Mexico City Confidential (7) INT/AM, POLICE STATION As PACO and the OFFICER ascend the stairs JORGE waits with the DUTY OFFICER. To one side we see GOON 2 looking even worse than PACO, he bares his teeth as he sees the man responsible for his tribulations. The DUTY OFFICER hands PACO his bag and other personals shoving a form at him. DUTY OFFICER Sign there… (to OFFICER 2) Here is the transport order and the report for the district attorney. We see PACO grimacing as if in pain holding his stomach he moans to the DUTY OFFICER… PACO Ooo man I gotta use the john before we go… All turn and look at him suspiciously as he squirms only when he lets a loud fart does the DUTY OFFICER wave him on. PACO dashes for the stairs and the DUTY OFFICER glares at OFFICER 1. DUTY OFFICER What are you standing there for go down and wait for him! With a look of disgust OFFICER 1 does as he is told. INT/AM, TOILET PACO rushes into the john slamming the door behind him. He opens his bag and takes ANGEL’S empty betting sheet out of his jacket pocket. Carefully lining up the player’s copy over the pink office copy in his book he proceeds to 90 write in the previous day’s bets. There is a bang on the door. PACO curses under his breath as he rushes to finish the form properly. He groans and makes farting noises as he replaces the betting form book in his bag then folds the player’s copy along with another sheet of paper with hand written instructions and shoves them into his cigarette pack. OFFICER 1 VO What the fuck is taking you so long! PACO Back off asshole! You can’t rush nature! PACO splashes some water on his face and flushes with a satisfied smile. INT/AM, CORRIDOR As PACO opens the bathroom door the OFFICER glares at him. PACO smiles sheepishly. PACO I wouldn’t go in there if I were you… OFFICER 1 (grabs his arm) Come on get moving. EXT/AM, POLICE STATION JORGE and OFFICER 2 wait outside for PACO and OFFICER 1. We see that the WORKMEN are conspicuous by their absence, only a huge hole in the street remains as a reminder. As PACO and OFFICER 1 appear in the doorway PACO lights his last cigarette. “Seeing” that the pack is empty he tosses it at a nearby trashcan missing by a mile. LOW ANGLE the cigarette pack is in the foreground as the four men walk off towards an awaiting patrol car we see a masculine hand enter the frame snatch up the pack and disappear. INT/DAY, HANNIBAL’S OFFICE HANNIBAL puffs on his cigar glaring at PACO and casting quick glances at JORGE and GOMEZ. PACO appears exhausted and simultaneously afraid of HANNIBAL’S wrath. 91 PACO I am terribly sorry sir… HANNIBAL We shall see… (to JORGE) How much did it cost us to get him out? JORGE Fortunately Basil was on the bench today… $250.00 plus an apology to the officers in question, his insurance will cover the damage to the patrol car. HANNIBAL (to GOMEZ) Be sure to send Basil a little token of our appreciation. (to PACO) As for you… (PACO swallows hard) You have been working 15 hour days so it would be unfair I suppose to hold you entirely responsible. All eyes turn to HANNIBAL in surprise this is an unprecedented exhibition of humanity on his part. He basks in his fleeting moment of philanthropism before getting back to business. He turns to GOMEZ. HANNIBAL Check over his paperwork. GOMEZ gestures for PACO to bring him his bag. PACO gets up from his chair with some difficulty and literally drags his bag over to GOMEZ. He takes out the betting “invoices” handing it to GOMEZ then one by one digging out the related checks cash etc. While GOMEZ begins to cross check the entries with the list that GOON 2 had given him the previous day PACO sets out his straight collections in a separate pile. PACO stands by patiently as GOMEZ verifies the entries. Satisfied he nods to HANNIBAL. HANNIBAL regards PACO a moment. HANNIBAL You look like hell. Go home and get some rest Gomez will call you later. PACO nods in gratitude and