN pulls the phone from his ear and is about to hang up . when he hears the one sound that stops all men cold . On the other end , Jessica begins to CRY .
    RYAN
    Oh, it's like that, huh? Nice with the fake tears, lady.
    JESSICA
    Please. I just need help. But Ryan wo n't be manipulated.
    RYAN
    You need acting lessons. Now go take your meds and bug someone else.
    JESSICA
    These men! -
    Jessica stops herself short , quieting the rising hysteria in her voice before it gives her away . She glances anxiously at the attic door , then continues , more in control .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    These men killed my housekeeper. My dog. You have to help me.
    Ryan bristles at being saddled with anything , much less this .
    RYAN
    No, actually -LRB- I do n't. Not with a hot chick waiting for me at the pier.
    JESSICA
    Please. you're my only hope.
    ( beat . )
    What's your name?
    That catches Ryan off - guard . He stalls , not wanting to make this personal .
    RYAN
    Why, you writing a book -?
    JESSICA
    - Please, just tell me your name!
    Ryan glances around the street , his eyes falling on a stone fountain outside a French Restaurant .
    RYAN
    Uh. Johnny. Johnny Fountain.
    JESSICA
    Johnny. What if it was your mother who was calling for help? How would you feel?
    RYAN
    Well, I'd be damn impressed, considering she's dead.
    JESSICA
    Goddamn it, how difficult is it to hand this phone off to the police?! I'll pay you!
    RYAN
    How much?
    JESSICA
    Five thousand dollars.
    RYAN
    Sure you will. I'm hanging up now.
    JESSICA
    No, wait! WAIT! Even if there's a eighty percent chance I'm lying, you nave a one in five chance to make five grand f9r a lousy twenty minutes of your life.
    ( panics as Ryan is silent . )
    Have n't you ever bet on a horse or bought a Lottery ticket? I'm talking one - in - five odds, twenty minutes.
    Ryan slaps the radio off .
    RYAN
    What do you want me to do?

INT. 15TH PRECINCT - STATION DESK - DAY
    SOMEONE 'S POV . In EXTREME SLOW - MOTION , chaos unfolds around us like a nightmare - OFFICERS manhandle a drunk toward the back , a HOOKER screams at us with unholy rage , in the far corner , a JUNKIE spits on an OFFICER 'S FACE and there 's a lethal race for disinfectant through invisible soup . Sounds are distant , eerily muffled . A HIGH - PITCHED WHINE lets us know we 're in hell . CLOSE UP : BOB MOONEY 'S EYES . Concerned , but not panicked . MOONEY 'S POV . Still surreal , SLOW - MOTION , as an Officer with a CREWCUT responds by spinning the Junkie 's face into a wall , legal but hard . SFX : A HEARTBEAT . OURS . FAST . And possibly IRREGULAR ? CLOSE UP - SLOW MOTION - The RIGHT THUMB presses into the LEFT WRIST . MOONEY 'S EYES . Watching . Counting . Suddenly - WHAM ! Back to reality when a YOUNG GANGBANGER is slammed into the station desk by a ROOKIE .
    ROOKIE OFFICER
    Problem, Mooney. If I put this one in with the others, there's gon na be a bloodbath.
    GANGBANGER
    Put me in there! I'll waste all them pussies!
    REVEAL SERGEANT BOB MOONEY - a tough , fifty - something beat cop who 's fighting growing old every step of the way . He rolls his eyes at the situation and takes a bite of PIZZA .
    MOONEY
    Come on Powell, put the Sharks with the Sharks, the Jets with the Jets and make room.
    Rookie Powell suppresses his irritation and roughly yanks the Gangbanger back over to the holding cells . Mooney puts down the pizza , no appetite , and stares at the news story playing on the TV mounted in the corner .

ON THE TELEVISION
    a NEWS REPORTER is in the middle of a segment . Over him , FOOTAGE rolls of six guilty - looking cops testifying in court ; being led away in handcuffs .
    NEWS REPORTER
    was somber when the indictments came down this afternoon in the 23rd Precinct corruption scandal. Though the names of six police officers were read aloud, the District Attorney stated that this was merely the `` tip of the iceberg'' and that unfortunately many other arrests are likely to be coming as the investigations proceed.

BACK TO POLICE STATION
    As DETECTIVE JACK TOMLIN passes Mooney , he nods toward the TV .
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    Sucks for the fellas at the Two - Three right now, huh?
    MOONEY
    Dirty pricks deserve what they get. Public hates us enough without this shit.
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    ( leaving . )
    There's good men over there.
    A FEMALE OFFICER passes Mooney and reaches for his box of pizza .
    FEMALE OFFICER
    Mooney? What are you doing? You ca n't be eating this crap.
    Mooney plants his own firm grip on the box .
    MOONEY
    Keep walking, Shelly. Nothing to see here.
    A friendly tug of war .
    FEMALE OFFICER
    You sure you wan na do that? What would your wife say?
    That 's it . Mooney snatches his lunch back and turns to lecture this little girl .
    MOONEY
    She'd say nothing,'cause she's not gon na know about it! Christ, Shel, my old man had eleven heart attacks. Eleven! I have one little infarction and you guys start treating me like an invalid! I'm a grown man! Leave me alone, will you?!
    FEMALE OFFICER
    ( abashed . )
    I was merely referring to your cottage - cheese ass.
    Mooney sighs and lifts his pizza to his mouth when - WHAMM ! The station doors burst open and two dozen GANG MEMBERS are bum - rushed into the room by a squad of COPS in riot gear . The screaming is deafening .
    MOONEY
    I hate this place.

EXT. 15TH PRECINCT - CONTINUOUS
    The Ford Bronco roars up ; snags the handicapped spot . Ryan hops out and limps theatrically the first few steps until he 's far enough away from the car to start running .
    RYAN
    ( into phone . )
    I'm here.

INT. 15TH PRECINCT - CONTINUOUS
    Cops try to wrangle the dozens of shouting GANG MEMBERS who cram the Station Desk , waiting to be booked . Ryan takes a deep breath and shoves his way through the mayhem to the extremely shorthanded Station Desk where : MOONEY is busy doing ten things at once . Signing release papers . Booking a DRUNK whose wife - beater Tee is drenched in blood , Etc. .
    RYAN
    Excuse me, officer -
    But Mooney ignores him in favor of the three cops that suddenly need arrest sheets signed .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Hey, I've got an emergency here -
    Just then , CREWCUT OFFICER shoulders his way through with a cuffed CRACKHEAD TRANNIE in tow . The Trannie 's wrists ache .
    CRACKHEAD TRANNIE
    Loosen these, man, please?! Jus' gim me a chance -
    CREWCUT OFFICER
    Hey, Moon! Where do you want me to put Whitney Houston?
    MOONEY
    Christ, I've only got two hands here! Stick him in the can, will ya?
    Crewcut nods and moves off towards the bathroom .
    RYAN
    ( shoving forward . )
    Come on, man! I've got some lady on the phone here who says she's been kidnapped!
    Ryan holds up the phone . Mooney looks around .
    MOONEY
    Nice try, kid, but I got no time for pranks.
    RYAN
    Seriously, a lady was murdered!
    MOONEY
    Which is it, a kidnapping or a murder?
    RYAN
    Take the phone and find out moron!
    A COP snickers somewhere .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' ATTIC
    Jessica holds her breath . She stares apprehensively at the attic door , praying for Mooney to just take the damn phone .
    JESSICA
    Please.

BACK TO POLICE STATION
    Ryan looks sincere . Mooney deliberates , then sighs .
    MOONEY
    Okay. Give it here.
    Ryan thrusts the phone at him , happy to get rid of it .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( barely audible whisper . )
    Oh thank God! You've got to help me. My name's Jessica Martin and I've been kidnapped. This morning five men broke into my home in Brentwood and kidnapped -
    Mooney strains to hear . His eyes go wide and he quickly jots notes on a pad . Mooney 's eyes shift as three TWEAKERS , wide eyed and sweating profusely , are led inside by their ARRESTING OFFICERS .
    MOONEY
    Ah shit.
    Mooney holds out the phone .
    MOONEY
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Hurry kid, take this upstairs to Robbery/Homicide and ask for Detective Tomlin.
    Ryan reluctantly takes the phone back as more people converge on the Station Desk .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' ATTIC
    Jessica hears the phone being shuffled around .
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Where?
    JESSICA
    Hello? Officer? Hello?!

BACK TO POLICE STATION
    Mooney , recognizing an emergency when he hears one , ignores the incoming CROWD him long enough to assist Ryan .
    MOONEY
    Up the stairs, Tomlin!
    Ryan turns away , and as he returns the cellphone to his ear , he 's startled to hear -
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( terrified . )
    Oh my God.
    RYAN
    What? What is it?

INT. KIDNAPPERS' ATTIC
    Jessica hears : SFX : FOOTSTEPS . RIGHT OUTSIDE HER DOOR .
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Lady, what's going on?!
    Jessica drops the phone . Has just enough time to shove it behind her before - SLAM ! - the attic door swings open and two of the masked kidnappers stride in . When they reach her , they stand silently , trying to unnerve her .
    LEAD KIDNAPPER
    Where's your husband?
    JESSICA
    What? I do n't -
    The masked leader SLAPS HER SHARPLY across the face ! Jessica wants to collapse to the ground , but remains sitting TO KEEP THE PHONE HIDDEN behind her . The Leader bends down and yells right in her face .
    LEAD KIDNAPPER
    Where is he!?
    JESSICA
    At work! Why, what do you want -?
    SLAP ! This one 's even nastier than the first .
    LEAD KIDNAPPER
    NEGATIVE! WHERE WOULD HE RUN?!
    RYAN - IN THE POLICE STATION STAIRWELL Phone to his ear . Wide - eyed . Hearing it all . For the first time , starting to believe Jessica 's story .
    RYAN
    Oh shit.
    Panicking , Ryan turns and walks , then jogs , then all - out runs for the station stairwell .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' ATTIC
    The Lead Kidnapper stands ominously over the trembling Jessica - Oh God ! Does he see the phone cord ?
    JESSICA
    Please, he should be at work! That's all I know.
    The Leader nods , then turns away . Jessica exhales with relief that he did n't spot the phone . But her victory is short - lived as :
    LEAD KIDNAPPER
    You have a little boy, right? Ricky? The Wyman School in Westwood?
    Jessica gasps like a sledgehammer just hit her in the chest .
    JESSICA
    NO! NO -.'.' STAY AWAY FROM MY SON! LEAVE HIM ALONE!
    But - the men silently head out the door - SLAM ! The door locks . Jessica scrambles back to the phone .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Johnny!
    INTERCUT CALL - RYAN RUNNING UP STAIRWELL/JESSICA IN ATTIC
    RYAN
    I know. I'm trying to get help.
    JESSICA
    My son -
    Suddenly , as Ryan reaches the first landing - STATIC starts breaking up the call .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( worried . )
    Oh my God! What's happening?!
    RYAN
    It's just static. I'm running upstairs to the detectives. Hold on, I might lose you for a sec -
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( realizing . )
    No, do n't! Stop. You ca n't lose me -
    RYAN
    ( still running . )
    Wait, we're almost there.
    JESSICA
    ( panics , losing her cool . )
    Stop! Johnny, goddamn it, stop! STOP! IF YOU LOSE ME, I'M DEAD!
    Hearing her fearful tone , Ryan stops reluctantly .
    RYAN
    Well, what the hell am I supposed to do?!
    Ryan looks at himself , standing on the stairs like an idiot .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Jesus! I'm almost there!
    Ryan checks the SIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATOR on the phone . There 's only one bar left . Defiantly , Ryan takes a step UP . and the bar DISAPPEARS . He quickly hops BACK DOWN .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Crap!
    ( shouts up stairs . )
    HELLO? DETECTIVE TOMLIN! WILL SOMEONE GET TOMLIN FOR ME, PLEASE?!
    There 's no response . Ryan ca n't believe this .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    You're shitting me.
    JESSICA
    Johnny, what time is it?! Johnny!
    RYAN
    ( checking his watch . )
    Who? Oh - one - twenty.
    ( yells upstairs . )
    IS ANYONE UP THERE?!
    Jessica calms herself , resolving to save her child 's life .
    JESSICA
    Johnny, listen to me. My son's school lets out at 1:45.
    RYAN
    Good, then if I get a cop -
    Ryan exits the stairwell to find Mooney - but Mooney 's not there anymore ! There 's some NEW GUY - and he 's SWAMPED !
    JESSICA
    No. There's not enough time. You have to pick him up before they -
    RYAN
    Pick him up? Hell no, lady! I ai n't goin' nowhere else -
    Ryan tries to get the NEW GUY 's attention , in a dream .
    JESSICA
    Please please stop standing there! He's just a little boy!
    RYAN
    But I'm in a police station!
    JESSICA
    Go!
    Ryan grunts in frustration .

EXT. 15TH PRECINCT - MOMENTS LATER
    ECU - THE FORD BRONCO 'S TIRES - Burning rubber .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - GROUND FLOOR - LIVING ROOM
    The furniture in this abandoned house is all covered with sheets giving the entire place a creepy , haunted feel . FOLLOW the LEAD KIDNAPPER as he descends a nearby stairwell and pulls off his mask - REVEAL GREER Forties , salt and pepper hair . He looks to his crew : THE KIDNAPPERS They 're all trim . Athletic . In good shape . They 're UNMASKED , watching the TV with interest . The news on the corruption scandal . Greer snaps the TV off . Checks his watch and nods grimly .
    GREEK
    Go get the kid.
    Instantly , a hulk of a man -LRB- DEASON -RRB- and an arrogant , red - headed prick -LRB- ELLIS -RRB- stand and exit the house . As Greer stalks away -LRB- BOOM DOWN the bar to REVEAL a telephone sitting there , unnoticed by the men - and on its face , the LINE - IN - USE INDICATOR LIGHT is lit . PUSH IN on the flashing orange light that threatens to give Ryan and Jessica 's call away . Closer and closer , until we ENTER the phone and TRAVEL THROUGH THE WIRES to - A MATCHING LIGHT ON RYAN 'S CELLPHONE As we PULL BACK we see that we 're in the Ford Bronco , racing through :

EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
    Ryan guns the engine as Jessica panics on the other end of the phone . We can hear her hyperventilating . \
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Where are you now?!
    RYAN
    I just got off the 405.
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    You've got to go faster, Johnny!
    RYAN
    You've got ta chill! You're stressing the crap out of me!
    ( looking around . )
    Where the hell is a cop hiding in a speed trap when you need one?
    Ryan takes a hard right , tires squealing . Pushing it against his better judgment .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    What do these guys want, anyway?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    How should I know?!
    RYAN
    What do you do?
    JESSICA
    I'm an obstetrician. They do n't want anything from me.
    Ryan slaloms around other cars like a racecar driver .
    RYAN
    So your husband's like, uber - rich?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What -? No. He's an accountant. I make more money than he does.
    RYAN
    Could they've mistaken you for someone else?
    JESSICA
    No! I do n't know. None of this makes any sense.
    Jessica starts losing it completely , upsetting Ryan so much that he takes the next corner too fast and - SKKRRASH ! -

EXT. ROAD CONSTRUCTION - CONTINUOUS
    The BRONCO EXPLODES through an orange - and - white `` ROAD CLOSED '' CONSTRUCTION BARRIER ! And dead ahead is a CONSTRUCTION CREW resurfacing the road !
    RYAN
    Oh. SHIT!
    Ryan SLAMS on the brakes and SWERVES to avoid hitting a group of workers - and OBLITERATES THE BRONCO 'S PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR against another BARRIER - Ryan cringes with every muscle ! And the mirror ricochets off the ground - and smashes through the windshield of a recently waxed Acura Legend !
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( smirking . )
    . Ai n't that a bitch.
    As the heavily - muscled workers start running to beat the shit out of him , Ryan floors the gas , sending a shower of wet asphalt all over the cursing workers as he peels away , CRASHING through a FINAL BARRIER . More cautiously , Ryan rounds the next corner and -
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    There's the school.
    Ryan 's right . Just ahead , we see :

