Fade In
INT. – NEWS STUDIO – MORNING
A NEWS REPORTER is sitting on a settee, talking into the live camera. He has a few sheets of notes in his hands. JOSEPH, sixteen, is sitting on the adjacent settee to the NEWS REPORTER. JOSEPH is wearing casual clothes with a watch on his left wrist and a sweatband on his right wrist.
NEWS REPORTER
This morning, we are joined by teen singing sensation, Joseph Thompson. (faces JOSEPH) Thanks for joining us on the show, Joseph.
JOSEPH (smiling)
It’s good to be here.
NEWS REPORTER
You’ve recently released your debut album, which is currently number one in the charts. Did you feel under any pressure to please your fans? Your entire career rests on them.
JOSEPH
Yeah. It was a little daunting. I didn’t want people waiting so long and then being disappointed by the end result. But thankfully, they’ve all been incredibly supportive and I can’t thank them enough for it.
NEWS REPORTER
You’ve got a busy time ahead of you. In a few weeks, you’re embarking on your headline tour and you also have your GCSE’S to complete. What’s that like for you?
JOSEPH
Terrifying! But it will be good. I’m looking forward to it.
NEWS REPORTER
Is performing always what you wanted to do or is there another career option you’d like to pursue in the future?
JOSEPH
Performing is amazing. I love it. It has always been my dream and I wanna keep on doing it.
NEWS REPORTER
Well that’s all we’ve got time for today. Thank you for taking
Page 1
the time out to be with us.
JOSEPH
(smiles) Thank you…
JOSEPH (narration)
I suppose you’re wondering how I got here. It all began six months ago when I was just like you. I wanted to become a singer. I spent most of my free time at home writing music. Rock, pop, you name it. I was hardly a one trick pony.
Cut to
INT. – JOSEPH’S BEDROOM – EVENING - FLASHBACK
JOSEPH is sitting at his desk, writing a song into a notebook. A lamp is on the desk, lighting up the corner of the room. JOSEPH says the lyrics out loud as he writes them onto the paper. He crosses one of the words out and replaces it with another.
JOSEPH (narration)
I even got the chance to perform at small gigs. There’s a club in town which I played at one night. I played in front of six hundred people. I also played more minor gigs, such as the school’s Christmas ball.
Cut to
INT. – SCHOOL DINNER HALL – AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
JOSEPH is standing on the stage, singing a song, whilst also playing a guitar. He is wearing his school uniform and his rucksack is on the floor next to him, along with his guitar case. Several rows of seats have been set out inside the room.
GIRL 1, fourteen, is sitting on the front row. The only person watching. JOSEPH finishes performing the song. GIRL 1 gets to her feet and claps hysterically. She hurries over to JOSEPH, who packs his guitar into its case.
GIRL 1
That was totally amazing. The lyrics were so meaningful. And your voice… (dazes into a trance) I’ve never heard anything so beautiful.
JOSEPH
That’s great. (puts his rucksack onto his back) Well, I best be off. Thanks for coming.
JOSEPH walks off the stage and towards the door.
Page 2
JOSEPH (narration)
Performing at minor gigs was great, don’t get me wrong, but I
wanted to do something different. Something to get my name out there. If only the right opportunity came along…
Cut to
INT. – JOSEPH’S BEDROOM – EVENING - FLASHBACK
JOSEPH is sitting on his bed, with his laptop in front of him. He is looking at the website of ‘Sing To Win’. There is a knock on the bedroom door. JOSEPH lowers the laptop lid, just as the door opens. CRYSTAL, early forties, steps inside the room.
CRYSTAL
I was just coming to see how you were getting along.
JOSEPH
Mum, I was looking into a music talent show. (lifting up the laptop lid) There’s an up and coming one. The prize is a record deal. Do you think I should audition?
CRYSTAL sits on the edge of the bed. She looks at the laptop screen.
CRYSTAL
It’s up to you. I think you have the potential. But do you feel up to it?
There is a pause. CRYSTAL gets to her feet and she walks out of the room, closing the door behind herself. JOSEPH stares at the laptop screen.
JOSEPH (narration)
I applied for the show and less than two weeks later, I had already heard back from them. They invited me to audition. But before I could audition, something happened…
Cut to
INT. – INTERROGATION ROOM – AFTERNOON – FLASHBACK
JOSEPH is sitting at a table. PADDY, late thirties, is sitting opposite to JOSEPH at the table. His clothing is casual. Not the dress code you’d expect from an agent working for the British Secret Service.
PADDY
My name is Paddy Norton. I work for the British Secret Service and right now, your life is in danger. Your Father used to
Page 3
work with us.
JOSEPH
(stutters) I, I don’t understand. How can I trust you?
PADDY
His name was Jacob Adam Thompson. He was born in Edinburgh. His Father was a plumber and his Mother was a florist. When he was sixteen, he moved to London. Two years later, he met your Mother. Crystal.
JOSEPH (narration)
He was right. Soon enough, they came after me… Six months later, I was at the top of the world. I had an album in the shops, a beautiful girlfriend and the best friends I could ever ask for. But there was still a part of me longing for the life I left behind. The life of a spy…
Opening Titles
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH LECTURE ROOM – MORNING
AARON, early forties, is standing on a podium, giving a presentation to a handful of seated delegates from across the country, whom are listening intently.
PADDY is sitting amongst the delegates. He is smartly dressed with also a fake pair of glasses on. The Heart Touch logo is being projected onto the screen, which is on the wall behind AARON.
AARON
The Heart Touch organization was founded in the early ‘90s by Philip Gladwell, who unfortunately suffered from cancer. The organization started off in Cornwall and soon began opening offices around the country. The head office is now based here in the country’s capital. We are delighted to offer our new customers a complimentary gift pack, which includes a cd-rom with information regarding the organization. Money off vouchers that can be used in many of the high street stores and, of course, a Heart Touch branded pen.
The delegates laugh, all except PADDY, who stares at AARON suspiciously.
Cut to
INT. – MARK’S WORKSTATION – MORNING
MARK, mid-forties, is sitting at the desk, in front of a
Page 4
computer. He is speaking to a customer on the phone. MARK has his name badge attached to his shirt. A customer’s details are
on the computer screen and there is also a spare chair next to MARK.
MARK
No, ma’am. You cannot receive the complementary gift pack until you subscribe. Those are the rules.
The call cuts out.
MARK (sighing)
Unbelievable.
MARK places the phone down. PADDY steps inside the workstation with a notebook and pen in his hands.
PADDY
Hi. I’m Paddy. I’m new here. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? Just so I feel more at ease with the job.
MARK
Not at all, mate.
PADDY sits on the chair. He spots the customer’s details on the computer screen and quickly writes them down.
PADDY
(spots MARK’S name badge) So, Mark. What’s it like working here?
MARK (whispering)
Honestly, mate. It’s a load of rubbish. The pay’s good but the cheques are always bouncing, so it’s not as if I ever see the money…
Cut to
INT. – TINA’S WORKSTATION – MORNING
TINA, mid-twenties, is sitting at the desk. She is talking to PADDY, who is sitting in front of her. PADDY’S notebook and pen are on the desk, along with TINA’S business cards.
TINA
I first began working for Heart Touch a good couple of years ago now.
PADDY
What got you interested in the job?
Page 5
TINA
I don’t know. It’s probably due to the fact that I knew I would be helping to save lives. (pauses) The weird thing is, I’d never even heard of them before that.
TINA picks up one of her business cards and hands it to PADDY. He looks at it.
TINA (continued)
That’s my number. Call me sometime and maybe we can go for a drink.
AARON steps into the workstation. His hands are inside his jacket pockets.
AARON
Tina, I need you to contact the Raymond’s and get them to set up a direct debit? I’m sick and tired of all the bouncing cheques.
TINA (unenthusiastically)
Yes, sir.
AARON
(faces PADDY) And you are?
PADDY
(gets to his feet) Paddy. Paddy Norton.
PADDY holds out his hand and AARON shakes it.
AARON
Aaron Swift. Now I don’t mean to sound crass, but shouldn’t you be getting on with some work?
PADDY
Yes, of course.
PADDY picks up his notebook and pen and walks out of the workstation.
Cut to
INT. – CHARLIE’S OFFICE – MORNING
CHARLIE, late forties, is sitting at the desk, talking to JOSEPH, who is sitting in front of him.
JOSEPH (narration)
That’s Charlie, my manager. He was also the judge who put me
Page 6
through to the live finals of ‘Sing To Win’.
CHARLIE
The final print of your poster got delivered this morning.
CHARLIE gets to his feet as he brings out a wooden tube from underneath the desk. He opens it and brings out a folded poster of JOSEPH. He holds it out so that JOSEPH can see it.
CHARLIE (smiling)
So what do you think?
JOSEPH
I didn’t realize I look so miserable.
CHARLIE
It’s the teen look. (places the poster on the desk) We’re talking about teenage girls. They’ll buy just about anything as long as it features a good-looking guy on the cover. Just look at the Twilight series. Release a poster of Edward Cullen and girls flock to the shops.
