FADE IN:
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - SUNRISE
We see some men on down at the waters edge doing various things.
The sky is red and the sun is just beginning to rise.
EXT. SEA - SUNRISE
An overhead shot of boat speeding along over the crystal clear,
flat calm water, the wake fading from sight in the distance.
We move in closer to see a number of gorgeous women in the boat.
It is a new BIBN0001 center cockpit sport fisherman.
We can see that the boat is named "Easy Trouble"
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - SUNRISE
The camera moves in amoung the guys at the shore stopping on one
from time to time. Some are cleaning fish, one is breaking
out conchs, another dicing conch in preparation for a conch
salad.
The camera moves up the beach to a cooking area where a few guys
are tending to the morning meal preparations. Soon it moves
on to show other men still sleeping in hammocks or on cots,
or the ground in various spots around the camp.
INT. EASY TROUBLE - SUNRISE
The camera is in amoung the women on the boat. They are smiling
and laughing, the sea wind is blowing the hair of those
whose hair can be blown. They look healthy and athletic.
Some border on beautiful, some would say one side of the
border, some another.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - SUNRISE
The camera is back down at the water's edge. More men are milling
about, laughing and telling jokes and cutting up. And going
about various tasks.
Some turn their heads as we begin to hear a boat in
INT. EASY TROUBLE - SUNRISE
The camera takes various shots of the girls putting on wet suit
tops and then moves to a rear facing shot of two big
BIBN0002 engines turning over with a powerful sound. The
wake looks like you could surf it near the stern and then
spreads wider and fades away in the distance.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - SUNRISE
Still more guys have arrived at the shore and are looking to the
east. The sound of the boat engines is louder now. We see
"Easy Trouble" round the point and begin to make a long
sweeping arc towards the shore where the guys are standing
at the waters edge, some dry, some ankle deep in the
As "easy Trouble" gets close, girls start jumping from the side
and into the water, one by one.
As they hit, some skip along the surface for a while, limbs everywhere,
before finally going under. Some do not bounce as many
times.
As they surface, they begin swimming to shore and walking in amoung
the guys.
All the while, the guys are cheering and whistling.
EXT. FRANK'S HAMMOCK - SUNRISE
FRANK FOX is awake in his hammock. Watching the girls jump from
"Easy Trouble" and smiling a smile of content satisfaction.
He sees the girls swim ashore and begin an easy banter with the
guys down by the water.
He notices NADJA reach the shore and puts his head back
down, closes his eyes and feigns sleep.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - SUNRISE
Nadja rises up out of the water, drops glisten like diamonds on
her deep brown skin.
NADJA
Hey guys, everyone awake? There's
no time to waste today.
There is general laughter all around.
NADJA
Where's Frank?
Several heads point towards the tree line where his hammock is
with their noses.
NADJA
Is that bum still asleep? He has a
lot to do today.
EXT. FRANK'S HAMMOCK - SUNRISE
We see Frank looking down the beach at Nadja's approach through
slitted eyes. He tries to hide a grin, almost a smirk, as
Nadja approaches. He manages to do so just in the nick of
time as she draws near.
NADJA
Hey sleepy head, time to get up!
Sun's up and burning.
Frank doesn't move.
NADJA
(louder)
I said get up! Stop fooling around
Frank. I know you are up.
Nadja grabs the edge of Frank's hammock and prepares to dump him
on the ground.
FRANK
Hey! Don't you dare. I will have to
bring out Tammy if you do.
NADJA
You try use a switch on me and you
ga know.
Nadja dumps Frank on the ground and runs for the water.
Frank is lucky that the ground beneath the hammock is
covered in a think bed of casuarina needles.
He jumps up and races after Nadja, yelling threats and laughing
all the while.
INT. ZYDECO FOX'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Zydeco's alarm rings.
Various shots of Zydeco getting ready for work, shaving, dressing,
eating quickly.
EXT. ZYDECO'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Zydeco comes out of his house and gets in his BIBN0007 car and
starts it.
INT. ZYDECO'S CAR - EARLY MORNING
Zydeco pulls out onto the road and heads west to work.
Driving along the road, Zydeco soon runs into bumper to bumper
traffic.
The going is slow. Zydeco is stressing. Shots of his dash clock
to document his slow progress.
MORE SCENES GO HERE.
EXT. ROSE ISLAND - LATE AFTERNOON
A long line of boats follows the buoy line east, using their hints
to avoid the reefs that pose a serious danger to boats.
The boats head into a long white sand beach and a few at a time
unload their passengers and cargo onto the beach before
moving on and choosing their anchourages.
INT. EASY TROUBLE - LATE AFTERNOON
The girls from the morning jump from the stern of the boat onto
the beach.
Nadja and Frank pass the goods onto the beach and then proceed
to anchour "Easy Trouble".
EXT. OFFSHORE ROSE ISLAND - LATE AFTERNOON
We see a small dingy moving from boat to boat, picking up people
to ferry them to shore.
EXT. ROSE ISLAND BEACH - PRE SUNSET
People are digging fire pits, setting up grills and getting ready
for a party.
Frank and some of the Idle Guys are setting up for a gig. They
are laying out interlocking boards to make a stage setting
up the band's gear on it.
We see a forty foot BIBN0003 cabin cruiser stern in to
Frank goes down and someone on board passes him a heave
power cable. Other idle guys plant poles with Y tops in the
sand leading from the boat to the stage. Frank strings the
cable in the Ys and ties the end down on stage.
"Strange Dreams" will be providing power for the
Two Idle guys raise two poles with a banner between them behind
the makeshift stage and plant the poles in the sand.
The sign reads:
Appearing Tonight: Barry And The Cudas!
There is a picture of a large Great Barracuda in blue behind the
words.
EXT. ROSE ISLAND BEACH - SUNSET
A group of people are sitting on the beach of a small cove
to the west of the main beach. Playing acoustic instruments
and singing as they watch the sun set to the west.
The camera moves around to the west of the group and in the background
we can see the fires being lit on the main beach.
EXT. ROSE ISLAND BEACH - NIGHT
A crowd of people are on the beach in front of the stage.
We see a number of the idle guys from the beach hangout on stage
with black t-shirts that read "CUDA" in large yellow
letters.
They are playing some smooth island tunes and the crowd is swaying
and shuffling their feet in the sand.
The music stops and the swaying dies out.
A spotlight starts sweeping the beach from the top of "Strange
Dreams" as a drummer beats out a driving island rhythm.
Up near the sea grass line at the top of the beach to the east,
the light catches someone running towards the stage and
follows him.
It is Frank, people start cheering. The band breaks into a hot
rake 'n' scrape number and Frank jumps on the stage and
begins to sing.
He is wearing a yellow t-shirt with the words "The Barry" in black letters
on the front.
FRANK
these are the words to the rake n
scrape song i have to write
if you wanna write one for
inclusion here put it up
on ourmedia.org under a creative
commons BY-SA license
and i may include it here instead
of my own let me know if you do i
say if you dooooo
The crowd cheering rises to a whole new level.
EXT. OFFSHORE ROSE ISLAND - NIGHT
A boat is making its way slowly along the buoy line in
INT. DEEP MYSTERIES - NIGHT
MANDY MAY is sitting in the stern of "Deep Mysteries" a
small flashlight in her mouth glancing over some notes which
are threatening to blow away in the breeze. Her green eyes
sparkle in the light.
EXT. ROSE ISLAND BEACH - NIGHT
FRANK
Thanks everyone, it is time for our
break and I think I see the boat
with are speaker for the night
heading in now.
Heads turn to the north west to make out the boat heading in for
the shore.
EXT. ROSE ISLAND BEACH - NIGHT
Mandy walks up the beach and takes the stage as Frank and
the guys leave it.
Nadja has appeared at center stage and has the microphone.
NADJA
Goodnight everyone. We have Mandy
May here tonight to speak to us on
saving our islands from destruction
at the hands of developers. Please give
her a warm welcome and you
attention for a while at least.
There is low laughter all around as Mandy takes the mic
MANDY
Good evening everyone, my name is
Mandy May and I would like to speak
to you tonight about the fight to
save these lovely islands from wanton
destruction. Destruction by
unscrupulous interests who have no
care for the beauty that they would
destroy. Interests whose only
interest is the income they can
derive from their greedy schemes.
People for whom there is no ENOUGH!
Time slows down for Frank as he watches the lovely Miss May. Her
words fade into the background, but her beauty comes to the
fore. He sees a wisp of her hair blown by a gentle breeze.
MANDY
(continued... low drone)
and we need everyone
(... more drone)
He sees firelight sparkle as it glints on her pearly
MANDY
(continued... low drone)
so I want to ask you all to join
(... more drone)
He starts to hear his heart beat quite loudly.
Nadja, looks over and sees how he is looking at Mandy and a frown
crosses her face.
She gets up and walks over and sits next to him and holds
his hand and leans her head on his shoulder.
Time speeds back up for him when she does so and he snaps
out of his state.
MANDY
(continued))
And so in closing I want to say
that together we can make a difference
for this beautiful country.
She gets a rousing round of applause.
Nadja gets up and goes back to the stage and takes the mic from
Mandy, a bit too forcefully.
NADJA
That was a wonderful speech Mandy
and we all want to thank you for
taking time out of you busy
schedule to speak to us here
tonight. I know you have a lot to
do tomorrow so the boat can take
you back right away.
MANDY
(leaning in to the mic)
Thanks Nadja, but I don't have an
early start in the morning so I
think I would like to stay a while
and enjoy the party if I may.
NADJA
(reluctantly)
Certainly, we are always happy to
have friends amoung us.
Mandy leaves the stage and goes down into the crowd.
NADJA
And now, let's have "Barry And The
Cudas" back up here on stage for
the last set of the night.
Frank and the guys jump on stage and take up
FRANK
OK, folks, this is where we take
requests so let's hear them.
From the crowd we hear:
Rob Me Blind!
Party In The Back Yard!
Low Voltage Blues!
Boom Pine Wine!
The Toters!
Rainwater Blues!
Mike!
Daybreak!
Crow Calypso!
FRANK
(continued)
OK, OK. Low Voltage Blues guys.
The band starts to play.
I got the low voltage blues I got
the low voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the low
voltage blues
The crowd sings along to the "I got the low voltage
My U.P.S. is beepin My Fridge is
gettin warm My A.C., it won't kick
in Man there ain't even no storm
I got the low voltage blues I got
the low voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the low
voltage blues
I'm tryin to write my novel In
thirty short, short days And now
just like the last year Gots to
pray they change their ways
I got the low voltage blues I got
the low voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the low
voltage blues
If I don't reach my fifty I'll know
just who to blame Them boys and
their low voltage Who keep messin
with my brain
I got the low voltage blues I got
the low voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the low
voltage blues
The song ends and the crowd erupts in cheers and laughs.
Nadja sees Mandy looking with interest at Frank and frowns.
Someone in the crowd yells out "Rob Me Blind" and one by one others
take up the chant.
Rob Me Blind!
Rob Me Blind!
Rob Me Blind!
FRANK
All right, all right, we hear you.
Loud and clear.
Girl you know I need a woman To
come and steal my heart So I leave
it on the front porch Each Night
when it gets dark
Nadja looks to Frank to look at her for this song only to find
him smiling at Mandy instead. She gives him a mean look and
stalks off down the beach to the east.
Then I lay upon my pillow And pray
if God be kind He'd let you drive
down my street Let you stop and rob
me blind
The crowd joins in boisterously for "rob me blind."
When I wake up every morning I look
outside to find It cold and lonely
on the ground Then I almost lose my
mind
this lyric needs to be finished
EXT. ROSE ISLAND BEACH - AFTER THE GIG
There is a circle of people sitting around a fire on the
sand.
Nadja is sitting next to Frank, Mandy is sitting on the
other side of the fire. Various idle guys and a number of
girls from "Easy Trouble" and sundry other people.
MANDY
(looking across the fire at
Frank and smiling)
I want to thank you and the band
for doing this for us tonight. This
is important work and we need all
the help we can get. It is generous
of you to give your time and
talents like this.
FRANK
Well, we appreciate the thanks, but
you have Nadj and some of her
friends here to thank for getting
us here. This was a paid gig for us
here tonight.
MANDY
(a look of disappointment
flashing across her face)
Oh.
(looking ant Nadja)
I didn't know. Thanks so much for
doing this for the islands.
(looking back at Frank)
Your help could mean so much. Would
you consider doing some events for
us on different islands? And
perhaps making a special fund
raising CD that we could sell to
fund our efforts?
FRANK
Mnnnnn... I don't see how we could
do the concerts. It's not easy
doing nothing for a living like we
do. If we were flush right now we
might consider it, but we aren't.
Now the CD idea has possibilities.
If you can be flexible. If you are
gonna be around for a few days,
give me a call or drop by Das Da
Point, I am sure Nadj would be
happy to bring you.
Nadja elbows Frank in the ribs and smiles at him sweetly
when he looks her way.
EXT. ROSE ISLAND BEACH - NIGHT
Everyone but some idle guys gets on boats and heads back
We see that all of the band's equipment is in the center of the
stage and a large tarp covers the whole thing.
Some guys are already asleep in makeshift rents. Frank and a few
of the guys in the band are sitting down by the water
enjoying the stars.
