CLEAN BREAK

Written by

Ryan Brennan

Grandview / Adam Klein / Sam Warren

9.12.24
"Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value
life more."
- Virginia Woolf

"I don’t look good in beige..."

- Joan Jett
INT. BAR - MID 200O'S - NIGHT

MARY (33) sits at a bar. White with red hair. Sweet and
attractive, like a Venus flytrap to those buzzing around.

MARY (V.O.)
That moment when you become an
adult? It isn't when you get your
first car or your first job or even
your own home. Trust me, I've met
plenty of children with all three.
A WONDERFUL GUY (35) approaches and whispers in her ear.

MARY (V.O.)
No, that breathless incandescent
moment comes when you look your
fellow man in the eye and see
firsthand...
They LOOK into each other's eyes. Mutual flirty smiles.

MARY (V.O.)
...They don't give a flying fuck
about you.

INT. WONDERFUL GUY'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Mary and Wonderful Guy having sex.

MARY (V.O.)
99.9% of these walking, talking,
fucking, sucking monsters we share
the earth with care about one thing
and one thing only: themselves.

Mary, BORED, decides to PUSH HIM OFF and FORCE HIS FACE DOWN
between her legs. He takes the cue and GOES DOWN ON HER.

After some hair-pulling instruction from Mary, she ORGASMS.

He comes up kissing her, but she's CLEARLY DONE.
MARY
Ugh, that was great. I'm sorry I'm
so... tired all of a sudden. But
you're welcome to finish yourself
off. G'night.

A look of SHOCK from Wonderful Guy as Mary rolls over in bed.

C.U. on her face: AMUSED.

MARY (V.O.)
I never said I was the exception...
 2.

THE NEXT MORNING

Before Wonderful (now sleepy) Guy wakes, Mary gets up.

MARY (V.O.)
As an adult, I kept looking around
at all this disgustingly selfish
behavior, thinking... why not me?
Puts her clothes on, and deftly goes through his apartment,
STEALING EVERYTHING SHE CAN. Clearly a routine procedure.

MARY (V.O.)
Why should I be above it all? This,
the American Dream. All that we've
been promised. Individual
prosperity at the expense of those
you couldn't care less about.

A NEWSPAPER establishes our TIME PERIOD with coverage of the

2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS and WALL STREET BAILOUT.
Mary picks up a FRAMED BASEBALL CARD OF MICKEY MANTLE.
Eyes it, unsure of its worth. BAGS IT anyway. And LEAVES.

EXT. MARY'S CAR - HONDA CIVIC - MORNING

Mary packs up her spoils. Closes her trunk and DRIVES OFF.
MARY (V.O.)
It's fuck, marry, kill with
capitalism out there and I want on
the firing line...

INT. MARY'S CAR - DAY

Mary's PARKED. Reaches into her purse where we see a GUN, but
she grabs makeup instead. Opens the SUN VISOR MIRROR.

Next to it is a PICTURE of MARY (13) and her MOM PLAYING

POOL. She looks at it. A brief moment of vulnerability.

INT. OLD POOL HALL - NIGHT

Mary gets a drink from the bar and walks amongst the pool
tables as if a church-like procession.

MARY (V.O.)
This is my sacred space. Chalk and
cigarette smoke fill the air like
incense.
(MORE)
 3.

MARY (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Vices flow freely from the beer to
the whiskey. And the ever-present
danger of sex and violence makes my
senses... tingle. I love it here.
Because I've found a way to float
above it all and rub it in
everyone's filthy fucking faces.

She gets to the altar: a DIGITAL JUKEBOX, and puts on a song.

CUE MUSIC: "Gimme More" by Britney Spears.

MARY
Ugh, I love this song!

To be clear, she hates this fucking song. But loves the

reaction it gets: "who put this shit on? Oh... HER."

CUE MONTAGE:

...Mary getting FLIRTED WITH and INVITED TO PLAY POOL.

MARY
Sure, but only 'cause you're cute.

...Upping the stakes for MONEY. Throwing CASH DOWN.

MARY
You know what would make my playing
better? Stakes on the table. Medium
rare sound okay?

...Continually WINNING with seemingly BEGINNERS LUCK to MEN.

MARY
Aw, shit! Sorry, Momma always said
I was lucky not bein' born blonde.
...But after enough cuts, it's clear this is precise SKILL.
As WINNING SHOTS roll in, we hear Britney's lyrics:

"Gimme, gimme more. Gimme more. Gimme, gimme more..."

...And Mary looks at every man she beats. She LOVES IT.

MARY (V.O.)
Men hate being fucked with,
especially by women. Something
about being deemed a 'pussy' by
pussy-owning persons. I mean,
everyone hates losing. But when I
see a guy I just beat, it isn't
like he just lost a wad of
twenties.
(MORE)
 4.

MARY (V.O.) (CONT'D)

It's like I took a strap-on from
the movie Se7en and fucked him up
the ass in front of his friends,
preferred professional football
team, and his entire high school
prom... combined.

DAVE, the man she's just won off of, looks EXACTLY LIKE THAT.
DAVE
What the shit was that?

MARY
That was you losin'. And this is me
takin' what's mine.

Mary snatches up the CASH and WALKS AWAY, LEAVING THE BAR.
And Dave, whose astonishment boils over into PALPABLE RAGE.

EXT. DIVE BAR - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

As Mary walks to her car, DAVE FOLLOWS HER.

MARY (V.O.)
Just don't forget, boys and girls,
shriveled dicks can be real sore
losers. So always come prepared.
He looks like he's going to BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF HER.
But as he GRABS HER BY THE SHOULDER, Mary spins around...

...GUN IN HAND. FIRES TWO SHOTS:

BANG! BANG!
Dave looks down at his BLEEDING BELLY. Falls to the ground.
And FREAKS THE FUCK OUT.
Mary looks down at him, QUIZZICALLY.
Remorse might be too strong a word. He got what he deserved.
Doesn't exactly look like he'll die...

But she definitely HAS TO GO. Gets in her car and DRIVES OFF.

INT. MARY'S CAR - HONDA CIVIC - NIGHT

Opens the glove compartment. Revealing BLACK HAIR DYE.

MARY (V.O.)
It's a shame. The red was really
growing on me...
 5.

INT. WAFFLE HOUSE COUNTER - NIGHT

Mary, BLACK HAIR, indulges in the wonder of a greasy waffle
house meal. Clearly this brings her joy.
That is until her NEIGHBOR (40's female Floridian) starts
taking PICTURES of their food with a new iPhone.

MARY
That make you happy?
NEIGHBOR
I'm sorry?

MARY
Apology accepted.
Goes back to eating. Even happier having ruffled feathers.

NEIGHBOR
Lemme guess, you're not on --
MARY
I don't have a phone.

NEIGHBOR
What are you? An alien?
MARY
I came to a restaurant to order
food and eat. But hey, I guess
you're right. You blend right in.
Mary nods to seemingly EVERY OTHER CUSTOMER ON THEIR PHONE.

NEIGHBOR
...Just who in the frigg do you
think you are?!
MARY
(loving this)
I'm Mary. You seem angry.
NEIGHBOR
I'm not angry, I'm --

MARY
No, you're angry. Just let it out--
NEIGHBOR
I DON'T WANNA BE ANGRY!!!
MARY
Well you're doing a horrible job.
 6.

Game, set, match. Mary wins the "piss a stranger off" game.
Until Neighbor's unexpected coup d'état...
NEIGHBOR
Okay, y'know what? Are you happy?

A simple question. But it catches her completely off guard.

Cutting deep to the bone. Is Mary actually happy?
NEIGHBOR
Because you could just be enjoying
your food, like you say you're here
to, but no. You gotta... poo poo on
some stranger.

A look on Mary's face: "how fucking dare you."

And just as Mary opens her mouth to verbally TEAR THIS WOMAN
A NEW ASSHOLE (which she's fully capable of)...

Just then, a SQUAD OF POLICE CARS BLARE BY, SIRENS and all.
No doubt headed for the wreckage Mary left behind.
TIME TO GO. But Mary certainly won't let Neighbor have the
satisfaction of feeling like she won this interaction...

MARY
EXCUSE ME, WAITRESS? Sorry, I'm
gonna go ahead and pay. This woman
just will not stop bothering me.

Mary hands the Diner Waitress a $20 bill and walks away,
GRINNING EAR TO EAR, as Neighbor LOSES HER MIND.
NEIGHBOR
Are you kidding me? ARE YOU FUCKING
KIDDING ME?! YOU STARTED IT YOU --

EXT. WAFFLE HOUSE - NIGHT

Mary pulls out her iPod, picks a SONG, and walks to her CAR.
CUE MUSIC: "World Turning" by Fleetwood Mac.
MARY (V.O.)
Of course I'm fucking happy. Just
follow the five steps. Number One:
take responsibility for your life.
Stops when she sees a BABY ON BOARD STICKER. Reaches through
an open window and STEALS IT. Puts it on her car. Gets in.
 7.

INT. MARY'S CAR - MORNING

Mary, DRIVING, puts on SUNGLASSES as the SUN RISES. Rolls
down her window and gives THE FINGER to a PRO-LIFE BILLBOARD.
MARY (V.O.)
It's yours to kill. Hate your given
circumstances? The world loves a
makeover. Just don't wait for some
thundercunt with a TV show to tell
ya you look like trailer trash.

EXT. INTERSTATE 10 - DAY

The FINGER STAYS for another sign: "Now leaving Florida."
Mary takes in everything around her: the road, music, nature.
It's so fucking delightful, she can't help but SMILE.

INT. BAR - NEW ORLEANS - NIGHT

Makes herself comfortable at a bar. The bartender is an
OLD BROAD with just the right amount of sass.
OLD BROAD
How's this tourist town treatin'
ya?

MARY
Couldn't live here, that's for
sure. Too many people. And
honestly? Too close to... my ex.

OLD BROAD
Know the feelin'. You could build a
demilitarized zone between my ex n'
me n' he'd still find a way to come
sniffin' around. Where you off to?

MARY
I was thinkin'... Texas.
OLD BROAD
Oh yeah? What's in Texas?
MARY
Fat, stupid people who love guns.

After a moment, the Old Broad LAUGHS HER ASS OFF. Mary joins.
MARY (V.O.)
Step two: speak your mind.
 8.

QUICK CUTS: Mary asking for another drink, DRUNK.

MARY
Sheila, ya bad bitch, gimme another
one of those sazeracs.

Propositioning an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN next to her in the bar.

MARY
I want to go home with you tonight.
I want you to make me cum, and I'll
do the same for you.
HAVING SEX with said woman, but not orgasming. Commanding:
MARY
Don't go down on me like a fucking
guy, get in there and -- that's it.
NOW she's on her way to an orgasm. While we're here...

**NOTE: Mary has a LOT OF SEX. And fuck yeah, sex is awesome.
But we're not here to sexualize Mary. We're just witnesses,
NOT VOYEURS. Alright, thanks and back to the show...**
MARY (V.O.)
Speaking your mind has the ability
to stupefy, pacify, and even
terrify when needed.
Mary, HUNGOVER AS FUCK in a DINER the next morning. Getting a
cup of joe. A woman behind her ANNOYING AS HELL. Mary SNAPS.

MARY
You are so fucking loud, your voice
is obnoxious, and you're too dumb
to realize your "friend" across
from you hates your fucking guts.
The woman looks "is that true?" at her friend: "...yes."
Mary BACK ON THE ROAD. Passes a sign, pulls into a GUN EXPO.

INT. GUN EXPO - DAY

Mary buys ammo from a DUMBASS. Looking him dead in the face.

MARY
You are undermining this democracy
under the veil of patriotism. I
love it, thanks for the bullets.

A genuine thank you and goodbye to DUMBASS too dumb to reply.

 9.

EXT. INTERSTATE 10 - DAY

Mary's car drives past a sign: "WELCOME TO TEXAS."

MARY (V.O.)
Three: be alone. You cannot depend
on people, because they are the
cancerous asshole of the earth. So,
learn to love yourself.
QUICK CUTS: Mary exploring different TEXAS TOWNS.
Treating herself to Texas food: Breakfast tacos. Brisket.

Lounging by pools. Drinking. But at night, she's SEARCHING.

MARY (V.O.)
You are your own best friend. The
greatest drinking buddy and sexual
partner you'll ever have. So if
you're going to -- hang on --

Until she FINDS WHAT SHE'S LOOKING FOR. A sign:

"NEWTON'S POOL HALL: Good shootin."

INT. NEWTON'S POOL HALL - NIGHT

Mary walks in. Silent. Studying. Seeing the multiple tables.
That same silent procession we saw of her in the first pool
hall. Runs her fingers over the felt.

Clocks the quality of the cues. The bar. The people.

And in the back two tables, she sees MONEY being traded.
STRANGER
Can I help you?
MARY
No. Thanks, I'm in my happy place.

She is. A pig in shit. A GIDDY EXPRESSION all over her face.

INT. FURNISHED APARTMENT - MORNING

Mary walks in, handing CASH to the LANDLORD. The landlord
leaves and Mary stands, breathing it in.
MARY (V.O.)
Numero quatro: pursue pleasure.
Consciously and constantly.
 10.

She makes the space her own, decorating with a lifetime of

spoils, including the FRAMED MICKEY MANTLE CARD.
Plugs in her VIBRATOR. COOKS DINNER with rad KNIFE SKILLS.
EATS, savoring every bite as usual. Paired with WINE.
Finishes, and looks over at her vibrator.

Grabs it. Finds her setting. Zzzzz-zzz-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

MASTURBATION MONTAGE:
...On the couch.
...In bed at night.
...Early morning (to start her day right).
...In traffic (in her CAR).

...Then at a DINER, where a WAITRESS gives her coffee...

WAITRESS
Can I get you anything else?
Zzzzzzz-zzzzzz-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
MARY
I'm fantastic.

Awkward eye contact. And just as she BREATHES IN to MOAN...

INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - MORNING (END MONTAGE)

Mary BREATHES OUT, doing YOGA in her living room.
MARY (V.O.)
Also, and unfortunately, exercise.
You have to look fuckable to be
fucked by other fuckables.
Showers, then looks at her clothes. EXPERIMENTS WITH
DIFFERENT LOOKS in the mirror.
MARY (V.O.)
And finally, five: have a trade,
and really make it your bitch.
Opts for jeans and a METALLICA SHIRT.

Oh, and the essential RED "look at me" lipstick.

 11.

EXT. NEWTON'S POOL HALL - DAY

She pulls into a PARKING LOT. Looks at the picture of her MOM
in the mirror. Then walks into the BUILDING.

MARY (V.O.)
Try everything in life to find what
that is. Once you do, hold on. Sink
your teeth in and murder anyone who
gets in your way.

INT. NEWTON'S POOL HALL - DAY

Mary enters, breathing in her new sacred workspace. Almost
empty, except for a handful of men drinking and playing pool.

TED (50), the bartender, comes over.

MARY
Your finest beer, por favor.
TED
Little early...
MARY
Too early for them cowboy cucks?

Mary glances at the men playing pool and DRINKING BEERS.

MARY
What's your name?
TED
Ted.
MARY
Well, Ted, you're about to start
seein' a lot of me so why don't we
just restart this whole
relationship over again? You first.
Ted might've killed men in Vietnam, but he's willing to bite.
TED
Okay... IPA?
MARY
I ain't no hipster, and I don't
want no triple hopped bullshit. I
also don't want a light beer 'cuz
I'm a lady. I just want a beer,
that tastes like a fucking beer.
(MORE)
 12.
MARY (CONT'D)
(looks at taps)
Shiner Bock. That's Texas, right?

TED
Yeah. That's what most people drink
'round here.
MARY
Well hey, Ted. I'm most people.
Ted pours the beer. Mary pays and heads to her pool table.
MARY (V.O.)
Pool is a simple game of angles and
probability. You look at the
possible angles given, and the
probability of the shot. Those are
the basics. Next, you look at the
number of balls you can impose
those basics on in a row. And once
you can do that with all of them,
you are an undeclared badass. Thus,
the sport turns into a game of,
"who can I trick into betting money
that I am not a badass?"
She ROLLS CUE STICKS, finding one that doesn't WOBBLE.
Starts PLAYING, ALONE.
MARY (V.O.)
All you have to do is wait.
Hours pass into NIGHT. It's CROWDED now. Money flowing.

MARY (V.O.)
Lure...
A couple of well rehearsed POSES, all for the MALE GAZE.
MARY (V.O.)
And kill. Just remember, the longer
you make it, the more blood you --
WHAM! The guy she's playing just SUNK EIGHT BALL.

RAY
Sorry 'bout that. Looked like you
were talkin' to yourself or
somethin' so I thought I'd just...
well... win.
Looks up to see RAY (33). Gruff, but good-looking. Annoyingly
All-American. Probably works on an oil rig, coaches little
league on the side, and shits stars and stripes.
 13.

Clearly the Prince Charming to Mary's Queen of the Damned.

MARY
Yeah, I uh... thanks.
It's unclear if Mary is struck by Ray's looks, him eyeing
her, or the fact that she just got WHOOPED in pool.
Ray laughs at Mary's very unusual awkwardness, taking her in.
RAY
Thanks? You're really good though,
I can tell. Like your shirt too.
MARY
I just wanna play pool. Not get hit
on and dodge dicks all night.
RAY
Ugh, thank Christ. Me too.

Mary's pissed. Racks the balls for another game.

MARY
Double?
RAY
Can't say no to that.
Speaking of dodging dicks, as they throw CASH ON THE TABLE, a
CHALLENGER approaches.

HAL: (40, Asian) balding, bit of a beer belly, perfectly

pathetic. But might play a mean game (if he gets the chance).
HAL
This looks like a hot fuckin'
table. Mind if I get winner?
RAY
I think we're gonna be a while
here, chief.

MARY
Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. Yeah,
feel free to stick around. Just,
y'know, shut the fuck up.
It's tense, but playful. Hal sits to the side, zipping his
mouth shut as Mary and Ray share a secret smile.
Ray's up to break. WHAM!

Mary's almost impressed. A SOLID DOWN, Ray continues playing.

 14.