JOSEPH
(sighs) I don’t want people to like me because of my looks. They should be interested in my music.
CHARLIE
And they are. We just need to market you from all angles.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE CHARLIE’S OFFICE – MORNING
SETH, sixteen, is sitting on a chair, listening to music on his iPod. A scar is visible around his neck and the bottom of his face. CHARLIE’S SECRETARY is sitting behind the reception counter, reading a book.
JOSEPH (narration)
That’s Seth. I met him whilst working with Paddy. His father was responsible for the death of mine. After the assignment had finished, Seth chose to live with a foster family. Luckily for me, we still keep in close contact.
CHARLIE’S office door opens and JOSEPH walks out of the room. SETH gets to his feet and puts his iPod away as JOSEPH closes the office door. JOSEPH walks to SETH.
JOSEPH
Do I look grumpy?
Page 7
SETH
No. Why?
JOSEPH
It doesn’t matter.
JOSEPH’S phone rings. JOSEPH brings out the phone and sees that CRYSTAL is ringing him. He sighs, then answers the phone.
JOSEPH (continued)
Hey, Mum.
CRYSTAL
Honey, I’m so proud of you. Your interview on TV was very well done. I recorded it.
JOSEPH
(blushes) Mum, you know I don’t like it when you do that.
CRYSTAL
Try and stop me. (pauses) Oh, that reminds me. I got another one of those Heart Touch leaflets delivered through the post this morning. It’s the third one now. You’d think they’d get the hint after that email I sent them.
JOSEPH rolls his eyes. SETH laughs.
JOSEPH
Mum, I gotta go. My manager wants to talk with me.
JOSEPH finishes the call. He quickly puts the phone away.
SETH
Smooth.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH MALE TOILETS – MORNING
PADDY locks himself in an empty cubicle. He has the notebook and pen in his hands. He brings out his phone and scrolls through his contacts until he reaches CJ’S number. He rings it.
PADDY (muttering)
Come on, CJ. Pick up.
Cut to
INT. – MI6 LABS – MORNING
Page 8
CJ, late twenties, is sitting at the desk. He has an x-ray
pair of sunglasses on. There is a laptop on top of the desk. CJ looks across to a FEMALE STAFF WORKER, who is standing with a clipboard and pen in her hands.
Her bra is visible due to the x-ray sunglasses. CJ smiles. CJ’S phone rings. CJ take off the sunglasses and brings out his phone. He sees that PADDY is ringing him and answers the phone.
CJ
Paddy! Please tell me you’ve got something.
PADDY
I have a name which needs running through the system. It’s Aaron Swift, one of the supervisors at Heart Touch.
CJ
(types AARON’S name into the laptop) Doing it now. The results should come up in a few moments.
PADDY
I also have an address. Send someone over to question them. The address is…
Cut to
EXT. – NAOMI’S FRONT GARDEN – MORNING
NATALIE’S car stops outside of the house. The driver’s door opens and NATALIE, late thirties, gets out of the car. She closes the door and walks across the front garden. She knocks on the front door.
JOSEPH (narration)
That’s Natalie. The last time I met her, she was working for the CIA. Now she works for MI6 and is currently dating Paddy.
Cut to
INT. – NAOMI’S LIVING ROOM – MORNING
NATALIE is sitting on the settee. NAOMI, early thirties, hands a mug of tea to NATALIE and sits on a chair.
NAOMI
So what did you want to ask me about?
NATALIE
How long have you been sponsoring Heart Touch?
NAOMI
Page 9
About six months. One of their flyers came through the door. It just seemed so right to sponsor them. The way the company was marketed. Everything.
NATALIE
And how much do you currently sponsor them?
NAOMI
This is going to sound crazy. Fifty pounds a month.
NATALIE
And have you ever received information explaining what developments the organization has made to finding a potential cure?
NAOMI
Come to think of it, no. No, I haven’t.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – MORNING
JOSEPH and SETH are walking slowly down the street, talking to each other.
JOSEPH
Do we have enough time to see a film before we meet Rachel?
SETH
As long as it’s not over two hours, yeah.
JOSEPH spots a Heart Touch van stopping across the road to them. He watches as the DRIVER gets out of the van and walks down the street, in the direction of a café.
JOSEPH
There’s something not right about them. (faces SETH) What do you say?
SETH
(realizing what JOSEPH intends on doing) No. Don’t you dare. You promised you’d never do it again. And you have to meet Rachel.
JOSEPH
Oh, yeah. That sucks. (pauses) Still…
JOSEPH crosses the road and walks towards the van. SETH sighs and hurries after JOSEPH.
Page 10
Cut to
INT. – AARON’S OFFICE – MORNING
The office door opens and PADDY creeps inside the room. He
closes the door. He sits at AARON’S desk and switches the computer on. PADDY takes off the glasses and places them on the desk as the login page loads up.
PADDY types ‘Swift’ in as the password and is surprised to see it log in. He brings out a USB and plugs into the computer. All the files on the computer begin copying onto the USB.
PADDY (muttering)
Come on. Almost there.
The files finish transferring onto the USB. PADDY takes out the USB and puts it inside his trouser pocket. He logs out of the computer and gets to his feet as the office door opens and AARON and ARMED GUARD 1 walk inside the room.
PADDY (nervously)
I know I shouldn’t have been in here, but I was just looking around.
AARON
If only it were that simple. (faces ARMED GUARD 1) Take him away.
ARMED GUARD 1 grabs hold of PADDY’S arm and takes him out of the room. AARON walks after them.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH LOADING BAY – MORNING
Ten Heart Touch vans are parked in the loading bays, including the van in which JOSEPH and SETH are hiding in the back of. The DRIVER gets out of the van and walks away. Silence.
The back of the van slowly opens and JOSEPH and SETH get out of it. JOSEPH closes the door as SETH straightens himself out. They walk to a map of the building, which is on the wall, next to the elevator.
JOSEPH (whispering)
At the moment, we’re here. (points to the basement level) We need to get up there. (points to the top floor)
SETH
We take the lift. Piece of cake.
Page 11
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH OFFICE 1 – MORNING
PADDY is sitting tied to a seat. He has a bloody lip from
where ARMED GUARD 1 has been hitting him. AARON and ARMED
GUARD 1 are standing in front of PADDY. ARMED GUARD 1 punches PADDY in the face.
AARON (furiously)
Tell me who you work for!
PADDY
I was employed. Just like the rest of the staff. If I knew this was part of the job, I’d…
ARMED GUARD 1 punches PADDY in the stomach. He groans.
AARON
There’s not a single trace of you ever applying for a job with us. How do you explain that?
PADDY is silent.
AARON (continued)
If you do not tell me what I want to know, then I will have no use for you.
AARON brings out a gun from his jacket. He aims it at PADDY’S stomach. He is about to pull the trigger, but then his phone rings. AARON quickly hands the gun to ARMED GUARD 1 and brings out his phone. He sees that ANNA is ringing him. AARON stands with his back to PADDY as he answers the phone.
ANNA
Has he spoken yet?
AARON (muttering)
No. Not a word. (glances at PADDY) He knows something.
ANNA
Bring him to me.
The call cuts out. AARON puts the phone away and turns back to face PADDY.
AARON
The boss wants you alive.
ARMED GUARD 1 hits PADDY round the head with the gun, knocking
Page 12
him unconscious…
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH FIFTH FLOOR – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH and SETH are creeping along the corridor, towards the workstations. Indistinct chatter can be heard in the background. JOSEPH and SETH quickly hide inside an empty
office. They watch as two staff members walk past them.
JOSEPH and SETH wait briefly before they exit the office. They are surprised to see MARK standing at the water cooler machine, watching them.
MARK
And what are you two doing here?
JOSEPH and SETH quickly turn to face MARK as he walks to them.
JOSEPH
We were on a school trip and we got separated from the rest of the class.
MARK
I wasn’t aware of any trips running today.
SETH
You can check with your supervisor. Manager?
MARK stares at them suspiciously.
MARK
I shan’t bother him. He’s a right pain. (smiles) Just watch where you’re going now.
MARK watches JOSEPH and SETH as they turn and walk back down the corridor. He suddenly recognizes who JOSEPH is.
MARK (continued)
Hold on.
JOSEPH and SETH turn back to face MARK.
MARK (smiling)
You’re Joseph, right? The singer?
JOSEPH
That’s me.
MARK
Page 13
My daughter’s a massive fan. Do you mind if I take a picture?
JOSEPH
Sure thing.
MARK brings out his phone. He loads up the camera.
MARK
(faces SETH) Do you mind taking it?
SETH
Sure.
MARK hands the phone to SETH. MARK stands next to JOSEPH. They smile as SETH takes a photograph of them. SETH hands the phone back to MARK, who puts the phone away.
MARK
Awesome. Thanks, guys. Have a good day now.
JOSEPH
You, too.
JOSEPH and SETH watch MARK as he turns and walks towards his workstation.
SETH (relieved)
That was a close one.
