blackstone holiday

BLACKSTONE HOLIDAY

by

Joe Ballarini

BUBBLES FLUTTER DEEP BELOW THE ATLANTIC.

Through shafts of murky sunlight, a MERMAID plays with the currents that trail from her shimmering, blue and green tail. As she swims into DARKNESS, the TITLE fades in.

EXT. INDUSTRIAL DOCKS - DAY

A massive, “Industrial Tuna & Squid” tanker drifts into port. MOLLY O’SHEA stenciled on the back. A line of grizzly, old FISHERMEN exits the ship.

Rows of RUBBER BOOTS, smudged with dried fish blood, trudge across the ship’s ramp onto dry land.

A pair of beat up black and white Converse HI-TOPS steps off the ship. The sneakers pause on the dock as the endless yellow boots move on.

ENZO COLLETTI, 20 maybe 25, admires his new surroundings. He totes a file folder stuffed with newspaper clippings and notes and a duffel bag. He smiles at his new surroundings.

INT. DOCK OFFICE - DAY

Surrounded by lethal fishing tools, Enzo counts a pile of cash in his hands before CAPTAIN PYM, massive and angry.

ENZOSo, you understand why this will be my final stop with the Molly O’Shea. Not that we didn’t have good times.

CAPTAIN PYMEnzo, you were the worst fisherman I ever had on my ship.

ENZOThat’s because I’m not really a fisherman, Captain Pym.

Enzo says this with a proud grin that enrages the Captain.

CAPTAIN PYMYou could have said that three months ago when we left port! You’re lucky we didn’t throw your skinny ass overboard. You had no business being on my ship.

ENZOWhat can I say? I love the ocean.

EXT. INDUSTRIAL DOCKS - DAY

At a beat up PAY PHONE, Enzo opens the white pages. He finds: COLLETTI, S. Enzo taps the page and dials.

SASQUATCH (O.S.)Where you going, shit stain?

A hulking, NATIVE AMERICAN SASQUATCH approaches, carrying a gutted fish and knife.

ENZOI got some family around here. Gonna try and find them.

SASQUATCHYou sure? This port has great bars, hookers at half price.

ENZOGo on without me, buddy.

Sasquatch grabs Enzo in an uncomfortable bear hug. Enzo keeps hold of the phone with his left hand.

SASQUATCHThanks for your help. Don’t know what I woulda done without you.

ENZONo problem, buddy.

SASQUATCHAnd you keep a low pro. You’re not home free just yet.

Enzo nods. Someone on the end of the phone picks up.

ENZO(into phone)

Uncle Sal! Guess where I am.

EXT. CENTRAL FALLS SUBURBS - DAY

A Greyhound Bus stops outside of a small track house under crackling power lines. Enzo rings the doorbell. Wind blasts as a CARGO TRAIN rushes behind the house.

Enzo stuffs his folder full of notes and newspaper clippings in his bag as a round, short man with a hang-over opens the door. UNCLE SAL. Robe, boxer shorts, slippers. The train drowns out Enzo’s ecstatic greeting. Uncle Sal nods wearily as the TRAIN HORN SQUEALS.

2.

INT. UNCLE SAL’S HOUSE - DAY

At a small kitchen table Uncle Sal sips a cup of coffee and watches Enzo scan framed family photographs on the wall.

ENZOHow long’s it been? Ten years?

UNCLE SALYou look different.

ENZOPuberty does wonders.

Enzo points at a FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH.

ENZOHey! I remember this. Cousin what’s-his-name’s birthday.

UNCLE SALUncle Vito. Died before you were born.

ENZOWow. Memories.

Uncle Sal nods, looks into the bottom of his coffee cup.

UNCLE SALThose were the days. So, you just passing through or..?

ENZOI just graduated from O’Shea University. It’s in Washington State.

UNCLE SALWashington? What the hell are you doing in Rhode Island?

Enzo puts his hands in his pockets.

ENZOI’m seeing the world in all its glorious disarray. I anticipate a coming season of unexpected victory and heartfelt adventure.

UNCLE SALHuh?

3.

ENZOI need a job.

(pause)I know it’s been ten years since we last saw each other, but I was thinking maybe... since we’re family...?

UNCLE SALUh-huh.

Uncle Sal lights a smoke, not buying it. Enzo thinks.

ENZOIt’s a shame what happened to mom.

UNCLE SALMmhm.

ENZODad, too. Hard to believe it’s been what, six years since the accident?

UNCLE SALSix and a half.

Uncle Sal sips the last of his coffee.

UNCLE SALYou can sleep on the couch while you look for a job.

Enzo’s smile returns.

ENZOThanks, Uncle Sal. I appreciate it. Really I do.

UNCLE SALBut I’m not promising nothing. And go take a shower for Godsakes, ya stink like fish.

Enzo tries to keep up his smile as he looks at his new surroundings: a dim, compact living room. Stained couch for a bed. It’s a start.

EXT. UNCLE SAL’S HOUSE - DAY

A TINY VAMPIRE, A TINY WEREWOLF, and A TINY DEVIL wait outside of the front door. Open sacks in their hands.

4.

MONSTERSTRICK OR TREAT!

UNCLE SALTrick or treat? It’s ten in the morning. You should be in school.

TINY DEVILSchool let us out early so no perverts get us at night.

UNCLE SALBullshit. You skipped school so you can go around in the morning and collect all the candy you want without the competition-- and then, tonight, you’re gonna hit up a different neighborhood to double your candy take. Right?

The monsters are stunned. Uncle Sal moves to his 1973 Ford.

TINY WEREWOLFHow’d you know?

Uncle Sal holds up a PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR’S BADGE.

UNCLE SALI’m a detective, you little creeps.

The little monsters drop their candy bags and RUN.

EXT. DOWNTOWN RHODE ISLAND - DAY

Gloomy day. The Ford Sedan is parked in an dark alley. Sal peers through BINOCULARS INTO A SEEDY HOTEL.

ENZOSo, you work for the police?

UNCLE SALI work for who pays me. And right now, someone’s paid me to make sure I get pictures of a man cheating on his wife.

ENZOReally. May I?

Enzo picks up the binoculars, gazes at the hotel. Uncle Sal eats a chocolate bar from the kid’s trick-or-treat candy bag.

5.

ENZOYou know how to pick locks, stuff like that?

UNCLE SALIf it pays. Zagnut?

ENZOHey, I think I see something. Is the guy bald?

UNCLE SALYeah, why--

(grabbing at the binoculars)

Gimme! Gimme!

ENZOThey’re leaving!

UNCLE SALWhere? Where?!

ENZOThey’re gone.

Uncle Sal grabs an old STILL CAMERA from the back seat. Checks the film. Snaps on a WIDE LENS. Jumps to it. Enzo follows quickly. Uncle Sal flips Enzo a THROW-AWAY CAMERA.

UNCLE SALShoot to kill.

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - DAY

FIRE EXIT - Enzo’s Converse sneakers dash up the stairs.

LOBBY - Already out of breath, Uncle Sal pushes the button for the eighth floor.

EIGHTH FLOOR - Enzo busts out of the door. Runs down the hallway. Sees the CHEATING COUPLE kissing in the ELEVATOR. Just as Enzo raises his camera to shoot-- the door closes. Enzo sprints back for the stairs.

FIRE EXIT - Enzo races down to the sixth floor.

LOBBY - Huffing, Uncle Sal watches the elevator light change. 8...7...6.

SIXTH FLOOR - Enzo hits the elevator button.

6.

Elevator doors open, revealing the CHEATING COUPLE locked in a passionate kiss. Enzo raises his small compact camera and--

FLASH TO:

A PHOTOGRAPH. The CHEATING COUPLE kissing in the elevator. Her shirt unbuttoned. His hand under her skirt.

INT. MLW DETECTIVE AGENCY - DAY

Foam ceiling tiles. Florescent lights. Brown carpet.

MCMULLIN, WADE, and LUBITSCH, (collectively MLW), middle-aged private detectives wearing wrinkled ties, peer over Uncle Sal’s shoulder at the photograph of the CHEATING COUPLE. Impressed.

MCMULLINSexy stuff. I’d like a copy for my private collection.

WADESomeone’s gonna be very happy.

LUBITSCHAnd it ain’t gonna be these two.

UNCLE SALKid’s a natural.

Enzo smiles, triumphant.

ENZOGuess I found my calling, huh?

UNCLE SALNo. No way you’re working here.

ENZOYou just said--

UNCLE SALYour parents would kill me.

Enzo smiles his million dollar smile. He’s got Uncle Sal and he knows it.

ENZOUncle Sal, my parents are dead.

7.


Wearing a wrinkled tie, Enzo files a gargantuan stack of papers. Lubitsch holds out an empty coffee mug.

LUBITSCHYo, kid. How ‘bout a warmer?

Enzo grabs the coffee pot, pours coffee in Lubitsch’s mug.

MCMULLIN(into phone)

No one’s accusing you of kidnapping, Dookie. We just want to know if you’ve seen her--

Enzo tries to listen in, but McMullin shoves his coffee mug out for a refill. Enzo pours, pissed. Studying a stack of black and white pictures, Wade holds up his coffee mug.

WADEOver here, Garcon.

ENZOThis sucks, you know that, Wade?

WADEWelcome to life.

Uncle Sal dumps a HEAVY LOAD OF FILES into Enzo’s arms.

ENZOC’mon, Sal. Put me on a case. Give me some action. I don’t wanna file papers my whole life.

UNCLE SALRelax, Sparky. You’ll get your shot.

EXT. MLW DETECTIVE AGENCY - DAY

A shiny black ROLLS ROYCE is parked outside of the rundown brick building. Engine running. Exhaust rising in the cold. A MAN sits behind the cherry wood steering wheel, considering his dashboard...

INT. ROLLS ROYCE - CONTINUOUS

LEONARD BLACKSTONE, greying hair, daydreaming eyes. Dark business suit, a bracelet with a large silver wristband that reads: Allergic To Penicillin.

8.

One by one Leonard plucks a PURPLE PILL from a prescription bottle. He gently places the pill in line with the TWENTY OTHER PILLS on his dashboard. They look like poison.

Leonard looks out his passenger window to the MLW DETECTIVE AGENCY. Rolls down the window. Breathes cold, fresh air.

BEEP! BEEP! His ALARM WATCH sounds. Leonard instinctively takes a pill to his lips. Stops.

With great effort, Leonard throws the pill out of the window. He sweeps his hand across the entire row of pills, sending them flying off the dashboard, onto the street.


The Rolls Royce door opens. Leonard’s shiny black loafers step onto the pavement, crunching upon the purple pills as he walks to the front door.

A HOMELESS MAN WITH A WHITE BEARD shakes a CUP at Leonard. Leonard tosses his prescription bottle in the man’s cup and heads inside.


Leonard knocks on the OPEN DOOR. Speaks barely above a whisper.

LEONARDExcuse me.

No one notices him.

LEONARDExcuse me.

Enzo springs from behind the huge stack of papers.

ENZOWelcome to the MLW Detective Agency. How can we help?

LEONARDYou’re younger than I expected.

ENZOI’m an investigative prodigy. Enzo Colletti, Private Investigator.

LEONARDLeonard Blackstone.

9.

UNCLE SALWe’ll take it from here, Enzo.

MLW hover behind Uncle Sal, smiling like used car dealers.

UNCLE SALWelcome to the MLW Detective Agency. How can we help?

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

Through the venetian blinds of the OFFICE WINDOW, Enzo peers into the adjoining CONFERENCE ROOM.

LEONARDWell.

Uncle Sal and MLW lean forward. Leonard moves to speak, then stares at his hands. The detectives lean back.

LEONARDI want to know why no one likes me.

Silence. Uncle Sal cocks his head.

UNCLE SALCould you maybe elaborate on that?

LEONARDWell. It has been quite some time since I have felt that anyone has enjoyed my company or shared a smile with me or said something nice to me or about me or to me.That includes but is not limited to co-workers, friends, family, and gas station attendants.

(beat)And I would like to know why.

The detectives exchange curious glances-- and promptly burst out laughing.

MCMULLINHo, that’s the best one I’ve heard all month!

LUBITSCHOh, man, I’m crying here. I’m crying! Dookie put you up to this?

WADEWhat kinda nuts you take us for?

10.

Leonard is not laughing. He looks insulted and crushed.

UNCLE SALYou are kidding... right?

Leonard quickly pushes out his chair and SLAMS THE DOOR.

EXT. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR’S OFFICE - DAY

Eyes closed, hands upon the wheel, Leonard sits in his parked Rolls Royce. Outside the car, the white-bearded homeless man throws the discarded prescription bottle at the window.

ENZOGive us a few seconds, okay?

Enzo tosses a coin at the homeless man.

ENZOMr. Blackstone? Mind if I come in?

Enzo opens the passenger door. Sits in the front seat.

ENZOPlease forgive my colleagues. They’ve had a tough week. Gum?

LEONARDNo thank you.

Enzo pops the gum in his mouth. Chews and thinks. SEES...

Leonard is wearing an ITHACA UNIVERSITY CLASS RING.

ENZOMr. Blackstone. I understand what you’re going through. I recently graduated from Ithaca College and experienced some very similar feelings toward the world after I left.

Silence.

LEONARDI went to Ithaca.

ENZOOh. Then you know Professor Pym?

LEONARDNo.

11.

ENZO“Enzo,” he used to say, “when there’s no hope left in the world, you’ve gotta make your own.” And look where I am today.

LEONARDHm.

ENZOAre these seats real leather?

LEONARDI don’t know.

Leonard stares at the dashboard.

ENZOSo, Mr. Blackstone. Can I buy you a cappuccino and we can discuss your case in detail?

(beat)Or we can just shoot the shit.


Uncle Sal and MLW watch Enzo drive off in the Rolls Royce.

MCMULLINHe doesn’t even have a private eye license.

WADEI doubt he even has a learner’s permit.

UNCLE SALKid’s a natural.

INT. UPTOWN CAFE - DAY

Enzo writes in a YELLOW NOTE PAD. He sips a cappuccino. Leonard neatly tears pieces from a napkin, placing them in ORGANIZED ROWS on the table.

LEONARDI began to notice it last year. But I think it started long before that. It’s as if, slowly, everything and everyone slowly changed. My children, my wife. My dog.

12.

ENZOHmmm. Cookie?

LEONARDNo thank you.

ENZOIt sounds to me, sir, like you want your family back together.

LEONARDYes. But... could a private detective could help me with something so abstract?

ENZOSir, life’s abstractions are my specialty. So. What do you say, am I your guy or am I your guy?

Enzo offers his hand. Leonard shakes it.

LEONARDSure.

ENZOAlright! Now what would work best for me is if I could meet everyone you’re talking about. I prefer the direct approach.

LEONARDBut they’ll know I hired you.

Enzo turns on his smile. He has it all under control.

ENZOLeonard. I’m a professional.

AND THEN WE ARE:

FLOATING BENEATH TREETOPS REACHING FOR THE GREY CLOUDS.

EXT. PRIVATE STREET - DAY

Dead leaves swirl behind the Rolls Royce as it drives down a long, secluded street. Ancient Victorian MANSIONS drift under a looming canopy of autumn-painted trees. Ornate iron fences. Stone walls covered in ivy.

Reflections of stately homes and vast, green lawns reflect across Enzo’s WINDOW. Enzo straightens his wrinkled tie.

13.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - EVENING

Grey clouds choke the purple setting sun. A lavish gate automatically opens. The Rolls Royce floats up a winding gravel drive. Past long, dark hedges. A moss-infested fountain trickles before a classic, colonial mansion.

As Enzo gawks out of his window, WE RISE above the mansion to see there are three different parts of the estate:

THE MAIN HOUSE. THE GUEST HOUSE. THE FOUR CAR GARAGE.

A little further beyond the estate awaits--

SPIRAL BAY. A black body of water that engulfs the entire horizon behind Blackstone Manor. The massive body of water fills the frame as we continue soaring over the house, across the deep, dreary water...

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - CONTINUOUS

Leonard leads Enzo into the MAIN HALL. A MARBLE STAIRCASE sweeps to the second floor. Enzo’s sneakers squeak over the shining floors. Enzo does a little spin, taking it all in.

ENZONice. Hey, where’s the bathroom?

INT. BLACKSTONE BATHROOM - NIGHT

MIRRORS ON EVERY WALL REFLECT INTO INFINITY. Enzo washes his hands on expensive soap in the shape of sea horses.

ENZOGourmet soaps. Hey.

Splashes water on his face, looks in the MIRROR where THOUSANDS of Enzo’s reflect in each mirror. A flash of doubt.

ENZOThis is it. Don’t blow it.

(winks)You got it.

INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT

A vast, marble hall. The BLACKSTONE FAMILY sits at a large table lined with candles. Sipping steaming soup.

14.

ENZOThis is one beautiful house you have here, Mrs. Blackstone. Little slice of heaven.

PATRICE BLACKSTONE. Beautiful but without brightness and energy. She is simply there, at the end of the table.

ENZOAnd this soup. I’ve never tasted soup like this.

PATRICEThank you. It’s sea urchin and mint cream.

LEONARD (O.S.)Patrice is the adventurous one. She even drives without her seat belt fastened.

Patrice manages a smile to Leonard, then sips her soup.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. Enzo writes: PATRICE.

CUT TO:

Patrice spins in circles surrounded by an Indian Drum Circle and a flock of men wearing fez hats.

Patrice BUNGEE JUMPS from a hot air balloon.

Wearing scuba gear, Patrice jumps into a shark cage.

LEONARD(O.S.)Patrice has tried everything she can to make herself happy. I’ve tried, too, but that’s only made it worse.

Leonard and Patrice take TANGO LESSONS. Leonard accidentally steps on Patrice’s dress and they both fall out of frame with a heavy THUD.


Patrice sips her soup in silence.

LEONARD (O.S.)I think she’s been considering having an affair. But I don’t know with who.

15.

PATRICEMother, don’t spill your soup.

Sitting across the table is an elderly woman named CELIA. Slow but full of life, an aged pixie. Her shaking hand spills the soup from her spoon into her lap.

GRANDMOTHER CELIAOh! Hee hee.

Patrice clenches her teeth and shuts her eyes, embarrassed.

LEONARD (V.O.)Patrice’s mother, Celia, moved in with us four years ago when her husband died and she got Alzheimer’s.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. GRANDMOTHER CELIA.

CUT TO:

Staring out of the WINDOW in her RETIREMENT HOME ROOM, Celia puts on her slippers. She walks out of the door, alone.

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, Celia, in her nightgown and slippers, wanders through the GHETTO, PAST PIMPS, PUSHERS, HOOKERS, AND MURDERERS.

LEONARD (V.O.)Even before she lost her mind, Celia never approved of me. She has a bad habit of wandering.

AT THE BLACKSTONE’S FRONT DOOR, a HOOKER stands beside Celia, explaining things to Patrice, who is wearing a silk robe.

LEONARD (O.S.)We moved mother into the guest house. Now she doesn’t go anywhere.

IN THE BLACKSTONE’S GUEST HOUSE, ILIANA, a small Russian woman with dark eyes and black bangs in a white smock, sits beside Celia.

Both Iliana and Celia stare out of the guest house WINDOW.

LEONARD (O.S.)We gave our maid, Iliana, a raise to take care of mother in addition to her duties around the house.

16.


Wearing a nurse’s UNIFORM, ILIANA sits directly beside Celia, wiping the elderly woman’s chin with a napkin.

PATRICEPlease help her, Iliana.

Iliana never shows an expression of emotion. She simply does her job in complete silence.

LEONARD (O.S.)Iliana is great. She’s like family.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. ILIANA.

CUT TO:

Iliana takes out the trash, changes the sheets on the Blackstone’s bed, dusts vases, cleans windows, and vacuums carpets.

LEONARD (O.S.)But she has made it very clear that she has a life of her own.

IN HER TINY ROOM, Iliana reads the “National Geographic” in bed. Leonard walks by and gives a quick wave and smile, Iliana nods and continues reading.


WHITMORE, 8, a boy with a bowl haircut, wears an ELASTIC BAND around his face, which holds a MESH CUP over his NOSE.

Whitmore stares at Enzo with INTENSE, WIDE EYES.

PATRICEDon’t stare, Whitmore. It’s rude.

(to Enzo)He thinks he’s a mind-reader.

ANNIE, 11, fair skin, braided red hair, rolls her eyes at her mother.

ANNIEHe is a mind-reader, mother. Show him, Whitmore.

Whitmore raises a SPOON. Stares at it. Nothing happens to the spoon. Whitmore sticks his finger up his nose.

17.

PATRICEDon’t pick, honey.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. WHITMORE & ANNIE.

CUT TO:

Annie holds a card with WAVY LINES for Whitmore to mind-read. Whitmore shakes his head NO. Annie picks up a CARD WITH CIRCLES. After a moment, Whitmore shakes his head no.

LEONARD (O.S.)The twins. They’re not really twins but we call them that because they never leave each other’s side.

Surrounded by colorful toys, Whitmore and Annie sit side by side in Annie’s Room playing on two separate computers.

Whitmore and Annie graffiti their names on a BRICK WALL.

Throughout all of this, Whitmore DIGS HIS FINGER UP HIS NOSE.

LEONARD (O.S.)We’re trying to get Whitmore to stop picking his nose. Doctors think he has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

(beat)They don’t want me to be a part of their world.


Whitmore continues to stare at the unbent spoon. Leonard pats him on the back.

LEONARDKeep at it, son. There’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it. Ha.

ANNIEDad! You just broke his concentration. Ugh. Forget it.

Whitmore sets down the spoon. STARES AT ENZO. ENZO STARES BACK as if he and Whitmore are sharing thoughts.

Enzo nods at Whitmore’s gaze. He taps his temple.

ENZOGotcha, Whitmore. Loud and clear.

18.

Whitmore’s EYEBROWS RAISE as if to say “You did?!”

CUT TO:

Under the table, a Bloodhound with a name tag ‘Herzog The Wonder Dog’ lies on the floor. His sad, droopy eyes glisten.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. HERZOG THE WONDER DOG.

LEONARD (O.S.)Herzog The Wonder Dog has hated me ever since he was a puppy.

The Bloodhound bites Leonard’s ankle and walks off.

LEONARD (O.S.)Leah picked him out when she was five years-old. I’m a cat person myself, but I’d do anything for Leah.


An empty chair. An empty soup bowl. Untouched silverware.

LEONARD (O.S.)Leah. My little girl, Leah.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. LEAH???

CUT TO:

Upon a piano, silver framed PHOTOGRAPHS. Leah, 5 years-old in a tu-tu, holds Herzog... Leah, 16 braces and big bangs...

LEONARD (V.O.)Ever since Leah joined the Russian Ballet Conservatory three years ago, she’s been too busy to talk to me.

Sparkling ballet trophies and golden, engraved plaques. All with “LEAH MARGARET BLACKSTONE” etched into them.

LEONARD (V.O.)I’m so proud of her. She doesn’t even know I exist.


Enzo stares at Leah’s empty chair, wondering.

19.

LEONARDEnzo?

ENZOWhere was I?

JUMP CUTS:

ENZO-- at which point my grandfather invented the little part of the pen that lets you click it on and off--

Leonard listens, impressed with Enzo’s lies.

ENZO-- my supervisor wanted to promote me to vice president of business management, but I declined--

The children are bored. Patrice smiles politely.

ENZO-- hoping to see the world and explore my options, I applied for Mr. Blackstone’s company’s “Protege Program” and here I am.

PATRICEI didn’t know you offered a “Protege Program”, Leonard.

LEONARDWell. Uh. We do.

ENZOPart of the program is studying Mr. Blackstone’s life in and outside of the office. So, I’ll be stopping by every now and then with some questions. If that’s okay with you.

Leonard’s eyes flick from Enzo to Patrice. Does she buy it?

PATRICEWell, there’s not much here to study, but it’s fine by me.

ENZOThank you once again for a great dinner. Can I get your plate, Mrs. Blackstone?

20.

Enzo picks up his and Patrice’s SILVERWARE, PLATE, AND GLASS. He pushes through the kitchen door...

INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Enzo places the dishes in the sink. Rolls up his sleeves, runs the hot water, and scrubs the dishes. Slowly he turns, feeling their eyes on his back...

The Blackstones sit in the dining room, staring curiously at Enzo through the adjoining door. Annie and Whitmore snicker.

PATRICEIliana takes care of the dishes, Enzo.

ENZOOh. Right.

Enzo stands there, feeling like a lower class moron.

ENZOActually, uh. I wanted to show you kids this cool trick. Watch.

Enzo pours soap on his hands, rubs them together, and makes a circle with his right thumb and forefinger.

The Blackstones watch, perplexed.

Enzo blows through his fingers, inflating a SOAP BUBBLE.

The bubble grows and grows to THREE FEET WIDE.

The bubble magically floats through the kitchen into the dining room. The Blackstones watch the massive undulating bubble in wonder.

ANNIEOoooh.

Grandmother Celia reaches out. The bubble pops, spraying her face with water and soap. She and the children giggle and look at Enzo, who is standing in the adjoining doorway, pleased with himself.

GRANDMOTHER CELIAJames! James came back!

The Blackstones stop smiling.

PATRICEIliana, take mother to bed.

21.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - NIGHT

Enzo waves goodbye to the children as Leonard walks toward the Rolls Royce. Gravel crunches under their feet.

ENZOThis is going to be great. We’re in!

LEONARDWe are, aren’t we?

Before Enzo steps into the car, he looks back at the house.

ENZOBut I gotta be honest. It’s a much tougher case than I thought.

BEEP! BEEP! Leonard’s alarm goes off. Leonard pats his pockets, then remembers he threw his pills away. Enzo notices.

ENZOYou got somewhere to be?

LEONARDIt’s for medical purposes. It’s nothing. Back to the case. You see that they hate me, don’t they.

ENZOI’m going to have to spend a lot more time around here before I can answer that question, sir.

Enzo notices an ATTIC WINDOW above the garage.

ENZOIs that an attic up there?

LEONARDYes it is.

ENZODo you use it?

LEONARDNot really. Why?

INT/EXT. UNCLE SAL’S HOME - DAY

Enzo zips up his DUFFLE BAG, throws it over his shoulder. Uncle Sal and MLW watch from their game of breakfast poker.

22.

UNCLE SALI get half your paycheck or I blow the whistle on you.

ENZODeal.

LUBITSCHWhat the hell is this?

Enzo strolls out the door to a LIMOUSINE parked by the curb.

ENZOLeonard sent for car service. Thanks for the couch, Uncle Sal!

Enzo waves goodbye through the limousine sun roof.

INT. ATTIC - DAY

Enzo throws down his duffle bag. Piles of old antiques and BOXES cram one side of the room. Sunlight streams through the round window.

LEONARDHow long is this going to take?

Iliana opens up a COT.

ENZOUntil Christmas. Yes. This might be the best idea I’ve ever had. Thank you, Iliana.

ILIANAVelcome.

Enzo looks around, breathes deep. Much better.

EXT. RUSSIAN DANCE CONSERVATORY - DAY

The limousine glides up a winding road to a cold, MODERN STRUCTURE.

INT. RUSSIAN DANCE CONSERVATORY - DAY

An endless line of LITTLE GIRLS IN TU-TUS holding hands rush past Enzo, catching him in a rushing, spinning circle.

ENZOWhere can I find Leah Blackstone?

Silently, the endless line of tu-tus recedes down the hall.

23.

INT. THEATRE - DAY

CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS. Enzo walks through rows of dim, empty chairs. He stops. Stares. Mesmerized. Music crescendoes.

ON STAGE - An elegant, BALLERINA arcs in front of a velvet curtain, in perfect form. Worn-out sweats, ponytail.

TIME STANDS STILL. She hangs in the air, floating for minutes. This is LEAH BLACKSTONE. A vision of grace and loveliness.

IN THE EMPTY AUDIENCE

Enzo sits in a chair, mouth slightly agape.

ON STAGE

Leah’s dance embodies something sorrowful and moving, as if the world chose this woman to express all of its pain and loneliness. The music ends. Leah finishes, head bowed.

IN THE EMPTY AUDIENCE

Enzo madly scribbles in his notepad.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. LEAH -- THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CREATURE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.

INT. BACKSTAGE - DAY

Among pulleys and painted backdrops, Enzo searches.

SOUND OF SOBBING. Gentle, quiet crying echoes in the silence. Enzo stops, peers around a curtain.

Hidden behind a backdrop of the French countryside, sits Leah. Shoulders bobbing from her lonely weeping.

Enzo hides behind a curtain. This is the moment when he falls. Inexplicably, from this moment on, he will do anything for her.

She stops crying. Removes a small silver snuff box. Takes a sniff.

Enzo frowns, further intrigued.

GREGORY Can I help you?

Gregory SAYLES, 26 Tall, fine blonde hair. His chiseled physique bulges from under his one piece set of tights.

24.

He is at once intimidating and laughable. He stands in the wings, can’t see Leah.

A GAGGLE OF 12 BALLERINAS stand at Gregory’s side. Rail thin, bulging eyes pointed at Enzo like flamingos.

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. GREGORY -- ASSHOLE. DATING LEAH FOR HOW LONG?

ENZOJust here to talk to Leah.

GREGORYLeah likes to be left alone after she dances. Can we help you?

ENZOI’m with the IRS.

(beat)It’s personal.

GREGORYI’m sorry, who are you with? This is a private--

LEAHHello, boys and girls!

Leah appears. SMILING BIG and SNIFFING. She runs up to Gregory, about to kiss him. He pulls back, points to Enzo.

GREGORYDo you know this person?

LEAHMmm. No.

All eyes on Enzo. He offers his hand to Leah.

ENZOI just wanted to say that what you just did... was the most remarkable thing I’ve seen in a long time. You’re a living work of art. No lie.

Leah lights a cigarette.

LEAHWhy thank you. Are you a dancer of some sort?

25.

ENZOWell, nothing that requires the use of tights.

FLAMINGO BALLERINAYou can’t smoke in here, Leah.

LEAHBe finished in a minute, dear.

The Flamingo Ballerinas flip off Leah and storm out. Leah smiles at them.

GREGORYI’m having a little trouble. What exactly do you want?

ENZOHave you ever had the feeling that maybe, just maybe... you were finally going to get it right?

Leah cocks her head and smiles.

LEAHWhat a unique encounter for a Tuesday. Ciao, stranger.

Leah and Gregory exit. Enzo stays there, entranced. He does a little spin and exits stage left.

EXT. TRANS GLOBAL ENERGY - DAY

A sparkling, ten acre spread of spires and lights glows in the sky. Plumes of fire ripple from towers, steam drifts from house sized cylindrical structures.

INT. BOARDROOM - DAY

Packed with executives, assistants, and worker bees. Leonard nervously addresses the crowd.

LEONARDI’d like to introduce the winner of Trans Global Energy’s first ever Protege Program, Enzo Colletti.

Confused, fearful applause. “We have a Protege Program?” Enzo stands, reads his notepad.

26.

ENZOThank you, Mr. Blackstone. I just have a little thing I’d like to say to everyone. Ahem. Hello, everyone. Big businesses, the substitution of money for happiness, and the entire 9 to 5 lifestyle, are what make life seem like such a miserable trek with no hope of reward in sight. If we could drop the American nightmare and live our own dreams we might find that the universe is a nice place to live. Which I believe it is. Thank you very much.

The entire boardroom breaks into massive applause. Leonard looks around the room in wonder.

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - WINE CELLAR - NIGHT

A tomb for hundreds of vintage wine bottles. There is an entire wall of “DELLACROCHE MERLOT 1934”. Enzo and Leonard descend a spiral staircase into the dank, musty wine cellar.

LEONARDWhat did you find out about Leah?

ENZOFirst off, she’s stunning.

LEONARDWhilst in my house, Enzo, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t speak about my daughter like that.

ENZOYes, sir--

LEONARDYou may observe her, but you may not observe her.

ENZONo, sir. Yes, sir.

Enzo flips through his note pad.

ENZOSo what’s the deal with this Gregory Sayles fellow?

27.

LEONARDGregory. I love him like my own son. He has the means to provide Leah with a very structured and happy life. My only source of joy comes from the hope that he and Leah are going to be married one day. He is the stability my daughter needs and therefore what my family needs. Why do you mention him?

Enzo puts on his smile, but now it feels like ten cents.

ENZONo reason. I mistook him for someone else.

LEONARDWell. Is that all you have?

ENZOI’m going to shadow Patrice tomorrow. See what I can see. Have you tried speaking to her about your feelings regarding the family?

LEONARDYes. I have.

ENZOAnd?

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

Fresh out of the shower, Patrice dries her hair as Leonard stares out of the window at the black water of Spiral Bay outside.

LEONARDPatrice, there’s something I need to-- you see, there are-- things I -- you and the children-- we--

Drying her hair, Patrice’s towel slips off. She smiles, girlishly embarrassed. Leonard doesn’t notice. Patrice frowns, tightens her towel.

LEONARDIt’s so hard being a human, isn’t it? There’s so much, but I don’t-- I don’t-- maybe I--

28.