RAY
What's your favorite song?
MARY
Are you fucking kidding me?
RAY
No, no. From your shirt.

Mary looks down, forgetting her METALLICA SHIRT. And almost

forgetting the PART she's playing (to hustle).
MARY
Oh. I dunno...
RAY
As in there are so many to choose
from or as in you don't know any
Metallica songs?

MARY
Uh... Mr. Sandman?
RAY
Enter Sandman. Jesus, I didn't
figure you for one to wear a band
shirt you don't even know about.
MARY
Oh I just thought it looked cool. I
like... skulls.
She shrugs. It's HER TURN. Her anger secretly drives it.
Sinking ball after ball. Until she MISSES.
RAY
Guess that's me.
And Ray picks up, until HE MISSES.

MARY
Guess that's me.
Mary sinks the REST OF HER SHOTS. Getting down to the EIGHT.
Lines up the shot, CALLS IT, and MISSES ON PURPOSE.
RAY
Ya hate to see that happen, folks.

Ray finishes his final solid. Then lines up the EIGHT.

CALLS the pocket. And WHILE STILL LOOKING AT MARY (not the
ball), he SINKS IT. WINNING the game. Just as Mary planned.
 15.

MARY
Wow. Impressive.
RAY
I aim to impress.

MARY
Thought you weren't hittin' on me.
RAY
Oh, I'm just playin' pool for two
hundred a game.
MARY
So weird. I'm playin' for five.

RAY
So so weird. Me too.
A THOUSAND DOLLARS on the table. Hal can't help himself.
HAL
Goddamn, do I know how to pick a
fuckin' table. Y'all talk the talk
AND got the cash to walk the --

MARY
I thought I told you to --
RAY
Yeah, I believe there was a shut
the fuck up put in your direction.
HAL
Hey, when you're right you're
right. Whenever y'all are finished,
I'll be over here salivating.

She racks. He breaks. WHAM!

Doesn't pocket anything. Mary goes to work. SIX IN A ROW.
Then Ray, who GETS DOWN TO THE EIGHT, and MISSES.
MARY
I didn't know you were into
choking...
RAY
Can't you tell?
Mary hits the rest of her balls in. Down to the eight ball. A
somewhat easy shot. And a secret SMILE from Mary.
 16.

MARY
Corner. Shit!

Mary hits with awkward cue contact. It goes AWAY from the
corner, BOUNCES off the rail, and RIGHT BACK IN THE CORNER.
MARY
OH MY GOSH! Does that count?!
RAY
(flabbergasted)
Yeah. Yeah, you called it...

If it's not clear, Mary has EXPERTLY MAINTAINED HER VENEER as

a LUCKY PLAYER while still WINNING. She takes the MONEY.
MARY
Thanks for the ride, stranger.
HAL
Yeah see ya stranger, let's get
cookin' good lookin' --
Hal nearly elbows Ray out of the way, ready to play Mary
until RAY INTERJECTS:
RAY
Five grand!
Mary turns around. Ray has a WAD OF CASH IN A RUBBER BAND.
RAY
I started out with six. You can
make the rest. Tonight.

HAL
Hey. What're you doin', that's --
Ray death glares Hal into silence as Mary STARES AT THE CASH.
RAY
Race to five for five-k. Call every
shot, every bank. No slop, just
pool. I know you got it in you.

The WHOLE POOL HALL takes notice. 5k ain't no joke.

Mary thinks. Looks at the cash in her hand.
MARY
You rack.
RAY
(McConaughey)
Alright alright alright.
 17.

HAL
This is too fuckin' much...
Hal skulks away and then the REAL GAME BEGINS.
Mary's demeanor shifts, dropping the bullshit persona. She
LINES UP FOR THE BREAK. Strokes her cue, aims, and HITS.
It BARELY GLIDES across the table. Slowly TAPPING a SINGLE
BALL from the rack. Welcome to how pros play.

Ray smiles. Knowing exactly what he signed up for.

RAY
Six. Corner pocket.
He aims for the jumbled triangle of balls. Seems impossible
to have control over anything.
But there it goes: six straight into the corner. He continues
until he MISSES a REALLY TOUGH SHOT.

MARY
Hate to see that happen, folks.
RAY
(friendly)
Fuck you.
Mary lines up. An amused look crosses her face.
MARY
The Thing That Should Not Be.
RAY
'Scuse me?
MARY
Eleven. Side.
WHAM! Mary sinks her eleven. She hasn't hit like this before.

MARY
It's my favorite Metallica song.
Fourteen side again.
WHAM! The fourteen rockets into the side.
MARY
Arguably their heaviest. Lovecraft
Cthulu mythology. And from their
best album. Nine corner.

WHAM! Nine goes in the corner.

 18.

MARY
I mean I personally love And
Justice. You can tell they're going
somewhere. Fifteen corner.
Fifteen corner.
MARY
First real music video. Anger over
Cliff's death. Turning down Jason's
bass just because... well fuck him.
Ten side.
Yup.
MARY
Obviously, The Black Album is what
it is. And fuck anything after.
Twelve corner.
There it goes.
MARY
Kill 'Em All is great. Ride The
Lightning. Thirteen, corner.
Obviously.
Obviously.

MARY
But Master. It's not up for
discussion. This perfect
amalgamation of anger, expertise,
and fuck you attitude. Let alone
the coke and vodka that fueled it.
Corner.
WHAM! The EIGHT BALL goes FLYING INTO THE CORNER POCKET.
MARY
What's your favorite?
Ray is INTIMIDATED, but likes it. Racks.
RAY
Disposable Heroes. Seems we got
great taste in albums.
MARY
Mmm. Honestly though? I'm more of a
Megadeth fan. Mustaine gets kicked
out of Metallica before they hit
big.
(MORE)
 19.
MARY (CONT'D)
Spends his entire life hating them
and trying to catch up with the
biggest band ever. Something about
that hate, revenge, and
aggression... speaks to me.

RAY
Sounds healthy...
Mary breaks. WHAM! It's intense, no holding back.
MARY
Yeah. 'Sides, Symphony of
Destruction is a dope song.
RAY
I'll keep that in mind.
Maybe it's part of the hustle, maybe it's just two pros
admiring each other, but there's definite SEXUAL TENSION.
MARY
You do that...
The moment lingers. Real or not, it's out for all to see.
Mary gets back to playing. On her LAST STRIPE, a TOUGH SHOT.

MARY (V.O.)
A piece of advice. Everyone's got a
good offense. The real pros play D.
MARY
Safety.
Mary hits her ball LIGHTLY, essentially SANDWICHING THE CUE
BALL behind her stripe. So that it's nearly IMPOSSIBLE for
Ray to be able to hit his solids first.

Ray surveys the damage. People CROWD AROUND TO WATCH.

RAY
What're we doin' for scratches?
Ball in hand?
MARY
That's how the big boys play.
Ray smiles. Considers, taking a breath.
RAY
Okay. Five, corner.
Mary looks at the shot. How the fuck is he gonna do that?
Murmurs from the crowd as Ray lines up his shot.
 20.

RAY
Four banks.
Ray aims for the RAIL. SNAP! The cue ball goes. And banks
once, twice, three times... four...
It's gone around her stripe, off multiple banks, and HITS THE
FIVE right into the corner pocket. An Efren Reyes style shot.
MARY (V.O.)
Who is this guy?
Everyone's ASTONISHED. Then, IN ONE TAKE, Ray RUNS THE TABLE.
RAY
Corner. Side. Side one bank.
Corner. Corner. Side. Eight right
in that same corner.

Mary watches. PISSED. The crowd watches. AMAZED. And after

Ray sinks the eight, Mary RACKS and SITS. SEETHING.
MARY (V.O.)
Who the FUCK IS THIS GUY?!
Because she knows what's about to happen... Ray RUNS THE
TABLE START TO FINISH. Mary GLARES as he plays. Then racks.
MARY (V.O.)
Who does he think he is? God's
fucking gift? Efren Reyes disguised
as a white fucking douchebag? Fuck
you. Fuckyoufuckyoufuckyoufuckyou!
We don't hear Ray calling shots because all we hear is Mary
losing her mind. Until she notices EVERYONE LOOKING AT HER.
MARY
Huh?

RAY
...Your shot.
MARY
Finally.
And, of course, Mary RUNS THE TABLE. Playing with FEROCITY,
THE CROWD WATCHING HER every expert move.
MARY (V.O.)
This is bad. Look at everyone
lookin' right at me. There are
rules. Don't be flashy, and do not
be memorable. Just look lucky.
 21.

WHACK! She hits an impressive JUMP SHOT right in.

MARY
Eight in the side.
She nails that in too. This isn't looking "lucky" at all...
MARY (V.O.)
Well fuck luck. If I'm gonna lose a
month's pay in a new spot, I might
as well fucking kill this guy...
Over a QUICK MONTAGE, the game gets SAVAGE. TABLE RUNS and
SAFETY BATTLES. Winning and losing until it's...
RAY
Four all.
And Ray BREAKS, SNAPPING us out of the sequence. END MONTAGE.
With deadly silence, he starts running the table. Not even
hard hits, just deep concentration. TAP. TAP. TAP...
RAY
Corner. Side. Side.
SMACK! Ray hits a JUMP SHOT. His SOLID GOES DOWN. But he's
left with a TOUGH SHOT. Thinks to himself. Crowd murmurs.
RAY
Corner. One bank, off the far rail.
Lines it up. CRACK! The cue ball hits his SOLID, which banks
off the rail... kisses another rail, and GOES IN.
But Ray SITS DOWN. Mary looks at him quizzically.

RAY
Only called the one rail. It's you.
Mary steps up to the plate. RUNS THE TABLE. Except for the
last one, which she SAFETIES PERFECTLY. The crowd APPLAUDS.
Resulting in an IMPOSSIBLE SHOT for Ray.
A look from Mary to Ray: "let's see you get outta that one."
Ray gets up. Eyes the safety and his own shot. The crowd
HUSHES. Silence. Holds the cue PERPENDICULAR TO THE TABLE.
RAY
Eight corner.
 22.

STRIKES. It MAKES NO SENSE, but it SPINS BACKWARD while

MOVING SIDEWAYS. Moving in a CURVE rather than a LINE.
And it GOES IN. The crowd ROARS with CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.
MARY LOST. She can't fucking believe it. Ray offers a hand.
RAY
Damn good game.
MARY
Eat shit and die twice.

Mary gives him the cash she won earlier.

MARY
There's that.
Walks over to her purse, looks inside, and SEES HER GUN.
Holy shit, is she going to SHOOT HIM?!
RAY
Didn't catch your name by the way.
Mary looks up at him, her eyes shooting daggers. Goes back to
her purse, reaches PAST HER GUN, REMOVING A FALSE BOTTOM.
Pulls out a STACK of CASH. Counts it out and hands it over.
MARY
(seething smile)
Mary.

RAY
I'm gonna believe that's your real
name. Ray, pleasure.
As they lock eyes, their good ol' challenger Hal is back just
in time to shout to the bartender:
HAL
Hey Ted! Round of shots on Ray. He
just won five fuckin' grand!
The whole place goes CRAZY. Everyone gathers around the bar.
While Mary is FUCKING PISSED, clearing up the table.
MARY (V.O.)
Fucking Ray. What a stupid fucking
name. Ray. You think you're cool,
Ray? Huh?
(MORE)
 23.
MARY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
WELL I GOT SOME FUCKING NEWS FOR
YOU RAY, YOU AND YOUR STUPID SHOTS
FOR STUPID FUCKS WHO DON'T EVEN
GIVE A FUCK ABOUT --
She sees RAY LEAVING. He paid for the round and did his shot,
but is ESCAPING OUT THE FRONT DOOR.
MARY
Hey!

Mary SLAMS her tray of balls down and RUNS OUT AFTER HIM.

EXT. NEWTOWN'S POOL HALL - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Mary BANGS the door open and catches Ray walking to his car.
Now SHE'S the loser chasing after a hustler in a parking lot.
MARY
HEY! RAY!
She closes the distance between them. Looking ready to FIGHT.
Walks right up to him. Gets in his face...
...Bringing her hand up, GRABBING THE BACK OF HIS SKULL...
...As Ray prepares to DEFEND HIMSELF...
...And she takes his head and brings it right into hers...

...KISSING HIM. Ray KISSES BACK. After a moment:

MARY
Where were you going? Your car?
RAY
Yeah?
MARY
Well... go on...
Clothes start coming off as they shimmy over to the car...
CUT TO:
RAY'S CAR ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. Stops. The sound of
REPOSITIONING. Then back to ROCKING.

INT. RAY'S CAR - NIGHT

They finish. Ray's face between Mary's legs.

 24.

MARY
Alright, stop. Stop!
RAY
Did you cum?
MARY
Yes, Jesus!

RAY
How many times?
MARY
A lady never tells.
RAY
I mean I could --
MARY
Calm down, cowboy. There's no prize
at the end of that tunnel.
Mary rolls off of Ray and puts her clothes back on.
RAY
Can I ask you something?
MARY
I believe we're beyond the bounds
of permission and consent.
Ray's had a SOUTHERN TWANG... until now.
RAY
Fair enough. Mind if I drop this?
MARY
(not actually impressed)
Oh wow, a full reveal. Astonishing.
RAY
Yours real?
MARY
Oh, it comes and goes. Find that it
morphs into wherever it is I am.
RAY
I gotcha. Myself, I find it helps
to get ripped off by a fellow
Southerner rather than a Jew from
New Jersey.
 25.

MARY
Aw, I love Jews from Jersey.
(can't resist)
Always have less skin in the game.

RAY
Wow. You proud of yourself? What're
you -- hey, don't go!
Mary's opened the car door, about to leave.
MARY
Thanks for the orgasms.
RAY
You got plans tonight or somethin'?
Mary almost SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT, until she sees RAY'S CASH.
Right there in his pocket, begging to be STOLEN BACK...
MARY
Would have, but I seem to have lost
all my cash to some prick.
RAY
Well. I hope that guy gets what's
comin' to him...
She looks from the cash back to Ray. If flirting could kill:
MARY
Oh, I guarantee he will.
She GETS BACK IN. Ray DRIVES OFF with her.

EXT. TEXAS HIGHWAY - NIGHT

Ray's car drives in the moonlight.

INT. RAY'S CAR - NIGHT

Mary steals a glance at Ray. Carefree, calm. Attractive from
his confidence. He catches Mary looking at him. Smiles back.
Is Mary fucking... smitten? Is that even possible?

EXT. HOLY SMOKE - NIGHT

Ray pulls into a BBQ place AFTER HOURS. The kinda spot only
locals know (and take to the grave).
 26.

The workers look like coal miners but with smiles and sauce
on their faces. Stop what they're doing at the sight of Ray.

RAY
My brethren. Lemme get -- you want
a beer? Two Lone Stars and a
couple'a midnight snacks.
One of the workers TOSSES TWO BEERS. Then continues loading
HUGE BRISKETS INTO THE SMOKERS.
MARY
The hell is this? We gettin' BBQ?
WORKER 1
Not unless you're willin' to wait a
good twelve hours, missy...
Worker 1 throws BURGER PATTIES and ONIONS into the SMOKER.
RAY
No, no. I help out here every now
and then. Choppin' wood, silly as
it seems --

MARY
I'm sorry. Are you a lumberjack?
RAY
Can't make money playin' pool every
night. This here's something to do.
MARY
I just... can't believe I fucked a
lumberjack. Can finally cross that
one off the list.
WORKER 1
What else you got on that list?
MARY
Oh, sorry I already fucked a
Slingblade back in Missouri.
WORKER 2
Damn, Ray. Got you a good one!
MARY
I hate that phrase. I'm no one's
nothing. We just --
RAY
It's all gravy. Was a compliment
despite his poor choice of words.
 27.

Worker 1 moves the BURGER PATTIES AND ONIONS to a GRILL.

WORKER 1
Medium rare? Or...
Mary goes to answer, but...
RAY
It's not a question, it's a test.
Worker 1 smiles. Adds cheese. Toasts buns (a professional).
RAY
You can get barbecue anywhere in
Texas. Maybe one in three'll be
good. And you can get a burger
anywhere in the US of A. But a BBQ
smoked burger? That's something
only these midnight working
dipshits could come up with...

Worker 1 serves them to Mary and Ray. She takes a bite.

MARY
Fuck me, stuff me, and roast me on
a spit...
WORKER 2
Oh, she's one of us.
Admiration all around. Ray, the workers, even Mary looks...
comfortable. Content. Happy?
CUT TO:
Ray and Mary sitting by a NEARBY FIRE. Talking pool.
MARY
Chicago?
RAY
Caps. God, what a shithole. You?

MARY
Triple H. Equally a shithole. But
nice tables. What about New York?
You go to Amsterdam?
RAY
No, Amsterdam was too legit. I had
better luck in Brooklyn.
 28.

MARY
Yeah, me too. But that city was
just never the cash cow I thought
it'd be. Everyone's so worn down up
there, you walk in and they know
you're there to fuck 'em over just
like everybody else.
RAY
Hard to bullshit a city of
bullshitters. DC?
MARY
Even worse. Everyone's primary
purpose there is bullshit.
RAY
Yeah, but you could definitely run
into someone with money so far up
their own ass they're just happy
for the ride and attention. Philly?
MARY
Now there's a working-class town
that knows how to throw some money
around and have a good time.
RAY
Warlocks?
MARY
Yeah, Warlocks was the spot! Weird
how you walk into a place where
paint's falling off the walls,
there's piss in every corner, but
the tables are pristine.
RAY
Yeah, but that's a spot you know
you can call home. At least for a
little while.
MARY
What about Atlanta?
RAY
Fuck Atlanta. Had better luck in
Charleston.
MARY
Oh hell yeah, Charleston.
RAY
You go to Suzy's?
 29.

MARY
Suzy's! God that was a goldmine.
Til she tried to take a cut.
RAY
She tried to pull that shit on me
too! Said she was doin' half the
work sendin' losers over.
MARY
Classic. You done Cali?
RAY
Nah, the final frontier, been
sticking to the east coast til now.