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S OFFICE – MORNING
ANNA, late thirties, is standing with her back to the desk. The office door opens and AARON walks inside the room. He is followed closely by ARMED GUARD 1, who is holding onto PADDY’S arm. AARON closes the door as ARMED GUARD 1 pushes PADDY to his knees.
AARON
This is the mole we caught snooping around.
PADDY
I was curious, that’s all. It’s my first day.
ANNA
(smiles) It’s been a long time, Paddy.
ANNA turns to face PADDY, whom he instantly recognizes.
Page 14
PADDY (surprised)
Anna?!
Cut to
INT. – JOSEPH’S BEDROOM – MORNING
CRYSTAL walks inside the room and sees that the floor is covered with JOSEPH’S clothes. CRYSTAL begins to pick them up.
She picks up a pair of jeans and a packet of cigarettes drops out of the jeans and onto the floor.
CRYSTAL puts the clothes back on the floor and picks up the packet of cigarettes. PADDY’S mobile number is written on the back of the packet. CRYSTAL brings out her phone. She dials the number from the packet of cigarettes and rings it. It goes straight to answer phone.
PADDY
This is Paddy. Call me back.
It bleeps. CRYSTAL cuts the call. She is outraged because of JOSEPH’S smoking and contact with PADDY.
CRYSTAL (furiously)
I’ll show him.
CRYSTAL storms out of the room.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH TOP FLOOR – MORNING
The lift doors open and JOSEPH and SETH creep out of the lift. They check both sides of the corridor and see that it is clear of security and personnel.
SETH
Coast is clear.
JOSEPH and SETH walk down the corridor. JOSEPH’S phone rings. JOSEPH quickly brings it out. He sighs when he sees that CRYSTAL is ringing him. He answers the phone.
JOSEPH (whispering)
Mum, I can’t talk at the moment.
CRYSTAL
Do you care to explain to me how long you’ve been smoking? I’ve seen them so don’t try to lie.
JOSEPH
Page 15
Two months.
CRYSTAL
I want you to quit straight away. If I ever find out you’ve smoked another cigarette, you will be in so much trouble.
JOSEPH and SETH hear footsteps approaching in the distance.
JOSEPH
Mum, I gotta go.
CRYSTAL
Don’t you dare hang up on me! I’m not…
JOSEPH cuts off the call. He puts the phone away as ARMED GUARD 2 turns into the corridor. He spots JOSEPH and SETH standing in the corridor.
ARMED GUARD 2
This isn’t a place for children. You need to leave.
ARMED GUARD 2 reaches for his walky-talky. SETH kicks it out of his hands. The walky-talky rolls across the floor.
ARMED GUARD 2 (smiling)
Wanna play?
ARMED GUARD 2 goes to punch SETH, but SETH moves out of the way. He punches ARMED GUARD 2 in the face. ARMED GUARD 2 attempts to hit SETH for a second time, but SETH punches him in the face. ARMED GUARD 2 hits his head on the wall and drops to the floor unconscious. JOSEPH and SETH are unaware that ARMED GUARD 3 is walking behind them.
ARMED GUARD 3
Hands up.
JOSEPH and SETH put their hands in the air and turn to face ARMED GUARD 3. The lift doors re-open and NATALIE walks out of the lift. She walks towards JOSEPH, SETH and ARMED GUARD 3.
ARMED GUARD 3 (continued)
I’m taking you to the boss.
NATALIE
That won’t be necessary.
ARMED GUARD 3
(faces NATALIE) Who the…
Page 16
NATALIE punches ARMED GUARD 3 in the face. He falls to the floor unconscious.
JOSEPH
(faces NATALIE) What’re you doing here?
NATALIE
The same could be said for you. Now give me help with these.
JOSEPH and SETH grab ARMED GUARD 2 and ARMED GUARD 3 by the legs and drag them inside an empty room.
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S OFFICE – MORNING
ANNA is standing with her back against the desk, talking to PADDY, who is down on his knees. ARMED GUARD 1 has a gun pointed at the back of PADDY’S head while AARON is standing beside ANNA.
ANNA
After all these years we’ve spent apart, haven’t you missed me?
PADDY
If you didn’t try to kill me the night I proposed to you, then yeah.
ANNA
(smiles) Tell me, are you still working for the government?
AARON (shocked)
He works for the government?!
ANNA
Even when we were together, he was a spy. He was always away on business, as he put it.
PADDY
You weren’t the only one keeping secrets.
AARON
(faces ANNA) This is bad. If he’s working for the government, they must be onto us.
ANNA
Pipe down, Aaron. We’re not in trouble. Not yet, anyway…
Cut to
Page 17
INT. – HEART TOUCH OFFICE 2 – MORNING
JOSEPH and SETH are sitting on top of a table, talking to NATALIE, who is sitting on top of the table in front of them. ARMED GUARD 2 and ARMED GUARD 3 are unconscious in the corner of the room.
NATALIE
A few months ago, Owen received a tip-off regarding the credibility of the company. That person died in the house fire before an agent could question him.
SETH
Who died?
NATALIE
Stewart Sher. Three guesses as to who he worked for.
JOSEPH
Heart Touch.
NATALIE
After investigating further, we found out that the company has only existed for three years, not seventeen. The company literally became an overnight success. I spoke to someone this morning and she said that after subscribing for six months, she has received no contact from Heart Touch.
JOSEPH
What do you think’s going on?
NATALIE
We don’t know. Paddy’s also here, but we lost contact with him an hour ago. Right now, we have to presume the worst.
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S OFFICE – MORNING
ANNA is standing with her back against the desk, talking to PADDY, who is down on his knees. ARMED GUARD 1 has a gun pointed at the back of PADDY’S head while AARON is standing beside ANNA.
ANNA
The idea was to create a company that the public would be able to relate to and encourage donations. Looking for an apparent cure to heart disease and cancer seemed like the most obvious subject to base the company on. (pauses) And now that you know all this, you’re too dangerous to be kept alive.
Page 18
ARMED GUARD 1 loads the gun.
PADDY
Wait. Just answer me one thing.
ANNA
Well?
PADDY
(gets to his feet) Who are you working with? The Anna I know never works alone.
ANNA
(smiles) Even when faced with death, your desire to learn the truth never falters. (faces ARMED GUARD 1) Kill him.
ARMED GUARD 1 is about to pull the trigger, but is distracted by the office door opening and JOSEPH walking inside the room. He is followed closely by SETH and NATALIE. JOSEPH spots PADDY, ANNA, AARON and ARMED GUARD 1 standing inside the room.
JOSEPH
(puts his hand up to them) Hi.
PADDY turns and punches ARMED GUARD 1 in the face. He quickly runs towards the door.
PADDY
Let’s go.
PADDY runs out of the room, followed closely by JOSEPH, SETH and NATALIE.
ANNA
(faces AARON) After them!
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH TOP FLOOR – MORNING
JOSEPH, PADDY, SETH and NATALIE are sprinting down the corridor, towards the lift. AARON and ARMED GUARD 1 are running after them, desperate to catch them before they have the chance to escape.
NATALIE
We really need to lose these.
PADDY
One step ahead of you, babe.
Page 19
JOSEPH, PADDY, SETH and NATALIE turn into another corridor and stop running. PADDY grabs hold of a fire extinguisher from the wall. AARON and ARMED GUARD 1 turn into the corridor. PADDY hits ARMED GUARD 1 round the head with the fire extinguisher. ARMED GUARD 1 drops to the floor, unconscious.
AARON punches PADDY in the face. He drops the fire extinguisher onto the floor. AARON grabs hold of PADDY by the throat and pushes him against the wall. He begins strangling PADDY, who chokes. JOSEPH picks up the fire extinguisher and hits AARON round the back of the head with it. AARON drops to the floor unconscious. JOSEPH places the fire extinguisher down as PADDY straightens himself out.
PADDY
We don’t have long until they regain consciousness.
PADDY takes off ARMED GUARD 1’S jacket and uses it to tie AARON and ARMED GUARD 1 together. TINA’S business card drops out of PADDY’S pocket and onto the floor. NATALIE picks it up and reads it aloud.
NATALIE
Tina Sturbridge.
PADDY faces NATALIE.
NATALIE (angrily)
Who the hell is this?
PADDY
Some woman. I swear she kept flirting with me.
NATALIE
And yet you decided to keep her business card?
PADDY
I thought it was rude not to? (faces JOSEPH) Congratulations
on the album. It’s very good.
JOSEPH
(smiles) Thanks.
NATALIE
I’m not finished, Paddy.
PADDY
(faces NATALIE) Can I borrow your phone?
PADDY smiles innocently. NATALIE sighs, then brings out her
Page 20
phone and hands it to PADDY.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE CAFE – AFTERNOON
RACHEL, sixteen, is sitting at a table on her own. She is patiently waiting for JOSEPH and SETH to turn up. RACHEL’S handbag is on top of the table. RACHEL brings out her phone from her handbag. After checking the time on the phone, she sighs.
JOSEPH (narration)
That’s Rachel, my girlfriend. She was one of my back-up dancers on ‘Sing To Win’. When the show finished, we decided to take things to the next level.
