"CANINE"

 

                           by

 

                     Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     3550 SW Pomona St.

                                     Portland, OR 97219-7518

                                     (800) 294-7176

                                     cdeemer@yahoo.com


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

EXT. PACIFIC NORTHWEST - COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

A road cuts through a forest in God's country.

 

Parked in a gravel area along the shoulder, a car.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - DAY

 

Moving through the woods are JIMMY, 20s, and HEATHER, 20s.

Jimmy has a case with a video camera slug over his shoulder.

 

                         HEATHER

             How much farther?

 

                         JIMMY

             Almost there.

 

                         HEATHER

             Jimmy, you don't have to get me

             this far in the woods to get laid.

 

                         JIMMY

             Very funny.

 

Jimmy leads the way along a path through the thick forest.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - MINI-MALL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

A new mini-mall is being dedicated in Crestview, Washington,

a town of about 30,000.

 

A temporary stage has been erected in the parking lot. A

SMALL CROWD stands in front of it.

 

On stage, a podium, HONORED GUESTS seated behind it.

 

At the podium, Crestview Mayor RAY HIGGINS. Handsome,

athletic, a man with a political future.

 

                         MAYOR HIGGINS

             I think it's time to cut the ribbon!

 

Cheers.

 

Behind the crowd, a man watches. This is RHODES, gaunt, all

bones and joints. He holds a small COCKER SPANIEL in his arms.


                                                            2.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

Jimmy and Heather reach a security fence. High, barbed wire

at the top. Menacing.

 

                         JIMMY

             What'd I tell you? Come on.

 

He moves faster along the fence.

 

                         HEATHER

             What is this place?

 

 

EXT. MINI-MALL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Rhodes puts the dog down.

 

                         RHODES

             Okay, follow the light. Follow

             the light.

 

Rhodes has a pen-sized laser flashlight. He puts a spot on

the ground, moving it so the dog follows in the direction of

the stage, where ...

 

Higgins moves to a yellow ribbon stretched in front of the

stage. He's handed a large pair of scissors.

 

The dog follows the light, getting closer.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - TRAINING COMPOUND - DAY

 

Jimmy stops along the fence. Heather comes up to him, out of

breath.

 

                         JIMMY

             There.

 

Beyond the fence is a baffling array of dummy human figures,

arranged in various lines.

 

                         JIMMY

             This is where they train the dogs.

 

                         HEATHER

             I don't understand.

 

                         JIMMY

             Just regular breeds, you know?

             Collies, cocker spaniels.

                         (MORE)


                                                            3.

 

 

                         JIMMY (CONT'D)

             They teach them to take out the

             dummies with the ferocity of a

             pit bull.

 

                         HEATHER

             Why?

 

Jimmy has taken out the video camera and starts shooting the

area.

 

                         JIMMY

             That's what I'd like to know.

 

 

EXT. MINI-MALL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Higgins poses for cameras before cutting the ribbon. All

smiles and good will politics.

 

The dog reaches him. It barks, looking up at Higgins.

 

                         MAYOR HIGGINS

             Our first customer!

 

The crowd loves it. Laughter, cheers.

 

Higgins cuts the ribbon and freezes for the cameras.

 

Behind the crowd, Rhodes presses a button on the flashlight.

The gesture is almost violent.

 

A small green "on" light flashes on the device.

 

At the ribbon, the dog suddenly lunges up at the mayor's

throat. He bites deeply. Higgins falls to the ground, the

dog at his throat.

 

The crowd screams.

 

A nearby POLICEMAN draws his pistol and shoots the dog.

 

Aides rush to the mayor's side.

 

Rhodes dashes to the curb, where a van is waiting for him.

He jumps in.

 

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

Driving is ALEX, all tattoos and toughness.


                                                            4.

 

 

                         ALEX

             The screaming means we did good,

             yes?

 

                         RHODES

             We passed the test.

 

Alex speeds away.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

Jimmy and Heather climb into Jimmy's car, parked in a gravel

area along the edge of the woods.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Jimmy behind the wheel. He turns to Heather.

 

                         JIMMY

             My dad needs to see this tape.

             Will you come with me? I'll take

             you to dinner afterwards.

 

                         HEATHER

             I thought you didn't get along

             with your dad.

 

                         JIMMY

             I'm not visiting. I'm giving him

             the tape. It's important. If you

             don't want to go, fine.

 

                         HEATHER

             Jimmy ... I'll go.

