H_FORD 90pages

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H. FORD

by

glenn H. whittaker, jr.

Contact:

glenn H. whittaker, jr.

P.O. Box 188

Glen Carbon, IL 62934

618-692-9347

1. INT. OFFICE – EASY LOANS

In a sparse modern office Professor H. Ford paces back and forth trying to convince the manager to give him a loan so to continue his research.

The manager, Maconni, sits behind a desk shaking his head no as the professor walks and talks and points at the two piles of metal objects on the desk.

H. FORD

You have to help me. You people are my last hope. I must continue with my research. I am so close, so close. Don’t you realize what this discovery will mean to the modern world?

MACONNI

Professor Ford will you please sit down and listen to me. We don’t care about your invention. Are main concern is that you can pay the loan back.

H. FORD

(paces)

Once I perfect the process, it will be worth millions. Molecular enhancement. Things won’t rust, they won’t wear out as soon. Anything made of metal will last twice as long.

MACONNI

Professor Ford. That’s a great idea. If you perfect it, I’m sure it will be worth millions. But you haven’t, have you? All you’ve done is turn a pile of steel paper clips into this lightweight blob of yellow metal.

(picks up blob)

H. FORD

(paces)

That’s it. That’s what I mean. That’s how close I am. It was a pile of paperclips and I turned it into a much lighter blob of metal. All I have to do now is find a way to reverse the process; to turn it into a heavier blob. I’m trying to make tougher steel.

MACONNI

Like I said before Professor, are concern at Easy Loans is that you are able to pay back the loan, plus interest. You have no income at all.

H. FORD

True. I’ve spent all my savings. All I have left is my house. But it'’ worth a few hundred thousand. I just want to borrow $30,000 to live on, to pay my bills for the next year. I am positive my research will be done by then.

MACONNI

Professor Ford. Don’t you understand how loans work? We loan you the lump sum, then you make monthly payments. If you don’t make the payments, then we foreclose and sell your house to get our money. You have no way to make the monthly payments. Therefore I can not loan you any money.

H. FORD

(stops pacing)

But I am so close, so close. Won’t you please loan me the money?

MACONNI

No. I can not.

Professor H. Ford throws up his arms in anguish and rushes out of the office. He nearly knocks down a man, Pizzero, who is standing outside the office door.

Pizzero gathers his balance and walks over to Maconni’s desk. Pizzero has Italian accent.

PIZZERO

Hay, what was that all about? Another one of your dissatisfied customers? Ha. Ha. Ha.

MACONNI

Some crazy scientist. Wanted 30 large and has no income. Suppose to be tougher steel so things last longer.

Maconni picks up the yellow blob and hands it forward to Pizzero.

Pizzero takes the yellow blob and heffs it up and down and then looks at it real close. Then he scratches his head.

PIZZERO

Ya know. This stuff reminds me of some kind of ore. Something from the mountains. You say he made this? What’s his name

MACONNI

H. Ford. That’s what he said. He has some private laboratory in his office on 10th.

PIZZERO

You mind if I get this analyzed? Find out what it is. My brother-in-law works in the assayers office.

MACONNI

Take it, I don’t care, but if it’s worth anything bring it back.

Pizzero puts the yellow blob into his jacket pocket and leaves.

2. INT. ITALIAN EMBASSY

Pizzero rushes in and drops the yellow blob onto Ambassador Razo’s desk. Razo has heavy Italian accent.

RAZO

What’s all the excitement? You win the lottery?

PIZZERO

Better than that. I think I found our missing scientist Ford. This yellow blob is 80% pure gold. He was trying to get a loan from my friend Maconni in Easy Loans. Ford said he made this in his laboratory.

RAZO

Professor Ford is here? And making gold? 80 proof? You sure?

PIZZERO

Mineral analysis doesn’t lie. The Assayer Office wants to know where it came from. A find this pure has to be registered with the United States government.

RAZO

I’ve got a piece of ground up in the Rockies. We could say it came from there. I can’t believe that crazy professor doesn’t know what he’s got. Exactly what did he tell Maconni he was trying to make?

PIZZERO

I aign’t sure. I wasn’t listening that close. Something about metal lasting longer. Tougher steel.

RAZO

Well maybe he doesn’t know what he made. If he knew it was gold he won’t be trying to borrow money.

PIZZERO

That makes sense. The fool doesn’t know yet. We’ve got to get to him before he finds out or somebody else does.

RAZO

You got his address?

3. INT. LABORATORY OF H. FORD - MORNING

FADE IN

Staring out the room's only window stands H. Ford, a middle aged male in a long white laboratory coat. A 3 1/2 inch computer diskette dangles delicately in his left hand. In his right hand is a multi-colored ink pen and he is air doodling computations.

A flashing red neon light above the only door brightens the lab equipment.

In the middle of this large room sets an octagon shaped table. A thick two-way mirror is the table surface and a reflective mirror hangs four feet above it. At each of the eight corners, one-foot square black boxes face the center. The shutter eye of each box is made from a different color of the rainbow. A double set of wires extends from the rear of each box and meets under the table in a large, round black box that emits radio frequencies. This round radio box has a single shutter-eye facing up into the mirror table surface. A thick cable runs from the round radio box to an electric step-up transformer against a wall.

Situated above four of the rainbow shutter-eye boxes at the table’s compass points, are four horseshoe shaped electromagnets. Heavy cables run across the floor from each magnet to a control panel.

The control panel, of lights and toggle switches numbered to correspond to the eight corner boxes, sets in between the step-up transformers and a row of IBM stand-up computers with their tapes spinning and lights blinking,

The far wall is lined by a long workbench, sleeping cot, sink and toilet. The workbench, illuminated by blue neon lights, is dotted with screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, note pads, pens, pencils, a personal computer and oscilloscopes flickering overlapping sign-waves.

H. Ford walks to the mirror table. At its edge he pauses, takes a pair of rubber gloves from his lab coat pocket and ons them while staring at the misshapen softball sized blob of dented metal in the middle of the table.

He takes the yellow blob to a desk and sets it down in the empty space dividing a row of paperclips and five other yellow metal blobs. Then steps back, slightly shaking his head.

H. FORD

(baffled)

Six stacks of steel paper clips. Six blobs of yellow. It’s always the same no matter what I do. Ahhh!

He goes over to the chalkboards mounted aside the metal door. He picks-up a piece of chalk and puts it against the chalkboard. But he just stands in frozen motion.

Then he steps back and looks up at the flashing red light. His left hand grasps the doorknob but he pauses. He glances at the speaker on the wall, then flips on the intercom.

H. FORD

Yes Gracie. What is it?

4. INT. SECRETARY OFFICE

The shapely blonde, Gracie, reaches for the intercom knocking her coffee cup across the desktop. The plastic cup bounces on the hardwood floor.

GRACIE

Ah, oh damn fudge bars! Excuse me professor, these men have been waiting to see you. They are, are very important looking. Can you come out and see them?

H. FORD (O.S.)

What men? Are they French or German?

PIZZERO

Professor Ford. Our boss has reconsidered your offer. We have the money you need.

H. FORD (O.S.)

I went to my bank for a mortgage. They paid my bills. I don’t need your money.

PIZZERO

Professor Ford. You can take our money and pay off the bank and have plenty extra.

H. FORD (O.S.)

You are too late. What’s done is done.

PIZZERO

But, but professor. It’s not too late. Let me show you. It is a more than a generous offer my boss . . .

H. FORD (O.S.)

Go away. You are wasting my time.

The intercom crackles noise, then goes silent.

PIZZERO

(imploring)

Professor. Professor Ford. Just a few minutes of your time. Let me show you these figures.

(waves a paper)

GRACIE

Sir. Please. Stop. He can not hear you. He turned off his intercom. See. . .

(points at bulb)

His light is off. He can not hear you.

RAZO

You must let us see him. He will change his mind when he sees our offer.

Pizzero shows Gracie the paper.

GRACIE

Yes. That is a lot of money. But sirs, he said no. I am sorry but his word is final.

RAZO

We will wait here until he comes out to see us.