MARY
Well get ready. They're so fake
they won't even call you out as a
two-bit hustler if they've seen you
before. Only thing worse for them
would be looking in a mirror.
RAY
Something to look forward to then.
They both look into the fire. And at each other. Two lone
rangers on the road finally among their own kind.
MARY
God. I cannot fucking believe you
beat me. I haven't gone hill hill
with someone for that kinda money
in years. Let alone lost. Shouldn't
have taken your bet right out the
gate. Stupid.

RAY
You're not stupid. You got the
first hustle, and I got a game I
wanted. Finally playing someone
worth their salt, no bullshit. If
anyone's stupid, it's me for
ruining a perfectly good spot.
MARY
Well... where do we go from here?

INT. RAY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Mary and Ray FUCKING. It's PASSIONATE and PRIMAL.
As it COMES TO AN END, Mary lies on the bed.
 30.

She EYES RAY'S JACKET: The WAD OF CASH BULGING out of his
pocket. They FALL ASLEEP.

INT. RAY'S APARTMENT - THE NEXT MORNING

Mary's ROUTINE of waking up EARLY, READY TO STEAL. But she
looks over and the CASH IS GONE. Turns over, Ray GONE TOO.

INT. NEWTON'S POOL HALL - BAR - MORNING

Mary SLAMS the door open and storms up to the bar.

MARY
Ted.
TED
A Shiner, yes ma'am.
MARY
No, no. You seen Ray?
TED
...No ma'am.
Two pool players bump into Mary at the bar.
PLAYER 1
Aw, hey. You're that chick that
lost five-k last night.
PLAYER 2
Damn good shootin' little lady.
Shame how it turned out...
MARY
Yeah, thanks for nothin'. Either of
you tryin' to play?
PLAYER 2
With you? Hell no. I'd rather fuck
an anthill.
They leave.
MARY
Wonderful. Ted, if I wanted --
needed to hustle 'round here. But
not... here here. Where would I go?
TED
Is that to say that you might be
leaving this here establishment?
 31.

MARY
That's right, Ted. I very well
might. You gonna miss me?
TED
No. Not 'tall. Frankly, and to be
clear, ain't got nothin' to do with
you bein' a lady. Seen a lotta
badass broads in my day. Earned
their respect tenfold. But you?
You're... well you're rude.
Entitled. I can say unequivocally
that these four walls shan't miss
your presence one damn bit.
Mary is astonished at Ted's audacity. But he LEANS IN.
TED
I can see you searchin'. And I can
tell ya... You ain't gonna find
what you're lookin' for, til you
find contentment within yourself.
MARY
Ted?
TED
Yes ma'am?
MARY
Next time you wanna say some east
Texas Buddha bullshit, though you
certainly got the belly for it,
maybe just let that moment pass.
All I wanna hear is where I can
play pool for cash close by.
TED
I wouldn't rightly know...
They're in a STARE DOWN, like shoot-out in a western. Until a
familiar VOICE cuts the tension.
VOICE (O.S.)
Aw c'mon, don't be stingy...
Mary and Ted both look over to the other end of the bar.
Where HAL from the night before is sitting. Without the same
affectation in his voice. And more than a few drinks in.
HAL
Ted likes to act like he's the only
game in town. Ain't that right?
 32.

MARY
Well, howdy stranger.
HAL
Yeah, howdy yourself. You lookin'
for a place, or what?
MARY
That's right...
HAL
Well then... pay me.
Hal enjoys the shift in their little power dynamic as Ted
stays out of it and Mary whips out a hundred dollar bill.
HAL
Mmm, somethin's comin' to mind...
But just as he's about to say, he raises the bill to his ear.
HAL
What's that? Say's he doesn't like
bein' alone. Prefers when there's
someone there to touch it.
Behold the real Hal, in all his sleaze. Mary, unamused, pulls
out another hundred and SLAMS it on the bar.

MARY
Seriously?
HAL
King Fisher's. Up the highway,
twenty minutes. Once you start
seein' truckstops she'll be there,
buried between 'em on the right.
Tell Ray I say hey.
MARY
Who said I was lookin' for --
HAL
Please. Don't bullshit a
bullshitter. We go back, Ray and I.
Y'know, last night I was just there
to apply the pressure. Make sure
you didn't walk away as the stakes
were raised. But I sure didn't have
to try too hard, did I? I mean you
practically ran right into it. What
happened after? He take you for a
ride? He does that...
 33.

Hal is enjoying every moment of rubbing it in Mary's face

that she got played. And it's really getting under her skin.
HAL
Anyway. Enjoy Fisher's. I'd say I'd
see you there, but... my presence
is no longer welcome. Sure you know
how that is --
Hal looks at Mary to relate, but SHE'S GONE. Ted's staring.
TED
Please, go on. I enjoy listening to
you talking to yourself like a
fucking idiot.

EXT. KING FISHER'S - DAY

Mary stands, transfixed. The trucks ROARING BEHIND mirroring
her mix of emotions.
Once she's able to silence the voices screaming in her head,
she WALKS IN.

INT. KING FISHER'S - DAY

Still fairly EARLY for hustling. But there's ONE GAME going
in the pool hall. And wouldn't you know... RAY'S IN IT.
Mary stands STARING. Ray CATCHES SIGHT OF HER. Then leaves
his game, calling out behind him.
RAY
I'ma get me a drink. Any of y'all
want somethin'? Beer? Bourbon?
He gets orders and then walks up to Mary, SMILING.
Mary, as much as she hates to admit, is HAPPY TO SEE HIM.
Then Ray diverts his energy to the bar, almost IGNORING HER.
RAY
Well hey there, sugar. Don't
believe we've had the pleasure of
tradin' tongues.
(to the bartender)
Two Shiners and a... Balcones
Brimstone, now that's a whiskey you
don't often see... One of them.
The bartender fulfills the order. Ray drops the act. Quietly:
 34.

RAY
Look, I don't know if you're
following me. I'm not flattering
myself, but don't fuckin' ruin this
spot. I don't want another goddamn
crowd knowin' who I am and spoilin'
my take cause no one'll touch me. I
enjoyed last night, and I enjoy
you. A lot. Now I'm not sayin' you
gotta leave, but I don't know you
here and you don't know me. Got it?
MARY
I'm so sorry. Do I know you?
BARTENDER
Two Shiners and a Balcones.
RAY
Hey, thanks a lot friend.
(back to Mary)
So sorry miss. Must have me
confused with --

MARY
Some other piece of ass I had, yeah
sorry. My mistake. That lady you
talked about sounds real special
though. Just be careful, crazy what
women can do. There was that one
chick who cut that guy's dick off?
But... then again. That was the
'80s. Crazy times.
RAY
Uh, yeah. Crazy times. Well, nice
to meet ya. Think I'm just gonna...
throw a song on and get back to it.
MARY
Nice to meet you too --
MARY (V.O.)
Ray. You fucking asshole...

Before she can turn to leave, Ray looks at her from the
JUKEBOX. WINKS. A SONG STARTS, the beginning of a SYMPHONY...
...Then HEAVY METAL GUITAR AND DRUMS. CUE MUSIC:
MARY
Symphony of Destruction. He's good.
HER FAVORITE MEGADETH SONG. Guess he did "keep that in mind."
 35.

CUE MONTAGE:
...WHAM! Ray breaks at a pool table.
"You take a mortal man / and put him in control"
...WHAM! Mary does the same at her own table.
...They make EYE CONTACT across the room.
"Watch him become a God / Watch people's heads a 'roll"
...Ray and Mary HUSTLE through the night.
...MONEY EXCHANGING INTO THEIR HANDS. With the continued
occasional GLANCE toward each other. "A 'roll a 'roll..."
...Until they embrace after hours in the PARKING LOT. Eye
fucking finally consummated into REAL FUCKING.
"Just like the pied piper / led rats through the streets /
We dance like marionettes swaying to the symphony..."
...In their cars, their apartments, and even the bathroom.
"...of destruction."
...Rinse, cycle, and repeat: They play pool. Hustle. Eye
fuck. Then actually fuck. Sometimes even ROLE PLAYING:
RAY
Good lookin' game, name's Travis.
MARY
Iris --
...A new night. New names and new looks, shaking hands as:
RAY
Mickey --
MARY
Mallory --
RAY
(another night)
Patrick --
...Then later that night, Mary and Ray IN BED, fucking:
MARY
(orgasmic/playful)
Oh -- Patrick!
 36.

...Where Ray does the AMERICAN PSYCHO: flexing his bicep

while looking at himself in the mirror.
...Mary sees, laughs, and corrects him. Getting on top and
doing her own (better) version of the American Psycho.
...It's all fun, funny, passionate, dangerous, and sexy. But
even more importantly, Mary is enjoying every second.
...Until The montage gets INTERRUPTED when Mary's HUSTLING
alone, and a STRANGER GRABS HER ASS. Before she can react:
Ray SLAMS THE STRANGER'S FACE INTO A NEARBY POOL TABLE.
INCREDIBLY VIOLENT. Mary looks at him, GENUINELY SURPRISED.
RAY
Sorry, miss. Promise that don't
happen 'round here. Certainly won't
again. Enjoy your little game.
Ray goes back to his game. Back to his character who doesn't
know her. As Mary's eyes follow him. Astounded. CUT TO:
MARY AND RAY FUCKING IN THE BATHROOM. END MONTAGE.
MARY
I coulda done that, y'know.
RAY
Oh I know. But... it would've
ruined your take. Can't be little
miss innocent and kick the shit
outta some drunk fuck. So let me.
Mary looks into Ray's eyes. Sees care, companionship. Someone
willing to fight and fuck. Damn, what more could she ask for?

EXT. POOL - MORNING

Mary SUNBATHES. Happy as a clam. Sips a MARGARITA and READS

"SEX & RAGE" by Eve Babitz. Til her drink RUNS OUT.

INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - DAY

Mary makes another margarita from scratch.

EXT. POOL - DAY

Walks back to her spot. Drinks. Then DIVES INTO THE POOL.
More lounging. Floating around and relaxing, until...
 37.

FOOTSTEPS. The CLACKING of FLIP FLOPS. Mary GETS OUT.

Finds an OLD WOMAN in the LOUNGE CHAIR next to her stuff.
Annoyed, but it's either go over or abandon her luxurious
freshly made margarita...
Mary SITS DOWN in her chair. Sips, then CLOSES HER EYES.
Doing everything to AVOID CONVERSATION. But it NEVER COMES.
The old woman, GERTIE (65, Latina), sips her own drink in a
styrofoam cup. She has THREE OF THEM. BAND-AIDS on the lids.
They SIT IN SILENCE next to each other. Mary happy for her
quiet and respectful neighbor. More margarita sips.

Until it's ALL GONE. Mary stares at her empty drink. Goes to
LEAVE. Until Gertie SLIDES a drink to her.
GERTIE
Here.
MARY
I'm sorry?
GERTIE
Take one. It's got the happy juice
in it. That's a margarita, this...
Gertie takes the LID off the other untouched drink. Sniffs.
GERTIE
I think it's jungle juice. God
knows what that means, but it
smells strong.
MARY
Why do they have band-aids on 'em?

GERTIE
Oh, you're not from around here...
You drive on across the border into
New Orleans and they sell these bad
boys to-go. I got three of 'em
because well... it was something to
look forward to. Highlight of my
day, really. But these eyes were
bigger than this liver. I have more
than just the one and I ain't gonna
make it to see the sun go down. So
go on, take one. Went through all
that trouble, might as well have
somebody enjoy 'em afore they melt.
Mary takes the margarita. They sip in silence.
 38.

GERTIE
Gertie. Name's Gertie.
MARY
Oh. Thanks, Gertie. Mary. You here
with anyone?
GERTIE
Whadya mean? I got a hubby? He's
dead, now it's just me.
MARY
Oh -- I didn't mean to --

GERTIE
That's alright, I'm just now
realizing... he was kind of a
fuckin' asshole.
Mary laughs, her drink nearly shooting out of her nose.
Gertie joins in, an old wry chuckle at her dark humor.
GERTIE
Church goin' motherfucker. Hated me
swearin'. Didn't take to me
drinkin' too much neither. Well,
where you at to stop me now? Huh
Harold?! You dead ol' sombitch...
MARY
Aw, Gertie I'm sorry --
GERTIE
Don't be. He'd come back from
church and take to drinkin'
hisself. Shit-kickin' hypocrite.
They cheers, clinking styrofoam cups.
MARY
Kids?
GERTIE
Oh, they're all cunts. Never call
their mother. You call yours?
A CHINK IN MARY'S ARMOR. Then an immediate cover up.
MARY
Well... I would, but --
 39.

GERTIE
Just fuckin' call her. Least you
can do for the poor woman that
birthed you into this hell.
MARY
Retired?
GERTIE
That's right. Left to... whatever
this is. You?
MARY
Me? Oh, I'm in... risk management.
GERTIE
Fascinatin'. Must be good, havin'
some kinda goddamn purpose. All I
got is this alcoholic snowcone.
MARY
So... no job? Ever? You just...
GERTIE
Did the whole housewife routine.
Thass right.
MARY
You regret it? Mind me askin' that?
GERTIE
Wasn't much else to do. You're
lucky. Havin' a life of your own.
My husband was... well you've
gotten the gist of his dickery. But
he tried. Hard. You know what was
worth it? At any given moment, I
could look across the room, right
at him. And I could feel...seen.
Understood. There wasn't another
man or person for that matter who
knew me better than him. Now that?
That's comfort. No need to explain
or defend yourself. To just... be.
With someone. That shit's worth it.
MARY
Well fuck, Gertie. I just came down
here to relax. Not contemplate
life's meaning and shit.
Now Gertie almost shoots her drink out her nose.
 40.

GERTIE
Oh c'mon, got me talkin' 'bout my
lover half drunk, what'd ya expect?
MARY
Not that!

They laugh together. Mary finishes her drink. TIME TO GO...

GERTIE
I can tell you're not one to talk
an ear off. I swear, I'll shut the
hell up. We can split this here
jungle juice in silence. Please,
just... don't go. This here's the
real highlight of my day.
Mary may be a cold killer at a pool hall, and fucking hate
people, but she looks at Gertie and sees... a friend.
They clink cups a final time and sit in silence as we CUT TO:
The SUN SETTING. As they say, everything's bigger in Texas.
And this definitely is, stretching over a WIDE LANDSCAPE.

EXT. BACK PORCH - SUNSET

We REVEAL whose POV we watched the sunset from: RAY's.
He sits on the back porch, ALONE. Watching the sun escape
below the horizon. Polishing off a glass of bourbon.
Behold the true life of a hustler: it is LONELY.
But he's the making the best of it. Content as can be. With
the sun down and the glass empty, he heads inside.

INT. RAY'S TRAILER - NIGHT

Goes to refill his glass when he gets a CALL ON HIS PHONE.
RAY
(Picking up)
Hey.

INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Of course, Mary's on the other end.
From the looks of her, the empty STYROFOAM CUP, and another
freshly made MARGARITA, it seems she hasn't stopped drinking.
 41.

MARY
Hey.
Then what feels like the LONGEST PAUSE of both of their lives
as we INTERCUT BETWEEN THE TWO:
RAY
You called me...
Mary's crawling out of her skin, beyond VULNERABLE. Clearly
she hadn't thought so far as to what to say...
MARY
Fuck. Sorry, you workin'?
RAY
Yeah, somethin' like that. You?
He drinks his whiskey. She does the same with her tequila.
MARY
Yeah, somethin' like that.
Another excruciating pause. Then Mary gets up the courage.
MARY
Okay, this is gonna sound really
fucking stupid and look, don't be a
jackass about it, okay?
(beat)
But I think we should go on a
stupid fucking date. Or something.
RAY
I don't... disagree with that.
MARY
Okay. Do you like... movies?
RAY
Do I like movies? Is that a real
question that you just asked --
MARY
Yeah! Fuck me -- I mean -- sorry
I'm -- I dunno, are you like too
fucking cool or have wood to [chop]
RAY
No, I love movies. That sounds --
 42.

MARY
(rapid fire word vomit)
Okay cool because there's this
theater near me and they're showing
Blade Runner? Because it's the 25th
anniversary or whatever, and --
sorry, I had this whole speech
planned out and -- I think it's
even Ridley's Final Cut and I also
-- when I see a movie I always want
pizza after and I think there is a
pizza place in town but I'm not
sure if it's any good --
RAY
No it is. I mean, it's not New York
but it's actually not bad --
MARY
Okay, but do they do grandma style?
Because that's my favorite.
They've somehow transitioned from heart-wrenchingly awkward
to absolutely adorable.
RAY
Yeah, I think so...
MARY
Okay, well -- Okay great, but that
brings me to my next point which is
that after... deep-throating some
fried bread and cheese I'm not
exactly gunning to get naked --
RAY
Yeah, you're not bringing your A-
game after pizza, I get that --
MARY
So I think what would be ideal
would be to start with the sex,
then walk to the theater, and then
have some slices without any worry
or expectation afterwards, so... if
that and the order of operations
are to your liking, do you wanna
meet me at mine say around three?
Another PAUSE, but polar opposite from the one before. And
just as we're about to hear Ray answer "Hell yeah" we...
CUE MONTAGE:
 43.

...Both of them going to bed HAPPY, grinning like idiots,

then waking up BRUTALLY HUNGOVER. Ray remarking:
RAY
Oh, fuck...
...Fighting said hangover in time for their DATE: meeting at
MARY'S DOOR, MAKING OUT, then FUCKING. Fast and furious:
MARY
Oh, FUCK --
...CUTTING TO: Them walking HAND IN HAND, staring at each
other, silent and smitten. As they get to the MOVIE THEATER.
...Where they watch BLADE RUNNER in all it's majesty, Mary's
inner movie geek showing just a little...
...Until they look at each other devilishly... and HANDS GO
DOWN EACH OTHER'S PANTS. Trying (and failing) to STAY QUIET
as they bring each other to another screeching ORGASM...
MARY
Oh FUCK! FUCK --
MATCH CUT TO:

INT. PIZZA PARLOR - NIGHT

Mary's orgasmic face, now eating grandma style pizza.
MARY
Fuck me, this is surprisingly good.
They both finish gobbling down their pizza.
RAY
So...
MARY
So...?
RAY
I mean it's on the way back...
MARY
It's not on the way back --
RAY
Okay, but it could be on the way --
 44.