slumps out of the office. INT/DAY, 10th FLOOR RECEPTION 92 Three men wait at HANNIBAL’S SECRETARY’S desk one seated two standing. All look his direction as PACO emerges from the office looking defeated and walks past. The seated gentleman clears his throat with a glance at the SECRETARY who quickly picks up the phone. We see it is ANGEL quite well disguised as Mr. Modero. INT/DAY, HANNIBAL’S OFFICE The interior line buzzes, HANNIBAL picks up. HANNIBAL Yes… Who? (he flashes a glance at GOMEZ) All right send him in, thank you. GOMEZ Shall we come back later? HANNIBAL No stick around… Modero…I know that name… GOMEZ Modero! He quickly flips through PACO’S betting sheets but before he can find the one in question the office doors open and ANGEL enters flanked by two men, one his “BODY GUARD” the other his “ATTORNEY”. ANGEL (broad smile) Good afternoon gentlemen! (he extracts the player’s copy of the betting slip from his pocket and holds it up for all to see) You can’t imagine how pleased I am to see you! May I present my attorney Mr. Cruz and my assistant Mr. Lopez HANNIBAL, GOMEZ and JORGE exchange cautious glances. INT/DAY, GROUND FLOOR SHOWROOM CARMELA’S face lights up as she sees PACO emerge from the employee elevator but her expression quickly changes as she sees his condition. She rushes to his side but he doesn’t stop. CARMELA Honey! I’ve been so worried… 93 PACO I’m too wiped now, baby, I’ll call you tonight so we can talk… about everything. He continues his slow steady course towards the exit. CARMELA stops gazing after him devastated. CARMELA Whatever you say honey… (ANITA approaches comforting) He knows… I’m sure of it. ANITA Don’t you worry… Any moment now Madam should be arriving and the old goat will never dare to hassle either of you ever again! CARMELA I sure hope you are right. EXT/DAY, STREET PACO walks at the same steady pace until he has put some distance between himself and the entrance to Electric City. He gazes around to be certain there are no goons on his tail; suddenly his fatigue seems to vanish. With a broad smile he heads off at a brisk pace. INT/DAY, HANNIBAL’S OFFICE To HANNIBAL’S horror GOMEZ verifies that “Mr. Modero” has been “lucky” in his predictions for every race but the 13th for which he placed no bet. With PACO’S book and the player’s copy he excuses himself a moment heading for his office. HANNIBAL is too mortified to speak but ANGEL seems to be enjoying his role. He takes out a big cigar. ANGEL Do you mind if I smoke? HANNIBAL’S teeth bare in more of a grimace than a smile as he shakes his head. ANGEL lights up puffing contentedly. INT/DAY, GOMEZ’ OFFICE Trembling GOMEZ scours the contents of a file that writes “Modero Air-conditioning” on the side. We see over GOMEZ’ shoulder that Mr. Modero is a relatively new “customer” but that he was referred by the bank MANAGER, one 94 of their oldest customers, a fact which places him above suspicion. GOMEZ compares the betting sheet to all his previous sheets on all of them the 13th race is left blank. Taking up his calculator GOMEZ begins figuring the winnings for each of the races and exactas. He becomes pale as the figures grow before his eyes. GOMEZ (whispers) This has never happened before… The house cut, 10% of the winnings is hardly consolation for the amount of the payoff. GOMEZ fills out a voucher for the amount swallowing hard as he does so. $1,665,500.00… INT/DAY, HANNIBAL’S OFFICE An awkward silence has settled over the men, HANNIBAL and ANGEL regard each other puffing on their cigars. HANNIBAL’S eyes flash in his direction as GOMEZ enters the room. He hands HANNIBAL the voucher and as HANNIBAL sees the amount his face reddens from the neck up like a thermometer. His eyes bulge as he stares at GOMEZ in disbelief. GOMEZ bends and whispers something in his ear. HANNIBAL clears his throat and tries to compose himself his eyes never leaving ANGEL who still appears completely