GRACIE

Waiting won’t help. He lives in that lab behind the steel door, he never comes out.

PIZZERO

Never?

GRACIE

Never. I’ve been here a month and I’ve only seen him once. That was the day he hired me.

Razo and Pizzero stare at each other, then at Gracie, then at the steel door. Then they rush out the glass office door.

5. INT. LABORATORY OF H. FORD

H. Ford returns to the desk and stares at the gold blobs. Neatly printed notes lay before each blob. He leans real close to the last blob, peering over the top of his round spectacles. He tilts his head right then left inspecting its erratic shadow.

Suddenly he stands erect and turns to the door.

H. FORD

Gracie! Gracie! The light is still on.

The red dome continues flashing.

He silently nods, counting each flash. After five he walks fast to the door speaker.

H. FORD

Gracie the light is still on.

He stares at the dusty floor, slightly shaking his head. Raising his gaze to the wall speaker, he lets loose a gush of air. Then ons the intercom toggle switch.

H. FORD

Gracie. Can you hear me? Turn off the door light.

6. INT. SECRETARY OFFICE

Gracie reaches for the intercom and knocks over her coffee cup. It rolls across the desk, but she catches it before it falls over the edge.

GRACIE

It’s alright! Caught it. Yes I can hear you.

H. FORD (O.S.)

Gracie! Turn off the damn light!

GRACIE

Sorry sir, guess I forgot. Those men sir. They wanted to...

The intercom crackles noise, then goes silent.

Gracie flips a red toggle switch on the intercom off.

7. INT. LABORATORY OF H. FORD

H. Ford looks at the gold blobs on the desk, then at the mirror table, then at the wall window. He walks to the window, stands looking out at the city.

8. EXT. LABORATORY WINDOW VIEW

From his third story window H. Ford peers down upon a long row of three and four story tenements; some converted to small businesses.

He sees the sun reflect off a small dark rectangle in a window directly across the street.

H. Ford looks down on the street and sees a black sedan with a tall antenna stop. A man with short black hair, wearing a canvas overcoat, gets out of the passenger side. This stranger looks directly up at him, starring for ten seconds.

The stranger turns away, then marches up the stoop steps of the building that houses the widow with the unusual reflection.

9. INT. LABORATORY

H. Ford turns to face his lab. The equipment is again brightened by the flashing red door light.

H. FORD

That damn light. What is it she wants now?

He hurries to the door speaker and ons the intercom.

H. FORD

Yes Gracie?

GRACIE (O.S.)

(softly)

Excuse me sir. I have an early lunch date with my friend, Officer Judy. We're meeting at the deli on the corner. Do you want me to bring you anything?

H. FORD

Well yes Gracie. I would like to eat something. Ah, what you are having, bring me the same. Thanks.

He looks up at the flashing red dome light.

H. FORD

Gracie, will you please turn-off that damn door light!

GRACIE (O.S.)

(giggling)

Oh yea. I keep forgetting it. Sorry sir.

The red dome darkens.

H. Ford walks back to the window, carefully peering around the edge.

10. EXT. LABORATORY WINDOW VIEW

The strange window’s sun reflection is gone.

H. FORD

Would you look at that? It is the only window without curtains or a white roll down shade. It’s black. That window is completely black.

11. INT. LABORATORY

H. Ford steps back against the wall, hiding.

H. FORD

(panic)

Look at me. I’m hiding. Hiding in my own laboratory. I’m hiding, hiding from, from, from what? From someone behind that black shade.

His breath quickens and he puts his hand over his heart. He looks at his window, then quickly pulls down the dull yellow-white shade. He faces the equipment.

H. FORD

Just what exactly could they have seen?

He holds out his hands as a film director.

12. INT. SECRETARY OFFICE 

As Gracie straightens the papers on her desk a large black ant zigzags across the desk.

GRACIE

An ant? I've never seen such a large one as that. Say, just where you goin'? You ant. How'd you get on my desk anyway?

The ant stops, waving its antenna at her.

GRACIE

Maybe it's looking for something to eat. Want to join Officer Judy and me for lunch?

Gracie places an open envelope near the ant. The ant crawls inside it and Gracie carefully closes the flap.

GRACIE
(giggling)

Wonder what Judy will say?

She carefully puts the envelope into her purse.

GRACIE

I'm hungry, let's go.

She flips the phone answering machine on, grabs her purse strap and leaves.

13. INT. HALLWAY

Gracie chooses the fire escape door instead of waiting for the elevator.

14. INT. FIRE ESCAPE STAIRWELL

The stairwell walls are decorated by artistic graffiti.

At the lobby she slow pulls the heavy fire escape door open. Hearing deep angry male voices, she pauses.

15. INT. LOBBY

Razo and Pizzero are waiting for the elevator.

PIZZERO

(angry)

We have to see him today! Even if we have to break down that laboratory door!

RAZO

(determined)

Yes. It must be today. We got to get that gold maker gadget before someone else does.

The elevator doors open and they enter.

As the elevator doors close Gracie peeks around the fire escape door, then hurries to the street glass doors.

16. EXT. STREET – BEFORE NOON

Gracie hurries down the stoop steps and joins-up close to a group of businessmen walking on the sidewalk.

At the street corner she enters the café.

17. INT. CORNER CAFÉ

Within the cafe are some kids in line at the cash register, a few hard-hat workers sit on the counter stools and young couples fill many of the isle tables.

Gracie hurries to Officer Judy sitting in a wall booth.

Gracie grabs a menu, slouches low, hiding her eyes. Then slowly looks back at the entrance door.

GRACIE

Wheee!

OFFICER JUDY

(smiles curious)

Nice of you to finally join me for lunch. Are you expecting someone else?

(gesturing at the door)

GRACIE

(very excited)

Officer Judy. At the office. There's these men in business suits back at my office. I'm worried about the professor.

OFFICER JUDY

Whoa there Miss Gracie. Slow down. Calm yourself.

(holds Gracie’s hands)

GRACIE

(takes deep breath)

They won't take no for an answer. They keep bothering me to see him. But he won't see anyone and they won't believe me.

OFFICER JUDY

Did they threaten you?

GRACIE

No, not me, the professor. They were going up the elevator when I left. I was hiding in the stairwell. They were real angry, goin' to kick in the door. I heard them through the cracked door. Oh Officer Judy you've got to help me I don't know what to do.

OFFICER JUDY

Were they armed? Guns? Did you see any weapons?

GRACIE

No. I don't think so. Didn't see any guns. No knives. Just sounded so angry. I sent them away this morning. The professor just won't see anyone, I keep telling them. Those are my orders. No phone calls. No visitors.

Gracie keeps trying to raise her hands to gesture, but Officer Judy holds them down firmly.

OFFICER JUDY

Your professor is a strange one. Do you ever see him?

GRACIE

No. I use the intercom. But he really hates it when I call him. I’m not suppose to unless it’s some kind of emergency. But those men, those mean awful men, so scary.

Gracie starts to cry. Judy lets go of her hands, then gives her a napkin.

OFFICER JUDY

Now now, it's alright. I'm sure it is. Just calm down. What did they look like?

GRACIE

(calms)

Nice business suits. Middle aged, clean shaven, European.

Judy quickly jots notes on a small pocket pad.

OFFICER JUDY

(continuing)

So let me get this straight. Two men in business suits came to the office and you sent them away. Right?

GRACIE

Yes. Yes. This morning and now they’re back.

(leans forward)

They sounded so angry, almost ... menacing. Scared me, they did.

OFFICER JUDY

What exactly did they say to you?

GRACIE

Well not to me. I was in the stairwell coming here to meet you. I opened the door as they walked past and I heard them.

OFFICER JUDY

What exactly did they say?

GRACIE

Going to break the door down. Then they went up the elevator. I guess I really didn't even see their faces, but it was the same voices. I'm sure it was the same two men that pestered me to see the professor.

Judy puts the small note pad into her shirt pocket.

OFFICER JUDY

Well it sounds sort of normal. Men get pretty gruff when they don't get their way. But their bark is often worse than their bite. To be on the safe side, I'll go back with you to the office.

GRACIE

Thanks. I’d sure feel better if you did.

