by

Larry and Andy Wachowski

FADE IN:

Inside a closet.

It is a large closet with double doors, a crisp line of

light cutting down through the center of the darkness.

As we begin to descend, we hear a man's stern voice.

MAN (V.O.)

I know your type. Your type is

dangerous.

We move past a shelf filled with hat boxes and hand bags.

It is a woman's closet.

MAN (V.O.)

You know how to act, how to pretend

but all the time you're waiting,

just waiting.

We glide over the tightly packed hangers, close enough to

feel the different fabrics and descend past the dresses to

the racks of high heels.

MAN (V.O.)

I've told you before that there is

no such thing as an ex-con like

there is no such thing as an ex-

alcoholic.

We slide along the delicate taper of a stiletto heel and

reach the bottom of the closet where we find a pair of

black Doc Marten boots that are tied together with a

white rope.

MAN (V.O.)

There are those who stay on the

wagon, those who fall off the wagon

and those who jump.

We move up the boots and we see it is a woman that is

bound, lying motionless on the floor of the closet, the

rope coiling tightly around her wrists.

MAN (V.O.)

You? You're a jumper.

The crack at the bottom of the door lights her face. She

is gagged and unconscious, a trickle of blood running down

her forehead. Her name is Corky.

MAN (V.O.)

Are you listening to me?

CUT TO:

INT. PAROLE OFFICE

It is a small cramped office, manila folders piled

everywhere.

OFFICER

You had better listen to me.

At the desk is a large man with a serious expression on

his face as he lectures. A patch on the shoulder of his

uniform reads, "PROBATION OFFICER".

CORKY

I'm listening.

Sitting across from him who we now see in full light, is

Corky, a very butch looking woman with short hair and a

black leather jacket. She is a lesbian and she wants

people to know it.

OFFICER

Bullshit. Your kind never listens.

I've seen that same look in a

hundred different eyes. Every one

of them looking for the same thing,

dreaming about that perfect score.

Corky looks down, examining her fingernails.

OFFICER

I can tell you right now what's

going to happen. Something will

come along. It always does and it

will be irresistible. Like a wet

dream.

An office slogan behind her reads, "Play It Straight!"

OFFICER

It will hurt you day and night and

tie you in knots. You'll figure it

a thousand ways and when you think

you know it inside and out you will

jump.

She does not look at him, but she hears what he says.

OFFICER

If you hear one thing in this

office, hear this: no matter how

smart you are, no matter how

careful you are, you will fuck up.

Corky looks up and eyes the man.

OFFICER

And when you do get caught --

INT. ELEVATOR

Corky is standing against the back of the elevator as the

doors begin to close.

OFFICER (V.O.)

This time it will be life.

The doors begin to slide shut when a woman yells.

WOMAN

Wait! Hold the elevator.

Corky pushes the "open" button. A couple steps into the

elevator.

His name is Ceasar, a middle-aged Italian, wearing an

expensive suit and sunglasses.

She is Violet; a piece of sexual candy that would melt in

your mouth.

From her tight dress to her high heels, she is on the

surface, the exact opposite of Corky.

Violet smiles at her.

VIOLET

Thank you.

In his own world, Ceasar does not even see Corky.

As the elevator begins to rise, Violet catches Corky

admiring the curve of her dress.

Corky does not look away, instead she stares straight into

Violet's eyes.

Violet stares back, a faint smile on her painted lips. It

is awkward at first, the tension between them escalating.

The doors "ding" and glide open.

Violet slowly turns and steps into the hall just behind

Ceasar.

Corky follows them down the hall.

INT. HALL

They reach the door at the end of the hall. Ceasar opens

it and enters. Just before Violet steps inside, she peeks

over her shoulder and sees --

Corky look away.

Violet smiles and steps inside.

Corky checks the room numbers, stopping in front of the

apartment next to the one Violet and Ceasar entered.

She slides the key in and opens the door.

INT. EMPTY APARTMENT

It is later. All of Corky's tools are gathered in the

middle of the living room.

The apartment is cavernous and looks like someone recently

moved out: cracks in the wall, picture hooks, hangers,

and other discarded junk.

Corky is on the phone.

CORKY

I looked over everything sir, and I

don't think there will be any

problems... yes, I checked the tub

and I'm pretty sure I can rod it

out.

She suddenly turns when she hears something that sounds

like a man moan.

CORKY

Yeah, I ordered the vanity. And you

want latex eggshell on the walls,

right?

She looks at the blank white wall separating this

apartment from Ceasar's apartment.

CORKY

All right, sure. I'm going to start

first thing in the morning.

She hears it again, a guttural sound.

CORKY

Thanks again for this opportunity,

Mr. Bianchinni. Goodbye.