relaxed and happy quietly exchanging words with his attorney. HANNIBAL speaks slowly and with difficulty as he extracts his checkbook from a drawer. HANNIBAL Seeing as everything is in order Mr. Modero could you please remind me of your first name… ANGEL Cash… HANNIBAL gazes at him perplexed. HANNIBAL Cash? ANGEL Full name Cash, Pay To The Order Of… It certainly is in neither of our best interests for some tax auditor to stumble across a check of such an amount in my name. HANNIBAL But, of course, please excuse me I wasn’t thinking. (he gestures to ANGEL to approach) Please sign the voucher here… 95 ANGEL signs the voucher that GOMEZ quickly snatches to add to his files. HANNIBAL hands the check to ANGEL who does not even look at it but hands it to his attorney. The “attorney” scrutinizes it carefully then approaches HANNIBAL’S desk. LOPEZ Mr. Huerta your stamp please… HANNIBAL grudgingly stamps the check. ANGEL smiles as his “attorney” nods that all is in order. ANGEL Mr. Huerta I would appreciate it if you could notify our friend Farid from the bank so that the cash will be ready first thing in the morning. I would call him myself but he would just assume I was pulling his leg. You on the other hand he will certainly believe. Thank you gentlemen I can hardly wait till the next season! As ANGEL and his entourage exit HANNIBAL stands trembling with rage. GOMEZ and JORGE regard him with concern. HANNIBAL I want you to go over every single possible detail of this entire situation… There is a flaw I can sense it and I want that flaw found! JORGE It certainly is one hell of a coincidence… HANNIBAL There is no such thing as coincidence! (to GOMEZ) I want you to get that little son of a bitch back in here… Even if this is on the level he is going to pay for Mr. Modero’s good fortune. Suddenly the office door bursts open and MADAM HUERTA’S slinky form wriggles through the frame. GOMEZ and JORGE flee as fast as their legs will carry them. HANNIBAL is mortified. HANNIBAL My… my darling, this really isn’t a good time. What are you doing here? MADAM approaches him as seductively as her 5 inch heels will allow. She strokes the diamond and emerald necklace batting her eyelashes at HANNIBAL who slowly grows pale and staggers back away from her. 96 MADAM Come on, honey bunny, I promise to be a naughty girl just like you said in your note. HANNIBAL’S face suddenly reddens and he begins gasping for breath. MADAM is somewhat annoyed at this particular response to her advances but when HANNIBAL collapses to the floor she is suddenly concerned shrieking for help. MADAM Mr. Gomez! Help! Someone! (she slaps HANNIBAL’S cheeks and loosens his tie) Darling speak to me! MR. GOMEZ!! GOMEZ pokes his head in timidly but rushes in the moment he sees HANNIBAL on the floor. GOMEZ Oh my God! (he slaps HANNIBAL’S cheeks) Darling speak to me! MADAM looks at him reproachfully as JORGE enters. JORGE … I’ll call for an ambulence. As he hurriedly dials GOMEZ wails pointing an accusing finger first at JORGE then at MADAM. GOMEZ (hysterical) We never should have left him alone with THAT! MADAM How dare you! JORGE Pull yourself together Gomez, this is not the time… INT/AFT, TAVERN PACO sits at an isolated table. He holds up a menu but his eyes are glued to the door. ANGEL enters. He is no longer dressed up like Modero but he still sports the silver streaks in his hair. PACO can’t help but laugh as he sees his friend. ANGEL waves the check in front of his nose. 97 ANGEL Laugh if you like asshole but you owe this to my brilliant performance! PACO Have no doubt that I will soon be drinking many a toast to your health! PACO waves two airline tickets ANGEL smiles. ANGEL Don’t cry for me Argentina? PACO Damned straight. Tomorrow night! ANGEL How is Carmela reacting to all this? PACO She has no idea. ANGEL You haven’t told her? PACO You nuts? I haven’t told anyone! Besides I thought it would be more romantic to just whisk her away… ANGEL I can’t believe you’re the same guy! It seems that we all underestimated you. PACO Why not? After all nobody has underestimated me more than me. INT/AFT, ELECTRIC CITY ANITA and CARMELA look on open mouthed as paramedics wheel HANNIBAL past followed by the hysterical MADAM, the hysterical GOMEZ and JORGE who is still shaking his head in disbelief. CARMELA Good lord you don’t think we killed him? ANITA looks at her. CARMELA’S look of genuine concern is more than she can take she bursts out laughing. 