Waitress Alice begins to pour coffee in Gracie’s cup.

WAITRESS ALICE

What'll it be today Gracie?

GRACIE

Two specials to go. Can you make it fast Alice? Please, we're in a hurry to get back to my office and check on the professor.

Gracie points to Officer Judy, who nods yes to Alice.

WAITRESS ALICE

Put the rush on it for ya.

Alice scribbles on her order pad, trots through the small tables to the kitchen window, and sticks the slip in the revolving order spindle.

WAITRESS ALICE

Two BLT's to fly Mac.

Alice makes two chocolate milk shakes. As she pours the creamy goo into the take-out cups, the Cook puts the platter of BLT’s heavily upon the stainless divider.

COOK

(silver toothed smile)

Order up with wings Alice.

Alice quick wraps the BLT sandwiches, bags them and the take-out cups. Then turns to the cash register.

Judy and Gracie arrive as Alice faces the register.

OFFICER JUDY

You sure do move smooth.

ALICE

(wide grin)

All in a day's work. Six-fifty please.

The large sack extended in her left hand and her right palm out-stretched.

Gracie exchanges a ten-dollar bill for the sack.

GRACIE

Keep the change Alice, you earned it. Thanks for the rush.

Gracie follows Judy out to the sidewalk.

18. EXT. CORNER CAFÉ SIDEWALK - AFTERNOON

Dozens of people on the corners waiting for the WALK sign. Many cars drive along four-lane street.

OFFICER JUDY

Do you see them anywhere?

GRACIE

(glancing around)

I don't see them.

OFFICER JUDY

Let's check out your office,

Judy leads Gracie in a fast pace along the sidewalk weaving through lunch-hour meanders.

GRACIE

It's 1014, the stoop has a thick milky glass double door.

OFFICER JUDY

Yes, I know. A real classic. Surprised the glass lasted this long. The street kids got real rowdy last spring.

Matching strides, they quick pace to the stoop. Then stop cautiously at the glass double doors.

19. INT. OFFICE BUILDING LOBBY - STAIRWELL

Judy carefully leads through the doors, past the elevator, the cautiously enters the stairwell.

GRACIE

(pointing at walls)

What’d ya think? Real artsy.

OFFICER JUDY

(looks around)

Yea. Not bad at all. Schoooch.

(finger against lips)

20. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY

As Razo and Pizzero enter the elevator Judy and Gracie peek through stairwell door. Elevator doors close.

OFFICER JUDY

Was that them?

GRACIE

Ahhhh, Maybe. I sort of think so. Not sure.

Their steps along the wooden floor echo down the empty hallway.

The office door is slightly open.

21. INT. SECRETARY OFFICE

Judy pushes the door inward so hard it slams against the wall. Her revolver leads her into the empty office.

The floor is covered with loose paper and the filing cabinet drawers stick out like open ladder steps.

GRACIE

Oh my God!

OFFICER JUDY

Guess they were here. Where is the professor's lab?

GRACIE

(pointing)

Behind that brown metal door.

(picks up papers)

I had these in nice stacks on my desk just before lunch. Durn, now I'll have to re-sort them. Those bad men.

Judy tries to open the metal door, but it is locked.

OFFICER JUDY

Do you have the key?

Gracie fumbles a key ring from her purse.

GRACIE

Here. It’s the gold key.

Judy takes the key, slips it in, opening the lock.

OFFICER JUDY

Get behind the desk, just in case there's shooting.

Gracie crouches behind the desk, peering above it.

GRACIE

Go ahead.

Judy yanks the door open. It slams against the wall. She points her revolver at the dark room.

OFFICER JUDY

This is the police. Come out with your hands up.

The silence is lengthy.

GRACIE

(timidly)

The light switch is on the left, right beside you.

Judy reaches into the dark and ons the ceiling light.

OFFICER JUDY

This is your last warning. Come out with your hands up!

Again silence.

GRACIE

(stands up)

I don't see anyone.

Judy slowly leans into the room, looks around.

OFFICER JUDY

No one in here. This looks like a kitchen. Where's the professor's lab?

GRACIE

In there, behind the steel door. It looks like part of the wall. And it's locked from the inside. There’s no way in.

OFFICER JUDY

I’ve got to see if he is okay. How do you contact him?

GRACIE

First I flip on the light inside the lab. It flashes off and on. Then the professor buzzes me on the intercom. But sometimes he's busy and doesn't call back for a long time.

Gracie flips on the door dome switch.

They both stand still, staring at the small speaker.

OFFICER JUDY

What if something happened to him? Got hurt or worse, by his experiments. How would you know? How would you get in?

GRACIE

(frowns, shrugs)

I don't know. I asked him about that when I first started working and he just said, 'Don't worry. It won't matter if anything happens.' I didn't really understand, but he's the boss.

They look down at the intercom, waiting.

22. INT. LABORATORY

H. Ford is flushing the last of his note pads down the toilet when the dome light flashes. He walks to the speaker on the wall, ons the switch,

H. FORD

Yes Gracie, what is it? Lunch I hope.

GRACIE (O.S.)

Yes lunch, professor. Can you join me in the kitchen?

H. FORD

Love to.

23. INT. KITCHEN

Judy crouches down, her revolver on the table pointing at the steel door.

OFFICER JUDY

If you see anyone other than the professor, jump aside.

The steel door opens and the smiling professor goes into the kitchen and sets at the table.

GRACIE

(whispers)

He's alone.

OFFICER JUDY

(stands)

Stay calm sir. I’m a police officer. Are you alone? Is anyone else in your lab?

H. FORD

What? What's this about? Of course I'm alone. Who are you? What do you want? This is a private office. Do you have a warrant?

GRACIE

It’s okay professor. This is my lunch friend, Officer Judy.

OFFICER JUDY

I'm Officer Judy, Oakland P.D. Gracie has been harassed by two Frenchmen. She told me over lunch they had threatened to kick in your door.

H. FORD

(scoffs)

Ha! Not possible. It is steel.

OFFICER JUDY

We returned here to find your office a mess. They must have searched while she was at lunch with me. She was worried for you so I accompanied her here to investigate. Maybe you better tell me what this is all about? What are you doing in that laboratory?

GRACIE

It’s true. Drawers open, papers everywhere.

H. Ford stands, looking into the office.

H. FORD

Well I guess I can tell you. I've certainly told enough people in trying to sell the idea for grant money. I am making a matter enhancer. I'm developing a way to increase the molecular bonds of atoms through magnetic ionized re-alignment.

GRACIE

Ahh? What good is that?

H. FORD

My invention will strengthen all materials. Basically stuff will last longer. Won't wear out so fast or break as easily.

GRACIE

That’s why those men wanted to give you so much money.

H. FORD

(thoughtful monotone)

At least that was the theory. The experiments seem to be taking a bizarre turn. And all these interruptions are not helping. Just adding to the confusion. I'm a scientist. I'm supposed to be left alone, in quiet, to do my work. Those men, in their slick business suits won't leave me be.

OFFICER JUDY

Who are those men in suits? What do they want from you?

H. Ford leaves the kitchen. Judy and Gracie follow him into the office.

24. INT. SECRETARY OFFICE

H. Ford quickly walks around the office, glancing at all the disarray.

H. FORD

(slight panic)

This is much more serious than I thought. I never expected they'd actually come here. Tear up my office. Oh my, what to do? Oh my.

OFFICER JUDY

Who? Who is after you? Those two men?

H. FORD

It might be some loan sharks I went to for money.

OFFICER JUDY

How much do you owe them?

H. FORD

A few thousand. I couldn’t pay it back so I tried get a loan on my house, but they said no. A bank loan officer suggested selling the house if I was really desperate.

GRACIE

But those men said they wanted to give you money.

H. FORD

I went to a realtor and put my house up for sale. Such a slow process. Those hoods. Those loan sharks. They just kept hounding me. I told them about the bank, the realtor, but they didn't care. Just wanted their money.

GRACIE

Why don’t you just take the money those men offered?

H. FORD

The realtor had a buyer but their loan fell through, bad credit. But last week, he said he had a sure deal. Any day it will be final. Then I pay off the bank and the loan sharks.