Cut to
INT. – OWEN’S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
OWEN, mid-fifties, is sitting at the desk, reading through a file. He is smartly dressed and has a pair of glasses on. There is a knock on the office door.
OWEN
Come in.
The office door opens and BIANCA, late twenties, walks inside the room. She has a clipboard and pen in her hands.
BIANCA
Sir, CJ’S waiting to see you.
OWEN
Send him in.
BIANCA walks out of the room. OWEN closes the file as CJ walks inside the room.
OWEN (continued)
What do you have for me?
CJ
Well, sir, I just received a call from Paddy. He just confirmed our fears. Heart Touch is a scam and it turns out the person behind the whole thing is none other than Anna Grey.
OWEN
Bring up her file.
Page 21
CJ presses a switch on the desk and the wall on the right side of the room opens up, revealing a screen. ANNA’S file is projected onto the screen. OWEN gets to his feet and stands in front of the screen. He reads ANNA’S profile.
OWEN (continued)
Is she working alone?
CJ
Paddy seems to think there is a third party, but there is no current evidence supporting that claim.
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
PADDY walks inside the room with a gun in his hands. He is followed by JOSEPH, SETH and NATALIE, who see that ANNA has disappeared. PADDY puts the gun away.
PADDY
We need to find her. She can’t be allowed to get away. (faces JOSEPH) Joseph, you’re with me. Seth, you can go with Natalie.
NATALIE
No one’s going anywhere until you tell us who this woman is.
PADDY
Now’s not the time.
NATALIE
Then we’ll make time.
PADDY (reluctantly)
Her name is Anna Grey. We met ten years ago while I was working undercover. I fell in love with her. We were even engaged to be married.
NATALIE
What happened?
PADDY
Turned out she was a spy, working for a man named Harold Bronson. He hired her to retrieve government secrets. After she found out what they wanted, she tried to kill me. I promised myself that I would never let her get away with what she did. That’s why it is vital we must find her. I may never get another chance.
NATALIE
Page 22
I’m sorry.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE CAFE – AFTERNOON
RACHEL is still sat at the table, waiting impatiently for JOSEPH and SETH to turn up. Fed up with waiting any longer, RACHEL picks up her handbag and gets to her feet. She walks away.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH LECTURE ROOM – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH and PADDY walk inside the room. JOSEPH is bewildered by the sheer size of the room. PADDY watches JOSEPH as he stands on the podium.
PADDY
It’s good being able to see you again. Just a shame it’s under these circumstances.
JOSEPH
(faces PADDY) Come to think of it, I’ve missed this. The singing. It’s great. But what happened before it. It’s like my eyes have been opened to something new and I love it. (pauses) Back in the room. How did you know they weren’t going to kill you?
PADDY
I didn’t.
AARON walks inside the room with a gun in his hands.
AARON
Hands up.
PADDY reaches inside his jacket for his gun, but AARON aims his gun at him.
AARON (continued)
I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
PADDY brings his hand back out of his jacket.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH TOP FLOOR – AFTERNOON
SETH and NATALIE are walking slowly down the corridor, talking to each other. They are keeping an eye out to see if they can
Page 23
find ANNA.
SETH
How’s things between you and Paddy?
NATALIE
We’ve been seeing each other for six months now, which is a good sign. Don’t mention this to anyone else, but the other day, I found an engagement ring in his car.
SETH
Congratulations.
NATALIE
(smiles) He hasn’t proposed yet. (pauses) Is it me or is it
suspiciously quiet around here?
NATALIE stands at the starting point of the next corridor. ANNA steps out of the corridor with a briefcase in her hands. SETH spots her.
SETH
Natalie, watch out!
NATALIE turns to ANNA. She goes to bring out a gun, but ANNA brings out a stun gun and uses it on NATALIE. She collapses to
the floor. ANNA turns to face SETH. For every step she takes towards SETH, he takes a step back.
ANNA
It’s a wonderful thing, Seth. Everything you’ve been through and you’re still willing to continue.
SETH
You worked with my father?
ANNA
From time to time. (looks at SETH’S scars) Did it hurt?
SETH
You have no idea.
ANNA remains fixated on SETH’S scars.
ANNA
You made a mistake coming here. You and your friend, Joseph. You will both be punished for what you have done.
SETH backs into the wall. He gulps as ANNA advances towards
Page 24
him.
ANNA (continued)
I promise it’ll be quick.
ANNA uses the stun gun on SETH. He collapses to the floor.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH LECTURE ROOM – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH and PADDY are standing on the podium with their hands in the air. AARON is standing in front of JOSEPH and PADDY with a gun pointed at them.
AARON
Place your weapon on the floor and take two steps back.
PADDY gradually brings out the gun from his jacket.
AARON (continued)
Easy now. We don’t want anyone getting hurt.
PADDY places the gun on the floor and takes two steps back. AARON picks up the gun and puts it inside his jacket.
PADDY
She’s using you. She’ll set you up the first opportunity she gets.
AARON is silent.
PADDY (continued)
Right now, government agents are on their way. If Anna escapes, everything that’s happened here the past three years will be blamed on you. (pauses) If you help me, I’ll make sure you avoid a prison sentence.
AARON
(smiles) You make it seem so easy.
PADDY
It is. All you need to do is help me find Anna.
AARON
(lowers the gun) A helicopter will be arriving in fifteen minutes to collect Anna. If you hurry, you can get to her in time.
PADDY
Page 25
Thank you.
JOSEPH and PADDY walk off the podium.
JOSEPH
(faces AARON) Cheers, dude.
AARON watches JOSEPH and PADDY as they run towards the door.
AARON
I worked all my life to get where I am now.
JOSEPH and PADDY turn back to face AARON.
AARON (continued)
Please don’t let them tarnish my name.
AARON turns the gun on himself.
PADDY
No, don’t!
AARON pulls the trigger and is surprised by the gun clicking. It is out of ammunition. PADDY charges at AARON, tackling him to the floor. AARON cries.
PADDY (continued)
Take his weapon.
JOSEPH hurries to PADDY and AARON. He reaches inside AARON’S jacket and takes out PADDY’S gun.
JOSEPH
Got it.
PADDY
This is for your own good.
PADDY puts his hand over AARON’S mouth and nose, preventing him from breathing. AARON struggles. PADDY relents as AARON loses consciousness.
Cut to
EXT. – HEART TOUCH ROOF – AFTERNOON
A helicopter is idle on the centre of the roof. ANNA walks across the roof, towards the helicopter. She has the briefcase in her hands. JOSEPH and PADDY burst onto the roof. PADDY has a gun in his hands, which he aims at ANNA.
Page 26
PADDY
Don’t move!
ANNA stops, smiling. She turns back to face JOSEPH and PADDY.
ANNA
You’re going to kill me now?
PADDY
You better give me a good reason not to.
ANNA
I found your friends. Honestly, they are useless.
PADDY
What have you done with them?
ANNA (smiling)
Wouldn’t you like to know?
PADDY holds his finger on the trigger.
ANNA (continued)
Here’s the situation. You can take me in to custody, but if you do, your friends will almost certainly be killed. What’s
your decision, lover?
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
SETH and NATALIE are sitting on the floor, unconscious. They have been tied with their backs against each other. There is a bomb on top of the desk, which has been set to detonate in five minutes. The countdown commences. SETH and NATALIE slowly awaken.
NATALIE (disorientated)
What happened?
SETH looks to the desk and sees the bomb on top of it.
SETH
I think we’ve got a problem…
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH TOP FLOOR – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH and PADDY are sprinting down the corridor, in search of SETH and NATALIE.
Page 27
PADDY
If there’s a bomb, we need to get the building evacuated.
JOSEPH stops. He hurries to the fire switch on the wall and pulls it. The fire alarm blares throughout the entire building. JOSEPH and PADDY watch as the personnel leave their offices and make their ways toward the fire exit.
JOSEPH and PADDY continue running. They turn into another corridor and run into TINA, who jumps.
TINA (startled)
You gave me a fright then.
PADDY
Tina. I don’t really have the time.
TINA
(looks at JOSEPH) Who’s this?
PADDY
(looks to JOSEPH, then back at TINA) My son.
JOSEPH
Hey.
TINA
You have a son? (smiles) I like that.
PADDY
We gotta go. You ought to as well.
PADDY sprints down the corridor. JOSEPH shrugs and runs after PADDY. TINA storms off. JOSEPH and PADDY run towards ANNA’S office. They hear struggling inside the room.
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
SETH and NATALIE are sitting on the floor with their backs
tied to each other. The countdown on the bomb is now at four minutes until detonation. JOSEPH and PADDY burst inside the room.
NATALIE (sighing)
About time.
PADDY walks to the bomb while JOSEPH unties SETH and NATALIE. They get to their feet. PADDY searches his trouser pockets for
his phone and realizes that he no longer has it.
Page 28
PADDY
Phone, phone. I need a phone.
NATALIE brings out her phone. She throws it to PADDY, who catches it. PADDY types in CJ’S number and rings it.
PADDY (muttering)
Come on. Pick up.