98 ANITA Are you kidding, I could never be so lucky! CARMELA You’re terrible! ANITA Not really I just know him too well. I bet you my pension that he’s back here tomorrow like nothing even happened. Besides in hospital there is no way for him to avoid his wife! EXT/AM, NATIONAL BANK OF EGYPT (SAME AS BEFORE) As ANGEL, dressed as Mr. Modero and carrying a travel bag, approaches the bank he is stunned by what he sees. POV ANGEL the sidewalk in front of the bank is full of vehicles. People come and go from the bank carrying camera and lighting equipment. As ANGEL tentatively approaches he is stopped by the GUARD that we saw PACO speaking to before. GUARD Can I help you? ANGEL Well I want to cash a check… GUARD You can go in just be advised that they are filming today so there may be some delay. ANGEL Thank you… INT/AM, BANK As ANGEL enters he is astounded by the hustle and bustle. He has never seen a film shoot before. He makes his way timidly to a TELLER. ANGEL Pardon me is this window open? TELLER You a real customer or one of those extras? 99 ANGEL A real customer… I would like to cash this check please. ANGEL hands the TELLER the check. She takes it matter-of-factly but her eyes nearly pop out as she sees the amount. She gazes suspiciously at ANGEL, he smiles. ANGEL If you go ask Mr. Farid I am certain he is aware of this. (He hands her a business card from Modero Air-conditioning) Please give him my best, seeing how busy he is I would rather not bother him now. The TELLER takes the card and moves off obviously not convinced. When she is out of earshot ANGEL lets out his breath gazing around him. ANGEL The bitch better not drag him back here… POV ANGEL we see technicians racing about to set up lights and lay dolly track. Assistant directors give instructions to extras. In the midst of it all the TELLER makes her way to the MANAGER’S desk which is situated on the opposite side of the bank. He is on the phone when she arrives. INT/AM, MANAGER’S DESK As the TELLER walks up placing the check and the card in front of the MANAGER he gestures for her to wait a moment then turning his back continues his conversation. MANAGER Darling I told you before the star isn’t here today just bad guys and extras… I don’t care what you told Mrs. Sarafis I don’t want you bringing those women around here today! Darling I am not trying to embarrass you can’t you understand just for once my responsibilities? I manage a bank not a café! Darling… Are you there? (stares at the receiver) The ungrateful cow hung up! (to TELLER) What is it? The TELLER rolls her eyes indicating the check. He looks down at it and his eyes suddenly light up he laughs. 100 MANAGER The lucky SOB! (endorses the check) Where is he? TELLER At my window sir. The last one… The MANAGER strains to see his “friend”. POV MANAGER, we see ANGEL/ “Modero” waiting. When he realizes the MANAGER is looking at him he startles a moment but then smiles and waves awkwardly. The MANAGER picks up the check and turns to accompany the TELLER back to her window (Reaction ANGEL) but just at that moment the short stout blonde woman, PRODUCTION MANAGER, grabs his arm. P.M. Excuse me sir but I need you for a moment. MANAGER Is it urgent? I do have a bank to run. P.M. If you help me we’ll be out of your hair much sooner. MANAGER All right then. (to TELLER) The money is already counted and strapped in the vault, Pedro