OFFICER JUDY

Those two men aren’t the loan sharks? I’m confused.

GRACIE

(faces Judy)

I understand now. He couldn’t pay his bills so he tried to sell his experiment, but they didn’t buy it. So he went to loan sharks and now they want their money back.

OFFICER JUDY

But who are the two business men we just saw? Didn’t they make this mess?

(faces Gracie)

H. FORD

Maybe the first loan company I tried. I told them about my experiments.

GRACIE

I understand. Those two business suits changed their minds, now they want it. But the professor won’t talk to them. So they are trying to scare him.

H. FORD

I won’t sell to those thugs.

OFFICER JUDY

That’s your business. But those loan sharks have a right to get their money back.

H. FORD

The house will sell, any day now. Those damn loan sharks. I guess they don’t believe me. Won't wait anymore. Look what they did to my office.

OFFICER JUDY

Professor. I’m not sure who did this. The loan sharks or those two businessmen.

GRACIE

I think it was the two businessmen. They sure scared me this morning.

H. FORD

They scared Gracie. What else will they do? What's next officer?

OFFICER JUDY

Well professor, no real damage yet. But they might. Looks more like a warning. Maybe you should close up shop for a while, till your house sells. Then pay off the loan sharks.

H. FORD

Yes. Close up shop till the house sells. That's a good idea. Don't want any more trouble.

OFFICER JUDY

Send Gracie home for a while.

H. FORD

Good idea, no need of harm coming to Gracie because of me. But where to go so they won't find me. Somewhere quiet, peaceful where I can think.

OFFICER JUDY

Well there's this lodge where many of the police go to get away from the city. Up near Reno, Nevada.

H. FORD

Reno. That sounds good, been there long ago. Horseback riding, canoes, fire places, quiet cabins to get some work done away from those, those loan sharks. Sounds good. Real good.

GRACIE

Look professor, if you send me home will I get paid?

H. FORD

Well, you know I haven't much money. You certainly haven't been here long enough for vacation pay. But you could come with me. I've enough cash and a large credit card limit. There are lots of letters that need be sent out.

GRACIE

I could rent a typewriter there easy enough. Would I have my own cabin?

H. FORD

Well, we'll have to see what they have, at least your own room.

GRACIE

Working at lake resort, sounds ideal. When would we leave?

OFFICER JUDY

(looks at mess)

I'd say soon. Like now. Leave the mess till you get your house sold. Lock up and go.

H. FORD

Great. I'll grab a few things from the lab. Gracie get your purse and we'll just buy what we need when we get there. No sense taking a chance on them waiting for us at home.

GRACIE

Officer Judy could you give us a ride to the airport?

Judy smiles, then frowns.

GRACIE

(grinning)

Oh please. Those men in suits really scarred me. Couldn't it be sort of a police protection escort?

OFFICER JUDY

(grins back)

Well I guess it would be okay. The airport isn't that far off my patrol beat. Get your things together. My lunch hour is about up.

Gracie looks about; picks up her purse from the desk.

GRACIE

I'm ready.

OFFICER JUDY

Gracie. Here’s the directions to get to my cabin at the lodge. If anyone asks, tell them you’re my guests and that I’m coming up this weekend to join you.

(gives Gracie a slip of paper)

GRACIE

Thanks Judy, you’re a life saver.

H. Ford goes into the lab.

25. INT. LABORATORY

H. Ford grabs a small suitcase from under the desk. Opens it, finding his wallet full of crisp hundred dollar bills, he puts it in his inside jacket pocket.

He goes to the computer and pops out a diskette.

He turns-off the main power switch. Then crawls under the reflecting table and extracts a long slender cylinder from the radio wave frequency modulator box.

He puts the slender cylinder, the computer diskette and the yellow blobs in the suitcase.

He picks up the suitcase then turns off the light.

26. EXT. CITY STREET

H. Ford and Gracie hurry along the sidewalk behind Officer Judy. They get into the backseat of the patrol car parked in front of the Korner Kafe.

Razo and Pizzero are watching them get into the patrol car from an alley. They run over to their black sedan with the tall antenna and get in. They pull into traffic behind the patrol car.

27. INT. PATROL CAR OF OFFICER JUDY.

Gracie slides over and sits shoulder to shoulder against H. Ford.

H. FORD

Ahh. Gracie. You’re sitting kinda close, aren’t you?

GRACIE

Yes I am. I’m kinda scared, but sitting next to you makes me feel safer. You don’t mind do you?

H. FORD

Ahh. I make you feel safe?

GRACIE

(smiles)

Very safe. And warm.

H. FORD

Safe and warm. Well by all means, you can sit as close as you like.

(smiles at her)

I hope I haven't forgotten anything.

H. Ford turns and looks through the rear window and sees the black sedan with the tall radio antenna.

H. FORD

Oh no!

H. Ford grasps Gracie’s hand.

Gracie looks down at his hand holding hers and smiles.

GRACIE

(thinks aloud)

It's the first time he has ever touched me.

Gracie gazes at his face, then turns to also look out the back window.

GRACIE

The businessmen?

H. FORD

Yes. They got in that black sedan with the tall antenna.

The police car has turned right and the black sedan is out of view briefly.

GRACIE

Where? What black sedan?

(squeezes his hand)

The black sedan makes a fast turn, coming back into view.

H. FORD

That one.

H. Ford points with his free hand, squeezing her with the other.

The patrol car makes a left turn at the next block and the black sedan follows.

GRACIE

Oh my. You are right. They are following us.

Gracie leans close to Officer Judy in the front seat.

GRACIE

It's the businessmen in that black sedan with the tall antenna. They are following us.

OFFICER JUDY

(glances in mirror)

I see it. Not too worry Gracie. I know just what to do.

Officer Judy picks up her patrol radio microphone.

OFFICER JUDY

This is Officer Judy in car 17 enroute to the airport on Fifth Avenue. I’m being followed by two terrorist suspects. I need backup.

OFFICER BILL (O.S.)

This is Bill and Fred in car 21. We're hot on your tail, so to speak.

(soft chuckles)

OFFICER FRED (O.S.)

That's a big 10 - 4. It's Freddie and I’m ready for any trouble you got. You sweet thing you.

(soft chuckles)

OFFICER BILL (O.S.)

Cool it lover-boy. We're on the air here.

OFFICER JUDY

Alright you two hot dogs. I've got a black sedan with a tall antenna in the mirror pursuing me. Possible armed and dangerous. Lay back aways and see what they do.

Officer Judy speeds up, then takes a fast right turn into an alley.

The black sedan stays close to Officer Judy and nearly hits her when she slams on the brakes to turn into the alley.

Officer Fred and Bill in an unmarked police car are right behind the black sedan and turn on their police lights and siren when the black sedan turns into the alley.

OFFICER FRED (O.S.)

Judy come to a stop. We’re behind them. We’ve got them pinned in this alley.

28. EXT. CITY ALLEY

Officer Fred is standing outside of the driver’s door of the black sedan and Officer Bill is standing on the passenger’s side.

Officer Judy gets out of her patrol car, looks at them.

OFFICER JUDY

You boys okay? I’ve got to get to the airport.

OFFICER FRED

Go ahead. We can handle this. See you back at the station.

Officer Judy waves a good-bye thanks and gets back in her patrol car. Then speeds away

29. EXT. AIRPORT UNLOADING RAMP

H. Ford is standing on the sidewalk beside Officer Judy’s patrol car.

Gracie is bending down, looking into the open passenger window of the patrol car.

GRACIE

I don’t know how to thank you Judy.

OFFICER JUDY

I do. When you get back, just tell me that your work vacation turned into a honeymoon.

GRACIE

Maybe so. A girl can hope, can’t she.

OFFICER JUDY

You got the directions? It’s cabin number eight. Might not be anybody there, it’s the off season. If anybody asks tell them I’ll be there shortly. They’ll never know the difference.

GRACIE

Cabin number eight. Got it. Thanks again.

OFFICER JUDY

Go on, get out of here. You’re professor is waiting.