 

Heather manages to smile. But she looks worried.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - BACK YARD - DAY

 

Sitting in a lawn chair is RILEY CASSIDY, 30s. He wears a

county sheriff's uniform.

 

He is watching his daughter, TRACY, early teens, formally

walking with her dog, BUDDY, a Jack Russell terrier.

 

                         TRACY

             Heel, Buddy!...Heel.

 

Daughter and dog strut across the lawn. They could be in a

dog show.


                                                            5.

 

 

                         TRACY

             Dad, what do you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Very impressive.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

KATHERINE CASSIDY, 30s, dressed casually, pours coffee for

Cassidy.

 

He looks at his watch.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I have to get to work. So Tracy's

             serious about entering a dog show?

 

                         KATHERINE

             She's talking about Seattle. What

             do you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's a part of society I know

             nothing about. I'd better get the

             rest of my things.

 

                         KATHERINE

             There's no rush.

 

This brings a puzzled expression to his face.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Last week you couldn't get rid of

             them fast enough.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Tim and I broke up last night.

 

Cassidy shrugs.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Well, I didn't expect sympathy.

             It's just, well, there's less

             pressure to get rid of your

             things now.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm here, I'll get them.

 

He leaves the kitchen. Katherine starts to say something

after him but stops herself.


                                                            6.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy enters the bedroom.

 

He goes to a closet. He starts taking out his clothes,

piling them on the bed.

 

Tracy enters.

 

                         TRACY

             Mom broke up with Tim.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I heard.

 

                         TRACY

             Maybe you can move back in.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not a good idea.

 

                         TRACY

             I think mom--

 

                         CASSIDY

             Tracy. I know this is hard for

             you. But it's not a good idea.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - CURB - DAY

 

Cassidy piles his clothes into the back seat of his car.

Tracy looks on.

 

Buddy, the dog, sits in the front window, looking out.

Cassidy notices him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             The time he spends at that window.

 

                         TRACY

             Why do you think he likes to do

             it so much?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Probably wants somebody to take

             him for a walk. Maybe he's a

             dreamer, thinking of all the neat

             places he could be.


                                                            7.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

A small table off the kitchen in a small apartment. Cassidy

having dinner with OLIVIA, 20s. A looker. Cassidy is out of

uniform, dressed casually.

 

                         OLIVIA

             I bet she wins a prize. I love

             dogs. We should get one.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Dogs need a place to run.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Maybe after we get a bigger place.

 

Cassidy is silent. As if he were thinking, if we do.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Olivia reads. Cassidy watches the news.

 

ON TV

 

                         NEWSCASTER

             Crestview Mayor Roy Higgins was

             attacked by a cocker spaniel

             today while dedicating a new

             mini-mall. Witnesses say the

             small dog went for the mayor's

             throat without any apparent

             provocation. The mayor remains in

             critical condition.

 

                         CASSIDY

             A cocker spaniel?

 

                         OLIVIA

             What?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Did you ever hear of a cocker

             spaniel attacking anyone?

 

The doorbell rings. Cassidy goes to the door.

 

In the hallway, Jimmy and Heather.

 

                         JIMMY

             Hey, Dad.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy. What a surprise.


                                                            8.

 

 

                         JIMMY

             Is it too late?

 

                         CASSIDY

             No, come in.

 

Jimmy and Heather step inside.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Olivia, Jimmy's here.

 

                         JIMMY

             I didn't know you had company.

 

                         CASSIDY

             She moved in.

 

                         JIMMY

             Oh.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (to Heather)

             I'm Riley.

 

                         HEATHER

             Hi.

 

                         JIMMY

             Is there some place we can talk

             private?

 

 

INT. CAFE - NIGHT

 

Cassidy, Jimmy, Heather in a booth over coffees.

 

Jimmy brings out the videotape.

 

                         JIMMY

             You have to watch this.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What is it?

 

                         JIMMY

             I was hiking in the woods near

             Saddle Mountain last week and got

             lost. I finally heard some noise

             and followed it. What I came to

             was a huge fenced area where they

             were training dogs to attack

             these stuffed scarecrow figures.

                         (MORE)


                                                            9.

 

 

                         JIMMY (CONT'D)

             The thing is, these were just

             regular dogs. Like collies and

             terriers and stuff. They had them

             acting like mad attack dogs. It

             was scary to watch.

 

                         CASSIDY

             This is all on here?