She hangs up the phone and walks toward the wall.

As she gets closer, we hear a bed rocking, tapping against

the wall.

The man's breathing grows more and more labored until

finally it swells --

DISSOLVING INTO:

INT. BATHROOM - MORNING

The whining motor of a high powered drain-rod.

The spiral cable whips wildly, spiraling deeper into the

tub drain, black goo splattering everywhere.

The machine is so loud Corky almost cannot hear someone

pounding on the apartment door.

Killing the motor, she stands and goes to the door.

Behind the door is Violet, wearing jeans, a white T-shirt

and cowboy boots.

VIOLET

Hi. My name is Violet. We sort of

met in the elevator --

CORKY

Yeah, sure. I'm Corky.

VIOLET

I heard you working in here and I

just wondered if you'd like a cup of

coffee?

She is holding two cups of coffee: one black, one with

cream.

CORKY

Sure. Come on in. Give me a minute.

Violet steps inside as Corky goes back to the bathroom to

wash off the drain dreck.

VIOLET

What happened to Rajeev?

Corky calls from the bathroom, scrubbing her hands

vigorously.

CORKY

Who?

VIOLET

Rajeev, the man who usually works on

the building.

CORKY

Oh, he went home to India, but as

far as I know he'll be back.

She wipes her hands on her overalls, returning to the main

room.

VIOLET

So this is temporary for you?

CORKY

Pretty much. One day at a time.

Violet hands her the cup of black coffee.

VIOLET

I guessed you were straight black.

CORKY

Good guess.

They both sip from the piping hot mugs.

CORKY

Mmmm... thanks, I needed this.

VIOLET

My pleasure... but to be honest, I

did have a slightly ulterior motive

here. I was wondering if I could

ask a small favor?

CORKY

A favor?

VIOLET

Yeah, see, I'm kind of a night

person, so I was wondering if it

wasn't a terrible inconvenience if

you could wait a bit before using

power tools.

CORKY

Oh, I'm sorry --

VIOLET

No, it isn't your fault. The walls

here are just so thin.

CORKY

Are they really?

VIOLET

Yes, it really causes problems.

Sometimes it's like you're in the

same room. But if it's too much

trouble, I understand...

CORKY

No, no trouble. There's other work

to do.

VIOLET

You're doing everything yourself?

CORKY

Yeah.

VIOLET

That is so amazing. I'm in awe of

people who can fix things. My dad

was like that. We never had

anything new. Whenever something

broke he would open it up, tinker

with it and it would work. His

hands were magic.

She looks at Corky's hands cupped around the mug.

VIOLET

Yeah... I bet your car is twenty

years old.

Corky smiles.

CORKY

Truck.

VIOLET

Truck. Of course.

CORKY

'74 Chevy.

VIOLET

I knew it.

Violet sips.

VIOLET

So, how do you know the owner, Mr.

Bianchinni?

CORKY

I don't, really. I was referred to

him.

VIOLET

Oh, really.

Corky suddenly feels she has revealed something.

CORKY

Do you know him?

VIOLET

No, but Ceasar does. He likes him.

Says he's a good Italian.

CORKY

Ceasar is your husband?

VIOLET

Oh no, no. I'm not the marrying

kind.

Smiling, she says nothing else.

VIOLET

I should be going. You can drop the

cup off anytime.

CORKY

Thanks.

VIOLET

My pleasure.

Corky watches her leave.

EXT. THE WATERING HOLE - NIGHT

A dirty bar hidden away on a dark street, its cracked,

moon white sign the only evidence it exists.

A couple of large motorcycles are parked in front.

INT. THE WATERING HOLE - NIGHT

The smell of leather and cigarette smoke fills Corky's

nose as she crosses to the bar.

BARTENDER

Well, well...

Corky sits as the fat bartender waddles over.

BARTENDER

Been awhile, Cork.

CORKY

Five years, two months, sixteen

days. How you doing, Sue?

Corky puts a cigarette in her mouth and lights it.

SUE

Like shit. Now that we're all

caught up, how about a drink?

Sue opens the refrigerator and pulls out two Old Styles.

CORKY

Thanks.

They click the bottles together and drink.

SUE

You got a job yet?

CORKY

Yeah. Some plumbing, painting and

shit.

Sue laughs.

SUE

I mean a J-O-B. A real job.

CORKY

Not for me, Sue. I'm straight and

narrow. I'm just here to get laid

or drunk and hopefully both.

Corky gets off the stool.

CORKY

Thanks for the beer.

Looking around, she sees a woman alone at one of the back

tables. Through the smoky din, she bears a slight

resemblance to Violet.

The woman is dressed all in black, including a leather

jacket.

Smiling, Corky slides into the chair beside her. There is

no one smoother.