Gracie turns around and takes H. Ford by the hand and pulls him toward the entrance doors.

OFFICER JUDY

From adversity to romance. I don't think the professor will get too much work done on that vacation.

Officer Judy waves another goodbye at them. Then she looks into her rearview mirror. She sees a black sedan driving toward her; it stops a few car lengths back.

OFFICER JUDY

Say, that looks like the same black sedan.

(picks up radio mic)

Officer Judy in car 21 calling Fred and Bill in car 17. Come in please. Where are you guys?

(looks in mirror)

Officer Judy calling Third Precinct? Any word from Fred or Bill on that black sedan?

DISPATCHER JANE (O.S.)

Hi Judy, this is Jane at precinct. Haven’t heard from Fred or Bill since they pulled that black sedan over in the alley. Where are you?

OFFICER JUDY

Hi Jane. I’m at the airport loading ramp. There’s a black sedan parked behind me. It sure looks like the same one Fred pulled over. I’m going to investigate. Please send a backup car.

Officer Judy gets out of her patrol car and walks cautiously toward the black sedan.

30. INT. BLACK SEDAN – AIRPORT LOADING RAMP

Pizzero sees Officer Judy walking toward him. He looks over to Razo.

PIZZERO

It's that woman cop. Got any tranquilizing needles left in that injector gun?

The Razo takes a pistol from his coat pocket, snaps open the barrel.

RAZO

Yea, three. Just enough to finish this job.

PIZZERO

Well don't miss.

31. EXT. BLACK SEDAN – AIRPORT LOADING RAMP

Officer Judy, hand on her pistol butt, cautiously approaches the drivers' door. Standing back a good five feet, she gestures with her free hand.

OFFICER JUDY

Put your hands on the steering wheel where I can see them.

PIZZERO

What's wrong officer? Did I run a red light or something?

OFFICER JUDY

(gruff)

I said hands on the wheel.

The Pizzero smiles at her. As he slowly lifts his hands to the top of the steering wheel, then Razo shoots Officer Judy with the tranquilizer.

Officer Judy swats the dart as a mosquito, then drifts to the asphalt asleep.

Pizzero and Razo hurriedly push Officer Judy into the backseat of their car.

RAZO

Drive into the long-term parking lot. Somewhere in the back. We’ll put her in the trunk for now. She’ll be asleep for hours.

The drive quickly away from the loading ramp toward the airport long-term parking lot.

32. INT. AIRPORT – DEPARTURE COMPUTER SCREEN

Razo and Pizzero are looking up at the computer screen.

PIZZERO

Three flights leaving within the half hour. They could be on board already.

RAZO

Frontier Air to Reno. Terminal Five. We'll check that one first.

Razo and Pizzero trot through the airport, turning down the corridor whose sign indicates Terminal Five, Gates 1 – 15.

A line of passengers are passing through a metal detector at the entrance of Terminal Five.

Razo and Pizzero barge through the line of people, but are stopped from entering by two airport security guards.

The Pizzero flashes a fake FBI badge in his left hand at the security guard. Then holds up a photo of Professor H. Ford to her face.

PIZZERO

Quick miss, FBI, this is National Security. Did this man board your flight to Reno?

The security guard pulls back from the photo. She looks at the photo, then the FBI badge.

SECURITY GUARD

Why yes he did. He and a woman just minutes ago. To Reno. They looked so happy, like honeymooners. What, what did they do?

RAZO

What gate? Which corridor?

SECURITY GUARD

The flight to Reno boards at Gate 15. Left corridor.

(pointing)

33. INT. AIRPLANE BOARDING RAMP – GATE 15

H. Ford and Gracie are in line on the boarding ramp. He is staring down at the tickets, shaking his head, no.

H. FORD

(very nervous)

I just remembered I can't fly. No way. Not never!

GRACIE

Well okay. Let's drive then. The mountain scenery is so lovely.

H. FORD

(relieved)

Let's.

GRACIE

(takes his hand)

Come on. I saw a Rent-a-car booth back at the entrance. A long leisurely drive sounds more relaxing than a noisy jet anyway.

H. FORD

Yes. A long leisurely drive does sound nice.

H. Ford and Gracie turn around and reenter the corridor.

34. INT. AIRPORT – CORRIDOR – GATES 1 – 15

H. Ford stops at the restrooms.

H. FORD

Better go now before we start that long drive.

GRACIE

Good idea.

She enters the WOMEN as he enters the MEN.

Seconds later Razo and Pizzero run past the restrooms. At Gate 15 they flash their badges at the ticket taker.

PIZZERO

(holds photo)

FBI. Did you see this man?

TICKET TAKER

Yes. He and a woman went to the plane,

(points at entranceway)

and then they...

Razo and Pizzero push past the boarding passengers and enter the plane searching for H. Ford and Gracie.

35. INT. AIRPORT – RENT-A-CAR

The Rent-a-car clerk is showing a list of vehicles to H. Ford and Gracie.

GRACIE

Let’s take that big van. We can always sleep in it if we had to.

H. FORD

Better than a tent. We'll have to get some sleeping bags on the way.

RENT-A-CAR CLERK

I see we have two vans in today. White or yellow?

GRACIE

(blushes)

White.

RENT-A-CAR CLERK

I can use your plane tickets as your deposit sir.

GRACIE

Thanks, we'll be going to Reno.

RENT-A-CAR CLERK

You pay the balance when you return or at any of our outlets.

Gracie grabs the paper work and the keys from the Rent-a-car clerk.

GRACIE

We're kinda in a hurry. Where is it parked?

RENT-A-CAR CLERK

Newlyweds huh? I'll show you.

36. INT. AIRPORT – CORRIDOR – GATES 1 – 15.

Razo and Pizzero exit the airplane entrance ramp. They look quickly at the few people waiting in line to board the plane.

Then they go over to the ticket taker.

PIZZERO

(angry)

You said they went on the plane. We looked. They’re not on the plane.

RAZO

Where are they?

TICKET TAKER

If you would have waited a few seconds you would have heard me say, then they came out. And went to rent a car. The man said he was scared to fly.

Razo and Pizzero run down the corridor.

37. INT. AIRPORT – RENT-A-CAR

The Rent-a-car clerk is talking on the telephone.

Razo and Pizzero run up to the clerk’s desk out of breathe.

The Pizzero grabs the telephone out of the clerk’s hand and hangs it up. He shows his fake FBI badge and the photo of H. Ford.

PIZZERO

FBI. National security. This man. Did he rent a car from you?

RENT-A-CAR CLERK

(takes photo)

This man? Why yes he did. They just drove off a few minutes ago.

RAZO

What were they driving? Where did they go?

RENT-A-CAR CLERK

A 1996 white Ford van. They said they were going to Reno. I told them they could drop the van off at the Reno Airport. But they could drop the van off at any of our outlets.

The Pizzero grabs the photo from the clerk. Then both hurry toward the exit.

38. EXT. AIRPORT – PARKING GARAGE

Razo and Pizzero are standing at the trunk of their black sedan.

RAZO

They could be going anywhere.

PIZZERO

They couldn’t know we’re still following them. They thought that the police had us in that alley. So they probably are going to Reno.

RAZO

Yea. That’s probably right. But where in Reno.

PIZZERO

If they drop off the van at the airport, we could get there first and be waiting for them.

RAZO

Okay we take a plane and wait there for them. But what if they don’t drop off the van. Why should they? They’d just have to rent something else. We need to know where they’re going in Reno.

PIZZERO

That lady cop we’ve got in the trunk. She’s friends with the secretary. Maybe she knows. You still got some truth serum, use it.

RAZO

Okay. But then what do we do with her? I aign’t killing no cop.

PIZZERO

Yea, that’s not smart. There’s only one highway to Reno. We’re only ten minutes behind them. We take off now, stop on the way, drug the cop find out what she knows, then leave her to sleep in the trunk. Hell, we might even catch up to them on the highway.

RAZO

Sounds like a plan. As soon as we get the professor, we leave the women in the trunk in some parking lot. When they wake up someone will find them.

Razo and Pizzero get into their sedan and drive off.