 

                         JIMMY

             Unfortunately, no. I didn't have

             my camera. But I went back. The

             dummy figures are still there.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Did you hear the news tonight?

 

                         JIMMY

             No, why?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Do you ever watch the news?

 

                         JIMMY

                  (to Heather)

             He thinks I'm illiterate.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Check it out when you get home.

             You may be on to something.

 

                         JIMMY

             Is that a compliment?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We'll have to see.

 

Cassidy takes the tape.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Your sister's training Buddy for

             a dog show.

 

                         JIMMY

             Oh, God. She would. She thinks

             she's aristocracy or something.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I've got an early day tomorrow.

 

He grabs the check and slides out of the booth.


                                                           10.

 

 

                         JIMMY

             Call me after you watch it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             You in the same rat hole?

 

                         JIMMY

             It's a bigger rat hole than yours.

 

Cassidy smiles and heads for the counter.

 

                         JIMMY

             Call me!

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

 

A large farmhouse without visible neighbors. Several cars in

the driveway, including the van from the dog attack.

 

In front is a sign: "Master Dog Training Academy."

 

 

INT. OFFICE - DAY

 

At a desk with the morning paper is COOTY, 40s. Fit for his

age.

 

Across the desk sit Rhodes and DR. YALE, 40s, a skeleton.

 

                         COOTY

             Except for the mayor surviving,

             everything seems to have worked

             perfectly. I congratulate you,

             doctor.

 

                         DR. YALE

             Yes, I'm very pleased.

 

                         RHODES

             It all went off like clockwork.

 

                         COOTY

             Gentlemen, I believe we can

             proceed to the next step.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - SHERIFF'S STATION - DAY

 

Cassidy, in uniform, enters the modest building. A sign,

"Crestview County Sheriff's Department."


                                                           11.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - FLOOR - DAY

 

Cassidy enters the main floor area. Desks crowded together.

 

At one desk is MIKE, 30s, a deputy.

 

                         MIKE

             Riley, how'd it go?

 

                         CASSIDY

             She already broke up with him.

 

Mike laughs.

 

                         MIKE

             You moving back in?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not a masochist.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DESK - DAY

 

Cassidy reaches his desk. EDITH, 30s, arrives.

 

                         EDITH

             Sheriff wants to see you.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Thanks, Edie.

 

                         EDITH

             Everything go okay?

 

He heads off without replying.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - CHIEF'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Cassidy steps inside. Behind the desk, FOX, 50s. He's doing

paperwork.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You wanted to see me?

 

                         FOX

             Sit down, Riley.

 

He does.

 

                         FOX

             I'm thinking of retiring. I'm

             thinking you should throw your

             hat into the ring.


                                                           12.

 

 

Cassidy is speechless.

 

                         FOX

             You don't have to look like it's

             the end of the world.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Aren't I, well, a little young to

             be sheriff?

 

                         FOX

             I wasn't much older than you when

             I got the desk. Why, you don't

             think you can handle it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I've never thought about it. To

             be honest, since my marriage fell

             apart, I've been thinking of a

             change of scenery. Of course, my

             daughter's here.

 

                         FOX

             Your personal life is none of my

             business, but it would be a

             substantial loss to the department

             to lose you.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I appreciate that.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

A county sheriff squad car cruising the streets.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving. Edith riding shotgun.

 

Cassidy sees something.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Here we go again.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

Staggering along the street is EDGAR, an old man, obviously

drunk.

 

The squad car pulls over. Cassidy and Edith get out.


                                                           13.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Hey, Edgar! We're you heading,

             old timer?

 

Edgar ignores him, staggering on.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (to Edith)

             What is it, third time this week?

 

                         EDITH

             Set your watch by him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Okay, old timer, time for a ride.

 

A pick up truck pulls over. FREDDY, 20s, hops out.

 

                         FREDDY

             I've got him, sheriff!

 

                         CASSIDY

             Freddy.

 

                         FREDDY

             Come on, gramps, time to go home.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You sure you can handle it?

 

Edgar is letting Freddy lead him to the pick up.

 

                         FREDDY

             Everything's under control.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm tired of seeing him this week,

             Freddy.

 

                         FREDDY

             I can handle it.

 

Cassidy shakes his head. He and Edith head back to the squad

car.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving.

 

                         EDITH

             You'd be a fantastic sheriff.


                                                           14.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't know. I'm not even sure

             how long I'm staying around.