EXT. SEA - MID MORNING
"Easy Trouble" is moving at a good clip. We can see the
beach hangout in the distance ahead. People moving about.
INT. EASY TROUBLE - MID MORNING
MANDY
Nadja, I really want to thank you
for doing this for me. It is so
nice of you to take the time to
bring me out here. And I want to apologize
for last night. I didn't know that
you had paid for Barry And The Cudas
to do the show. That was so
generous of you.
NADJA
Well, you still don't have it
exactly right Mandy. I didn't pay
for the whole thing myself. Some of
the girls and I got together, we
did pitch in some ourselves, but we
also did a bit of fund raising and
even had a small steak out.
"Easy Trouble" is getting closer to the beach hangout now
and Nadja swerves to avoid a small head and begins easing
back on the throttles.
MANDY
I see, still, it was vary good of
you and I want to thank you from my
heart for your efforts.
NADJA
What you are doing is important
work Mandy and we want to help that
succeed in any way we can. I don't
think you are going to get very far
with this bunch though. They are
mostly nice enough guys, but they
have their own take on life, that's
for sure.
MANDY
We'll see, even if I get nowhere
though, it has been worth the time
just to talk to you and to see this
beautiful place.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - MID MORNING
"Easy Trouble" has its stern in to the beach. An idle guy jumps
aboard.
NADJA
Do you know where Frank is?
IDLE GUY
He's up at the studio with a few of
the guys working on some new stuff.
Nadja and Mandy step onto the beach and the idle guys take the
boat out and drops the anchour before diving in to swim
ashore.
Nadja and Mandy walk up the beach and down a path to some stacks
of forty foot shipping containers with roofs between them.
There is a sign above one of the lower containers: "Silence Is
Golden" and a Recording sign on a door which is inset in the
main door of the container. That sign in lit.
NADJA
We need to wait for them to finish.
It may be a while.
INT. IDLE STUDIOS - MID MORNING
Frank is in the control room sitting at a desk with a BIBN0005
mixing console on it and a couple of large BIBN0006 flat
screen LCD monitors running Ardour and Jack and several
other bits of Free Software that the idle guys use for
recording their music.
There are two racks under the desk with various bits of rack mount
gear and a PC that runs Ardour.
Through the double paned window we see band members with their
instruments and mics.
FRANK
OK guys, I like that, take five and
let me think about this and we can
try and get down another piece
before we break for lunch.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - MID MORNING
The "Recording" light goes off. Nadja notices and turns the handle
on the door.
NADJA
OK, Mandy, lets get in before they
start again.
Nadja and Mandy go into...
INT. IDLE STUDIOS - MID MORNING
MANDY
Hi Frank, how are you!
FRANK
Hey there Mandy, what brings you
here. Hey Nadj. You guys been
waiting long?
NADJA
No, we just got here a few minutes
ago.
MANDY
I came to talk to you about that
fund raising CD idea.
Frank presses a button on the console and speaks into the
mic.
FRANK
Guys, Nadj has brought Mandy buy to
talk some business so I am gonna
break 'till after lunch. I you guys
wanna do the same, fine, if you wanna
practice some more, that will be
cool too.
Frank extends his arm towards the door...
FRANK
Ladies.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - MID MORNING
Frank leads Nadja and Mandy along a path to another shipping container
and they enter through another door set into the main door.
INT. FRANK'S OFFICE - MID MORNING
FRANK
(indicating some a sofa and
some chairs)
Have a seat ladies.
They all sit down.
FRANK
OK, so what can we do for you
Mandy?
MANDY
Well, I really would like for you
to reconsider doing some shows for
the cause. I know you say you
can't, but please think it over
again for me. It would mean so much
and I would be very grateful.
FRANK
I really think you are wasting your
time thinking about that. I'm the
Barry right now and I have a
responsibility to the guys here. We
are not in a position now to commit
to something like that. You had
another thought though.
MANDY
Yes, well, I was wondering about
you guys cutting a special fund
raising CD for the group which we
could sell to raise support for
FRANK
Here's the thing. I think I said
there may be something we could do
along those lines if you could be
flexible.
MANDY
What do you mean if we can be
flexible?
FRANK
Well, for our live shows we do
covers and our own stuff. When we
record, we only record our own
stuff or a much narrower selection
of other stuff.
MANDY
OK. So?
FRANK
So, we like to release our own
stuff with a Free and copyleft license.
And we will sometimes record other
people's stuff if they release their
stuff with a Free license.
MANDY
And that means what exactly.
FRANK
Well, it means that you can just go
through our recorded materials, put
together a fund raising CD to your
liking and sell all you can and
keep the proceeds without our say
so or without paying us anything.
MANDY
What? So we just make a CD of your
songs we like, and we make and sell
as many copies as we can and that's
it. No permission and no
FRANK
Right.
MANDY
So, what's the catch. How do we
need to be flexible with a deal
like that before us.
FRANK
Well, it's like this. we would
rather you did it a different way.
MANDY
And what way is that?
FRANK
What we would like is for you to
sign a deal with us over the fund
raising CD. We will work with you
to choose good songs and put them
in a sensible order. Plus, we are
working on some new stuff now that
if you like any of them, you can
debut those songs on the CD. Plus
we will write and record some
promos for the CD and the effort.
Plus, we will create a packages of
out artwork, images, photos, logos,
and whatnot that you can use in the
promotions.
MANDY
Sounds good, and what would you
want in return?
FRANK
Well, we would want a cut of every
CD sale.
MANDY
So, we can do it ourselves and give
you nothing, or work together but
we have to give you a percentage.
FRANK
That's about right. One thing. If
you go it alone, you cannot use our
photos in your promotions. One
hundred percent. Nor the logos and stuff.
And you cannot imply that you have
our endorsement.
MANDY
Fair enough. I need to think about
that some more and talk it over
with my people. Can I call you if I
have any more questions.
FRANK
Sure. Anytime. Day or night.
MANDY
(looking at her watch)
Look at the time. I won't keep you.
Nadja, would you be so kind as to
take me back now?
NADJA
Sure thing. I will ask someone to
bring the boat in.
FRANK
So soon? I was hoping you two could
join me for lunch.
MANDY
Thank you so much for the
invitation, but I really must be getting
back. I have a lot to do before
tonight.
INT. MABLE FOX'S HOME - AFTERNOON
Nadja and Mable are sitting at the kitchen table. Mrs. Fox
is picking bread for a stuffing and Nadja is dicing the
ingredients of a conch salad.
MABLE
So what's up with you and that boy
of mine?
NADJA
Oh, you know.
MABLE
Yes, I know. Nothing much. That boy
of mine is a scoundrel. I keep
asking him when he is going to
settle down and get serious about
life like his brothers but he just
"Yes Ma's" me.
NADJA
Now, Mable, he isn't really a
scoundrel. He is a fine man.
MABLE
He may be a fine man, and he is a
nice person, but he is a scoundrel
and a do nothing still.
NADJA
Well, I love him no matter what he
is.
MABLE
You know, when the boys were young,
I always worried that we had made a
mistake with Zydeco's name. That we
had somehow burdened him with a name
that would keep him back in life.
But look at him. A bank manager
already. His own house on the
eastern road on the water.
NADJA
He has done well hasn't he?
MABLE
Yes he has, and there is Frank. Him
and those Idles, doing nothing all
day.
NADJA
Well, they like to say they do
nothing, but they have to work at
it I can tell you that.
MABLE
That makes it even worse, doesn't
it? They could just as easily put
that effort into something more
productive.
NADJA
Well, I hope something changes soon
to shake him up.
INT. BIBN0008 FANCY RESTAURANT - EARLY EVENING
Some professional types in suits are sitting around a fancy table
with waiters in attendance and fine food and wine before
them. BIG BILL DIAMOND is at the head of the table, SAMSON
ROLLE is to his right.
Bill, puts down his knife and fork and leans in to Samson.
BILL
(quietly)
Minister, what I am talking about
is opportunity for you country, for
your people, and for your
government. I am talking wins all
around.
SAMSON
Oh, I see what you are getting at
Big Bill, and I like the ideas you
bring to the table. It is the
details that we will have to sort
out before I am willing to bring
the matter before the Prime
Minister.
BIG BILL
I wish he could have been here
today. I really wish you would set
up a meeting with him for me
Samson.
SAMSON
He is a busy man right now Bill. I
want to get things sorted out as
much as possible before bringing
the matter before him.
INT. BIBN0009 BANK BRANCH - MORNING
The camera comes in through the front door and pans around the
branch before moving through a "secutiry" gate and one
upstairs.
We see a door marked "Manager"
INT - ZYDECO'S OFFICE - MORNING
ELAINE DIAMOND is sitting in front of Zydeco Fox. His is a large
office. There is a "manager" sign on his desk.
ZYDECO
What can I do for you today Miss
Diamond?
ELAINE
Well, I don't know if you have
heard around town, but my father's
company is looking to acquire
tracts of land around the country
to develop. I am here to open
discussions with you concerning our
wish to do a significant amount of
our financing with a local bank.
ZYDECO
Well, I am so happy that you came
in to see me Miss Diamond. We are
happy to explore new business
opportunities with serious
companies.
ELAINE
We have heard good things about you
Mr. Fox. My father wanted me to ask
you if you would mind giving us
your opinion of various local real estate
firms.
ZYDECO
I would be happy to help in any way
I can Miss Diamond.
ELAINE
Great, would it be OK with you if
we asked you to come to dinner
tonight to talk about the matter?
ZYDECO
Let me check my schedule.
Zydeco presses a button on his phone.
ZYDECO
Miss Coakley, could you check my
schedule for tonight? Do I have
anything on for tonight?
MISS COAKLEY (O.S)
Right away Mr. Fox.
ZYDECO
Thank you Miss Coakley, let me know
as soon as you can please.
ELAINE
Thank you so much Mr. Fox.
They sit for a short time...
MISS COAKLEY (O.S)
Mr. Fox? Your evening is all clear.
Would you like me to block
something in?
Zydeco looks to Elaine and raises his eyebrow. She holds up seven
fingers.
ZYDECO
Please block in from seven to ten
for me tonight Miss Coakley.
MISS COAKLEY (O.S)
Done. Anything else Mr. Fox?
ZYDECO
No thanks. That will be all for
now.
Elaine begins to stand up...
ELAINE
Well, Mr. Fox, thank you for your
time and we will look forward to
seeing you tonight at seven. Shall
we send a driver to pick you up?
ZYDECO
No, I am happy to drive. Where are
we dining?
ELAINE
Do you know the BIBN0008?
Zydeco nods.
ELAINE
(continued)
OK, see you there at seven then.
Dad said that if you accepted I
should tell you to bring a Texas
Sized appetite with you.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - AFTER MIDNIGHT
All is quiet. The camera moves around and shows idle boys sleeping
in various places.
We see Frank asleep in his hammock. There is a smile on
We hear waves lapping against a boat hull.
We see a small boat moving along the shore, two figures silhouetted
against the night sky.
The camera moves in closer to see Nadja and another woman walking
the boat along.
The camera pans over to see another, larger boat lying quietly
at anchour.
The girls bring the smaller boat alongside the larger one
and proceed to fuel the larger one up from tanks on the
smaller.
On the stern we can see her name is "Take 5"
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - PRE DAWN
"Take 5" is lying peacefully at anchour. A small number of idle
guys are down by the shore.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - SUNRISE
The sister craft to "Take 5" comes in from the west.
Idle guys get up and come down to the shore to greet her.
As she gets closer we see her name is "Tomorrow"
She deftly turns in the calm water and puts her stern to
Idle guys on the stern start throwing a load of conchs into the
water near the beach while others begin throwing fish to
guys on the shore.
Some guys start breaking out the conchs and skinning them with
great skill.
Some guys start cleaning the fish. Skinning or scaling and gutting.
Filleting. Sharp knives flash in the morning sun.
A couple guys bring down conch salad veggies and begin
dicing.
Up the beach we see a cooking fire is started and pots hang over
the fire suspended from sticks.
INT. ZYDECO FOX'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Zydeco's alarm rings.
Various shots of Zydeco getting ready for work, shaving, dressing,
eating quickly. Minor variations from the last such scene.
Zydeco is rushing a bit and keeps checking his watch.
EXT. ZYDECO'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Zydeco runs out of his house and jumps into his BIBN0007 car and
starts it.
INT. ZYDECO'S CAR - EARLY MORNING
As he begins to pull off in a rush, spinning tires and slinging
gravel, it stalls.
We can see him steaming mad in the car with the windows rolled
up. He is gesticulating wildly and is obviously yelling.
Zydeco restarts the car. We can see him take a deep breath before
he pulls out onto the road and heads west to work.
Driving along the road, Zydeco soon runs into bumper to bumper
traffic.
The going is slow. Zydeco is stressing. Shots of his dash clock
to document his slow progress.
INT. ZYDECO'S CAR - EARLY MORNING
A bit further on... shots of the clock to see that Zydeco
has been sitting in the same spot for fifteen minutes.
He takes out his cell phone and dials a number.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
ZYDECO
Hello Nora, listen, I am stuck in
traffic before the creek, can you
check my schedule and see if
anything is in danger.