SETH looks at the bomb and sees that there is three and a half minutes remaining on the countdown before detonation.
SETH
Three and a half minutes.
CJ answers the phone.
CJ
Hello?
PADDY
CJ, it’s me. Please tell me you’re close.
CJ
We’re about fifteen minutes out.
JOSEPH looks out of the window and sees ANNA’S helicopter flying into the distance.
PADDY
I hate to break it to you, but we’ve got a bomb and in three minutes, it’s going to blow.
CJ
Okay. Let me think…
The call suddenly cuts out. PADDY looks at the phone and sees that there is no signal.
PADDY
Damn it!
JOSEPH
Do you know what to do?
PADDY
No chance. I’ve never encountered a bomb before. I’d suggest
running, but we wouldn’t make it.
Page 29
AARON steps inside the room. His eyes are stained from where
he has been crying.
AARON
There’s a vault where Anna kept the money.
JOSEPH, PADDY, SETH and NATALIE turn to face AARON.
AARON (continued)
I could detonate the bomb in there.
SETH looks back at the bomb and sees that there is two minutes remaining on the countdown before detonation.
SETH
Two minutes.
AARON
Please. This is my only chance of redeeming myself.
PADDY
How quickly can you get there?
AARON
Sixty seconds.
PADDY
(picks up the bomb) Let’s do this.
PADDY and AARON sprint out of the room. NATALIE sighs, hoping that PADDY and AARON will be able to make it to the vault in time.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH TOP FLOOR – AFTERNOON
AARON is sprinting down the corridor, towards the office in which the vault is located inside. PADDY is following closely behind AARON with the bomb in his hands. There is ninety
seconds remaining on the countdown before detonation.
AARON
We’re almost there…
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH OFFICE 3 – AFTERNOON
PADDY and AARON burst inside the room. PADDY closes the door. AARON presses a switch underneath the desk. The wall opens up,
Page 30
revealing the vault, which is sealed off by a steel door.
AARON swipes his key card and the steel door opens.
AARON
(faces PADDY) The vault needs to be sealed from the inside.
PADDY
Are you sure you want to do this?
AARON
I need to claim back some of the dignity I once held.
PADDY hands the bomb to AARON.
PADDY
Do you have any loved ones you’d like me to contact?
AARON
It’s just me.
PADDY holds his hand out and AARON shakes it.
PADDY
It’s been a pleasure.
AARON steps inside the vault. The steel door closes, sealing AARON inside the vault with the bomb. The wall also closes. PADDY is overcome with emotion.
He wipes tears away from his eyes, just as the bomb detonates inside the vault. The entire building shakes from the force of the explosion.
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S HELICOPTER – AFTERNOON
The PILOT is flying the helicopter above the city. ANNA is sitting on the backseat of the helicopter with the briefcase on her lap. ANNA opens it.
The briefcase is filled with three million pounds in
twenty pound notes. ANNA’S phone rings. ANNA closes the briefcase and brings out her phone. She sees that YAN is ringing her. She answers the phone.
ANNA
This is Anna Grey speaking.
YAN
What’s the current situation?
Page 31
ANNA
I got out with three million. I will transfer the rest of the funds into a private account once I’ve reached the safe house.
YAN
And what of the agents?
ANNA
They’ve been taken care of just like you asked.
YAN
Very good. Call me once the funds have been transferred.
The calls cuts out. ANNA holds the phone in her hands. She is concerned about not yet hearing an explosion.
Cut to
INT. – ANNA’S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH, SETH and NATALIE are standing in the middle of the room, awaiting anxiously for PADDY’S safe return. PADDY steps inside the room. They can see that PADDY has been crying. NATALIE hurries over to PADDY and hugs him.
PADDY
He sacrificed himself.
NATALIE
And by doing so saved countless lives.
PADDY
AShe escaped once again. I just wish I understood her thinking
behind this.
JOSEPH
I just think you’re missing the obvious.
PADDY
(faces JOSEPH) What?
JOSEPH
What was Heart Touch trying to do?
NATALIE
Find a cure for heart disease and various cancers.
JOSEPH
And how were they doing it? By subscribers. You have to pay a minimum of fifteen pounds a month to sponsor them. It’s the
Page 32
money.
PADDY realizes what JOSEPH is talking about.
PADDY
That’s it! Joseph, you’re a genius! (faces NATALIE) Call CJ. Get him to freeze their bank accounts.
Cut to
INT. – WAREHOUSE OFFICE – AFTERNOON
ANNA is sitting at the desk with a laptop in front of her. She has the Heart Touch bank account details on the screen. She attempts to transfer the funds into an offshore bank account, but is unable to do so.
The account has been frozen. ANNA closes the laptop lid, realizing that PADDY is still alive. ANNA brings out her phone and rings YAN. He answers the phone.
ANNA
We’ve got a problem.
Cut to
INT. – HEART TOUCH RECEPTION – AFTERNOON
CJ walks inside the building, along with several MI6 Agents. They each have a lanyard around their necks with name badges attached to them. The lift doors open and JOSEPH, PADDY, SETH and NATALIE walk out of the lift. CJ walks to them.
CJ
Sorry for the delay. I had a bit of trouble arranging a field
team. I’m still trying to get used to the whole promotion thing.
PADDY
You’re doing great.
CJ
(faces JOSEPH and SETH) It’s great to see you guys again.
Listen. I’d stay and chat, but as you can see there’s a lot of work that needs taking care of.
CJ stands at the reception counter and talks with two MI6 Agents.
NATALIE
I’m gonna stay with CJ. Looks like he could do with the extra help.
Page 33
PADDY and NATALIE kiss. NATALIE walks to CJ and the MI6 Agents and begins talking with them.
PADDY
(faces JOSEPH and SETH) Right, then. Let’s go.
Cut to
INT. – PADDY’S CAR – EVENING
PADDY is driving the car down the street, in the direction of SETH’S house. JOSEPH is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, staring out of the window SETH is asleep in the backseats of the car.
JOSEPH
Mum’s gonna kill me when she finds out what happened.
PADDY
She only has your best interests at heart.
JOSEPH
I know that. It’s just I wish she’d let me have a bit more freedom. Ever since what happened with Edwin, she barely lets me out of her sight.
PADDY
Things have changed now, Joseph. We never caught the ones working above Edwin. And because of your fame, it’ll be easier
for them to get to you.
PADDY stops the car outside SETH’S house. SETH opens his eyes. He sits up and looks outside. He sees that he is back home.
SETH
We’re back already?
PADDY
You’ve been asleep for almost an hour.
SETH takes his seatbelt off and opens the car door.
SETH
I’ll see you later, Joseph.
JOSEPH
Bye, mate.
PADDY
Take care, Seth.
Page 34
SETH gets out of the car and closes the door. JOSEPH and PADDY watch SETH as he walks across the front garden.
PADDY (continued)
Homeward bound.
PADDY switches the engine on and drives down the street.
Cut to
EXT. – CRYSTAL’S FRONT GARDEN – EVENING
PADDY’S car stops by the edge of the road. The front passenger’s door opens and JOSEPH gets out of the car. He turns back to face PADDY, who is sitting in the driver’s seat.
PADDY
Try to stay out of trouble.
JOSEPH
(smiles) I’ll do my best.
JOSEPH closes the car door. He turns and walks across the front garden. JOSEPH reaches the front door and stops. He turns back to face PADDY’S car. He puts his hand up to PADDY.
JOSEPH brings out his front door key and uses it to unlock the door. He opens the door and steps inside the house. He closes the door.
Cut to
INT. – CRYSTAL’S HALLWAY – EVENING
JOSEPH stands with his back against the front door. The day has been more challenging than JOSEPH had anticipated. CRYSTAL
stands in the doorway of the kitchen and glares at JOSEPH.
CRYSTAL
And where do you think you’ve been?
JOSEPH
I’ve been in town with Seth. Where do you think I’ve been?
CRYSTAL
(walks to JOSEPH) You must think I’m simple.
JOSEPH
No?
CRYSTAL
You’ve been with Paddy after I specifically told you not to.
Page 35
JOSEPH
(sighs) It was only for a few hours.
CRYSTAL
You don’t seem to understand the danger involved.
JOSEPH hugs CRYSTAL. He then begins to walk up the stairs.
CRYSTAL (loudly)
Don’t think you’re off the hook!
Cut to
INT. – JOSEPH’S BEDROOM – EVENING
JOSEPH is sitting on the bed with his laptop on his lap. JOSEPH’S phone is also on the bed. JOSEPH brings up the MySpace homepage on the laptop.
JOSEPH
Time to greet the fans.
JOSEPH logs into his MySpace account and scrolls down to view his latest comments. JOSEPH’S phone rings. JOSEPH picks up the phone and sees that RACHEL is ringing him. He answers the phone.
JOSEPH (smiling)
Hey.
RACHEL
I know that you’ve got a lot on at the moment, but what’s so hard about texting me you can’t make it? I spent three quarters of an hour waiting.
JOSEPH
Yeah, I know. Sorry.
RACHEL
There’s a new film showing that I wouldn’t mind going to see.