EXT. THE WYMAN SCHOOL - DAY
    private prep school for boys . Ryan pull : A private prep it . Walks quickly toward the building . school for boys . Ryan pulls over and hops out ,
    RYAN
    Okay, I'm here.
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    How much time do we have?
    Ryan checks his watch . It reads : `` 1:40 PM '' . He enters .
    RYAN
    Five minutes. What's your kid's name?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Ricky.
    RYAN
    Ricky what?
    JESSICA
    Martin.
    RYAN
    Ricky Martin? You named your kid Ricky Martin?! Why did n't you tattoo `` kick me'' on his ass while you were at it?
    JESSICA
    He was named before the singer ever -
    RYAN
    Forget it. What does he look like?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    He's eight years old. Blonde hair. Green eyes. Small for his age. He's wearing a light blue shirt and dark blue pants -
    RYAN
    They're all wearing blue shirts and pants!
    Ryan turns down a hallway and we see that he 's right . It 's filled with IDENTICALLY - UNIFORMED LITTLE BOYS . As a TIMID BLONDE BOY passes in front of him , Ryan grabs him and wheels him around .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Ricky Martin?
    The Boy 's eyes get huge . He tries to pull away .
    TIMID BOY
    Do n't touch me!
    RYAN
    No, kid, it's okay! I did n't mean to -
    TIMID BOY
    Help! Do n't touch me! Do n't touch!
    Ryan quickly moves on . aware that other ADULTS are now beginning to take notice of him .
    RYAN
    ( INTO PHONE . )
    Does he have anything else? A jacket? A backpack? What's his lunch box look like?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    I do n't remember.
    RYAN
    You do n't remember your own kid's lunch box?!
    JESSICA
    I do n't pack it! Rosario, our housekeeper does! Sometimes Craig, but.
    Jessica begins to sob , which causes Ryan to panic further .
    RYAN
    Ricky Martin, where are you!?
    None of the Stepford kids respond .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( through tears . )
    I wish I could give you more.
    Now Ryan 's running . He yells into a BATHROOM .
    RYAN
    Ricky Martin?
    MALE VOICE
    ( O.S . )
    Can I help you, sir?
    Ryan turns to see a MUSCULAR GYM TEACHER looming there . Clearly , the guy thinks Ryan 's peeping into the boys ' room .
    RYAN
    I'm looking for a little blond boy -.
    ( off his shocked look . )
    - No, no! Not like that!
    GYM TEACHER
    Sir, come with me, please!
    Ryan is n't going anywhere . And that 's when the BELL RINGS . Like a nightmare , HUNDREDS OF UNIFORMED LITTLE BOYS come racing out of their classes .
    RYAN
    Oh shit.
    As the boys stampede by , Ryan yanks the WHISTLE from around the Gym Teacher 's thick neck and starts blowing it like crazy .
    GYM TEACHER
    HEY - 11
    RYAN
    RICKY MARTIN! DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE RICKY MARTIN IS? 1 I ca n't believe I'm yelling this at an all - boys school.
    All hell is breaking loose . The kids ignore him . The huge Gym Teacher races after him . Jessica yells in his ear .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Was that the bell? Was that the bell?!
    RYAN
    Yes. RICKY! RICKY MARTIN!
    Ryan wades through the sea of uniforms .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    He'11 go to the parents' pick - up spot. Oh God, they're going to get him!
    '' \ Ryan turns around and starts bulling through . The Gym Teacher violently grabs his arm and yanks -
    GYM TEACHER
    Where do you think you're going?
    - causing the phone to fly out of Ryan 's hand and - crack ! - hit the pavement .
    RYAN
    No -!
    Ryan tugs his arm free and races to the phone . The LCD display GLASS is cracked into a SPIDERWEB .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( desperate into phone . )
    Jessica? You still there?!
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Yes?
    Relieved , Ryan turns and races for the front of the school .
    RYAN
    No one's gon na get your kid! He's not slow, is he?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What -? No!
    RYAN
    Then he wo n't go anywhere with strangers.
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Unless they have our Escalade. Ricky'11 think it's Rosario and hop right in!
    She 's got a point . Ryan picks up the pace and arrives at the pick - up spot . Scans the lot .
    RYAN
    What color?
    JESSICA
    Black!
    RYAN
    ( looks . )
    Of course it is.
    PAN AROUND to see what Ryan sees - three black Cadillac Escalades .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    There's three of them. What's your plate?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    4. 7. wait, no. 3 - Oh my God, I do n't remember!
    RYAN
    Like you do n't remember the lunch box? Or anything else about your kid -.
    ( stops , realizing . )
    Oh, man. This is a prank, is n't it?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    No!
    RYAN
    Bullshit! Oh, you're good lady. Your friends too. Getting me to scream out ` Ricky Martin' at a boys school. Damn, you really nailed me.
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    No - This is great, the police think I'm a whack job. The school thinks I'm some kind of perv child molester. I'll probably get the Herpes from the gym teacher's whistle -
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    No, Johnny, you have to listen to me - /.'
    But Ryan 's had enough . He turns to leave -
    RYAN
    I'm done being your entertainment for the day. I'm going back to the pier while I still have a chance -
    - and passes right by a blonde - haired , green - eyed , EIGHT - YEAR - OLD BOY carrying a Lord of the Rings lunchbox . Ryan hesitates and is about to stop the kid . but then decides `` screw it '' , and keeps on hoofing . Ryan rounds a corner to leave - and is confronted by the Gym Teacher and a RENT - A - COP SECURITY GUARD .
    GYM TEACHER
    Here he is! He's the one that's been stalking the students.
    RYAN
    Stalking?! No, I can explain -
    The Rent - a - Cop mumbles into his walkie .
    RENT-A-COP #1
    Okay, we got him. We're at the front of the school.
    ( then , to Ryan . )
    Sir, come with us.
    RYAN
    ( as they grab him . )
    Hey, HEY RENT - A - DUDE -! Hang on a sec! This is a huuuge misunderstanding -
    A little RENT - A - COP CAR -LRB- think geeky , wan na - be cop car -RRB- pulls up in the driveway below . The Security Guard starts forcibly leading Ryan toward it , but as he gets close -
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( interrupting . )
    Lord of the Rings! I forgot his father bought him a Lord of the Rings lunchbox last week!
    Ryan 's heart stops in his chest . He turns to see the Boy with the Lord or the Rings lunchbox racing down the school steps and up to one of the waiting Escalades .
    RYAN
    ( struggling . )
    RICKY MARTIN!
    The Boy opens the car door . but turns as he hears his name called . For the briefest moment , Ricky and Ryan lock eyes - - and that 's when a HAND reaches out , snags his backpack and YANKS Ricky into the dark of the car ! Instantly , the door slams shut and the Escalade begins to take off . WHIP PAN to Ryan 's shocked reaction . He 's the only one who 's seen it . He tries to struggle free of the Guard .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Oh shit! You just see that?!
    Losing control of Ryan , the Rent - a - Cop calls to his partner in the car .
    RENT-A-COP #1
    Roy, some help over here!
    Below , the Escalade is leaving the driveway .
    RYAN
    ( struggling harder . )
    Goddamn it, that little kid was just kidnapped! Do something!
    RENT-A-COP #1
    Roy -!!
    The second Rent - a - Cop , hops out of his car and runs over , but as he gets near - Ryan breaks free !
    RENT-A-COPS
    HEY -!!
    They chase after him , but Ryan hops over the hood of the idling RENT - A - COP CAR and throws himself into its driver 's seat . Rent - a - Cop # 1 reaches through the open window and grabs Ryan 's collar - and is dragged twenty feet as Ryan throws the little car in gear and burns away .

INT. RENT-A-COP CAR - RACING DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET
    Trying to catch the Escalade , a quarter - mile ahead . Ryan feels completely conspicuous in the security car as he slaloms through the streets of East Hollywood .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What's happening, Ryan?!
    RYAN
    Do n't worry, I can fix this.
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Oh my God.
    There are three cars between Ryan and the Escalade .
    RYAN
    It's okay, I can see them ahead.
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Do n't lose them! If you follow them back here, you can tell the police where they're holding us!
    RYAN
    Okay.

INT. THE KIDNAPPERS' ESCALADE
    The mountainous Deason drives as Ellis sits shotgun . In the back sits Jessica 's son , RICKY ; who eyes the two men suspiciously . CCR plays on the RADIO . Ellis , turns down the radio . Faking sincerity , he turns to face Ricky .
    ELLIS
    ( gesturing to the radio . )
    Do you want me to change the station to something else?
    Ricky refuses to answer . Ellis turns around , his fake smile quickly vanishing .
    ELLIS
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Yeah. I like Creedence too.
    He 's about to turn the radio volume up when -
    RICKY
    Where's Rosario?
    ELLIS
    I told you, kid, she had a doctor's appointment, so your mother asked us to pick you up. Do n't worry, you'll see your mommy in a few minutes.
    Ricky nods . but we can tell by the look on his face that he 's not buying their story one bit .

EXT. RENT-A-COP CAR
    Cautiously , so as not to give himself away , Ryan PASSES one commuter car . Then the next . Narrowing the gap between the rent - a - cop car and the Escalade to one last auto . It takes Ryan literally standing on the gas pedal to get up enough speed to get around the final car . Now the Escalade is dead ahead . Ryan begins gently closing the distance between them , and is just starting to relax , when - A CITY BUS merges into traffic from a Bus Stop right ahead of him !
    RYAN
    SHIT!
    Ryan SLAMS on his breaks and is forced to crawl along at a painful 25 m.p.h . Worse , he has his view of the Escalade glocked by the bus ' titanic silver ass .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Johnny!
    RYAN
    Damn! There's this stupid bus -
    Ryan jags left and right , catching glimpses around the bus of the Escalade still ahead .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( taps his horn . )
    Come on!
    But the bus does n't pull over . Ryan tries flashing the security car 's CLEAR BUBBLE LIGHTS on the roof , but who the hell would pull over for that ? The bus sure does n't .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Jesus.'
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Ca n't you go around it?
    There 's an ungodly amount of opposing traffic - But suddenly there 's a break in the flow ! Seizing the moment , Ryan SLAM - SH IFTS the rent - a - cop car 's uni - cylinder engine into gear and starts to tear around the bus - but has to SWERVE BACK as a SPEEDING TRASH TRUCK rounds a bend and almost creams him !
    RYAN
    Goddamn it!
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What?! Did you lose him?!
    RYAN
    No, I just almost got killed, is all.
    JESSICA
    Oh thank God!
    RYAN
    Thank God?
    ( irritated . )
    That's nice.
    Just then , the bus signals that it 's pulling over .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Hey, here we go!
    As the bus pulls aside , Ryan floors the wan na - be cop car around it . but directly in front of him is a HOMELESS MAN , dressed like a sheik , dragging his caravan of TWO COVERED SHOPPING CARTS .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    SON - OF - A - II
    Ryan SLAMS on the brakes , SWERVES HARD to avoid a collision - and loses cont rol of the car ! The rent - a - cop car goes POWER SLIDING across oncoming traffic , HORNS BLARING AT HIM and heads straight for a the FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOW of a CAR DEALERSHIP .

INT. CAR DEALERSHIP
    SMASH ! The car goes through the window and RACES down the center aisle . CAR SALESMEN and PATRONS are forced to dive out of the way as the rent - a - cop car MOWS DOWN DISPLAYS and everything else in its path .

INT. THE KIDNAPPERS' ESCALADE
    The mountainous Deason drives . In back , Ellis sits with Jessica 's son , RICKY , who eyes the two men suspiciously . CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL plays on the RADIO .
    ELLIS
    ( to Deason . )
    Anyone following us?
    Deason checks : THE REARVIEW MIRROR We see the bus about five car lengths behind , but the rent - a - cop car is nowhere to be seen . Deason flashes an evil grin .
    DEASON
    Nan.

EXT. CAR DEALERSHIP
    The rent - a - cop car exits the dealership , SMASHING through another GLASS WINDOW ! Ryan quickly regains control of the car and steers it back on the street . Only to find that the Escalade has disappeared !
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What's happening?! Are you okay?!
    RYAN
    SHIT I
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What?! Yo u lost -
    RYAN
    No, No! just give me a second -
    As Jessica goes off , Ryan tosses the phone down and focuses on finding the Escalade . He floors the rent - a - cop car , engine CLATTERING , to the intersection . Ryan franticly searches in every direction , but the Escalade is nowhere to be seen . He floors it .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Jesus! Where the hell did they go?
    Dreading talking to Jessica , Ryan slowly picks up the receiver .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Jessica, I -
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    You let them get away.
    Ryan wants to snap at her , but guilt crushes it right out of him . He knows she 's right .

INT. 15TH PRECINCT - LOCKER ROOM - DAY
    Mooney changes out of his blues , his ears glued to THREE COPS in the corner , boasting about an arrest .
    COP ONE
    - so of course everyone's playing dumb to what kind of drugs he's on.
    The cops start to snicker ; they 've all heard that one before .
    COP ONE
    ( CONT 'D . )
    So I start searching the place. I'm about to open a closet door when a kid with a Mac 10 jumps out of the bathroom. He shoots. Misses me and hits one of the E.M.T's. Fires again, but the gun jams and BAM! Blows half his face off. Had enough black tar heroin in the closet to resurface the 405.
    Mooney tries to join in on the conversation .
    MOONEY
    It must've been around' 84, when.
    The Cops turn around , while grabbing their stuff .
    COP TWO
    Sorry Moon, we're late for a briefing.
    Mooney waves them on , but looks disappointed for not being able to join in .
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    ( O.S . )
    I'll bet in your day you had some stories.
    Mooney whips his head around to see DETECTIVE JACK TOMLIN .
    MOONEY
    Hey Tomlin.
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    Taking off?
    MOONEY
    ( hardly thrilled . )
    My anniversary. You know, duty calls ; pricey dinner and then some crap - ass play.
    ( beat . )
    Hey, I sent some college kid down to see you this morning. Had some rap about a kidnapping -
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    I have n't seen anyone, but I'll ask around. Kidnapping, huh?
    MOONEY
    I thought it was a prank at first, but the kid was so worked up -
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    Well, do n't you get worked up.
    ( slaps Mooney 's chest . )
    If the kid comes back, page me, and I'll be sure to see him.
    MOONEY
    ( swallowing his pride . )
    Yeah. Okay, Jack. Thanks.
    And as Tomlin walks off -

INT. RENT-A-COP CAR - CHUGGING THROUGH WEST L.A.
    Ryan lead - foots the gas . The speedometer climbs . Forty . Fifty . Sixty miles an hour .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Look, Johnny, you've got to go back to the cops -
    RYAN
    Are you high?! I just jacked a car!
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Goddamn it, stop thinking about just yourself! You can explain everything to them later!
    SUDDENLY - SFX : RYAN 'S PHONE BEGINS BEEPING .
    RYAN
    What now?
    Ryan pulls the phone away from his ear and checks it out . INSERT SHOT - CELLPHONE FACE PLATE The BATTERY INDICATOR is flashing : LOW BATT . LOW BATT .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Great! Now the battery's dying.
    JESSICA
    Do n't you have a charger?
    RYAN
    It's in my car! Hold on.
    SFX : BEEP - BEEP ! The battery indicator has lost another bar . Ryan fumbles around in the armrest . Finds nothing . Opens the glovebox and - a snub - nosed .38 SPECIAL tumbles out .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Jesus -!
    JESSICA
    What's going on? Did you find one?
    RYAN
    ( staring at the gun . )
    Not exactly.
    SFX : BEEP - BEEP ! Jessica starts growing afraid .
    JESSICA
    Johnny, do n't lose me!
    RYAN
    Well what the hell do you expect me to do?!
    Just then , Ryan rounds a corner - and sees traffic GRIDLOCKED to a halt ahead . He tries to maneuver around it , but is almost immediately boxed in . SFX : BEEP - BEEP - BEEP !
    JESSICA
    Johnny -!
    RYAN
    I know, Jessica!
    The phone starts a STEADY BEEPING now , dying imminent . And traffic is n't going anywhere . Ryan looks around desperately . Nothing . No emergency lane . No shoulder . Just a long drop down a HILL to a strip mall below - STRIP MALL ?! Ryan scans it and does a double - take on one of the store 's signs : `` VERIZON WIRELESS '' . Traffic inches forward . Now he sees an OFF - RAMP a quarter - mile ahead - but at this rate , it 'll take forever to make it there . SFX : BEEP - BEEP - BEEP . ' . ' Ryan 's got to do something . Now .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    You know that money you promised me?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Yes.
    RYAN
    I'm giving myself a raise.

EXT. VERIZON MALL HILL - CONTINUOUS
    And with that , Ryan CRANKS the steering wheel hard right and HITS THE GAS ! Despite other drivers ' protests , the little Rent - a - Cop vehicle blasts across the gridlock , TEARS through the rusty GUARD RAIL and - VROOOOM ! - flies off the side of the hill ! Ryan lets out a frightened yell as he SAILS through the clear blue sky .
    RYAN
    HOOOOLLYYY SHIIII -
    THUMP ! The Rent - a - Cop car touches down on a steep downslope . Ryan struggles to control the bucking automobile , miraculously avoiding the minefield of ROCKS and TREE STUMPS . He needs both hands for the job and holds the phone by its antenna in his teeth . There 's so much noise , the only thing Jessica could possibly hear is a CACOPHONY OF NOISE and Ryan HYPERVENTILATING .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What's going on?!
    RYAN
    ( with phone in teeth . )
    mmmrrmph mrm mrmph!
    Ryan is bounced around like a corn kernel in a popper until the car hits a jutting rock and - WHOOOOM ! - goes up on two wheels . It looks like it 's going to roll but gravity brings it back down - SLAMM ! - so hard that the phone goes flying across the car !
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Shit!
    Ryan scrabbles for the phone - but gives it up when he bounces over a rise and sees A BILLBOARD DEAD AHEAD !
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    WHOAAAAAA!
    Ryan whips the wheel and navigates the little car between the billboard 's concrete posts , but - WHAM ! - obliterates the rent - a - cop 's BUBBLE LIGHTS on the billboard 's lower edge . Somehow , Ryan muscles the bucking econocar safely down the rest of the hill and into the strip mall parking lot , where it SKIDS OUT .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( grabbing phone . )
    Jessica?! Can you hear me?!
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    I'm here!
    Ryan hops out and races inside -

THE VERIZON WIRELESS STORE - CONTINUOUS
    And of course , they 're having a sale and the place is packed . Every SALESPERSON is beyond busy in the feeding frenzy . SFX : BEEP - BEEP - BEEP ! Panicking , Ryan pushes his way to the front of the counter -
    IRATE CUSTOMERS
    Hey, what do you think you're doing? There's a line!
    - to the OVERLY - PERKY SALESMAN helping someone else .
    OVERLY-PERKY SALESMAN
    and if you get the new Nokia 9200, you can switch out faceplates to match your mood! And we have a special today on tiger stripes. Are you feeling fierce?
    The salesman makes a playful paw swipe with his hand .
    EASILY-EXCITABLE CUSTOMER
    Oh, how fun!
    RYAN
    Excuse me -
    OVERLY-PERKY SALESMAN
    I'm sorry, sir, I'm with a customer now.
    ( indicates a number dispenser . )
    But if you take a number, someone will be with you shortly.
    Ryan glances at the dispenser . A BIG YELLOW SMILEY FACE with tickets ejected from the mouth . The next ticket it offers is '' # 97 '' . and the Now - Serving Display on the wall reads '' # 71 '' . SFX : BEEP - BEEP - BEEP ! I Just then , a BUSY SALESWOMAN walks by . Ryan grabs her .
    RYAN
    Hey! Hey! I've got an emergency here -
    BUSY SALESWOMAN
    Sorry, I'm on break -
    RYAN
    Damn it, will you listen to me?! I've got a life and death call on this phone and my battery's dying! Do you have a charger?
    BUSY SALESMAN
    Sure.
    ( walks away . )
    Take a number and one of the sales associates will grab you one when your turn comes up.
    RYAN
    Bu t -!
    SFX : BEEP - BEEP - BEEP - BEEP ! Ryan breaks out in a cold sweat . Ca n't catch his breath . As a SALESWOMAN rushes by , Ryan reaches for her .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Help, I -
    SALESWOMAN
    Take a number.
    The room starts spinning around him . It 's clear no one 's going to help him . Like the clap of doom , the NOW - SERVING DISPLAY on the wall flips happily to '' # 72 '' SFX : BEEP - BEEP - BEEP - BEEP ! Frantic , Ryan glances at the phone . And just as the last BATTERY BAR on the power indicator FLICKERS and DISAPPEARS -
    RYAN
    Aw, screw this.
    Ryan pulls the rent - a - cop 's big .38 SPECIAL from his pocket and BLOWS THE SMILEY FACE DISPENSER TO DUST ! Instantly , people hit the dirt .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Oh look! Now serving thirty eight special!
    ( beat . )
    NOW WHO'S GON NA GET ME THAT GODDAMN CHARGER?