 

                         EDITH

             Really?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Don't you get tired of picking up

             Edgar? Maybe there's more action

             in a bigger market. Seattle would

             probably freak me out. But maybe

             Spokane. Where you do something

             besides chase speeders and take

             drunks to the tank.

 

                         EDITH

             We got mad dogs. That's not crazy

             enough for you?

 

Cassidy turns thoughtful.

 

                         CASSIDY

             My son came by last night. He had

             a tape of what he claims to be a

             training ground where they turn

             household breeds into attack dogs.

 

                         EDITH

             You saw this?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not much to see. But it's a

             curious theory. Unfortunately,

             you have to consider the source.

             Jimmy believes in every conspiracy

             theory under the sun.

 

                         EDITH

             There's sure one cocker spaniel

             in town who acted like a pit bull.

 

The radio belches a message.

 

                         RADIO

             Emergency at 4th and Davis Avenue.

             Victim in critical condition.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (on radio)

             We're on it.

 

He turns on the siren and lights.


                                                           15.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

The squad car races off.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - DAY

 

The squad car is parked at the end of an alley.

 

An ambulance nearby. Two PARAMEDICS carry a BODY to it.

 

Cassidy and Edith with a WOMAN, a witness.

 

                         WOMAN

             I was across the street. I heard

             the dog and turned and by then

             the man was on the ground. The

             dog was attacking him.

 

                         EDITH

             What kind of dog?

 

                         WOMAN

             It was just the cutest dog. One

             of those, what do you call it,

             long skinny things, like a hot dog.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Weiner dog? A dachshund?

 

                         WOMAN

             That's the one.

 

Cassidy and Edith exchange a look.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Olivia making love.

 

The phone rings.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Don't...

 

Cassidy answers it.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Yeah.

 

                         JIMMY

                  (filtered)

             I saw the news. There's got to be

             a connection. Don't you think?


                                                           16.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy...

 

                         OLIVIA

             Oh, Christ.

 

She gets out of bed and heads for the bathroom.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy, it's late.

 

                         JIMMY

                  (filtered)

             Aren't you going to look into it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I can't talk now.

 

                         JIMMY

                  (filtered)

             Right. I forgot you're in your

             reborn stud phase.

 

Click.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (under his breath)

             Jesus.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

Jimmy, alone, back at the compound with his video camera.

This time he's shooting action as ...

 

 

EXT. TRAINING COMPOUND - DAY

 

Cooty and Dr. Yale watch as Rhodes works with various pet-

breed dogs.

 

The dogs stand obediently in a line, facing a line of

stuffed figures.

 

Rhodes has the small laser flashlight in hand. He presses a

button, and the dogs immediately leap at the figures,

attacking them ferociously.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

Jimmy is getting everything on tape.

 

Alex appears behind him.


                                                           17.

 

 

                         ALEX

             This is forbidden area.

 

Jimmy turns -- and fear washes over his face.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DESK - DAY

 

Cassidy at his desk, doing paperwork.

 

The phone rings.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Cassidy.

 

An expression of shock.

 

 

INT. MORGUE - DAY

 

Cassidy watches as a table is pulled out. A sheet over the

body.

 

The MORGUE WORKER pulls down the sheet.

 

Jimmy.

 

Cassidy, fighting back tears, nods.

 

 

EXT. MORGUE - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

A squad car is parked in the morgue lot. Edith stands by the

car.

 

                         EDITH

             Are you okay?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course not.

 

She moves forward, as if to embrace him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm okay. I just don't know where

             to start.

 

                         EDITH

             The park where they found the body?

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith in the park. Grass, trees, picnic tables.


                                                           18.

 

 

They approach a park bench.

 

                         CASSIDY

             He was found here. Not necessarily

             shot here. There wasn't any blood

             evidence in the area.

 

                         EDITH

             It's a big park. He could have

             been shot up the way and moved here.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Or anywhere and moved here.

 

                         EDITH

             What drug trafficking we get,

             comes down here. Was your son ... ?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't know. I wouldn't put it

             past him. It's a place to start.

 

 

PHOTOGRAPH OF JIMMY

 

grinning, fashionably disheveled, a young man without a care

in the world.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

 

At a table, looking at the photo, is LESTER, 30s, red-eyed

and hungover, a mess. Cassidy hovers over him.

 

                         LESTER

             Never seen him before.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You sure about that?

 

                         LESTER

             Positive. What is he, dead or

             something?