JOSEPH
Tomorrow?
RACHEL
Tomorrow sounds good. (pauses) So what are you up to?
JOSEPH
Just on my MySpace checking out some of the comments. There’s this one, it’s like ‘Your songs have such a deep meaning. I
Page 36
can’t go a day without listening to your music.’ And another… (pauses) Wait, no. That’s from my Mum…
Cut to
INT. – OWEN’S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
OWEN is sitting at the desk, talking to PADDY, who is sitting in front of him. ANNA’S file is on the desk.
OWEN
Judging from Anna’s file, there is history between the pair of you. But what you must promise me is that you will not make this personal.
PADDY
I only want her to be brought to justice, sir.
OWEN
And you must do so without compromising the safety of others. We have some difficult times ahead of us, Paddy. We will only succeed if we work together as a team.
PADDY
I understand.
Fade to black.
Cut to
INT. – CRYSTAL’S KITCHEN – MORNING
JOSEPH is sitting at the table, eating from a bowl of cereal. Music is quietly playing from the stereo. CRYSTAL walks inside the room with a pile of dirty clothes in her hands. She places
them next to the washing machine.
CRYSTAL
What have you got planned for today?
JOSEPH
I said to Rachel I’d take her to go see a film at the cinema.
CRYSTAL
You should really start revising for your GCSE’S.
JOSEPH
(gets to his feet) I will. Just not at the moment.
JOSEPH puts the bowl inside the sink. CRYSTAL sighs, then switches the stereo off. She turns back to face JOSEPH.
Page 37
CRYSTAL
What’s wrong with you at the moment? Your whole attitude’s pretty poor.
JOSEPH
You wouldn’t understand.
CRYSTAL
Why wouldn’t I? Joseph, talk to me, please. How can I help you if you’re not telling me what’s bothering you?
JOSEPH walks out of the room. The front door can be heard slamming shut as JOSEPH leaves the house.
CRYSTAL sighs. She is fed up with the growing distance between her and her son. CRYSTAL turns the hot water tap on, but no water comes out of it.
CRYSTAL (sighing)
Great. That’s all I need.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE CINEMA – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH and RACHEL slowly walk out of the cinema, holding hands. There are crowds of people walking in and out of the cinema. ELIJAH, mid-forties, is standing in the distance, watching JOSEPH. JOSEPH and RACHEL sit on a bench.
RACHEL
I’m glad he won her back in the end. They were so happy together.
JOSEPH is silent.
RACHEL (continued)
What’s up?
JOSEPH
Nothing. It’s just my Mum keeps putting added pressure on me at the moment. I’m still promoting my album and in two weeks,
I’m going on tour. On top of that, my Mum wants me to revise for my exams. There’s only so much I can take.
RACHEL
She’s only looking out for you. I wish I could say that about my parents.
JOSEPH looks into the distance and sees ELIJAH watching him. He turns back to face RACHEL.
Page 38
JOSEPH
You know what? I just realized I had to meet Charlie. Some sort of press conference.
RACHEL
Okay.
JOSEPH
I’ll call you later.
JOSEPH and RACHEL kiss. JOSEPH gets to his feet and walks down the street. ELIJAH walks after JOSEPH, keeping distance between them.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH is walking slowly down the street, fully aware that ELIJAH is following him. JOSEPH stops. ELIJAH does the same. JOSEPH’S phone rings. JOSEPH brings it out and sees that PADDY is ringing him. He answers the phone.
JOSEPH
Paddy.
PADDY
You’re being followed. Whatever you do, don’t turn around. He’ll know you’ve spotted him.
JOSEPH
What do I do?
PADDY
Keep walking. If you do everything I tell you, you’ll make it
through this. Do you understand?
JOSEPH
Yeah.
JOSEPH turns around. He sees ELIJAH following closely behind him. They make eye contact. JOSEPH turns back to the front. ELIJAH reaches into his jacket, subtlety bringing out a gun.
PADDY
He’s onto you. Run.
JOSEPH breaks into a sprint. ELIJAH pursues him.
JOSEPH
Page 39
Where do I go?
PADDY
Go inside the shopping centre. It’ll be harder for him to find you.
JOSEPH sees the shopping centre across the road. He runs into the road, in the path of an oncoming vehicle. It hits him. JOSEPH hits the windscreen and rolls onto the floor. He gets back to his feet.
PADDY (continued)
Are you okay?
JOSEPH
I’m fine.
JOSEPH runs onto the pavement. He runs towards the shopping centre. ELIJAH runs across the road, in pursuit of JOSEPH.
Cut to
INT. - SHOPPING CENTRE - AFTERNOON
JOSEPH runs inside the shopping centre, desperate to get away from ELIJAH. He pushes past several shoppers. He turns around. ELIJAH is nowhere to be seen.
JOSEPH
Where do I go now?
PADDY
Keep running.
ELIJAH runs inside the shopping centre. He spots JOSEPH running in the distance. He aims the gun at him, but is unable to get a clear shot. He fires three shots into the air.
The shoppers scream and duck for cover. JOSEPH turns and sees ELIJAH, who takes a shot at him. JOSEPH carries on running. ELIJAH runs after him.
PADDY (continued)
Turn left.
Cut to
INT. – SHOPPING CENTRE STAFF CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON
JOSEPH bursts through the door on his left. He runs down a corridor. There is a fire exit at the end of the corridor.
Page 40
JOSEPH (out of breath)
Where now?
PADDY
Go through the fire exit. I’ll meet you outside.
ELIJAH bursts into the corridor. He fires another shot at JOSEPH, narrowly avoiding him. ELIJAH reloads the gun. JOSEPH tries the door and sees that it is locked.
JOSEPH
It’s locked. Where do I go?
PADDY
The roof. I’ll be there as soon as I can.
The call cuts out. JOSEPH quickly puts his phone away. He turns to his right and sprints down the corridor, towards a door. ELIJAH puts the gun away runs after him.
Cut to
INT. – SHOPPING CENTRE CAR PARK STAIRWELL – AFTERNOON
The door opens and JOSEPH runs into the stairwell. He runs up the stairs, towards the roof of the car park. ELIJAH runs into the stairwell. He sees that JOSEPH is approaching the roof of the car park. He darts up the stairs, in pursuit of him. JOSEPH is growing tired and his pace is slowing down.
Cut to
EXT. – SHOPPING CENTRE CAR PARK ROOF – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH runs onto the roof. He is too tired to continue
running. He looks around in search of PADDY, as he attempts to catch his breath.
JOSEPH (murmuring)
Come on, Paddy. Where are you?
JOSEPH wipes the sweat away from his forehead as ELIJAH walks
onto the roof.
ELIJAH
You can’t escape from me.
JOSEPH
What do you want with me?
ELIJAH
Page 41
(chuckles) So naïve. I almost feel guilty with what I am about to do.
ELIJAH is about to bring out a gun, but JOSEPH charges at him, knocking him to the floor. The gun rolls underneath a car. JOSEPH punches ELIJAH in the face.
JOSEPH gets to his feet and shakes his fist out from the agony of punching ELIJAH. ELIJAH crawls across the floor, desperate to get hold of the gun.
JOSEPH
No, you don’t!
JOSEPH kicks ELIJAH in the face, knocking him onto his back. JOSEPH walks towards ELIJAH, but ELIJAH kicks JOSEPH on the nose, breaking it. JOSEPH screams and holds onto his nose to stop the bleeding.
JOSEPH (furiously)
You’ve broken my nose!
JOSEPH and ELIJAH are unaware of PADDY walking onto the roof. ELIJAH picks up his gun from off the floor and aims it at JOSEPH’S stomach.
ELIJAH
Any last words?
ELIJAH is about to pull the trigger, but PADDY brings out his gun and shoots ELIJAH in the arm. ELIJAH drops to his knees and holds onto his arm. JOSEPH is relieved to see PADDY walk to them. PADDY kicks ELIJAH’S gun away from him.
JOSEPH
I thought you’d never come.
PADDY
I’d never let anything happen to my best friend. (pauses) How’s the nose?
JOSEPH
Broken.
PADDY
I’ll take a look in a minute. (faces ELIJAH) In the meantime, I want some answers.
ELIJAH
You won’t be getting anything from me.
Page 42
PADDY
Oh, really?
PADDY grabs hold of ELIJAH’S bullet wound. ELIJAH screams from the agony of it. PADDY lets go of ELIJAH’S arm.
PADDY (continued)
I know who sent you. It’s just a matter of finding out who are the next targets.
ELIJAH
Go to hell.
PADDY
I don’t think you’re listening to me. (faces JOSEPH) Am I losing my voice? I don’t think he can hear me.
JOSEPH
You sound perfectly fine to me.
PADDY
(faces ELIJAH) You better tell me what I need to know or….
ELIJAH (smiling)
Or what?
PADDY
I’ll do this.
PADDY grabs hold of ELIJAH and drags him across the roof of the car park until he reaches the edge. JOSEPH follows closely behind them. PADDY lifts ELIJAH to his feet and holds him over
the edge of the roof.