(MORE)

(crying)I just want to be-- but who is? Because I don’t--

(somber)Do you understand what I’m saying?

PATRICENot a word, darling.

She slips on pajamas in her bedroom-sized WALK IN CLOSET.

PATRICE How much longer is that Enzo going to be here for? You know I don’t like strangers in the house.

BEEP! BEEP! Leonard’s watch goes off.

PATRICE(sotto)

Even though I’ve been living with strangers for the past few years.

LEONARDWhat’s that, dear?

PATRICEYou’re beeping, Leonard.

Accustomed to the routine, she grabs his BOTTLE OF PILLS and hands them to him on her way to bed.

LEONARDHuh? Oh. Right.

He fakes taking a pill. She slips into bed and pulls an EYE MASK over her eyes. Leonard spits out the pill and makes a SCREAMING face to her closed eyes.

PATRICEGoodnight, dear.

She shuts off the lamp, leaving Leonard in forlorn darkness.

INT. ATTIC - NIGHT

Enzo has transformed the attic into a cozy, bohemian bedroom, utilizing discarded antiques for furniture. He is putting the finishing touches on it when--

GRANDMOTHER CELIAJAMES!

29.

LEONARD (cont'd)

Grandmother Celia stands in the doorway wearing a flowing white robe. Her thin white hair stands on end, ghost-like. Grandmother Celia floats through the shadows, up to Enzo.

GRANDMOTHER CELIAWhere have you been?

ENZOHi. Uh. Shouldn’t you be in bed?

Grandmother Celia touches his face with her withered fingers. Enzo stands straight, spooked as Grandmother’s eyes tremble.

GRANDMOTHER CELIAI missed you so much, James.

Enzo gently takes her hands away from his face.

ENZOI missed you, too, grandma.

Iliana appears, out of breath.

ILIANASorry, Mr. Enzo. She wanders.Is okay, Celia. Go back with Iliana.

Grandmother Celia recoils. Suddenly frightened, disoriented. Iliana takes her hands, comforts Celia.

ENZO(whispers to Iliana)

Was her husband named James?

ILIANAHarold. Her husband was Harold. Come Celia. We go sleep.

ENZOWho’s James?

Enzo looks upon the WALL OF BOXES he has pushed to the corner of the room. Enzo opens a box to find...

PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS.

A SERIES OF FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS RAPIDLY FLASH BEFORE US. Leah as a child and smiling Patrice at the beach, flying a kite. Celia’s 60th birthday. Whitmore’s BIRTH.

Oddly, there are a FEW PICTURES MISSING. Torn from the pages. Emptiness in its place. Strange.

30.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - SUNRISE

A faint wisp of sun glows over the bay. Morning fog.

INT. LEAH’S ROOM - SUNRISE

Leah wakes to an alarm clock: 4:50 am. Weary, she stretches her back, her legs, her arms. Extends her bare feet against the floor. She pops two “WAKE UP!” pills.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - SUNRISE

Leah runs laps and stretches in the freezing cold. A harsh routine that she has performed her entire life.

INT. BREAKFAST NOOK - EARLY MORNING

Overlooking the dark, black bay. Yawning, Leah cuts up fruit, pours an egg into a blender. She sits, drinks her power smoothie, and studies her CHOREOGRAPHY INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES for the day. Peaceful, quiet--

SCREECH! Enzo is standing on the other side of the kitchen, dressed in his sneakers and tie, making himself a CAPPUCCINO.

ENZO(over the noise)

Cappuccino?

Leah continues sketching in her notes. Enzo sits on the long breakfast nook bench. They are framed by the magnificent view of the bay.

ENZOGuess your father told you I was going to be staying here for a month.

LEAHAh, yes. The stalking poet. My mother told me you were here. And she was none too excited. And neither am I.

(narrows her eyes)I know what you’re doing. It’s not going to work, Colletti.

ENZOWhat am I doing, Blackstone?

LEAHSomething nefarious involving my father’s money.

31.

ENZOWrong. Not everything’s about money.

LEAHMy father is not well and I don’t appreciate you taking advantage of him. You could be a criminal. Are you? I adore jewel thieves.

ENZOLook. I went to Ithaca. I’m your father’s protege.

LEAHIf you’re such a success, why are you living in my parent’s house?

ENZOI was about to ask you the same thing.

LEAHI belong here.

ENZOTouche.

EXT. GARAGE - EARLY MORNING - CONTINUOUS

Leah drives off in her silver Mercedes. Enzo runs out. Too late. She’s gone. Enzo thinks. Sees... IN THE BACK OF THE GARAGE a clunky old VESPA SCOOTER covered in cobwebs.

EXT. PRIVATE STREET - EARLY MORNING

Enzo flies in on the puttering Vespa Scooter. Morning fog swirls. Wrinkled tie flapping in the wind. No helmet. He pulls alongside the Mercedes, waving and swerving.

ENZOLeah! Hey! One second!

Leah rolls down her window, keeps driving.

LEAHPut that back, you ingrate.

ENZOYou didn’t let me say what I needed to say! Whoa-- !

32.

LEAHThat scooter was a gift from my uncle when I was thirteen-- don’t you dare crash it!

ENZOIf you stop and talk to me I promise not to.

She slams the brakes.

LEAHWhat is it you want, Colletti?

ENZOIs there a place to go ice skating around here? I was thinking maybe we could go with the whole family. Y’know, get in the holiday spirit?

Leah laughs, shakes her head.

LEAHI hate the holidays.

The Mercedes speeds off. Dad leaves trail after the car. Curious, Enzo writes in his notepad.

INT. MLW DETECTIVE AGENCY

Eating hot dogs at their grubby desks, Enzo and Uncle Sal discuss the case.

ENZOWho says they hate the holidays?

UNCLE SALRich girls who drive Mercedes, that’s who. What’s the house like? They got those gourmet soaps?

ENZOShe’s impervious to my charms.

(dreamy)She’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a riddle wrapped in really nice sweatpants.

UNCLE SALWrite this down: Private Dick Rule Number Two. Never, ever ball the client’s daughter. Trust me.

33.

(MORE)

Rich people don’t like to share. That’s how come they’re rich.

ENZODon’t worry. I am in deep investigation mode. This family has serious troubles... Leonard really believes he’s helpless in the world. Funny, huh? A guy like that. All that money. And he’s still miserable. Doesn’t matter how much stuff you got, Uncle Sal. If you don’t got love, you don’t got shit.

UNCLE SALHey! Dreamweaver. You’re a detective, not a therapist. Jeez, you’re not even a detective.

ENZOSal. I can solve this case for Leonard. I can bring them together.

(pause)Leah. It’s her. She’s the key to that family.

UNCLE SALDo not do this.

ENZOWhat?

UNCLE SALThis girl. This Leah.

ENZODon’t you believe in love at first sight, Uncle Sal?

UNCLE SALSure, I just don’t practice it.This girl sounds dangerous.

Enzo rummages through Sal’s desk. Picks up a STETHOSCOPE.

ENZOSo am I.

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

Enzo peers from around the corner. He puts the STETHOSCOPE to the wall. CAMERA MOVES THROUGH THE WALL AND INTO--

34.

UNCLE SAL (cont'd)

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Patrice puts on her makeup, cradling the phone.

PATRICE(into phone)

You really think we should? I’ve never even-- no. I can’t. No.

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Enzo writes this all down. Patrice bursts from her bedroom. She sails past Enzo, JUST MISSING HIM. Enzo holds his breath.

PATRICEKids, we’re late! Kids?

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

Annie, wearing a PRIVATE SCHOOL UNIFORM, blows BUBBLES across the room of gold leaf books and sweeping 18th century pastorals. The line of spherical rainbows drift over WHITMORE, also in a private school uniform. He concentrates on a SPOON. Finger up his nose.

PATRICEWe’re late for school-- Whitmore, why aren’t you wearing your nose guard?

Whitmore looks to Annie. Annie nods, looks to Patrice.

ANNIEHe says it breaks his concentration.

PATRICEPut it on, please.

Whitmore straps his ridiculous NOSE GUARD over his face. In the hallway, Enzo hides BEHIND THE DOOR but--

ANNIEEnzo!

ENZOWhat? Huh? Hey! Hi.

PATRICEWhat are you doing down here?

35.

ENZOMr. Blackstone wanted me to grab him a book from the library.

Enzo quickly grabs a book from the library.

ENZOThere we are.

(looks at the book)“Dystopian Landscapes of the Chilean Rainforest.”

INT. PATRICE’S BMW - DAY

90 MPH. Patrice pulls the wheel, racing through traffic. In the front seat, Enzo buckles his seat belt, grabs the dashboard. Annie and Whitmore are thrown sideways in their safety belts, bored and accustomed to this routine.

ENZOCAR-- ! You should really buckle your seat belt.

PATRICESeatbelts choke me.

EXT. ELMHURST PRIVATE SCHOOL - DAY

The BMW screams to a halt before a LINE OF CHILDREN IN PRIVATE SCHOOL UNIFORMS rushing to class.

Whitmore, wearing his nose-guard, looks fearfully outside.

ANNIEWhitmore says he won’t go to school with that thing on his nose.

PATRICEOh, sweety. Do the kids make fun of you?

Whitmore nods sadly.

PATRICEI’m sorry they do, baby, but that’s their problem. The doctor says this is the only way for you to get better.

She pushes a strand of hair from Whitmore’s face

36.

PATRICEJust try it until the end of the week for mommy, okay?

ANNIEWhitmore says okay.

PATRICECan he say it himself? Hmm?

ANNIEHe did. You’re just not reading his mind hard enough.

PATRICECute. Out.

Annie and Whitmore exit the BMW. Patrice sighs, watches her children go. Enzo smiles as if he understands.

ENZOMy mother always said “Children are five minutes of joy for a lifetime of agony.”

PATRICEYour mother was right. Can I give you a ride to work?

ENZOOh. I’m working from home today.

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - STUDY - DAY

Grandmother Celia plays “Days Gone By” on an out of tune GRAND PIANO. Celia’s playing is slow and clunky, without any rhythm. A vague sense of notes thread together to form a song.

Iliana places HOLIDAY CRAFTS UPON A LONG TABLE. Iliana helps Grandmother Celia to the table to make Christmas decorations.

ILIANALook, Celia. Holiday crafts. We decorate. For you and Patrice to have fun, yes?

CELIAOooh, trinkets.

Standing in the doorway, smoking a cigarette, Patrice sighs as she watches her mother. Walking past, Enzo pretends to be reading work files, though he is, of course, snooping.

37.

ENZOYour mother’s a good piano player.

PATRICEShe once played the Congo Club in Harlem. She toured the world. And now... she makes trinkets.

(pause)Shoot me if I ever make trinkets. I should add that to my will.

ENZOWow. You just reminded me of Leah right there. You two must be really close, you and Leah.

PATRICEI never see her.

ENZOSorry to hear that.

PATRICEEh. It is what it is.

ENZO Y’know what else my mother said? “A minute of joy can make your entire life worth living.”

Enzo sits beside Celia and together he glues tiny ornaments to a tiny Christmas tree with a hot glue gun while Celia wraps mistletoe with ribbons.

ENZOMy mom believed you should throw passion into everything you do. Joy, sadness, grocery shopping. “Passion,” my mother says, “is wine for the soul, which should be drunk by the gallon, or else it turns sour.”

PATRICEShe sounds smart. I’d love to meet her.

ENZOShe’s on her second honeymoon with my dad on the Orient Express right now so it won’t be for a while.

38.

GRANDMOTHER CELIAJames!

ENZOHello.

(whispers to Patrice)Who’s James?

PATRICEMother. What have you done now?

GRANDMOTHER CELIAOh. Hee hee.

Grandmother Celia has glued GREEN PIPE CLEANERS and colorful beads onto the ends of her fingertips.

PATRICEIliana, please. Please. I do not need this.

ENZOIt’s okay. We can decorate her. See?

Enzo drapes an over-sized red ribbon on Grandmother Celia’s head. Celia wiggles her decorated fingers and smiles.

Patrice closes her eyes, about to SCREAM.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Patrice speaks quickly into the phone:

PATRICEOkay. One o’clock. We’re on.

She slams the phone into the cradle. Eavesdropping, Enzo spins out of the house to make a PHONE CALL.

INT. LEONARD’S OFFICE - DAY

Leonard crouches behind his desk on the phone:

LEONARDShe is having an affair, I knew it! That bitch, I’d kill her if I didn’t love her so much. Sorry. I didn’t mean to call her a bitch. What’s gotten into me?

39.

INT. ATTIC - DAY

Enzo is on the phone, watching the house with binoculars as Patrice gets in her car.

ENZOLeonard. Take some deep breaths. Everything’s okay. I’m on it. Are you breathing?

LEONARDYes.

ENZOKeep doing that and I’ll call you soon. Gotta go.

EXT. SEASIDE CAFE - DAY

During the tourist season this place booms, but on a freezing day like today NO ONE is here. Patrice sits alone.

Enzo hides in the bushes outside, rubbing his hands together, pointing his still camera at one of the windows.

A BMW floats into the empty parking lot. It parks right beside Patrice’s BMW-- the two cars are IDENTICAL.

ENZO’S POV - THROUGH THE STILL CAMERA:

A petite, pretty woman named JUNE KALBOT, a wealthy wife dressed in fancy clothes exits the BMW and enters--

INT. SEASIDE CAFE - CONTINUOUS

Patrice and June hug and smile at each other. The only 2 people in the restaurant.

JUNESorry, I’m late, Patty. Roger and the kids have been a total nightmare with this boarding school debacle. How are you?

PATRICEOh, I’m great. I was making trinkets with my mother.

Patrice breaks down crying. June flags down the waiter.

JUNETrinkets? Waiter. It’s wine time.

40.

EXT. PAYPHONE - DAY

Bored, Enzo is on the phone as he watches the women through his still camera. Patrice and June sit together, wrapped in wondrous, drunken conversation.

LEONARD(over the phone)

Who is it? I’ll kill him!

ENZOFalse alarm, Leonard. I overreacted, it’s just a girl friend of hers named June, not an affair-- repeat, not an affair.

LEONARDI know June. She doesn’t care for me. Still though, that’s good news.

ENZO’S POV - THROUGH THE STILL CAMERA:

June drops her napkin, picks it up, and leans forward.

As June bends, her large sweater hangs off her shoulders, revealing her freckled, bare breasts. Breasts exposed, June glances up at Patrice, inviting her to look. Patrice notices and quickly looks away, startled at the exchange.

PATRICEJune.

JUNEPatrice.

PATRICEI don’t know if I can do this.

JUNEDo what?

Patrice and June giggle.

ENZOHoly shit.

LEONARDWhat? What’s “holy shit?”

ENZONothing. I stepped on a snail. I’ll, uh, call you later.

41.

LEONARDThank you, Enzo.

Enzo sits back down to watch Patrice and June exit the restaurant.

EXT. ELMHURST PRIVATE SCHOOL - AFTER SCHOOL

Whitmore and Annie stand by the curb. Annie blows bubbles in the air. Whitmore tries to stick his finger up his nose but his NOSE GUARD stops it.

ANNIEMom wouldn’t forget. She’s just late by--

(looks at her watch)Two hours.

BILLY THE PIG (O.S.)Hey, freaks, waiting for the sideshow to pick you up?

BILLY THE PIG, 13, a husky kid stands behind Annie and Whitmore with a smiling scowl on his piggish face.

ANNIELeave us alone, Billy The Pig.

BILLY THE PIGWhat did I tell you about wearing that on your face, Rudolph?

ANNIEJust ignore him, Whit.

Annie leads Whitmore away.

BILLY THE PIGDon’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you. Hey, freaks, I’m talking to you! Come back here!

ANNIEGot any more impressions of your abusive, alcoholic father, Billy?

BILLY THE PIGWhat did you say? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!

ANNIEBye, Billy!

42.

Annie hurries Whitmore to walk faster. Billy tackles them onto the grass.

ANNIEGet off! Stop it, you pig!

Billy stuffs leaves and dirt in Annie’s mouth. He claws Whitmore’s elastic nose-guard from his face. SNAP. CRACK.

EXT. BEACH - DAY

Cold sand, bone clouds. Patrice and June walk alongside the dull blue ocean. Enzo ducks behind a wooden fence, snapping pictures.

PATRICELately, I’ve been surrounded with nothing but death. That sounds awful when I say it out loud, doesn’t it?

JUNENot at all. That’s life demanding our attention.

PATRICEWhat is this on your hands?

Exotic TRIBAL SPIRAL TATTOOS curl down June’s hands. Patrice admires the strange design.

JUNEHenna. Very sensual. I’m taking a class.

PATRICEJune Kalbot, what has gotten into you?