NORA
I am not in office yet. I got
caught in a bit of stop and go traffic
myself.
ZYDECO
(lauging)
I would be happy to be caught in
stop and go traffic. The go part is
missing here in the east. I keep
thinking I should look for a place
out west.
NORA
(a bit breathlessly)
There are some nice places on the
market in my area right now. Would
you like me to arrange for a real
estate agent to take you to see some
when I get in this morning?
ZYDECO
(nervously)
Yes, OK, why don't you do that for
me. But don't forget to call me and
let me know if there is anything on
my schedule that needs to be postponed
if this traffic doesn't clear up.
EXT. FRANK'S HAMMOCK - EARLY MORNING
Frank opens his eyes to slits and raises his hands over his head
and stretches.
He turns his head to look towards the beach and smiles when he
sees the catch.
We see is nose flair and hear him sniff.
FRANK
Mmmmm. Breakfast.
Frank gets out of his hammock and runs down the beach.
FRANK
Cowabunga!
Frank does a cannonball in the midst of people working in
the shallows.
BOBBY BRAGG throws him a stern look.
BOBBY
Frank, you can be so childish
sometimes.
FRANK
Bobby, you know I can't help it.
You're as young as you feel and
sometimes I feel like I am seven.
That perfect age for boys.
BOBBY
You and your crazy theories.
Perfect age my foot.
FRANK
Bobby... Bobby... Can I help it if
you grew up to fast?
BOBBY
(smiling)
Frank, your problem is that you
never grew up yet! You should try
it sometime, you might like it.
FRANK
I might get stuck like everyone
else Bobby. Why take that chance?
BOBBY
Looks like breakfast is ready. I
could eat a horse.
INT. ZYDECO'S CAR - MORNING
We can see that Zydeco has not moved.
He is looking really frustrated. His fingers are drumming
the steering wheel.
He has a Barry And The Cudas CD playing...
FRANK (V.O.)
Girl you know I need a woman To
come and steal my heart So I leave
it on the front porch Each Night
when it gets dark
His phone rings.
ZYDECO
Hello.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
NORA
It's Nora. Your schedule is clear
this morning.
ZYDECO
Good. I haven't moved since we
spoke. There must be a serious accident
up ahead. I am going to go back
home and work from there until
later.
NORA
OK, I will call you if anything
comes up.
INT. IDLE BROADCAST STUDIOS - MORNING
We are in a nicely fitted out radio air studio.
Bobby Bragg is sitting at the BIBN0012 board, with a dual
lcd rivendell system in front of him as well. He is speaking
into a BIBN0013 mic. Frank is sitting across the desk also
with a BIBN0013 mic in front of him on an extensible boom.
BOBBY
Gooood morning from the Idle
Broadcast Studios people. We are going
out world wide over the ethernet
from right here at "Das Da Point"
to your ears and heart.
This morning we have Frank Fox of
Barry And The Cudas here int he
studio with us. Good morning Frank.
FRANK
Good morning Bobby. Good morning
world, how are ya!
BOBBY
People, if you want to call in, our
Free World Dialup number is 273983.
FRANK
Come on people. Call in, the Cudas
want to hear from you. The Barry
wants to hear from you.
BOBBY
So Frank, you don't come in here to
visit us often. You spend more of
your time in the recording studios
here at Das Da Point.
FRANK
Yes, Bobby, we like to think that
we make it and you spread it.
BOBBY
(laughing)
Well, Frank, we try. So, tell us
about Rob Me Blind, that is a big
hit for you guys currently.
FRANK
Yes it is Bobby. We are very happy
with how our fans have taken to it
since we set it Free.
BOBBY
Well, let's give it a spin before
we talk some more.
FRANK (V.O.)
Girl you know I need a woman...
INT. ZYDECO FOX'S HOUSE - MORNING
We see Zydeco sitting at his desk in a home office. He is working
at his computer and listening to music...
FRANK (V.O.)
To come and steal my heart So I
leave it on the front porch Each
Night when it gets dark
Zydeco smiles and taps his pencil on his desk top.
ZYDECO
(singing along)
Then I lay upon my pillow And pray
if God be kind
INT. CHANDRA'S ROOM, BANGALORE - (WHEN)
We see CHANDRA sitting at his computer working on some code and
listening to music...
FRANK (V.O.)
He'd let you drive down my street Let
you stop and rob me blind
Chandra puts on a headset and opens up iaxcomm.
CHANDRA
Hello, is this Bobby?
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
BOBBY
This is Bobby, who is calling and
where are you from?
CHANDRA
This is Chandra. I am listening to
you from India.
BOBBY
India! Terrific! Chandra, where in
India are you calling from?
CHANDRA
Oh, I am calling from Bangalore. I
am listening on the peercast.
BOBBY
Do you have something you want to
say or a question for Frank?
CHANDRA
Yes. Frank, this new song by your
band is wonderful. I am selling
many copies here in Bangalore.
FRANK
Glad to hear that Chandra. Would
you send me an email and let me
know more about how you are doing
that? We are always looking for
ways to improve our own sales
efforts.
CHANDRA
I would be happy to do this. Listen
Bobby. Can I send you some covers
of the guys stuff that I have
recorded of some of our local musicians
here for you to put on?
BOBBY
Fantastic Chandra! Send them now.
If I like them, I will try and get
them on before the end of the show
today. Do you have one of "Rob
CHANDRA
Well, yes, but it is still very
rough so far.
BOBBY
Send it along for us too please.
CHANDRA
Will do but please...
FRANK
No problem, we know how the rough
stuff sounds.
INT. IDLE BROADCAST STUDIOS - MORNING
BOBBY
OK, Chandra, I will be looking for
the tracks. Have a great day.
Bobby punches a button and moves up a slider on the console.
BOBBY
Aaaaand that was the Low Voltage
Blues. Frank, what was going on
when you wrote that?
FRANK
(laughing)
I would think that was pretty
obvious now Bobby.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. IDLE BROADCAST STUDIOS - NOON
BOBBY
Well Frank, that's all the time we
have for the show today, but could
you possibly come back soon and
chat with us some more.
FRANK
I would love to Bobby, can I bring
some of the other Cudas along next
time.
BOBBY
That would be great. And that's it
for today's show folks. next we
have the Siesta Show, always a
favourite here at Idle Broadcast
Studios.
INT. ZYDECO FOX'S HOUSE - NOON
Zydeco logs out of his computer and shuts it down. he picks up
his portable phone and dials a number as he walks to the
kitchen.
INT. ZYDECO'S KITCHEN - NOON
Zydeco enters and puts the phone to his ear.
ZYDECO
Hello Miss Coakley.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
NORA
Yes sir, Mr. Fox.
Zydeco opens his fridge and swigs some iced tea from a
bottle on the shelf before replacing it.
ZYDECO
I got those mortgage reports
finished up and sent them along. Please
go over them for me and mark
anything that I need to check
again. I am leaving the house in a
few minutes for a lunch meeting
with some potential clients.
NORA
I will get right on it Mr. Fox.
Will you be coming in after lunch?
ZYDECO
I will unless the meeting goes on
longer than I expect.
EXT. BIBN0014 LUXURY HOTEL - AFTERNOON
We see Zydeco drive up to valet parking and get out. We follow
him into the lobby and to the front desk.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - AFTERNOON
We see Elaine Diamond is lying face down on a massage table getting
a massage out on the terrace.
KITCHEN
Big Bill is at the fridge drinking from a pitcher of iced
tea.
The phone rings. Big Bill walks out of the kitchen into...
LIVING ROOM
Big Bill sits down on the leather couch before picking up
the phone.
BIG BILL
Hello.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
CONCIERGE
Mr. Diamond? There is a Mr. Fox
here to see you.
BIG BILL
We are expecting him. Please let
him come up.
CONCIERGE
Yes sir. Right away.
INT. BIBN0014 LOBBY
We see Zydeco cross the lobby with a smartly dressed hotel employee.
The employee inserts a card into a slot and presses his
thumb against a pad. The elevator opens and he and Zydeco
walk in.
LIVING ROOM
Big Bill goes to the french door to the terrace and sticks his
head out.
BIG BILL
Elaine, Zydeco is on his way up
right now.
Elaine twists her head to look in Bill's direction.
ELAINE
OK, dad, I am done now anyway.
The masseuse starts packing up while Elaine gets off the table
and walks into the living room and we see her head off down
a hallway.
The elevator arrives but the door does not open.
PRIVATE ELEVATOR OPERATOR (O.S.)
Mr. Diamond. Mr. Fox is here to see
you.
BIG BILL
Fine, bring him in please.
The elevator door opens and Zydeco walks into the foyer.
ZYDECO
Hello Bill, how are you today.
BIG BILL
Fine, and you? Elaine will be out
in a minute. She just finished her
massage.
PRIVATE ELEVATOR OPERATOR
Mr. Diamond, will there be anything
else?
BIG BILL
No thank you. I will call if we
need anything later.
PRIVATE ELEVATOR OPERATOR
Fine sir.
BIG BILL
(turning to Zydeco)
Zydeco, have a seat please.
Zydeco sits down on the love seat across from big Bill on
the couch.
BIG BILL
Can I get you something to drink?
ZYDECO
A glass of water would be nice. Or
perhaps some iced tea?
BIG BILL
Sure thing. I am partial to iced
tea myself.
Bill gets up and walks into the...
KITCHEN
Bill goes over to the fridge and opens the door. He reaches in
and takes out the pitcher of iced tea from before and places
it on the island in the center of the kitchen. He gets three
glasses from the cupboard and rests them beside the pitcher.
He opens the freezer door and takes out the ice container.
He fills the three glasses and puts the container back in
the freezer. He pours tea into two glasses and opens the
fridge and puts the tea back in before taking another
pitcher, this one of fresh squeezed orange juice, off the
shelf and pouring the third glass. He puts that pitcher back
in and closes the door of the fridge.
LIVING ROOM
We hear footsteps from the kitchen. Zydeco turns and watched Big
Bill come back to the living room with three glasses on a
tray.
We now hear footsteps from the hallway and Zydeco turns
again to see Elaine enter the room as well.
Elaine sees her father with the three glasses and walks over to
him.
ELAINE
Here dad, let me take that. You sit
down.
Big Bill hands the tray for Elaine and sits back down on the couch.
Elaine goes to Zydeco and hands him the orange juice, then
to her father and hands him an iced tea before taking the
second glass of iced tea herself and sipping from it.
BIG BILL
Elaine, that was Mr. Fox's iced
tea. The orange juice was yours.
You never drink iced tea.
ELAINE
You don't mind, do you Zydeco? I
suddenly felt like some iced tea
for some reason.
ZYDECO
Not at all, I actually prefer fresh
squeezed juice when I can get it.
Elaine sits next to Zydeco on the love seat. They look at each
other and she smiles at him. Big Bill looks on with interest
and a trace of a frown.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - AFTERNOON
We see a table built from scraps of driftwood and shipwrecks under
a stand of casuarina trees. Frank, Bobby and a group of
other idle guys are sitting around the table playing
dominoes and cutting up.
In the background we see coconut trees, as we watch, some coconuts
fall from the trees and hit some rocks on the ground and
split open.
A couple idle guys run over and pick them up. They bring
them over and pour the water into a pitcher then finish
breaking them open.
Someone else picks up the pitcher and offers to pour water for
anyone who wants a glass. No one turns him down.
When the coconuts are open, the guys start spooning the meat into
bowls and offering that around as well.
FRANK
How sweet can it get hey guys?
He slams down a double six!
We can hear a boat in the distance.
EXT. SEA - AFTERNOON
We see an overhead shot of "Easy Trouble"
CUT TO:
INT. EASY TROUBLE - AFTERNOON
We see Nadja, Mandy and some of the other girls pulling on wet
suits again.
NADJA
What you want to do when you jump
Mandy is to keep your arms stiff at
your side with your palms against
your thighs.
MANDY
OK, this sounds like fun. Is it
dangerous?
NADJA
Well, if you let your arms loose,
you can wrench it pretty bad. Keep
them firmly at your sides.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - AFTERNOON
BOBBY
(Looking out to sea to the
east.)
It looks to me like it just got
quite a bit better ma beezo!
"Easy Trouble" comes into view and the girls can be seen in
their wet suits at the starboard bow.
Frank jumps and runs down to the beach screaming and
"Easy Trouble" sweeps in on a smooth arc and the girls jump out
as she levels with the beach before heading back out.
Frank reaches the shore and flies through the air for a bit before
entering the water in a flat dive and pulling for the girls
with a powerful crawl.
Mandy surfaces laughing. Nadja comes up smiling and swims
for Frank. When she reaches him she dives under and grabs
him and pulls him under as well.
She puts her arms around his neck and kisses him full on the lips
while still under water. The surface with their lips still
together.
NADJA
Mmmmm. What's up big boy?
FRANK
You my love. What brings you here
now?
MANDY
(swimming up))
I asked her to bring me by to see
if we could talk further about this
deal.
FRANK
I am happy to see you two, but what
more can we talk about?
MANDY
Can we wait until we dry off and
are sitting down before getting
down to business?
FRANK
Whatever floats your boat doll.
They turn and swim for shore.
"Easy Trouble" comes back in just above idle and Frank swims for
it. Sue puts it in idle and Frank climbs in.