MARY
It could. Nine o'clock. Tourist
time. We goin'... together?
RAY
... No. No, hell no.

MARY
What? Why?
RAY
You know why.
MARY
I don't know what you're --
RAY
Don't make me spell it out for you.
MARY
Please. Spell away.
RAY
You gotta give me a fighting chance
because as soon as you set foot in
there, every single person in that
place is gonna be lookin' right at
you. How could they not?
It hits Mary like a ton of bricks. The closest thing to Ray
saying point blank: "You're the hottest thing ever."
MARY
You're right. I just wanted to hear
you say it.
RAY
Fuck you. See you in an hour.
They're both still laughing as Ray gets up and KISSES HER
GOODBYE, which Mary was NOT EXPECTING. And didn't hate...

EXT. KING FISHER'S - NIGHT

Mary walks ALONE in the moonlight. One of those long walks
where you're contemplating the real deal shit.
Like the fact that she's falling head over heels for Ray.
Finally, she finds herself in the PARKING LOT to the pool
hall. Looks at it, knowing what's inside. Smiles and ENTERS.
 45.

INT. KING FISHER'S - NIGHT

Mary walks in, relaxed. HAPPY. Especially at the sight of
RAY, who's right in the middle of a hustle.
And so, she starts to set up her own... CUE MONTAGE:
The same rinse, cycle, repeat: Mary and Ray HUSTLING.
But when she goes to EYE FUCK HIM, HE DOESN'T LOOK BACK.
She keeps playing. Frustrated.
Looks back again, and Ray is still PLAYING THE SAME WOMAN:
BETTY (55). Too tan, covered in gold, and all over Ray.
Having the time of her life and throwing money around.
Mary hates this. And hates herself for hating some woman she
doesn't know and shouldn't even care about.
Goes back to her own game and LOSES, forking the cash over.
MARY
Great. Yeah, take it all. I don't
give a shit. Hope you choke on it.
Immediately looks to who she does give a shit about: Ray.
Still not seeing her. Still in the SAME GAME. END MONTAGE.
Mary storms over to Ray's table, where a slight crowd is
forming to watch. And finally, Ray LOOKS AT MARY.
And gives the most subtle but clear GESTURE: "Stay away."
Then jumps back into his jovial Southern character.
RAY
Man, gettin' hot in here. Sure I
can't getcha 'nother margarita? Or
maybe you can buy me one with all
the money you're makin'.
BETTY
Oh now, don't be a tease. Y'know
I'd hop on any ride yer offerin'.
Betty PATS RAY ON THE ASS. He puts his arm on her shoulder.
RAY
Now... what're we playin' for
again?
 46.

BETTY
Oh I'm the one keepin' track now?
You're down two thou, and ya better
have enough to make it up to me...
RAY
Trust me, I got more than enough.
Question is... do you?
BETTY
Honey, I could go all night.
She flashes more cash. Clearly a huge take that only comes
once in a blue moon. A hustler's wet dream.
Mary's seen enough. Disgusted. Walks away.
Ray dismisses himself to grab a drink and cuts Mary off
behind a crowd.
RAY
The hell do ya think you're doin'?
MARY
Me?? Are you fucking --
RAY
You're starin' at me all over the
room like I'm your goddamn high
school crush! Might as well have
lights and a loudspeaker to
announce it to everyone --
MARY
Calm the fuck down. And don't
worry, I'll avert my eyes to your
glowing gaze --
RAY
Good. You think she wasn't gonna
see that? I got a good thing goin'
here. Thought you were a fuckin'
professional.
MARY
(imitating accent)
Oh I'm so sorry mister, I didn't
realize I was in the presence of
professional. I'll just meander on
down to my amateur existence --
RAY
C'mon, let's not do this. I'm just
tryin' to make a little money --
 47.

MARY
You're right. Let's not. Enjoy your
game. I hope she sucks and blows.
CUT TO:
Mary at the bar. Glaring at Ray and his stupid hustle.
MARY (V.O.)
You're not jealous. You are filled
with a fiery fucking rage because
you should have known better.
Betty gets even more handsy with Ray. He gives it right back.
Mary fucking hates this. Turns around, orders another drink.
MARY
Eagle Rare. Neat. Double.
The bartender acquiesces. As a guy in a COWBOY HAT (50s)
overtly and disgustingly hits on her. Probably a pastime.
COWBOY HAT
God damn. Wish I had a woman like
that to order me around.
MARY
You wouldn't know what to do with
her if you had one.
COWBOY HAT
Why don't you try me?
The drink comes. And Mary looks into his eyes. It's unclear
if she's flirting or going to rip his fucking head off.
MARY
Kinda car you drive?
COWBOY HAT
Truck. It's a Toyota.

MARY
Mmm. I only like American made. But
hey, good luck findin' that woman.
Looks like you got all the right
qualities. Can't believe you've
gone this far without one. Then
again, you're just some dumb
lecherous drunk wearing a stupid
fucking hat sitting alone at a bar
on a Saturday night. So maybe the
picture paints itself.
 48.

She SLAMS some CASH down on the bar for her drink and LEAVES
Cowboy Hat behind (still processing the damage inflicted).

EXT. PARKING LOT - KING FISHER'S - NIGHT

Mary walks straight to her car, pulls out a BUCK KNIFE, and
walks through the parking lot. Until she finds her VICTIM.
PLUNGING THE KNIFE STRAIGHT INTO a TOYOTA TRUCK'S TIRES.
SLASHES ALL FOUR OF THEM, then calmly walks back to her car
and DRIVES OFF into the night.
FADE TO BLACK.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

INT./EXT. MARY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Mary OPENS HER APARTMENT DOOR to Ray, holding FLOWERS in one
hand, a SIX PACK IN THE OTHER.
RAY
Suppose you're wantin' an apology,
so this is me leanin' heavy with
both ends of the spectrum. We
fightin' or fuckin'?
MARY
Take off your clothes.
RAY
Alright, glad to --
MARY
No. Here.

Ray's face: wait, what?

MARY
You give 'em to me. I'm gonna
shower. And if I come out and
you're standing there with nothing
but your dick in your hands like
you left me at King Fisher's, then
maybe we'll be done fighting and
head on to that other thing.
A cold look from Mary to Ray. Understanding from him to her.
CUT TO:
 49.

Mary, showered, opening the door to Ray, NAKED.

It may be Texas, but it's cold with no clothes on. Maybe the
first time we've ever seen Ray vulnerable. And Mary likes it.

INT. MARY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Mary and Ray having sex. Everything up until now has been
flashy, sexy, dangerous...
...This is NOT THAT. It's INTIMATE. He's sorry. And clearly
CARES ABOUT HER. One dare might say they're MAKING LOVE.
CUT TO:
Post make-up sex, Ray puts his boxers back on. Mary lounges
on the bed, looking at him.
MARY
How was the take?
RAY
Huh?
MARY
Your ex trophy-wife. Throwin'
herself and her cash right at you.
RAY
Oh, Betty. Lawyer, actually. But
yeah, she was... somethin'.
MARY
How much did you take her for?

RAY
Enough?
MARY
C'mon, don't be vague.
RAY
Why do you care?
Good question. Mary doesn't know. Thinks. Genuinely asks:
MARY
What do you want?
RAY
Huh?
 50.

MARY
From me.
RAY
Didn't we just --
MARY
I don't mean that. For real, what
do you want from me? Personally?
RAY
Honestly?
MARY
Yeah, honestly. That's why I'm
asking, dumb dumb.
RAY
I wanna make you happy.
Beat. What did he just say?
MARY
You want to make me happy?
RAY
Yeah. I mean... somethin' like
that. What we do... We could
probably do for the rest of our
lives. Or not, if we piss the wrong
guy off. Or girl, sorry. But it
would just be... runnin' around,
bullshitting our way on through it
all. You're the first person I've
run into my own age that does it.
The road. And we all know those old
hags still in it. Maybe flirting
with playing pro, but knowing it's
not the same. I don't know what you
got planned. And I don't know how
you'd take to the traditional
girlfriend route and all. So yeah,
I'll settle for makin' you happy.
And a nice bottle of single barrel
bourbon. I dunno, you seem fun...
and kinda miserable. But I say that
as a very fun and miserable person
myself. So, I'm down for the ride.
MARY
And... how are you going to make me
happy?
 51.

RAY
I dunno, what'd you have in mind?
They CUDDLE in bed, SPOONING.
MARY
No idea...
C.U. ON MARY, the SAME ANGLE we saw of her on a pillow, in
bed with the guy from THE OPENING PAGE, looking AMUSED.

But this time, she is FUCKING TERRIFIED.

Then we see HER POV, what's staring right back at her: that
FRAMED MICKEY MANTLE CARD on the nightstand.
Ray KISSES HER SHOULDER as they SLEEP and we FADE TO BLACK.
OVER BLACK we hear the sound of a CAR ENGINE ROARING.

INT. MARY'S CAR - DAY

Mary is RACING down the highway. Clearly a lot on her mind
from the night before. Is she fleeing? Relocating?
A SIGN: "Now Leaving Texas"
Damn, that was fast. Mary doesn't exactly look at ease about
it. In fact, she looks like she's searching for something...
...Until she SCREECHES to a NEAR STOP, veering off the road.

EXT. DAIQUIRI SHACK - NEW ORLEANS - DAY

Mary PULLS INTO a drive-thru daiquiri shack like the one
Gertie mentioned earlier.
MARY
Hi, can I get two daiquiris, a
jungle juice, margarita, and
something... A "Cardiac Arrest"?
Yeah, that sounds about right.
QUICK CUTS: Drive-thru worker handing Mary a TRAY OF DRINKS.
Mary RACING BACK to her apartment. CHANGING clothes...

EXT. POOL - DAY

Mary, wearing a swimsuit and sunglasses, FINISHES her first
drink. Tosses it in the trash and DIVES INTO THE POOL.
 52.

Splashes around and WAITS...

...That tray of drinks getting lonely at her lounge chair.
Mary staring at it. Clearly WAITING FOR GERTIE.
Someone to drink with, shoot the shit with, and more
importantly to CONFIDE IN.
But Gertie DOESN'T COME.
After some more splashing around, Mary gets out of the pool.
Takes a long sip of another drink. THINKING...

INT. APARTMENT OFFICE - DAY

Mary walks up to the counter, tray of drinks in hand.
Speaking to a BUILDING MANAGER (40's, female).
MARY
Hi, can you tell me what room...
Gertie is in?
BUILDING MANAGER
I'm afraid she's no longer with us.
MARY
Oh. As in she's moved on or...
moved out?
BUILDING MANAGER
I'm afraid I can't give out that
information.
MARY
You can't tell me if she's dead or
just relocated?
BUILDING MANAGER
I'm afraid not.
Mary's anger is BOILING OVER. And just as we're about to hear
Mary verbally tear this manager limb from limb we CUT TO:

EXT. APARTMENT OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Mary storms out of the office, SHOVING a straw into one of
the drinks and nearly CHUGGING IT. Giving her a BRAIN FREEZE.
MARY
UUUUGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
 53.

And THROWS the drink at the office window like a major league
pitcher. Exploding RED SLUSHIE everywhere.

INT. KING FISHER'S - NIGHT

Mary sets up at a table, trying to blow off steam.
Plays alone, running drills, occasionally glancing at an
EMPTY POOL TABLE, the one Ray usually plays on...
CLOSEUP on Mary's face. Thinking of what he said last night.
HOURS LATER, the pool hall is darker, busier, but Ray's table
is still empty, and Mary's still playing ALONE.
MARY
Hey baby, you lookin' for a good
time?
Trying to pick up someone to play, but no one bites...
MARY
I'll give you odds, three in the
pocket, hundred a rack?

Two guys nod "hell no" to her offer and walk on by.
And just as Mary tries to get the attention of another
passerby, a COMMOTION BREAKS OUT across the pool hall.
VOICE (O.S.)
The FUCK IS THIS?!
Mary tracks down the source of the yelling just as...
...Hal gets CRACKED ACROSS THE JAW with a POOL CUE.
The WHOLE POOL HALL takes notice, but sure doesn't do
anything about it.
As AGGRO GUY (40) drags Hal by the hair outside, his posse
follows in tow. And so does Mary, closing out her table.

EXT. KING FISHER'S - NIGHT

Mary gets out just in time to see Aggro Guy exchange his
parting words to Hal.
AGGRO GUY
I told you, if I saw you here again
-- and now you're flashing cash?
When you owe me -- gimme that...
 54.

He takes Hal's cash and then BEATS THE LITTLE REMAINING SHIT
out of Hal. Not cool or quick. It's BRUTAL.
And after they finish, they walk back inside. Aggro Guy
looking Mary dead in the face as he passes her.
Mary helps Hal up, barely conscious.
HAL
There she is. You gonna rub it in
my face?
MARY
No. C'mon, where's your car?
Hal looks at her, a pathetic smile. He gambled it away.
MARY
Jesus, how long have you -- y'know
what, I don't care. Just... Where
can I drop you off? You do still
have a place to sleep, right?

Hal, barely able to speak anymore, pulls out the KEYS TO A

MOTEL. Address on the back of the keychain.

INT. MARY'S CAR - NIGHT

Mary drives Hal home. They sit in silence until:
HAL
...Don't think I'll be around much
longer.
MARY
Don't be so fucking dramatic --
HAL
I don't mean like that. I mean it's
time for me to move on.
MARY
Well, the good news is starting
over from scratch might not be too
difficult for you.
HAL
Yeah, well. You didn't look too
busy yourself tonight.
Beat. Mary didn't know Hal saw her not catching customers.
 55.

MARY
Just unlucky --
HAL
(bitter sarcasm)
Oh yeah, me too. Just unlucky...

EXT. CHEAP MOTEL - NIGHT

Mary pulls up to Hal's shithole motel.
MARY
You sure I can't drop you off at
the hospital?
HAL
How the fuck am I gonna pay for
that? No, this is... this is good.

Then, just before Hal hobbles out, Mary gets up the courage
to ask what's actually been on her mind this whole day.
MARY
Hey. I can't believe I'm asking --
Whatever. You know Ray, right? Or,
you said you're close with him?
(more serious)
What's his like -- what's his deal?
Beat. Mary is full on vulnerable. Insecure, even. Confiding
in the last guy she thought she would...
...Hal looks in her eyes. Seeing how smitten she is...
...And LAUGHS HIS ASS OFF.
Walking away LAUGHING so hard it hurts, especially given his
recent beating. Mary sits there, severely PISSED OFF.

EXT. HOLY SMOKE - NIGHT

Ray and friends shoot the shit while prepping BBQ. Until he
GETS A CALL from Mary. Steps away as we enter SPLIT SCREEN.
RAY
Hey --
MARY
Hey, I'm thinking of... gettin' out
of here. Place is dried up.
 56.

RAY
Oh, okay. Did you wanna go like...
together?
The pause of all pauses. The question of all questions...
MARY
And what, work as a team? That
didn't go so good last night --
RAY
I know, and I'm sorry. I said I was
sorry and I meant it. Look I'm not
tryin' to tie you down or anything.
You can even go first, think about
it. You headed east or west? I'll
follow you wherever you go.
That last statement hangs in the air like mustard gas, deeply
affecting Mary as Ray awkwardly tries to play it off.
RAY
That was a joke...
Mary thinks. Then changes direction.
MARY
Mhmm. If we did... enter into such
a... commitment, y'know what we'd
be missing out on?
RAY
What's that?
MARY
Our honeymoon phase. And I, for
one, think that should be fully
explored before hitting the road.
RAY
I couldn't agree more. What were
you thinking?
MARY
Oh I dunno, what's on the menu?
RAY
The chef is happy to go off menu
for your dining ventures.
MARY
No, now that I've said it I don't
think the chef would be interested
in the customer's tastes.
 57.

RAY
Madame, the chef is very interested
in said tastes.
MARY
I like role play --
RAY
Well, I know that. We've --
MARY
No, this is... Complete strangers,
I want you to accost me and --
RAY
Accost?
MARY
That's right.
RAY
Sounds like...
MARY
Rape, or ravishment, is a very
common fantasy.
RAY
Okay...
MARY
As a final goodbye to our little
town, we play a little pool, and
you accost me in the parking lot.
Then you take me to the car and
fuck me like the first time we met.

RAY
Okay. I've been around, but that
is... not on my resume. You want --
MARY
Aggressive. That's right.
(backpedaling)
See, this is why I was saying you
wouldn't be interested --
Ray stops Mary's stuttering. Committed.
RAY
Hey, I want to. New opportunities
present new thrills, right?
 58.

MARY
That they do. New pool hall.
Something smaller. More intimate.
They're both now giddy for this new sexual conquest.
RAY
I know just the place...

EXT. BIG JIM'S - NIGHT

Outside a NEW POOL HALL: Big Jim's. A neon MILLER HIGH LIFE
sign lights the way through the RAIN in a HEAVY STORM.

INT. JIM'S BAR - NIGHT

Mary ducks in from the rain. Dressed in her Sunday best. Nice
and INNOCENT looking. JIM, the bartender, gets her attention.
JIM
Ma'am?
MARY
Oh yes, I'll have a... white wine.
She takes in the pool hall. Small, not a lot of action. An
OLD TEXAN picks a SONG on a JUKEBOX.
CUE MUSIC: "Dirty Pool" by Stevie Ray Vaughan.
But mainly, she's waiting for her Prince Charming to come...

And he does. Ray WALKS IN, playing his bad boy part.
MARY (V.O.)
God, look at him. He's... perfect.
RAY
Hey 'scuse me! Can I get a shot of
rye and a beer? Anything on tap.
(to Mary)
Oh I'm sorry, miss. Do I know you?
MARY
No, no I don't think you do.
Mary gets up, crosses to a pool table. And the CHASE IS ON.
All of her thoughts pouring out as she stares at him.
MARY (V.O.)
Attractive but not vain.
 59.

He throws down a heavy tip. DOES A SHOT WITH THE BARTENDER.