EXT. POLICE STATION - PARKING BAY
    Mooney exits the mayhem of the s tation and walks to a SQUAD CAR . Gets in . As he pulls his seatbelt on , something CRINKLES in his breast pocket . He pulls it out - the SCRAP OF PAPER where the scribbled the words `` JESSICA MARTIN '' and `` BRENTWOOD '' when Ryan handed him the phone . Mooney crumples the paper and is about to throw it away . but stops himself . He stares at the words , then unable to let it go , punches keys on the MOBILE DATA TERMINAL . A name and address appear on the screen : JESSICA KATE MARTIN . 327 ELMWOOD ESTATES , BRENTWOOD . Mooney stares at the name . Then , after a moment , he sighs and pulls a LA LAKERS cellphone from his coat . Dials .
    MOONEY
    Hi, honey. Yeah, I'm gon na be a few minutes late.
    And as Mooney closes the door and starts up the engine -

INT. JESSICA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
    We PAN PAST PHOTOGRAPHS of Jessica 's family over to - AN ANSWERING MACHINE RINGS . ANSWERS . We hear Jessica 's outgoing message , then a BEEP and -
    MALE VOICE
    ( over machine . )
    Jessica? Damn, where are you?
    ( beat . )
    I called earlier and. Jess, I'm in serious trouble. I ca n't explain right now, but we're all in danger. Please, just grab Ricky and meet me in left field.
    PAN UP to an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN listening to the machine .

INT. RENT-A-COP CAR - RACING OFF THROUGH THE CITY
    Just as the phone literally dies - Ryan rips a new CHARGER from its packaging , slaps it into the phone and voila , it begins CHARGING .
    RYAN
    Whew! That was so no bueno!
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    You found a charger?
    RYAN
    Among other things.
    Ryan glances at piles of phone gear he 's appropriated from Verizon . EARBUD MIKES . MANUALS . RECEPTION BOOSTERS . INTERCUT CALL - RYAN IN CAR/JESSICA IN ATTIC Ryan fiddles with the now war - torn phone .
    JESSICA
    Thank you for doing all this, Johnny.
    RYAN
    Yeah, look, about that.
    ( awkward beat . )
    My - name is n't really Johnny Fountain.
    JESSICA
    Good, it sounded like a porn star name.
    ( then softly . )
    It's okay. I know. You do n't have to tell me -
    RYAN
    It's Ryan. Ryan Ackerman. I'm a bar - back. I'm twenty - two, and just a little freaked out right now.
    Jessica is moved with emotion by his honesty .
    JESSICA
    Thank you, Ryan.
    But before they can say any more , suddenly - SFX : FEET ON THE STAIRS - COMING TOWARD THE ATTIC ! Jessica JUMPS with a start . Tries to push the PHONE GUTS behind a beam with her foot as Greer enters - but fails . The receiver sits in front of the beam , EXPOSED ! Greer crosses the room and sits on a box next to Jessica . He stares at her for long , uncomfortable moments . Then :
    GREEK
    Do you want to die here?
    Jessica drains white - Does he see the phone ?! RYAN - IN THE RENT - A - COP CAR Slams on the brakes and skids up to the curb . Covers the mouthpiece .
    RYAN
    Oh shit!
    54 BACK TO ATTIC 54 Greer 's question still hangs in the air .
    JESSICA
    N - no.
    Jessica scoots away , trying to draw Greer 's eyes in another direction from the phone that lies OUT IN THE OPEN .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    but I am going to, are n't I?
    GREER
    Up to you. Your husband left a message asking you to meet him in left field. Where's that?
    JESSICA
    What? I do n't understand -?
    Greer winds up and BAM ! Hits Jessica in the stomach , knocking the wind out of her and causing her to fall to the ground .
    GREER
    - A base ball field!? Wh ich o ne does he mean?!
    JESSICA
    ( choking out the words . )
    I. I do n't know what you want me to say. I swear -
    GREER
    Shut up! Which field?! He would n't leave a message that did n't make sense to you!
    Greer tightens his fist and is about to hit Jessica again -
    JESSICA
    Wait! The bleachers behind left field at Dodger Stadium! That's where we first met.
    Greer stares at Jessica for a long uncomfortable moment , searching her soul . She 's lying .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Please! Believe me. That has to be where he means. I swear to God.
    Then he stands , looking away for just a moment - but long enough for Jessica to NUDGE the phone back behind the beam !
    GREER
    Working in my profession as long as I have, you begin to recognize the truth when you hear it.
    Jessica , trembling , hangs on Greer 's every word .
    GREER
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( turning back . )
    Go to the window, Jessica. There's something I want you to see.
    Relieved at hiding the phone , Jessica gets up and moves to the attic window - and GASPS . JESSICA 'S POV - THE YARD BELOW Down in the yard below , Jessica 's eleven - year - old son Ricky stands uncomfortably in the middle of a basketball half - court as one of the kidnappers -LRB- a severe - looking ex - con named HODGES -RRB- stands nearby , watching .

INT. ATTIC
    Jessica 's knees nearly buckle .
    JESSICA
    Ricky!

EXT. THE YARD BELOW
    Hodges looks up and sees Jessica 's face in the window . Then turns and tosses a basketball to Ricky .
    HODGES
    Shoot hoops.
    RICKY
    I. I do n't feel like it.
    HODGES
    ( threatening . )
    Shoot.
    Nervously , Ricky begins to bounce the ball .

INT. ATTIC
    Jessica sees her son start shooting the ball - completely oblivious to Hodges , who flicks open his coat , revealing SILENCED PISTOL tucked into his waistband .
    GREEK
    You have three seconds to tell me where he really is or you're going to a funeral.

INT. THE RENT-A-COP CAR
    Ryan 's listening . Helpless . There 's nothing he can do .
    RYAN
    Oh Jesus! Oh Jesus!

INT. ATTIC / EXT. SAFEHOUSE
    Jessica drains ghost - white . On the verge of passing out . Down below , Ricky shoots baskets , unaware of Hodges closing his hand around his gun .
    GREER
    One.
    JESSICA
    Please! Please, believe me!
    Ricky plays innocently - while Hodges now COCKS his pistol .
    GREER
    Two.
    Frantic , Jessica locks eyes with Hodges , silently pleading for him not to do this . Hodges stares back with glacial ice .
    JESSICA
    ( sobbing uncontrollably . )
    Please, he's just a child!

INT. RENT-A-COP CAR
    Ryan is more frenzied than Jessica .
    RYAN
    ( to himself . )
    Goddamn it, listen to her! She does n't know!

INT. ATTIC / EXT. SAFEHOUSE
    Ricky backs up to retrieve a high rebound . Jessica watches in horror as Hodges begins to slowly DRAW HIS GUN .
    JESSICA
    No. no.' I swear that's all I know!
    Greer gives a sigh of disbelief -
    GREEK
    Thre -
    JESSICA
    OKAY! okay.
    ( breaking down . )
    LAX Airport! There's a bar called Left Field. That's where we met. We were in college on our way to Mardi - gras.

INT. RENT-A-COP CAR
    Ryan 's completely floored by Jessica 's admission . She knew all along ?

INT. ATTIC - CONTINUOUS
    JESSICA
    Please God, I swear that's the truth. Do n't kill my son!
    GREER
    ( looking impressed . )
    Most people do n't get past two.
    Greer signals , and :

EXT. SAFEHOUSE - DAY
    Hodges tucks his gun away . just as Ricky turns around . The kid startles that Hodges was so close .
    HODGES
    Okay, kid. Let's go.

INT. ATTIC - CONTINUOUS
    Jessica watches as her son is led away to the GUEST HOUSE across the yard . Once he 's inside and out of view , Jessica collapses in a heap on the floor . Greer is about to exit the attic - when Jessica speaks .
    JESSICA
    You wo n't get away with this. When I did n't show up at the hospital, someone must have called the police -
    GREER
    The police are the last people on earth I'm worried about.
    Greer pulls a Police Scanner out of his jacket and shows it to Jessica . RYAN - SITTING IN THE RENT - A - COP CAR listening to the call with every fiber of his being .
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    We get one hit on the scanner about you, we'll be picking out family plots, comprende?
    Suddenly , a HUMMER , with the BASS THUMPING at ear - shattering decibels , pulls alongside Ryan 's car . DMX .
    RAP TUNE
    `` SOME NIGGAS THAT YOU DO N'T WAN NA TRY.
    ( MY NIGGAS . )
    SOME NIGGAS JUST ABOUT DO OR DIE.
    ( MY NIGGAS . )
    .''
    THE ATTIC Jessica hears it first . The pumping cacophony coming from the phone behind the beam . It 's subtle at first , but grows increasingly louder . She closes her eyes , praying Greer wo n't hear it - But Greer does hear it . On the verge of leaving the room , Greer stops . Cocks an ear . Instantly , Jessica tries to cover it with her own voice .
    JESSICA
    Do you honestly expect me to believe we're going to walk away from this alive?
    But Greer is n't listening to her . He strides back into the room , listening to the noise under her voice .
    GREER
    ( to Jessica . )
    Shut up.
    RYAN - IN THE RENT - A - COP CAR Oblivious of Jessica desperately trying to clue him in .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    How can I SHUT UP? You threaten to kill my child and you expect me to act like a MUTE?! If this -
    Suddenly , it hits Ryan like a punch to the face . And he scrambles , trying to cover the phone .
    RYAN
    Oh shit! Where's mute?!

INT. ATTIC - CONTINUOUS
    ESSICA
    your child, then -
    BLAMM ! - Greer shoots a hole in the wall next to Jessica 's head . Afraid , she shuts her mouth . and prays . BUT AT EXACTLY THE SAME MOMENT -

INT. RENT A COP CAR - CONTINUOUS
    Ryan finds the MUTE BUTTON . Presses it and -

INT. ATTIC - CONTINUOUS
    Greer listens intently . and HEARS NOTHING but silence in the still attic . Soon , he turns to leave . Only when he 's gone does Jessica 's heart start beating again .

INT. RENT A COP CAR
    The HUMMER finally pulls away .
    RAP TUNE
    ( MY NIGGAS . )
    IF THEY COULD.
    ( MY NIGGAS . )
    they would.
    ( my niggas . )
    .
    As the thumping bass subsides , Ryan sighs with relief .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - HALLWAY OUTSIDE ATTIC
    Deason and Ellis wait for Greer , who enters , pulling off his mask .
    ELLIS
    Well?
    GREER
    The Left Field sports bar at LAX.
    ELLIS
    Are you positive?
    Greer ignores him . Then turns to Deason .
    GREER
    Tell Hodges we move in ten.
    Deason nods and moves off .

INT. ATTIC
    Jessica lies on the floor , sobbing into her knees . Soft as an insect 's buzz , we can hear Ryan calling to her on the broken phone .
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Jessica? Answer me, goddamn it I
    Soon , his voice pierces the suffocating gloom around her and she crawls desperately over to it .

INT. RENT-A-COP CAR - IDLING AT THE CURB
    Ryan 's freaking out .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    I'm here.
    RYAN
    You all right?! I thought they -
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    I'm okay.
    RYAN
    What are you doing? Why'd you lie to them?
    INTERCUT PHONE CALL - RYAN IN RENT - A - COP CAR/JESSICA IN ATTIC
    JESSICA
    ( welling up with tears . )
    Do you think I like gambling with my son's life?
    RYAN
    I ca n't tell. You seem pretty good at it -
    JESSICA
    Do n't you see, Ryan? Once they get Craig, we're all gon na die.
    RYAN
    You ca n't know that for sure.
    JESSICA
    Be realistic. Does letting us live benefit them in any way? No! The only chance he's got is if you can get to the airport and find him before they do.
    RYAN
    Wait, wait -!
    JESSICA
    Ryan, please! There's no time! Just get to the airport -
    RYAN
    It's suicide. They'll kill me! J. JESSICA They wo n't! You're invisible to them! They do n't know who you are. They do n't know anything about you. Please! You've got to try!
    RYAN
    Lady, I've jacked two cars, been accused of being a child molester, obliterated a car dealership, and busted three caps in a Verizon store. - Do n't tell me I'm not trying!
    Jessica tries another tack .
    JESSICA
    Look, I have no right to ask you this Ryan, but you re my family's only chance. and I am asking.
    Something in the way she says that last sentence , a mixture of strength and vulnerability , gets through to Ryan . And against his own will , he 's swayed .
    RYAN
    ( gives in . )
    I'll get the phone to your husband, but that's got ta be it, okay?!
    Ryan , heading toward the airport , floors the gas .

EXT. BRENTWOOD   NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
    A PATROL CAR prowls down a quaint residential block . Comes to a stop in the driveway of what we know to be Jessica Martin 's house . Mooney gets out . Knocks . The door opens , revealing the ATTRACTIVE YOUNG WOMAN from before .
    MOONEY
    Ms. Martin?
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    Yes?
    MOONEY
    Jessica Kate Martin?
    The Woman nods . Mooney is plainly disillusioned by the woman . Maybe his hunch was wrong .
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    Cam I help you, Officer?
    She scans Mooney 's badge .
    MOONEY
    Mooney.
    ( shakes his head . )
    No. No, I guess not. Must've been a prank. I m sorry to have b9thered you, Ms. Martin. Have a nice day.
    The Woman smiles and nods , and Mooney walks off . When he gets to his car , he CRUMPLES the paper with Jessica 's name and address , and shakes his head , chuckling at himself . As Mooney drives off - THE ATTRACTIVE WOMAN walks back into the house and flips open her CELLPHONE . When she finishes dialing , a familiar DEEP MALE VOICE answers .
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    ( V.O . )
    Hello?
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    It's Bayback. Remember the Fusco brothers?
    Silence .
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Well, I've got an itch that needs scatching.

INT. A ROOM - DAY
    ECU - THE MAN ON THE OTHER END OF THE CALL Too close to make out who it is just yet -
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    What's the problem?
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    ( V.O . )
    We're in the middle of a shit storm, and I need you to put a leash put on an officer.
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    Who?
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    ( V.O . )
    An Officer Mooney from your division. Know him?
    Now , we start PULLING BACK , revealing the man 's features .
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    Mooney? He's a desk sergeant. What would you want with him?
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    ( V.O . )
    I had to do a B & E and he came snooping around the house looking for the owner.
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    And what did you say?
    ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
    ( V.O . )
    That I was her, of course.
    Continue PULLING BACK . We can almost recognize him now .
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    Did he believe you?
    ATTRACTIVE   WOMAN
    ( V.O . )
    I think so. He said he thought someone was pulling a prank on him.
    DEEP MALE VOICE
    Mooney doing an investigation? What's are you really up to?
    The man swivels around in his chair and we see clearly it 's -
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    And no bullshit. Right now you're entire department's hot, so if I'm gon na get in the tub, I've got to know how deep it is.