FRANK
Here SUE, let me drop you on the
beach and I will anchour her for
you.
SUE
Thanks Frank.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT, OUTSIDE SHOWER - AFTERNOON
We see pvc pipes running up the sides of coconut trees with shower
heads attached to two by fours nailed into their trunks.
Frank, Nadja, and Mandy pick one and rinse the salt off before
going over to a line running between two more palms and
choosing towels to dry off with.
INT. FRANK'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Frank, Nadja, and Mandy walk in and choose up seats. Frank behind
his desk. He spins his desk chair around to face the girls
on the couch.
FRANK
OK, down to business, whatever it
may be.
NADJA
Frank, before you get started, Sue
and I really need to get back. Can
you or one of the guys drop Mandy
back when your business is over?
MANDY
Oh, Nadja, I did not know. I don't
mean to keep imposing on your time
like this. You have been too kind
already.
FRANK
No problem Nadj. I should be able
to but I am sure someone will be
able to if something comes up and I
can't.
NADJA
Thanks Frank. And Mandy, I am happy
to help the cause. Call on me
whenever you need to. I will let
you know if I can't do something.
MANDY
You really are too kind. Frank,
isn't she a gem?
FRANK
She is that Mandy. Nadja is a true
diamond, that's what she is.
Nadja gets up and heads for the door.
NADJA
Later you two. Frank, treat her
nice, make her a good deal... and
behave yourself.
Nadja walks out of the door before Frank can answer.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - AFTERNOON
Nadja walks over to the domino table and gets Sue and one of the
idle guys.
We see them head for the beach. The idle guy goes out and brings
"easy Trouble" to the beach and the girls step on and he
jumps off.
"Easy Trouble" heads off to the east.
INT. BIBN0014 PENTHOUSE SUITE - AFTERNOON
Big Bill, Elaine, and Zydeco are sitting at the dining room table
with papers spread out on its surface and two notebook
computers open and running.
BIG BILL
So Zydeco, in this deal, secrecy is
going to be quite important to our
group until the time is right to
reveal things.
ZYDECO
I can understand that, the people
in my branch are very discreet. We
handle sensitive matters on a
regular basis.
ELAINE
I am sure you do Zydeco, but we
think this deal is different to
what you are used to and we are
very concerned that not even whiff
of the details get out until we are
ready.
ZYDECO
Miss Diamond. We cannot be expected
to loan out sums of this magnitude
without knowing what is going on
and assuring ourselves that our funds
at least have a chance of being
safe.
Big Bill gets up...
BIG BILL
I could use some more iced tea.
Zydeco, Elaine, can I get either of
you another glass?
Elaine gets up as well...
ELAINE
Dad, sit back down, I will do it.
Some more juice Zydeco?
ZYDECO
I think I would like some tea this
time please?
ELAINE
Hot tea?
ZYDECO
No. Iced tea please.
ELAINE
OK, iced tea it is.
Elaine walks into the kitchen, Zydeco points to something on a
sheet of paper and Big Bill leans in to look.
ELAINE (O.S.)
There doesn't seem to be much iced
tea left. Zydeco, are you sure you
won't have some juice with me? Or
do you want to wait while I brew some
more?
ZYDECO
Would it be too much trouble to ask
you to brew some more? Perhaps some
water or a small glass of juice
while it brews would be
ELAINE (O.S.)
I can handle that.
INT. EASY TROUBLE - AFTERNOON
Nadja is standing at the wheel and Sue is standing to her left
holding on to the upright of the T-Top.
"Easy Trouble" is up on a plane and moving fast. The wind is blowing
the girls hair back.
SUE
Are you sure you should be leaving
that woman alone with Frank? She
has eyes for him girl.
NADJA
She does, and he has a little
interest in her too, but I don't
think anything will happen.
INT. FRANK'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Mandy pats the sofa next to her...
Close up on Frank' face. We see a sparkle in his eyes.
Frank smiles and begins to get up but then shakes his head
as if to clear it...
FRANK
No thanks, I think I want access to
my notes if we are gonna try and
deal.
Mandy give a little pout.
MANDY
Have it your way. Now, please, can
you reconsider helping us out?
FRANK
I just don't see how. Look, we try
to keep our expenses minimal around
here, but we do have them. You can
do a lot of nothing for free, but
not all of the nothing you want to
do. Some nothing costs something.
MANDY
I am not sure what you just said,
but OK. Still, we could use the
help. Couldn't you make an
exception just this once.
FRANK
The problem is, it won't be just
this once. Did you see the sign
"Sip Sip International (New
Providence Field Office)" while you
were walking around the camp
anytime?
MANDY
Over by the domino table right? I
think I've seen it, bit I didn't
know what it was about.
FRANK
Well, sip sip is what we call
gossip or informal news down here
in the islands. Just this once will
come back to haunt us. Plus Mandy, while
I think you are doing a good thing,
this is not our fight, this is not
MY fight.
MANDY
But it IS your fight Frank! Don't
you see that? This is going to
affect all of you if it is not
brought under some sort of sensible
control.
INT. BIBN0014 PENTHOUSE SUITE - AFTERNOON
Elaine walks back to the dining room with iced tea for Big Bill
and a small orange juice for Zydeco. She has a small glass
of juice for herself as well.
ELAINE
(passing out the glasses)
Here you go Zydeco, here's yours
dad.
Elaine sits back down.
ELAINE
Now Zydeco, you were saying?
ZYDECO
Yes. Miss Diamond, you surely must
realize that our bank cannot be
expected to provide such sums of
money without knowing what the particulars
are.
ELAINE
Mr. Fox, not to be rude, but I
think your bank should be happy to
do just that.
ZYDECO
But you are surely mistaken Miss
Diamond.
BIG BILL
Elaine, stop teasing the nice young
man. Zydeco, Elaine is right but is
playing games with you. I think she
likes you. We knew you would want
to know the details as you say but
we think we have an alternate plan
that will satisfy your institution
and still allow us our little
secrets for the time being.
ZYDECO
Go on sir.
BIG BILL
What we want to do is to put up
some of our land in Texas as temporary
collateral on the loan here and
then switch the property we are interested
in to be the collateral when we
make the deal public.
ZYDECO
That could possibly work. I will
have to ask our lawyers to look
into any impediments to our holding
foreign collateral and to the
proper way to handle the switch.
The kettle starts to whistle...
ELAINE
Zydeco, would you like to come and
help me with the tea?
ZYDECO
Sure thing Elaine.
Zydeco gets up and helps Elaine with her chair adn the two
of them walk into the kitchen.
Big Bill smiles to himself.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - AFTERNOON
Frank and Mandy have joined in a game at the domino table. There
is slamming and laughing. We watch a game and then...
MANDY
That was fun. I really think I
should be getting back now though.
Frank, could you please take me
back now.
Frank looks at his watch.
FRANK
Yes, I think I have time. I would
love to Mandy.
EXT. SEA - AFTERNOON
We see "Slack Tide", an eighteen foot speed boat, speeding
over the clear aquamarine wares. Frank is at the wheel,
Mandy is next to him. Close.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - AFTERNOON
Mandy is right up under Frank. She is laughing. Her face is happy
and animated. She has her arm around his waist.
Frank is wearing a stern look on his face, almost a mask.
MANDY
(teasing)
Oh come on Frank. Loosen up. I am
not going to eat you you know. What
are you so worried about? Look, I
like you OK, I am not trying to butter
you up for a deal, that is
separate.
FRANK
It's not that...
MANDY
What? Nadja? Is that it.
FRANK
Uhhh...
MANDY
Hey, she is a big girl, she can
stand a little competition.
Mandy leans in closer and puts her head on his shoulder and makes
to nuzzle.
Frank swerves the boat.
FRANK
Come on Mandy, cut that out now.
EXT. BIBN0008 FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Big Bill, Elaine and Samson are sitting on the terrace under the
stars looking out over the water. The moon reflects on the
calm water. Boats are at anchor nearby.
ELAINE
So Mr. Rolle, what we would like to
see is the government being able to
take property under eminent domain
and put it to the highest and best
use for the benefit of the public.
SAMSON
Miss Diamond. The Bahamian people
are a very laid back people and we
tend to be easy going, but they
will not sit still for something
like that.
BIG BILL
Samson, You would think not, but
believe me, people will sit still
for a lot more than you would
imagine.
SAMSON
That may be, but I surely don't
think they are going to sit still
for something like that.
ELAINE
It all depends on how you explain
the plan to the people.
BIG BILL
Well, let's leave that for a while
and come back to it later. Let's
talk a bit about the property tax
situation in the country.
SAMSON
What would you like to know Big
Bill?
BIG BILL
Here's the thing. What the
government of this country has done
with the property tax laws in the
out islands is brilliant.
SAMSON
How so?
ELAINE
Well, in the out islands, Bahamians
do not pay property tax, but
non-Bahamians do, right?
SAMSON
So?
BIG BILL
Brilliant! See what I mean?
SAMSON
No. See what?
BIG BILL
Well, what Bahamian would complain
about not having to pay while
non-Bahamians have to pay? It is
the non-Bahamians who would be
expected to complain right?
SAMSON
(hesitating)
Yes....
ELAINE
Don't you see? You have set up a
situation that encourages the
government to favour ownership of
land in the out islands by
foreigners!
SAMSON
We never did any such thing!
BIG BILL
Oh come now Minister. We are all
grown ups here. We know how these
things go.
SAMSON
What are you getting at sir?
BIG BILL
Look. Non-Bahamians own land in the
islands. They pay property tax.
This gives the government money. If
Bahamians owned all of the land,
the government would not get any of
that tax. So far I am right am I
not?
SAMSON
Yes, to a point. We could just take
away the exemption for Bahamians
and get the money.
ELAINE
Minister! Please, let's not deceive
one another on such simple matters.
The land values would be no where
near where they are today if only
locals owned the land. So, even if
the locals paid property tax in the islands,
you would not raise anywhere near
as much and we all know it.
SAMSON
You have a point there Miss
Diamond.
BIG BILL
And here is the kicker. The
non-Bahamians can't vote! So, one,
they raise the value of he land,
two, they pay tax on the value,
three, they can't vote to complain.
Compare that to local ownership.
One, they don't raise the value of
the land to such levels, two, they
don't pay tax on the value, and
three, they can vote. See what I
mean.
SAMSON
(again hesitating)
I see what you are getting at at
least.
ELAINE
Well, we would like to suggest that
you ask the prime minister to
consider giving locals the same
exemption from property tax in the capital
as well.
SAMSON
That is preposterous.
BIG BILL
Please, all we ask is that you
consider it. It is a fine idea.
Talk it over amongst yourselves.
There are many merits to the idea.
SAMSON
Why would you want such a thing.
ELAINE
(sweetly)
It would be good for the country
and we want a prosperous country so
that we can prosper here as well.
INT. BIBN0008 FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Frank and Mandy walk in and are taken upstairs to a table overlooking
the terrace. There are candles on the table and the lighting
is dimmed and romantic.
Frank and Mandy sit facing one another. Again we see a sparkle
in Frank's eyes. This time we also notice sparkles in
Mandy's eyes.
MANDY
This is a lovely place Frank. A
good choice. Do you come
FRANK
No. This place is off the beaten
track for me.
Mandy sees Big Bill, Elaine and Samson at the table down on the
terrace.
MANDY
(distracted)
Off the beat...en track... Mmmm.
FRANK
(noticing where Mandy is
looking)
Hey... Hey, Mandy. What is it? See
something interesting?
MANDY
(catching herself)
Ah... No, it's nothing. You were
saying?
FRANK
I was saying that I don't come here
often. Actually, I don't go out to
eat much at all. I generally prefer
the food at the camp. But this place
has its attractions.
The camera pulls back and we see a montage of Frank and
Mandy at dinner, ordering, eating, talking, laughing,
animated. Every once in a while we catch a sparkle in their
eyes. Once or twice we see Mandy glance nervously at the
table on the terrace when she see Frank is not looking.
INT. IDLE BROADCAST STUDIOS - MIDNIGHT
BOBBY
Good evening peoples. Welcome to
the Idle Midnight Cruise. We are
going to be jamming the best Free
Music we can find for you tonight.
So get your recorders going and
record all you want. This broadcast
is under a Free and Copyleft
license as well. Check our website
for details.
If you don't want to record the
actual show, all of the songs we
are going to feature tonight can
also be downloaded, you can find
links on our site. Or look for the
complete show tomorrow as a
torrent.
We're gonna start things off
tonight with "Rob Me Blind" by our
very own Barry And The Cudas...
Girl you know I need a woman To come and steal my heart So I
leave it on the front porch Each Night when it gets dark
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CHANDRA'S ROOM, BANGALORE - (WHEN)
We see Chandra working at his computer. In the background we here
Frank's voice on Idle Radio.
Then I lay upon my pillow And pray if God be kind
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BIBN0014 PENTHOUSE SUITE - AFTER MIDNIGHT
Elaine is out on the veranda overlooking the shore and under the
stars.
He'd let you drive down my street Let you stop and rob me
blind
She is tapping her fingers, and smiling.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. IDLE BROADCAST STUDIOS - AFTER MIDNIGHT
When I wake up every morning I look outside to find It cold
and lonely on the ground Then I almost lose my mind
this lyric needs to be finished
BOBBY
Yeah, baby, come on and rob me
blind. Frank, if you're listening
out there, watch out or you might
just get robbed blind.