CORKY

Hi.

WOMAN

Hello.

CORKY

You know... that outfit would look

great on my bedroom floor.

The woman smiles just as someone taps Corky on the

shoulder.

She turns and is face to face with a large bull of a woman

in a heavy leather Chicago Police jacket. She is more

wide than fat.

WOMAN COP

Hey, Jesse. What's happening here?

CORKY

Nothing... yet.

WOMAN COP

Who's this?

Her coat opens as she puts her hands on her hips. A

service revolver is clipped to her belt.

She squints at Corky, her head nodding in recognition.

WOMAN COP

Wait, I know you.

CORKY

I don't think so.

WOMAN COP

I didn't know you were out.

Corky smiles at the woman in black.

CORKY

When you get tired of Cagney and

Lacey, come find me.

She heads for the exit.

EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT

The neighborhood would be politely described as "rough."

Corky parks her truck and gets out.

INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

It is a hole but it is home.

Corky is lying on her futon staring up at the ceiling, a

beer resting on her stomach; a folk singer quietly croons

from the radio.

We see the ceiling, a circle of light hovering over the

small desk lamp. We move in on the spot, which slowly

fills up the screen until there is nothing but the white

light.

Suddenly a wet paint roller loaded with white paint cuts a

swath across the ceiling.

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. EMPTY APARTMENT

Corky is painting the ceiling. The folk ballad has become

an angry Riot Grrrl anthem.

She is working hard, the roller sucking back and forth.

Sweat covers her face.

Dropping the roller down, she reloads it in the tray when

the phone rings. She stops and answers it.

CORKY

Hello? Oh, hi, Mr. Bianchinni...

yes, everything is going fine. I

got the tub drain all cleaned out.

She listens for a moment.

CORKY

What apartment?

She glances at the main wall.

CORKY

All right, all right, I guess I

could take a look. Yeah, you're

welcome, goodbye.

She hangs up and looks again at the wall, feeling...

curious.

INT. HALL

Corky knocks and after a moment Violet opens the door.

She seems surprised.

VIOLET

Oh no. Shit. I didn't know he

would call you. God, you must think

I'm a total nuisance.

CORKY

Not exactly.

VIOLET

I'm sorry, I usually would call

Rajeev, but I didn't know what to do

so I called Mr. Bianchinni.

CORKY

He said you lost something.

VIOLET

Yeah, come on in.

She steps back and Corky walks inside.

INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT

Violet leads her through the apartment. It is expensively

furnished with very masculine tastes; a lot of gray and

black leather.

VIOLET

I was doing some dishes and just as

I pulled the stopper my earring fell

in.

Corky looks at her blankly.

VIOLET

It's one of my favorites. That's

why I got upset. I know it

probably seems ridiculous to you.

An eyebrow goes up.

VIOLET

I'm sorry, look, forget it. I

shouldn't have called...

CORKY

I told Bianchinni I would take a

look. Is it that sink?

Violet nods.

She opens the sink cabinet and pulls out a pair of channel

locks from her back pocket. The teeth of the channel

locks open and bite onto the pressure nut.

CORKY

Do you have a pot or a bucket?

VIOLET

Sure.

She hands one down to her. Corky slides it under the

curved pipe.

As she works, Corky feels herself staring at Violet, at

the hem of her dress curving tightly around her thighs.

Water begins to trickle into the pan.

The nut slides loose and Corky tips the trap. Water

splashes into the pan with a soft metal "tink".

VIOLET

Did you find it?

Corky fishes into gray water and pulls out the earring.

Violet screams, a huge smile on her face, half falling as

she tries to hug Corky.

VIOLET

I can't believe it! You did it!

Corky leans back under and replaces the trap.

VIOLET

Thank you so much. You have to

let me pay you something --

CORKY

No. Mr. Bianchinni asked me to do

it. I did it.

Corky checks the drain by running the water.

VIOLET

If you won't take money, how about a

drink? It's getting late. You

can't work all night.

Corky eyes her for a moment.

CORKY

Okay, one drink.

VIOLET

What do you want?

CORKY

A beer?

VIOLET

A beer. Of course.

She smiles and turns to the bar.

VIOLET

Sit down.

Corky sits on the black leather couch and Violet returns

with two bottles of Heineken. Corky sneers.

VIOLET

Thanks again.

They clink the bottles and swig.

VIOLET

You seem uncomfortable. Do I make

you nervous, Corky?

CORKY

No.

She looks at Violet, then takes another long pull on the

bottle.

VIOLET

Thirsty, maybe.

Violet smiles, her eyes again talking for her.

CORKY

Curious, maybe.

VIOLET

Curious? That's funny, I'm feeling

a bit curious myself right now.