MARY (V.O.)
Cool, but doesn't care. Thus making
him devastatingly cooler.
Thanks the bartender, and heads over her way.
MARY (V.O.)
Confident but not arrogant.
He HITS ON HER. We can't hear it, but we see it's smooth.
Mary tries to play coy. They set up and start playing pool.
WHAM! Mary breaks. And watches as Ray plays.
MARY (V.O.)
He's like if Han Solo and Johnny
Utah hung out, talked about what
it's like to be cool white dudes,
and copulated. Forming an even
cooler ambivalent white dude baby.
Through the game, quaint little TOUCHES from Ray. Showing
interest, attraction, and upping the sexual tension.
MARY (V.O.)
He knows what he wants. And right
now, that's me. Lucky lucky me. Who
he wants to make happy.

And after Ray WINS THE GAME. Mary unexpectedly LEAVES.

Looking over her shoulder to make sure Ray FOLLOWS. He does.

EXT. JIM'S - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Mary heads to her car.
MARY (V.O.)
Just look at him, acting like he
doesn't know...
Ray tries to ACCOST HER.
MARY
Please, don't touch me.
Ray stutters, but sees it's PART OF THE GAME. Doubles down.
Getting HANDSY.
RAY
C'mon you bitch, get in the car.
 60.

MARY (V.O.)
And maybe he doesn't know. Maybe
that's what makes him perfect.
MARY
I said get your hands off of me!

RAY
QUIT BEING SO DIFFICULT!
He's now GROPING HER. Mary is FIGHTING HIM OFF.
MARY (V.O.)
Because he doesn't have a fucking
clue...
She REACHES INTO HER PURSE...
...PULLING OUT HER .45, AND POINTING IT DIRECTLY AT RAY...
...WHO FREEZES, AS SHE LOOKS HIM DEAD IN THE EYE.
MARY
You're getting in my way.
BANG! BANG! BANG! THREE SHOTS RING OUT.
Ray looks down to MARY'S GUN, AIMED RIGHT AT HIS CHEST.
Which starts SEEPING BLOOD. He looks back up at her in shock.
Eyes like a lost child, locking into Mary and not letting go.
RAY
I -- I really liked you.
He COLLAPSES on the ground. BLEEDING OUT, looking up at her.
And Mary down at him. She looks... CONFUSED.
It wasn't supposed to go like this. Everything was planned,
sure. But... why did he say that?
And why does she feel... whatever the fuck this is that she
feels..? She gets ON HER KNEES, TOUCHING RAY. The BLOOD.
MARY
I -- I don't...
Something clicks. She wants to UNDO IT. To stop the BLEEDING.
TRIES TO, even. Working herself into FULL ON MANIA.
When suddenly, she HEARS FOOTSTEPS. Getting FASTER. CLOSER.
She doesn't know what to do. PANICS. Gets READY TO RUN.
 61.

LYLE (O.S.)
No! No no no it's okay! I saw
everything, he was asking for it!

She turns around, A DEER IN HEADLIGHTS, where LYLE (45), a

large Texan and innocent bystander, is trying to comfort her.
LYLE
This here's stand your ground
territory, don't you worry.
I can testify, he was all over you!
She looks back at Ray. DYING. At the BLOOD ON HER HANDS. And
FREAKS OUT (in a way that seems understandable to Lyle).
MARY
Oh God. OH MY GOD. FUCK, FUCK! I --
She wants to make everything she did go away. LUNGES at Ray
to help, but Lyle GRABS her. PULLS HER AWAY from him.
LYLE
No! You did the right thing, ya
hear me? Leave that motherfucker
behind. Don't even look at him...
RAY'S ALL SHE CAN LOOK AT. Mary tries to FIGHT LYLE OFF to
get to Ray, but he HUGS HER INTO SUBMISSION.
MARY
No! No no NO NO NO --
LYLE
I know, it's all good. You done
right. You're gonna be alright now.
She might've killed before, and she might've even faked some
tears to get out of certain situations... But this is the
real deal. SHAKEN TO HER CORE, DEVASTATED WITH REMORSE.
Finally, Mary manages to ELBOW LYLE and BREAK FREE.
Spinning around and whipping out her GUN AGAIN.
POINTED DIRECTLY AT LYLE. Who raises one hand "STOP" as the
other slowly HOVERS over his BELT... and a HOLSTERED GUN.
A WIDE SHOT: These two standing off in the POURING RAIN,
ready to shoot as Ray STRUGGLES FOR HIS FINAL BREATHS.
Cue music: "Mr. Sandman" by The Chordettes.
"Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream..."
 62.

Mary, still holding the gun at Lyle, looks at Ray...

"Make him the cutest that I've ever seen..."
Then back at Lyle, hand fully on his gun. READY TO SHOOT.
"Give him two lips like roses and clover / Then tell him that
his lonesome nights are over."
CUT TO:

INT. MARY'S CAR - NIGHT

Mary DRIVING IN THE RAIN, fleeing the SCENE OF THE CRIME.
We're not sure what happened. Mary doesn't seem to have been
shot. But she is in UTTER TURMOIL.
Barely suppressing a panic attack until the COP CARS and
their SIRENS ROAR BY HER going the opposite direction.
Somehow keeps it together as she turns off the road.

INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - NIGHT

Mary's apartment is PACKED UP AND READY TO GO.
"Sandman, I'm so alone. Don't have nobody to call my own..."
She walks out of her bathroom, HAIR SHORTER AND BLEACHED.
She does a final sweep, seeing if there's anything else she
left behind. And there is: the MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARD.
Which she stares at. Then packs into a box.
And THROWS THE BOX ACROSS THE ROOM with RAGE and SHAME.
That PANIC ATTACK back in FULL FORCE. Fighting for breath.
CRUMBLING TO THE GROUND of the empty apartment.
Wishing she could just die, right then and there.
Reaching ROCK BOTTOM as the song comes to an end:
"Please turn on your magic beam / Mr. Sandman, bring me a
dream..."
QUICK CUTS, over SILENCE: Mary SHOVING boxes into her car.
SLAMMING the trunk closed. Her KEY into the ignition.
 63.

INT. MARY'S CAR - NIGHT

Mary whips out her IPOD, pulling up an album: Fleetwood Mac's
RUMOURS. But when she CLICKS it...
...An ERROR MESSAGE pops up. She tries again. ERROR.
NO MUSIC, no nothing. Pissed off, she PEELS OUT and DRIVES.

EXT. MARY'S CAR - NIGHT

Passes a sign: "NOW LEAVING TEXAS." This time for good.
CUE MONTAGE: Mary at her ABSOLUTE LOW. Relocating cities.
Oddly reminiscent of the OPENING SEQUENCE. Starting in a...
DINER. Where a waitress serves her:
WAITRESS
All star special. Scrambled eggs,
hashbrowns scattered, smothered,
covered, chunks, bacon, and a
chocolate chip pancake.
Mary stares at her food. This should make her happy. It
always has, but this time... it doesn't. She looks around.
EVERYONE ELSE in the diner actually is HAPPY. Eating, ON
THEIR PHONES, laughing together. It makes Mary sick.
She PUSHES HER FOOD AWAY and LEAVES. Out the door and into:
HER CAR. Where she drives through the night. Still NO MUSIC.
And more importantly, THERE'S NO VOICEOVER.
No poppy one liners or comebacks from Mary. No voice in her
head to escape. No, she has to sit in this fresh lonely hell.
ALONE AT A BAR. Sitting and drinking. Seems like everyone
around her is MAKING OUT. Fuck, this sucks.
One couple even BUMPS INTO HER, SPILLING HER DRINK. Mary
can't take it, her anger bubbling over. So she goes to...
A HOTEL. Where she pulls out her VIBRATOR. At least she has
that. Gets under the covers.
ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz-zzz-zzzzzzzz.......
C.U. on BATTERY, DEAD. Mary CHUCKS THE VIBRATOR AT THE WALL.
 64.

AT A COFFEESHOP. Mary hurriedly puts a lid on her to-go

coffee so she can escape the ANNOYING WOMAN behind her.
BACK IN HER CAR. She has to get the hell out of here.
Practically peels off like she's being chased.
A thought. She OPENS THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT.
Inside is HER GUN, which practically STARES right back at
her, RAY'S BLOOD STILL ON IT. She THROWS IT OUT THE WINDOW.
LANDING in WATER as we see her car SPEEDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.
Mary's going FAST. Wanting to leave it all behind: Ray, her
feelings, everything. FOLLOWS SIGNS FOR LAS VEGAS.
Prowls down the VEGAS STRIP in her car. SEARCHING. Looking
for anything to get her out of herself. To just escape.
Turning corner after corner. Still no music, but we can
practically HEAR HER HEARTBEAT getting FASTER AND FASTER.
Whatever she's looking for, she better find it fast...
...Until suddenly, Mary STOPS THE CAR. Looking up at a
CATHOLIC CHURCH. Gets out and slowly ASCENDS THE STEPS.

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT - END MONTAGE

The church is almost empty. She walks the aisles like she has
every pool hall before this.
Her hands fall over the pews. Clocking the candles, the
altar, Jesus on the crucifix. Goes up to someone praying.
MARY
'Scuse me.

The PRAYING LADY (60) doesn't understand why someone is

interrupting her prayer.
MARY
EXCUSE ME.
Someone a couple rows behind SHUSHES HER.
MARY
OH FUCK OFF!
Now it's too awkward for Praying Lady not to respond.
PRAYING LADY
...Yes?
 65.

MARY
Is this where... Can I do a
confession thingy or whatever?
Praying Lady looks around, asking herself what is happening.
PRAYING LADY
Yes?
She points at the CONFESSIONAL.
MARY
Thanks.
Mary walks over and gets in. We wait as NOTHING HAPPENS.
Eventually, the DOOR OPENS and MARY STEPS OUT.
MARY
I'M READY! CAN SOMEONE HELP...
ABSOLVE ME OF MY SINS SO I DON'T
ROT IN HELLFIRE OR WHATEVER I'M
SUPPOSED TO BE SCARED OF?!
A PRIEST (40) pops out from across the church, running over.
PRIEST
Please, lower your voice --
MARY
Sorry, I'm just tryin' to get in
and out. Kind of an emergency.
PRIEST
This is... it's not our time for
confession --

MARY
Hey. As I said, this is an
emergency! C'mon, let's not beat
around the burning bush here.
Mary walks in, not waiting for him. He doesn't know what to
do, so eventually he walks in too.

INT. CONFESSIONAL - NIGHT

It's dark and cramped inside. We see both of them sitting
down, waiting for each other to talk. A long long silence.
PRIEST
(trying to help)
Bless me Father for I have
sinned...
 66.

MARY
Yeah, I don't really believe in all
that shit, sorry --
PRIEST
Are you... are you even Catholic?
MARY
Oh God no, is this -- you guys are
the worst. Buncha pee-pee touching
prudes --

PRIEST
Okay, I think we're done here...
MARY
Wait! I'm sorry. Seriously, I'll
cut the shit. I just...
Mary's STRUGGLING. Trying to collect herself. Say the right
thing. Figure out why the fuck she's even here.
MARY
You can't... tell anyone what I say
here, right? That's your deal?
PRIEST
The sacred seal of confession
confines your every word --
MARY
Perfect, that's all I needed to
hear. So, I shot this guy and --
PRIEST
You WHAT --
MARY
-- And I feel like, really bad
about it. I mean it's really taking
a toll on me.
Priest is at a complete loss. Baffled an understatement.
PRIEST
Oh... okay. That seems like... it
probably should?
MARY
I mean, I've shot people before --
PRIEST
You -- How many?!
 67.

MARY
Oh I don't keep count. But... this
one was different. I -- we had a
connection. It's hard to say,
but... I liked him.
Priest has no fucking clue how to navigate, but tries anyway.
PRIEST
Lord knows, we often hurt the ones
we love...?
Mary starts pouring out words as her emotions try to keep up.
MARY
You're so right. I've been...
living my life a certain way for a
long time. And I thought -- No, I
was told that that was the right
thing to do. To put myself first in
order to survive. And I have
thrived. I mean, I've had some
goddamn good times. Times like you
wouldn't believe, Father. Is that
what people call you? God, that's
so weird. Anyway. I feel so stupid.
I knew what I was doing -- But that
look on his face. What he said. I
just... I take and I take and it
usually feels good when it's goin'
down -- I essentially steal from
people for a living, I guess I
should mention that --
PRIEST
Yeah, you shouldn't do that --
MARY
I'm not finished. He was the only
one who gave back. Who actually
gave a shit about me...
Mary's jokes are gone. She's IN TEARS, honest with herself
for the first time.
MARY
And I'm sorry. I am so so sorry.
Genuinely. These past couple days
have been an absolute hell because
he's all I think about. And I look
around and I see other people going
about their fucking lives acting
happy and all I can think is fuck
you.
(MORE)
 68.
MARY (CONT'D)
FUCK YOU, WHY DO YOU GET TO BE SO
GODDAMNED HAPPY AND I DON'T?! I'M
SMART, I'M... I THINK I'M SOMEWHAT
GOOD LOOKING WITHOUT SOUNDING LIKE
AN ASSHOLE, I'M GOOD AT WHAT I DO
AND -- And I feel so fucking empty
inside.

A long excruciating beat.

PRIEST
You are forgiven.
MARY
...What?
PRIEST
I forgive you. God forgives you.
MARY
Seriously? I did a lot of bad shit,
I mean, I killed --
PRIEST
I don't care. Er, God doesn't care.
If you are seeking absolution, you
have it. Right now, right here.
Say... Ten Our Fathers, at least
twenty Hail Marys --
MARY
I don't know what --
PRIEST
Just Google them! Christ. And you
should probably find a different
profession -
MARY
Not gonna happen --
PRIEST
Alright, you know what? Do
something nice, something good for
someone. A stranger, every day.
MARY
...For how long?
PRIEST
As long as it takes.
And there it is. No quips, no pithy remarks from Mary.
 69.

MARY
Umm... Thank you.
PRIEST
Go with God.
MARY
I still don't --
PRIEST
Just go!
Mary exits the confessional. Looks around at the beautiful
church as if for the first time. Actually appreciating it.
Priest DRINKS FROM HIS FLASK. Thankful it's over.
Mary slowly walks down the aisle and OUT THE DOOR. A new
person. As the door closes behind her, we FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
A BLURRED IMAGE. Something moving UP AND DOWN...
Comes into focus on a WEIGHT, like the kind in a MACHINE.
VOICE (O.S.)
Good. That's good.
REVEAL INT. PHYSICAL THERAPY - DAY
A PHYSICAL THERAPIST (38, female) talks to her client.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Keep going, you got this.
And then ANOTHER VOICE, her unseen client, chimes in.
ANOTHER VOICE (O.S.)
Fuck. Fuck! I can't go any higher--
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
That's okay! We can stop there,
that's good. That's really really
good, you hear me?
He SIGHS, hating her positivity. WHAM! The sound of a...

INT. PHYSICAL THERAPY - LOCKER ROOM - DAY

...LOCKER SLAMMING closed and back open. A SHIRT THROWN
inside. And we PAN OVER to...
 70.

...The back of a SHIRTLESS BODY leaning against the locker in

frustration. THREE BULLET WOUNDS IN HIS BACK, but HE'S ALIVE!
VOICE (PRE-LAP)
Ray?

INT. PHYSICAL THERAPY - FRONT DESK - DAY

A CLERK (24, female) calls RAY over and we see him: He looks
like how anyone would if they took three to the chest from
the one they loved. To hell and not even all the way back.
CLERK
Thank you. Just so you know, going
forward everything will need to be
out of pocket.
Ray takes his credit card back, not understanding.
RAY
But I have insurance...

CLERK
Yes. Unfortunately they don't --
RAY
I can't lift my fucking arm. The
surgeon said I would need PT every
week for... at least eight months.
CLERK
I understand. However, your
insurance has approved you for...
(looking it up)
...five visits.
Ray is stunned. He was already angry, but this is ridiculous.
RAY
The fuck is wrong with this
country?! THAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY
SENSE!! Why is this okay?! Who is
okay with this?!
CLERK
Sir, I need you to calm down --
RAY
You're fuckin' me up the ass here,
y'know that? You already had me
bent over but now you're just
stretching it out.
(MORE)
 71.

RAY (CONT'D)
You're stretching out my asshole!
Why would you do that to me? Huh?!
Clerk looks at him in horror.

EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY

Ray STORMS OUT. He definitely can't go back there anymore...
He walks to his car, until he gets a CALL ON HIS PHONE.
Tries to get it out of his pocket, but can't because of his
arm which pisses him off even more. Somehow manages.
RAY
What?!

INT. UNKNOWN BAR - NIGHT

A FAMILIAR FACE from before, HAL, is on the other end.
HAL
Rumor has it you're in the business
of lookin' for somebody.
RAY
That's right.
HAL
Well hey, as a friend, I'd like to
help you out. In fact, I'm lookin'
right at her. Different curtains,
but yeah she's here...
We FOCUS behind Hal, where MARY IS PLAYING POOL.

EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY

Back to RAY in the middle of getting into his car.

RAY
Uhuh. Where's 'here' nowadays Hal?
HAL (O.S.)
Well now, that's privileged
information. Certainly the phrase
'finders fee' comes to mind...
RAY
I thought we were friends...
 72.

HAL
Yeah, well. Friends don't let
friends bring over a bunch of boys
in blue, I got --
RAY
Please. They're too fuckin' lazy to
cross county, let alone state
lines. Said I was lucky, chalked it
up to self defense. Now, where.
HAL (O.S.)
Vegas. You need a place to crash?
RAY
No, thanks. I'll be in and out.

Ray hangs up. OPENS HIS GLOVE COMPARTMENT: a GUN INSIDE.

EXT. INTERSTATE 10 - NIGHT

Hank's car ROARS down the highway. We hear his favorite song.
CUE MUSIC: "Disposable Heroes" by Metallica.
"Bred to kill, not to care. Do just as we say / Finished
here, greetings death. He's yours to take away"
INSIDE THE CAR, the music is LOUDER, and we catch RAY'S FACE
filled with rage. Though the lyrics might be cheering him up:
"Back to the front, you will do what I say when I say / Back
to the front, YOU WILL DIE WHEN I SAY YOU MUST DIE!"