INT. RENT-A-COP CAR - BURNING DOWN SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD
    Ryan drives like madman toward the airport , blowing through lights . Jessica is frantic .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Where are you now?!
    RYAN
    I'll be at the airport in twenty minu -
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Twenty minutes! Oh my God, Ryan, you've got to drive faster! Please -
    RYAN
    ( snapping . )
    Jessica, this car has a sewing machine for an engine! I ca n't go any faster!
    JESSICA
    Sorry. I just.
    SI INTERCUT PHONE CALL - RYAN IN RENT - A - COP CAR/JESSICA IN ATTICS 1 Jessica 's voice trails off as she catches a glimp se of herself in an OLD MIRROR standing in the corner . Bruised . Clothes torn . Staring at her own cracked reflect ion , she breaks down , but silently this time , locked in he r own personal hell . For Ryan , the silence is deafening . Despite his frantic driving , he feels her pain . And hates being unable to help .
    RYAN
    Jessica?
    There 's an emotional beat , then -
    JESSICA
    Do you think God will forgive me?
    RYAN
    What do you mean -?
    JESSICA
    For what I've done. For giving up Craig.
    Ryan is moved by the emotion in her voice .
    RYAN
    Jessica, they have your kid. You had no choice.
    JESSICA
    I do n't know. I do n't know.
    RYAN
    1 know. I heard what they were doing to you over there. You held out for as long as you could.
    JESSICA
    ( grim beat . )
    My son and I are going to die here, Ryan. They already have us. But maybe I could've saved Craig.
    The truth of this has a profound effect on Ryan . And just when Jessica is about to lose herself to despair - Ryan finds a resolve within himself even he did n't know he had .
    RYAN
    Jessica, listen to me. I promise you, I'm not going to let that happen. I could care less about your money. I'm risking my life cause I know I'm gon na get you and your family out of this. You hear what I'm sayin'?
    There is a moment between them , two people connecting on a human level . But the moment is suddenly cut short as a STATICKY VOICE start bleeding into their phone call - some BRITISH ASSHOLE having his own phone call .
    BRITISH ASSHOLE
    ( V.O . )
    - Yeah, the show just bought me a Cadillac XLR convertible. No, you ca n't ride in it. Not until you do something with that road kill you call hair. And what's with your makeup? Kabuki Theatre is not in style -
    RYAN
    ( interrupting . )
    Jessica? Are you still there?
    BRITISH ASSHOLE
    ( V.O . )
    Hey, hey?! This is a private call!
    Jessica 's voice starts fading as the CROSSTALK gets worse .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( washed in static . )
    I'm. ere, but y. reaking up!
    BRITISH ASSHOLE
    ( V.O . )
    Get off my line! Are you there? Mom? I
    RYAN
    Listen dude, this woman's in serious -
    BRITISH ASSHOLE
    ( V.O . )
    - That's not my problem, lady.
    Lady ?! Suddenly , STATIC starts drowning out Ryan 's side of the call .
    RYAN
    ( yelling over the static . )
    Jessica, do n't hang up! You hear me?! Whatever happens -
    BRITISH ASSHOLE
    ( V.O . )
    Look woman, tell your kidnapping story to someone who gives a shit.
    Ryan ca n't hear Jessica 's side of the conversation ; only the British Asshole 's , which comes in loud and clear .
    RYAN
    Jessica?! Jessica?!
    As Ryan goes mental , a CAR PASSES HIM on the opp9site side of the road - a new Cadillac XLR convertible ! Inside is an appropriately asshole - ish looking guy . He could only be the British Asshole .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Gotcha.
    Ryan pulls a HARROWING 180 DEGREE TURN , barely missing an oncoming car by inches . He RACES up to the Cadillac , which has a VANITY PLATE that reads , `` IDOL MKR . '' Ryan looks through the window at -

INT. CADILLAC XLR CONVERTIBLE
    The driver , who in a typical LA celebrity sighting , turns out to be none other than SIMON COWELL , host of American Idol . Simon continues his spittle - spraying rant - at no one . It appears he 's using the car 's SPEAKERPHONE .

INT./ EXT. RENT-A-COP CAR - BURNING DOWN SEPULVEDA BLVD.
    Ryan eyes Simon 's mouth while hearing :
    SIMON COWELL
    ( V.O . )
    ( over Ryan 's cellphone . )
    Murdered your housekeeper? Do n't bullshit me ; I work in the Industry that invented it you stupid COW!
    Ryan sees Simon Cowell MOUTH THE WORDS `` STUPID COW '' in synch with the conversation . BINGO ! Ryan floors the Rent - a - cop car ahead of the Cadillac and PULLS A 90 DEGREE turn at an intersection ; cutting Cowell off ! SCREEEECH ! Cowell , trying to avoid a collision , SLAMS on the brakes , causing the Cadillac to SKID twenty feet . Ryan jumps out of the rent - a - cop car he 's left in the middle or the intersection and runs over to the Cadillac , banging on the window with the .38 Special . Cowell practically jumps out of his skin at the sight of the gun and the kid with the crazy look in his eyes .
    SIMON COWELL
    ( CONT 'D . )
    BLOODY HELL!
    RYAN
    Give me that phone. or I shoot your car!
    Cowell is prepared to comply - but suddenly behind them - SFX : HONK - HONK ! - Ryan notices a 10 - TON SEMI heading straight for the Rent - a - cop car too late . The DRIVER SLAMS his brakes , but - KABLLAAAAMMM ! THE RENT - A - COP CAR EXPLODES into tiny pieces of junk as the semi PLOUGHS THROUGH IT ! Flaming debris rains down around Ryan , and he covers his mouth , unable to believe his shitty luck .
    RYAN
    Ai n't that a bitch!
    Ryan turns back to Simon Cowell .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Out of the car! Now!
    Cowell all but dives out .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Where's your phone?!
    SIMON COWELL
    It's on speaker!
    Ryan turns to the car . Calls out .
    RYAN
    Jessica?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Ryan?! I'm here!
    Her voice says she ca n't believe her ears . Relieved , Ryan jumps in the Cadillac XLR and tosses his phone on the passenger seat , next to a LAPTOP computer . Guns the engine and STOMPS the gas . As he passes the ruins of his rent - a - cop car , he slows just enough to open the Cadillac 's door and snatch up his bag of Verizon goodies laying on the pavement - then peels away . Practically frothing at the mouth , Simon Cowell chases after on foot , cursing as his beautiful new Cadillac disappears in the distance -
    SIMON COWELL
    Your career's over! YOU HEAR ME?! OVER!

INT. CADILLAC XLR
    As Jessica 's voice RESOUNDS around him , he notices the phone 's controlled through the radio . He turns it up .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( still shaken . )
    I thought they. I thought I was -
    RYAN
    You're okay. It's okay now.

EXT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - ESTABLISHING
    Along with the million other cars , FIND the Cadillac threading its way up to the main terminal .

INT. CADILLAC XLR - AIRPORT
    Ryan tries to avoid eye contact with the TRAFFIC COP assisting the flow of cars .
    RYAN
    ( INTO PHONE . )
    I'm here. Oh shit!
    SCREEEECH ! Ryan steps on the brakes , seeing something ahead . WHIP PAN AROUND to see what Ryan 's staring at . Just ahead , JESSICA 'S ESCALADE is pulling up to the curb .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What?
    RYAN
    Your car's here.
    Ryan pulls along side the red curb and watches as four tough - looking men exit the vehicle . We recognize them as Greer , Deason , Ellis and Hodges .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Hurry, Ryan! Just find Craig!
    Ryan hops out - but stops when the car CALLS OUT TO HIM .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Wait, Ryan! What about me -?!
    Ryan searches the car and finds the HANDSET in the armrest . As he grabs it and races after Greer into the airport , a Traffic Cop comes up to the car .
    TRAFFIC COP
    HEY, YOU CA N'T PARK HERE!
    But it 's too late . Ryan 's already gone .

INT. LAX AIRPORT - CONTINUOUS
    Greer and his men stride through the airport like sharks honing in on bleeding prey . Soon , the Kidnappers break up into two groups : Greer and Ellis heading for the DEPARTURE GATES ; Deason and Hodges go the other way towards the INFORMATION KIOSK . Ryan heads toward the -

INT. SECURITY CHECKPOINT - LAX
    Greer , who waits in the LINE OF PASSENGERS waiting to pass through airport 's METAL DETECTORS . This is Ryan 's chance . He cuts through the line .
    RYAN
    Oops. Excuse me. Pardon me. My grandmother needs her walker.
    Soon , he makes his way to the front , right behind Greer and BUMPS into him . As he does , NOTICE - ECU of Ryan slyly slipping the rent - a - cop 's tiny .38 Special into Greer 's heavy motorcycle jacket . Greer turns , glaring - But no one 's there . Greer looks around , and there 's a heart - stopping moment that we 're afraid he 's going to notice Ryan , who now stands innocently the next line over - - but Greer 's eyes pass right over him as he scans the crowd . Ryan breathes a sigh of relief as Greer finally turns away to walk through the metal detector and . SFX : BZZZZZZZTTH . sets off the alarm .
    DETECTOR OPERATOR
    Excuse me, sir. Would you mind emptying your pockets over here?
    Confused , Greer does . He lays his wallet on the table , then his keys . Then looks baffled as he pulls out - the GUN 1
    DETECTOR OPERATOR
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Code red! Code red!
    The response she gets is stunning . SECURITY GUARDS jump out of the woodwork with guns drawn . ALARMS go off . SECURITY GATES start coming down . Travelers start SCREAMING and PANICKING !
    SECURITY GUARDS
    GET DOWN! GET ON THE GROUND!
    ELLIS
    ( reaching for something . )
    Wait, this is a mistake -
    TENSE GUARD
    HANDS / HANDS!
    As one , the entire security force POUNCES on Greer and Ellis , TACKLING them to the ground and IMMOBILIZING their limbs . And while that chaos is going on , Ryan slowly backs through to the metal detector . and starts running for Left Field .

INT. LAX AIRPORT - METAL DETECTORS - CONTINUOUS
    GREER AND ELLIS are crushed under the dogpile of security . Behind them , a door slams open and a formation of NATIONAL GUARDSMEN race on - scene , showing just how seriously security is taken in the wake of Sept. 11th .

INT. CONCOURSE - LAX
    Ryan jogs down the concourse when -
    PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
    Attention travelers. Due to a security problem, all persons are required to clear the terminal and return immediately to the security checkpoint at the entrance to Concourse B.
    At once , everyone begins filing out of the terminal . Ryan looks like a salmon swimming upstream , the only figure moving against the tide of people rushing to get out .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    `` Left Field'' is in Terminal C.
    RYAN
    Listen to me! They're clearing the terminal. Before your husband passes me, what does he look like?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    He's thirty - eight. Six feet. Trim build. Thinning hair.
    RYAN
    ( scanning the passengers . )
    That's not enough! What's he wearing?
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    I do n't know! We have completely different schedules. I was fast aslee p -.
    ( thinking it through . )
    - A suit. He wears glasses, thick rims, like Buddy Holly or -
    Bingo ! The Buddy Holly glasses is what did it . Ryan sees a man in the distance hurrying in his direction - CRAIG .
    RYAN
    Found him! And just as Ryan bee - lines it towards Craig -
    VOICE
    ( O.S . )
    Excuse me, sir - Ryan turns and finds a NATIONAL GUARDSMAN right behind him.
    NATIONAL GUARDSMAN
    You ca n't be here now. You have to leave the area.
    RYAN
    But -
    NATIONAL GUARDSMAN
    Now, sir. And as Ryan is marched away he sees -
    GREER AND ELLIS Knees in their necks . Hands covering their faces .
    GREER
    - if you'd just listen to me! I can explain! Someone reach into my coat pocket! Goddamn it, reach into my pocket!
    A YOUNG GUARDSMAN does - and in a big reveal , we see that he WITHDRAWS A BADGE . A Los Angeles policeman 's badge . Ryan 's jaw drops . He ca n't believe it - they 're cops ?!
    YOUNG GUARDSMAN
    Hey, this one's on the job.
    RYAN
    Holy shit, Jessica, these guys are cops!
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    What?!
    The Guardsman 's SUPERIOR OFFICER examines it . Is it real ?
    SUPERIOR OFFICER
    Run it.
    ( the Guardsman runs off ; turns back to Greer . )
    Is that your gun?
    GREER
    ( hesitates . )
    - yes. Yes. It's my piece.
    SUPERIOR OFFICER
    Well, you're supposed to declare it.
    GREEK
    I know. We just got focused on a rabbit we're here to nab.
    Just then , the Young Guardsman returns .
    YOUNG GUARDSMAN
    He's clean. Badge matches his I.D.
    SUPERIOR OFFICER
    ( grumbles . )
    Unhook'em. Stand down security.

INT. LAX AIRPORT - CONCOURSE - DAY
    Ryan looks relieved when the airport 's alarms SHUT OFF . _ The P.A. system cheerily thanks everyone for their cooperation and , all around , security gates begin to rise .
    RYAN
    ( noticing ; to Guard . )
    Hey, can I go now? Can I go?!
    The Guard nods , and Ryan takes off like a shot , racing back towards the bar . Ryan spots Craig Martin outside the Left Field sports bar . Ryan grabs him by the elbow and starts hustling him through the concourse .
    CRAIG
    Hey, what the hell?! Get your hands off m -!
    RYAN
    Shut up and keep walking. If they see us they'll kill us both.
    CRAIG
    What -?
    RYAN
    Your wife sent me.
    CRAIG
    She did? But how -?
    RYAN
    Would you hurry your ass?! You need to hide. They're here, and they're looking for you. They already have your family.
    Craig looks at him , growing terrified .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    In here!
    Ryan pulls Craig into the MENS RESTROOM .

INT. LAX RESTROOM
    CRAIG
    I do n't understand -
    RYAN
    It's okay. She'll explain it to you.
    ( into phone . )
    Okay, Jessica, I'm handing you over now.
    INTERCUT CALL - JESSICA IN ATTIC / RYAN IN LAX MENS ROOM Relief can be traced on Jessica 's face .
    JESSICA
    ( welling up . )
    Ryan, you've done so much. I do n't know how to repay you.
    An awkward , emotional pause falls between them .
    RYAN
    Forget about the cash. Just get you and y9ur son home safely and we'll call it even.
    JESSICA
    I will. I promise.
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    I know you will.
    RYAN hands the cellphone over to Craig .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    I'm gon na be outside this door. Do n't come out unless I get you. Got it?
    CRAIG
    ( confused . )
    Okay.
    Ryan walks out the restroom door as Craig puts the phone to his ear . He sighs with relief - it 's finally over .

INT. LAX AIRPORT - CONCOURSE - CONTINUOUS
    GREER and ELLIS stride toward the bar .
    ELLIS
    ( sotto voce . )
    Nice move. What the hell you bring a gun for?
    GREEK
    I did n't.
    ELLIS
    ( sounding nervous . )
    What do you mean?
    GREER
    Just keep your eyes open! Something weird is going on.
    Greer stares daggers at everyone he passes . Ellis Io9ks around before glancing down at a PHOTO COPY of a California driver 's license .

INT. LAX AIRPORT - OUTSIDE MEN'S ROOM - DAY
    Trying to act inconspicuous , Ryan guards the entrance to the Men 's Room . He 's starts to check out a magazine rack at an adjacent concession stand when he hears :
    CRAIG
    HEY, RYAN? RYAN!
    Ryan turns . RACK FOCUS past Ryan to Craig standing fifty feet back , holding the phone out .
    CRAIG
    ( CONT 'D . )
    This is n't my wife.
    ECU ON RYAN 'S FACE As it sinks in . Disbelief . Anger . Dread .
    CRAIG
    ( CONT 'D . )
    My wife's name is Patty. I'm not Craig. I'm Paul. Paul Boyd.
    In utter disbelief , Ryan turns back toward the gate - and sees Greer , Ellis , Hodges and Deason , cornering another MAN . Tall . Lean . Thinning hair . And wearing Buddy Holly glasses . The real CRAIG MARTIN .
    RYAN
    Shit!

INT. LAX AIRPORT - CONCOURSE - CONTINUOUS
    Greer seizes Craig by the arm .
    GREEK
    Make a scene and you'll never see your family again. Now who's here with you?
    Craig 's eyes swell with fear .
    CRAIG
    Who, what? No one! Nobody!
    GREER
    Answer me!
    Greer looks around the crowded airport .
    CRAIG
    I'll forget I saw anything, just leave them alone!
    Whatever . Greer manhandles Craig toward the exit .
    GREER
    For your family's sake, you better not have done anything stupid.
    RYAN snatches the phone from the bogus Craig Martin - and hauls ass through a sea of travelers , trying to catch up to - GREER AND ELLIS who scan the crowd bulling their way through throngs of people , leading Craig Martin between them . BUT RYAN Has more difficulty . Gets STALLED and SWEPT AWAY in the crowd long enough for the kidnappers to make it outside -

INT. ESCALADE - LOADING ZONE - CONTINUOUS
    To their car . Craig is forced into the ESCALADE between Greer and Ellis .
    CRAIG
    You goddamn animals better not have hu rt -
    Greer surprises him with a vicious ELBOW to the face .
    GREER
    Animals?
    Ellis whips a burlap hood over Craig 's head and they drive off just as -
    MARILYN
    Yes. He said you looked distracted when you left. He wants you to relax, Bob. He said they found that kid you were looking for and that you were right, it was all a prank. Nothing to worry about.
    MOONEY
    Yeah, I know.
    She pulls him back down for another kiss .
    MARILYN
    What am I gon na do with you?
    MOONEY
    You're gon na dance with me all night long, until we're too pooped to pop. Well almost.
    A giggle . They kiss .
    MARILYN
    You'll never change.
    MOONEY
    Yes I will, after I shower.
    They both share a laugh .
    MARILYN
    Lame ass. Come on.
    She pushes herself down the hallway and he follows .

INT. JESSICA'S ESCALADE
    As it pulls off the road onto the driveway of the kidnappers safe house and parks . Craig still wears the hood as Greer exits the car .
    GREER
    Get out!
    As Craig reaches blindly for a door handle , Ellis opens the door and shoves him out onto the driveway . Greer yanks him up by his collar .
    GREER
    ( CONT 'D . )
    GET UP! WALK!
    With guns at his back , Craig is dragged inside the house .