Violet notices the tattoo on Corky's arm.

VIOLET

That's a great tattoo.

She reaches over and touches it.

VIOLET

Beautiful labrys.

Corky is a bit surprised that she knows what it is. She

nods, rubbing it as if trying to hide it.

VIOLET

Are you surprised that I know what

it is?

CORKY

Maybe.

VIOLET

I have a tattoo, would you like to

see it?

She moves closer, sliding over the leather cushions as she

opens the front of her dress.

VIOLET

A woman in upstate New York did it

for me.

She is not wearing a bra.

VIOLET

Here. Do you like it?

Set against the soft white skin of her breast is a bright

green stemmed violet.

VIOLET

It took her all day to do it. She

promised me it wouldn't hurt, but it

was sore for a long time after. I

couldn't even touch it.

Corky looks up from Violet's breast to her dark eyes.

VIOLET

But now I love the way it feels.

She runs her fingers softly over the slightly scarred

skin.

VIOLET

Here, touch it.

Corky feels the blood pounding in her ears as Violet takes

her hand and places it on her breast.

CORKY

What are you doing?

Violet looks at her.

VIOLET

Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to

seduce you.

CORKY

Why?

VIOLET

Because I want to. I've wanted to

since I first saw you in the

elevator.

Corky watches her, trying to figure her out even as her

thumb presses into Violet's nipple.

Inhaling sharply, Violet's eyes close, she can feel

Corky staring at her.

VIOLET

You don't believe me. But I can

prove it to you.

She takes Corky's wrist and begins pulling her hand down

her body.

VIOLET

You can't believe me because of what

you see...

She forces Corky's hand between her legs, up under her

dress.

VIOLET

But you can believe what you feel.

Violet opens her eyes, a wanton smile on her lips.

VIOLET

You see... I've been thinking about

you all day.

Corky's forearm flexes and Violet moans.

With both hands, Violet takes hold of Corky's forearm.

CORKY

You planned this whole thing?

Violet's head swims; she is unable to breathe.

CORKY

You dropped that earring down the

drain on purpose, didn't you?

VIOLET

If I say yes, will you take your

hand away?

CORKY

No.

VIOLET

... yes.

Now it is Corky who smiles.

Violet shivers, her thighs rubbing, her hips thrusting

against Corky's hand.

VIOLET

Please, Corky... please...

Her eyes barely open.

VIOLET

... kiss me.

In a single motion, Corky takes hold of the back of her

neck and covers Violet's open mouth with her own.

With her hand still stuffed between Violet's legs, Corky

lays her back onto the couch as the kiss becomes more --

More desperate, more hungry until --

We hear the front door unlock and open.

CEASAR

Violet?

Violet's eyes pop open and she pushes Corky back.

CEASAR

Violet, you home?

They scramble to compose themselves.

VIOLET

Yeah. In here, C.

He comes around the corner and in the dim light sees the

two figures sitting close on the couch.

CEASAR

What's this?

He mistakes Corky for a man.

CEASAR

What the fuck is this?

Violet stands as Ceasar barrels towards the couch.

VIOLET

I didn't expect --

CEASAR

What the fuck is going on?

Corky stands and turns, Ceasar suddenly realizing that she

is a woman.

CEASAR

Oh, shit...

VIOLET

Ceasar, this is Corky. Corky,

Ceasar.

CEASAR

I'm sorry, Christ, I thought... it's

fucking dark in here.

He reaches to the wall for the lights.

VIOLET

She is working for Bianchinni.

Ceasar extends his hand.

CEASAR

Oh, right, right. Don mentioned

that to me. Hi, welcome to the

family.

Corky shakes his hand.

CEASAR

You're helping Rajeev?

CORKY

No. Rajeev's in India.

VIOLET

She's doing the work herself.

CEASAR

No shit. Bianchinni hired you?

You know he's a good friend of mine.

Family, really.

CORKY

That's what Violet said.

He looks at her as if he knows something.

CEASAR

So, you just got out?

VIOLET

Jesus, Ceasar!

CEASAR

What? It ain't no big fuckin' deal.

I know who Don hires. Did you know

he did time himself?

Corky shakes her head.

CEASAR

Thirteen fucking years. See, there

ain't no secrets here.

Corky doesn't like this man.

CEASAR

How many you'd do?

CORKY

Five.

He whistles.

CEASAR

Not bad. What for?

VIOLET

That's none of your goddamn business

Ceasar.

CEASAR

You're right. You don't have to

tell me, if you don't want to. I

just hope you understand you're

among good people here.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick fold of

money and peels several hundreds. Corky stares at it.

CEASAR

Come on, come on. If you understand

what I'm talking about you're going

to take the money. If you don't,

I'm going to have to worry about you.