JUNEI’m just fed up with the same old thing. I can do your hands if you want. Your skin’s perfect for it.

June takes Patrice’s hands in hers, lightly running her fingers across her skin, up her arms, along the back of her neck... June kisses Patrice’s hand. Patrice pulls away.

EXT. SEASIDE CAFE - PARKING LOT - DAY

Patrice fumbles for the keys to her car.

43.

PATRICEI’m sorry, June. I. No. No. Have you ever-- ?

JUNENo. Well, once in college.

PATRICEWell. Yeah. But I mean--

JUNEWe’re just friends, Patrice. It’s harmless.

PATRICEBut-- okay. I mean don’t-- but. Goodbye, June.

Patrice tries to get in her BMW, then realizes it’s June’s BMW. She giggles, nervous and awkward like a teenager.

PATRICEWrong car.

Patrice drives off. June smiles. From his hiding place, Enzo clicks a thousand photographs.

EXT. ELMHURST PRIVATE SCHOOL - LATER

Whitmore and Annie, BLACK AND BLUE, TORN AND BEATEN, sit on the curb. Enzo pulls up on his Vespa scooter.

ENZORough day in gym?

ANNIETell him, Whitmore.

Whitmore stares at Enzo. Enzo reacts.

ENZOWho did it, who beat you up?

(Whitmore stares)Well, what the hell did you let him get away for?!

Enzo kicks a trash can through the air.

ENZODidn’t your dad ever teach you how to fight?

44.

ANNIEHe’s afraid we’ll get hurt.

ENZOHow friggin ironic. Here, Whit. Lemme see you throw a punch.

Enzo puts up his hands for Whitmore to punch. Whitmore throws the softest, weakest punch Enzo has ever seen.

ENZOOkay. An old Native American friend of mine taught me a quick lesson in fighting that works every time: find the heaviest thing you can, hit your opponent over the head with it, and RUN.

Annie and Whitmore nod. After a moment, Annie runs into Enzo’s arms, hugs him tight. Enzo stumbles, uncomfortable at first, then he gently pats their heads.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - DREARY SUNSET

A wooden row boat bobs in the black bay behind the house. Waves gently lap against the shore. Holding his briefcase, Leonard looks out at the black bay as Enzo reads his NOTE PAD.

LEONARDThose poor children. The Blackstones seem to attract tragedy. And Patrice?

ENZOShe just met her girlfriend for lunch. But--

(looking in his notes)I think I’m really onto something here. Do you know who James is?

LEONARD’S POV: In the distant dark water, a gleaming blue and green tail splashes from beneath the surface. Leonard looks frightened.

LEONARDDid you see that? The tail. In the water?

ENZOThe what?

45.

LEONARDWould you believe me if I told you I think I’m losing my mind?

ENZOActually I would. But I mean, everyone’s crazy. Just in different ways.

The tail dips underwater. Leonard steps toward the waves.

LEONARDHave you ever felt like poison in someone’s veins? Like the world would be better off without you?

ENZOHave you ever considered therapy, sir?

LEONARDYes. They’re all liars.

ENZOAh.

LEONARDWormwood, Enzo. That’s what I am to them. Wormwood.

Waves roll over Leonard’s shoes, though Leonard doesn’t notice. He stands still, staring at the dark water.

LEONARD“My head swam forever, eternity it seems, now it appears I’m drowning in dreams.” I think Pernau wrote that. I’m rambling about poetry, do you see what I mean, Enzo?

ENZOI wouldn’t worry about it, sir. They’re just dreams.

Concerned, Enzo touches Leonard’s shoulder. Leonard steps out of the water, manages a slight smile to Enzo.

INSERT: Enzo scribbles on his yellow writing pad: JAMES.

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT

Squish, squish. Leonard walks toward the children’s room, leaving wet footprints in his wake.

46.

INT. WHITMORE’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Leonard steps inside. Packed with bright Kubrick colors, toys, and stuffed animals. Whitmore and Annie (black spots in this tower of color) sit at separate computers, side by side, engrossed in rapid-fire video games.

LEONARDPlaying some video games. Fun.

(no response)So, how was school today?

(no response)Can you hear me?

ANNIEYes.

LEONARDGood. So, whose team are you on?

ANNIEThe terrorists.

Leonard sighs.

LEONARDI’ll leave you be then.

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

At the end of the hallway, LEAH is following the WET FOOTPRINTS Leonard has tracked down the hallway. She stops at Leonard and sees-- on the verge of tears, Leonard closes the twin’s bedroom door. His loafers are soggy.

LEAHStepped in something there, dad.

LEONARDThanks, dear.

LEAHYou’re looking particularly glum tonight. Is... everything okay?

BEEP! BEEP! Leonard silences his alarm watch.

LEONARDNot now, Leah. Please.

Avoiding her gaze, Leonard quickly walks off, his shoes squishing as he goes.

47.

EXT. SPIRAL BAY - NIGHT

At the shore, Leonard pushes a wooden ROWBOAT into the water. Leonard takes up the oars, rows into the MIDDLE OF THE WATER where he cries to himself. A splitting headache.

In a SHROUD OF FOG, Leonard bobs in the row boat. Stars ripple off the black water’s surface.

MARIAHello, Leonard.

A gorgeous woman surfaces beside the rowboat. Seashells and kelp for clothes. Pure white skin. Crystal eyes. MARIA.

LEONARDHello, Maria.

MARIACome for a swim. The water feels like a dream.

Maria splashes under the dark water, flipping her tail into the air. Shimmering scales of green and blue.

MARIAYou’ll feel much better.

LEONARDSoon.

Leonard swirls his finger in the darkness, stirring the star’s reflections. Maria kindly takes his hand.

MARIAWe’ll be waiting...

Crystal eyes fixed on Leonard, the mermaid slips below the water. A flash of scales and she’s gone.

A shaft of light from a nearby light house sweeps the mist, illuminating Leonard’s troubled face.


The OLD HOMELESS MAN WITH THE WHITE BEARD plays a harmonica outside of the brick building.

INT. MLW DETECTIVE AGENCY BATHROOM - DAY

Converted into a darkroom. Photographs develop under swirling fluids in the tub.

48.

On a clothesline, Uncle Sal hangs up black and white photographs of the Blackstones in action.

UNCLE SALNutjob, huh? Moment he walked in the door I knew he was bad news. All of ‘em are. Look at these people. Helpless as a rich man’s son.

Uncle Sal motions to the PHOTOGRAPHS: June kissing Patrice, Leah crying, Whitmore and Annie practicing their ESP powers.

UNCLE SALSo what do his medical records say?

ENZOMedical records?

UNCLE SALPast nutjob incidents-- you didn’t do your homework on him, did you?

ENZOSure. My homework.

UNCLE SALYou always do your homework! Rule number one: do your homework. Know everything before you step up to the plate, capiche?

ENZOYeah. I capiche.

UNCLE SALForget it. You’re dropping the case. First thing tomorrow you’re back on files--

ENZONo can do, Sal. I have a date with Leah this Saturday night.

UNCLE SALWhat? How the hell’d you do that?

CAMERA WHIPS TO:

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - DAY

Enzo merrily helps Grandma Celia and Iliana decorate the staircase as Patrice looks on. He finishes telling Patrice a whopper.

49.

ENZO-- and that’s why my mother will never ride an ostrich again.

Patrice laughs.

PATRICEWhat an adventurous family you have.

ENZOThanks. But I really miss them. It’s been so long since I’ve seen them. Or my friends. Or loved ones. It’d be nice to... I don’t know. Go somewhere. Meet some people my age. Make friends.

Off of Patrice’s reaction CAMERA WHIPS TO:

INT. LEAH’S ROOM - NIGHT

Camera spins between Leah and Patrice.

LEAHI can’t believe you told Enzo I would take him to Buchanan’s Party on Saturday Night!

PATRICEHe’s a nice boy. It would be a great chance for him to make friends.

LEAHI thought you disliked him.

PATRICEHe’s fun. This family could use a little of that. You especially.

LEAHMother. I am a barrel of monkeys. And what on earth is henna doing on your hands?

Leah laughs as Patrice pulls away her HENNA-COVERED HANDS.

PATRICEJust take him to the party and stop being such a bitch.

50.

Off Leah’s surprised reaction to her mother’s use of the word “bitch” CAMERA WHIPS BACK TO:


Uncle Sal shakes his head in disbelief as Enzo picks wildflowers in the abandoned lot beside the agency.

UNCLE SALWow. You been doing your homework alright, you little creep. The only reason you like this girl is because there’s no way in hell you can get her.

ENZOThat’s not the reason at all. I just have a feeling, she’s... it.

UNCLE SAL“It?” What’s “it” mean?

ENZOIf you don’t know, I can’t tell you.

UNCLE SALOh. I get “it.” Are you going to pick “It” up in your brand new car and take “It” to the Ritz? Can you buy “It” little presents and fur coats? How much money you got in your bank account?

ENZOI don’t need a bank account.

UNCLE SALYou just dig this chick because you can’t get her.

ENZOShe is a bit cold around the edges, isn’t she? You’re right. Why is love always so one-sided?

UNCLE SALI’m glad you see it--

ENZO-- but so... unstoppable. Later, Uncle Sal!

51.

Enzo dashes off with, flowers in hand.


Dressed ELEGANTLY METROPOLITAN, Leah stands at her Mercedes. Wearing his best wrinkled tie and his Converse sneakers, Enzo hands her the handpicked flowers.

ENZOA simple gesture of kindness for letting me tag along.

LEAHYou picked me flowers?

Though she would never show it, no one has ever picked her flowers. Therefore, she is touched.

LEAHHave you ever been to the Hamptons before?

ENZOWhy, should I have worn something a little more Hamptons? All my suits are in storage back in California.

LEAHWhat are they doing there?

ENZOWaiting for me to pick them up.

INT. LEAH’S MERCEDES - NIGHT

Driving, Leah opens a sterling silver cigarette case. She opens it to reveal five finely rolled joints. She slips one between her lips.

LEAHLight my fire, won’t you?

ENZOAren’t you in training?

LEAHIf you’re going to judge me, Enzo, I can save you a lot of time and just tell you: I’m evil. I’m pure evil.

She clicks on the stereo and lights her joint. Puccini and sweet smoke fills the air. Enzo points at the stereo.

52.

ENZOTosca. Act Two. Good stuff.

LEAHYou know Puccini?

ENZOHe gets me high.

EXT. WEST HAMPTON - NIGHT

A modern, exorbitant house with wide, glass doors on the silver beach. Valets in bow ties and red windbreakers rush to luxurious cars.

LEAHNow there are going to be a lot of very important people at this party we’re going to. Marcus Buchanan is funding the ballet piece I’ve been planning for three months now--

ENZOThis sounds like a lecture.

LEAHWithout him and his considerable donations, I wouldn’t be able to perform my life’s dream. You understand, right, Enzo? Enzo? Enzo!

ENZOYou said not to say anything.

LEAHYou’re impossible.

ENZOWait, was that a smile? I saw it.

LEAH(smiling)

Don’t make me do it again.

INT. BUCHANAN’S PARTY - NIGHT

Packed with the posh. A small symphony plays in the corner. Gregory leaps from the party and kisses Leah.

GREGORYEnzo! So sorry I gave you the shakedown the other day.

53.

(MORE)

Why didn’t you tell me you were working for Mr. Blackstone? Come, come, I want you to meet a good friend, Marcus Buchanan, patron to the arts and golden god of Weinstein-Evans finance!

MARCUS “BUCKY” BUCHANAN. Grotesquely handsome with plucked eyebrows and manicured nails swings into the scene.

BUCHANANYou flatter me, old boy, I love it! But why aren’t you wearing your tu-tu? Ha! Jolly good pleasure, Enzo. Welcome to my incredibly un-fucking-humble home.

Buchanan speaks in a CLICHED YUPPIE ACCENT.

ENZO(whispers to Leah)

Is that his real voice?

LEAHBuchanan thinks he’s the Great Gatsby. Hi, Bucky.

BUCHANANGatsby was fiction, my dear. I am the real thing. How is our little dance piece going?

LEAHBeautifully. I’ll have something to show you by next month.

BUCHANANENOUGH OF THIS TALK OF WORK!

(grabs Enzo)Let’s find you an elf to give you a yuletide hummer! Would you like that, old boy?

ENZO(playing along)

Indeed I would, you scallywag!

BUCHANANI knew you would, you tart! I adore this boy!

Leah smiles, pleased, as Buchanan throws his arm around Enzo and drags him into the party. Leah gives her a thumbs up.

54.

GREGORY (cont'd)

INT. DANCE FLOOR

Gregory and Leah dance together in perfect rhythm. Their dancing is calculated and cold. All business.

GREGORYYou look stunning.

LEAHDip me.

INT. SECOND FLOOR BALCONY

OVERLOOKING THE DANCE FLOOR. Buchanan has a gorgeous girl, IONE, on his lap. She is very drunk. Enzo downs his drink, watching Leah down below.

IONEEnzo, this is the little elf I was speaking of. Ione is the most brilliant model. She studied at Ithaca.

IONESix years.

BUCHANANSay, didn’t Gregory tell me that you went to Ithaca, old chap?

ENZOGraduated three years ago.

Ione shows her Ithaca class ring.

IONEMe, too! What school?

ENZOBusiness school.

IONEMe, too! I don’t remember seeing you.

ENZOIt’s a big school, darling.

IONEHey, where’s your ring?

ENZOI lost it in the war.

55.

IONEHuh?

BUCHANANYou’re not lying are you, sport? Telling tales, that sort of thing?

ENZONothing of the sort, Bucky Boy!

Buchanan leans into Enzo, eyes in a devilish squint.

BUCHANANWell, you are the only one at this party who is wearing sneakers and clothes from the Salvation Army, so that leads me to assume the worst.

Buchanan laughs hysterically. Ione howls. Enzo’s smile drops.

BUCHANANI’m joking, of course! I love your clothes. Very bohemian. Very “alternative.” Who needs a drink?

INT. HALLWAY

Swarms of laughing, kissing people push around Enzo as he admires a wall of original PICASSO PAINTINGS on the wall. Enzo smirks at the painting.

ENZOProbably phony.

He sees his reflection in a mirror right beside the painting. He looks at his wrinkled tie and worn out sneakers.

ENZODefinitely phony.

LEAH appears through the dark silhouettes. She catches sight of Enzo. A sad, lost look crosses over Enzo’s face as he looks around at all the unfamiliar faces. This is Enzo as she has never seen him.

LEAHHaving fun, Colletti?

Instantly, Enzo puts on that smile.

56.

ENZOOh, yeah. This place is really cool. Buchanan’s a real treat.

LEAHBuchanan’s a jerk with a great personality.

ENZOWhy don’t you say anything?

LEAHHe’s also my sponsor. And I refuse to get a real job. So. There’s that. The things we’ll do for free rent.

She grabs a BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE and two glasses from PASSING WAITERS. She pours herself and Enzo a glass and downs her drink.

ENZOQuestion.

LEAHAnswer.

ENZOExactly what do you hate about the holidays?

LEAH(counting her fingers)

One: Plastic manger scenes are cheesy. Two: All the good stores get really crowded. Three: the pretending thing.

ENZOThe pretending thing?

LEAHSanta Claus, the giving of really expensive gifts in exchange for forgiveness. Everyone pretends to be nice and they pretend to care and they pretend to be in the giving spirit to get what they really want. And as soon as it’s over-- wham. Back to reality and everyone goes back in their hole and the fighting begins.

57.

(MORE)

My point: nothing is real. Therefore, I treat it as I do.

He nods, processing it. FRAMED BY DARK, GLASS DOORS, it seems they are alone in the universe. All sound, except for their voices, drops out. Leah catches her reflection.

LEAHI wasn’t always like this, Enzo. I used to adore the holidays when I was a kid. When I was nice. Before-- well.

ENZOBefore what?

LEAHAre you a detective or something?

ENZOJust curious.

She quickly downs her drink, pours them another. Swooning, she narrows her eyes at him.

LEAHYou’re a rather fetching young man.

ENZOI agree.

LEAHBut you must stay out of my affairs. I am evil. I am flirty and I am evil.

ENZOYou just say that because you can only see the dark side of yourself.

LEAHBut that’s my good side, see? Say, aren’t you going to tell me to stop drinking so much?

ENZOStop drinking so much.

LEAHDon’t tell me what to do.

They laugh.

58.

LEAH (cont'd)

GREGORY (O.S.)There they are!

THE WORLD SNAPS BACK INTO FOCUS. PARTY SOUNDS RETURN. Gregory strides up, slaps Enzo’s shoulder.

GREGORYWould you believe I just had the most amazing conversation with the author of “Sagittarius Falling”!