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

as other SUSPECTS peruse the photograph of Jimmy. All shake

their head, no.

 

--a bald man with a tattoo on his forehead.

 

--a young man in farmer's overalls.


                                                           19.

 

 

--a cheap looking street walker type.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith walking.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It wasn't a drug deal gone sour.

             It had something to do with the

             dogs.

 

                         EDITH

             That's shooting in pitch black

             midnight. If you want my opinion.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I feel it in my gut. I let Jimmy

             down.

 

                         EDITH

             Don't do this to yourself.

 

 

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

 

Funeral services for Jimmy. The casket being lowered.

 

Prominent, standing together in front of the MOURNERS, are

Riley (in a dark suit), Heather, Katherine, Tracy. Standing

together like a family.

 

Standing behind Riley is Olivia.

 

 

EXT. CEMETERY - PARKING AREA - DAY

 

Riley with Katherine and Tracy. Olivia stands apart, waiting

for him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You know I'm going to find out

             who did this.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Riley, it doesn't bring him back.

             Does it really make a difference

             now?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course it makes a difference.

 

He hugs Tracy.


                                                           20.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             It makes a difference.

 

                         TRACY

             I know.

 

Cassidy walks to Olivia.

 

                         OLIVIA

             That was quick.

 

He just looks at her.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Riley driving, Olivia beside him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm dropping you off.

 

                         OLIVIA

             You're going somewhere?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I told Heather I'd buy her a cup

             of coffee.

 

Olivia gives him a funny look.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy's girlfriend.

 

                         OLIVIA

             It has to be private?

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's work. It's not personal,

             okay? It's part of the

             investigation.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - DAY

 

The car pulls in front of Cassidy's apartment.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Olivia opens the door.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Will you be home for dinner?


                                                           21.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             I should be. If something comes

             up, I'll call you.

 

She starts to get out, hesitates. She slides over and kisses

him. Longer, slower, than the moment demands. But Cassidy

doesn't kiss back.

 

                         OLIVIA

             I love you.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I need to do this.

 

                         OLIVIA

             That's what you tell me.

 

She gets out, closing the door.

 

Cassidy pulls away.

 

 

INT. BAR - DAY

 

Cassidy and Heather at a corner table over drinks.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Could you find it again?

 

                         HEATHER

             I'm not sure.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Willing to try?

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

Cassidy's car zips along the highway.

 

On each side, fields stretch off to wooded hills.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

Now the road cuts through a forest.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Heather looking intensely out the window.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Wait! There. That's where we parked.


                                                           22.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

The car pulls to the shoulder. Cassidy backs up into the

gravel parking area. The car stops.

 

They get out of the car.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Lead the way.

 

Heather heads for the path off the parking area.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

They come to the corner of the fenced area.

 

                         HEATHER

             We went this way.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Let's do it.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE, ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

Heather stops.

 

                         HEATHER

             I remember this tree. But there

             were all these stuffed figures

             everywhere.

 

Beyond the fence now, nothing but scrub grass and bushes.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Were you guys on anything?

 

                         HEATHER

             What?

 

She stares at him in disbelief.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

In traffic, entering town.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Look, I'm sorry.

 

                         HEATHER

             I don't do drugs. Neither did Jimmy.


                                                           23.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm glad to hear that.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

The car approaches a flashing police car and an ambulance.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy slows down, looking.

 

                         HEATHER

             I think somebody hit a dog.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET, ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

Farther on, another police car and ambulance.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy lost in thought.

 

                         HEATHER

             There's another.

 

Ahead, more of the same.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm stopping a minute.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET, CRIME SCENE - DAY

 

Cassidy pulls next to a police car and stops. He gets out.

 

He approaches an OFFICER, his I.D. out.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What's going on?

 

                         POLICE OFFICER

             The dogs in this city are going

             crazy.

 

Cassidy sees a dead dog at the curb.

 

Two MEDICS carry a stretcher on which is a MAN'S BODY, a

deep wound at his throat.


                                                           24.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - MORNING

 

Fox at the head of the room. DEPUTIES in chairs. Everyone

has coffee.

 

                         FOX

             Dogs around here are going crazy

             for no apparent reason. Yesterday,

             four attacks at various locations,

             no discernible pattern. All

             breeds not known to  be violent.

             This morning, two already. I need

             a volunteer to head a task force

             to find out what the hell is

             going on here.