39. INT. RENTED FORD VAN – ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY

H. Ford is driving. Gracie is in the passenger seat.

H. FORD

Well I think we’re about half way there. I’m getting tired and we’re getting low on gas.

GRACIE

Take the next exit. We’ll fill up and get some snacks. I’ll drive for awhile.

H. FORD

Good. I forgot how tiring driving can be. You got a license?

GRACIE

Don’t be a silly nilly. Of course I got a license. I’m a very good driver. But I could do with a cup of coffee.

H. FORD

And something to munch on.

H. Ford takes the exit ramp.

40. EXT. GASOLINE STATION – NEAR INTERSTATE HIGHWAY

H. Ford and Gracie are carrying take out cups of coffee and small sacks of snack foods.

They both go to the passenger side of the van. H. Ford gets in and Gracie hands him her sack and cup.

Gracie gets in the driver’s side and starts the engine. Checks her mirrors, then drives toward the interstate on ramp.

41. INT. WHITE FORD VAN – DRIVING UP RAMP

As they are going up the on-ramp, H. Ford looks in his side mirror. Then he turns around and looks out the side window.

H. FORD

I can’t believe it. A black sedan just came off the interstate and is going into that gas station.

GRACIE

Is it them? How could it be them? The cops had them back in the alley. Are you sure?

H. FORD

Well it’s a black sedan and it has a tall antenna. I couldn’t see any faces, but what’s the odds of there being two black sedans with a tall antenna?

GRACIE

(looks in mirror)

Well they haven’t pulled on behind us. Maybe they didn’t see us. Maybe it’s not them.

H. FORD

If it was them, then they’ve been trying to catch us since the airport. That big sedan eats as much gas as this big van. So they’ll have to fill up.

GRACIE

How long will that take?

H. FORD

A twenty gallon tank. At least five minutes.

GRACIE

If I go over the speed limit maybe we can stay ahead of them.

H. FORD

Or you could get pulled over by a cop. They’d catch us for sure then. Or they could just drive really fast till they catch up. No I don’t think we can out run them.

GRACIE

Okay, we can’t outrun them. So let’s hide. We’re way ahead of them. I’ll take the next exit, they won’t know.

H. FORD

That’s a good idea. They don’t know that we’ve seen them. They think we’re going straight to Reno. Take the next exit and we’ll hide behind some store. Someplace where we can see them drive past on the interstate.

GRACIE

Hay. Maybe they didn’t see us when they went for the gas.

H. FORD

Maybe they didn’t. If they didn’t see us, they’d drive past. Either way, hiding is a good idea.

GRACIE

Hay. Maybe it’s not them, just a look-a-like sedan.

H. FORD

We can hope it’s not them, but let’s act like it might be.

GRACIE

Better safe than sorry.

42. EXT. INTERSTATE HIGHWAY – EXIT RAMP

Gracie takes the exit ramp and turns right toward the small mini-mall.

She turns into the first gas station and drives behind the building and parks out of sight of the interstate.

43. EXT. GAS STATION – NEAR INTERSTATE

H. Ford and Gracie get out of the van and walk to the edge of the building.

There are some customers filling their gas tanks and some parked on the side and in front of the station.

H. FORD

Very good Gracie. They can’t see the van, but we’ve got a clear view of the cars driving on the interstate.

GRACIE

(grabs his arm)

Henri. I just had a horrible thought. What if they take this exit? What if they drive right up to us, what’ll we do?

H. FORD

Calm down, my dear. That’s not going to happen.

GRACIE

But, but. Did you call me dear?

(smiles)

H. FORD

Ahh. Well I guess I did. You don’t mind do you?

GRACIE

(smiles)

No. No I don’t mind at all, dearest.

H. Ford leans toward her as to kiss her, then pulls back and looks at the interstate.

H. FORD

We’ve got to know if they drive past us. Help me watch.

Gracie leans against him as they both stare at the interstate traffic.

Within seconds the black sedan with the tall antenna drives over the bridge, past their exit hiding place.

GRACIE

(jubilant)

That’s it. The black sedan. The tall antenna. They went past us. We’re free.

Gracie hugs H. Ford and he hugs her back. They pull apart and then they kiss lightly, then passionately.

GAS STATION ATTENDANT

Hay you two, the motel is down the road. You need gas or something?

H. Ford turns quickly around and faces the attendant.

H. FORD

Ahh, ahh. Yea. Ahh. We need directions. Is there any other way to get to Reno from here, besides the interstate?

GAS STATION ATTENDANT

I got a map inside, $2. You can figure it out yourself.

H. FORD

Thanks. I’ll get the map, Gracie you watch the road.

GRACIE

Excuse me young man. Is there a store where we can buy some camping equipment?

GAS STATION ATTENDANT

Yes mame. Cross the street, over in the mall there’s a KMART.

44. INT. BLACK SEDAN – DRIVING ON INTERSTATE

PIZZERO

I’ve been doing ninety for the past thirty minutes. We should have caught up by now.

RAZO

You’re right, we should have. Better slow down, don’t need anymore cops. Maybe they took one of those exits we passed.

PIZZERO

Yea, that’s what I was thinkin’. Probably got hungry and found a café. I could use some food myself.

RAZO

Forget it. We’ve got to find them first. They were only ten minutes or so ahead of us. They didn’t know we were following them, so they must have stayed near the speed limit. We should have already caught up. They must have turned off for lunch.

PIZZERO

Lunch. That’s what I say we do. They eat, we eat.

RAZO

No. That cop in the trunk ought be awake by now. Find some quiet spot off this highway. That cop and the secretary are friends, had lunch together. I just bet she knows exactly where they are going.

PIZZERO

Yea, she knows. A shot of truth serum and then we’ll know too. This next exit had a sign that said no services. I’ll find us a quiet spot.

45. EXT. BURNED OUT GAS STATION BUILDING – NEAR INTERSTATE

The trunk of the black sedan is open and Officer Judy is sitting up looking at Razo and Pizzero.

RAZO

Just tell us where the professor is going and no harm will come to you.

OFFICER JUDY

You boys are going to jail for a long time. Kidnapping a police is a felony. My partners have your plates. You haven’t got a chance of getting away this.

PIZZERO

Guess you didn’t look at those plates too close. Those are diplomatic plates. We’re from the Italian Embassy. The professor defected from the Italian Ministry of Science with top secret data. It's our job to catch him.

OFFICER JUDY

What kind of fool do you take me for. That’s one hell of a lie. You two are loan sharks and he owes you money.

PIZZERO

Oh I don’t doubt that the professor owes some loan sharks money. But that’s not us. Come out here and look at these plates.

Officer Judy climbs out of the trunk, stands up and looks at the sedan’s license plates.

46. EXT. INTERSTATE HIGHWAY – BURNED OUT GAS STATION EXIT

H. Ford and Gracie drive over the interstate bridge toward Reno and are not seen by Razo or Pizzero.

47. EXT. BURNED OUT GAS STATION BUILDING – NEAR INTERSTATE

Officer Judy stands up after looking closely at the black sedan’s license plates.

OFFICER JUDY

Italian Embassy. Diplomats. I don’t believe it.

PIZZERO

I guess there’s a lot the good professor didn’t tell you. Now are you going to co-operate and tell us exactly where they are going or what?

OFFICER JUDY

Hmmm. Does Gracie know about this?

RAZO

You mean his secretary? I doubt it. Professor Ford escaped two months ago. We knew he was somewhere in the city. And we almost had him till you interfered.

OFFICER JUDY

Well those plates look official. Guess you’ve got your ID?

PIZZERO

(takes out wallet)

Right here officer.

(shows her ID)

OFFICER JUDY

Looks official. But I’ll have to check with my superiors before I can co-operate.

RAZO

We just don’t have time for that. They’re around here somewhere. And we know they’re going to Reno. You’ve got to tell us where.

OFFICER JUDY

Sorry gentlemen. You drugged me and put me in the trunk of your car. That is not how official business is done.

RAZO

You’re going to tell us, one way or the other. Grab her!

Pizzero bear hugs Officer Judy. And Razo injects a needle into her arm.