ENZOThat a book?

GREGORYThat’s a book. You’re very funny, Enzo. I’m glad you’re here.

(to Leah)You’re drunk again.

LEAHSomewhat.

GREGORYSweetheart, you’re going to have a serious hangover. You hate hangovers.

LEAHI do.

She embraces Gregory and kisses his cheek.

GREGORYI shall take you home.

LEAHYes, please.

Enzo uncomfortably watches Leah and Gregory snuggle.

GREGORYExcuse us, won’t you, Enzo?

INT. SECOND FLOOR BALCONY

Enzo sits on the couch with Buchanan, who speaks grandly, gesturing with a martini in hand. Enzo listens, bored.

BUCHANANOf course there is the truth and then there is the truth.

59.

(MORE)

What they say happened and what really happened.

ENZOYes, the truth!

BUCHANANFor example, there was a man named David Irving. Have you heard of him? You’ll appreciate this.

ENZOTell the tale, old boy.

BUCHANANThis man, Mr. David Irving, sued the Jewish Shoah Foundation, claiming the Holocaust never happened. Pretty bold thing to do since the truth everyone assumes is that six million Jews died in the Holocaust. When in fact the truth is that the Holocaust never happened. The Nazis weren’t stupid, old boy. Otherwise how would they have gotten so far in the bloody war? No, they were using the Jews as slave labor, which yes, is wrong-- but why in God’s name would they kill off all that free labor? Well, the truth, as told by the Jews, is that the Nazis gassed them, which is complete rubbish. You see, Mr. Irving found that there were, in fact, no holes in those supposed gas chambers to let the gas escape after the Jews had died. Have you ever heard of a gas chamber without holes in it? No, you have not! Because the truth is that there were no gas chambers, because the Nazis did not gas the Jews.

ENZOBut--

BUCHANANOne could make the case that “oh, well, yes, there are holes in those gas chambers now, you lying piece of shit.” To which I will respond “Of course there are holes there now!

60.

BUCHANAN (cont'd)

(MORE)

The Jews drilled them after the war was over!” There is a saying “No holes, no Holocaust.” I tend to agree. And that my good boy, is the truth.

Enzo stares at Buchanan. He cannot speak. He is trembling. Buchanan wipes spilled martini from his silk shirt.

BUCHANANOf course, Irving lost the case and was disbarred because no one wanted to believe the truth. How do you feel about the matter, old chap?

ENZOWell. I’m gonna be perfectly honest with you, Bucky:

Enzo SMASHES his fist into Buchanan’s nose, snapping his head back, breaking his nose in one, swift punch, also knocking Buchanan UNCONSCIOUS.

Enzo stands, breathes heavily.

PARTY GUESTDid you see that? That kid just punched Bucky! Hey! Hey, you!

This is how it starts. Enzo pushes his way through the crowd. He ducks for the EXIT STAIRS but a SECURITY GUARD blocks the way. Trapped. SECURITY GUARDS close in on him.

ENZOGreat, Enzo.

Enzo leaps off the SECOND FLOOR BALCONY--

Soaring. Tie flapping. Guests watch in disbelief. Enzo’s sneakers hit the DANCE FLOOR. Right beside Leah.

LEAHWHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

ENZOCare to dance?

Enzo dodges oncoming security guards like Fred Astaire. He dances Leah across the dance floor, avoiding oncoming security guards with smooth style. He slides under a table. Knocks over a waiter carrying a sushi tray. Guests gasp. Leah boils, severely angry but strangely attracted and surprised.

61.

BUCHANAN (cont'd)

LEAHYou are a good dancer.

Enzo shrugs. Finally, guards snatch him and drag him off the dance floor and to--

EXT. BUCHANAN’S PARTY - BEACH - CONTINUOUS

Security guards heave Enzo onto the crashing waves. Buchanan emerges, holding a napkin to his nose. Blood streaks down his shirt.

BUCHANANCall the police and get me another shirt.

Men move to grab Enzo, but he fights like hell. Kicks one in the stomach, cracks another man’s jaw. Leah runs through the crowd on the patio. She moves to the front in time to see Enzo get overpowered by the five men. The men hold Enzo down as Buchanan wails on him.

BUCHANANAt my own house? Who do you think you are? Cancel the police. Call an ambulance.

Leah moves to stop them. Gregory holds her back.

GREGORYDon’t, Leah.

Leah breaks from Gregory.

LEAHLet him go, Bucky. You’ve proved your point.

ENZO‘S okay. He hits like a pussy.

Buchanan kicks Enzo in the stomach.

BUCHANANYou’re defending this trash? This shit? How gauche.

Buchanan motions to his security guards. The men toss Enzo’s beaten body into the ocean. Buchanan walks back to the party, straightens his jacket, and greets his guests:

BUCHANANWho wants to buy me a bloody drink?

62.

CHEERS for Buchanan the hero.

Enzo drags himself from the icy water. Dripping, freezing. Waves hush against the sand. Leah remains there.

LEAHI can’t believe-- do you have any idea what you’ve done? How could you-- ?

ENZOSorry. I just never liked Nazis.

Enzo manages to stand. He wrings out his wet tie.

LEAHA-A-Are you Jewish?

ENZONo. I’m human.

LEAH(quietly)

Still, that’s no way to act.

ENZOWhat was I supposed to do? Pretend? Fake like he was my good pal even though he’s an asshole? I’m a terrible liar when it comes to stuff like that.

LEAHI’m so sorry, Enzo. Really I am.

Enzo walks off.

LEAHWhere are you going? I’ll escort you home.

ENZOI can find my own way, thanks.

INT. TRAIN - NIGHT

Damp clothes, black eyes. Enzo sits alone on the train. Clacking rumbles shake the cabin. He stares out of the window. Lights streak through his reflected face. Enzo dabs his tie to his bloody lip.

63.

INT. ATTIC - NIGHT

Enzo tosses his clothes in his duffel bag, ZIPS IT UP. Enraged, he HURLS his duffel bag across the room. The bag slams into a pile of BOXES. From one box spills--

BEAUTIFUL PENCIL SKETCHES.

Enzo pauses, looks closer...

A gorgeous mermaid. A portrait of Leonard and Patrice...

ALL SIGNED BY “JAMES.”

There is a NEWSPAPER CLIPPING among the sketches.

January 10. MAN DROWNS IN SPIRAL BAY.Swimming behind the family home on New Year’s Eve, James Blackstone drowned--

ENZO Hello, James.


A fire burns in a trash can. The OLD HOMELESS MAN WITH THE WHITE BEARD slugs off a bottle of scotch, keeping warm.

UNCLE SAL (O.S.)So, Leonard’s kid brother’s dead. So what?

INT. MLW DETECTIVE AGENCY - CONTINUOUS

Uncle Sal reads JAMES’ NEWSPAPER ARTICLE.

ENZODon’t you see? It’s the one thing that makes or breaks people...

Enzo spreads his hands as if he can see the entire human race before his very eyes.

ENZOTragedy.


Leonard reads a FORMAL LETTER SIGNED BY “MARCUS BUCHANAN.”

64.

LEONARD“Due to creative differences, I hereby withdraw as Leah Blackstone’s ballet sponsor.”

Leonard lowers the letter to see Enzo with a big smile.

LEONARDWhat happened?

ENZOI simply eliminated the competition. Now you get to sponsor Leah’s ballet piece. Thus: you further involve yourself in your daughter’s life, bringing the family one step closer together.

Enzo sits, folds his hands in triumph.

LEONARDEnzo. You’re a genius.

ENZOJust doing my job, sir.

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - DAY

Enzo watches from a hiding spot as, on the sweeping staircase, Leonard and Leah talk-- Leah’s face lights up and throws her arms around her father’s neck. He almost falls over, surprised at her hug.

INT. WINE CELLAR - NIGHT

Enzo and Leonard sit down for their weekly discussion. Leonard claps his hands together.

LEONARDShe said she loves me. I feel great!

ENZOYou look great.

LEONARDI only hope her renewed feelings for me aren’t because I’m giving her vast sums of money.

65.

ENZOBeggars can’t be choosers, Leonard. This is the start of the long journey home, so we gotta focus. Now: when was the last time you and your family flew a kite?

LEONARDI don’t know. Why?

ENZOI’m going to need to cross examine the family as a whole in order to see their interactions with you and them as a unit. It’s a very technical procedure.

MONTAGE.

ALONG A BLUFF. A mass of people fly hundreds of colorful KITES. Leonard, Patrice, Whitmore and Annie fly a kite. Enzo takes a photograph of Leah helping Grandmother Celia. Leonard trips over his string.

AMONG A FOREST OF EVERGREEN TREES. Enzo chops at the trunk of a Christmas tree with an AXE as the Blackstones watch far behind. The tree falls. The Blackstones cheer. Leonard gets a splinter.

Leonard drives the Rolls Royce with the small Evergreen tree strapped to the roof. Enzo snaps a photograph as Annie leads everyone in a Christmas Carol. Leonard doesn’t know the words.

A HOMELESS SHELTER THANKSGIVING EVENT. The Blackstones wear aprons and hair nets, dishing out turkey to a long line of HOMELESS PEOPLE. Enzo snaps a photograph of Leonard with his arm around a homeless man, giving a thumbs up. Leonard shies away from the pungent people and forces a smile.

ON STAGE. Leah instructs 12 ballerinas in her dance piece. She gestures wildly, hair frazzled, having the time of her life.

IN THE AUDIENCE. Leonard and Enzo and Gregory watch Leah work. Enzo stands up and applauds with admiration. Leonard follows Enzo’s lead.

IN THE ATTIC. An envelope is slipping under the door. Enzo picks it up, reads:

“YOU ARE INVITED TO THANKSGIVING DINNER WITH THE BLACKSTONES. xoxo WHITMORE & ANNIE

66.

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

A steaming TURKEY on the table. Gorgeous Autumn foods. Gregory reaches for a roll. Enzo quickly nudges Leonard.

LEONARDI was thinking... we should say grace.

PATRICESeriously?

Enzo takes everyone’s hands and bows his head. Everyone follows. Gregory stops chewing, embarrassed.

LEONARDDear Lord--

Leonard secretly reads a yellow piece of paper in his lap.

“THANKSGIVING GRACE SPEECH. BY ENZO”

LEONARD(reading)

I am thankful for my family, friends, and our health. It is very sad to think that some people in this world don’t even have arms or legs. We should all be thankful for that.

Heads bowed, Leah and Patrice look at each other, confused. Enzo grins to himself, MOUTHING THE WORDS.

LEONARD(reading)

May the beauty of this world fill my family’s heart with joy, lifting us up with love and happiness. Together as one unit, indivisible, with freedom and justice for all. Amen.

PATRICEThat was... nice.

INT. UNCLE SAL’S HOME - DAY

Under a dim florescent light, Uncle Sal sits before a small Thanksgiving Dinner. ALONE. A plate is set at the table with an empty chair. Uncle Sal looks at his watch.

67.


Candles burning down. The Blackstones eat pumpkin pie. Leah leans over to Enzo and WHISPERS:

LEAHI know what you’re doing, Colletti. And I greatly appreciate it. I don’t think I’ve seen my family so happy. It’s bizarre and somewhat fuzzy. Thank you.

ENZOIt’s my pleasure.

LEAHI supposed you’d rather be with your own family on Thanksgiving, hm?

ENZOEh. You guys will pass.

Gregory clinks a glass with his spoon.

GREGORYAhem. I have an announcement to make! I have secured an audition for the Reed Ballet Troop for Leah!

LEAHWe have? Oh my gosh--

GREGORYAnd they cannot wait to see the dance piece Leah is choreographing!

Leah hugs Gregory. Everyone gives excited congratulations.

GREGORYBy this time next year we’ll be touring the world!

LEONARDOur little project is finally going to pay off, eh, dear?

LEAHThank you, dad.

Leah hugs Leonard. Leonard beams until-- BEEP! BEEP! Leonard’s alarm watch. It breaks the moment and the family falls silent.

68.

LEONARDExcuse me a moment.

Leonard exits.

GREGORYWell. We have to present the piece to the judges next month, so we should get to rehearsal at once. Thank you for a wonderful meal.

PATRICEI’m very proud of you two.

LEONARDVery entrepreneurial. Go for the gold you two.

Enzo forces a smile, dejected.

ENZOHey. Yeah. That’s great. You’re going to get everything you ever wanted.

INT. UNCLE SAL’S HOME - NIGHT

Uncle Sal sleeps on the couch with the television on. Enzo rushes in, sees the UNTOUCHED FOOD on the table.

UNCLE SALForget where your real family lives, jackass?

Uncle Sal pulls the chair out for Enzo, sits down, and digs in. Enzo forces down the food.

“DAYS GONE BY” ON THE PIANO PLAYS AND CARRIES OVER...

INT. STAGE - SAME

Leah and Gregory and the 6 Ballerinas practice over and over and over and over...

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - KITCHEN - SAME

THANKSGIVING DINNER IS DONE. Iliana washes dishes. Whitmore and Annie blow soap bubbles from their hands...

69.

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - DINING ROOM - SAME

Leonard smiles at Patrice as they listen to Grandmother Celia’s piano playing in the next room. Herzog the Dog eats a turkey bone beneath the table.

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - LIVING ROOM - SAME

Alone in the wide open room, Grandmother Celia plays her beautiful peaceful tune on the piano...

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

The piano music continues, soft and gentle as a coffin lowers into the ground...

HERE LIES CELIA BEATRICE HAWTHORNE Gifted musician. Cherished Mother

Patrice cries, holding a white rose. Whitmore rubs his eyes. Annie blows bubbles from her bubble bottle.

Leonard stares into the deep dark six foot hole. Mesmerized.

Standing between Gregory and Enzo, Leah doesn’t cry. Not a tear comes to her. Enzo crosses himself as the coffin descends into the earth.

Iliana whispers a prayer over a rosary. Bubbles swirl down through the gaping hole.

Dirt falls slowly, like snowflakes into the grave.

The piano fades out.

EXT. CEMETERY ROADSIDE - SUNSET

Silent and inside of herself, Patrice sits in the back of the parked Rolls Royce with Whitmore and Annie. Enzo sits in the front seat, looks at his watch.

ENZOI’ll go see where he is.

EXT. CEMETERY - SUNSET

Under a canopy of bare, spindly trees, Enzo finds Leonard, wandering among the dead.

ENZOLeonard. You okay?

70.

LEONARDHelp me look for him, Enzo. Please.

Through a sea of ancient headstones, Enzo walks alongside Leonard. Across rolling green hills. Past stone crucifixes.

LEONARDJust once, I would like life to fit into place and be normal. Just once, I’d like to be in control of things.

ENZOBut isn’t that the best part about life, sir? The surprises?

They come upon an OPEN GRAVE.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL:

A HEADSTONE. “JAMES ARLINGTON BLACKSTONE. A Brilliant Mind”

A GRAVE DIGGER, wearing a ragged winter coat, shovels earth from six feet below the headstone. In shocked horror, Leonard and Enzo stand before the tombstone and open grave.

LEONARDW-W-What are you doing?

GRAVE DIGGERMy job.

LEONARDThis is my little brother’s grave.

The Grave Digger stops, assesses the situation.

GRAVE DIGGERDidn’t they call you?

LEONARDNo.

GRAVE DIGGERYou didn’t get the letter?

LEONARDNo.

GRAVE DIGGERThe e-mail?

71.

The Grave Digger taps on his shovel handle.

GRAVE DIGGEROh, boy. Y’see, business has been slow, what with the life expectancy rate going up and the economy going down, so the owners thought it would be best to, eh, down-size the land space. Make room for more potential clients of the living sort.

LEONARDWhat have you done with my baby brother?

GRAVE DIGGERWe, eh, moved him. Over there. With the others.

Leonard trembles.

GRAVE DIGGERSir, I understand you’re upset, I do. But the body, you see, is just a vessel for the soul, and depending on your brother’s beliefs, whether we moved his body a few feet over is not that important, is it? What is important is if he lived a good Christian life before he got here in which case he ended up in eternal rest. Or infinite damnation.

BEEP! BEEP! Leonard’s alarm watch shrieks.

ENZOLeonard, let’s go back to the car--

GRAVE DIGGERNow, if your brother was a Hindu--

LEONARDBASTAAAAAAARD!!!

Leonard leaps INTO THE GRAVE and chokes the grave digger.

ENZOLeonard-- NO!

72.

Enzo tries to drag Leonard from the enormous hole, but he SLIPS on the muddy edge of the grave. Falls into the scuffle.

PATRICE walks over the hill. She sees Enzo pull Leonard from the open grave, hands clenched around the Grave Digger’s throat who swings his shovel at Leonard. She tries to scream, but faints instead.