The camera shows Bobby at his board with a clock visible on the
wall. Time passes quickly in fast forward.
INT. IDLE BROADCAST STUDIOS - THREE AM
BOBBY
Well folks, that was "Bait My Hook"
by the Driggs Hill Groovers and
just before that was "Bush Crack"
by Conchy Joe And The Pistles and
that's going to wrap it up for us
tonight. Up next, the always smooth
and interesting DJ OTTO will take
you through until six AM when JAKE
THE CANDLE STICK MAKER will start
you up with our morning show.
Frank walks in.
BOBBY
Well, well, well. Folks guess who
just walked in. The Barry himself.
FRANK
Hey Bobby, how's tings?
BOBBY
We are just wrapping up Frank and
DJ Auto is about to come in and do
his show. What brings you in here
tonight.
FRANK
I don't know Bobby, I was just
restless I guess.
BOBBY
I tell you what Frank, let's clear
out of here so DJ Otto can get his
show started and what say we go
fishing for a few hours?
FRANK
Sounds like a plan mabobzo! Let's
do she.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - AFTER THREE AM
Frank and Bobby move around the place gathering up some gear for
their fishing trip.
JAKE (THE CANDLE STICK MAKER) DEVEAUX stirs in his sleeping bag
under a tarp strung on a rope between two palms.
JAKE
Bobby, is that you? What are you
doing so busy this time of night?
BOBBY
Go back to sleep Jake, Frank and I
are gonna take "Slack Tide" out and
do a bit of fishing before sunrise.
Anything special you want us to
catch you for breakfast?
JAKE
You know. I do feel like some fried
turbot and grits and cheese.
Frank walks up.
FRANK
Done. We'll be sure and bring you
two big ones.
JAKE
(starting to get up)
I think I might come along, this
sounds like fun.
BOBBY
(pushing him back down)
Oh no you don't. We will be back
before you finish your morning
show. We may not be back before you
have to start.
JAKE
Come on guys. DJ Otto wont mind
going long if I don't get back
right on time.
FRANK
Forget it Jake. Another time maybe.
EXT. SEA - AFTER THREE AM
We see "Slack Tide" getting up on a plane heading offshore with
Frank and Bobby aboard.
We see bursts of green and glowing light in her wake and
once in a while silver flashes as well.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - AFTER THREE AM
Bobby is at the controls, Frank is sitting beside him.
"Slack Tide" is flying over the water. Bobby knows these
waters well.
BOBBY
So Frank, tell me, are you snatched
up tight with the beautiful Mandy
May yet? Cause if not, I am gonna
make a play. That woman is too fine
to pass up.
FRANK
Bobby, all you ever have on your
mind is music and girls.
BOBBY
So! Is there anything else that
deserves to be there?
FRANK
You are truly hopeless.
We see another few flashes of silver in the wake behind
EXT. SEA - AFTER THREE AM
We watch "Slack Tide" from above for a while, Frank and
Bobby in animated conversation. We see the occasional flash
of silver in the wake during this time.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - AFTER THREE AM
We see Bobby ease back on the throttle.
BOBBY
OK, Frank, here we are.
We see that they are no where in particular. Just out in a vast
empty expanse of featureless sea.
FRANK
Well, let's get the rods set up and
the lines out.
Frank makes up the lines for some trolling and puts the
lures in the water before setting the rods in holders in the
gunwales.
BOBBY
(watching)
Here we go.
Bobby eases the throttle forward slowly.
We see "Slack Tide" putting along for a good while.
FRANK
Anything in particular you want me
to catch for you Bobbster?
BOBBY
Some tuna or some dolphin would do
me just fine. So, are you going to
answer me lover boy?
FRANK
Answer you what?
BOBBY
Come off it Frank. Are you and the
lovely Miss May snatched up?
FRANK
I don't know. I like her and I can
tell she likes me and there are
definitely sparks between us...
BOBBY
But...?
FRANK
But... there is Nadj. She poses a
definite complication, a problem if
you will.
There is a large flash of silver behind the boat and a large splash
is heard.
BOBBY
Whoa! I think we got us something
serious there Frank.
Frank grabs the rod on his side of the boat and
We see a series of shots as time passes and Frank fights
After a long fight, frank beings a dolphin along side and Bobby
gaffs it before pulling it aboard.
FRANK
Whew,that was a blast. Ask and you
shall get Bobby ma man. One dolphin
as ordered. Let's see if we can get
Jake his turbots next OK?
BOBBY
Sure thing oh great sea hunter. The
bar is just to the west from here a
bit.
Bobby eases the throttle forward and "Slack Tide" gets quickly
up on a plane. We see the lure of the one rod skimming along
the surface behind the boat.
Frank is smiling in the moonlight as the wind blows through his
hair.
Soon, Bobby eases back on the throttle and "Slack Tide"
falls off of her plane.
FRANK
I don't think we need to put out
the anchour. we should have Jake's
turbots in a flash and we can do
some more trolling.
BOBBY
Do you want to reel in that other
rod before we start in here?
FRANK
No, let's chance it. We can just
hand line off the bow for the
turbots.
Frank opens up a tackle box and makes up two hand lines quickly.
Then he takes some conch out of a bucket in the stern and
cuts some slices and baits up the two hooks. He passes a
spool to Bobby.
BOBBY
Thanks. Watch out all you turbots,
the fishin' magicians are out
tonight.
EXT. SEA - SUNRISE
We see "Slack Tide" all alone on the wide expanse of calm water.
We watch the sun come up all orange and pink and lovely in
the east. We see Frank and Bobby pause and sit still and
watch.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - JUST AFTER SUNRISE
BOBBY
Ya know Frank, I never get tired of
that.
FRANK
I am with you on that Bobby ma boy.
What a life hey? What a sweet life.
No problems and no worries. Just
slackness and working at
BOBBY
Man, true dat. It couldn't get any
better if it tried to.
EXT. SEA - ABOUT EIGHT THIRTY AM
We see the guys pull in their lines and stow away their
Frank takes the wheel and moves the throttle forward. "Slack Tide"
responds instantly and is up on a plane and booking along in
no time flat.
The camera follow the boat from overhead looking down for a good
while. Time lapse like.
EXT. SEA - ABOUT NINE AM
The camera moves down on the boat and behind it looking forward
past the guys and towards the shore.
We see a plume of smoke and dust rising into the sky ahead.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - JUST AFTER NINE AM
We see a close up of Frank's face as he and Bobby notice
FRANK
What the...
We see the concern and worry there and Frank pushes the throttle
all the way forward and "Slack Tide" moves from an easy
cruise to a flat out flying.
EXT. SEA - JUST AFTER NINE AM
The camera pulls back and up looking forward over the boat
to the smoke.
As we approach we see a barge with a large crane on board
off shore at the beach hangout.
Some of the shipping containers are sitting on the barge,
one is swinging on a cable from the crane. Others remain on
shore with workmen around them.
We see the idle guys to one end of the beach looking angry. There
are police present.
We see heavy bulldozers clearing the land. Many of the trees are
already down.
EXT. BEACH HANGOUT - AFTER NINE AM
Frank eases back on the throttle and throws out the stern anchour
and puts the bow of "Slack Tide" on the beach.
He kills the engine and runs to the bow and jumps onto
There are two police officers running towards the boat.
FRANK
(yelling)
What is going on! Who! Stop!
The noise of the bulldozers and the crane frustrates his efforts
to get the operators attention. We see him change course and
run to intercept the path of one of the big dozers.
A policeman intercepts him.
POLICEMAN ONE
Stop! Come with me! What is your
business here?
FRANK
What is my business here? I live
here! This is my land! What is your
business here!
POLICEMAN TWO arrives.
POLICEMAN TWO
We are here to see that no one
obstructs the owners in their development
efforts.
FRANK
Are you deaf or something? I just
said this is my land. I am the
owner. and I don't have any
development efforts. Get these
people off my land.
POLICEMAN ONE
Come with us sir, the Inspector can
answer your questions.
FRANK
Are you going to get these people
off my land?
POLICEMAN ONE
Please, just come with us now sir.
FRANK
No. Stop them! This is my home
they're destroying! Why won't you
stop them?
POLICEMAN TWO
Sir, if you won't come peaceably...
FRANK
What! if I don't come peaceably
what? What are you gonna do to me?
Shoot me? Destroy me like they are
destroying my home and my land?
Policeman One reaches out and grabs Frank by the wrist.
FRANK
(pulling his hand away)
Let me go! Stop them.
POLICEMAN TWO
This is your last warning. Come
with us now!
FRANK
All right then,let's go see this
inspector of yours. he better put a
stop to this foolishness.
Frank follows the policemen down the beach to where the idle guys
are standing around in the shade.
They approach the group and Frank starts looking around for the
Inspector. He spots him and alters course to head directly
towards him.
FRANK
Inspector. Can you please tell me
why these people are here destroying
my home and my land? And why these
constables are giving me trouble instead
of putting a stop to it when I ask
them to?
INSPECTOR HANNA
Are you Mr. Fox?
FRANK
I am Frank Fox, yes.
INSPECTOR HANNA
Mr. Fox, this is not your land. The
owners have decided to develop it
and we are here to see that you and
your do nothing buddies do not interfere
with their efforts.
FRANK
What do you mean this is not my
land! Of course it's my land. I
have lived here for years. Tis land
has been in my family for
generations.
INSPECTOR HANNA
Mr. Fox,I need for you and the rest
to come with me.
FRANK
Come where?
Inspector Hanna points to the water with his chin.
INSPECTOR HANNA
We have a boat here to take you all
back to town. Just leave your
vessel keys with my men and they
will deliver them later. You need
to come with me now.
FRANK
What about our home? Our stuff? Our
lives?
INSPECTOR HANNA
Just come with me please.
FRANK
Where is a phone?
(looking to the idle guys)
Any of you have a cell phone I can
use? I need to call a lawyer.
INSPECTOR HANNA
That is not going to happen. You
can use the phone in my office if
you like, but we need to leave now.
FRANK
What about our stuff?
INSPECTOR HANNA
The owners have been kind enough to
arrange for this barge to transport
as much of your stuff as can
reasonably be saved to someplace of
your choosing.
FRANK
This is crazy. Who are these
supposed owners? This is crazy!
INT. POLICE FERRY - ABOUT NINE THIRTY AM
We see the idle guys sitting and standing wherever they can.
Close up on...
FRANK
(to himself)
This is crazy. What is going on?
EXT. SEA - ABOUT NINE THIRTY AM
We see the police ferry heading east along the shore, the
sun higher in the sky, the day and the water beautiful.
The camera swings back around to show the continuing destruction
of the beach hangout.
INT. MABLE FOX'S HOME - LUNCH TIME
Mable, Frank, and Zydeco are sitting around the table in
There is food on the table and on the stove. Stew conch,
peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, potato salad,
fried turbot, grits, beets, fried plantain, johnny cake,
guava duff, and a tossed salad.
FRANK
(putting some stew conch in
his mouth)
I am so angry I can hardly eat.
(his plate is full to
overflowing)
The other brother's plates are piled high as well and they are
all digging in. Mable is smiling.
FRANK
Ma! What are you smiling at? This
is serious.
MABLE
I know it is son, but it is nice to
see you boys eat.
SYLVESTER FOX comes in briskly and smiling.
SYLVESTER
Hey Mom, wassup guys? It's a
beautiful day isn't it?
FRANK
What makes it so beautiful?
SYLVESTER
Look around you bro! Look outside!
The sun is shining, the birds are
singing. Things are looking up.
FRANK
Things are not looking up, things
are a disaster!
SYLVESTER
I am sorry to hear things are going
bad for you bro, but I have some
great news for all of us!
MABLE
(with a bit of exasperation in
her voice)
What have you done now Sylvester?
SYLVESTER
(showing a bit of anger)
Ma! Why do you always have to treat
me like that? You never treat
Zydeco like that. Not even Frank!
MABLE
Well, son, you know I love you like
a son, but you do ahve a track
record.
SYLVESTER
I know, but this time things are
different!
ZYDECO
So, what's the scoop?
SYLVESTER
I got a sale for the land! We are
all rich!
Frank explodes across the table, food flying every where.
FRANK
Wha....
He takes Sylvester to the ground and starts pounding on him.
Zydeco is in motion. He grabs Frank by the shoulders.
ZYDECO
Frank, stop it.
He begins to pull Frank off and Sylvester takes the opportunity
to knee Frank in the crotch and punches him in the jaw.
FRANK
Ahhhhh!
ZYDECO
What is wrong with you Sylvester?
SYLVESTER
What's wrong with me? He started
it!
Sylvester punches Frank again and Zydeco decides to let
Frank go. He kicks Sylvester himself.
MABLE
Zydeco, you better stay out of it
for a while. You two! Cut it out!
Frank takes Sylvester down again and wrestles him onto his stomach.
Frank gets onto his back and puts his hands under his chin
and starts pulling back. Hard!
Sylvester screams.
MABLE
Frank! Don't maim your brother.
FRANK
I'll do more than maim the sucker.