EXT. VEGAS STREET - MORNING

Mary stands alone at a crosswalk. The SIGNAL TO CROSS lights
up. She DOESN'T MOVE.
Instead, she looks around. SIGHS heavily, head up to the sky.
Then a COUPLE COMES BY, crossing in front of her. She
awkwardly nods hello. They leave.
Another group of people. Nothing. Then Mary LIGHTS UP at an
OLD LADY (80) passing by.
MARY
Oh here, let me...
OLD LADY
Huh?
 73.

MARY
Just, trying to help you...
She helps the Old Lady cross the street. Clearly her first
time doing "something good for a stranger" as per the priest.
OLD LADY
What are you -- don't touch me!
MARY
Let's just get across the street...
OLD LADY
Get your hands off me, you harlot!
MARY
What'd you call me?! I'm just
tryin' to help, you stupid bitch!
They stop. Mary can't believe she called her that. Old Lady
can't either, so she HITS HER WITH HER PURSE.
Mary recovers back to the sidewalk. Eventually, a HOMELESS
GUY (60) walks by.
HOMELESS GUY
You got any change?
MARY
No, I don't have any... fuck off.
Mary waves him away, still annoyed at the Old Lady.
And just as he walks away, the LIGHTBULB GOES OFF.
MARY
Wait. Wait! How much do you need?

He's never been asked this before, or at least never with

this amount of sincerity.
HOMELESS GUY
Uh... twenty? For a... bus ticket.
MARY
Sure. Uh, here's a hundred. Is that
good? Are you good? Can we both
feel... happy about that?
HOMELESS GUY
Happy? I mean happiness is a
relative term. You want me to feel
happy, how about solving the
housing crisis? Not in my backyard,
that's what they always say.
(MORE)
 74.
HOMELESS GUY (CONT'D)
Happiness is getting my daughter
back. Getting a place to sleep
without getting kicked out or
robbed. Getting my dick sucked once
in a while, now THAT'S HAPPY --
MARY
LOOK I'M JUST TRYING TO BE NICE SO
I CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF!
HOMELESS GUY
Oh. Well then. Yeah, I guess.

Homeless Guy stares at his hundred-dollar bill.

RAY (PRE-LAP)
Alright, gimme the low down.

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - DAY

Ray and Hal walk and talk through a HOTEL LOBBY. Vegas chic,
that perfect mix between luxury and trashy.
HAL
I mean, she's smart --
RAY
I know that.
HAL
Look, I dunno if you know this
city, but I certainly do. You play
pretty much anywhere here and you
get attention. There's too many
retirees around that know a hustle
when they see one, so nothing
downtown plays. I mean the big
houses are just like the casinos.
They see anyone countin' cards and
they throw 'em the fuck out, make
sure there’s no comin’ back. Few
spots you can get away with it, but
that's a one time deal. So for now,
she's stickin' to the 'burbs.
They pass into a COURTYARD AREA as Hal starts TAKING HIS
SHIRT OFF, looking far more comfortable than he should.
HAL
Coupla spots I thought only I'd
figured out over the years, but
she's at all three. Every now and
then, I mean. But honestly Ray...
 75.

And now it's clear why Hal's belly is on full display,

because he JUMPS INTO A POOL.
HAL
Why would you wanna blow all this
on some chick? We could make some
real money here --
Hal's backstroking, splashing water on his stomach. Ray
should be laughing, rolling his eyes at least. But he's not.
RAY
Can't play.
HAL
Oh I've heard that talk before.
This the same as when you were
havin' an "unlucky streak" and
cleared forty grand and a Mercedes?
RAY
It was a Volkswagen...
Ray dips his toes in the water, hesitant to get in.
HAL
Whatever! Point is, I know you --
RAY
Ya see these?

Ray struggles to take his shirt off. Using only his one good
arm. Shows Hal his wounds.
RAY
She shot me. Three times. I can
barely raise my right, let alone
run tables. That's what I'm here
for. I'm not playin’ with you. I
don't even know what I'm gonna do
for cash. I just want...
Ray can barely say it. He's a hustler, not a cold killer.
RAY
I want to get even, and I wanna get
out...
HAL
Hey. Here for you boo. Let's do it.
The familiar sound of BILLIARD BALLS BREAKING brings us to...
 76.

INT. POOL HALL - VEGAS SUBURBS - DAY

Mary in her comfort zone. A pool hall, staring down the
latest contender, being brutally honest.
MARY
Listen to me... I am better than
you. And I will beat you. This
ain't shit talkin', I'm just trying
to be upfront and honest. Have a
clear conscience about what's gonna
transpire at this here table. Cause
you're gonna have no one to blame
but yourself, not seein' past this
cash and these tits.
VOICE (O.S.)
How much?
A smile. CUE MUSIC: "Cherry Bomb" by The Runaways.
CUE MONTAGE: Mary hustling. Actually having... FUN.
She's knocking balls back, but not from anger like we've
usually seen. No, she's... giddy. DANCING to the music, even.
Joan Jett's Lyrics: "I'm the fox you've been waiting for!"

She ups her game, absolutely CRUSHING her first opponent who
throws his CASH on the table and STORMS OFF.
"Hello world I'm your wild girl I'm your ch-ch-cherry bomb!"
We cut between Mary playing THREE DIFFERENT GUYS. First up,
THE APPROACH. Mary warns them with the same speech:
MARY
...shit talkin', I'm just trying to
be up front and honest...
Then THE GAME: Mary continuously crushing it, incredulous
looks from faces of the guys who underestimated her.
"Hey, street boy, want some style? Your dead end dreams don't
make you smile / I'll give you something to live for..."
And then THE KILL: eight balls go flying. Cash down. And all
three guys walk off, PISSED. Mary calls after them:

MARY
I TRIED TO TELL YOU!
SLAM! Mary accidentally SHOULDER CHECKS SOME GUY.
 77.

MARY
Oh, sorry --
And we immediately recognize who she bumped into: HAL. Who
comes on strong with all his sleaze. END MONTAGE.
HAL
Hey. Small world. Lookin' hot by
the way. On the table, I mean.
MARY
Oh. Right, thank you. Just lucky I
suppose...
HAL
...Aren't we all.
Mary brushes off the weird interaction as Hal WALKS AWAY,
whipping out his PHONE to CALL RAY.
CUT TO:

INT. RAY'S CAR - VEGAS SUBURBS - NIGHT

Ray PULLS INTO A PARKING LOT. Kills the engine. Opens the
glove compartment. Stares at HIS GUN.
A long, uncomfortable moment. Ray's telling all those
conflicting feelings in his head to shut the fuck up so he
can do what he came here to do.
Finally, it's time. He GRABS THE GUN and GOES.
BEGIN LONG TRACKING SHOT:
We FOLLOW HIM through the parking lot. Seeing him STASH THE
GUN behind his BELT. Hal waiting for him at the door.
RAY
She still here?
HAL
Oh yeah, rackin' 'em up too...
Good enough for Ray, he walks in as HAL FOLLOWS.

INT. POOL HALL - VEGAS SUBURBS - TRACKING SHOT CONT'D

Ray gets a read of the place: late, not too crowded. But
enough to cover his intent. Somewhat seedy. It's perfect.
 78.

HAL
Listen, you come back in a couple
hours, I keep my eye on her, let
her get some serious cash goin'...
RAY
I told you. No waiting around. In
and out, I wanna be done with this.
Hal wants to push back, but sees Ray is not fucking around.
RAY
Table?
HAL
Second to last on the left.
FOCUS ON MARY in the back of the pool hall.
She SLAMS another ball into a pocket. The body language of
the guy next to her shows crushing defeat.
And we FOCUS BACK ON RAY. The first time he's seen her since.
A wild mix of emotions. Charred love turned to rage.
RAY
(at a loss for words)
Okay.
HAL
Okay? How you wanna do it? I mean
you can't just go up in the --
RAY
Blocked bathroom. She's a drinker,
gotta go some time. You run point.
Hal nods, knowing what to do. And just as he starts to say
something back, Ray heads to the bar.
As he walks over, it's clear Ray is NOT DOING WELL.
Seeing Mary has affected him. He's fighting to stay with his
rage, and do what he came here to do. Maybe a drink'll help.

BARTENDER
What'll you --
RAY
Shot of wild turkey. Two. And a
beer. I don't give a shit what.
Ray looks over his shoulder, WATCHING MARY. UNEASY.
 79.

In a perfect world, he'd slam these drinks, Mary would head

to the bathroom perfectly on cue, and he'd finish it.
But this isn't that. The drinks take forever. Mary takes
forever. The shots don't even feel good going down.
Ray pays. CHECKS HIS GUN, which SOMEONE SEES, but doesn't say
anything. Because it's Vegas. But still makes Ray uneasy.
Fuck, this is taking long... And it turns Ray into a TICKING
TIME BOMB. Constantly looking at Mary, psyching himself up.
He doesn't know what to do, so he orders another drink. Looks
over his shoulder, and MARY ISN'T THERE.
Ray PANICS, looking for her everywhere. Until he sees HAL,
nodding to the bathroom. IT'S TIME. HE GOES, and WE FOLLOW.
All the way to the back. Passing too many people. Witnesses.
The sense of danger increasing with every step.

He TURNS A CORNER, where HAL IS WAITING. Blocking off a door.

END TRACKING SHOT as we enter:

INT. WOMEN'S BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

WHAM! The door BURSTS OPEN. A WOMAN SCREAMS.
It's not Mary. Just some poor unfortunate soul washing her
hands as a man with a death wish walks in. Ray stares at her.
...Opens the door for her. She RUNS OUT. Now Ray LOCKS IT.
SILENCE. Now it's just him and the THREE BATHROOM STALLS. One
with legs jutting out underneath that look familiar...
Ray walks over to the stall. HIS GUN READY.
MARY (O.S.)
Can't say I haven't been here
before... No. Not exactly
unfamiliar territory. That scream.
This silence. Y'know, the weirdest
part of it all is just thinking how
many men think about me peein'. Or
at least waitin' to see when that
might take place. You are just...
another in a long familiar line.
Waiting. Wanting. And I tried to be
nice. Tell you how it was, that I
wasn't hustlin' you. For once in --
Ray KICKS THE BATHROOM STALL IN.
 80.

A TOILET TANK COVER FLIES THROUGH THE AIR, straight for Ray.
It hits him in the shoulder, KNOCKING THE GUN DOWN.
And they make eye contact for the first time since. Beat.
MARY
Oh my God. Ray! YOU'RE ALIVE!!
She runs over and HUGS HIM.
Ray takes it. Likes it. Then hates it, and throws her off.
MARY
Oh my God oh my -- I am so so
sorry. I'm sorry I -- I shot you. I
shot you. That was -- That was
really... bad. On my part. I mean--

RAY
SHUT UP! SHUT YOUR FUCKIN' MOUTH!
Silence. Mary's taken aback. Still elated he's alive, but he
never talked to her like this. Ray tries to regain composure.
Mary sees the GUN ON THE GROUND. Starts to REALIZE...
MARY
...Okay. You... came to... that
makes sense.
RAY
You fucking shot me.
MARY
I know. I'm sorry. I said that --
RAY
Three times.

MARY
Yes. I was... in a really bad
place.
RAY
You were in a bad place?! What the
FUCK does that even mean?! You
seemed pretty clear cut to me --
Mary tries to placate. Reason with him. And it feels more
than just for her life. It's clear she still cares about him.
MARY
You're right. I was... heartless.
What I did was wrong, I'm sorry --
 81.

Ray can't deal with what he's hearing from her.

RAY
Quit saying you're sorry!
MARY
Okay! I'm sorry! Fuck --
Mary's pissing him off even more so she stops talking. They
just stare at each other. Until Mary looks down at THE GUN.
She gets down on her knees and PICKS THE GUN UP.
Ray is beside himself. Doesn't know why he doesn't rip the
gun out of her hands and pull the trigger.
And watches in amazement as she OFFERS THE GUN TO HIM.
HANDING IT OVER. A dangerous transfer of trust.
MARY
But... you're here now. Can I...
buy you a drink?
Mary coyly sneaks a smile.
RAY
...NO YOU CANNOT BUY ME A GODDAMN
DRINK YOU FUCKING TRIED TO KILL
ME!!!! YOU LEFT ME FOR DEAD IN
TEXAS. FUCKING TEXAS OF ALL PLACES!
I DON'T KNOW WHY THAT MATTERS BUT I
FEEL LIKE IT FUCKIN' DOES --
MARY
You have every right to shoot me--

RAY
I FUCKIN' KNOW I HAVE THE RIGHT TO
SHOOT YOU!! IT'S THE RIGHT FUCKING
THING TO DO! FUCK!
He PUTS HIS GUN AWAY. Mary breathes a sigh of relief.

RAY
I don't know what the hell I'm
doing. I mean, I know --

MARY
What do you want? What can I do?
RAY
Stop --
 82.

MARY
How can I help?
RAY
STOP BEING SO GODDAMN NICE ABOUT
IT!
A standoff. They gonna kiss or kill each other? RAY LEAVES.

Or at least he tries to. Forgetting that he locked the door,

so he can't open it. Then awkwardly unlocks it.

Finally gets it open and walks out past Hal in the doorway.
HAL
You okay, Ray? Jesus...
Ray's gone. A moment of longing as Mary watches him leave.
Then Hal gets in her eye line.

HAL
You really fucked him up, huh?

EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Ray heads straight to his car. Mary chasing after him. A
familiar scene, but now the roles reversed.
MARY
Hey! HEY, DON'T YOU LEAVE ME, I --

Suddenly, Ray turns around. Unleashing at her.

RAY
No, you don't get the last word on
this! You don't get to fucking...
control this scenario. You hurt me.
And it's not okay. We're not okay.
MARY
Then what do I have to do to make
it okay?
Ray's one step from driving off and never seeing her again.
But she really means it.

MARY
Anything you want, I'll do it.

Ray can't believe it. And he might not even care. Until...
HAL (O.S.)
Cash.
 83.

Both of them look over as Hal negotiates.

HAL
He can't hustle right now 'cause of
his arm. You did that. Why don't ya
make it up to him?

MARY
Sure. Yes, absolutely.

RAY
No, I just wanna be left the fuck
alone --

HAL
You could use a break, Ray. She
wants to do somethin' for you, let
her. Then fuck off alone wherever
you want. Alright?
Ray and Mary look at each other. She would do anything for
him. He doesn't know how to feel. The sound of a SPLASH!

EXT. HOTEL POOL - DAY

Hal JUMPS BACK INTO Ray's hotel pool.

RAY
The fuck is it with you and pools?

Hal already backstroking in the pool, far too comfortable.

HAL
I like pools. Plus, pool meeting in
the pool. It makes sense. Gotta
form a game plan somewhere.

RAY
Yeah, clearly...
(to Mary)
The fuck are you doing?
Mary is MID-TAKING HER SHIRT OFF.

MARY
What?
RAY
Nothing...
MARY
You like what you see?
 84.

He does. She looks great. It sucks.

MARY
Sorry, just trying to keep things
light. You need help?

Ray has trouble taking his shirt off. Mary tries to help.
RAY
I don't need your fucking help.
She backs off and into the pool. Ray gives up on his shirt,
just puts his feet in. Hal's oblivious to all sexual tension.

HAL
Okay, here's what I'm thinking. We
go in, me and Ray on the earlier
side. I point out the real losers.
Ray starts warming people up,
wearin' 'em down. You come in, make
out to show she's your chick or
whatever you're comfortable with --
MARY
I'm comfortable with that --

RAY
No fucking way.

HAL
Fine. A hug, a well-placed hand, a
fuckin' handjob, I don't give a
shit. But we make whoever it is
know that you two are theoretically
fucking in some capacity. She gets
in the game, doubles --

MARY
This is so fuckin' stupid...

RAY
I agree. But... why do you agree?
MARY
His grand master plan is for me to
play your girlfriend? How original.
And lemme guess, you're expecting a
cut of this for all your work?

HAL
Y'know, ten... Twenty percent.

MARY
Un-fucking believable --
 85.

RAY
Hal, Jesus.
HAL
What? How are you gonna know --
MARY
And how long was this gonna take?
That's a two-a-night hustle, three
max. How many of those am I gonna
do before people catch on?

HAL
I figured spread it out over a
month or two --

RAY
Hal, JESUS!
MARY
You are a fucking idiot. Sorry Ray.
RAY
You're fine.

HAL
What the fuck, Ray??

MARY
Okay, here's what's actually going
down. First off, I'm not lying.

RAY
Whadya mean?

MARY
I mean I am not going to lie to
people. I will be upfront that I am
a good pool player, and that they
will most likely lose --
HAL
What the fuck are you talkin'
about? How are you gonna --
MARY
I can and will take their money. If
they're stupid enough to play me.
But no dumb blonde, no persona.
I've turned a new page, and that's
the way it is. I'm honest now.
RAY
YOU'RE HONEST NOW?!
 86.

MARY
YES! Second, because of that; and
because we're not doing your stupid
fucking plan, all I need is a place
with ego. Not low lifes, not
tourists, some place where people
compete and think they're the shit.
Local leagues or anything like
that. If we're doin' this we're
doing it in one night. We make me
the spectacle. Beating me the
challenge, and the cash will rise
to the occasion. I'm not gonna be
able to play in this city again,
but I'm fine doing it for Ray.
Whether or not you take a cut for
doing nothing is up to him too.
Everyone looks at Ray. The offer is tremendous, a perfect
plan, but what stuns and stings is her commitment to him.
MARY
But I want a date.
RAY
What?

MARY
I'm not taking any of that cash.
And I'm happy to do this for you --

RAY
You're happy to -- you fuckin' --

MARY
I know! And I'm sorry! And if that
date is just a goodbye because I'll
never see you again, then that's
fine. But I want to do this -- I
wanna do this for you... And I want
to be with you. Again. Even if it's
just for a moment.

Beat. Mary's really fucking trying here. Laying her heart on

the line. Genuinely repentant.