 

Cassidy's hand shoots up in the air.

 

                         FOX

             Riley, you seem unusually anxious.

             I remember you telling a recruit

             once not to volunteer for anything.

 

Light laughter.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Actually I have a lead already.

             I'd like to follow up on company

             time.

 

Light laughter again.

 

                         FOX

             It's yours. How many men you

             think you'll need?

 

                         CASSIDY

             At least Edith.

 

And again.

 

 

INT. OFFICE - DAY

 

Cooty on the phone. Across the desk, Dr. Yale.

 

                         COOTY

             It's a drop in the bucket, really.

             . . . Yes, we have more than

             enough lead time. . . Thank you. .

             . . Is the date firm? . . . Very

             good. Goodbye.

 

He hangs up.


                                                           25.

 

 

                         COOTY

             He's pleased at our progress.

 

                         DR. YALE

             He should be.

 

                         COOTY

             We stay on schedule. He wants to

             be here for the last phase. Will

             there be a problem?

 

The doctor hesitates.

 

                         COOTY

             Doctor?

 

                         DR. YALE

             No problem.

 

 

EXT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy meeting with his task force, Edith, and two other

deputies, Mike (from before) and JAKE. Everyone in uniform.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Mike, Jake, make sure we get

             autopsies on the dogs sooner

             rather than later.

 

                         MIKE

             No problem.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Edith and I are going to check

             out the compound. How about we

             meet back here at five?

 

                         MIKE

             Five it is.

 

Mike and Jake leave.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're changing into civvies and

             taking your car.

 

                         EDITH

             Undercover? I've seen cops do

             that on television. Imagine,

             getting to do it right here in

             God's Country.


                                                           26.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

A compact car speeding down the two-lane highway.

 

 

INT. EDITH'S CAR - DAY

 

Edith driving. Both dressed casually, as if out for a sight-

seeing cruise.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I see two possibilities. A drug

             deal gone bad. Or Jimmy knew

             something worth shutting him up

             permanently. You got a preference?

 

                         EDITH

             He wasn't shot at the park.

             Unless they cleaned up after

             themselves, which doesn't make

             sense. That weakens the drug deal,

             don't you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't know what to think.

 

There's a silence as they drive on.

 

                         CASSIDY

             As I recall, there was a junction

             just ahead.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

The car comes to the junction and turns off to take the side

road.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

A moment of silence.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I let Jimmy down.

 

                         EDITH

             Riley, don't.

 

                         CASSIDY

             He had so many problems as a

             teenager, I stopped listening to

             him. Stopped taking him seriously.

                         (MORE)


                                                           27.

 

 

                         CASSIDY (CONT'D)

             If I'd been receptive when he

             came to me with the tape--

 

                         EDITH

             There's nothing on the tape that

             would lead to this. You can't

             second-guess yourself. The

             connections were circumstantial

             at best.

 

Cassidy notices something ahead.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What have we here?

 

 

EXT. ROAD - FARMHOUSE - DAY

 

The car slows down as it approaches the large farmhouse to

one side.

 

And the sign: "Master Dog Training Academy."

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Edith turns to Riley.

 

                         EDITH

             What do you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I think we're a happily married

             couple who's looking for a dog

             trainer.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

 

The car pulls into the driveway and stops. Several other

cars are parked there.

 

Cassidy and Edith get out. They climb the steps onto a large

porch and go to the door.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PORCH - DAY

 

Before they knock, the door opens and Rhodes and Alex come

out. They look surprised to find anyone.

 

                         RHODES

             May I help you?


                                                           28.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're looking for someone to

             train our dog.

 

                         RHODES

             Just a minute.

                  (to Alex)

             Wait for me in the car.

 

Alex heads off. Rhodes steps back inside.

 

Cassidy and Edith exchange a glance, waiting.

 

Rhodes returns and hurries past them. Behind him is Cooty.

 

                         COOTY

             I understand you're looking for a

             dog trainer.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Right.

 

                         COOTY

             Please come in.

 

 

INT. OFFICE - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith sit close across the desk. They are

looking through a brochure together.

 

Cooty sits behind the desk.

 

                         COOTY

             We have many references, of course.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course.

 

                         COOTY

             Tell me about your Jack Russell.

             Does the dog have papers?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm not sure. He's my daughter's

             dog. From a previous marriage.

 

                         COOTY

             Of course.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Can we take this with us?


                                                           29.