knows where it is. Tell Modero he had better call me. TELLER Yes sir… INT/AM, TELLER WINDOW ANGEL is beside himself with panic beads of cold perspiration trickling down his forehead. His eyes flit around every movement is a possible threat. Suddenly a frazzled 4th ASSISTANT DIRECTOR shoves a paper under ANGEL’S nose and he nearly jumps out of his skin. 4th A.D. Sir, you are going to be in shot so I need you to sign this form. 101 ANGEL I… what? ANGEL frantically searches for the TELLER. POV ANGEL the TELLER has stopped to gossip with a colleagu pointing in his direction. He then turns and we see the 4th A.D. glaring at him. 4A.D. Don’t want to be on camera? Then get out! Want to be on camera? Sign paper! ANGEL is desperate but doesn’t know what else to do. He scribbles a signature and the 4th A.D. snatches the paper and moves on to the next. 4th A.D. Thank you. (mutters) Bloody extras… such a pain in the ass… ANGEL is beside himself, this was supposed to be the easy part of the operation. ANGEL In and out PACO said… shit! The TELLER returns now with a coy smile. TELLER Mr. Modero… (ANGEL’S mind is elsewhere) Mr. Modero? ANGEL Ah,yes?, Is it ready? TELLER (bats her eyelashes) Not quite, just a few more minutes. She fills out the debit slip to accompany the check then signals to her immediate supervisor PEDRO. He approaches nodding to ANGEL. PEDRO Looking good today Mr. Modero. Have you lost weight? 102 ANGEL Wife has me on a diet… PEDRO I know how that is, we’ll have you taken care of in just a moment. He scribbles initials on the debit and the check handing the debit slip to another passing employee. The employee takes it in a blasé manner but as the amount registers he stops in his tracks and gazes wide eyed at PEDRO who laughs. PEDRO It’s already counted and bound, bottom shelf on the right. Don’t strain yourself lifting it! (to ANGEL) Have a nice day Mr. Modero. He moves off to another teller who signals him. ANGEL clutches the counter to keep from collapsing to the floor. ANGEL (weakly) You too, thanks… TELLER (touches his hand flirtatiously) Can I get you a cup of coffee? Or something? ANGEL No… thank you. The 2nd A. D. shouts instructions over a bullhorn, “…act natural don’t look at the camera etc. going directly for a shot”. The 1st A. D. snatches the bullhorn “…quiet on the set” then calls the shot. ANGEL is momentarily distracted then genuinely panicked as three masked armed robbers burst into the bank. The DIRECTOR yells “CUT” and the 1st A.D. shouts for first positions. The EMPLOYEE returns from the vault with the money and the TELLER breaks the seal handing the packs of bills to ANGEL one by one. With trembling hands ANGEL deposits them into the travel bag glancing around him. No one seems to pay the slightest attention to him. Having safely placed the last pack in the bag he closes the zipper. ANGEL Thank you… 103 TELLER Happy to help you, Mr. Modero. ANGEL turns with a tremendous sense of relief and heads for the door. Just as he nears freedom the 2nd A.D. grabs him by the arm. 2nd A.D. Where do you think you are going! ANGEL I… I… 2nd A.D. Didn’t that idiot explain anything to you? Get back in position! ANGEL What…what am I supposed to do? 2nd A.D. You will do whatever the director tells you to do until we wrap this ! Is that so fucking difficult to understand? ANGEL turns and makes his way back to the TELLER window like a whipped dog. The TELLER smiles at him with a giggle. TELLER What can we do? That’s showbiz… ANGEL is not amused. The 1st A.D. calls the shot… take five. Everything is going perfectly, the robbers burst in, one immobilizes the MANAGER, another begins gathering the personal effects of panic-stricken “customers” the third heads for the vault. However as the 3rd robber shoves the cash in his sack one of the bands breaks and the fake money, plain pieces of paper between two bills flutter around.
Copyright © 2000 Victoria King |