Corky takes it. Ceasar smiles.

CEASAR

Good. I hate to worry. I got

ulcers.

CORKY

I should be going.

CEASAR

What? How about a drink?

CORKY

My brushes, I have to clean my

brushes. Thanks though.

CEASAR

Another time.

CORKY

Sure.

INT. EMPTY APARTMENT

Close on the paintbrush, Corky's fingers pushing through

and separating the black bristles under the running water.

When the brush is clean, she flicks it dry and resets the

edge.

She goes to the sink to wash her hands when she stops,

noticing her left hand.

It is the hand that was between Violet's legs.

She is about to smell her finger when she sees herself in

the mirror.

CORKY

What are you doing?

She drops her hand.

CORKY

What am I doing? I'm fucking up,

that's what I'm doing.

She scrubs her hands clean.

EXT. PARKING LOT

It is late, the area burnished with amber street light.

Corky walks from the building to her truck.

She climbs inside and slides the key into the ignition

when suddenly the passenger door opens and --

Violet gets in. Stunned, Corky stares at her.

VIOLET

I had to see you.

CORKY

Look, I don't think this is a good

idea.

VIOLET

I wanted to apologize.

CORKY

Don't apologize, please. I can't

stand women who apologize for

wanting sex.

Violet smiles.

VIOLET

I'm not apologizing for what I

did --

She slides across the seat.

VIOLET

I'm apologizing for what I didn't

do.

She kisses Corky, and if Corky is trying to resist, we

can't tell.

The windshield is beginning to steam when Violet, panting,

breaks the kiss.

VIOLET

Do you have a bed somewhere?

Unable to speak, Corky reaches over and starts the engine.

INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT

The sex.

There is nothing flower-scented or out-of-focus about it.

It is sweaty, slippery, body-grinding, bed-squeaking

lesbian sex --

Pungent and potent --

And when it is over, neither woman can move.

Finally, Corky's eyes flutter open.

CORKY

I can see again.

Violet smiles.

Slowly, Corky gets up and goes to the fridge. She grabs a

beer and presses it to her sweating forehead.

After a moment, she lowers it, gently pressing the cold

can elsewhere. Eyes closed, she lets out a long "ahh".

Violet hears the sizzle-pop of the beer as Corky returns

to the bed.

She holds the beer to Violet's lips and tilts the can,

watching Violet's throat as she drinks.

Violet's eyes open.

VIOLET

... I needed that.

CORKY

Tell me about it.

Corky hands her the beer as Violet sits up a bit.

CORKY

Ceasar's Mafia, isn't he?

VIOLET

You have to ask?

CORKY

No.

VIOLET

Funny, nobody calls it that anymore.

Ceasar calls it "The Business".

CORKY

How did you meet him?

VIOLET

They took over a club I was working

at. Ceasar started managing it.

CORKY

He's a launderer?

VIOLET

Basically.

CORKY

How long have you been with him?

VIOLET

Almost five years.

CORKY

Five years is a long time.

VIOLET

Yes it is.

Corky stares at her beer. She knows what Violet is

thinking.

CORKY

The re-distribution of wealth.

VIOLET

What?

CORKY

Isn't that what you wanted to know?

What I did time for?

VIOLET

The re-distribution of wealth?

CORKY

That's what I tell someone when I'm

trying to get them in my bed.

VIOLET

I'm already in your bed.

CORKY

My cellmate would say she did her

time for getting caught. She was

always more honest than me.

Corky sips her beer.

CORKY

I started stealing when I was little.

We were piss poor, which is not an

excuse, just a fact.

It isn't like her to talk about this, especially with

someone she just met.

CORKY

The first time I remember so vividly.

A bunch of us kids were at Waxman's

Drugstore, when Mr. Waxman, who was

a mean old prick, always worrying

about us robbing him, dropped a roll

of quarters.

We can almost hear the coins tinkling on the tile floor.

CORKY

I can still hear that sound, those

quarters, because right then

something clicked inside of me.

Some instinct took over and as

everyone, including Waxman, dove

down, I reached up and emptied the

cash register.

Violet smiles. She likes this woman.

CORKY

I gave most of the money to my mom.

I told her I found it at the

train yard. She was so happy she

cried, calling me her lucky charm.

Fifteen years later, I guess my luck

ran out.

She swallows that with beer.

CORKY

Sometimes I tell myself that I

didn't have a choice, that stealing

was surviving. Usually I can admit

that's bullshit. I did it because

it was a way out. It was easy and I

was good at it, real good.

She glances at Violet.

CORKY

I don't usually talk this much. I

guess I have been rehabilitated.

Violet laughs.

VIOLET

You didn't have to tell me if you

didn't want to.