INT. ROLLS ROYCE - NIGHT

The Blackstones drive in silence.


Annie and Whitmore watch Enzo set up a life-size, plastic NATIVITY SCENE on the front lawn.

ANNIEGuess no one’s coming.

Enzo shrugs. Whitmore flips the switch. The plastic manger brightens. Enzo adjusts the illuminated baby Jesus, tiny compared to the massive estate behind it.


Leonard sits in the rowboat. Swirling water. Moonlight flutters across the waves around the tiny boat.

INT. JUNE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

A beautiful house. Curtains drawn. Tears falls down Patrice’s face as June pours more wine as she calls out to her HUSBAND ROGER and their SCREAMING CHILDREN down stairs.

JUNEPatty and I will be upstairs, Roger! Please, please, don’t let kids bother us.

(smiles to Patrice)They’ll be down there for hours. Thank God for TV.

PATRICEI can’t take it anymore, June. Leonard’s lost it. And I can’t get it back. It feels like everything inside me is turning into dust.

JUNEShh. It’s alright.

73.

June kisses Patrice’s red eyes. Patrice sighs.

PATRICEYou have no idea how good that feels.

One by one, June kisses Patrice’s forehead, her nose, then her lips. A little nervous, Patrice doesn’t pull away.

Crying, Patrice gently takes June’s face in her hands and kisses her.

EXT. JUNE’S HOUSE - NIGHT

TWO SILHOUETTES kiss in the window. Enzo hides beside the scooter, watching through his camera. Titillated, terrified.

UNCLE SAL Girl on girl, alriiiight. Lemme have a peek, will ya?

Uncle Sal emerges from the bushes and grabs the camera, points it at the window.

ENZOShut up, Sal.

UNCLE SALOooh, boy oh boy. Y’know. I’ve been thinking. What was Leonard’s brother doing swimming on New Years Eve in the freezing cold water behind their house? Unless-- oh, wow. I think they’re going to third base up there.

ENZOSal.

UNCLE SALOh, right. Unless James killed himself.

INT. MLW DETECTIVE AGENCY - NIGHT

Uncle Sal tosses a FILE across the table to Enzo.

ENZO“Webber Psychiatric Hospital?”

UNCLE SALI gotta friend knows a guy knows a guy knows a nurse who works there.

74.

(MORE)

See, I do my homework because I am a real detective.

ENZO(reading)

“Leonard admitted his brother James to undergo treatment for delusional psychosis...”

(flips ahead)“Patient is trapped in his own nightmares. Sees visions and strange unrealities which are not there.”

Enzo sees something in the WEBBER REPORT.

ENZOWait a sec. They have Leonard down as a patient. He was forced to spend two weeks at the hospital right after his brother’s death. That can’t be right. Can it?

UNCLE SALKid, the family’s fulla fruit cakes. Anything’s possible.


Leonard stares into the empty water as Maria seductively swims around the bow.

MARIAI’ve missed you.

LEONARDI’ve been feeling okay, lately.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - ROOFTOP - NIGHT

Enzo climbs onto the ROOF with his binoculars, perches beside a rusty weather vane. He watches Leonard sit in the rowboat in the middle of spiral bay.

ENZOGreat. He’s talking to himself.


Maria splashes water in Leonard’s face.

MARIADon’t lie to yourself, Leonard--

75.

UNCLE SAL (cont'd)

Leonard swings an oar at Maria. She dips under, vanishes.

LEONARDYou’re not going to win. Do you hear me? For once, I’m going to win. I’M GOING TO WIN.

She’s gone. Leonard’s echoes vanish in the fog. He slumps back in the seat, holding the oar. Maria resurfaces with a wicked grin.

INT. STAGE - NIGHT

ON STAGE - 12 BALLERINAS glide across the stage.

IN THE EAST WING - Leah stands in the wings, keeping beat. Gregory watches over her shoulder.

LEAHRun it again. It’s not right. It’s not right.

SOUND OF A PIANO DRIFTS IN.

Leah is the only one who can hear the piano music.

IN THE WEST WING - AN OLD WOMAN IS PLAYING THE PIANO.

Leah crosses the STAGE, walking between the gliding ballerinas to see... THE OLD WOMAN PLAYING THE PIANO IS THE GHOST OF GRANDMOTHER CELIA. Leah chokes, blinks at the floating apparition. Celia’s Ghost looks up at Leah and smiles. Leah runs through the perplexed ballerinas.

Out of the exit door. Into the freezing night.

INT. ATTIC - NIGHT

We see Enzo through the ROUND ATTIC WINDOW. He sits in his bohemian hideaway, Enzo turning through PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS and HOSPITAL FILES. Listening to an old record player sitting on a cardboard box. A SOFT OPERA SONG SPINS.

Leah enters with a bottle of champagne which she is trying to open.

LEAHI realized I never thanked you for punching out Bucky’s lights. I actually enjoyed that.

(pause)What a charming set up you have here. Are those my old records?

76.

ENZOThose boxes were already open--

Leah stands in the doorway. Enzo hides the HOSPITAL FILES. She sees the PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS. Looks strangely at Enzo for a moment. He shrugs, caught.

LEAHAnd our old photo albums.

Leah finds a cracked, BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH OF GRANDMOTHER CELIA playing at a HARLEM JAZZ CLUB.

LEAHLook at my grandmother. How young. How gorgeous she was.

She turns through another photo album. She runs her fingers over the EMPTY PHOTOGRAPH SLOTS.

ENZOWho tore out those pictures?

LEAHMy dad did it a few years ago when he-- well.

POP! The champagne cork flies. Bubbles fizz. She drinks from it. Some pours down her chin.

LEAHWhy must we all be so goddam deranged?

ENZOI happen to think you and your family are a rare combination of great and deranged.

LEAHI imagined you say something lofty and kind like that.

She shoves the champagne bottle in his hands. He swigs it. She points to a picture of a raven haired young girl standing happily with her parents.

LEAHLook at my parents. Weren’t we all so adorable? So alive...

The opera music weeps. Tears slide down her face.

77.

LEAHI’m such a cry baby when it comes to this. I hate it.

ENZOIt’s okay. It’s who you are.

LEAHYou’re sweet.

She laces her fingers with her fingers. A long, genuine moment between them as the opera music builds, tearing at their hearts. As they lean close...

LEAHNo one can ever know...

Lips breathing upon his cheek. Mouths so close they share the same air.

ENZOI’m great with secrets.

LEAHSo am I. Close your eyes.

ENZO CLOSES HIS EYES. Moments pass. Enzo opens his eyes.

Leah’s gone. He’s alone. The opera crescendoes.

EXT. MUSEUM SCULPTURE GARDEN - DAY

Patrice and June sit on a marble bench surrounded by nude Greek Gods. June slides over a stack of papers to Patrice.

JUNEI found us a divorce lawyer. He says you’re entitled to half of what’s his... but I think we can get it all.

PATRICEJune, this is-- I thought we were just friends.

JUNEThis is our chance, darling.

Patrice suddenly gets a weird feeling. AS SHE TURNS--

78.

INT. WHITMORE’S & ANNIE’S CLASSROOM - SAME

Whitmore stares out of the window. SENSING SOMETHING. It seems as though Whitmore is looking at his mother.

EXT. MUSEUM SCULPTURE GARDEN - SAME

Though they are miles away, PATRICE SENSES WHITMORE’S STARE.

JUNEWhat’s wrong?

INT. WHITMORE’S & ANNIE’S CLASSROOM - DAY

Annie touches Whitmore’s shoulder.

ANNIEWhat is it, Whitmore?

THE BELL RINGS. KIDS RUN OUT OF CLASS. But Whitmore stays, silent. Annie stays seated beside her brother, trying to read his mind.

ANNIEWhat are you thinking?

A MILK CARTON bursts upon Whitmore’s head. Whitmore’s trance is broken by the rancid milk in his eyes.

BILLY THE PIGHahahaha! Thirsty?

IN THE DOORWAY - Billy laughs in triumph.

Whitmore looks to Annie. Annie nods. In UNISON, brother and sister glares at Billy. EERIE ANGER in their eyes. The Twins CHASE after Billy. Billy cackles, sprints outside.

INT. RUSSIAN BALLET CONSERVATORY - DAY

Backstage, among dark ropes and brick, Leah and Enzo watch the ballet piece she is directing come together. They WHISPER without looking at each other, watching the elegant ballerinas.

LEAHI didn’t want to leave you the other night, Enzo. But I had to... I’m a bit of a confused girl at the moment.

ENZOI completely understand.

79.

He says this as he moves closer toward her, his breath on the back of her neck. She shivers.

LEAHYou just gave me goosebumps. That is not fair. I am forced to take action.

She sucks on her finger and sticks it in his ear. Enzo laughs, swats her away. From the other wing, one of the bitchy FLAMINGO BALLERINAS sees Leah and Enzo speaking closely. The Flamingo Ballerina narrows her eyes, suspicious. Leah sees this and straightens up.

LEAHI think you should leave now.

ENZOI think so too.

EXT. FOREST BEHIND THE SCHOOL - DAY

Billy breaks through the trees, laughing hysterically. Clusters of tall skinny trees surround him.

BILLY THE PIGUh oh, the freaks are after me! Hey, Where'd you guys go?

A HEAVY BRANCH swings from behind a tree toward Billy’s head--

WIDE SHOT - THE FOREST. STILL TREES. CRACK! Birds burst from the tree tops.

BILLY. Splayed out in the rocks and leaves. Not moving. Dead silence.

WHITMORE drops the heavy branch. Amazed at his own strength. Annie yanks the BRANCH from Whitmore’s hands.

EXT. STREET - DAY

As Enzo drives the scooter, his cell phone rings. He picks it up.

ENZOColletti. Kids? Wait-- slow down-- what’s wrong?

EXT/INT. JUNE’S HOUSE - DAY

Enzo bangs on the door. June answers.

80.

JUNEExcuse me, may I help you--

Enzo pushes through the door to see Patrice putting on her clothes in the living room.

ENZOGet dressed. I think your kids just killed someone.

Enzo exits. Patrice stands there, shocked.

EXT. ELMHURST PRIVATE SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE - DAY

Leonard’s shaking hands tear tiny pieces of paper. Enzo puts his hand on Leonard’s shoulder.

ENZOKeep it together, Leonard, this is your big chance.

LEONARDFor what? They almost killed a child!

ENZOExactly! Now’s the perfect opportunity to be the father figure they need.

BEEP! BEEP! Leonard’s alarm watch goes off.

ENZOGive me that damn thing.

Enzo rips the watch off Leonard’s wrist. Enzo throws it on the ground and stomps on it.

LEONARDMy watch-- !

The beeping has stopped.

LEONARDIt stopped.

ENZOYour turn.

Leonard taps on it with his foot.

ENZOC’mon, Leonard. Go nuts.

81.

Leonard steps on the watch again. He laughs, liking it. Leonard stomps on the watch, bashing it to pieces. Enzo sees PATRICE AND THE PRINCIPAL rounding the corner with the children-- Enzo stops Leonard’s crazy watch-stomp just in time as Patrice and the Principal enter. Enzo coolly sweeps the broken watch aside with his foot.

PATRICEReady?

Leonard and Enzo straighten up like canary-swallowing cats.

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT

Billy lies on a large white bed, sleeping. Snowflakes cut out from white paper dangle above the bed. White flowers. A heart rate monitor blips. The Blackstones enter. Annie and Whitmore reach up and hold their parents hands. Leonard and Patrice and Leah are touched that the children are holding their hands.

ANNIEHe looks like an angel.

LEONARDGo ahead, children. Tell him you’re sorry.

Annie whispers something in Billy’s ear. Then, Whitmore stops, looks up at his mother and father. Annie is about to speak when her little brother stops her.

WHITMOREWe. We’re sorry, Billy. And we’re sorry mom and dad. We won’t ever do it again.

It is the first time the little boy has spoken. Patrice sighs, hugs Whitmore. Leonard drops to his knees, hugs them both. Annie pounces on them. Outside, Enzo watches the family.

EXT. HOSPITAL PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Whoosh. The Blackstones walk through the automatic doors all holding hands as Enzo strolls behind them. Under looming parking lot lights.

Leah looks back at Enzo and holds out her hand to him. He trots up and holds her hand, joining the family.

82.

LEAHMaybe it’s time we all go ice skating. Y’know. To get in the holiday spirit?

EXT. ICY POND - DAY

Enzo and the Blackstones shakily glide across the ice. Herzog The Wonder Dog slips after them. Leonard stays on the shore, forcing a “go team” gesture. Leah cuts a beautiful line across the ice. She tries to get her father to skate with her, but Leonard slips and falls. Everyone gasps.

LEONARDOw.

CUT TO:

ON TELEVISION - “A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS”

MINUS wraps his blanket around a scrawny Christmas tree as the PEANUTS GANG looks on.

MINUSIt’s not such a bad tree after all. It just needed some love.

INT. LEONARD’S OFFICE - REVEAL

Eating popcorn, Enzo watches “Charlie Brown Christmas”.

EXECUTIVEEnzo, you were supposed to be in that meeting-- what are you doing?

Enzo points to a stack of videos: “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “A Christmas Carol”, “Christmas Story”.

ENZOResearch.

Enzo takes notes, a gleam in his eye...

INSERT: ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. CHRISTMAS EVE #1) SANTA

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - CONTINUOUS

THE HOMELESS MAN WITH THE WHITE BEARD sits on the back of the Vespa, teetering behind Enzo. The homeless man is dressed up like Santa Claus. Enzo parks the Vespa.

ENZOOkay, Widely. Remember your lines?

83.

WIDELY THE HOMELESS MAN(drunk)

Ho ho something.

Enzo wrenches the bottle of scotch from Widely's hand and THROWS OPEN THE FRONT DOOR TO THE HOUSE--

ENZOMERRY CHRISTMAS!

WYDELLHo ho something!

ENZO’S YELLOW WRITING PAD. CHRISTMAS DAY #2) SNOW ACTIVITIES.

EXT. SNOWY HILL - CHRISTMAS DAY

In a cloud of snow, Annie and Whitmore, both in one big, red sled, skitter after down the hill. Enzo helps Leah rocket off on her sled. Nearby, Leonard (wearing a neckbrace from his ice skating incident) and Patrice look down upon the snowy valley as Leah slides down.

LEONARDLooks very dangerous.

PATRICEAnd very fun.

She shoots off on her sled.

PATRICEWHOOOOOPEEE!

Leonard is ALONE ON THE HILL. Wind howls around him.

SNOW MANHey, Leonard. C’mere.

A SNOW MAN, charcoal teeth, carrot nose, and top hat stands nearby. TALKING TO LEONARD.

LEONARDI’m sorry. Are you speaking to me?

ENZO is crouching behind the snow man, talking to Leonard, pretending to be the snow man. This is not another of Leonard’s daydreams, but Leonard believes it to be one.

ENZO(behind the snowman)

I’m only saying this for your own good.

84.

(MORE)

You know why no one likes you, Leonard? Wanna know the truth? Because you’re scared.

LEONARDI-I-I just don’t want bad things to happen. WHITMORE, CAREFUL OF YOUR SISTER!

Leonard watches his family in the snowy valley where Whitmore tackles Annie into the snow. HIDDEN BY THE BULBOUS SNOW MAN’S HEAD, Enzo watches the family, alongside Leonard.

ENZOBad things always happen. But so do good things. So, you’re nuts. Big deal. We’re all a little nuts. Everyone should go mad at least once, otherwise...

LEONARDOtherwise?

ENZOYou’ll never learn how much fun it is to ride a sled. Let it go, Leonard. A wise woman once said, “lose yourself to the wind and you can ride it.”

Leonard nods and picks up a sled. He readies himself... and flies down the hill on his sled, screaming.

ENZOGO, LEONARD! GO!

Leonard smiles, whooshing down the hillside. He crashes into a snowy bank and FLIPS head over heels like a rag doll. Silence. Everyone gasps, afraid. An anxious beat.

Leonard pops up from the snow with a SMILE. His family runs to his side, merrily hitting him with snowballs. Atop the hill, Enzo watches Leonard play with his family.

ENZO(to the snowman)

Well done.

CUT TO:

DARKNESS. OVER BLACK:

ENZO Merry Christmas, Leah.

85.

ENZO (cont'd)

Lit by a soft flashlight, Enzo hands Leah a HOMEMADE PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM. ENZO’S PHOTOGRAPHS of the Blackstones are pasted in the book.

LEAHIt’s beautiful. Someone’s coming!

Leah shuts OFF the flashlight, PLUNGING THEM INTO DARKNESS.

UNSEEN OVER BLACK, LEAH SPEAKS SOFTLY...