INT. ATTIC
    The darkness is oppressive . Craig is pushed inside and pulls the hood off .
    CRAIG
    Goddamn it, what the hell are you people going to -
    JESSICA
    ( O.S . )
    Craig?
    Craig stops dead , hearing the voice . Scans the cobweb - filled room , seeing nothing - then from the depths of the shadows , Jessica materializes looking haunted and lifeless as a ghost .
    CRAIG
    Jessica?
    Jessica races for the safety of Craig 's arms , but just as she 's about to be embraced , Greer steps forward and YANKS Jessica back by her hair . She squeals in pain .
    CRAIG
    ( CONT 'D . )
    HEY - / /
    Craig moves to object , but - OOF ! - Deason sends him gasping to the floor with a sledgehammer fist to the gut .
    JESSICA
    No, do n't hurt him!
    Jessica struggles and , with an annoyed shove , Greer sends her spilling into Craig . She hugs tightly against him . When Craig gets his wind back , he comes to his knees and manages to croak out -
    CRAIG
    Ricky?
    Jessica nods gravely . He 's here , too . Craig looks at his wife 's face , bruised and hurt , and tears rise in his eyes .
    CRAIG
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Oh, God, Jess. What have they done to you?
    But Jessica wo n't let this moment be about pity .
    JESSICA
    Who are they, Craig?
    Craig does n't know what to say .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Tell them, Craig. Tell them they have the wrong family. Tell them they've made a mistake -
    But something in his eyes disagrees .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    What?! What is it?
    CRAIG
    This is n't a mistake, Jess.
    And that 's all it takes for Jessica 's world to shatter . GREEK emerges from the shadows , startling them , and backhands Craig 's jaw with the butt of his gun .
    GREEK
    Where is the disc now?
    Blood trickles from the corner of Craig 's mouth .
    CRAIG
    You have to promise. If I give it to you. you'll let my family go.
    GREER
    I'll tell you what, you tell me where it is -.
    ( turns his gun on Jessica . )
    - and I wo n't blow her brains all over you right now.
    Greer traces the barrel of the gun down Jessica 's cheek . Craig looks utterly helpless .
    GREEK
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Your call Craig. It's an eighty - five'' cent bullet to me.
    Greer lowers the gun to her neckline -LRB- pulls her shirt lower . She pleads `` no '' at Craig with her eyes , but he finally breaks .
    CRAIG
    Okay. Enough, you win. But if anything -
    GREER
    ( training gun on Craig . )
    Just shut up and talk.

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - DAY
    Ryan rides back into the city in a cab . He listens some more , then covers the phone 's mouthpiece and taps the CABBIE on the shoulder .
    CRAIG
    ( V.O . )
    I dropped it down the mail chute at work. It's got ta be in the mailroom.
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    ( for Ryan 's benefit , weakly . )
    You hid it downtown?
    RYAN
    Change of plans. I need to get to downtown fast.

INT. ATTIC
    Greer pulls Craig to his feet .
    GREEK
    Get up. We're going.
    CRAIG
    How will I know she's okay?
    HODGES
    ( shoving him . )
    Move!
    When he gets near the door , Jessica is overcome with emotion and races to her husband .
    JESSICA
    Wait! WAIT!
    She brushes past Hodges and hugs on tight to her husband , tears flowing from her eyes . v Hodges goes to pull them apart , but Greer stops him . He knows this is going to be their last time together .
    CRAIG
    I love you.
    Craig squeezes the good years of their marriage into a strong , loving embrace . Jessica hugs him closer . Leans into his ear to seemingly whisper her love in return - but what she actually whispers takes Craig by surprise .
    JESSICA
    ( quickly ; sotto voce . )
    Pretend I'm telling you that I love you. There's an open phone line in here. You'll have help at the office, but if you give these men what they want, we're dead.
    Jessica kisses her husband on the lips and withdraws , leaving Craig with an utterly confused expression on his face . But before his look can betray him -
    GREER
    Let's go.
    - Greer and Hodges move forward , ushering Craig out of the room . When the door locks behind them , Jessica once again rushes to the phone .
    JESSICA
    Ryan?! They're going to Fegan Securities, 4th and Figuroa.

EXT. 10 FREEWAY - DAY
    Ryan , in the cab , weaves through cars .
    RYAN
    ( INTO PHONE . )
    I'm already on my -
    Suddenly , the cab rounds a bend - and grinds to a halt from backed up traffic !
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    You've got ta be kidding me!
    ( to cabbie . )
    Ca n't you back it up?
    The cabbie tries , but is hopelessly locked in by cars pulling up behind him . Shrugs . About a hundred yards up the road , Ryan sees the 4th Street/Figuroa Exit . He 's so close .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Aw, screw this!
    Ryan throws some bills at the driver , hops out the passenger side and starts RUNNING .

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - DAY
    A short time later , Ryan -LRB- drenched in sweat , sees Craig 's office building in the distance -

EXT. FEGAN SECURITIES, INC. BUILDING - ESTABLISHING
    With an all cement exterior -LRB- and few windows -RRB- , it 's a cellphone user 's nightmare .

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - DAY
    As Ryan huffs and puffs toward the building , he sees a BIKE MESSENGER bullshitting with a HOT DOG VENDOR . Ryan stops and stares at the PACKAGE POUCH on the seat and a flashy red BIKE HELMET hanging on the handlebars . The helmet is futuristic , like something The Flash might wear . Ryan eyes the Messenger , grabs the bike , hops on and peddles for dear life toward Craig 's building with the Messenger hot on his heels .

EXT. FEGAN SECURITIES, INC. BUILDING
    As Ryan arrives at the building , the Escalade pulls up in front of him and Greer , Hodges and Ellis file into the building . Ryan skids to a stop . Eyes the carrying pouch .

INT. FEGAN SECURITIES, INC. - LOBBY - DAY
    Ryan , carrying the carrying pouch and bike helmet , enters the lobby . Greer and the others disappear into an ELEVATOR . N9W inside , STATIC starts playing hell with their connection . Fine in some areas , terrible in others .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Wait, we -.
    ( bzzt ! )
    - ve to think! What -.
    ( bzzt ! )
    - re we going to do?
    RYAN
    I have an idea.
    Ryan fights his way through the tourists to the elevator bay . Quickly scans the DIRECTORY . Among the long list of CPAs , there 's a MAILROOM on the 3rd floor .

INT. MOONEY'S BEDROOM - DAY
    Mooney -LRB- looking damn awkward in a suit and tie -RRB- , lies on the bed , watching the news . In the background , Marilyn can be seen in the master bathroom , sitting before the vanity mirror in her wheelchair . She puts on makeup .
    MARILYN
    In five minutes, I'll need you to give me a hand.
    MOONEY
    Whenever you're ready, hon.
    Still wearing his holster , he shifts uncomfortably on the bed as he watches the news .
    NEWS ANCHOR
    and authorities are now asking your help in identifying this man -
    Mooney jolts upright as they display A FUZZY PHOTO OF RYAN from the Verizon surveillance cameras .
    NEWS ANCHOR
    ( CONT 'D . )
    - believed to be responsible for today's bizarre string of crimes, most notably the theft of an $ 80,000 Cadillac at gunpoint.
    MOONEY
    What?
    Mooney watches as they continue to detail Ryan 's `` wild crime spree '' , but gets the bigger picture , realizing that every event - the Verizon store ; searching for the Martin kid ; stealing the Cadillac - centers around the cellphone call Ryan tried to tell him about this morning . Detective gears turning , Mooney reaches for the phone on the bedside table . Dials 411 .
    OPERATOR
    Thank you for using Pacbell. This is Claire, how may I help you?
    MOONEY
    I need the phone number for a residence. Jessica Martin in Brentwood.
    OPERATOR
    That number is.
    ( 310 . )
    555 - 8364. For an extra seventy five cents -
    Mooney hangs up , dials the number . The phone rings and rings . Eventually , an answering machine picks up .
    JESSICA'S VOICE
    ( V.O . )
    Hi, you've reached the hom e of Craig and Jessica Martin. We ca n't get to the phone right now, but if you leave your name and a message -
    Mooney listens intently - and is troubled .
    MOONEY
    ( to an oblivious Marilyn . )
    The woman at the house did n't have an accent.
    Marilyn smiles , realizing he 's really talking to himself . Mooney hangs up , thoughts racing . He reaches behind him , and without looking he grabs his wallet and keys . He then walks over to Marilyn and kisses the top of her head . She knows him , and knows something 's up .
    MOONEY
    ( CONT 'D . )
    I'm sorry honey -LRB- but I have to check on something real quick.
    MARILYN
    You've got to be kidding -
    MOONEY
    Delay the reservation if you have to ; I'll be back in twenty minutes.
    And Mooney 's gone .
    MARILYN
    Twenty minutes my foot.

INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
    A few SECRETARIES get out on the second floor . Alone with the others , Greer eyes the mysterious .38 Special .
    GREER
    ( re : .38 Special . )
    Keep your eyes open.

INT. FEGAN SECURITIES, INC. - THIRD FLOOR - DAY
    Dripping with sweat , Ryan shambles out of the stairwell , the bike helmet now strapped to his head and the pouch over his shoulder - just as the ELEVATOR ARRIVES behind him ! As Greer , Hodges and Craig get out , Ryan turns and searches for the mailroom that 's supposed to be here ! Where the hell is - Ah I He finds it and hustles into -

INT. MAILROOM - CONTINUOUS
    A wide COUNTER separates Ryan and a few BUSINESS MEN and WOMEN from the MAIL CLERKS that busily work the other side . Ryan leans against the wall , pretending to be an ordinary bike messenger waiting for a package as Craig and the dirty cops enter , brushing right past him . Craig scans the faces of the other patrons as they enter , desperately trying to figure out who is his secret ally . He ignores Ryan completely , whose face is mostly hidden by the tinted plastic VISOR attached to the helmet . Craig notices an AGING SECURITY GUARD stationed in the area , but knows better than to make any waves .
    MAILROOM SUPERVISOR
    ( recognizing Craig . )
    Anything I can help you with Mr. Martin?
    CRAIG
    Hey, Benny. This might sound ridiculous, but I dropped a DVD mailer into the chute this morning and I forgot to put down an address.
    MAILROOM SUPERVISOR
    Happens all the time. Let me see what's back there. Gim me a sec'.
    The Supervisor disappears into the back room . Greer and Hodges take a seat only a few feet away from Ryan . The moment is uncomfortable . and gets infinitely worse as -
    MAIL CLERK
    Excuse me, sir? Sir? Sir?
    Ryan turns , realizing with horror that another MAIL CLERK is speaking to him .
    RYAN
    Me?
    MAIL CLERK
    You waiting for a package?
    Now everyone 's looking at Ryan . Including Greer .
    RYAN
    ( facing away . )
    Sure, uh. I'm supposed to pick something up for Mr. Fountain over at the Bonaventure.
    MAIL CLERK
    From what department?
    RYAN
    I'm not sure. They said it was a contract, though, I know that, so what would that be, Legal?
    MAIL CLERK
    What's the tracking number?
    RYAN
    ( patting himself down . )
    Uh. Right. Tracking number.
    It 's looking grim . Thankfully , the Supervisor reappears .
    MAILROOM SUPERVISOR
    Mr. Martin? I found a number of things that could be what you're looking for. Mind coming back to take a look?
    Hodges shoots Craig a look , `` go '' .
    CRAIG
    Sure.
    The Supervisor leads Hodges and Craig away to the back room . Unfortunately , Greer stays behind .
    RYAN
    ( patting himself . )
    I might. Maybe it's on the clipboard on my bike?
    Ryan watches Greer out of the corner of his eye as Hodges and Craig disappear inside the vault .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    I, uh, may need to call somebody.

INT. MAILROOM - BACK ROOM
    There 's an entire shelf that serves as a dead letter office . One plastic bin is filled with reusable interoffice envelopes , another bin is overflowing with small mailers , computer disks , unlabeled video tapes , Etc .
    MAILROOM SUPERVISOR
    Help yourself.
    HODGES cautiously watches Craig shuffle through the mailers , opening two or three before finding - he turns one upside down - and a DVD case slides out ! A quick glance at the label , `` ADT Digital Surveillance ' . 5/19/05 06:00 - 07:00 '' confirms it 's the disc .
    CRAIG
    This is it.
    Hodges seems uncomfortable with the Supervisor hovering over his shoulder .
    HODGES
    Let's go.

INT. MAILROOM - CONTINUOUS
    Ryan now sits by the window , cellphone pressed to his ear . Feigning frustration .
    RYAN
    You believe this? Everyone's got their head up their ass over there.
    The Mail Clerk ignores him almost as much as Greer wants to . Greer opens his cellphone to make a call , but when the signal is no good , he wanders outside the mailroom toward the window at the end of the hall .
    MAIL CLERK
    ( impatiently . )
    Sir? You think you could just go outside and get your clipboard?
    Just then , Hodges and Craig come marching out of the vault .
    MAIL CLERK
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Sir?
    Ryan glances at Greer , momentarily distracted on the phone . At Hodges , almost out of the bank . As he and Craig near the door - A moment where Craig finally locks eyes with Ryan - and suddenly realizes : This is the guy ! It 's now or never . Ryan has to do something .
    MAIL CLERK
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Sir!?
    RYAN
    ( to Clerk . )
    Screw the package.
    Ryan stands and , unable to find anything better , snatches a metal HAND TRUCK sitting by the door , and as Hodges walks by -
    MAIL CLERK
    WHAT ARE YOU DOING -?!
    - swings it full - force into Hodges ' face - WHAMM ! Hodges drops like a slaughterhouse cow . Instantly , employees hit the ground ; scream ; run for their lives . Craig dives for the DVD case . The Security Guard has come to life ; drawing down on them .
    SECURITY GUARD
    FREEZE!
    Craig does . But Ryan grabs him and moves , racing out of the bank .
    RYAN
    COME ON, LET'S GO!

INT. HALLWAY - OUTSIDE MAILROOM - CONTINUOUS
    At the end of the hall , GREER sees Craig and Ryan running out of the mailroom . Drops his phone , draws his gun -
    SECURITY GUARD
    ( O.S . )
    FREEZE!
    - just as the Guard comes running out . His gun was fixed on Ryan , but now that he sees Greer with a piece , he trains his gun on him instead .
    SECURITY GUARD
    ( CONT 'D . )
    DROP YOUR WEAPON!
    Ryan and Craig are struck in the middle of the crossfire .
    GREER
    ( flashing his badge . )
    L.A.P.D! I'M A COP!
    SECURITY GUARD
    DROP IT NOW!
    The instant Ryan and Craig try to escape into a nearby stairwell - Greer turns his gun on the SECURITY GUARD - BANG ! BANG ! - The Security Guard drops and Greer aims his weapon at Craig again ! BANG ! - Greer fires . Craig , SHOT IN THE BACK , slams against Ryan with the impact . They fall half - in/half - out of the stairwell . Craig weakly shoves the DVD into Ryan 's hands .
    CRAIG
    run.
    But Ryan is overwhelmed . His legs feel like a thousand pounds of jelly .
    CRAIG
    ( CONT 'D . )
    . ruuuUUUUNNNNNN!
    As Craig slumps to the ground , Ryan stares in shock - but when Greer starts sending a hail of bullets toward them , he DIVES into :

INT. STAIRWELL - DAY
    He starts flying down the stairs . but when he sees four BUILDING SECURITY GUARDS racing up from below -
    RYAN
    Damn!
    - he turns around and starts RUNNING UP instead .

INT. MAILROOM - DAY
    Hodges gets to his feet . Stumbles out , holding his gushing , broken nose . Yells at Greer , who 's racing into the stairwell .
    HODGES
    The kid!
    GREER
    No shit.

INT. STAIRWELL - DAY
    With the Guards and Greer only a floor behind , Ryan thinks fast and CHUCKS HIS BIKE HELMET down the corridor , ELBOWS the In - Case - Of - Emergency Glass , setting off the FIRE ALARM - and starts running UP . Seconds later , when they reach that level , one of the Guards sees Ryan 's helmet and the broken glass leading away .
    GUARD
    ( racing down the hall . )
    This way!
    The other Guards follow . but Greer is n't convinced . On a hunch , he turns and continues running UP also . Peeking over the edge from the floor above - RYAN Sees Greer and Hodges coming . Big - ass guns out and ready . Shit . ' THE ALARM BELLS SCREAM . PEOPLE start filling the stairwell on every floor . Forcing his body to its very limits , Ryan bolts up the stairs until he sees the ROOF EXIT on the next floor up . He shoves open the nearest door and continues running up to the roof . He slips out and silently closes the door behind him just as -

INT. STAIRWELL - DAY
    GREER and HODGES reach the floor beneath . See the door swinging shut - but neither fall for the bait . They runs up toward the -

EXT. ROOF - DAY
    Ryan 's eyes SCAN the rooftop . Construction is in progress up here ; tarpapering . Huge ROLLS OF TARPAPER lie about , PALATTES holding supplies covered with TARPS , an industrial AIR CONDITIONER . Ryan quickly shoves a 2 `` x4 '' under the doorknob to jam it . Heart pounding , he races to the building 's edge and looks down . Nothing but a straight drop 60 feet down . Footsteps are approaching ! POUNDING on the door ! Ryan darts behind a tarp - covered mass of supplies just as -

EXT. ROOF - DAY
    GREER shakes the 2 `` x4 '' loose . He and Hodges explode out onto the roof , looking for Ryan . Greer encircles the huge air - conditioner while Hodges hunts behind a large SATELLITE DISH . No Ryan .
    GREER
    ( to Hodges . )
    Here.
    Cop - instincts crackling , Greer stands on one side of the tarp - covered stockpile and waits for Hodges to secure the other . This is it ; they signal go at each other and spring around - But Ryan 's nowhere to be found !
    GREER
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Dammit!
    No , wait ! Greer turns and sees a LARGE ALUMINUM CHUTE that leads from the roof and elbows down toward a DUMPSTER on ground level . Greer peers down the chute for long seconds . but nothing can be seen from this angle . It all falls to blackness . THE ALARM STOPS . Greer cocks his head in the sudden eerie silence . The only sounds are INCOHERENT SCREAMS coming from the stairwell . He eyes where the chute empties into the dumpster , thinks . REVEAL -

INT. METAL CHUTE - CONTINUOUS
    RYAN , wedging himself against the sides of the chute , tries to be as still as possible . Every slight movement makes the ALUMINUM BUCKLE AND GROAN . From his shirt pocket , Jessica 's tiny desperate voice pleads .
    JESSICA
    ( V.O . )
    Ryan? Ryan, please answer me I
    But Ryan just sits there . Afraid to move . Terrified to discuss Craig .