ELIJAH
You wouldn’t dare drop me.
JOSEPH
I wouldn’t test him if I were you.
PADDY
You better take his advice. (pauses) Tell me the names of the next targets or I’ll drop you.
ELIJAH laughs.
PADDY (continued)
What’s your decision, home slice?
Page 43
ELIJAH
Go to hell.
JOSEPH looks away as PADDY lets go of ELIJAH. ELIJAH plummets to the ground, meeting his demise. PADDY turns to face JOSEPH.
PADDY
Let me check that.
PADDY touches JOSEPH’S nose. He screams from the agony of it.
JOSEPH (loudly)
Ow!
PADDY
It’s definitely broken.
JOSEPH
You think?
PADDY walks back across the roof. JOSEPH walks after him.
JOSEPH (continued)
It’s Anna. She’s the reason I’m being targeted.
PADDY
(faces JOSEPH) Yes. I’m afraid so.
JOSEPH
So what do we do?
PADDY
I’ve been given orders to bring you in.
JOSEPH’S phone rings. JOSEPH brings it out and sees that SETH is ringing him. He answers the phone.
JOSEPH
Seth.
SETH (out of breath)
There’s people after me. They came to the house. They killed them.
PADDY
What’s the matter?
JOSEPH
(hands the phone out to PADDY) It’s Seth. They’re after him
Page 44
too.
PADDY takes hold of the phone and puts it to his ear.
PADDY
Seth, hold on tight. We’re coming to get you.
Two gunshots can be heard down the phone and the call cuts out.
PADDY (continued)
Seth? Seth, can you hear me?
There is no response. PADDY looks at the phone and sees that the call has been disconnected.
JOSEPH
What happened?
PADDY
If we hurry, we might just be able to get to him on time.
JOSEPH
No. That’s what they want. They want us to go after him.
PADDY
What’re you saying?
JOSEPH
Seth’s not the target. It’s my Mum.
Cut to
INT. – CRYSTAL’S KITCHEN – AFTERNOON
CRYSTAL walks inside the room with her handbag and car keys in her hands. She places them on the table. The doorbell goes and CRYSTAL turns and walks out of the room.
Cut to
INT. – CRYSTAL’S HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
CRYSTAL walks across the hallway, towards the front door. She stops and opens the front door. SILVER, late thirties, is standing in the doorway of the house. He has a toolkit on the floor next to him.
SILVER
Hi. Mrs. Thompson?
Page 45
CRYSTAL
Yes?
SILVER
I’m the plumber. I’ve come to fix the taps.
Cut to
INT. – PADDY’S CAR – AFTERNOON
PADDY is driving the car down the street, in the direction of CRYSTAL’S house. JOSEPH is sitting in the front passenger’s seat with his phone in his hands.
PADDY drives in-between the different cars. They bib their horns at him. JOSEPH scrolls through his contacts, until he reaches CRYSTAL’S number. JOSEPH rings it. There is no answer. JOSEPH cuts the call off.
JOSEPH
She’s not picking up…
Cut to
INT. – CRYSTAL’S KITCHEN – AFTERNOON
CRYSTAL leads SILVER inside the room as she talks to him. He has his toolkit in his hands. CRYSTAL leads SILVER to the sink.
CRYSTAL
Thanks for so much for coming at such short notice. I don’t
know what happened. They just stopped working.
SILVER
Not to worry. I’ll have this sorted out in no time.
SILVER places the toolkit on the floor and gets on his knees. He opens the cupboard underneath the sink and peers inside it.
SILVER checks behind him to make sure that CRYSTAL is not watching him. SILVER brings out a silenced pistol from his
toolkit. He gets to his feet and faces CRYSTAL, who turns and sees the gun in his hands.
Cut to
EXT. – CRYSTAL’S FRONT GARDEN – AFTERNOON
PADDY’S car comes to a sudden halt outside the house. The front passenger’s door opens and JOSEPH quickly gets out of the car. The driver’s door also opens and PADDY gets out of the car. JOSEPH runs across the front garden, towards the front door.
Page 46
PADDY
Joseph, be careful.
JOSEPH stops at the front door and sees that it has been left ajar. PADDY brings out a gun as he hurries to JOSEPH. JOSEPH cautiously opens the door and steps inside the house. He is followed closely by PADDY.
Cut to
INT. – CRYSTAL’S KITCHEN – AFTERNOON
PADDY bursts inside the room with the gun in his hands. He examines the room and sees CRYSTAL laying on the floor in a pool of blood. He puts the gun away as JOSEPH steps inside the room. He spots CRYSTAL and hurries towards her.
JOSEPH
Mum!
JOSEPH gets on his knees and holds onto CRYSTAL. He cries as CRYSTAL slowly opens her eyes.
CRYSTAL (weakly)
Joseph.
JOSEPH
(faces PADDY) Do something!
PADDY
I can’t. It’s too late.
JOSEPH
Don’t say that! It’s never too late!
CRYSTAL
Joseph.
JOSEPH
(faces CRYSTAL) It’s okay, Mum. You’re gonna be all right. I promise.
CRYSTAL
He’s…still…alive.
JOSEPH (tearfully)
What? Who’s alive? Mum?
CRYSTAL dies. JOSEPH breaks down in tears over CRYSTAL’S body. PADDY stands, emotionally intact, watching JOSEPH cry.
Page 47
PADDY
We need to go.
JOSEPH
I’m not leaving her!
PADDY
You have no choice.
PADDY walks to JOSEPH and attempts to pull him away from CRYSTAL’S body. JOSEPH fights back.
JOSEPH (furiously)
This is all your fault! I should’ve never spoken to you again.
PADDY
Joseph, I’m sorry. But we need to go.
JOSEPH
No!
PADDY grabs hold of JOSEPH’S arm. JOSEPH turns and punches PADDY in the face. PADDY pulls JOSEPH in for a hug, who continues to cry. They suddenly hear footsteps approaching the room. PADDY quickly brings out his gun and aims it at SETH as
he steps inside the room.
SETH
Don’t shoot!
PADDY puts the gun away. SETH examines the situation and then spots CRYSTAL’S body on the floor.
PADDY
What happened your end?
SETH
I just came back from the shop and there were these guys inside the house. They killed Angie.
PADDY
Did they follow you here?
SETH
No. I lost them a while back.
Silence.
JOSEPH
Page 48
I need time.
PADDY and SETH watch JOSEPH as he walks out of the room.
Cut to
INT. - JOSEPH’S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH has his rucksack out on his bed. He opens his wardrobe, and he takes out some of his clothes. He places them inside his rucksack. He closes it and puts it on his back.
It is there when he spots a photograph of himself and CRYSTAL standing on a beach together, smiling. JOSEPH picks up the photograph and runs his finger across CRYSTAL’S face. JOSEPH opens his rucksack and puts the photograph inside it. He closes the rucksack as SETH steps inside the room.
JOSEPH
Hey.
SETH
(stands with JOSEPH) I’m sorry for what happened to Crystal.
JOSEPH
Me, too. It’s hard to think that this will be the last time I ever come back here. (faces SETH) Can you tell Paddy I’ll be
down in a few minutes?
SETH
Sure.
SETH rests his hand on JOSEPH’S shoulder for support, then he turns and walks out of the room. JOSEPH walks to the window and opens it.
Cut to
INT. – CRYSTAL’S HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
PADDY is standing with his back against the wall, waiting for JOSEPH to finish packing his belongings. SETH walks down the stairs.
PADDY
(faces SETH) Is he almost ready?
SETH
He said he needed a few more minutes.
PADDY
How much longer did he say he’d need?
Page 49
SETH hesitates. He does not know the answer to PADDY’S question.
Cut to
INT. – JOSEPH’S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON
PADDY bursts inside the room. He is followed closely by SETH. They see that JOSEPH has disappeared and the bedroom window is open. PADDY runs to the window and looks out of it. JOSEPH is nowhere to be seen.
PADDY
No!
PADDY turns and darts out of the room.
Cut to
EXT. – CRYSTAL’S FRONT GARDEN – AFTERNOON
The front door opens and PADDY sprints out of the house. SETH follows closely behind him. Police sirens can be heard in the distance. PADDY looks down both sides of the street and sees that JOSEPH is nowhere to be seen.
SETH
I’m sorry. I should’ve stayed with him.
PADDY
(faces SETH) You’re with him most of the time. Where would he go?
SETH
(stutters) I…I don’t know.
PADDY
Think, Seth! This is important.
SETH thinks for a brief moment and realizes that JOSEPH could have visited RACHEL at her house.
SETH
I think I know where to find him.
Cut to
EXT. – RACHEL’S FRONT GARDEN – AFTERNOON
SETH is standing at the front door, talking to RACHEL’S MUM, early forties, who is standing in the doorway of the house. PADDY’S car is parked by the edge of the road.
Page 50
SETH
I thought you might know where to find him.
RACHEL’S MUM
Rachel did say she was going to meet him at the park. But that was twenty minutes ago. Is something the matter?
SETH (smiling)
No.