LEAH Ready for your gift?

ENZOOh, yes, please.

LIGHT POURS INTO ENZO’S EYES AS...

Leah UNCOVERS Enzo’s eyes with her hands.

INT. STAGE - NIGHT - REVEAL

MUSIC BEGINS. A RED CURTAIN RISES.

12 BALLERINAS SWOOP across stage.

6 FEMALES WEARING TU TUS and bodices. 6 MALES WEARING WRINKLED TIES and tights.

The dance tells the story of Enzo and Leah. Shifting from classical to modern to violent to sensual until--

ONLY 2 ARE LEFT ON STAGE... 1 in a TIE. 1 in a TU TU.

He lifts her in the air. Impossibly high. BREATHTAKING.

IN THE AUDIENCE - Enzo clutches Leah’s hand tight, amazed. White confetti falls, enveloping Enzo and Leah.

ENZOIt’s incredible.

LEAHSo are you.

They stare at each other for a long moment, then realize that the entire stage full of dancers is staring at them in a living sigh.

86.

INT. CHURCH - CHRISTMAS NIGHT

Candles glow in darkness as the congregation sings “Silent Night.” From an ALTAR BOY’S CANDLE, Annie lights a TINY CANDLE and touches her flame to Whitmore’s candle, and so on. Enzo and Leah steal glances at each other as they light their candles.

LEONARD(whispers)

Patrice? What would you say if we threw a party. A big New Year’s Party?

Patrice smiles, pleasantly surprised.

PATRICEI’d say yes.

IN AN ALCOVE OF PRAYER CANDLES

Enzo lights TWO CANDLES in silence. ALONE. Leonard stiffly kneels beside Enzo.

LEONARDCan you believe I haven’t been here since... I don’t know when. Who are the candles for, if you don’t mind my asking?

ENZOMy parents.

LEONARDHm. Technically our little “Protege Program” is over. Things seem to be looking up, but... I’d like you to stick around until the first of January and then you’ll be free to leave, if that’s okay with you?

Surprised, Enzo drops his candle.

CUT TO:

A SPARKLING, DIAMOND RING.

EXT. GREGORY’S FAMILY’S HORSE STABLES - CONTINUOUS - REVEAL

Among horses and haystacks of a LUSH COUNTRY ESTATE, Leonard admires the DIAMOND RING. Gregory stands over him. RAIN POUNDS ON THE ROOF OF THE SHED.

87.

LEONARDIt’s beautiful, Greg. Leah’s going to love it.

GREGORYThank you, sir. I’ve trained my whole life for this.

BEHIND THE HAY BALES - Enzo watches the exchange, soaked to the bone. Eyes narrowed as Leonard HUGS Gregory.

INT. UNCLE SAL’S HOME - NIGHT

A pathetic Christmas tree blinks in the middle of the room. Uncle Sal hands over his present, a CARTON OF CIGARETTES.

ENZOA whole carton of cigarettes. Thanks.

UNCLE SALIt’s never too late to start. Merry Christmas.

Uncle Sal admires a bottle of “DELLACROCHE MERLOT 1934” with a bow on it.

UNCLE SALThanks for the vino.

Uncle Sal tosses a LARGE MANILA ENVELOPE in Enzo’s lap.

UNCLE SALYour new case. Some guy thinks his next door neighbor’s building a bomb. Look it over, you start next week.

Enzo stares blankly at the file. Distant.

UNCLE SALHey, I warned you. I see those wheels turning. You did your job. Did you think it was gonna last forever? Yo. Enzo!

(pause)They don’t need you anymore.

Enzo nods... but he needs them.

UNCLE SALSo drink up, drown your sorrows.

88.

Uncle Sal pours the wine. Raises his glass to Enzo.

UNCLE SALHey. To la familia verita.

EXT. SPIRAL BAY SHORELINE - DAY

Gloom hangs over the black bay. Wearing a thick fur coat, Patrice feeds bread crumbs to the seagulls alongside Enzo. They sit in a rowboat on the rocks.

ENZOOkay. How should I put this?

(pause)I’m in love with your daughter.

Silence.

PATRICEThat’s not a very good idea, Enzo.

ENZOIf you’ll pardon my saying so, but you’re not one to judge good ideas.

PATRICEJune and I are finished. If that’s what you’re implying.

EXT. MUSEUM SCULPTURE GARDEN - FLASHBACK

Rain batters the hulking Greek Gods. Under a red umbrella June sits alone on the marble bench she once shared with Patrice. Rain splatters upon the divorce papers.

PATRICE (V.O.)June was the breath of fresh air that I needed to come to the surface. Selfishly, I needed someone to take care of me, but now I have to take care of my family--

EXT. SPIRAL BAY - DAY

Patrice rolls her bread crumbs into a wad of dough. In the distant ocean, a whale sings.

PATRICE-- you showed me that.

Patrice puts her hand on Enzo’s hand. Comforting.

89.

PATRICELet Leah be your breath of fresh air and let her go.

Enzo pulls his hand away.

PATRICEYou have enough passion for a hundred girls, Enzo.

Enzo walks off, through the birds.

PATRICEWasn’t it you who told me, “a minute of joy can make your entire life worth living?!”

ENZOI was lying.

Hundreds of seagulls break into the sky in a blast of cries and feathers around him.

INSERT: ENZO’S NOTEPAD. I AM IN LOVE WITH YOUR DAUGHTER, SIR. PLEASE GIVE US YOUR BLESSINGS. I WILL TREAT HER RIGHT.


Enzo’s knee bobs, reading his note pad. Leonard crosses his hands with a smile on his face. Ready for the world and finally in charge of his life.

LEONARDThe final report! Let’s hear it.

ENZOSomething’s come up, Leonard.

(pause)I think Leah might be seeing someone... someone not Gregory.

Leonard’s smile vanishes.

LEONARDWhat’s his name?

ENZOBut I think this new guy is even better than Gregory. I mean, he doesn’t have the kind of money Gregory has but--

90.

LEONARDWhat’s his name?

ENZOAnd from the looks of it, he’s a real nice guy and I know he’s going to take care of her.

Leonard leans forward. Cold. All business.

LEONARDLeah is much smarter than that. She knows the consequences her actions will carry. She depends upon me as her sponsor and I depend upon her for my family’s stability. If she were to do this, it would ruin everything I’ve worked for. She has always loved Gregory and she always will. There will be no more disorder or chaos-- they took me away from my family before. There is no way in hell they’re taking me back--

Leonard stops. Composed yet menacing.

LEONARDI want to hire you to find this person, whoever he is, and you bring him to me. Are we clear?

Enzo swallows.

ENZOSure thing. What exactly do you mean by consequences?

INT. BACKSTAGE - DAY

The set is packed up. A pastoral backdrop sags in the background. Enzo enters to see the 12 Ballerinas sadly walking off.

BALLERINAShow’s canceled.

Leah appears from behind antique props and broken facades.

LEAHWould you believe it? My father just... he just cut me off.

91.

(MORE)

Everything: school, ballet, everything. I-- I can’t afford to put on my performance without him. I’ll get a job, but my whole life has been about making this one thing happen at this moment right now.

Enzo is stunned.

ENZOOkay, look. I’m gonna be dead honest with you.

(pause)My inheritance doesn’t kick in until I’m forty-five. Don’t ask me, my parents are really weird about money. So right now, I don’t have anything. But neither do you.

(pause)But it doesn’t matter-- we can leave all this. Start new. You can do ballet on your own terms over in Europe--

LEAHEurope? Enzo. That’s beautiful, but... we’re just dreaming. That’s all this is...

ENZOWe’re walking into the Unknown, Leah.

She sadly tries to light a cigarette. Her trembling hands can’t do it.

LEAHAnd what’s there, more dreams?

He takes the cigarette from her mouth.

ENZOHope. It doesn’t cost a thing, and it’s gotten me this far.

Leah sadly looks into Enzo’s face. She doesn’t say YES. She doesn’t say NO.

ENZOBut it only works if you believe in it.

92.

LEAH (cont'd)

EXT. RUSSIAN BALLET CONSERVATORY - DAY

Enzo tries to start the clunky Vespa. Gregory emerges from the building, wearing a blue jumpsuit and purple ribbons. The FLAMINGO BALLERINA spy is at Gregory side.

GREGORYDon’t smile at me, you seditious gypsy.

ENZOLook, I know you’re upset--

GREGORYI’ve never been better. Leah had fun with you. You were like a holiday. A trip to the slums and back again. But at the end of the day, Leah knows what she wants. I’m the only one who can give it to her.

ENZOHate to break it to you, Gregg, but Leah doesn’t particularly enjoy her time with you.

GREGORYYou’re not hearing me. Love is a lot more than love. It’s a summer house in the Hamptons, trips to France in the winter, and a hundred thousand dollar engagement ring from Tiffany’s. Do you really think she’ll risk all that to stay with you in your cardboard box?

ENZOI don’t live in a cardboard box, asshole.

GREGORYThen where do you live? And while we’re at it, where are you from, really? Do you even have a family?

Enzo steps back. Gregory gets in his face.

GREGORYYou’re a fake and a liar and a thief.

93.

ENZOAnd that’s just the half of it.

EXT. DOWNTOWN - SUNSET

Eyes red, Enzo drives fiercely down the block on his scooter.

INT. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR’S OFFICE - SUNSET

Enzo dashes past McMullin and Wade at their desks.

ENZOWade, find me a home address for a guy named Gregory Sayles. Yo, McMullin, where does Sal keep his lock pick? CHOP, CHOP, FELLAS!

EXT. TOWNHOUSE STREET - NIGHT

Enzo zips down an elegant street, parks the scooter behind a tree. Checks the address. Yep, this is Gregory’S PLACE. Enzo rings the doorbell. Waits.

ENZOAnybody home, shithead?

No answer. Enzo sneaks around back, pulling on a BLACK SKI MASK and LEATHER GLOVES.

AT THE BACK DOOR - Enzo opens up the lock pick kit. Gets to work. Click, clink. The back door opens.

ENZOThat was easy.

As he slips inside, Enzo fails to notice a blinking SILENT ALARM.

INT. GREGORY’S TOWNHOUSE - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

Wearing the ski mask, Enzo dips in and out of the shadows. Checks room after room. NOTHING. Scans drawers, cabinets, closets. NOTHING.

Then he sees it. A bronze pair of baby ballet shoes hanging on the master bedroom wall. Inside the bronze ballet shoe...

A TIFFANY’S JEWELRY BOX.

Enzo opens the tiny box to behold a wondrous twenty karat DIAMOND RING. A gleaming, sparkling rock worth $100,000.00.

What’s that? In the distance, is that... POLICE SIRENS?

94.

Enzo pockets the ring. DASHES DOWN THE STAIRS.

EXT. GREGORY’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Enzo bolts from the house. A DARK FIGURE grabs him. He knocks the figure down, realizes--

ENZOUncle Sal! How’d you find me?

UNCLE SALI’m a detective, you idiot. It’s what I do for a living.

Enzo picks up Uncle Sal and they bolt through the bushes, into Uncle Sal’s Ford. They speed off as red and blue police lights illuminate the block.

INT. FORD SEDAN - NIGHT

Uncle Sal drives like a maniac.

UNCLE SALWhat are you thinking?! Take off that stupid thing when I’m talking to you.

Enzo pulls off his ski mask.

ENZOI’m in love with her, Sal. I’ve never felt so right about anything in my entire life.

Uncle Sal pulls hard right. Tires squealing.

UNCLE SALYou’re lucky I dumped the scooter in a lake or they woulda tagged you for sure.

ENZOI can’t help it. She’s my future. I’m in love with her.

UNCLE SALStop saying that! Just because you believe something in your heart doesn’t make it true.

Uncle Sal slams on the brakes. Enzo flies forward, slams his head on the dash. Parked in a dark alley, the car sputters.

95.

UNCLE SALYou blew everything. It’s all gone. All of it, zip. I want you to tell me why. And don’t you dare say love. Love is not an excuse.

ENZOBecause I’m no liar.

Uncle Sal taps the wheel thinking.

UNCLE SALKid. This is trouble. This is trouble.

ENZOLook, I’ll get out and you’ll never see me again. This never happened.

UNCLE SALAfraid I can’t do that, kid. I got a responsibility to the law.

Uncle Sal locks the doors. FLOORS IT.

ENZOYou’re taking me to jail?! Uncle Sal, come on! Slow down at least so I can try to jump out.

EXT. JAKE’S PAWN SHOP - NIGHT

24 HOUR PAWN SHOP. Green neon. Uncle Sal parks the sedan. Enzo breathes a sigh of relief.

UNCLE SALTell him Sal sent you. You’ll get a good deal. What can I say? You’re family.

ENZOYou’re my angel, Sal.

Uncle Sal slaps Enzo and DRIVES OFF. As Enzo enters the pawn shop, he PATS HIS SHIRT POCKET. Blood drains from Enzo’s face as he realizes--

ENZOOh, no.

INT. GREGORY’S TOWN HOUSE - SAME

Gregory paces back and forth as POLICE SCAN THE HOUSE.

96.

POLICE pick up ENZO’S NOTEPAD with a tweezers.

POLICEMr. Sayles, I think we found something.

SMASH TO:


An elegant BANNER: “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Christmas lights blink to life around the entire house. GUESTS IN TUXEDOES AND GOWNS stroll up RED CARPET, strangely admiring the funny plastic manger scene nearby.

INT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - NIGHT

The once empty, hollow space has been filled with life and BIG BAND MUSIC.


“HERZOG THE WONDER DOG” leads us through the party of strange humans. The Bloodhound trots past--

THE CATERING TABLE - Annie and Whitmore demonstrate their SPOON-BENDING ABILITIES to BILLY THE PIG, who wears a neck-brace and crutches.

ANNIEWatch carefully now. Come on, Whitmore.

Whitmore GLARES AT THE SPOON. Then exhales, EXHAUSTED. Billy is in AWE.

BILLY THE PIGIt moved! I saw it, I swear!

ANNIEIt did?

THE FRONT DOOR - Patrice greets Iliana, who looks stunning in a gorgeous gown. Iliana’s 12 MEMBER RUSSIAN FAMILY stands at her side. Though they stick out like sore thumbs they are all smiling, very happy to be there.

PATRICEYou look beautiful, Iliana.

ILIANA(whispers)

Thank you for loaning me your gown.

97.

(MORE)

(announcing)This is my Cousin Rodka, my brother Ivan, my sister Eva, my aunt Eva, my grandmama Eva--

Touched, Patrice gladly shakes their hands.

AT THE CATERING TABLE - Uncle Sal, Wade, McMullin, and Lubitsch, all wearing wrinkled bow ties, scarf down plates of warm gourmet food while five ANOREXIC BALLERINAS hungrily eye the feast.

MCMULLIN(mouth full of food)

We gotta hire the kid full time.

WADE(mouth full of food)

Absolutely.

LUBITSCH(mouth full of food)

Why don’t I ever get assigned jobs like this?

UNCLE SALWhat did I tell you? Kid’s a natural.


Echoing sounds of the party bleed through the walls. Leah zips up a gorgeous black gown. Enzo slides open the window and hands her TWO AIRPLANE TICKETS. He climbs inside.

LEAHHow did you--

ENZOI climbed. Here you go.

LEAHTwo first class tickets to Paris?

ENZOAnd I have enough money for you can start your own ballet company.

Enzo swings his legs into the room, sitting on the windowsill.

98.

ILIANA (cont'd)

LEAHIn Paris...

ENZOYou speak French right?

LEAHThis is the most beautiful thing anyone’s ever done for me.

(pause)But. Enzo. I can’t-- my family--

ENZOThey’ll be fine, Leah.

LEAHNo, they won’t. My father...

ENZOThis is what we talked about.

LEAHYou don’t get it.

ENZOI get it.

LEAHNo, you don’t.

ENZOYes I do. Why would you want to leave all this? Who wouldn’t want to stay in a bubble of money and art, locked in your room, escaping to ballet. Safe and sound from your grandmother and your uncle James.

LEAHWhat do you know about my uncle--?

ENZOI’m not good enough. All this time, I thought maybe I saw something inside of you that you hadn’t seen in a long time... but this is who you really are, isn’t it? Oh, shit. You weren’t faking. I’m just a kid from nowhere. That’s what it comes down to, doesn’t it?

Enzo jumps onto the windowsill. Leaving.

99.

ENZOForget it. I’ll go by myself--

LEAHWhy are you in such a hurry? Enzo, wait!

ENZOTell me the truth, Leah. Why don’t you want to leave with me?

LEAHMy family needs me.

ENZOSince when do you care about them?

Silence. Leah says quietly.