EXT. ROOF - CONTINUOUS
    Greer picks up a large roll of tarpaper and starts lugging it toward the open mouth of the chute .

INT. METAL CHUTE - CONTINUOUS
    Ryan holds his breath . Trembling . His leg threatening to rabbit - foot again . Straining to hear Greer , it 's impossible not to hear :
    JESSICA
    You have to talk to me! Ryan, please you have to talk to me -.'
    The sweat from his hands causes the tiniest SLIP - and as he catches himself , there is a soft metallic BOOOONG from the stressed metal . Unable to ignore her pleas any longer , Ryan carefully pulls the cellphone from his pocket and presses it to his ear . Desperate to console her , Ryan - BANG ! The TARPAPER ROLL flies down the chute . Ryan looks up to see it angrily launching itself right at him ! He has to let go of the walls to avoid being hit . He presses himself to one side but - WHAM ! The bloodthirsty roll bashes his wrist - and he DROPS SIMON COWELL 'S CELLPHONE ! Ryan reaches out , but the phone goes sliding down the chute !

INT. ATTIC
    Jessica hears a loud SCRAAAAPE , CRASH and a wash of STATIC .
    JESSICA
    Ryan?! OH MY GOD, RYAN?! RYAN -?!

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME TIME
    The hulking Deason hears Jessica 's PANICKED VOICE and stands with a start . As he moves toward the attic , he notices a small RED LIGHT FLASHING behind the bar . As he passes , he checks it out and -
    DEASON
    WHAT THE -?!
    WHIP PAN DOWN to what Deason sees : The red light is on one of the house phones . The LINE - IN - USE INDICATOR . And it 's lit . Shaking like a bear pissing pineapples , Deason rages away toward the attic .

INT. ATTIC - CONTINUOUS
    Jessica is curling herself into a tiny sobbing ball on the floor when - WHAMM ! - the attic door crashes open . Jessica jumps . Deason looms there . Sees the phone .
    DEASON
    YOU STUPID BITCH!
    Jessica hurls the phone receiver away .
    DEASON
    ( CONT 'D . )
    WHO HAVE YOU TOLD?! WHO HAVE YOU TOLD?!
    JESSICA
    NO, DON' T H URT M E -
    Deason roars up and grabs Jessica 's neck with one hand . HURLS her across the attic and into the OLD MIRROR , shattering it in a million pieces around her . Desperate for anything , Jessica PALMS a TINY SHARD as she struggles to her feet . A two - inch chip .
    DEASON
    YOU AND YOUR KID ARE DEAD!
    She lowers her arm , defeated , out of breath . You win .
    JESSICA
    Do n't hurt me, and I'll do anything. Anything.
    There is a promise in what Jessica offers that Deason responds to . His fist FLASHES toward her throat , making her flinch . But rather than hitting her , he wraps his meaty fingers around her throat , almost daring her to stop him . Jessica trembles , but that is all , and just as Deason begins to enjoy his work , Jessica JABS at his face , but he predicted as much and easily moves to deflect it - SNICKK ! - she flicks her wrist up and SLICES the underside of his upper arm . Deason flinches a little bit , like a bee sting , then laughs as he notices the tiny SHARD in her hand -
    DEASON
    ( sarcastic . )
    Oooh.
    but that 's when he HEARS it . A DRIPPING SOUND . Deason looks down at his arm and is confused to see his entire shirt sleeve SOAKED IN BLOOD . It literally pours from his arm onto the floor like a river . Deason drains white ; dizzy . He looks at Jessica , confused .
    JESSICA
    Brachial artery. Pumps up to 30 liters of blood per minute. and there's only five liters in the human body.
    Three seconds later , Deason crumbles . and Jessica leaves the attic .

INT. TRASH CHUTE - DAY
    RYAN 'S still trapped . Sounds of approaching SIRENS in the distance . Ryan listens for Greer ; is he still there ? BANG ! BANG ! Two more heavy TARPAPER ROLLS come right at him ! The first one he gets lucky with , but the second NAILS HIM before bouncing furiously away and Ryan loses his grip completely and slides out of control .

EXT. ROOF - DAY
    GREER watches amazed when Ryan actually tumbles out of the ass - end of the metal chute into the dumpster . He drops the next roll of tarpaper ready to go and reaches for his gun -

EXT. INSIDE DJUMPSTER - CONTINUOUS
    RYAN is in serious pain . He frantically fishes through the refuse to find : SIMON COWELL 'S CELLPHONE Or rather , what 's left of it : A million shattered pieces scattered everywhere . Ryan sifts through the plastic debris as if he had secretly hoped he could still use it . Yeah , right . He 's barely able to sit up when - BLAM ! BLAM ! BLAM ! He ducks back down as bullets ricochet off the steel dumpster . As SIRENS get louder , closer , Ryan 's got to make his move - he jumps out of the dumpster , landing on his ass on the opposite side of Greer . BLAMM - BLAMM - BLAMM ! Bullets ricochet off the steel dumpster and Ryan summons his courage - and takes off limping !

EXT. ROOF - CONTINUOUS
    BLAMM - BLAMM - BLAMM ! Greer 's pistol is ill equipped for long - range shooting . The kid 's too far away by now . He grabs his walkie -
    GREER
    ( into walkie . )
    The kid's outside, headed toward the front of the building -
    HODGES
    - Got ta go, boss. The Guard's dead.
    Hodges waits by the rooftop door , looking concerned as COPS spill out around him onto the roof .
    COPS
    Who the hell's shooting up here?
    Greer points to Ryan bolting around the corner .
    GREER
    Sonofabitch shot the poor bastard right in front of us!

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - DAY
    Jessica races across the dead brown lawn toward the guest house/prison that holds her son . Getting her first good look at the secluded premises she 's on confirms that screaming would do no good . She 's on her own . When she reaches the guest house , she 's shocked to find a HUGE LOCK on the front door . Frantic , she makes her way around the structure to a BIG BAY WINDOW . Though it 's protected by SECURITY BARS , she can see Ricky through the glass . Jessica pounds on the glass , and Ricky turns . When her son sees her , he races to the bars .
    RICKY
    Mom!
    JESSICA
    Baby! Are you okay?!
    RICKY
    I ca n't get out!
    Jessica looks around for something to bend the bars with . There 's nothing .

EXT. THE MARTIN HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
    A gold FORD TAURUS pulls up in front . The driver door opens and Mooney gets out . Walks to the front door and KNOCKS . But this time , there 's no answer . Mooney rings the bell . Still nothing . Suspicious , he checks around the side . and sees the back door SWAYING in the wind .

INT. MARTIN HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
    Mooney 's cop senses scream as he walks inside . A POLICE SCANNER chatters in the background . The place is a shambles . Someone 's been looking for something . He then sees - BLOOD STREAKS the floor . It leads from over by the telephone to underneath the pantry door .
    MOONEY
    ( calling into house . )
    Hello? L.A.P.D. Anybody home?
    No answer . Drawing his gun , Mooney stalks carefully into -

INT. MARTIN HOUSE - THE ENTRYWAY - DAY
    A SMALL STAIRCASE leads up to the second floor . As Mooney starts up the steps , BOOM UP to the top to REVEAL : THE IMPOSTER JESSICA MARTIN -LRB- BAYBACK -RRB- Hiding in ambush at the top of the stairs , gun in hand . She listens to Mooney 's footsteps and when she thinks he 's neared the top - she springs out , blasting away down the staircase ! But Mooney 's not there .
    MOONEY
    Drop your gun, now. I got you.
    Now we see him . Still down in the entryway , behind some cover , gun aimed and steady .
    MOONEY
    ( CONT 'D . )
    I said drop it.'
    Bayback relaxes - then WHIRLS around , disappearing down the hall ! Mooney curses and quietly jogs up the stairs , following her into -

INT. SHADOWY CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
    A narrow hallway with multiple OPEN DOORWAYS on each side . The Imposter Jessica could be hiding in any one of them . Taking care not to give himself away , Mooney inches down the hallway . And just when he 's thinking that he may have successfully created an element of surprise for himself - SFX : SQUEEEEAK - the floorboards of the old house groan softly - GIVING HIS POSITION AWAY ! Instantly Bayback swings out from a doorway right next to Mooney , taps her gun to his chest pulls the tang - But Mooney DIVES OUT OF THE WAY ! BLAMM - BLAMM - BLAMM ! Two miss , but the third shot NAILS HIS SHOULDER ! OOF ! Mooney lands hard . Blood spreading out under his white dress shirt . He cocks his head . listening for the sound of - BAYBACK EJECTS A MAGAZINE and is about to reload - Mooney JUMPS UP , RETURNS FIRE - slamming Bayback against the wall with two .38 caliber slugs . She collapses to the floor .
    MOONEY
    Damn it! DAMN IT!
    Angry , the adrenaline drowning out the pain , Mooney turns to the kidnapper laying in the hall , bleeding out . Kicks her gun away and kneels . But for the first time , Bayback is n't tough . Just scared .
    BAYBACK
    a - ambulance.
    MOONEY
    Tell me where Jessica Martin is or you bleed to death right here.
    BAYBACK
    p - please. call. I. I'm a -
    Fuck this , Mooney kicks her ribs .
    MOONEY
    WHERE IS SHE?!
    Bayback struggles for air , reaching for him -
    BAYBACK
    I'm a cop.
    Bayback squeezes her eyes shut against a wave of pain - and DIES . Mooney stares at her . What did she say ? Starts patting her down . And that 's when he finds her BADGE . L.A.P.D. 23rd Precinct . She is a cop .
    MOONEY
    Oh shit.
    Mooney grits his teeth against a fresh wave of pain and picks up the phone , dials 911 .
    MOONEY
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Request emergency back up and medical units! Officers down at -

EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
    Ryan wanders the streets . Checks his wallet - a measly four bucks . Despair overtakes him and he almost gets CRUSHED as a - TOW TRUCK speeds by - An old Hyundai mounts it like a hippo ! A lightbulb clicks on for Ryan .
    RYAN
    Ho - shit!
    Ryan bolts to the nearest BUS STOP just as a BLUE LINE BUS pulls up .

EXT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - DAY
    Jessica SMASHES A REAR WINDOW with a long thick branch and uses it to try to pry the bars apart . The limited leverage wo n't enable her to bend them enough for Ricky to squeeze through .
    RICKY
    Faster Mom!
    And just then - SFX : GRAVEL CRUNCHING IN THE DRIVEWAY Jessica leans her head around the back corner of the guesthouse - and sees the Escalade pulling in !
    JESSICA
    ( to Ricky . )
    Get down! Get down!
    And Jessica DUCKS OUT OF VIEW just as the -

EXT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE / INT. ESCALADE
    Pulls into the driveway . Greer and his team are going over surveillance photos taken from the cameras at the Fegan Securities Building . The hotos are useless , though , as Ryan 's face is obscured by his E helmet and visor .
    GREER
    These are the best pictures you could get of him?!
    ELLIS
    He was wearing a visor.
    Greer glares at him - no shit - and throws the pictures .
    GREER
    Useless!
    The car parks and Greer storms out , followed by Ellis and Hodges . They head for the house , and the moment they enter - Jessica reappears . But now she 's STARING at something . The Escalade .
    JESSICA
    ( to son ; through window . )
    Baby, listen to me. I want you to get away from this window. I want you to go to the other side of the room as far away from the door as you can -
    RICKY
    No, do n't leave me! Do n't leave me!
    The terror in his voice breaks Jessica 's heart .
    JESSICA
    Honey, I'm getting you out of there!
    RICKY
    Where are you going?!
    JESSICA
    I'm only gon na be gone a second, and then we're gon na go home, but you have to do this first. It's gon na be loud, but do n't be scared, okay? Now go find somewhere safe like I told you.
    Ricky nods and runs off into another room of the house . And as Jessica rushes for the Escalade -

EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
    PARAMEDICS apply a bandage to Mooney 's shoulder . Mooney 's pretty shaken up .
    PARAMEDIC #1
    You're lucky. Shot went clean through. A few inches either way.
    Mooney watches other PARAMEDICS carry sheet - covered corpses into awaiting ambulances . Flashbulbs POP from inside . A sedan pulls up and Mooney 's relieved to see Tomlin get out .
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    What the hell, Moon? It's all over the radio.
    MOONEY
    Jack, she did n't identify herself.
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    What are you saying?
    MOONEY
    I shot a cop!
    ( lowering his voice . )
    Dana Bayback. From the 23rd. She was one of the kidnappers.
    Tomlin looks stunned by the revelation .
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    Let me call the tw9 ~ three. See what the hell's going on.
    Tomlin pulls out a cellphone .
    MOONEY
    I hate to think more cops are involved, but -
    DETECTIVE TOMLIN
    Did she say anything about the Martin woman?
    MOONEY
    Never got the chance.
    Detective Tomlin frowns .

EXT. POLICE. IMPOUND YARD - LATE AFTERNOON - ESTABLISHING
    A GONZOLEZ TOW TRUCK drives up -LRB- like the one we saw at the airport -RRB- , and stops temporarily beside : Simon Cowell , from the CADILLAC XLR incident , who stands at the window , screaming at the JADED CASHIER . His car idles just on the other side of an IMPOSING FENCE .
    SIMON COWELL
    Just give me my goddamned car!
    JADED CASHIER
    Do n't take that tone of voice with me, sir. I've already told you, we do not release vehicles until all impound fees are paid.
    In the E.G. , NOTICE Ryan skulking closer , behind the GONZALEZ AUTO TOW TRUCK .
    SIMON COWELL
    But I did n't cause it to get impounded! Ca n't you understand that?! It was stolen from me!
    JADED CASHIER
    Sir, do you want the car back or not?
    Noticing Cowell standing at the window , Ryan presses further into the shadows , not wanting to be noticed .
    SIMON COWELL
    Yes! But I'm not paying for it!
    The Cashier signals a GRUNGY YARD WORKER on the other side of the fence .
    JADED CASHIER
    Nevermind, Howie. Take ` er back.
    Howie nods , and just as he 's about to drive the Cadillac back into the yard -
    SIMON COWELL
    Wait, wait! All right you bloody fascist, I'll pay. But if there's even the slightest scratch on it.
    Howie smiles , thought so , gets out and splits . As Cowell angrily starts making out a check , the Cashier flicks the switch to open the gate , and as it opens - Ryan slips in . He sneaks behind the wheel of the idling Cadillac . And the moment Cowell hands over his check - VRRRROOOM ! Ryan burns rubber out of there .
    SIMON COWELL
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Hey, that's my car!
    Cowell chases it - and watches in horror as Ryan takes a speed bump too fast and TEARS THE REAR BUMPER OFF THE CADILLAC XLR CONVERTIBLE IN AN EXPLOSION OF SPARKS !
    SIMON COWELL
    ( CONT 'D . )
    NOooooooo!!

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - LATE AFTERNOON
    As he zooms away , Ryan searches the passenger seat with his free hand . He hunts through the car and finds - HIS BLUE TOOTH VIDEO CELL PHONE !
    RYAN
    Thank you!
    As he flips it open , his eyes spot THE LAPTOP on the floor of the passenger seat . Ryan thinks , pulls out his SECURITY DVD and pops it in . At first , the SCREEN is a mere wash of digital gobbledygook - And as Ryan grunts with frustration - - a Hi - Res QUICKTIME MOVIE suddenly fills the screen : ANGLE ON LAPTOP MONITOR - FOUR WAY SPLIT SCREEN The Fagen Securities Building parking lot . A police pursuit in progress . Three Police Cars skillfully box in a BMW with TWO HISPANIC YOUTHS , forcing it to come to a dead stop . GREER and HODGES explode from their cars , guns drawn . BAYBACK and ELLIS come from the back . DEASON appears , and he and HODGES yank the teens out of the car , who struggle frantically to avoid vicious baton blows . When one decks Hodges and tries to run , ELLIS SHOOTS HIM in the back ! Inside the building , CRAIG gets up from his chair , hurries into - WE PAN DOWN TO ANOTHER ANGLE As Craig enters frame inside the Security Office . And watches live - GREER wastes no time in SHOOTING the second man execution style !

IN THE CADILLAC XLR CONVERTIBLE
    RYAN watches in horror . He PULLS OVER , too riveted to drive and watch simultaneously . Finally understanding the magnitude of this disc . ANOTHER ANGLE : 149 And as BAYBACK drags a DEAD HISPANIC YOUTH out of the frame , legs disappear off - screen in short bursts . And more terrifying , GREER stops picking up shell casings , turning his head ominously toward the CAMERA ! Noticing us ! Greer motions to several others ; DEASON and BAYBACK , who rush OUT OF FRAME toward the front entrance . ANGLE ONE : At the SIDE DOOR , ELLIS and HODGES start kicking in the door with full force . ANGLE TWO : GREER , outside , unholstering his GUN at the DELIVERY ENTRANCE .