SYLVESTER
Enough already. What's wrong with
you. Ma! Tell him to get off!
MABLE
OK Frank, let him up now.
Sylvester! Watch it! Don't you go starting
something if he let's you up!
Frank gingerly lets go of Sylvester and gets up slowly.
Sylvester starts to get up slowly.
SYLVESTER
(under his breath)
Stupid...
FRANK
(menacing)
I heard that!
MABLE
(in a commanding voice)
Enough! You boys sit down now!
Her three sons sit down and glower at each other and cut their
eyes at her from time to time but look down and away
quickly.
Time passes...
Frank spends his time glaring at his older brother.
Sylvester spends his time looking down and generally trying
to ignore his whole family.
More time passes...
Frank can't take it any longer, he slaps the table and
starts to go for his brother again.
Zydeco starts to go for the block.
Sylvester starts for the door.
MABLE
Stop! Frank! Sit back down. You two
too.
The boys take their chairs again.
MABLE
So. What now? Sylvester, what have
you done?
SYLVESTER
What? I didn't do anything. Only
made us all rich is all.
FRANK
Made us all rich! My home is
probably wiped clean right
MABLE
Frank! Leave off with the threats
for now...
FRANK
Ma. I'll...
MABLE
(sternly)
Frank! Enough now.
SYLVESTER
That's right mom. Why is he so
upset? We're all rich. Will you
make him listen? Why won't you all
listen to my good news.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - SUNSET
Frank and Mandy are out on the water. No land in sight.
Close up on Mandy's face. Frank is speaking to her...
FRANK
I can't believe it. My place is
gone. Our recording studios, our
broadcast studios. Our living
quarters. The stables, the gardens, everything.
All gone!
MANDY
Frank, I am so sorry. I... I just
cant find the words.
FRANK
How could this happen? How could my
brother sell my land out from under
me?
MANDY
I don't know the details of your
case, but it doesn't surprise me
that it could happen.
FRANK
What do you mean? It surprises me
completely.
MANDY
You have been living in your own
little dream world Frank. I am
sorry the wake up call had to be so
loud.
FRANK
But why? We weren't bothering
anyone. Why was everyone always on
our case. Just because we didn't
fit the mold.
MANDY
Frank. Don't mix things up in your
mind now. Now is the time for
clarity.
FRANK
Clarity... Right... Clarity.
Frank spins around and opens a tackle box. He takes out a line
and unhooks the hook from the line on the spool. He takes
out a knife and then goes to a bucket in the stern and takes
out a conch. He cuts some for bait and baits up the hook.
He casts the line out into the water before handing the
spool to Mandy.
FRANK
Here, this will help us think
straight.
MANDY
How will this help us think
straight. I think you are not thinking
straight right now.
FRANK
It will, just feel for the nibbles.
Frank reaches into the tackle box again and takes out
another line. He baits this one up too and throws it out the
other side of the boat.
They fish quietly as the sun sets over the water.
INT. MABLE FOX'S HOME - AFTER SUNSET
Nadja and Mable are sitting in the family room. A "Barry and the
Cudas" compact disk is playing quietly in the background.
NADJA
Mable, I know you said you don't
know where Frank is, but I'm worried.
What did he say when he left.
MABLE
He said he had to get away to think
and to come up with a plan. I told
him not to do anything stupid. He
always could be rash when he got too
worked up and he is worked up now.
NADJA
And you just let him go?
MABLE
Nadja, he is s grown up man, not my
little boy anymore. He'll be
alright. Give him some space.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - SUNRISE
We see Mandy asleep on the cushions in the bow and Frank asleep
on the seat behind the wheel.
There are some birds circling a few hundred feet away from the
boat.
The noise of the birds awakens Frank. We see him stir
He goes to a cooler in the stern and takes out a carton of orange
juice and sips from it before putting it back. He takes out
a half of a sandwich and starts eating.
We see him sit quietly and finish the food.
Then he goes to the tackle box and takes out a line. He
baits up and throws out his line.
FRANK
(quietly to himself)
Dey come take my land Dey come take
my home Treat me worse dan dog Dey
een leave no bone
Dey tink dat dey win But dey een
know me yet Dey tink dat it's over But
dey een ga win dat bet
Something takes his bait and he yucks the line to set the hook.
Then the fight starts.
FRANK
Come on baby. I got ya now!
The commotion wakes Mandy.
MANDY
(rolling over to look Frank's
way)
Wha.. Oh, Frank. What's going on?
Where are we?
Frank is lost in the fight and ignores her.
MANDY
(louder)
Frank, I said where are we? What
are we doing out here still?
Frank doesn't seem to hear.
Mandy gets up and walks carefully towards him. As she gets close,
she reaches out and shakes his shoulder.
He turns.
MANDY
Why are we still at sea? Is
something wrong? We should have been
back a long time ago. I have to go
to a meeting this morning.
FRANK
(still mostly concentrating on
the fight)
Oh, sorry, I didn't know. I just
couldn't stand the thought of being
on land last night. Not with mine
gone.
MANDY
Look, I'm sorry, but I really need
to get back, can we go now?
FRANK
(pulling hard on the fishing
line)
How early is the meeting?
MANDY
Nine, but I have things to prepare.
FRANK
Come on baby, I got ya now!
MANDY
What?
FRANK
Not you, the fish. We'll head in
soon.
MANDY
I need for us to go now.
FRANK
Soon.
MANDY
No, not soon now.
FRANK
I've almost got him, give me a
minute will you?
MANDY
Forget it.
She goes forward and plops down and glares back towards
Frank.
MANDY
(speaking loud enough for
Frank to hear)
Why do I always manage to get
involved with guys like that.
FRANK
(ignoring her)
Come on baby! Come to papa. You may
not be as big as Santiago's baby
but you sure know how to fight.
MANDY
What is wrong with him? No respect.
No respect at all.
FRANK
(putting on a stubborn face)
Come on baby, it won't be long now.
Sound fades, but things go on like this for some time. The sun
rises higher in the sky.
Finally Frank pulls a good sized ??? alongside the boat. He gets
it aboard and manages to get the hook out before putting it
back in the water and watching it swim away.
FRANK
OK, time to head in. Anywhere in
particular you want me to drop you
off?
Mandy ignores him and turns to look away.
FRANK
OK, fine, be like that. I will drop
you back to you hotel dock.
He starts the engine and leaves it in idle while pulls up
the anchour and coils the rope.
This done, he sits at the wheel and guns it. "Slack Tide" responds
instantly.
FRANK
(to himself - Mandy cannot
hear because of the
I don't know why they call boats
she.
They go on in silence, the boat skimming over the water.
FADE TO:
EXT. HOTEL DOCK - MORNING
"Slack Tide" is coming in to the dock. She slows down and drops
off her plane.
Frank guides her alongside the dock and puts the bow where Mandy
is sitting near the ladder.
Mandy silently climbs the ladder to the dock and Frank hands her
up her bag.
She turns to walk off without saying anything.
FRANK
Listen, I was thinking last night
about doing some promos for you for
free.
MANDY
(without turning to look at
him)
Whatever.
FRANK
I will call you later then.
MANDY
(still walking away)
Do what you want. Why change now.
Frank sucks his teeth and looks down to the side.
The current is moving the boat out from the dock so Frank eases
the throttle forward and pulls off, looking back to where
Mandy disappears down the hotel path.
INT. MABLE FOX'S HOME - BREAKFAST
Frank walks in to find Nadja and his mother eating a breakfast
of grits and cheese and fried bologna.
FRANK
Ladies, what's the occasion?
NADJA
Excuse me Mable, I need to use the
ladies' room.
Ignoring Frank she walks from the room.
FRANK
What's up with her?
MABLE
(beginning to get up)
Sit down, can I get you something?
FRANK
(going to the cupboard)
No ma, sit still, I can handle
myself.
Frank gets himself a bowl and goes to the stove. There are two
covered pots and a frying pan with the thick sliced bologna
still in it.
He lifts the lid to the first pot and looks in.
FRANK
Fire Engine. Excellent.
He lifts the lid to the other pot and spoons some grits into his
bowl and then spoons some of the corned beef from the other
pot into his bowl alongside the grits. He recovers the two
pots.
MABLE
There is some Johnny Cake in the
oven if you want some.
Frank opens the oven and takes out a piece.
He walks over and puts his plate on the table before getting his
utensils from a draw and walking back to the table and
sitting down.
He cuts the johnny cake in half and butters it and takes a big
bite.
FRANK
Mmmmm. Most excellent Ma.
MABLE
Nadja made it. Frank, are you doing
OK? Where have you been?
FRANK
I think I am OK, but things are not
good. I stayed out fishing
overnight. I have to get my place
back. How could Sylvester do that?
Is it even legal?
MABLE
Probably just. You know your
brother. I don't know where I went
wrong with him.
FRANK
Ma. It's not your fault. Anyway, I
need to do some hard thinking and
fast.
MABLE
Do you have any ideas yet?
FRANK
Other than pounding on Sylvester
some more? No. I am dry so far.
MABLE
Frank, I know you are upset, and I
know Sylvester has gone and done it
again, but perhaps it may not be as
bad as it seems.
FRANK
What are you talking about? Are you
on his side with this! I don't
believe it. How could you.
MABLE
Would you just listen for a minute.
FRANK
(getting up)
No, Mom, I don't think I will
listen for even a second. See you
later, I am out of here.
Frank practically runs out of the door to escape.
EXT. SEA - MID DAY
We see Frank in "Slack Tide" offshore of the beach hangout construction
site.
Clearing work is ongoing.
We see a large sign has been erected:
"Emerald Pointe - an exclusive sea side resort. Buy now at pre-construction
prices. Email: eneraldpointe@BIBN0016.com"
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - MID DAY
Frank has set his face like stone as he looks at what has happened
to his home.
He takes out his BIBN0017 harmonica and starts to noodle around
with it.
FRANK
(taking his harp from his
mouth)
Dey come take my land Dey come take
my home Treat me worse dan dog Dey
een leave no bone
He blows on the harp some more making sounds of deep
longing.
FRANK
(taking his harp out again)
Dey tink dat dey win But dey een
know me yet Dey tink dat it's over But
dey een ga win dat bet
The harp goes back in his mouth and he really gets into it. He
blows a solo and another verse...
FRANK
I need me a plan Ta save me my home I
just can't understand What my
brother done done
INT. MABLE FOX'S HOME - AFTER NOON
We see Nadja and Mable sitting at the kitchen table working on
dinner and snacking and sipping tea.
NADJA
So he just walked out?
MABLE
Pretty much. I asked him to listen
to me for a minute and so basically
said not even for a second.
NADJA
Then he walked out...
MABLE
Then he stormed out. That's about
it. I wish he would have listened.
Sylvester may have done alright
this time.
NADJA
I don't know how you can think
that, but I doubt it will matter to
Frank no matter how good he did.
Frank loves that place. I know. I think
he loves it more than he will ever
love me.
MABLE
Oh, Nadja...
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - AFTER NOON
Frank takes one last look at the devastation then starts the motors
and pushes the throttle forward.
"Slack Tide" gets up on a plane and Frank heads out to sea.
EXT. SEA - AFTER NOON
The sky is clear and blue overhead, the sun is bright and lovely.
From overhead, we see "Slack Tide" in her element casting
foam spray from her bow. A wake making a V from her stern
and we can see through the clear water to the bottom.
The boat passes over a cruising shark but Frank doesn't notice
it.
We see flashes of silver in the wake from time to time.
We follow for a good while in a time lapse sort of way.
The water colour changes to a deep blue as "Slack Tide"
moves from the shallows out into the deep water.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - TWO PM
Frank still has the throttle to the max. We hear a change in the
sound of the engine and Frank's face registers the change.
In a little while the engine sputters and loses power.
"Slack Tide" loses speed and drops off her plane. Frank
looks at the feul gages which read Empty. Out of gas.
Frank gets an exasperated look on his face. He tries to get it
under control.
He looks down, then he looks up to the sky and smiles.
FRANK
What next? Oh well, lemonade time I
guess.
Frank reaches for his tackle box and takes out a line. He puts
on a hook but no sinker. He cuts some bait and starts to put
it on his hook. The he changes his mind and throws the bait
overboard. The he flicks his line overboard and pays out
line slowly, his hook bare.
He eases himself down to lie on his back on the seat behind the
wheel.
He settles down to wait. We see a small smile on his face.
FRANK
(sarcastically)
It doesn't get any better than
this.
He laughs.
INT. MABLE FOX'S HOME - TWO FIFTEEN PM
Mable and Nadja are sitting in the living room. Instrumental music
is on low in the background.
Sylvester walks in the door...
SYLVESTER
Hey Ma, hi Nadja. Is everyone
calmed down today.
MABLE
No.
SYLVESTER
Frank, right? What is his problem?
No ambition. Sitting around in the
shade all day playing dominoes and
playing music. No job, no responsibilities.
Just slack.
MABLE
Sylvie, don't talk like that bout
your brother.
SYLVESTER
It's true Ma, why do you always
make excuses for him. I make a
great deal for us all finally and
he tries to kill me. That boy needs
help Ma.
NADJA
You need to leave off Sylvester.
Your brother is a fine man.