 

 

                         COOTY

             Of course.

 

He stands up. Cassidy and Edith take the cue.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PORCH - DAY

 

Cooty has walked them to the entrance.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Oh, I almost forgot. My brother's

             a cop. He wanted me to ask if you

             train police dogs. You know, to

             attack on command. Whatever it is

             they want them to do.

 

                         COOTY

             Actually we just finished a

             project like that for Hollywood.

             They were working on a thriller,

             sci-fi kind of story, where

             suddenly dogs all around the

             world de-evolve back to their

             pack mentality. They start

             attacking anything that moves.

 

                         EDITH

             Sounds like yesterday's news.

 

                         COOTY

             You mean the rabies epidemic?

 

                         CASSIDY

             That's what it is?

 

                         COOTY

             According to the noon news.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Edith driving. Cassidy fiddling with the radio, looking for

the news. All he gets are music, talk shows and static.

 

He gives up and turns off the radio.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Rabies, my ass.


                                                           30.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith, still in civvies, sit with Mike and Jake

around a seminar table.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Rabies, my ass. They're pulling

             at straws. What about the autopsies?

 

                         MIKE

             Tomorrow soonest.

 

                         JAKE

             Rabies was a leak. A lab guy

             there predicted it's what they'd

             find.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Edie, you track the Hollywood gig

             yet?

 

                         EDITH

             When have I had time to do that?

             When we're done here, I'll start.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're done.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Breaking up after the meeting. Edith comes alongside Cassidy.

 

                         EDITH

             You can't solve this overnight.

             Give yourself some slack.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy knew something. I'm finding

             out what.

 

 

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT

 

Cassidy's car at the curb.

 

Heather arrives on foot. Cassidy gets out.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I appreciate this.

 

                         HEATHER

             No problem.


                                                           31.

 

 

They approach the building together.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

The light comes on. Heather leads Cassidy inside.

 

                         CASSIDY

             How long were you two living

             together?

 

                         HEATHER

             Actually I hadn't moved in yet.

             We'd just made the decision.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm sorry.

 

                         HEATHER

             Can you lock up after yourself? I

             really have a hard time being here.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course. I owe you one.

 

She leaves.

 

Cassidy in his son's apartment, alone. He looks around,

getting used to the idea.

 

Where to begin? He goes to a desk and sits down in front of

a computer.

 

He stares at the dead screen. He turns on the computer.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - DEN - NIGHT

 

Cooty, in a robe, looking very debonair, sips brandy and

watches the evening news.

 

ON TV

 

                         ANNOUNCER

             Sheriff Fox announced the

             formation of a special task force

             to investigate the recent series

             of mad dog attacks. Heading the

             task force is deputy sheriff

             Riley Cassidy.

 

A photo of Cassidy on the screen. Cooty takes notice. He

recognizes the face.


                                                           32.

 

 

                         ANNOUNCER

             In the past week, five unprovoked

             dog attacks have resulted in

             three deaths, with two other

             victims remaining in critical

             condition.

 

He moves to a small desk on which is an intercom phone. He

buzzes.

 

                         COOTY

             I need you right away.

 

He hangs up. On the TV, a new story.

 

Cooty clicks the screen dead.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Cassidy at the computer.

 

ON THE SCREEN

 

A document, a page from Jimmy's journal.

 

"The CIA may be training killer dogs so they can drop them

into Cuba prior to an invasion to overthrow Castro. It's the

fear and chaos that results when a bunch of mad dogs are on

the loose, any kind of dog, all kinds of dogs, you can't

feel safe because you never know which pooch is going to be

the one to leap up and grab your throat!"

 

Cassidy shakes his head.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

The task force meeting over coffee and donuts. Everyone but

Cassidy is in uniform.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What's your day look like?

 

                         JAKE

             May get the autopsy results,

             right, Mike?

 

                         MIKE

             Should.

 

                         JAKE

             Are you following through on the

             dog training?


                                                           33.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Absolutely.

 

                         EDITH

             Why didn't you call me not to put

             on my uniform this morning?

 

                         MIKE

             Only one attack yesterday. Maybe

             it's passing.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Maybe I'll win the lottery.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith moving down the hallway.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I found something in Jimmy's

             apartment. He thinks the CIA was

             training killer dogs to overthrow

             Castro.

 

                         EDITH

             You're kidding me.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Don't I wish. He thinks the CIA

             killed Kennedy, too, over the Bay

             of Pigs.