CORKY

I guess I wanted to.

VIOLET

I'm glad you did.

CORKY

So am I.

EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY

Corky gets out of her truck carrying her tools. Grinning

like someone who has been well-laid, she whistles off to

work.

INT. LOBBY

Between the main doors she sees a man. His name is Shelly

and he is an over-dressed accountant.

He is very nervous, talking to someone through the

intercom.

Shelly

I know he's gone. Please. I have

to talk to you.

Fiddling with her keys, Corky recognizes the voice that

answers him.

VIOLET (V.O.)

What do you want, Shelly?

Shelly glances over his shoulder at Corky, answering in a

hushed voice.

Shelly

I have to leave. Tonight.

For a moment the intercom is silent. Then the door buzzes

and Shelly pushes inside. Corky follows him to the

elevator.

INT. ELEVATOR

Corky stares at Shelly like she is considering beating the

crap out of him. She isn't sure why but she knows it

would make her feel better.

Shelly hides behind his sunglasses watching the elevator

numbers go up. The doors open and he scurries out.

INT. HALL

She watches him enter Ceasar's apartment, her smile now

completely gone.

INT. EMPTY APARTMENT

It is later. Through the wall we listen to the same sound

as before of two people making love. We drop down and

find Corky's brush, still wet with paint, abandoned in her

tray.

INT. BEDROOM

Her face glistening with sweat, Violet climaxes, letting

the orgasm spread through her like melting butter.

VIOLET

I had this image of you, inside of

me...

She flattens her palms against the soft cradle of her

pelvis.

VIOLET

Like a part of me...

As she opens her eyes, we see that her lover is Corky.

Violet watches as she gets off the bed and begins to get

dressed.

VIOLET

You are so beautiful.

Corky does not answer as she yanks her pants on. Violet

sits up. She can feel that something is wrong.

VIOLET

What's wrong?

CORKY

Nothing.

Violet pulls the sheet around her.

VIOLET

Yes there is. I felt it this

morning when I brought you the

coffee.

CORKY

Shit, here we go.

VIOLET

You didn't want to see me, did you?

CORKY

If there is one thing I can't stand

about sleeping with women, it's all

the fucking mind reading.

VIOLET

What are you afraid of?

CORKY

I'm not afraid of anything.

VIOLET

I don't understand --

CORKY

I know! You can't understand,

because we're different, Violet.

We're different.

VIOLET

We're not that different Corky.

CORKY

How can you sit in that bed and say

that?

VIOLET

Because it's the truth.

CORKY

Let me guess. This is where you

tell me that what matters is on the

inside. That inside you, there is a

little dyke just like me?

VIOLET

Oh no, she's nothing like you.

She's a lot smarter than you.

CORKY

Is that what her daddy tells her?

VIOLET

I know what I am. I don't need to

have it tattooed on my shoulder.

CORKY

What are you saying? That you don't

have sex with men?

VIOLET

I don't.

CORKY

For Christ's sake, Violet! I heard

you! Thin walls, remember?

VIOLET

What you heard wasn't sex.

CORKY

What the fuck was it?

VIOLET

All my life, everyone has been

telling me that when I have sex, I'm

not really having sex. Not real sex.

But they're wrong. I know what is

and isn't sex and what you heard was

definitely not sex.

CORKY

What was it then?

VIOLET

Work.

That knocks Corky back.

VIOLET

You made certain choices in your

life that you paid for. You said

you made them because you were good

at something and it was easy. Do

you think you're the only one that's

good at something?

Violet's stare pins Corky to the wall.

VIOLET

We make our own choices and we pay

our own prices. I think we're more

alike than you want to admit.

CORKY

What about that guy this morning?

VIOLET

You mean Shelly?

CORKY

Don't tell me, you're a workaholic.

VIOLET

No. Shelly knows what I am. He saw

me in a bar with another woman.

CORKY

I suppose he just wants to watch.

That's all Violet can take.

VIOLET

Fuck it! I think you better leave.

CORKY

I think so too.

Violet turns away.

VIOLET

Try not to steal anything on the way

out.

That stings but Corky walks out without looking back.

INT. EMPTY APARTMENT

It is dark now. Corky is standing above the paint tray

that has skinned over. She picks up the brush. It is dry

with paint.

CORKY

Shit.

She throws the brush across the room.

EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY

The rusty Chevy glides to a stop in a parking space near

the service entrance. In its payload is a boxed bathroom

vanity and sink.

Corky climbs out of the cab and into the back, unhooking

the bungy cords that hold down the boxes.

She looks up as a black Lincoln Town Car screeches into a

spot not far from her truck. Three serious looking men

get out, leading a fourth, Shelly.