SYLVESTER
Nadja, I don't know what you see in
him. I am the man for you, I know
you can feel it in your heart.
NADJA
(laughing and throwing a
pillow at him)
Don't be such jerk Sylvie.
SYLVESTER
(breaking out in laughter as
well)
Don't Sylvie me. Mable here is the
only one who can get away with
that.
MABLE
And don't you Mable me Sylvie.
Now everyone is laughing.
We hear a phone ring. A ring tone. The hook from BIBN0018.
Nadja takes a BIBN0019 phone from her purse on the floor and answers
it.
NADJA
Hello.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
MANDY
Hello Nadja, have you seen Frank?
NADJA
No. I haven't seen him since
yesterday. Have you?
MANDY
Not since he dropped me at my hotel
dock this morning. I am worried
about him.
NADJA
(to herself)
The hotel dock...
(to Mandy)
Well, Let me know if you hear from
him and I will do the same.
MANDY
(thoughtfully, slowly...)
Yes... OK, fine.... Will do...
Nadja hangs up.
MABLE
Who was that?
NADJA
Oh, that was Mandy May. She wanted
to know if I had seen Frank.
SYLVESTER
Oh, competition huh. Didn't I tell
you I was the man for you.
NADJA
Sylvie, really, you are such a
jerk.
MABLE
Do you think he is alright?
SYLVESTER
Of course he is alright Mom. That
boy lives a charmed life, remember?
Zydeco comes in.
Smiling.
ZYDECO
Family! It's a great day don't you
think?
SYLVESTER
Finally! Someone talking sense
around here! It sure is bro. Maybe
you can talk some sense into these
ladies here. If you are crazy
enough to try, put in a god word
for me with the lovely Nadja here.
Nadja throws a cushion at him again.
MABLE
What's your good news Zydeco?
ZYDECO
I looks like I am about to have a
large, and I mean large, loan deal
go through. I have been working on
it for a good while now and things look
good.
MABLE
That's my boy.
SYLVESTER
See Ma, you oldest and you youngest
are workers. Getting ahead. Frank
needs to grow up and get a life. He
needs some ambition. Some get up
and go. Living out there in those
shacks on the shore. He is not some teenager
anymore.
NADJA
(standing up)
Sylvester! Cut it out! Frank has
ambition. But he is an artist. His
ambitions are not a businessman's
ambitions.
ZYDECO
Oh please.
SYLVESTER
Get real.
NADJA
Sure, he talks like he sits around
and does nothing all day, but he
works hard at his music. He puts in
long hours practicing and in the studio.
And gigs are not a walk in the park
either.
ZYDECO
Love has made you blind girl.
NADJA
Forget it, I don't know why I try
with you two.
She turns and walks out to...
EXT. MABLE FOX'S BACK YARD - AFTER NOON
the back yard and sits on a bench under a pigeon plum tree.
INT. MABLE FOX'S HOME - AFTER NOON
ZYDECO
What got into her? I never thought
she was that much like Frank. Can't
handle reality.
SYLVESTER
Living in a dream world is right.
ZYDECO
Brother, I never thought I would
agree with you like this. I always
figured you for the real dreamer in
the family.
SYLVESTER
I don't know what you are talking
about Zydeco, entrepreneurs have to
be dreamers but not in that fantasy
way. There has to be some connection
with reality.
ZYDECO
You forget that I am a banker
brother. I can assure you that that
is not true. I have my doubts about
you, but I know it does not hold
for many that I run into.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - THREE THIRTY PM
Frank is still lying on the seat. "Slack Tide" is drifting aimlessly
on the ocean. There is a gull sitting on the bow rail
looking at him curiously.
There are two more gulls floating beside the boat.
Frank heaves a big sigh. The gull calls out loudly and flaps away.
He is joined by his two companions.
A wahoo jumps into the stern of the boat.
FRANK
Not now friend. I have other things
on my mind.
EXT. SEA - A SHORT TIME LATER
Some gulls come back around. Hovering above the boat and laughing
at Frank.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - LATER
FRANK
OK, guys, I get it.
He sits up and pulls in his line and puts it back in the tackle
box.
He looks at his fuel gauges. They read full. He smiles.
He takes out his BIBN0020 cell phone and checks for signal. There
is none.
He starts the engines and they growl with power.
He smiles and guns it. "Slack Tide" responds faithfully.
Frank heads home.
EXT. SEA - LATER
We have qa time lapse series of shots as Frank heads back.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - LATER
Frank eases back on the gas and slows "Slack Tide" down. He takes
out his phone and checks for signal again. He has some bars.
He dials a number.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
Jack Malone answers his phone.
JACK
Hello?
FRANK
Jack? Frank here. Can you hear me?
JACK
Frank! What is going on?
FRANK
I don't know yet but we have to
find out. Can you call Dwight and
Bobby and meet me at the BIBN0021
in about an hour. I want to talk
some things over.
JACK
Sure. I'm on it.
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - LATER
Frank guns it again and "Slack Tide" Jumps to his will.
EXT. BIBN0021 BAR AND GRILL - LATER
We see "Slack Tide" pull up expertly to the dock and Frank throw
an anchour out and then a line to a kid who is out looking
around. The kid holds the line while Frank cuts the engines
and tilts them up.
Frank gets up on the dock.
FRANK
Thanks for the hand.
He takes the bow line and cleats it off before heading in to the
bar under the thatched roof.
JACK MALONE, DWIGHT ALBURY and Bobby Bragg are already
there, drinks in hand.
FRANK
Guys, thanks for making it. Let me
order something and then let's to
get that out of the way table in
the corner.
DWIGHT
If we want it, I will go now so we
can be sure to get it. Ya never
know.
FRANK
Fine. Joe! Bartender!
JOE
Be right with you Frank. The usual?
FRANK
No, I feel like something different
this time. No rush.
Some good looking girls walk by and the guys heads turn
The girls smile as they walk by.
JACK
I haven't seen those ladies around
before. Have either of you?
BOBBY
Not me. I would have remembered.
FRANK
Neither me.
JACK
(heading off after the women)
Be right back. Hey ladies! Ladies,
wait up!
FRANK
Hey Jack! Be nimble! But be quick!
JACK
(looking back and laughing)
Smart, Frank, real stupid.
JOE
So Frank, what'll it be?
FRANK
I think I'll have a whiskey drink.
JOE
A whiskey drink is it. Sweet or
sour?
FRANK
I think I'll go with sour. And
Scots if you would be so kind.
JOE
On the double mate.
After a short while Joe serves Frank his drink and Frank and Bobby
walk over to the table where Dwight is waiting.
DWIGHT
Where's Jack?
BOBBY
Off chasing the ladies like usual.
He will probably be back soon.
DWIGHT
As usual?
FRANK
You don't need to do him that bad.
BOBBY
OK, so let's get down to business
OK?
Frank takes a sip from his drink.
FRANK
OK, we need to figure out what is
going on.
DWIGHT
Who is behind this?
FRANK
My brother Sylvester is behind it.
BOBBY
What?
FRANK
Somehow he seems to have managed to
sell it all out from under me. His
share, my share, everyone's. When I
see him again I am gonna put another
hurting on him.
BOBBY
I'll help if I'm there. But for
now, we need to plan.
DWIGHT
But who is behind it? Who did he
sell it to?
FRANK
He won't tell. He can be a real
jerk but he knows how to play things
close to his chest.
Jack walks up with his drink in his hand. Smiling.
JACK
Hey, hey, hey. Gentlemen, where are
we?
DWIGHT
I want to know who is behind this
all? This Emerald
JACK
Well, I could axe ma old school
buddy. My new MP. He may have some
inside info from the government
angle.
FRANK
That's good. I will ask Mom to see
if Zydeco has heard anything. He
sometimes hears things in the
circles he runs in.
DWIGHT
Good idea. What about Miss May? The
people in her network may know
something.
BOBBY
So, what, you are going to give
your MP a job?
JACK
(laughing)
I guess if you put it that way...
Dwight, don't you have a girl you
know down at the registry? There
may be some office sip, sip down there
that could help us.
DWIGHT
Got it. I'll call her later
tonight. Frank, don't you have a contact
at the paper?
FRANK
Yes, but she covers entertainment.
DWIGHT
Sure, but they do speak to each
other over there don't they?
FRANK
(sipping his sour)
Right. What else?
BOBBY
We need to reach out to the sip sip
net and see what we can shake out.
FRANK
Good. That should turn up
something. What else?
INT. SAMSON ROLLE'S OFFICE - START OF BUSINESS DAY
The office is spacious and well lit. Naturally
It has a glass wall to the secretaries office to one side
and two glass walls to the outside. It is a corner office
high up in the building.
The blinds to the outer office are open and we can see the staff
having a bit of morning sustenance and education. (Eating
boil fish n grits and reading the morning paper.)
Samson is at his desk working through a stack of papers.
The phone in the outer office rings. We hear it very low and see
the secretary pick it up. After a short time, the phone in
Samson's office rings.
Samson presses answers on speaker phone.
SAMSON
Yes Hanna?
HANNA
There is a mister Diamond on the
line for your sir.
SAMSON
Put him through please.
HANNA
Right away.
We see Hanna push some buttons on her phone and speak for a short
time then the phone in Samson's office rings again. This
time he picks up the phone.
SAMSON
Good morning. (pause) Bill, good to
hear from you. (pause) Yes, that
would be nice. A new arts centre
for my constituency would be wonderful.
(pause) That is very kind of you.
(pause) For lunch? Sure. Same place?
(pause) See you there. (pause)
Goodbye.
Samson hangs up the phone and goes back to his papers.
EXT. BIBN0021 BAR AND GRILL - MID AFTERNOON
Frank, Bobby, Dwight, and Jack are at the same table as yesterday.
They are having a late lunch.
FRANK
No, Bobby, I got nowhere. I had a
big row with mom. She was trying to
tell me that things might not be so
bad and I am not interested in hearing
her excuses for Sylvester so I
called Zydeco myself.
BOBBY
Did he have any info for us?
FRANK
No, he is all happy about some big
deal that looks good at the bank
and he started to try and tell me
things might be OK this time with Sylvester's
foolishness too but I cut him off.
At least he backed off and things
cooled down, I don't know why ma
kept pushing the issue.
DWIGHT
And Miss May.
FRANK
(smiling)
Well, she was too busy to talk but
I am having dinner with her tonight
as I will see what I can learn.
JACK
Well, my MP says he thinks
something big may be going down with
the Samson Rolle's office. He is
going to check into things some
more and get back to me.
DWIGHT
Not much at the registry. Emerald
Pointe is now owned by Gem Stone
Bahamas Limited. Gem Stone Bahamas
Limited is owned by Gem Stone International
which is said to be a Cayman
company. Are we going to need to
get an investigator to help us?
FRANK
Not just yet, we may, but let's
give it a few days.
BOBBY
We don't have time to waste do we
Frank?
FRANK
I don't know Bobby, but I was out
in "Slack Tide" this morning and
everything at the hangout is
already leveled or gone, so there
is not a big rush there. Do we want
to go all commando on them out
there?
JACK
Well, I could get in touch with
some of my Abaco relatives and get
a hold of some trouble, but no, I
don't think we want to go there.
The girls from yesterday walk by...
GIRLS
(together - goggles heard)
Hey Jack.
JACK
Hi there ladies, I will come see
you in a while, save me a spot.
GIRLS
We'll keep it nice and warm for
you.
Jack almost blushes. The girls move on.
DWIGHT
OK, so no messing with them when
they aren't looking. So, Frank, any
luck with the paper angle?
FRANK
She's checking, but she didn't seem
hopeful.
BOBBY
Well, I had an idea last night and
it may help out in the short term.
I have some family with some vacant
land out between Cow Pen Road and
Bonefish Pond. I called my uncle
last night and he says we can put
our trailers there for pretty much
as long as we need to within
reason.
FRANK
Way to go Bobby! We can get back in
operation fast someplace like that
and then fight this thing hard
without having to shack up on the floor
with friends and family.
JACK
And strangers. Strangers have
floors too.
DWIGHT
Get real Jack.
JACK
(standing up and walking off
in the direction the ladies
took)
OK. Later then.
FRANK
That boy is something else. Listen
guys, I have an idea for a new
song.
DWIGHT
let's hear it.
FRANK
Free the Art and Free the Artists Let's
break loose and Let's get started
Change the world and Make it better There
may be crying but We'll cry
together
Tired of waiting on Promised
changes Come together and Let's
rearrange it
DWIGHT
Sounds pretty nice, how do you see
this?
FRANK
I don't know really, something
simple probably. If we get our containers
set up out south soon I would like
to get back in the studio and try and
lay down a few different takes on
it.
DWIGHT
I like it. Free the Art and Free
the Artists. That's what we need
man. Freedom man. Shake off their
chains. Free our minds and free our souls
man.
Sound fades and we see the guys talking and laughing. We see Jack
pass by with a girl on each arm. Time is passing time lapse
style. Later Dwight and Bobby get up and leave. We see Joe
the Bartender come over and sit and talk with Frank for a
while then leave and come back with a drink for him then
leave again.
More time passes time lapse style and Frank is still at his table.
Sometimes seeming to think, sometimes writing in a notebook.
Sometimes we see his head bobbing as if to a tune in his
head.
