I’ve been waiting patiently for Sean Tuohy to enter The Newspapermen fray since we published our first chapter. Sean lives and breathes noir, so I knew it was only a matter of time before he was inspired with an idea. He emailed me last week and said he had something in mind. A couple of days later, he sent me this script. The man never disappoints. Enjoy!—Daniel Ford
Chapter Five: Scum and Villainy
By Sean Tuohy
EXT. NEW YORK SKYLINE-1939-NIGHT
Looming skyscrapers twinkle through thick down pouring rain. Lighting CRACKS against the darken sky. Thunder RUMBLES like an angry god.
We CRANE DOWN TO
EXT. STREET HELL’S KITCHEN -NIGHT
Gutters choked with runoff water and trash. Void of people, the city hides from the rain. A lone figure huddled in a soaked top coat walks the sidewalk toward the only lit storefront.
HAL FINTAN, 40s, slept in clothes, unkept, eyes shine with cunning. Steps in to light. He hurries down the street.
EXT. ALBERT’S CAFE
The name printed proudly against the recently cleaned window panel. Inside the small cafe is empty besides a TENDER behind the counter cleaning and a heavy set man reading a newspaper at a table.
Leaning in the doorway out of the rain is the DOORMAN, a thug in a cheap suit. Hal steps up to him, smiling.
HAL
Hellva night.
DOORMAN
Yeah. I saw your article, newspaper man.
HAL
Oh yeah. That’s surprising.
DOORMAN
Why?
HAL
I find it hard to believe you can read.
Hal tries to walk past the Doorman. He’s blocked.
HAL
Guess you haven’t notice it’s raining tonight and I’m in need of a cup of coffee.
DOORMAN
Get it somewhere else.
HAL
But I like it here.
DOORMAN
(Helpless shrug) Get it somewhere else.
HAL
Well, I’ve got to talk to the big man and he needs to talk to me.
DOORMAN
He’s not seeing anyone tonight. Try again tomorrow.
HAL
Naw, he needs to see me tonight. If he knows what’s good for him he’ll see me right now.
Hal and the Doorman lock eyes. The Doorman steps up, nose to nose with Hal. Hal’s gaze never falters.
HAL
Unless you plan on givin’ me my goodnight kiss you best get the big man to talk to me.
The two square off. The Doorman can read something in Hal’s gaze. Something that is off.
INT. ALBERT’S CAFE-MOMENTS LATER
ALBERT MORUZZI, 50s, heavyset, well dressed, is in the middle of sipping coffee and reading that evenings paper. He looks up at the sound of the door opening. His face unreadable.
ALBERT
You come here for a quote?
Hal shakes off his wet coat. A puddle forms at his feet.
HAL
You got somethin’ special to say today.
ALBERT
Yeah. Beat it. I’ve got some readin’ to do. (Holds Up The Paper) From your competitor no less. They don’t print garbage.
HAL
You didn’t like my piece of Vinny last week.
ALBERT
You made him look like a rat and a killer.
HAL
So I did my job.
Hal moves with a confidence that most men don’t carry around Albert. He slides in to a chair across from Albert.
ALBERT
I don’t remember inviting to sit with me.
HAL
You’ll be happy that I did. (To The tender) I’ll have what he’s having. (Back to Albert) How’s the wife?
ALBERT
How’s the whore?
Hal’s face cracks; that touched a nerve. He pushes it aside.
HAL
Susan is fine and dandy.
ALBERT
She’s a whore. I’ve seen her at Club 21. She likes her men with thick wallets. What she see in you?
HAL
My charm.
ALBERT
(Snorts) You got balls, Fintan, balls of steel. They’re gonna get you killed.
HAL
Until then...
ALBERT
Stop wasting my time. Why are you here?
HAL
I’m here to collect.
ALBERT
Collect?
HAL
What’s owed to me, Albert.
Albert face goes flush.
ALBERT
That mouth of yours is gettin’ loose. You better watch it.
HAL
I’m not going to waste time here. I’ve got something you want and need and I need you to pay me for it.
ALBERT
And what’s that?
HAL
Junior.
Albert stares blankly at Hal.
ALBERT
That mouth of yours. My son is-
HAL
A good ole college boy. Nothin’ like his pops. He’s staying out of trouble. Good for him. I’m glad to see he’s doing well. But I had this feeling that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. So I followed the boy around. Just makin’ sure he’s stayin out of trouble.
FLASH CUT TO-NEW YORK COLLEGE NIGHT
ALBERT JR, 20, lanky, walks campus with his friends one night. Hal follows them.
BACK TO SCENE
ALBERT
You son of-
HAL
Hear me out, Al, before you get all steamed. Your boy is staying out of trouble. I made sure of that but I did find something else out. He has some great taste.
FLASH CUT TO-NEW YORK COLLEGE-DAY
A narrow alley between two brick buildings. Albert JR pulls a YOUNG MAN in to the alley. Against the wall the two kiss.
BACK TO SCENE
Hal pulls a folded photo from his pocket. Slides it across the table top. Albert opens it and his eyes go wide. He shuts it. A million emotions running across his face at once.
HAL
Like I said he’s stayin’ out of trouble because he’s always with his friends.
Albert is deathly still. He snaps. With a roar he is on his feet THROWING the table against the wall. Before Hal can react he SLAMMED against the wall. Albert’s hands around his throat. His feet kick off the ground.
ALBERT
SCUM! SCUM! SCUM!
Hall’s face turns blue. He struggles but it’s all in vain. He’s able to let out:
HAL
...More...pictures...out ...there...
Through his rage Albert hears the words. Fuming he drops Hal to the ground. Hal sucks in air. Staggers to his feet. Hacks up a lung as he speaks.
ALBERT
I outta kill you now. Right now. End your scum life right—
HAL
I die the pictures go out to the public. The world learns your son’s a queer. (Hacks) 'Crime lord Son Found To Be A Fairy'
ALBERT
Scum.
HAL
I get my cash. I go away. (Hack) I don’t get the cash. I stay here and only bad things happen if I stay here.
Albert’s gaze hardens. He’s torn; he wants to kill this man more than anything else. He’s shoulders sag, defeated.
ALBERT
How much?
OFF Hal’s winning smile
TO BE CONTINUED...
To download a PDF of Sean Tuohy's script, click here.