RAY
No.

Mary's really thought that would work. Ray gets in her face.
RAY
You wanna do somethin' to clear
your conscience? Fuggin'...
(MORE)
 87.

RAY (CONT'D)
fine by me. Go ahead, I don't give
a shit. But this whole thing you're
doing. Telling yourself you're
"nice" and "honest" now that
"you've changed?" FUCK THAT, you
are SELFISH. You're trying to force
me - MANIPULATE - to get what you
want. So you can feel good, better
about yourself. You haven't fuckin'
changed at all. So no, no to your
date. You still wanna do this, the
bare minimum, make me some cash no
strings attached? Fine. Just don't
expect anything in return.

Ray WALKS OFF. Mary's stunned. Hurt.

RAY
Lemme know when and where if it
still happens, Hal.

And he's gone. Just Mary and Hal alone in the pool. Hal
starts annoyingly APPLAUDING.
HAL
Man... You didn't like my plan, but
he REALLY DIDN'T LIKE YOUR OFFER,
EITHER! Great job, hun. Seriously.

MARY
Fuck you, Hal. What do you even do?
Offer idiotic plans all around
town? You read too many Bukowski
novels and didn't get that the ugly
burnout fuckin' loser is not
supposed to be looked up to?

Mary violently SPLASHES HIM, then GETS OUT OF THE POOL.

HAL
Hey, least I didn't try to murder
my boyfriend you psycho cunt!
Mary's gone. And suddenly Hal sees that everyone in the pool
is staring at him.
HAL
Oh. We -- I don't have a boyfriend.

CUT TO:
The SUN SETTING. Blood orange on the VEGAS SKYLINE.

CUE MUSIC: "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston.

 88.

A moment of CALM BEFORE THE STORM as the music sets in.

And as the sun creeps away, the city lights get brighter.
Continue to PAN DOWN, ENDING ON...

...A TACKY VEGAS-STYLE SIGN: "BIG BILL'S BILLIARDS."

The BULBS around the billboard start FLASHING as the DISCO
BEAT SETS IN.

PAN DOWN on the PARKING LOT and DESCEND on our gang of

hustlers as they DRIVE IN.

EXT. BIG BILL'S - PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

First Mary's, then Ray's car. No sign of Hal...

Mary gets out. She looks GREAT. Maybe even her best. Feels
like she's not dressing for attention or to play a character.
It's just for her, and it shines.
Okay and maybe a little bit for Ray, who gets out and
immediately sees her. A look: "Fuck, you look great."

But he doesn't say that. He doesn't say anything. And she

doesn't know what to say. So goes with...

MARY
(a la "The Omen")
...It's all for you, Damien.

He almost smiles, which is exactly what she wanted. But the

moment is ruined by Hal getting out of Ray's car.
HAL
Thanks for the -- You guys okay?
RAY
Yeah, fine...
Ray leaves for Big Bill's. Mary shoots Hal a look that could
kill. They follow in formation.

INT. BIG BILL'S - CONTINUOUS

By far the NICEST POOL HALL WE'VE SEEN. And the biggest. And
the most crowded. And exactly what Mary was looking for.
Signs of league players in the room: ego in the air, a
general sense of douchebaggery, bravado, oh, and MONEY.
Hal strides up to the counter, buying balls from a CLERK.
 89.

HAL
Hi, yes we have a reservation.
Table for three, center of the
room. Rolls straight, not crooked
to the left like... like so many
other things.
MARY
Hal, holy shit. You're not a
useless piece of garbage after all.
HAL
Golly gee, thanks Mary.
MARY
You just smell like one.
She takes the balls from him and heads to the table. Ray
follows, looking at Hal.

RAY
You two are adorable. I really
think you have something.

They get to the table. It's center stage, right in the thick
of it all. Mary tracks down a cue.

HAL
Alright, let's see who our first
customer should be...

MARY
It doesn't matter. By the end of
the night, I'll have played
everyone in here. Just put some
money down on the table where
everyone can see. I'll do double or
nothing all night.

HAL
Perfect plan. You lose once and --

RAY
I trust her.
A look of "The Fuck?" from Hal. But even more so from Mary.
Hal digs $250 out of his pocket. On the table for all to see.
HAL
Try to make it look good.

MARY
Put up enough of a fight and I
won't have to.
 90.

Hal racks. Mary sets up to break... WHAM! CRACK! TAP...

It's OVER. Mary has ALREADY WON.

RAY
That was quick...
HAL
Wait, what? What the fuck
happened?! Ray, gimme fifty.
RAY
You kidding?
HAL
I need fifty to challenge!
He does, he's got two crinkly hundred-dollar bills in hand.
Mary's holding back laughter. QUICK CUTS:

Grabbing the bills from Ray, slamming $500 on the table, then
WHAM! CRACK! TAP... GAME OVER. Mary WINS AGAIN.

MARY
Thank you for playing the part of
the loser, Hal. That was really
convincing. Ray, you're up. Think
we've got an audience, they just
need a little more convincing.

Ray sees what she means. GUYS NEARBY ARE WATCHING, eyeing
Mary. He's torn. Not sure of himself or his game.

But does it anyway. Throws $500 on the table. He racks. She

breaks. And they're off to the races.
Playing even, ball for ball almost. Until Ray MISSES AN EASY
SHOT. Not the player he was before, overthinking everything.
MARY
You okay?

RAY
Just keep playing.

She's torn. So she throws her next shot. And Ray can tell.
RAY
Oh COME ON! Don't bullshit, don't
play down on me!
MARY
Okay, sorry...
 91.

This is awful. Mary wants to crawl out of her skin.

As Ray furiously picks up his next shot. He HITS, HARD. And

immediately DOUBLES OVER IN PAIN, GRABBING HIS RIBS.
Mary drops her stick and goes to help him.

RAY
Don't touch me.

He means it. Everything that made Ray come alive: his game,
his ease, his confidence; it's all gone. Because of her.
And it kills Mary to see it in real time.

Ray dusts himself off and sits down, staring at Mary. She
knows she can't miss on purpose anymore. So she doesn't.

She TAPS all her balls in. A slow, EXCRUCIATING WIN.

But at least it's over. Now she can focus on Ray. She turns,
and just as she takes two steps towards him...

VOICE (O.S.)
...Mind if I cut in?

A NEIGHBOR that had been watching has his WALLET OUT.

Mary's torn. All she wants to do is drop the shit and
apologize to Ray. Hug him if he'd let her. But making him the
money he needs is the best she can do.
MARY
We left off at a thousand. Match to
play, race to three, double or
nothing from there on out.

He matches cash. CUE MUSIC: "Crazy On You" by Heart.

CUE MONTAGE: Mary absolutely KICKING ASS.

She practically wipes the floor with the first guy. As he

racks for round two, MARY LOOKS AT RAY.
He's not even watching, almost in another world. Still in
pain from not being able to play like he used to.
Which makes Mary even more determined.

Thus is the cycle: Mary absolutely killing it in pool, seeing

Ray, and doubling down on money and ferocity.

"If we still have time, we might still get by / Every time I

think about it, I wanna cry..."
 92.

MARY
Double or nothin'?
Now they're PLAYING FOR TWO GRAND. Ray doesn't seem to care.

"With bombs and the Devil, and the kids keep comin' / No way
to breathe easy, no time to be young"

TWO grand turns to FOUR. FOUR TO SIX. Mary KEEPS WINNING.

Until it's too much for her opponent.
NEIGHBOR
I'm out.
Which is fine, because...

ANOTHER VOICE (O.S.)

I'm in.
A LINE OF PLAYERS is starting to form. Ray takes notice.

WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! Balls cracking, flying into pockets. But it

always ends with the EIGHT BALL ROLLING IN.

AND MARY WINNING. SIX GRAND DOUBLES. Then DOUBLES AGAIN.

"There's nothin' left to do at night / But go crazy on you
Crazy on you / Let me go crazy, crazy on you..."

CUT TO:

...FACES OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE Mary plays and BEATS.

...Some at the ATM, getting money to challenge.

...Some ON THEIR PHONE talking about Mary and the MONEY.

...Some CASHING IN CHIPS at nearby CASINOS.

...And NEW PEOPLE walking through the door with CUE CASES and
CASH, ready to play.
...Mary keeps WINNING. And the CASH KEEPS GROWING:

SIX becomes TWELVE, TWELVE to TWENTY FOUR. Now playing for

nearly FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.

BIG JIM (O.S.)

Awful lot of money you've got
there...

Mary turns around to BIG JIM (35, black), a bouncer-type,

eyeing her cash. Before she can say anything, Ray STEPS IN.
 93.

RAY
Thinkin' about playin'? 'Cause if
not, why don't you get the fuck out
of here...

Ray FLASHES HIS GUN behind his belt. Mary's a bit surprised
to see it. Then Big Jim FLASHES HIS GUN.

BIG JIM
Yeah, got me one of those too...

A tense standoff. Boys measuring dicks. Mary sees.

BIG JIM
Relax. Just the house comin' to
collect. Owner wants a cut.
MARY
How much?

BIG JIM
Twenty percent.

RAY
Fuck you, twenty percent --

MARY
How much of that are you gonna see?
Any? What does he pay you, thirty
an hour? That enough to get shot
over? We'll give you two grand, you
tell the house to suck my dick.
Big Jim is taken aback. As is Ray.

BIG JIM
I tell them that now, they're gonna
send three more just like me by the
end of the night. Don't be
stupid... I'll take five.
A look between Mary and Ray. An agreement, but more
importantly, a CONNECTION. They did that AS A TEAM.
And a smirk from Big Jim. He turns to what can only be the
OWNER looking down from the second floor. Gives a THUMBS UP.

And the OWNER (60) NODS, not knowing he's getting absolutely
screwed at this moment.

The MUSIC IS BACK and SO IS MARY: mass murdering in pool.

"Let me go crazy, crazy on you / Oh Crazy on you..."
 94.

Victims skulk away, penniless. As more get in line for the

ride of a lifetime. Hal, Ray, and now Big Jim sit and watch.

Until a pair of ALLIGATOR BOOTS STRUT IN...

HAL
You see that?
RAY
What?

HAL
That's Sharon Stacey Jones. She's
won the Vegas Pro tournament the
past three years. That guy behind
her with the briefcase? That's --
RAY
Larry Fielder. Jesus...
HAL
Word's getting out.

RAY
How could it not?

They look at Mary, winning as usual.

When SHARON, the Vegas Pro steps up to play. Matching Mary's
50k, to play for A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Mary breaks. And RUNS THE TABLE start to finish. Not giving
Sharon a chance.

MARY (V.O.)
Why is this so easy?

She keeps on playing. BEATING SHARON.

MARY (V.O.)
I've never played this good in my
entire life...
And LARRY FIELDER steps up, OPENING HIS BRIEFCASE:

The guy brought a HUNDRED THOUSAND FUCKING DOLLARS to match.

They're playing for $200k...

MARY (V.O.)
And I sure haven't ever played for
this much money in one night...

Mary nods to him. Accepting the bet. He racks.

 95.

And in one moment. She CATCHES RAY... SMILING AT HER.

The smile of all smiles. The only thing she's wanted.
MARY
Oh.

That's why. She's not doing it for her. IT'S ALL FOR HIM.
And like a SLINGSHOT, she winds up to break and LAUNCHES into
the FINAL GAME...
...And maybe it's a real tough one, with twists and turns and
Larry Fielder bringing out all the stops...

...Or maybe we've already seen the best game between two
players: when Mary and Ray played for the first time...

...Or maybe we just CUT TO BLACK because Mary's on fucking

fire, and there was no way she was gonna lose this one.

OVER BLACK: we hear the familiar WHAM! CRACK! TAP...

A FLASH: of an EIGHT BALL going into the pocket.

Another TAP and FLASH: Another EIGH BALL INTO THE POCKET...
And a final FLASH of an EIGHT BALL DOWN, PANNING UP TO...

...MARY. In all her confidence, all her charisma, almost

REBORN as RAY STANDS and the CROWD ROARS and we CUT TO:

EXT. BIG BILL'S - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Mary and Ray WALK OUT TOGETHER with (Larry's) BRIEFCASE IN
HAND, followed by Big Jim. Hal trailing in back ON HIS PHONE.

The OWNER storms out after them.

OWNER
Hey, where the fuck you think
you're going?!

Big Jim turns and gets in the Owner's face.

BIG JIM
I've decided to... privatize my
services.
MARY
Y'know you really should pay your
employees more.
She opens the briefcase and gives five grand to Big Jim.
 96.

OWNER
I'll run you out of town.
BIG JIM
Shut the fuck up Jerry, don't
nobody like or listen to you in
this town anyway.

Owner storms off. Big Jim waves goodbye. And Mary HANDS THE
BRIEFCASE TO RAY as they turn to...
A CLEAR PICTURE: here's the MONEY, here's your CAR, there's
mine. She's willing to give it all and leave, just for him.
A BEAT. Mary looks at Ray, THE DECISION IS HIS. She has no
expectations. He was having fun, but still...

...They haven't exactly kissed and made up. Nor has he

forgiven her for doing what she did...

The moment is interrupted by HAL SWOOPING IN.

HAL
C'mon, c'mon! We got one more stop
to make. Mary, you too.
He gets into Ray's car.

MARY
I guess we're taking yours...

INT. RAY'S CAR - BIG BILL'S PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Not driving away just yet, Mary and Ray listen to whatever
the hell Hal is talking about.
HAL
Look, I know I didn't pull my
weight. I mean, I did find the
perfect place. But I wanna earn my
cut. So I called around. No one in
town's gonna play you for money
after tonight... except this one
guy. I told him you beat Stace and
Larry and, well... he wants to play
the best. Or at least say he did.
You made what? Two hundred and
change? He said he'll match that
and double the odds for five
hundred, tonight.
And there it is. A game for $500,000. It stops all three of
them dead in their tracks.
 97.

HAL
He's just some rich asshole. Lives
in the hills, the money means
nothing to him. It's just bragging
rights. Look, I'm not the one who's
playin'. Choice is yours. But if I
could play like you, and Jesus I
wish I could -- I'm just sayin'
this might be the easiest cash we
could -- you could ever make.

Hal's lookin' right at Mary. Ray looks at her too...

CUT TO:

INT. RAY'S CAR - NIGHT

Ray, Mary, and Hal DRIVING THROUGH THE VEGAS HILLS. Mansions
and money everywhere.
MARY
Why would anyone with brains and a
bank account trust you, Hal?
HAL
I told him I was the best pool
player once. Why I thought of him.
This was years ago, but I saw
someone try to hustle him, and it
went south right at the turn. The
guy was so fuckin' proud he caught
a shark. Let the whole goddamn bar
know. So I swooped in. Told him if
he wanted something to be proud of
he should play me. Because I was
the best. I mean, I saw that he was
good but he just got lucky --
MARY
You beat him?

HAL
Yeah, try not to act so surprised.
I'm actually pretty fuckin' good
despite the two times you've played
me. On the hottest streak I've ever
seen in my life, by the way.
Anyway, I take this guy for a run.
And I win. Over and over. And he's
just throwin away money. But he's
still... proud. I mean he won't
shut up about it. Look who I'm
playin', what an honor.
(MORE)
 98.

HAL (CONT'D)
Blah blah blah. Until the game
comes to an end, I'm up thirty
grand, and he invites me back to
his house. And then I see -- Oh,
right here.

He points Ray to a driveway. An ORNATE GATE with a callbox.

Which Ray presses. And they hear a BEEEEP!
HAL
Uh... it's me. It's Hal!
And the GATE OPENS. As they drive in, Mary and Ray see what
Hal is talking about. The Mansion is INSANE.
HAL
This guy's got so much fuckin'
money. Thirty grand was nothing to
him. He worked his way up from
bein' a bouncer to owning a club.
Now he owns four of 'em. He didn't
give a shit about the game. By the
time we got drunk that night, he
tells me he didn't even care that I
was lying. Just wanted the
attention. And he got it.
They park. Get out.

MARY
Well how do you know he didn't lose
on purpose with you?

HAL
The fuck do you care? You can't
lose...

Mary doesn't know how to take that. She looks at Ray.

MARY
Well... it's not my choice. It's
Ray's. It's his money.
Ray sits with it. The gesture, the choice, Hal practically
drooling waiting for an answer.
RAY
My money's on you. All the way.

She smiles. Are they going to kiss? Or what...?

Yet again, Hal interrupts.
 99.

HAL
Yeah, real fuckin' cute. If I
didn't already have a hard on for
screwin' over Mr. McMansion, I'd
send it your way. Can we go now?

Hal walks UP THE STAIRS to the mansion as a DOOR OPENS and a

BUTLER (45) STEPS OUT, letting him in.

Mary can barely believe where she is right now. First the
pool hall, now this? Ray GRABS THE BRIEFCASE from the car.

And side by side, Mary and Ray walk up the stairs TOGETHER,
like a WEDDING PROCESSIONAL. All they're missing is some
music, a $500,000 dowry, and that kiss to seal the deal...

INT. MANSION - CONTINUOUS

Mary and Ray walk inside. It's astonishing, an intimidating
amount of luxury. Hal's already poking around.
BUTLER
Sir. Please don't touch anything.

HAL
Alright alright, sheesh. Hey,
where's Luther at?

But before he can respond, Butler DISAPPEARS through a door.

Mary and Ray look uneasily at Hal. That was weird...

POP! A sound startles them, as BUTLER enters with a tray of

glasses and a bottle of...

BUTLER
He's downstairs. Wanted to warm up.
Said you were to be greeted with
champagne. Moet & Chandon --

RAY
-- Dom Perignon. Fucking hell, what
year is that? 1990?

Butler pours them all glasses. The moment forces Mary and Ray
to take in the ridiculous experience. This is nuts.

RAY
Speech?
HAL
Speeeeech!
They raise glasses, looking to Mary. Even Butler looks over.
 100.

MARY
Oh. Well. I wasn't expecting
tonight. To... play so well, or to
see Ray again. Or... or to be here
drinking champagne. Wherever the
hell here is. And I can't control
the outcome. Just the intention.
And I'm good with that. So... to
being along for the ride.
Ray smiles. They clink and drink. Hal's underwhelmed.