We see the sun set time lapse style. We see someone light torches
around the property and put old fashioned lanterns on
tables. Later, time goes to normal and the sound returns.
Mandy walks up to the table and Frank stands up to greet
her.
FRANK
Mandy, so good to see you tonight.
He kisses her on the cheek and smiles into her eyes. We see
a sparkle in the eyes of each of them.
MANDY
Mmmm. It is good to see you too
Frank. I have been worried about
you. Are you really alright?
FRANK
Well... As alright as I can be
under the circumstances. We just
have to keep on somehow.
MANDY
So where have you been, what have
you been doing with yourself?
FRANK
Here and there. Spending a lot of
time in "Slack Tide" and too much
of it out looking at what is going
on at the site. I don't know why I am
doing that to myself, but I am.
MANDY
You need to be careful you don't
get stuck in a rut.
FRANK
Well, I am trying not to. I am
working on some new music. We also
seem to have a place arranged to
put our stuff and get back to a
sort of functioning state at least
temporarily.
MANDY
That's nice. I hope that goes well
for you.
FRANK
Plus, we are trying to gather some
information and make some plans to
put a stop to this "Emerald Pointe"
foolishness.
MANDY
Now that, I really hope you succeed
with. Sometimes I want to just
blindly oppose all development.
When I'm angry, I sometimes feel
like that is the only chance we
have but in my calmer moments, I
don't think that is much of a
chance at all. I tell you Frank, it
is hard to keep going sometimes.
FRANK
Listen, why don't I go to the bar
and get us a menu and let's put in
an order.
MANDY
Can we just get a drink and wait a
while to eat?
FRANK
Sure, but I think I'll order a
snack at least. I don't want to
drink anymore with this empty
stomach. What'll you have?
MANDY
A Tom Collins sounds nice.
FRANK
Fine, be right back.
Frank walks over to the bar and we see him motion to Joe who comes
over. They laugh and Joe starts to mix the drinks. Frank
looks over to the big screen TV where a local sloop sailing
program is on.
Joe brings him his drinks and Frank walks back to Mandy and gives
her her drink before putting his on the table and sitting
down.
FRANK
So listen, about the other
morning...
MANDY
Stop... Let's just forget the whole
deal and see if we can get back on
track OK?
FRANK
No, I want to say sorry for the
other morning, or at least to explain
somewhat. It is just that I had a
fish on the line and I don't like
to just cut them loose and leave
hooks in them and lots of line
trailing. I'm sorry it worked out
like that.
MANDY
OK, Frank, let's just drop it
please. I had a meeting and needed
to get back, but it's over and it's
time to move on.
FRANK
OK, if you want to, I will try. It
feels a bit odd, but I'll try.
EXT. EMERALD POINTE - NIGHT
Big Bill and Elaine are sitting on a BIBN0022 utility
vehicle.
ELAINE
Dad, are you sure we should be out
here tonight? Isn't it too soon to
let people find out that this is
our project?
BIG BILL
Yes it is Elaine, but sometimes I
need to be close to the land to
know what I am doing. I keep
telling you that I can't make the
right decisions if I don't have a
connection with the land I am
developing.
ELAINE
I know dad, it is just that we have
too much invested to mess up now.
There is just too much at stake.
BIG BILL
All of life has risks my dear. I
keep telling you that. You have to
learn to take risks when you need
to. Sometimes you just have to grab life
by the horns.
ELAINE
I just don't like to take risks we
don't have to dad. Why take them?
BIG BILL
Elaine, I don't like to take them
even when I do have to. But I take
them when I have to. That's what I
want you to learn.
ELAINE
Dad, you know you like taking
risks, sometimes just to take them.
And you push me to take risks I
don't need to take either.
BIG BILL
Like what? When do I push you to
take unneeded risks?
ELAINE
Hello. Zydeco? Who wants me to
somehow get a date with him?
BIG BILL
Elaine, I like that young man. And
you need to get more serious about
someone in you life if your mother
and I are ever going to have grand
children.
ELAINE
Dad! Stop! And besides, I am not
your only child.
BIG BILL
Elaine, I told you never to bring
that subject up with me.
ELAINE
Dad, you are going to have to deal
with it sometime.
BIG BILL
No! Don't bring that up with me.
And don't try to change the subject
either. What about Zydeco. What do
you think of him?
ELAINE
He seems nice enough. But I am not
interested in any commitments in my
private life right now.
EXT. BIBN0021 BAR AND GRILL - NIGHT
Mandy and Frank are eating dinner. Things are a bit intense between
them. Every once in a while, we see sparkles in their eyes.
The sound is "off - not right" we can't hear their exact words,
but we can hear tones. They are interested in each other.
Smooth laughter. Do we hear love blooming?
They are sitting across from each other, looking deeply into each
other's eyes, the flames from the lamp on the table flicker
on their faces.
Frank reaches out and takes Mandy's hands in his.
FADE TO:
EXT. EMERALD POINTE - NIGHT
ELAINE
Dad, please, leave it be. We need
to go.
Elaine starts the vehicle and begins to drive off.
INT. BIBN0022 UTILITY VEHICLE - NIGHT
Father and daughter drive along in silence for a while...
BIG BILL
OK, it is settled then. I will see
if Zydeco would be willing to take
you to dinner tomorrow night.
Elaine slams on the brakes...
ELAINE
(angry)
Dad! No! That's final.
BIG BILL
OK, where would you like for him to
take you? I can reserve a table at
the hotel if you like. Or a table
at BIBN0008. Or I can ask him to take
you to a nice place you haven't
been before.
ELAINE
Dad. You are just not going to give
up are you?
BIG BILL
Elaine, have you ever known me to
quit?
ELAINE
(laughing with a tough of
regret and a touch
No. I have never known you to quit
dad. Someplace new then.
BIG BILL
That's my girl.
FADE TO:
EXT. BIBN0021 BAR AND GRILL - LATER THAT NIGHT
Frank puts some money in the folder with the check and looks at
Mandy.
FRANK
Ready?
Mandy nods and she and Frank stand up. They head for the docks
and Frank reaches out and takes her hand. She looks at him
and smiles and they intertwine their fingers.
EXT. BIBN0021 BAR AND GRILL DOCK - NIGHT
"Slack Tide" is tied to the dock again. Frank grabs the bow rope
and un-cleats it. He pulls the bow in to the dock and Mandy
steps aboard and goes to sit down.
The night is quiet so Frank also steps aboard and quickly lowers
the engines and starts them. He lets them idle for a while
and then pulls in the stern anchour. He swishes it about
some to clear the bottom mud from it and then rests it in
the stern.
CUT TO:
INT. "SLACK TIDE" - NIGHT
"Slack Tide" pulls away from the dock with Frank and Mandy sitting
side by side. Almost snatched up.
INT. BIBN0014 HOTEL, PENTHOUSE SUITE, ELAINE'S BEDROOM -
LATE NIGHT
We see Elaine on the phone, she is laying on her king size bed
on her stomach. Knees bent, feet in the air, chin on elbow,
phone in one hand.
ELAINE
It's a little late to be calling,
isn't it?
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
ZYDECO
Tell me about it! That's exactly
what I thought when your father
just called me.
ELAINE
He didn't!
ZYDECO
He most certainly did. He told me
you two had just gotten in so I
took a chance and called.
ELAINE
I'm glad you did.
ZYDECO
I must tell you, this is a first
for me.
ELAINE
What, you've never asked a girl out
on a date before? That is what you
are calling about isn't it?
ZYDECO
No... yes... well... Yes, I am
calling about a date. No, I have
asked a girl on a date before. I
have just never had a beautiful
girl's father call me before and
suggest I ask his daughter out on a
date.
ELAINE
Well, I'm glad you took the chance
and called...
ZYDECO
So... um... would you?
ELAINE
Would I what?
ZYDECO
Would you like to go out on a date?
ELAINE
Now? It's a little late isn't it? I
am already in bed.
ZYDECO
Oh, come on. Live a little. I will
come by and pick you up in thirty
minutes.
ELAINE
Are you serious?
ZYDECO
No... but I will come any way if
you will be ready.
ELAINE
(laughing)
OK. Why not? I'll be in the lobby
in a half an hour. Don't keep me
waiting.
INT. BIBN0014 HOTEL LOBBY - TWENTY FIVE MINUTES LATER
We see Elaine sitting off to the side on a nice sofa reading a
magazine from the end table. She is beneath an indoor palm.
The doorman opens the lobby doors and Zydeco walks in and looks
around but doesn't spot Elaine immediately. His face falls.
He starts for the desk but decides to look around again and
he spots her. His face brightens and we see a wide smile.
He walks over. He is near her...
ELAINE
I almost can't believe you came.
ZYDECO
And I almost can't believe you are
here waiting. To be honest, I can
hardly believe I came either but
here I am.
ELAINE
And here I am. So we are both here
but where are we going?
ZYDECO
Well, I know this little out of the
way bar and grill on the water.
They stay open twenty four hours a
day seven days a week and the atmosphere
is nice and the food is good.
ELAINE
Sounds like fun, let's go.
ZYDECO
Right this way my dear.
They head out through the doors.
INT. ZYDECO'S CAR - NIGHT
The car is dark inside. The traffic at this hour is not as light
as you might imagine. Plus there is too much speeding and
weaving and passing.
Zydeco takes it in stride though.
Again sound is faded. We can see that the two of them are talking
and enjoying one another's company though. every once in a
while, Elaine reaches out and touches Zydeco's arm or rests
her hand on his shoulder.
After a while, she leaves her hand on his shoulder. We see them
exchange glances and smile.
Although the sound of the couple is low and fuzzy, the sound on
the radio becomes clearer, it is a Barry and the Cudas
rendition of the No Voltage Blues...
FRANK (V.O.)
(with the band as well)
I got the no voltage blues I got
the no voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the no
voltage blues
My U.P.S. is beepin It wakes me
from my dream And man she was a
sweet ting Ate least thats how it
seemed
I got the no voltage blues I got
the no voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the no
voltage blues
My A.C.'s sittin quiet My room is
gettin warm I lie right here and
sigh it Aint no sign of a storm
I got the no voltage blues I got
the no voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the no
voltage blues
I'm tryin to write my novel In
thirty short, short days And now
just like the last year Gots to
pray they change their ways
I got the no voltage blues I got
the no voltage blues Yeah, B.E.C.
is messin with me I got the no
voltage blues
As the song ends, the sound on the radio fades into the background
but the sound of the couple becomes more clear.
ELAINE
I like that song. You seem to have
a lot of issues with power here.
How long has that been going on?
ZYDECO
You noticed? The hotel has it's own
generators, surely you have not
been suffering the no voltage blues
there.
ELAINE
Well, our power hasn't gone out,
but from way up there we can see
when parts of the island go dark.
So, how long have you had these
power problems here?
ZYDECO
(laughing with a bit of
embarassment)
Well, to tell the truth, we have
been having these problems for at
least as long as I can remember.
The car drives by a woman sitting alone on a bench by a lamp post.
She has long dark hair and we can see she is crying and
trying to sing as the Jaguar passes her by.
She almost looks like she is waiting for someone to come
back to her.
ELAINE
Do you think that woman back there
was OK? Should we go back and see
if she needs a ride?
ZYDECO
She's alright in an odd sort of
way. She sits there every night
alone. No one seems to bother her.
I think it is on account of her
great loss.
ELAINE
She did have a bit of a haunted
quality to her. What is her story?
ZYDECO
Can I tell you some other time? It
is a bit long and can
ELAINE
Well... OK, then, but don't forget
to tell me sometime.
ZYDECO
We'll see. You may think better of
it after some time has passed.
ELAINE
You make it sound so mysterious...
EXT. BIBN0021 BAR AND GRILL - LATE NIGHT
Zydeco and Elaine are sitting at the same table that Frank and
Mandy were at earlier.
They have a basket of wings and two bottles of BIBN0023 beer on
the table.
They are eating the wings which are obviously seriously hot and
licking their fingers and laughing.
We sometimes catch a glimpse of sparkles in their eyes.
ZYDECO
So. Let's talk.
ELAINE
(laughing a husky laugh)
Talk? About what?
ZYDECO
Oh, anything... Life... The
future.. The price of tea in China...
What's that sound? Holes in the
halls.
ELAINE
What sound?
ZYDECO
What sound?
ELAINE
Yes, what sound?
ZYDECO
I don't understand?
ELAINE
You asked what some sound was but I
didn't hear any sound.
ZYDECO
I don't remember hearing a sound
either.
ELAINE
Are you teasing me?
ZYDECO
I don't think so but I think I
might like to sometime. If I get to
know you better.
ELAINE
Would you like to?
ZYDECO
Would I like to what? Get to know
you better? Or tease you?
ELAINE
Well... Both I guess.
ZYDECO
Would you like me to?
ELAINE
Would I like you to what?
ZYDECO
Now you are teasing me aren't you?
ELAINE
I might be, what do you think?
ZYDECO
Would you like to know?
ELAINE
I think so.
ZYDECO
OK. I would like to get to know you
better. Much better I think. And I
would like to tease you sometime
after that.
ELAINE
I think you may have blown your
preferred order of things already
though.
ZYDECO
I wouldn't be a first for me I'm
afraid.