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - AFTERNOON
    RYAN glances at the cellphone in his hand - gets an idea ! ANGLE ONE : Ellis and Hodges finally kick open the door and 151 rush inside - ANGLE THREE : The COPS rush inside the building , consult the Directory . ANGLE FOUR : Craig , panicked , reaches over to the DVD Recorder -

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - AFTERNOON
    THE LAPTOP MONITOR - ALL STATIC . The recording has stopped .
    RYAN
    I'm so screwed.
    As Ryan speeds away from the curb , he fingers his cellphone .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - DAY
    GREER walking up the safehouse stairs , step by step nearing the attic that Jessica 's supposed to still be in .

EXT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - DAY
    - JESSICA quietly opening the door of the Escalade -LRB- trying not to give herself away . She climbs in behind the wheel , and says a silent prayer of thanks when she sees that the keys are still dangling in the ignition .

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - DAY
    - RYAN , in the speeding Cadillac XLR , selects LAST INCOMING CALL on the cellphone . Holds his breath .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - STAIRWELL LEADING TO ATTIC
    As Greer reaches the first landing , the HOUSE PHONE starts RINGING . Ignoring it , Greer continues on and is about to turn the corner to the attic when -
    HODGES
    ( O.S . )
    Boss, you better take this.
    Greer stops , a footstep away from seeing the open attic door . From the bottom of the steps , Hodges tosses him a CORDLESS PHONE . Greer puts it to his ear .
    GREER
    What?

EXT. SURFACE STREETS - DAY
    Ryan , inside the Cadillac XLR , growls into the cellphone .
    RYAN
    Shut up and listen to me, asswipe. I got what you want.
    MALE VOICE
    ( V.O . )
    Who is this?
    RYAN
    You know who this is, shithead!

INT. TELEMARKET BULL PEN - DAY/EXT. SURFACE STREETS
    To our surprise , Ryan is n't talking to Greer . but to the same TELEMARKETER that called him earlier .
    TELEMARKETER
    Look, sir, we can take your name off our list if you want, but you do n't have to get nasty -
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    What -? Who is this?
    TELEMARKETER
    Mark. At Mastercharge Credit Union -
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    A frickin' telemarketer? But I just hit `` Last Incoming Call'' -
    Ryan suddenly puts it together .
    RYAN
    ( V.O. ; CONT 'D . )
    You bastard.
    The Telemarketer quickly hangs up before it gets ugly .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - JUST OUTSIDE ATTIC
    Greer listens intently to a call . So who is on his end of the phone ? Tomlin .
    TOMLIN
    ( V.O . )
    Look, Captain, we've got to do everything we can to protect this guy. I mean, shit, with all his years in he's owed a little.
    INTERCUT CALL - GREER JUST OUTSIDE ATTIC TOMLIN STANDING NEXT TO MOONEY OUTSIDE JESSICA 'S HOUSE
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    He's with you? How'd he find out?
    TOMLIN
    Said something about a kid who came into the station earlier -
    Greer grimaces , putting it together .
    GREER
    Early twenties? Stumbled out of Brian Wilson's hamper?
    TOMLIN
    Yeah. Something like that.
    GREER
    Tomlin. Take care of him. No witnesses.
    That 's more than Tomlin bargained for .
    TOMLIN
    Are you sure that's necessary, sir?
    GREER
    You know once the shitstorm starts, there's nothing I can do to save you.
    TOMLIN
    Sure. That's what I thought. I'll tell him.
    Tomlin hangs up with a calm FLICK . The Paramedic finishes up Mooney 's bandage .
    PARAMEDIC #1
    Keep pressure on it until you get it stitched.
    MOONEY
    What's the word?
    TOMLIN
    Not g9od. I.A.'s not throwing out any lifelines with all that's going on.
    ( re : Mooney 's sh9ulder . )
    Come on. You can write a statement while I take you to the hospital.

INT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE ATTIC
    Greer slips the cordless into his jacket pocket , continuing up the stairs . Hodges follows , staring expectantly .
    HODGES
    Well? What'd he say?
    GREER
    You know a desk jockey named Mooney?
    HODGES
    - HOLY SHIT!
    Greer sees Hodges gaping up the stairwell . Following his look , Greer turns . and sees the attic door WIDE OPEN ! Further in , he can make out Deason 's bloody body and the rigged - together phone . In fact , the only thing Greer does n't see is Jessica .
    GREER
    NO!
    Greer turns and pounds down the stairs .

EXT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE - DAY
    JESSICA - IN THE ESCALADE She TWISTS the key and STOMPS the gas , sending the monster SUV on a collision course with - SMASHHH - the guest house window ! The bay window SHATTERS and the security bar SNAP LIKE TWIGS as the Escalade BULLDOZES through ! Unable to open the door because of all the debris , Jessica rolls down the window and yells to her son -
    JESSICA
    Ricky! Come on!
    but he 's frozen in fear at all the noise and dust . He shakes his head . No .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Baby, please! It's okay now. We're gon na go home!
    ( glances back nervously . )
    Ricky, please!
    Somehow , the kid digs deep and finds the courage to run to the Escalade , where his mother scoops him up into the cab just as - The kitchen door bursts open and Greer 's team spills out into the yard . They spot her instantly .
    ELLIS
    Get out of the car! Get out of the goddamned car!
    As they rush at her -

EXT. KIDNAPPERS' SAFEHOUSE/INT. ESCALADE - CONTINUOUS
    Jessica throws the big car in reverse and tries to back out - but the Escalade 's stuck ! Caught by the debris , the wheels just spin .
    JESSICA
    Come on! COME ON!
    Jessica rocks the car forward , and back . Forward , and back . And just as it finally comes loose - KRRRAAASHHH ! The window next to Jessica 's head EXPLODES in a shower of tempered glass , shocking us . Two arms snake in and wrap around Jessica 's neck . Greer . But Jessica STOMPS ON THE GAS , hoping the big car will pull her free . It does n't . As the Escalade surges away across the lawn , Greer 's vice - like grip holds , PULLING JESSICA OUT the broken window and - THUMP ! - to the guest house debris below . As Jessica watches in horror : THE DRIVERLESS ESCALADE Careens down the driveway and crashes into a pillar . Hodges races over and yanks Ricky out . GREER Balls his fist in Jessica 's hair and yanks her around hard .
    GREER
    WHO DID YOU TELL?!
    JESSICA
    Nobody!
    GREEK
    LYING BITCH!! WHO WAS THAT KID IN THE MAIL ROOM?!
    Jessica screams as he yanks her to her knees .
    RICKY
    Stop it! Do n't hurt her!
    Seething mad , Greer rips his gun from its holster and is literally about to blow Jessica 's brains out when - SFX : THE CORDLESS PHONE IN GREER 'S POCKET STARTS RINGING ! The entire world stops . There 's an awkward moment : Jessica cowering , Greer recovering , the phone just ringing and ringing . The telephone is the only sound in the world , getting louder and louder with each ring until - Greer answers it .
    GREER
    Bad timing, Tomlin.
    But it is n't Tomlin on the phone this time . It 's -
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Feel like a trade?

EXT. RYAN IN CADILLAC / EXT. GREER OUTSIDE SAFEHOUSE
    Greer snaps his fingers at Hodges , indicating it 's Ryan .
    GREER
    The mysterious bike messenger. How did you get this number?
    In the Cadillac , PUSH IN on Ryan t9 show the CELLPHONE MANUAL he picked up at the Verizon store in his hand .
    RYAN
    Got ta love modern technology. My new phone knows the numbers of the last fifty incoming calls.
    GREER
    What do you want?
    RYAN
    Just the woman and her kid.
    GREER
    Who are you? What's your name?
    RYAN
    My name is F you. I've got your shit, pal, it does n't work that way.
    GREEK
    Really?
    ( turns to Ellis . )
    Go cut the kid's throat.
    Though Ryan 's eyes widen in panic , his voice remains cool .
    RYAN
    Fine. Your loss. Nice talking to you.
    And Ryan hangs up . He waits nervously , sweating , staring at the phone for the longest seconds of his life -
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Ring. C'mon, damn it, ring! RING!
    Then it does . Ryan waits a couple rings , slowing his speeding heart , then nonchalantly picks up .
    GREER
    So, how do you want to do this?
    RYAN
    Put on a big ass Ronald McDonald smile, apologize to the kid and the woman and bring'em to the Santa Monica pier.
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    No. Somewhere quieter.
    RYAN
    Dude, you're lucky I'm still talkin' to your sorry ass. You do as I say, exactly as I say, or I hang up now and slap this bitch on Nightline, you know what I'm sayin'?
    There 's a long beat .
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    Fine. But you come alone.
    RYAN
    Done.
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    How will I recognize you?
    RYAN
    You let me worry about that. What's your cell number?
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    ( 310 . )
    555 - 8342. An hour then?
    RYAN
    I can hardly wait.
    Ryan hangs up . A scared , but satisfied smile .

EXT. WAREHOUSE DISTRICT - DAY
    MOONEY - In the sedan 's shotgun seat , is trying to write his statement . But with his bad shoulder , it 's useless . He winces in pain when the sedan jerks at a four - way stop .
    MOONEY
    ( to Tomlin . )
    Should n't we be on Pico?
    To the right , some PEOPLE wait for a bus . Tomlin turns left .
    TOMLIN
    County will have a six hour wait. Ten if they know you're a cop.
    Mooney grunts his gratitude as Tomlin heads toward a wasteland of warehouses . And just as any potential witnesses vanish from sight - Tomlin 's cellphone RINGS ! He lowers the gun and answers the call .
    TOMLIN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Yeah?
    GREER
    ( O.S . )
    Is it taken care of?
    TOMLIN
    Not yet.
    GREER
    ( O.S . )
    Good. We're making a trade with the kid at the Santa Monica Pier. Your boy can ID the kid for us. Bring him down.
    TOMLIN
    ( relieved . )
    I'm on it.
    Tomlin flips his phone closed and turns the car around .
    TOMLIN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    We caught a break with the kid. He's been spotted on the pier. Think you can hang on a little longer? Just enough to ID the kid before we patch you up?
    Mooney clearly does n't want to say `` no . '' But it hurts .
    TOMLIN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Whaddaya say? Up to you.
    Beat .
    MOONEY
    Let's solve the goddamn thing.

THE OCEAN - SUNSET
    An AERIAL SHOT at magic hour , tracking up the coast to the -

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - SUNSET
    Boats clog the water , and th9usands of SPECTATORS line the shores of the Pacific , watching the HEAL THE BAY concert on the pier . With all the CHEERING , DANCING and DRINKING going on , it 's like Times Square on New Years Eve .

EXT. THE BLUFF - CONTINUOUS
    Ryan drives up in the Cadillac XLR and parks . A group of COLLEGE FRIENDS stare enviously at the car as Ryan gets out .
    ENVIOUS COLLEGE KID
    Lucky bastard.
    RYAN
    You like it?
    ( tosses him the keys . )
    Happy Birthday.
    THUD . The Friends ' jaws hit the ground . And as they run to the Cadillac XLR , Ryan disappears into the crowd .

THE KIDNAPPERS' BLACK VAN - SANTA MONICA PIER
    Creeps down the wooden bridge and stops at the bottom ; the base of the pier . Inside , Hodges sits behind the wheel ; Jessica and Ricky lay bound and gagged in back . Hodges lifts his Nextel and thumbs the button .
    HODGES
    I'm in position.

EXT. CAROUSEL ROOF
    Greer and Ellis are on top of the CAROUSEL BUILDING . Ellis lays on his belly with a POLICE SNIPER RIFLE and some fuzzy PHOTOS of Ryan from the mailroom .
    GREEK
    Copy.
    POV - THROUGH ELLIS ' SNIPER SCOPE Excellent magnification . We skim the faces of the crowd , hunting for Ryan and locates HODGES .

EXT. CAROUSEL ROOFTOP - OVERLOOKING THE PIER
    Greer is talking to Ellis , who 's scanning the crowd ROCKING to the concert -
    GREER
    Only take the kid out if it's clean. No guess work. The last thing we need's a stampede.
    Greer paces anxiously - when suddenly his Nextel RINGS . He answers it , though it 's hard to hear over the music .
    GREER
    ( CONT 'D . )
    You here?
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Yeah.
    Greer nods to Ellis - It 's him . Find him .
    GREER
    How do you want to do this?
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    First show me that Jessica and the kid are okay.
    GREER
    Do you have the disc?
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Yes. Where are they?
    GREER
    See the black van at the bottom of the bridge? Passenger side window.
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Hang on.
    ( beat . )
    Okay, got it.
    Greer muffles the phone against his leg . Whispers to Ellis :
    GREER
    He's within visual of the car.
    Greer takes his police walkie and toggles it .
    GREEK
    ( INTO WALKIE ; CONT 'D . )
    Hodges, show the woman. Lower the passenger side window only.

EXT. KIDNAPPERS' VAN
    The PASSENGER - SIDE TINTED WINDOW rolls down . Hodges sits Jessica up , then her kid , displaying them for a few seconds before powering the window back up .

EXT. CAROUSEL ROOFTOP
    GREER
    ( INTO PHONE . )
    Did you see that?
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Yes.
    Greer muffles the phone again . Whispers to Ellis .
    GREER
    He's around the passenger side. Have you found him yet?
    ELLIS
    ( V.O . )
    No.
    ( throws his photos . )
    I do n't know what the hell he looks like!
    GREER
    He's the one on the cellphone, you idiot 1
    POV - ELLIS - THROUGH HIS SNIPER SCOPE Everyone in the crowd is on a cellphone .
    ELLIS
    ( V.O . )
    Everyone's on a cellphone! I've got like fifty possible targets here!
    Ellis ' cross hairs flit from one person on a cell , to another , to another .

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER
    TOMLIN AND MOONEY move along the crowd , scanning the sea of spectators for Ryan . Mooney moves more slowly behind Tomlin , skin looking pale , sheened in sweat and laboring for breath as they hike up the bridge . 100 .

EXT. CAROUSEL ROOFTOP
    GREER
    Your turn. Now you show me something.
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    No. Put them on the Ferris wheel. I want to see them safe first.
    GREER
    That was n't part of the deal.
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    Deal's changed.

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - BLUFF - NIGHT
    The top of the bluffs , overlooking the pier below . Among the crowd , some SKATE RATS scare the ELDERLY .
    RYAN
    ( V.O . )
    I've been thinking. Does me no good to hand over the DVD and then you and the funky bunch take us out.
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    I swore I would n't do that.
    RYAN
    Like you swore to protect and serve?
    The reference brings Greer up short . There 's a moment , then :
    GREER
    You know a lot.
    RYAN
    And I'll forget a lot, too. But not until they're both out of danger.
    Now PAN AROUND TO REVEAL Ryan among the crowd , wearing a SURFING WINDBREAKER ; HOODED with WATERPROOF POCKETS - but where 's his cellphone ? Moving closer , we see Ryan 's wearing the EARBUD MIKE from the Verizon store . With the earbud concealed under the loose hood , Ryan looks like anyone else just watching the show .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Your choice, man. The Martins or the DVD. Either way, I'm not hanging around any longer. You got five seconds, then I disconnect your ass.
    GREEK
    You sure you know what you're doing?
    RYAN
    One. Two.
    On the other end of the phone :

EXT. CAROUSEL ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS
    GREER wrestles with his better judgment -
    RYAN
    Three. Four.
    - but Ryan 's got him by the balls . Angrily , Greer lifts his walkie .
    GREER
    Okay! Okay.
    ( into walkie . )
    Hodges, put'em on the Ferris wheel.
    HODGES
    ( V.O . )
    What? I
    GREER
    Shut up and do it!
    RYAN
    Not bad. Most people never get past two.
    Greer flinches as his own taunts are used against him .
    GREER
    ( to Ellis . )
    Keep an eye on them. As soon as we make the trade, take the woman and her kid out.

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - BLUFF - NIGHT
    RYAN watches from a distance as Hodges exits the van .
    GREER
    ( V.O . )
    Do n't screw me kid, y9u wo n't live long enough to enjoy it.
    RYAN
    Oooh, I think I just pissed myself.
    Ryan looks optimistic when Hodges gets out and opens the back door . And just as he 's on the brink of success -
    FEMALE VOICE
    ( O.S . )
    HEY -!
    A woman 's HAND grabs the hood of Ryan 's windbreaker and rips it away from his face . Wheels him around . It 's :
    CHLOE
    There you are! Where the hell were you!?
    RYAN
    Chloe! Get away from here!
    CHLOE
    Know how many hours I waited for you to bring back those stupid shirts?! What'd you do? Sell them on the Prominade yourself -?
    But Ryan 's got no time for this .
    RYAN
    GO! NOW!

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - NIGHT
    A sickly - looking MOONEY glances at the commotion - and sees the hoodless Ryan .
    MOONEY
    ( motioning to Tomlin . )
    That's him! There he is!

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - BLUFF - NIGHT
    Ryan desperately tries to shoo Chloe away .
    RYAN
    It is n't safe to talk, get it? I - People are after me!
    CHLOE
    ( shrugs free . )
    What - are you high?
    Suddenly , Mooney steps up beside Ryan and grabs him .
    MOONEY
    ( winded . )
    I've been. looking for. you, kid -
    But Ryan struggles , thinking Mooney is with the bad guys . Mooney grabs him as he tries to make a break for it .
    RYAN
    Let go of me! Sonofabitch, let go!