HAL
Wow. That was... rousing. They
should hire you at parties. Really.

BUTLER
If you will follow me...

They FOLLOW down a large corridor. Around a hallway. Past a

grand dining room, library, and to an ELEVATOR.
BUTLER
Step in, please.
He ushers them inside. The elevator doors close. But we
CONTINUE DOWN THE HALLWAY...

...REVEALING a SHATTERED GLASS DOOR the butler stopped them

from seeing. The clear sign of a BREAK IN. Oh shit...

INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Hal and the Butler exchange eye contact as Mary and Ray
descend into volatile unknown territory.

INT. BASEMENT HALLWAY - NIGHT

The elevator doors open. Butler steps out.

BUTLER
Right this way.
They follow into a hallway LINED WITH SPORTS MEMORABILIA.
Signed baseball bats, boxing gloves, jerseys.
Butler opens grand doors to reveal:

LUTHER (45, black), mid-pool shot. He's physically huge, with

the charisma to match. Could run for political office if the
background check didn't churn up his history of violence.
 101.

LUTHER
You smell that? That's blood in the
air. That's the smell of someone
freshly arrived from battle,
fucking covered in it. Comin' in
crowned queen, meanwhile you
walkin' in on a motherfucker
practicing. Practically pants down,
strokin' his cue, tryin' to get his
game up in time. Could anything be
more embarrassing?
(seeing empty glasses)
Why do y'all not have champagne?
Terry, I specifically -- GET THESE
MOTHERFUCKERS SOME BUBBLES!!
The Butler, now called TERRY, scurries off through a KITCHEN
DOOR as Mary and Ray take in the room: mahogany wood, private
bar, fireplace, and the nicest pool table they’ve ever seen.
MARY
We already had --

LUTHER
But you don't have any now. And
that is my particular grievance.
MARY
Really, it's okay...

LUTHER
Why, you want somethin' else? TERRY
GETCHER ASS BACK IN HERE! We got
rye, bourbon, Scotch, Irish,
Japanese... those Japanese don't
fuck around. Sorry, Hal told me you
was a whiskey drinker.

MARY
That’s not creepy at all, Hal.
Bourbon's fine, thank you.

RAY
She likes Eagle Rare if you got it,
I'll do the same. Or any single
barrel for that matter.
LUTHER
Make it happen, Terry.
Terry looks confusedly at the bar (he has no fucking clue
which ones are single barrel).
 102.

RAY
I mean, we’ll take that Stagg if
you’re not saving it for a rainy
day. Hot damn, Van Winkle 25...
Macallan 1926... You've got a nice
collection.
LUTHER
Nice? Bottle or two of good
cognac's nice. This here's
seventeen virgins on a shelf ready
to suck your dick. "Nice." Can I
take that off you?

Ray holds back his briefcase of cash.

RAY
Think I’ll hang onto it actually.
LUTHER
Of course. Ray, right? You're
Mary’s... boyfriend?
RAY
Uh, bodyguard...
MARY
Never leave home without him.

LUTHER
Most bodyguards turn down a drink.
Good for you.

He's joking, but the sense of judgement lingers in the air.

LUTHER
(killing the tension)
Hal, I know what you're havin'. How
the hell are ya?

They come in for a bro hug. Luther a little rough on Hal.

Terry comes over with the drinks.

LUTHER
There we are. All set, drinks in
hand. Now, may I say... cheers. To
luck. May yours never run out. May
mine kick in so I get a fighting
chance. Luck is what brought you
here. This house, these people.
Without Hal, we wouldn't have met.
An honor, by the way. But luck can
only take you so far.
(MORE)
 103.
LUTHER (CONT'D)
It's when it falls off that you see
the real shit kick in. Skill,
determination, the fight. Let's
have a good fight, Mary. Race to
seven, for 500k. Sound good?
MARY
Sounds great. Hey... Good luck.

Luther lines up two balls on the table. Mary grabs cues,

finding the right one. They both take their LAG SHOT (hit the
ball, closest to the opposite side gets to break). Mary wins.

LUTHER
Oh goddamn, music! How can anyone
kill when there ain't nothin' to
groove to. My apologies Mary, what
we listening to?

MARY
That's a really good question...
RAY
The Thing That Should Not Be.
Mary looks at Ray. What's goin' on here? First the Eagle
Rare, now her favorite Metallica song. Luther turns on Ray.

LUTHER
Wasn't asking you. No offense,
she's the guest of honor. Not --

MARY
No, it's... my favorite.

LUTHER
Fair enough. The thing that --
who's it by?

MARY RAY
Metallica Metallica

LUTHER
Angry white people music. Love it.
Luther waltzes over to an expensive SOUND SYSTEM.

CUE MUSIC: "The Thing That Should Not Be" by Metallica.

The ominous opening riff starts as the table is set and Mary
prepares to break. Chalking her cue.
Luther crinkles his brow, this doesn't sound like angry white
people music...then the drums and guitar KICK IN, it's HEAVY.
 104.

LUTHER
THERE IT IS! Oh, YEAH! That'll push
your shit in!

WHAM! Mary BREAKS. She's right back where she was, on fire.
Luther watches, impressed. Hal heads to the kitchen.

HAL
Fuckin' starving.
TERRY
Let me help you, sir...

INT. PRIVATE KITCHEN - NIGHT

Terry pulls out a STASH OF GUNS. He HANDS ONE TO HAL. A

MOMENT OF BETRAYAL nonchalantly undercut by Hal's appetite.

HAL
Thanks. I actually am starving
though. They got food back here?

TERRY
Fuck if I know...

Hal rummages through the cabinets in search of snacks.

INT. BILLIARD ROOM - NIGHT

Mary finishes off the first game, hitting the eight ball in.
Luther sets up round two. Far more relaxed than he should be.

LUTHER
You don't seem like you're havin' a
good time.

Metallica blares: "Messenger of fear in sight / Dark

deception kills the light..."

MARY
Y'know... I used to put on a little
show when I played. Played dress
up, made nice, and smiled. Always
gotta smile. You know what that is?
It's fucking exhausting. I'm not
here to have a good time. I'm here
to win some fucking money. And the
sooner I do that, the sooner my
bodyguard can take me home.
WHAM! Mary breaks. One goes in, so she keeps on playing.
 105.

LUTHER
You know what? I like that. I
appreciate your honesty.
(to Ray)
How 'bout you, buddy? You got
somethin' honest you wanna share?
Or you just wanna be done with this
so you can take her home?
Luther sees right through them.

LUTHER
Bodyguard huh?

TAP... TAP... Mary keeps hitting balls in.

LUTHER
Was a bouncer for a long time. "Do
you know who my Dad is?" That was
my favorite. Bouncing little sons
of somebody's right onto the
fuckin' pavement. How's your rib?
RAY
Huh?

TAP... TAP... Luther steps over to Ray, imitating him.

LUTHER
When you came in here, you kinda...
limped. Winced every other step.
Seen a lotta broken ribs in my day.

RAY
Oh. Not broken. Shot, actually.

TAP... Mary STOPS PLAYING. Luther's right in front of Ray.

LUTHER
Shot. That's a hell of a thing.

Out of nowhere, Luther SWINGS HIS CUE STICK INTO RAY'S RIBS
LIKE A BASEBALL BAT. CRACK! Ray GOES DOWN.

MARY
RAY!!!
But just as she goes to help Ray, Luther GRABS HER. Hal and
Terry burst out of the kitchen, GUNS IN HAND.
Terry CRANKS THE VOLUME. "Hunter of the shadows is rising /
Immortal, in madness you dwell!!" Metallica SHAKING THE ROOM.
 106.

LUTHER
Aight! THIS IS HOW IT'S GONNA GO
DOWN! YOU PUT YOUR HEADS TO THE
FUCKIN' GROUND. LOOK UP, AND YOU'LL
SEE A BULLET COMIN' FOR --

BAM!!!
Luther gets SHOT IN THE HEAD! Blood and skull fragments,
somethin' he's not comin' back from...
...PAN OVER to reveal RAY ON THE GROUND WITH HIS GUN.

HAL
Jesus CHRIST RAY! WHAT'D YOU --

BAM! BAM! Ray shoots at Hal now too.

BOOM! Terry's SHOTGUN nearly obliterates Ray, but Mary
TACKLES HIM TO THE GROUND in time.

MARY
What the fuck is going on?!

RAY
I dunno, I dunno!!
He sees SHOES CREEPING OVER underneath the pool table's legs.

So he SHOOTS THE SHOE. BAM!

Then sneaks to the side of the table to finish off, but...

BOOM! Another shotgun shell from Terry on the ground (his

foot bleeding). This time, the shell TAGS RAY.

He flies back, his torso bloodied. Dropping his gun. Which

Mary picks up and nearly UNLOADS INTO TERRY.

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!

Until Hal, behind the bar, FIRES BACK.

BAM! RIGHT INTO MARY'S STOMACH.

She goes down. And Ray drags her behind the pool table.

RAY
Oh my God, oh my God are you okay?!
MARY
Just tell me one thing.
 107.

RAY
What? What?!
MARY
Now that I've been shot, somewhat
defending you, can we call it even?
A look from Ray: are you absolutely insane? YOU'RE JOKING?!?
Mary laughs at his incredulous face. He laughs back. A long
needed genuine moment of intimacy.

It's now Mary and Ray on one side of the room, and Hal on the
other side behind the bar.
RAY
Hal, what is going on?!
HAL
Huh?!

They can barely hear each other over the MUSIC PLAYING.
So Mary takes care of it. BAM! She shoots the stereo off. And
Hal immediately FIRES BACK. Just missing Mary. Then SILENCE.
MARY
What the FUCK, HAL?!

HAL
You never liked me, Mary. I could
tell...
MARY
Yeah? What gave you that
impression? Is it because I could
see you were A BIG FUCKING BABY
MOOCHING OFF PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY
KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING?!

HAL
Hey I'm just tryin' to make a buck
like everyone else, babe! The
American Dream, right? And get a
load of this. Guy that actually
owns this place --

MARY
I thought this was Luther's --
HAL
What? Luther's just some fuckin'
nobody. No, the guy that lives here
doesn't even live here. It's his
vacation home. You believe that?
 108.

Hal starts to lose it. Nearly LAUGHING INTO TEARS.

HAL
Fuckin' vacation home... WHAT DOES
THAT MEAN I CAN'T EVEN AFFORD A
GODDAMN DUPLEX AND YOU GET TWELVE
AND A HALF BATHROOMS?! FUCK YOU,
YOU MILLIONAIRE COCKSUCKER!!
RAY
(to Mary)
What're we doin?
She doesn't have a fucking clue. And as she turns to him, she
sees RAY IS NOT DOING WELL. BLOODIED from that shotgun blast.
Mary's priority shifts. She's GOT TO GET RAY OUT OF HERE, and
SOON. The CLOCK STARTS TICKING...

HAL
Whadya got over there? Huh? Three,
four shots left? I got another
shotgun, and two handguns fully
loaded. How do ya wanna do this?
Mary checks the clip, shows it to Ray. THREE SHOTS LEFT.

RAY
You're bluffing!

HAL
Oh... bet of a lifetime, huh? You
sure you wanna take that?

Ray tries to PEEK OVER. BOOM! He BARELY DODGES a SHOTGUN

BLAST. The pool table's wood CRUMBLING overhead.

HAL
STILL THINK I'M BLUFFING?!
MARY
Ray...
Mary nods to the BRIEFCASE OF CASH nearby ON THE FLOOR.

MARY
Three... two...

On one, Mary jumps up behind the table and IMMEDIATELY FIRES.

BAM! BAM! Which makes Hal dive back behind the bar.
Ray crawls back with the briefcase.
 109.

MARY
We got the cash, Hal! What's your
move?
HAL
What's my move? What's your move?!
I got eyes on the only exit and I'm
not the one fuckin' bleedin' out!
How you feelin' by the way? Cause I
can wait all night if I have to...
Mary and Ray look at each other. Her stomach is covered in
blood, but that's the least of her worries because...

...RAY IS STARTING TO LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS.

MARY
(shaking Ray)
Hey... HEY!
HAL
Oh, that don't sound too good...
MARY
FUCK YOU HE'S YOUR FRIEND TOO!

HAL
Fuck him! He didn't like me either.
Just used me to get to you.
MARY
YOU JUST USED US TO STEAL OUR
MONEY!
HAL
Yeah, well. Welcome to the way the
world works, sugar.
Mary lightly slaps Ray to stay awake. Whispering:

MARY
I need you to stay awake, okay?
He looks at her. Barely...

MARY
Alright, Hal... Here!

She FLINGS THE BRIEFCASE OVERHEAD TOWARDS HAL. It lands next

to him. He wasn't expecting that...

MARY
Just fucking leave so I can get Ray
to a hospital.
 110.

HAL
No.
MARY
No?!
HAL
You still got a gun, I ain't
stupid!
Mary STANDS, READY AND WILLING TO BE SHOT as she BERATES HAL.

MARY
YES YOU ARE! YOU ARE FUCKING
STUPID! YOU'RE THE STUPIDEST
FUCKING MOTHERFUCKER I'VE EVER MET!
JUST LOOK AT YOU! WHAT'RE YOU GONNA
DO? SHOOT ME WHEN I DON'T HAVE A
FUCKING GUN, STUPID?! THAT'S WHAT
YOU WERE AFRAID OF, RIGHT?!

She literally does a twirl with her hands open, showing she
doesn't have the gun.

MARY
NOW GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE SO I
CAN SAVE HIM!

Hal hates her with every fiber of his being. Steps up and
levels his GUN RIGHT AT HER HEAD.

HAL
You really are a fucking bitch.
But RIGHT AS HE STEPS OUT FROM BEHIND THE BAR, WE SEE...

...RAY ON HIS STOMACH, UNDERNEATH THE POOL TABLE. AIMING.

BAM! The bullet RIPS RIGHT THROUGH HAL'S ANKLE. HE GOES DOWN.

As Mary IMMEDIATELY PICKS UP A BILLIARD BALL. And SWINGS IT

RIGHT INTO HAL'S SKULL!

WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!

We see RAY'S POV from under the table. Hal's body TENSING UP,
SPASMING with every HIT.
Then what would be HAL'S POV of Mary, finished, FACE COVERED
IN BLOOD. LOOKING DOWN ON HIM. A LONG PAUSE.

RAY
...Honey? Everything okay over
there?
 111.

MARY
Everything's fine, honey. Thank
you.

RAY
Think I'm still dying over here,
honey.

MARY
Me too, honey. We should probably
get to a hospital.

RAY
I think that would be best, honey.

Mary gets over to Ray, HELPS HIM UP.

RAY
Wait...

MARY
What?

Ray doesn't have much strength left. Mary's holding him. But
he grabs her head, and KISSES HER.

THE ROOM SPINS AROUND THEM. In all its chaos, the bodies, the
blood. Just two hot messes MAKING OUT.
They finish. Start to leave for the elevator. Ray stops her.

RAY
The whiskey... get the whiskey.

MARY
Ray, SERIOUSLY?!
RAY
Just get it! That Macallan on top.
Okay, and the Rip Van Winkle...

Ray slumps over as Mary climbs on top of the bullet-ridden

bar, fetching the OLD RIP VAN WINKLE 25 and MACALLAN 1926.
MARY
This is fucking ridiculous. You're
lucky I'm at a place in my life
where I'd do anything for you.
Fucking... whiskey? That's your
priority right now?! If you fucking
die while I get this goddamned,
stupid fucking, barrel aged
bullshit for you -- Ray? Honey?
 112.

Ray's EYES ARE CLOSED. Breathing, but bleeding out.

CUE MONTAGE: Mary racing against Ray's fading HEARTBEAT.

...Getting into the elevator, somehow juggling Ray over her
shoulder, two bottles of whiskey, and a briefcase.

...The Elevator Doors closing.

...Struggling to get out of the mansion.

...Coming down the STAIRS OUTSIDE.

...Mary helping Ray INTO THE CAR.

...DRIVING AWAY.

...RAY IN AND OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE CAR.

...MARY GETTING TO THE HOSPITAL.

...DRAGGING HIM INTO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

...Nearly FIGHTING PEOPLE OFF so that they help HIM before
they HELP HER.

FADE TO BLACK.
And OVER BLACK, we hear a VOICE we haven't heard before...

VOICE
Wow, this is some remarkable shit.
A pair like this, I mean... it's
somethin' you just don't see. A
real fuckin' rarity if I say so
myself...

FADE IN:
Mary and Ray looking INTO CAMERA. Mary with a SHAVED HEAD,
and Ray sporting NEWLY BLEACHED BLONDE HAIR, arm in a sling.
Then we see THEIR POV: A BALD GUY talking to them. REVEAL...

INT. LUXURY PAWN SHOP - DAY

One of those Pawn Shops that only exist in Vegas. The PAWN
BROKER (50) looking down at the TWO BOTTLES OF WHISKEY.
RAY
Actually, y'know what?
(à la Godfather:)
Leave the bourbon. Take the scotch.
 113.

EXT. PAWN SHOP - DAY

Mary and Ray WALK OUT of the pawn shop, Mary holding LARRY'S
BRIEFCASE, Ray holding his bottle of Rip Van Winkle.

MARY
That is an obscene amount of money
for one bottle of booze...

RAY
I mean, I figured we went to all
the trouble, might as well get
something for being shot at --

MARY
Yes, you seemed incredibly...
thoughtful, in that moment.
They get into RAY'S car.

RAY
Hey, I got what I wanted. So, where
to next?

MARY
I was thinking Cali? The "final
frontier."

Mary's quoting Ray from the first night they met.

RAY
You sure you wanna do that?

MARY
What's the worst that could happen?

A dark joke. Dangerous smiles from the both of them.

And just as these lunatics turn to drive off into the sunset,
Mary points to her SHOULDER. Ray gets the cue, and KISSES IT.
She points to her cheek. He kisses that too.

Then Mary points to her LIPS.

Goofy, vulnerable even. And just as Ray GOES IN FOR THE KILL,
we...

FADE TO BLACK.
THE END.