Within seconds Officer Judy stops struggling and Pizzero sits here on the edge of the open trunk.

PIZZERO

(slow monotone)

Officer. You have seen our official documents. You know we are with the Italian Embassy. You know we are pursuing an escaped criminal. His name is Professor Ford. He is traveling with his secretary. They are going to Reno. Where exactly are they going?

OFFICER JUDY

(druggedly)

Professor Ford and Gracie are going to Pine Needle Lodge, cabin eight. Ten miles south of Reno on route 12.

PIZZERO

(slow monotone)

Thank you Officer. Now you are getting sleepy. Very very sleepy. You will climb back into the trunk and take a long nap.

Officer Judy climbs into the trunk and lays down and sleeps.

Pizzero and Razo get back in the sedan and drive back onto the interstate.

48. INT. WHITE FORD VAN – DRIVING ON INTERSTATE

H. Ford is driving and Gracie is in passenger seat looking through binoculars.

H. FORD

Getting that camping gear was a great idea. That took us thirty minutes. That means they should be about thirty miles ahead of us.

GRACIE

They thought they were behind us, so they probably have been speeding. Sooner or later they’ve got to realize that we took an exit and they passed us.

H. FORD

If I were them, that’s what I’d think. So then I’d get near Reno and pull over and wait.

GRACIE

That makes sense. So we take the next exit, the back roads into Reno. They don’t know we’re going to the police lodge so we’re home free.

H. FORD

Yep. That’s the plan. If they’re not waiting for us at the next exit, we’re home free.

GRACIE

Do you think they know about the back way into Reno?

H. FORD

Doubt it. Unless they have a map. But remember dear, they think that we don’t know they are following us. So they think that we will take the quick, safe interstate to Reno.

GRACIE

All this we think, they think, gets confusing.

H. FORD

A little. It’s a what if guessing game, sort of like playing Chess. I’m a master at that game.

GRACIE

(smiles at him)

That’s reassuring to know, dearest. Our exit is next.

H. FORD

Cross your fingers Gracie. Here we go.

GRACIE

What will we do it they are down there waiting for us?

H. FORD

Guess I’ll have to ram into the driver’s side. Try to knock them out. Got your seat belt tight?

GRACIE

I’m ready, go ahead dearest.

49. EXT. INTERSTATE EXIT RAMP – EXIT 7.

H. Ford drives down the exit ramp slowly. And sits at the stop sign while Gracie looks through the binoculars.

GRACIE

Nobody down here. They must have gone on further like you thought. Unless they’re behind those trees.

H. FORD

If they were down here, they’d be parked where they could see the interstate. They wouldn’t be hiding.

H. Ford speeds along Route 7. Both looking around for the black sedan.

50. EXT. PINE NEEDLE LODGE – CABIN EIGHT

The black sedan drives slowly past cabin eight. Then backs into a tent camping space a hundred yards away. Razo and Pizzero stay in the sedan watching the cabin.

RAZO

No van. Nobody home yet. We got here ahead of them.

PIZZERO

Yea. They took a long lunch somewhere. They weren’t in any hurry. They didn’t know we were behind them.

RAZO

Good thing we kept that lady cop. You think the embassy can keep us out of jail?

PIZZERO

If we catch Professor Ford and his gold invention, we’ll be heroes.

RAZO

Yea. But I thought we’d keep some for ourselves.

PIZZERO

So did I until the local cops got in the way. Maybe we can still get some it. You still got that one blob don’t you?

RAZO

Yea. It’s about three pounds, worth about $10,000.

PIZZERO

Well that’s better than nothing. And I’ll bet he’s got a few more of those blobs. Either on him or back in that lab of his.

RAZO

Think they’ll let us keep what we find?

PIZZERO

What they don’t know, won’t hurt em’. Ha ha ha.

RAZO

When they get here, how do you want to handle this?

PIZZERO

I don’t think they’ll see us back here. But if they do, we’ll have to ram em’. The cabins are clearly marked so they’ll just pull into the driveway.

RAZO

We let them get settled inside and then park behind them. I’ve got that cop’s gun and you’ve got the tranq gun, they won’t offer any resistance.

PIZZERO

Put the professor in the trunk then back to his lab for the gold. Call the embassy and charter a plane out of here.

RAZO

What about the women?

PIZZERO

Tie them up in the cabin. Tranquilize them and we’ll be home before they wake up. You can call the local cops here to find them. Feel better.

RAZO

Yea. We don’t want two dead women hanging over us.

PIZZERO

Hay. Isn’t that a white van coming down the road?

H. Ford slows the van near the driveway of cabin eight.

51. INT. WHITE FORD VAN – ROAD NEAR CABIN EIGHT

H. FORD

We made it. There’s cabin eight. I don’t think anyone else is here.

GRACIE

Well Judy said this was the off season. Let’s park and go inside.

H. FORD

That sounds good to me. I’m tired of driving.

H. Ford parks in the driveway near the cabin. They go to the front door and find it open and go inside.

52. INT. BLACK SEDAN – 100 YARDS FROM CABIN EIGHT

PIZZERO

Okay. They’re in. Drive down there slowly. We don’t want to any draw attention.

The black sedan slowly comes out of the camping space and rolls slowly down the road toward cabin eight.

53. INT. CABIN EIGHT

Gracie is looking out the backdoor window.

GRACIE

Let’s go down and look at the lake. It’s beautiful. I think I see some canoes. Do you know how to paddle?

H. FORD

Ha. Ha. Ha. If you only knew how I spent my boyhood. Maybe I’ll tell you later.

H. Ford hears something and looks out the front room window. He grabs his suitcase and Gracie’s purse and runs to her.

H. FORD

It’s the black sedan. They parked behind us. Quick to the canoe.

Gracie and H. Ford leave by the back door.

54. EXT. CABIN EIGHT – DRIVEWAY

The black sedan slowly pulls into the driveway and parks behind the white van.

Razo and Pizzero get out of the sedan and are careful not to close the doors. They walk to the front door.

55. INT. CABIN EIGHT

Razo and Pizzero enter the front door pointing their guns.

They cautiously look in the bedroom, then the bathroom and then the kitchen.

RAZO

This thing doesn’t have a basement, does it? Where the hell are they?

PIZZERO

(points out backdoor)

We’ve been spotted. They’re running down to the canoes.

RAZO

What now? If we make a scene down there someone from one of the other cabins might see us.

PIZZERO

We’ll have to chance it. Can’t let them find someone to tell. Come on!

55. EXT. CABIN EIGHT – LAKE DOCK

H. Ford helps Gracie into the front of a canoe. He gets into the back and hands her a paddle.

H. FORD

Quick. Untie the dock rope.

H. Ford and Gracie untie the two ropes. He pushes the canoe away from the dock.

H. FORD

Paddle on the left side. When I say switch, paddle on the right side. Put the paddle deep in the water and pull to the back. Go!

H. Ford and Gracie are a good thirty yards out into the center of the lake before Razo and Pizzero get their canoe away from the dock.

GRACIE

(yelling)

Henri. Where are we going?

H. FORD

Over to that big building by the dam. Maybe somebody is there.

Razo and Pizzero are gradually getting closer to H. Ford and Gracie.

H. Ford and Gracie are near the dam spillway.

H. FORD

(yells)

Not the spillway. Paddle left for the dam.

56. EXT. LAKE – DAM OVERFLOW SPILLWAY

Gracie tries to switch hands but drops her paddle into the canoe. When she regains a grip on the paddle the canoe is pointed at the overflowing spillway.

Their canoe slides over the small wire fence at the spillway and they slide down the steep spillway.

H. Ford uses his paddle as a rudder, keeping them upright.

Razo guides his canoe into the dirt of the dam.

Razo and Pizzero get out of their canoe and stand at the top of the spillway, watching H. Ford’s canoe.

57. EXT. DAM OVERFLOW RIVER

H. Ford and Gracie paddle safely down the narrow dam overflow river.

58. EXT. DAM SPILLWAY

RAZO

I don’t believe it. They made it. They’re getting away. What now?

PIZZERO

If they can do it, we can do it. Come on get back in the canoe.