EXT. CAROUSEL ROOF - NIGHT
    GREER 's pissed . Pacing on the roof , when :
    ELLIS
    I've got him!
    Instantly , Greer jams the walkie to his face , and we -

INT. THE KIDNAPPERS' VAN - NIGHT
    HODGES is about to let Jessica out of the van , when he hears -
    GREER
    ( OVER WALKIE . )
    Hodges, do not let them go! Do you hear me? Do not let them go!

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - NIGHT
    RYAN struggles with Mooney . The crowd completely ignores them in favor of the raucous concert . In the heat of battle , Ryan 's cellphone clatters by Chloe ' s feet .
    MOONEY
    ( sweating profusely . )
    Jesus, kid, calm down!
    Trying to break Mooney 's stronghold , Ryan SHOVES him backwards , SLAMMING his injured shoulder into the PIER RAILING . Mooney SCREAMS out in pain and grabs his shoulder , releasing - Ryan , who BREAKS AWAY and turns to see Mooney COLLAPSE to the ground , holding his blood - soaked shoulder . Ryan looks over to Chloe , whose face is a combination of shock and confusion .
    CHLOE
    Oh my God -.
    ( checking Mooney . )
    Someone call 911!
    A CROWD starts to gather when - Ryan feels the barrel of a gun nudging his back . Tomlin 's gun .
    TOMLIN
    It's over kid.
    Fuck ! Ryan 's got no choice but to slowly walk toward the end of the pier . MOONEY - From his prone position , he catches a glimpse of Tomlin backing Ryan quietly into the crowd . Not trying to help . Not calling for an ambulance . In that instant , Mooney knows he 's been betrayed . Tomlin 's in on this .
    TOMLIN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    For all the trouble you've caused, you'd better have that goddamned disc. Where is it?
    Just then , Greer appears through the crowd ahead of him . Like a nightmare , he closes in . Ryan slowly slips his phone into a waterproof pocket in his windbreaker and zips it up .
    RYAN
    Aw shit.
    Ryan 's world is spinning - the NOISE , the CROWDS , the TENSION . He KICKS BACK hard into Tomlin 's SHIN . It is enough for Tomlin to release his grip and Ryan bolts . Tomlin recovers and raises his GUN to get a bead on Ryan , but it causes the crowd around him to PANIC .
    CROWD GOER
    ( O.S . )
    Dude's got ta gun!
    Ryan navigates through the fleeing crowd and turns to see Greer and Tomlin quickly gaining ground . He has to make a choice , either go over the railing , or deal with Greer and Tomlin . Ryan decides on the ocean . He runs to a MAN FISHING WITH HIS SON and uses their ice chest as a step . Just as he JUMPS THE RAIL - Tomlin gets off a SHOT ! SLIIIIIICEE ! The bullet tears through Ryan 's shoulder as he spins headlong into the Pacific ! TOMLIN AND GREER run to the railing and see Ryan HIT the CHOPPY WATER below .
    GREER
    Under the pier. Go! Go!
    UNDERWATER POV Ryan flails , panicking , exhaling all his air and sucking in the dark water of the ocean - UNDERWATER Ryan is struggling . Bleeding . Sinking . Dying . His lungs convulse , trying to breathe , burning like a thousand red - hot needles are pushing their way through his chest . The WAVES POUND against the thick pylons below the pier . Just as Ryan comes up for air he 's SLAMMED into a wooden pylon ! Ryan fights for his life as the surge churns him underwater , BASHING him repeatedly against the pillars . It 's not pretty . As he struggles toward the shore , he 's constantly thrown back and forth underwater like a rag doll .

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - NIGHT
    TOMLIN races down the pier towards the beach - GREEK aims his weapon at the ocean , daring Ryan to surface .

EXT. UNDER THE SANTA MONICA PIER - BEACH - NIGHT
    Ryan finally makes it to shore ; coughing , retching . He crawls up the sand , out of breath , blood trailing behind him . He unzips the waterproof pocket of his shorts , pulling out the cellphone , which thank God is actually dry . Ryan forces himself into action ; stumbling , exhausted into a -

INT. STORAGE DORY - UNDER THE PIER - NIGHT
    The place is dark . Empty . An array of rowing shells covered in ghostly , flapping tarps make the place look vaguely haunted . This place is also filled with storage equipment , such as buoys and safety netting used by the beach patrol .

EXT. UNDER THE SANTA MONICA PIER - BEACH - NIGHT
    TOMLIN - racing through the sand under the pier . He spots Ryan 's bloody footprints and follows them toward the -

INT. DORY - NIGHT
    RYAN - sees Tomlin coming . Ryan 's trapped like a rat - and dripping blood everywhere . He looks for anything that 'll save him , but finds only useless boating tools -LRB- sanders , saws , box cutters , etc. -RRB-
    RYAN
    ( to himself . )
    Think! Think!

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - NIGHT
    Chloe hands Mooney a cup of water and frantically looks around for the paramedics . Mooney starts rising to his feet .
    CHLOE
    You better lie still. The paramedics should be here shortly.
    But Mooney 's obstinate . He rises despite her best efforts .
    MOONEY
    Just keep that ambulance close by.
    And as he stumbles off -

INT. THE DORY ENTRANCE - NIGHT
    TOMLIN - By the time his eyes adjust to the dark , Ryan is nowhere to be seen . TARPS undulate over jumbles of boxes and equipment everywhere - a hundred places to hide . Alone , Tomlin stalks among the equipment . Gun out . Hunting Ryan like a snake on the scent or prey .
    TOMLIN
    You're wounded kid, just give me what I came for, and I'll let you all go.
    Police sirens in the distance grow louder . Tomlin 's offer goes unanswered . That 's when he notices the BLOOD on the ground . Tomlin smiles , following Ryan 's trail to a PILE OF BLOOD - SMEARED TARPS - where the trail ends ! It 's obvious Ryan used these to staunch his wound . Shit ! He 's gon na have to search this whole place - Then , suddenly , Tomlin gets an idea . He pulls out his phone , making sure it 's concealed from view , and writes a TEXT MESSAGE to -

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - NIGHT
    Greer pulls out his ringing cell phone . On the text screen it says , `` CALL HIM '' . Greer flashes an wicked grin , and dials the last number on his call log .

INT. DORY - CONTINUOUS
    Tomlin 's ready to pounce . SFX : Nearby , Ryan 's cellphone starts to RING , betraying him ! Instantly , Tomlin hones in on the noise - coming from under a bulky tarp along the far wall - and EMPTIES HIS GUN at it ! The tarp shreds . Nothing could survive the assault . Tomlin walks calmly across the room to stand before the tarp .
    TOMLIN
    Shoulda stayed at home this morning, kid.
    And just then , Tomlin throws off the shredded tarp exposing - Ryan 's cellphone . And nothing else .
    RYAN
    ( O.S . )
    Funny. I was about to say the same to you.
    TOMLIN
    What the -
    And in the instant Tomlin realizes he 's been tricked , he turns and - WHAM ! RYAN HITS TOMLIN in the face with a 2x4 , SMASHING his TEETH and sending him backwards . Before Tomlin has time to rec9ver , Ryan swings again . CRACK ! - And his KNEE CAP is obliterated . Ryan , looking like a psychotic Babe Ruth , gives Tomlin two more vicious WHACKS before grabbing his cellphone and high - tailing it out of there .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' VAN - NIGHT
    HODGES - has no luck on the walkie .
    HODGES
    Tomlin? Anyone copy?
    Jessica , cuffed from behind , covertly wriggles the handcuffs under her ass toward her feet . Ricky , terrified , screams `` no '' with his eyes . But she knows she 's out of time .

EXT. SANTA MONICA BEACH - NIGHT
    RYAN - losing blood , he does his best to move quickly through the sand . He stumbles , but regains his footing as he makes his way towards the STAIRS LEADING UP TO THE PIER .

EXT. CAROUSEL ROOF - NIGHT
    ELLIS - still on the roof , scans the pier . POV - THROUGH ELLIS ' SNIPER SCOPE Hodges locates Ryan emerging from the stairs .
    ELLIS
    Got him. He's in the parking lot.

INT. KIDNAPPERS' VAN - NIGHT
    HODGES - listening intently to the walkie .
    ELLIS
    ( O.S . )
    I've got a clean shot.
    GREEK
    ( O.S . )
    No! We do n't have the DVD. Just hold his location. Hodges, parking lot now!
    Just as Hodges reaches for the door handle - Jessica wraps her cuffs around his throat , throws her legs against the back of his seat and pulls like her life depended on it . Hodges chokes , flails , digs , and claws at the cuffs , but his fingertips are no match for Jessica 's muscular legs .
    JESSICA
    Ricky run! Find help!
    Ricky 's paralyzed with fear .
    JESSICA
    ( CONT 'D . )
    RUN!
    Ricky bolts from the car .

EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - BRIDGE - NIGHT
    POLICE CRUISERS race down the pier bridge , desperately trying to avoid the fleeing crowd .

INT. KIDNAPPERS' VAN - NIGHT
    JESSICA - finishes squeezing the last bit of life out of Hodges . She finally exits the van , but not before grabbing the WALKIE TALKIE and GUN .

EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT
    RYAN - sneaking his way through parked cars , heads in the direction of the Police Cruisers on the bridge .

EXT. CAROUSEL - NIGHT
    MOONEY - scanning the pier for Ryan , hears -
    ELLIS
    ( O.S . )
    He's heading for the cops. We should do it now.
    Mooney looks to the roof of the carousel and sees Ellis .
    MOONEY
    `` Freeze! Drop your weapon!
    Ellis quickly swings his rifle and - BAM ! Mooney shoots Ellis in the head , causing him to slide off the carousel roof .

EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT
    RYAN - stopping in his tracks , looks in the direction of the gun shot . He turns around only to find - A PISTOL pointed right at his face - Greer 's pistol . He PUSHES Ryan behind a SUV so as not to be seen by the cops .
    GREEK
    No more bullshit! Just give me the goddamn disc!
    Ryan slowly unzips his front jacket pocket and removes the DVD . Greer snatches it and SMASHES it to pieces . Fragments fall through the cracks in the pier , to the ocean below . Ryan , pale as ghost , knows he 's seconds from meeting his maker .
    GREER
    ( CONT 'D . )
    This is about to be the most enjoyable part of an extremely shitty day.
    And just as he 's about to pull the trigger - BLAM ! Jessica fires a WARNING SHOT . Greer -LRB- startled , spins around to see Jessica pointing Hodges ' gun in his face .
    JESSICA
    Tell me why I should n't kill you.
    For the first time , Greer actually looks frightened . Recognizing the homicidal look in her eyes , he SPUTTERS , but nothing comes out . Ryan , weak and pale with blood loss , looks up at his guardian angel .
    RYAN
    Jess. Jessica? Do n't.
    Jessica trembles with rage , a tear falls .
    JESSICA
    I. I have to.
    MOONEY
    ( O.S . )
    Lower the weapon, Jessica.
    Jessica looks behind her and sees Mooney , surrounded by EIGHT POLICE OFFICERS .
    MOONEY
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( trying to reason with her . )
    Ricky's safe. It's all going to be okay. Put it down.
    Jessica slowly lowers the gun and looks into Ryan 's face .
    JESSICA
    Thank you for keeping your promise.
    As the cops move in and drag Greer to his feet , Ryan calls out to him .
    RYAN
    Hey man, your shitty day is about to get a whole lot shittier.
    Ryan flips open his phone and on the SCREEN plays the SECURITY FOOTAGE of the murder in the parking lot . We see that Ryan must 've copied the DVD with his videophone .
    RYAN
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Ai n't that a bitch?
    And through the tears , Jessica manages a laugh . A small one . But enough to let us know everything 's going to be okay . And as we PULL BACK on the scene -

INT. HOSPITAL DAYROOM - NIGHT
    The ECU OF A TELEVISION SCREEN showing an aerial shot of the Santa Monica Pier . PULL OUT to reveal - CHLOE AND RYAN , sitting in a hospital dayroom , engrossed in the NEWS REPORT that plays in the far corner of the room . Ryan 's shoulder has now been BANDAGED , his arm 's in a sling .
    NEWS ANCHOR
    The Santa Monica Pier was the latest setting in the ongoing 23rd Precinct corruption scandal. Ryan Ackerman, a local resident, risked his life to save a family kidnapped by officers to cover up.
    Chloe strokes Ryan 's scalp with her fingers .
    CHLOE
    `` How does it feel to be a hero?
    RYAN
    ( re : his wounds . )
    It hurts. But you're making it way better. I'm just glad it's over.
    CHLOE
    ( smiling . )
    Modesty can be sexy.
    RYAN
    And to think this was our first date.
    CHLOE
    Next time, skip the shower.
    In the background , Jessica and Ricky exit a hospital room and join the two lovebirds .
    JESSICA
    Craig's very weak, but the doctors say it looks promising. He's probably going to have to walk with a cane, but that's the worst of it. I'm just thankful.
    Chloe senses that Jessica and Ryan might need a moment alone .
    CHLOE
    Come on Ricky, let's get a hot chocolate.
    A small smile forms on Ricky 's exhausted face . Chloe leads Ricky down the hall .
    JESSICA
    I ca n't believe I almost lost everything that means. I do n't know how I can ever thank you.
    RYAN
    I do.
    ( weak smile . )
    Do n't ever call me again.
    A shared laugh , then as they turn to the television - ECU OF SECURITY FOOTAGE OF THE PARKING LOT MURDER A CELL PHONE RINGS on a nearby table . They turn to look at it , neither one apparently having any idea to whom it might belong . But this time , as we PULL BACK on the scene , we realize no one 's going to answer it . CUT TO BLACK .

Summary: Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger), a high school biology teacher, takes her son Ricky to the bus stop for school. After she returns home, several men break into her house and kill her housekeeper. The men kidnap Jessica and confine her in the attic of their safe house. Ethan Greer (Jason Statham), the group leader, smashes the landline telephone hanging on one of the beams in the attic. Jessica uses the wires of the broken phone and contacts the random number of the cellphone, Nokia 6600 belonging to Ryan (Chris Evans), a carefree young man who has just been dumped by his girlfriend, Chloe, (Jessica Biel). Jessica persuades Ryan to go to the police station, where he reports to Sergeant Bob Mooney (William H. Macy). When a fight between several police officers and apprehended gang members breaks out, Mooney is forced to intervene and tells Ryan to report the kidnapping to the robbery-homicide division. When Jessica denies knowledge of information Ethan wants, he leaves to get Ricky. Overhearing them, Ryan gets to Ricky's school, only to see the boy kidnapped. He hijacks a security officer's car and gives chase. When his phone battery runs out, he takes the gun in the car, holds up a store and demands a charger. Deciding to check on Ryan's kidnapping claim, Mooney visits Jessica's house. He meets Dana Bayback (Valerie Cruz), the kidnappers' accomplice, posing as Jessica. Believing the claim is a false alarm, Mooney leaves. With Ricky in tow, Ethan returns and asks Jessica about a place her husband Craig mentioned, "The Left Field", and Jessica confesses that it is a bar at the Los Angeles International Airport. A cross-connection between phone lines causes Ryan to rob a nearby lawyer's cellphone and car to maintain connection. At the airport, Ryan plants the gun on one of the kidnappers, triggering the alarm. When security intervenes, the kidnappers are revealed to be police officers and they proceed to apprehend Craig. After viewing a news report of Ryan holding up a store for a charger, Mooney calls Jessica's home. He notices the voice on the answering machine is different from that of the woman he met. The kidnappers escort Craig to his safe deposit box at a bank to retrieve a bag. Ryan intervenes and flees with the bag, but drops the lawyer's cellphone while being chased by the kidnappers. When Ryan opens Craig's bag, he finds Craig's video camera, on which Craig unintentionally filmed LAPD Detectives Ethan, Mad Dog, Dimitri, Bayback, Deason, and Jack Tanner (Noah Emmerich), robbing and murdering two drug dealers, marking them as dirty cops. Ryan steals the lawyer's car from the impound lot and retrieves his own cellphone. Mooney returns to the Martin residence, where he kills Bayback in self-defense when she shoots at him. Back at the safe house, Mad Dog learns that Jessica has been trying to contact help and attacks her. Jessica purposely cuts his brachial artery, and he bleeds to death in seconds. Before Jessica and Ricky can escape, Ethan's gang returns with Craig and are about to execute the family when Ryan contacts Ethan and makes a deal: the videotape in exchange for the Martin family at the Santa Monica Pier. At the pier, Ryan disguises himself but is inadvertently exposed by Chloe. Tanner sends Mooney away for medical attention, arrests Ryan and brings him to Ethan. Ethan destroys the videotape, and Tanner radios the order to execute the Martins; however, Mooney overhears the transmission. Ryan escapes, following a distraction by his friend Chad. Mooney overpowers Dimitri and handcuffs him, then returns to the pier. Tanner and Ethan confront Ryan in a boathouse where Ryan knocks out Tanner. Ethan tries to kill Ryan, but Mooney shows up. After a brief chase, Ryan notices Ethan has circled behind Mooney and calls Ethan's cell phone. The phone's ring betrays Ethan's position, and Mooney shoots him. Jessica strangles Deason with her handcuff chain in the van, then frees her husband and son. However, Deason was merely stunned and aims his gun at them. Ryan intervenes and slams Deason head in the car door.  While Ryan and Mooney are being treated by medics, Tanner is also exposed, because Ryan had copied the video recording onto his cellphone.  Jessica finally meets Ryan, the man who risked his life to save her family.  When she tells him she doesn't know how to thank him, Ryan humorously tells her to never call him again.