 

                         EDITH

             A real conspiracy buff. So we're

             on a wild goose chase?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We'll find out.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

Cassidy's car zips down the highway.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving. Edith changed into casuals.

 

                         EDITH

             I had a date last night.


                                                           34.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             You're kidding me. And?

 

She laughs nervously.

 

                         EDITH

             I'm too old for this shit.

 

                         CASSIDY

             That bad?

 

                         EDITH

             Oh, yes. Really, really bad.

 

She looks out the window. No more to say.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We could date.

 

Edith's head snaps around.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not romantically, for Christ's

             sake. I know better than that.

             For company. Dinner, a movie.

             Help fight the boredom.

 

                         EDITH

             You're bored?

 

                         CASSIDY

             It was just a thought.

 

 

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

 

The car pulls in front of Cassidy's old house.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Edith looks puzzled.

 

                         EDITH

             Visiting your daughter?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We need a dog. Look in the window.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - DAY

 

Buddy looks out the front window.


                                                           35.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Edith smiles.

 

                         EDITH

             He's waiting for you?

 

                         CASSIDY

             He's a dreamer. He sits at the

             window for hours. Give the dog a

             window, and he's ecstatic.

 

He reaches for the door handle.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy and Katherine.

 

                         KATHERINE

             She'd kill me if I let you have

             Buddy.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Just for the day. I could have

             him back before Tracy's home from

             school.

 

                         KATHERINE

             I can't, Riley.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy slides behind the wheel.

 

                         EDITH

             And?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We still need a dog.

 

Edith looks out. Buddy is at the window again as they drive

off.

 

 

INT. HUMANE SOCIETY - DOG AREA - DAY

 

A LADY leads Cassidy and Edith past cages of dogs. Lots of

barking and fawning, Take me! Take me!

 

                         CASSIDY

             We can return it if it doesn't

             work out?


                                                           36.

 

 

                         LADY

             Absolutely.

 

Cassidy stops in front of a cage. A Jack Russell terrier

leaps on the screen.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm partial to Jack Russells.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Now Edith drives. Cassidy has his hands full with the Jack

Russell on his lap.

 

                         EDITH

             I don't know about this.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

The squad car pulls into the driveway.

 

They get out. Cassidy has the dog on a leash.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PORCH - DAY

 

Cooty opens the door.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're here for our sample free

             lesson.

 

Cooty looks puzzled.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's in the brochure.

 

                         COOTY

             Of course. But you need to make

             an appointment.

 

Edith has the brochure out.

 

                         EDITH

                  (reading)

             "Stop by for a 30-minute free

             lesson for your dog."

 

                         COOTY

             But our trainer is on lunch break.


                                                           37.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             We'll wait.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - PARLOR - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith, the dog at their feet, waiting.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - OFFICE - DAY

 

Cooty with Rhodes.

 

                         RHODES

             What am I supposed to do with the

             dog?

 

                         COOTY

             I don't give a damn. March it

             around in a circle.

 

                         RHODES

             You said he's a cop. Let me get

             Alex to do his thing.

 

                         COOTY

             At the moment, that would only

             make matters worse. We have

             legitimate references for them to

             check. We covered our tracks.

             They can't know anything.

 

                         RHODES

             Then why are they here?

 

                         COOTY

             It's what they do. They follow

             wherever their noses lead. We

             train dogs, they found us in the

             yellow pages, they're here. We

             give them their free lesson and

             they're gone.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PATIO/FIELD - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith sit at a table on a patio. In the nearby

adjacent field, Rhodes leads the dog around in a large

circle. The dog follows obediently.

 

                         EDITH

             I think they're legit.


                                                           38.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Because Hollywood used them? It

             still could be a front.

 

                         EDITH

             I think what Jimmy saw was their

             Hollywood gig. For Christ's sake,

             Riley, using mad dogs to overthrow

             Castro? Give me a break.

 

Cassidy stares ahead, watching the lesson.

 

He stands up.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'll be right back.

 

He starts away.

 

                         EDITH

             Riley...

 

She nervously looks toward Rhodes. He concentrates on the

dog, not noticing.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy comes through a sliding door into a room off the patio.

 

He moves to a HALLWAY and keeps going.

 

At a DOOR, he looks around. All clear. Cracks open the door.

A closet.

 

He moves to A SECOND DOOR. Reaches for the handle. Just as

he cracks it open and looks inside...