He is the only one who seems to notice Corky.

They enter the building, the door closing behind them.

INT. BATHROOM

Corky's legs jut out from the old wicker vanity as she

finishes detaching its anchors and pipe work.

She stands giving it a yank and pulling it away from the

wall when voices begin to filter in from the next door

apartment.

She listens, a rising string of warbling sobs drowned

out by an angry voice.

ANGRY VOICE

Shut the fuck up! You piece of

shit!

We hear a scream.

ANGRY VOICE

You're going to tell us! You're

going to fuckin' tell us! just a

matter of fuckin' time!

Each sentence is punctuated with grunts and thuds.

ANGRY VOICE

Where is it? Where the fuck is it?!

We begin to close in on Corky as she listens to each thud,

watching something that disturbs her.

ANGRY VOICE

You shit! You piece of shit!

With each thud the water in the toilet shimmers like a

struck cymbal. As we move closer, the sound swells

until --

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. CEASAR'S BATHROOM

Where blood splatters the toilet, heavy drops hitting the

water and spreading like inverted mushroom clouds.

ANGRY VOICE

Did that hurt? News flash, fucko:

I'm just getting started.

The angry voice belongs to Johnnie Marconi. Shelly is

kneeling in front of the toilet, hands tied behind his

back with electrical wire.

Johnnie Marconi is a flashy young man in Armani slacks,

silk shirt and silver-tipped cowboy boots. His tie is

tucked in as if torture were a fine dining experience.

Ceasar and two other men are crammed in the small

bathroom.

JOHNNIE

You got nerve trying to fuck us!

Nobody fucks me! Nobody fucks my

father! Nobody! Nobody!

Shelly screams as Johnnie repeatedly rams his face into

the toilet.

CEASAR

Whoa, whoa. Come on, he's making

too much noise.

JOHNNIE

You hear that, bitch? Be quiet!

CEASAR

Here, put this in his mouth.

Ceasar hands a towel to Johnnie, who stuffs it into

Shelly's mouth.

INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT

Like Corky, Violet can hear the beating. She is trying to

block it out but cannot.

Standing at the bar, she runs the blender, grinding ice

cubes, trying to drown out the sounds of the bathroom.

The bathroom door opens.

JOHNNIE

Prick! I can go all night! All

night!

Ceasar steps out, shutting the door, masking the sounds

behind him. Violet moves towards him.

VIOLET

Ceasar, I'm leaving.

CEASAR

What? Oh come on, I didn't use one

of the good towels.

The door opens again as someone else steps out.

VIOLET

Ceasar, I'm serious. This is too

much. I have to get out of here.

CEASAR

Why? 'Cause you know him?

She nods.

CEASAR

You women are so fucking sensitive.

He takes hold of her.

CEASAR

But I don't want you to go. I like

you here. You know this isn't easy

for me either.

He embraces her. Over his shoulder she sees Mickey

Malnati in the hallway, staring at her.

He is an older man, hair graying, built like a fire plug.

Sinewy mass strains at his Brooks Brothers' suit.

CEASAR

Now, why don't you go watch some TV

or something?

MICKEY

Are you okay, Violet?

CEASAR

Mickey, why is Johnnie here? You

know how I feel about that fucking

psycho.

Mickey continues to stare at Violet, who looks up at him

with her big, doe eyes.

MICKEY

Ceasar, didn't I tell you to get

something?

CEASAR

Sure, Mickey. Sure.

He goes to the kitchen.

Mickey moves closer to Violet, lifting her chin the way a

father would do to his little girl.

MICKEY

You shouldn't have to see this. Why

don't you get out of here? Go for a

walk.

VIOLET

Ceasar wants me to stay.

MICKEY

Don't worry about Ceasar. I'll

handle Ceasar. You just get out of

here, okay?

She smiles.

VIOLET

Thanks, Mickey.

Ceasar returns from the kitchen. He is holding a pair of

tin snips. Mickey takes them.

MICKEY

Thanks, C. Now let's end this thing.

Violet watches them return to the bathroom.

INT. BATHROOM - DAY

Mickey takes off his coat and hands it to a large man

named Lou. He slaps Johnnie on the back.

MICKEY

Hey, Johnnie, ease up, okay.

Johnnie hits Shelly once more.

JOHNNIE

Prick.

Mickey kneels down next to Shelly's ear and motions to

Lou who lifts Shelly's bound arms, holding his hand over

the toilet bowl.

MICKEY

Shelly, I'm going to ask you ten

times. You understand? Ten times.

Mickey grabs Shelly's pinkie finger, putting it between

the metal blades.

MICKEY

One. Where is our money?

Shelly whimpers, red-faced and sobbing.