Razo and Pizzero get back in their canoe and paddle it down the spillway to the dam overflow river.

59. EXT. MOUNTAIN RIVER

H. Ford and Gracie continue to float down the narrow stream. They have to duck under many tree branches. Tired, they paddle only to stay in the center.

Razo and Pizzero are paddling fast and are closing the distance from H. Ford.

H. Ford glances back and sees the other canoe.

The river stream is getting wider and wider.

Soon Razo and Pizzero are very close.

Razo reaches forward and grabs H. Ford’s canoe. H. Ford hits his hand with the paddle. Razo swings his paddle at H. Ford.

H. Ford and Razo have a paddle fight.

Pizzero paddles faster until Razo and H. Ford are side by side, hitting each other with their paddles.

Gracie screams and turns around to H. Ford.

GRACIE

Henri! Big rocks and rapids ahead.

The two canoes are nearly side by side when the river suddenly drops down, turning into gushing rapids.

Razo points the police revolver at H. Ford.

Gracie swings her paddle and hits Razo’s hand. The revolver falls into the canoe beside her. She then hits Razo on the face. He falls backward into his canoe.

Pizzero is close enough to H. Ford that his paddle knocks H. Ford on the head and he falls forward toward Gracie.

Gracie screams as she uses her paddle to push the other canoe away from her.

Razo tries to stand up, rocking his canoe and it hits a big rock and turns over in the roaring rapids. Razo and Pizzero disappear under the white water.

H. Ford sits back up and uses his paddle as a rudder. Gracie uses her paddle to push away from the rocks. They bounce down the rapids for a very long time.

When the river slows and flattens out wider, H. Ford guides them over to the embankment.

H. FORD

Gracie tie us up to that tree root.

Gracie wraps the canoe rope around the tree root then the canoe rests aside the embankment.

H. Ford crawls forward and picks up the revolver.

H. FORD

Come on let’s get on the bank.

H. Ford and Gracie climb onto the bank. They sit down behind a big tree looking at the river.

H. FORD

I’ve got one of the guns. I guess we’re going to have to shoot it out with them. He tried to kill me with that paddle.

GRACIE

Oh Henri. I was so frightened for you. When he pointed that gun, oh my, I just, just freaked and swang at him.

H. FORD

You probably saved my life.

Gracie and H. Ford hug and kiss. H. Ford pulls back.

H. FORD

Not now dear. They’ll be coming soon.

Gracie looks at the river.

GRACIE

Look at that. Isn’t that their canoe turned upside down?

H. FORD

Yea. I think it is. Wonder where they’re at.

GRACIE

Maybe they’re hiding under it. Too sneak up on us.

H. FORD

Ahhh maybe. You watch the canoe. I’ll watch upstream.

The upturned canoe floats down stream out of sight.

GRACIE

Henri. I don’t think they’re under it.

H. FORD

Well you’re right about that dear. There they are. Floating dead in the water.

(points at river)

GRACIE

Ohh! Are you sure they’re dead and not trying to sneak up on us.

H. FORD

I think they’re dead. Face down in the water. Just floating down stream like that. They must have drown back in the rapids.

GRACIE

Good. They were bad men.

H. FORD

Let’s follow them in the canoe to make sure.

H. Ford and Gracie get back in the canoe. They paddle to catch up to the floating bodies.

H. FORD

That’s close enough Gracie. We’ll just watch them for awhile. See what they do.

Both bodies adventually get snagged against a small fallen tree in the river. They lay dead against the limbs.

H. Ford and Gracie paddle around the tree and continue down stream. Both glancing back at the bodies.

60. EXT. MOUNTAIN RIVER - DUSK

H. Ford guides the canoe over to the embankment.

H. FORD

It’s almost dark. Let’s camp here for the night. They’re dead, we don’t have to worry about them anymore.

GRACIE

Okay. I’ve got a lighter in my purse. We can make a camp fire. That’ll be romantic, won’t it dearest.

H. Ford and Gracie get out of the canoe.

61. EXT. PINE NEEDLE LODGE – CABIN EIGHT - DUSK

The trunk lid of the black sedan pops open and Officer Judy climbs out holding a tire iron.

She looks around and then goes into the cabin carrying the tire iron as a weapon.

62. EXT. MOUNTAIN RIVER FISHING/TOURIST VILLAGE - MORNING

H. Ford and Gracie tie their canoe at a dock. They sit on the dock and look around.

GRACIE

This looks like a nice safe place. Why don’t we take our vacation here?

H. FORD

Vacation? Why don’t we just stay here? Why go back at all? There’ll just be more bad men trying to get me. To get my experiment.

GRACIE

Hmmm. You really think so? More men after you?

H. FORD

Yes my dear. More bad men after my research. I told too many people about it.

GRACIE

But I thought you said it didn’t work yet.

H. FORD

I didn’t get the results I wanted but I did make an important discovery. There’ll be lots of bad men after it.

GRACIE

Maybe you could turn it over to the government and they could protect us.

H. FORD

Maybe, but I doubt it. There’s things about me you don’t know. I’m not an American citizen. I’m Italian, they’d send me back. Might even put me in jail.

GRACIE

Jail? Just for doing research? An experiment?

H. FORD

Because I left Italy without permission. I worked for the Italian government. I ran away I don’t want to go back!

GRACIE

Oh Henri. Jail. I couldn’t stand that. I, I love you.

H. FORD

And I love you. Let’s stay here. No more experiments. I’ll do something else.

GRACIE

I don’t care what you do. I just want to be with you. Do we have enough money to live here?

H. FORD

(opens wallet)

For awhile. We can rent a small house, but we’ll have to find jobs.

GRACIE

Well that’s okay. That’s how most couples start out. Let’s check out the town.

Gracie takes H. Ford by the hand and they walk down the busy main street.

63. EXT. MAIN STREET MOUNTAIN FISHING/TOURIST VILLAGE

H. Ford and Gracie are standing on the sidewalk in front of a old brick two story building.

The painted sign on the window says Jack’s Repair Shop. On the door is a real-estate sign that says: For Sale or Lease.

H. FORD

This looks perfect. We could live up stairs. I know how to fix lots of things. You can do the books, be my helper.

GRACIE

(smiles)

How about your wife?

H. FORD

(smiles)

That’s what I meant dear.

(kisses her)

GRACIE

Well then, let’s see what our new home looks like.

Gracie tries the doorknob and finds it open. They go inside.

64. INT. JACK’S REPAIR SHOP – 2^ND FLOOR APARTMENT

Gracie and H. Ford are sitting at the kitchen table.

H. FORD

The repair shop downstairs is just perfect for me. But this apartment seems kinda small.

GRACIE

The apartment is just perfect dear. Our little love nest. I’m so happy. But can we afford it?

H. Ford opens his suitcase and takes out one of the yellow blobs.

H. FORD

Guess what this is.

GRACIE

Hmmm. Don’t know. One of your experiments?

H. FORD

Ahhh. No. It’s something I found along the riverbank. I’m positive it’s a gold nugget. A very big expensive gold nugget.

(winks at her)

GRACIE

You found that when we were camping? How interesting. You’re positive its gold?

H. FORD

(smiles and winks)

Pretty sure. Let’s go open a bank account.

GRACIE

Good idea. Got anymore?

H. FORD

Enough for this place, dear.

H. Ford and Gracie leave the kitchen.

65. EXT. JACK’S REPAIR SHOP

H. Ford and Gracie are standing on the sidewalk looking about the town.

H. FORD

There’s a bank. Come on. Got your purse?

Gracie holds up her purse. Then opens it and looks inside. She takes out an envelope. She carefully opens the envelope and peaks inside.

GRACIE

(talks to envelope)

Sorry. Been so busy I forgot about our lunch date. Maybe another time.

Gracie bends down and puts the open envelope on the sidewalk. H. Ford watches her curiously.

A large black ant hurries out of the envelope. It looks around, then waves its antenna at Gracie. Then the ant disappears through the cracks of the wooden sidewalk.

GRACIE

Look at that. The church is right next to the bank.

Gracie takes H. Ford’s hand and they cross the street toward the bank.

the end.

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