Cut to
INT. – PADDY’S CAR – AFTERNOON
PADDY is sitting in the driver’s seat, patiently waiting for SETH to return to the car. The front passenger’s door opens and SETH gets in the car. He closes the door and puts his seatbelt on.
PADDY
Where is he?
SETH
Park.
PADDY switches the engine on and drives down the street.
Cut to
EXT. – PARK – AFTERNOON
JOSEPH is sitting on a swing, gently rocking it. JOSEPH’S rucksack is on the floor, in-between JOSEPH’S legs. RACHEL walks onto the park. JOSEPH looks up as RACHEL sits on the swing next to him.
RACHEL
I came as quickly as I could.
JOSEPH is silent.
RACHEL (continued)
Joseph?
JOSEPH
I’m breaking up with you.
RACHEL
(stutters) I…I don’t understand. Why? What have I done?
JOSEPH
Page 51
(faces RACHEL) It’s not you.
RACHEL
I need to know. Is there something about me you don’t like? If so, I could change. Just don’t break up with me.
JOSEPH
I’m sorry, but this is for your own good.
RACHEL cries. JOSEPH rests his hand on the side of RACHEL’S face.
JOSEPH (warmly)
Hey. Don’t cry.
RACHEL (tearfully)
Please don’t do this. I love you. So much.
JOSEPH kisses RACHEL on the lips. She responds. JOSEPH gets to his feet.
JOSEPH (continued)
Goodbye, Rachel.
JOSEPH walks out of the park, leaving RACHEL alone. She cries hysterically.
JOSEPH (narration)
I knew now that it was too late to go back. My terrible decision yesterday had now resulted in my Mother’s death and has also cost me my career. I can no longer face the world as Joseph Thompson. That part of my life is now dead.
Cut to
EXT. – PARK – EVENING
PADDY stands at the entrance of the park. He surveys the entirety of the park and sees that JOSEPH is no longer there. He sighs and turns around. He walks away with his hands inside his trouser pockets.
Cut to
INT. – PADDY’S CAR – EVENING
The car is parked across the road from the park. SETH is sitting in the driver’s seat. SETH watches PADDY as he crosses the road and walks to the car. He opens the driver’s door and gets inside the car.
Page 52
SETH
Anything?
PADDY
No. (pauses) Call him. He may answer to you.
SETH brings out his phone. He scrolls through the contacts until he reaches JOSEPH’S number. He rings it, but the call goes straight to answer phone. SETH cuts off the call.
PADDY (muttering)
Where are you, Joseph?
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE A KEBAB VAN – EVENING
JOSEPH is standing in a small queue, waiting to be served by the KEBAB OWNER. JOSEPH has his hood over his head, making only his face visible. He also has his rucksack on his back. It reaches JOSEPH’S turn to be served. JOSEPH steps forward.
KEBAB OWNER
What can I get you, mate?
JOSEPH
Chicken kebab.
KEBAB OWNER
That’ll be three-fifty.
JOSEPH brings out his wallet and takes out a five pound note. He hands it to KEBAB OWNER.
JOSEPH
Keep the change.
KEBAB OWNER picks up a polystyrene container and fills it with the chicken kebab. He hands it to JOSEPH. It is then when he recognizes who JOSEPH is.
KEBAB OWNER
Hey. You look like that singer. Joseph Thompson.
JOSEPH
I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong guy.
JOSEPH turns and walks away.
Cut to
Page 53
INT. – PADDY’S CAR – EVENING
The car is parked by the edge of the road. PADDY is sitting in the driver’s seat and SETH is sitting in the front passenger’s seat. They are each eating a portion of chips.
PADDY
There must be something I’m missing. (pauses) Does Joseph still wear that watch I brought him?
SETH
All the time. Why?
PADDY
I installed a tracker inside it. (brings out his phone) If he’s wearing the watch, we’ll be able to find him.
PADDY scrolls through the contacts until he reaches CJ’S number. He rings it…
Cut to
EXT. – PARK – EVENING
JOSEPH is sitting on the swing, gently rocking it. His
rucksack is on the floor, in-between his legs. The polystyrene container which contained the chicken kebab is on the floor. PADDY enters the park. He sits on the swing next to JOSEPH.
JOSEPH
Took your time. How’d you find me?
PADDY
There’s a tracker in your watch.
JOSEPH smiles.
PADDY (continued)
I’d tell you how dangerous it was to run off like that, but something tells me you wouldn’t listen.
JOSEPH
I ended it with Rachel. I thought things would be better this way.
PADDY
Maybe you’re right. I mean, you’re dead now, so what does it matter? (gets to his feet) Come on. Let’s get outta here.
JOSEPH gets to his feet. He puts his rucksack on his back and
Page 54
walks alongside PADDY as they walk out of the park.
PADDY’S phone rings. PADDY brings out his phone and sees that an unknown caller is ringing him. He answers the phone, unaware that ACE is making the call.
PADDY (cautiously)
Hello?
ACE
It’s been a long time, Paddy.
PADDY
Ace?
ACE
I have some information that you might be interested to know. I’ll send you an address. Meet me there in sixty minutes.
The call cuts out. PADDY’S phone bleeps. PADDY sees that he has a new message from ACE. He looks at the address, then puts the phone away.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE CHARLIE’S OFFICE – EVENING
CHARLIE’S SECRETARY is sitting behind the reception counter, filing her nails. A news report is quietly playing on the television.
NEWS REPORTER
The country is in shock today after news that teen sensation Joseph Thompson was killed this afternoon in a house fire, which also claimed the life of his Mother…
CHARLIE’S SECRETARY looks up and sees the image of JOSEPH on the television screen.
Cut to
INT. – CHARLIE’S OFFICE – EVENING
CHARLIE is sitting at the desk, talking on the phone to a client. He is visibly bored by the conversation he has to endure.
CHARLIE
Okay. Take care now. Bye.
CHARLIE puts the phone down, relieved that the phone call is finally over. The office door opens and CHARLIE’S SECRETARY
Page 55
hurries inside the room.
CHARLIE’S SECRETARY
You are not going to believe this.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE CHARLIE’S OFFICE – EVENING
CHARLIE and CHARLIE’S SECRETARY are standing at the reception counter, watching JOSEPH’S memorial on the television. CHARLIE is shocked by the revelation that JOSEPH is dead.
CHARLIE
I don’t see how this is possible. I was with him only yesterday.
Cut to
EXT. – PADDY’S FRONT GARDEN – EVENING
PADDY’S car comes to a halt on the driveway. The car doors open and JOSEPH, PADDY and SETH get out of the car.
They close the doors. The front door of PADDY’S house opens and NATALIE hurries out of the house. She hugs JOSEPH, comforting him for his loss. NATALIE also pulls SETH in for a hug.
PADDY
Look after them.
NATALIE nods. PADDY turns and walks back to the car.
Cut to
INT. – PADDY’S KITCHEN – EVENING
JOSEPH, SETH and NATALIE are sitting around the table, quietly eating their dinner. JOSEPH and SETH take mouthfuls of their drinks, which are glasses of water.
JOSEPH watches SETH as he slowly loses consciousness. He has been drugged. Before JOSEPH has time to react, his vision becomes blurred and he too, loses consciousness…
Cut to
INT. – PADDY’S CAR – NIGHT
The car is parked on the third level of a car park. PADDY is sitting in the driver’s seat. The front passenger’s door opens and ACE, late thirties, gets in the car. He closes the door.
PADDY
Page 56
Back from the dead…
Cut to
INT. – MI6 OFFICE – NIGHT – FLASHBACK
ACE is laying on the floor, in a pool of blood with PADDY crouching over him. ACE has two bullet wounds to the chest. An alarm is blaring throughout the entire building. ACE slowly dies…
Cut to
INT. – PADDY’S CAR – NIGHT
PADDY is sitting in the driver’s seat, talking to ACE, who is sitting in the front passenger’s seat.
PADDY
So what have you got for me?
ACE brings out an envelope from his jacket and hands it to PADDY, who opens it. He brings out a photograph of SILVER.
ACE
That’s Devon Wheaton aka Silver. He was responsible for Crystal’s murder this afternoon. Anna hired him after Heart Touch fell.
PADDY
He looks familiar.
ACE
He had a brother. Marcus Wheaton aka…
PADDY
Link.
ACE
For Silver, this is personal. He believes Joseph was responsible for the death of his brother. Murdering Crystal was just the beginning. Things are gonna get a whole lot worse.
PADDY
Where can I find him?
ACE
If I knew that, I wouldn’t be here now.
PADDY
Page 57
(smiles) You know I’m going to need your help with this.
ACE
Well then. What are we waiting for?
Cut to
INT. – WAREHOUSE OFFICE – NIGHT
ANNA is sitting at the desk, watching the news report into
JOSEPH’S tragic demise. ANNA’S phone rings. ANNA brings out her phone and sees that YAN is ringing her. She answers the phone.
YAN
Congratulations, Anna. You seem to have eliminated the problem swiftly.
ANNA
It’s all part of my job.
YAN
When you’re ready, I have a new assignment for you.
Fade out
The End
No comments:
Post a Comment