There is a sick crunch and Shelly howls into his gag. His

severed finger plunks into the toilet and floats to the

bottom.

INT. BATHROOM

Corky can't stand it anymore. She throws her tools down,

leaves the bathroom and finds --

Violet waiting in the main room. Both women stand apart

in silence.

Violet seems on the verge of saying something but doesn't

know how to start. Her lip begins to quiver, her eyes

search the room returning to Corky each time.

The violence in the next room can still be heard.

CORKY

Violet? Are you all right?

Almost unnoticeably, Violet shakes her bead. Corky puts

her arm around her.

CORKY

Come on. Let's go.

EXT. BAR

An upscale bar in the same neighborhood.

INT. BAR

It is the kind of bar businessmen drink at in the

afternoon. Dark wood and padded leather.

Corky and Violet, the only women in the room, sit close

together at a far corner table.

Violet's voice is hushed.

VIOLET

Shelly was skimming from the

business. He came to see me

yesterday because he was afraid

Ceasar figured it out. He wanted to

run but he wanted me to come with

him.

CORKY

Even though he knew about you?

VIOLET

Yes.

CORKY

He was in love with you, right?

VIOLET

That's what he told himself. But it

wasn't even about me, it was about

Ceasar. He wanted what Ceasar had.

That's how they are. I understand

them.

She glances around the room; a man at the bar smiles at

her.

VIOLET

For Shelly, taking the money was a

way to take from Ceasar. He could

have run at any time, but he didn't

because he didn't want out.

CORKY

Sounds like he wanted to get caught.

VIOLET

Maybe he did. He would brag to me

all the time. He was never afraid

of Ceasar because he didn't know him.

Not like I do.

Two men sit down near them, laughing.

VIOLET

Ceasar lives for these moments. He

tells me it's just the business but

I know it's more than that. He

likes it. The violence. I'll catch

him in the bathroom mirror touching

his scars. He says they remind him

who he his. They're all like that.

Except maybe Mickey.

CORKY

Mickey?

VIOLET

He's the part of the business that

the rest of them pretend to be. But

Mickey doesn't like it like they do.

I suppose that's why he's good at it.

Violet stares at her glass, at the melting ice.

VIOLET

I used to be able to block it out.

I would tell myself that I wasn't

really there so nothing really

mattered. But I can't do it anymore.

She downs the last of her drink.

VIOLET

I've been making the same mistake

Shelly made. But now I know what I

want.

She turns to Corky.

VIOLET

I want out. I want a new life. I

see what I've been waiting for, but

I need you, Corky.

CORKY

For what?

VIOLET

You made a choice once. Do you

think you would make that same

choice again?

CORKY

What choice?

VIOLET

If those quarters fell to the floor,

would you still reach up to that

cash register?

Corky stares at her, knowing where this is going. She

glances around the crowded bar.

CORKY

Not here.

We glide past a sign on a door that reads, "Women's Room".

INT. WOMEN'S ROOM

We move over the top of the far stall and find Corky and

Violet.

VIOLET

Ceasar is going to get the money and

bring --

CORKY

How much money?

VIOLET

Shelly said it was over two million

dollars.

Corky quietly swallows that pill.

VIOLET

Ceasar will bring it to the

apartment to count and go through

Shelly's books to figure out how he

did it.

CORKY

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Do

you have any idea what you are

saying? You are asking me to help

you fuck the mob.

Violet nods.

CORKY

These people are serious, Violet.

If you want to know how serious, ask

Shelly. They're worse than any cop

because they have lots of money and

no rules. You fuck them, you've got

to do it right.

VIOLET

That's why I need your help. You

said you were good.

CORKY

I am, but...

She knows Violet is challenging her.

CORKY

All right, let's say for the moment

that I believe everything you are

saying.

VIOLET

You think I'm lying?

CORKY

I didn't say that, but since you

did, let's say that you are. It

would have been easy to set Shelly

up. You could have got him killed

knowing that Ceasar would bring the

money to the apartment.

Violet stares, her face poker-blank.

CORKY

All you would need to keep yourself

clean would be someone unconnected,

someone like me.

VIOLET

Is that what you think?

CORKY

I'm just making a point. You have

no idea what you're asking. How

much trust two people need to do

something like this.

She moves closer to Violet.

CORKY

For me, stealing is a lot like sex.

Two people that want the same thing

sit in a room and they talk, they

start to plan and it's like

flirting, a kind of foreplay,

because the more they talk about it,

the wetter they get.

She stops.

CORKY

The difference is, I can have sex

with someone I just met, someone I

hardly know, but to steal I need to

know someone like I know myself.

VIOLET

Do you think you know me like that?

CORKY

I think...

They are close enough to kiss.

CORKY

We're going to find out.

Corky pulls back.