LEAHSince I killed James.

INT. LEAH’S ROOM - NIGHT - 10 YEARS AGO

LIGHTENING CRACKS. YOUNG LEAH, 13 years old, nightgown, watches silently from her WINDOW. She sits upon the windowsill.

LEAH (V.O.)Uncle James came to live with us while he settled his divorce.

YOUNG LEAH’S POV - THROUGH THE WINDOW:

In the rowboat, JAMES BLACKSTONE, wearing a tuxedo, rows into the middle of the lake. He ties an anchor around his ankle.

LEAH (V.O.)I didn’t know it then, but he was really sick. He came here to get better. He was on so much medication that he thought everything was great and wonderful but, I knew he was just pretending.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT - 10 YEARS AGO

YOUNG LEAH, 13, in her nightgown, pours a prescription bottle of PILLS down the toilet. She places SUGAR PILLS in the prescription bottle, screws on the cap, and places the bottle back in the medicine cabinet.

100.

LEAH (O.S.)I could see behind his glazed expression how sad he was. I decided to help. So, I replaced his medication with sugar pills.

(pause)I thought he would just... get better.

EXT. SPIRAL BAY - NIGHT - 10 YEARS AGO

SPLASH. James hurls the ANCHOR OVERBOARD. With a peaceful expression, James watches the rope uncoil.

LEAH (V.O.)Three days later, he did what he really wanted to do.

Young Leah stares. Tears down her face. The rope violently jerks James out of the rowboat.

INTO THE WATER. GONE.

ON THE SHORE. IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

YOUNG LEAH, holds her BABY BROTHER, WHITMORE, 1, alongside YOUNG ANNIE, 4. The children stare in silence at...

LEAH (V.O.)A week went by before anyone knew what happened.

UNCLE JAMES’ BODY. Washed upon the rocks. Seagulls and crabs pick at the corpse.

INT. LEAH’S ROOM - PRESENT

Leah sits on the windowsill. Enzo listens.

LEAH(a sad smile)

Helluva way to bring in the New Year, huh?

ENZO... did you ever tell anyone?

Leah shakes her head.

ENZOAnd you were afraid your father would do the same thing?

101.

She nods. She holds Enzo so tight it is as if they have been thrown out of an airplane without a parachute, falling through the sky.

LEAHBut then you arrived. You and your big heart did a real number on us, Colletti. I’ve never seen the Blackstones so truly happy.

(pause)I was a real miserable bitch, wasn’t I?

ENZOJust on the outside.

Leah wipes her eyes. Looks out the window. Then to the plane tickets. Curtains billow around them.

LEAHSo. I’ll go say goodbye. We’ll run off to Paris. And we’ll see. We’ll just see.

She moves to kiss him-- the door opens. It’s Leonard.

LEONARDComing down, Leah?

LEAHOne second, dad!

Enzo jumps out of the window and dangles from the windowsill.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR

AT THE TOP OF THE GRAND STAIR CASE - Enzo runs up to Leonard, huffing out of breath.

LEONARDWhere have you been?

ENZOHanging out. Cheers.

He hands Enzo a flute of champagne. They admire the party.

LEONARDEnzo. I... I’ve never had so much peace as I have right now. When Whitmore grows up, I hope he turns out just like you.

102.

Enzo pauses. A lump in his throat.

ENZOThank you, sir. It’s been a pleasure.

Leonard puts his arm around Enzo in an awkward sideways, one-armed, pat on the back and hug.

ENZO’S POV: From the first floor, LEAH smiles up at Enzo with all her heart. She nods her head.

IT’S TIME TO GO.

Gregory grabs Leah’s ARM. They argue, then he shows SOMETHING to Leah.

ENZOUh oh.

Leah listens to Gregory a moment and the disappointed, broken expression Leah gives Enzo tells him everything we need to know. The world is about to unravel.

THE SECOND FLOOR BALCONY

Patrice, Leah, Gregory, and Leonard rush Enzo. PATRICE HOLDS OUT ENZO’S NOTEPAD.

PATRICEWhat is this, Enzo? Please, explain--

GREGORYHe can explain, but it will all be lies. I checked with Ithaca College, they’ve never even heard of him. Oddly, the only place that ever heard of Enzo Colletti was the Washington State Penitentiary, where Enzo Colletti spent six months in jail on charges of fraud and theft. He also broke into my house and stole Leah’s engagement ring. The police will be here any minute.

LEAHIt’s not true. Tell them. Tell them it’s not true, Enzo.

ENZOIt’s not true.

103.

Enzo looks at Leonard who seems to be having a heart attack.

PARTY GUESTSONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT!

LEONARDIt’s my fault...

ENZOLeonard, don’t.

LEONARDIt’s my fault. I hired Enzo. It’s my fault.

(pause)He’s a private detective.

PATRICEWhat?

LEAHYou hired...? You’re a detective?!

ENZONot a very good one.

GONGS CHIME, CLANGING THE TEN SECOND COUNT.

PARTY GUESTSTEN! NINE! EIGHT!

Leah’s face drops. Leonard looks at his wife and daughter. Gregory is equally shocked, he had no idea.

PATRICEWhy would you do this, Leonard?

LEONARDI... I stopped taking my medication. I wanted to make things normal--

PATRICEBut we agreed you’d take those pills--

LEONARDI NEVER AGREED! I was ordered! They would have taken me away from you--

PARTY GUESTSSEVEN! SIX! FIVE!

104.

LEONARDI was sleepwalking on that medication-- all those therapists and doctors, I was crazier than I am now! You all hated me-- I had to do something.

PATRICESo I guess Enzo told you all about that affair I was having with June.

ENZOActually, no.

LEONARDWHAT-- ? You were having an affair?

As Leonard’s world crumbles there is a HORRIFIC ROAR:

PARTY GUESTSHAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Confetti blasts. Lights burst. People scream and kiss. But the Blackstones stand and stare at Leonard and Enzo.

LEAHI trusted you, Enzo... I...

ENZOLeah.

LEAHYou were just pretending.

ENZONo. I love you, Leah--

LEAHYou’re a rotten liar, Colletti.

GREGORYI’ll escort you to the door now--

ENZOGet your hands off me, Barishnakov.

Enzo PUNCHES Gregory. Gregory stumbles, gains his balance--

Gregory SPINS on his tip toe in PIROUETTE. FASTER. FASTER.

He kicks Enzo in the FACE. 1,2,3. Enzo stumbles.

105.

AND FOR A GRAND FINALE Gregory elegantly CRACKS Enzo’s nose in a graceful, ROUNDHOUSE KICK.

Enzo falls back. Slides down the grand staircase. Thump, thump, thump. All the way down. The party gasps as Enzo hits the bottom floor at their feet. Silence. Enzo stares up at the strange people in tuxedoes and sparkling dresses as balloons and confetti gently fall.


Empty. Not a soul in sight. Only the remains of a party. Iliana sadly sweeps up a broken glass.


Enzo throws his duffel bag in the back of Uncle Sal’s car.

ENZO’S POV: LEAH’S BEDROOM WINDOW. Leah peeks out of the curtains, sees Enzo. She quickly shuts the curtains.

UNCLE SALWhere to?

ENZOI really don’t care.


Curtains closed tight. Door locked. Leah sobs.

She opens her sterling silver case and lights a joint. Takes a drag. She’s too worked up to relax. It’s fucking useless. She smashes the joint out against her floral wall paper.

EXT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

Leonard waits by Leah’s door. Gregory appears from the darkness of the hallway.

GREGORYMr. Blackstone. I am so sorry.

LEONARDYou were only doing what you thought was right, Gregory.

GREGORYI’m glad you see it my way, sir.

LEONARDBut I don’t ever want to see you in my house again.

106.

Gregory stares down Leonard. He chokes.

GREGORYI should have known this family was hopeless. What a waste.

INT. ANNIE’S ROOM - NIGHT

Patrice kisses Annie and Whitmore goodnight in their beds.

ANNIEEnzo’s never coming back?

PATRICENo.

WHITMOREYou’re leaving, too. Aren’t you?

PATRICEI’ll be back.

WHITMOREWhen?

Patrice SHUTS OFF THE LIGHT.

EXT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

Wearing her fur coat, Patrice walks down the hallway. Tears down her face. Leonard stops Patrice.

LEONARDPatrice.

For once, she is hopeful, open, ready to listen.

PATRICEYes, Leonard?

LEONARDGoodbye.

Her heart breaks. She steps through the front door. Into the cold. Leonard looks around the hollow, empty house. Lost. Tears in his eyes. Confetti on the floor. Balloons at his feet.


Leah bends over to do a line from her silver snuff box. That’s bullshit, too. She throws the coke across the room, leaving a puff of white in the air...

107.

as it falls gently like snow around her face, Leah finds Enzo’s HOMEMADE PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM peeking out from under her bed.

She reaches for it...

INT. BMW - NIGHT

Patrice speeds down the private street, dialing her cell phone, wiping her eyes, smearing her make up.

PATRICE(into cell phone)

June. I need to see you. Please pick up.

The BMW swerves across the road into the fog.

EXT. SPIRAL BAY - SHORELINE - NIGHT

Leonard stands at the shore, hair blown by the mist. A lighthouse beam sweeps the air. He pushes the rowboat into the water.

INT. FORD - NIGHT

Uncle Sal drives and smokes. Enzo stares out the window.


Leonard rows into the middle of the black water. Floating in darkness. Maria surfaces beside the wooden boat.

MARIAHello, my dear.

LEONARDHi.

INT. BMW - NIGHT

Patrice dials June’s number over and over again. Her hands barely on the wheel, the road veers side to side through the windshield.

PATRICE(into cell phone)

June, pick up please. I know you’re there.

INT. JUNE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

June paces before the answering machine. Finally, June picks up the phone and screams:

108.

JUNEF U C K I N G D I E!

INT. BMW - NIGHT

Patrice recoils from her phone. The steering wheel slips. Spins. Last thing she sees is a tree. Violently exploding glass--


UNDERWATER. An ANCHOR shoots through the water, trailing a rope on the end. Tied to the rope, Leonard plunges past. A serene look of peace on his face. And he’s gone.

Ripples pass through the dark, moonlit nothing.


Leah stares at Enzo’s PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM. The Blackstones caught in joy and love. Enzo stands among them, smiling. And now, she understands, this is what Enzo really did.

INT. FORD - NIGHT

Uncle Sal shakes his head. Enzo looks back...

UNCLE SALHelluva way to bring in the New Year.

INT. WHITMORE’S ROOM - SAME

Whitmore stares above. FIERCELY CONCENTRATING.

INT. DINING ROOM - SAME

SPOONS RATTLE IN THEIR DRAWERS.

Vibrating by an unseen force, the SPOONS begin to BEND.

INT. FORD - NIGHT

An odd feeling crosses over Enzo.

ENZOTurn around.

UNCLE SALNo way. Cops are probably there right now.

109.

Uncle Sal looks at Enzo, the world is in Enzo’s eyes. Sal peels into a u-turn.


Enzo runs past the quiet mansion into the back yard. Uncle Sal stays in the car.


From the shoreline behind Blackstone Manor, Enzo spots the EMPTY ROWBOAT in the middle of the bay.

ENZOLEONARD-- !

Enzo jumps into the water. He screams. Deathly cold.

Plunges beneath the surface.

UNDERWATER. Enzo kicks through the murky blackness. Can’t hold his breath. Swims for what seems like eternity.

IN A SHAFT OF MOONLIGHT. LEONARD. Rope tied to his ankle. Arms outstretched. Bubbles trailing from his mouth. Clothes and hair waving like seaweed.

Enzo manages to reach Leonard, shakes him. Leonard blinks. Amazed to see someone else down here. The man stares at Enzo for a long moment--

Then Leonard smiles. Hopeful.

Tries to break free from the rope around his ankle. Dying for air, Enzo pulls at the rope. TEARS IT FREE.

Leonard shoots up into the watery light.

Leonard breaks the water’s surface. GASPING FOR AIR. BUT--

THE LONG ROPE TANGLES AROUND ENZO. Trapped.

Enzo flails. Losing the fight. Breathless.

EXT. PRIVATE STREET - NIGHT

GASPING FOR AIR. Patrice comes to life. In her seat. Blood on her forehead. ALIVE.

Smoking car hideously mangled around a tree. Patrice clutches at her heart, finds the SEAT BELT tight around her chest.

110.


UNDERWATER. Enzo slowly struggles. Caught in the rope. A fly in a spider’s web. Light blue face. Enzo stares out, into the darkness.

He stops fighting. A final bubble floats from his mouth.

IN THE DISTANCE - Maria the Mermaid trails through the water. Vision of beauty and peace. The mermaid swims toward Enzo, through the shimmering currents.

Enzo smiles. Ready to go. This is it.

The Mermaid kisses Enzo on the lips. Bubbles pass from the mermaid’s mouth. Giving Enzo life. He pulls away from the mermaid to see--

IT’S LEAH.

Leah blows bubbles in Enzo’s mouth. Together, they tear at the ropes and ascend into the moonlight.

AT THE WATER’S SURFACE - Leah and Enzo break free.


POLICE CARS and AMBULANCES squeal into the driveway. Uncle Sal puts up his hands.

UNCLE SALI didn’t do it.

POLICE and PARAMEDICS rush past Sal. Into the BACKYARD.

Sal stands there a moment then puts his hands down. Patrice’s smashed up BMW putters into view. Sal runs to the car, helps Patrice from her hissing, dying car. Delirious

PATRICEWhat’s wrong?

UNCLE SALFor starters you got one whacked out family.

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - BACKYARD - NIGHT

The rowboat bumps onto shore. Leah helps Leonard and Enzo out. PARAMEDICS rush up and throw blankets around all three.

Enzo and Leah embrace. They are about to kiss--

111.

LEONARDYou... IT WAS YOU.

Leonard grabs Enzo away from Leah. Blood in his eyes.

ENZOIt was me, sir. It’s always been.

Leonard shakes Enzo-- Enzo doesn’t fight back. Leah puts her hand on her father’s shoulder. Quietly.

LEAHIt’s okay, dad. Let him go.

Leonard looks into Leah. Leah nods. Speaking quietly and openly to her father for the first time.

LEAH... let him go...

Leonard looks at Enzo. Searching.

LEAHJust let him go.

Leonard sees Enzo for the first time. Releases his grip. He embraces Enzo in a fierce hug, weeping into Enzo’s shoulders. Enzo pats the man on the back.

Patrice, bruised and bashed, runs with the help of Whitmore, Annie, and Iliana across the backyard. Herzog the Dog at their feet. Leonard and Patrice collapse together in an embrace.

Snow begins to fall, swirling in the night. Enzo takes Leah’s hand--

POLICE Enzo Colletti?

POLICE SURROUND Enzo. Hands on their guns.

ENZOWho’s asking?

EXT. BLACKSTONE MANOR - DRIVE WAY

Police SLAM Enzo onto the hood of a squad car. Handcuffs snap around his wrists. Enzo sighs. The children pound at the cops. Herzog bites a cop’s ankle.

112.

POLICEYou’re under arrest. You have the right to remain silent.

PATRICEIt was all a misunderstanding--

LEONARDDon’t worry, Enzo, I have a great lawyer--

LEAHHE’S INNOCENT!

ENZONot really.

LEAHYou’re not?

ENZO(shrugs)

You said you adored jewel thieves.But I’ll tell you the God’s honest truth, Leah: I love you.

They break through the police and meet in a fierce kiss. Arms tight around each other. Drinking in each other’s lips. Police lights flare, everyone stares. The world vanishes in their kiss. Cops pull Enzo away and shove him in the backseat of their car. Uncle Sal pushes through the cops.

UNCLE SALI don’t care what it takes. No one messes with my family. I’m your uncle, dammit!

ENZOThanks, Sal. But you’re not really my uncle.

UNCLE SALSay what?

ENZOI looked you up a long time ago... I figured since we both have the same last names...

UNCLE SALBut, your parents-- my brother--

113.

ENZOI read about them in the newspaper.

(shrugs)I did my homework.

Uncle Sal is stunned. The police push him away.

UNCLE SALSon of a bitch. Kid’s a natural.

The police car drives off with Enzo in the backseat.

ENZO’S POV: Out of the window, back to Blackstone Manor...

Covered in one big blanket, Leonard, Patrice, Leah, Annie, and Whitmore watch Enzo drive off together. A family. Herzog the dog is at their side. Uncle Sal puts his arm around Iliana, slyly comforting her. They stand together.

Leonard waves goodbye. Leah mouths “I love you”.

From his place in back of the squad car, Enzo smiles at the Blackstone Family as he is taken away, into the distant falling snow.

FADE OUT THE END

114.

blackstone holiday

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