THE VICTORY SISTERS

By Charles Deemer

 

FADE IN:

 

EXT. A COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

A long FUNERAL PROCESSION is driving down a country road in New England to a cemetery. We notice a YELLOW CAB in the procession. As the line of cars proceeds, we hear EMIL's voice-over:

 

EMIL (V.O.): Marg, I say, you're going to too many funerals. It's not healthy. I think it's making you depressed. A good friend, somebody you've known for years, I can understand it. But look at you.

 

INT. CAB - DAY

 

In the cab above is MARG, 70ish, who has the energy of a woman twenty years younger. She sits in back, dressed entirely in black.

 

EMIL (V.O.): Somebody you went to grammar school with and haven't seen since, you go pay your respects. Somebody's kid you never met once, you go. You go to so many funerals, nobody will take you any more. I gave up, your daughter gave up, who's left? So you take a cab. Who goes to a funeral in a cab, I ask you?

 

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

 

The hearse, cars and cab in the funeral procession all turn into the graveyard.

 

EXT. CEMETERY - SITE OF GRAVE - DAY

 

The funeral is over, and people are moving off to return to their cars.

 

Marg finds someone in the crowd.

 

MARG: Char! Char!

 

CHAR is a heavy set woman, 40ish, who is looking to see who is calling her. Then she recognizes Marg, smiles and waves.

 

Marg moves to Char and gives her a hug. By Marg's manner, you'd think she just attended a wedding, not a funeral.

 

MARG: I was hoping you'd come. I wasn't sure how well you knew Ned.

 

CHAR: Mother would kill me if I wasn't here.

 

MARG: How is Flo doing? I haven't called her in months.

 

CHAR: Not well, Marg.

 

Marg looks suddenly grief stricken.

 

MARG: What is it?

 

CHAR: Cancer. She won't do the treatment, Marg. She says she's seen too many go through it, and the cure is worse than the disease. Maybe you can talk to her.

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

The cab pulls up in front of an apartment building, and Marg gets out.

 

INT. MARG'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

The door opens, and Marg enters her apartment.

 

It's a small apartment stuffed with furniture from another era and with the knick-knacks of someone who hates to throw anything away.

 

An answering machine is on a table just inside the door, its light blinking with messages. Marg automatically pushes the button as she enters the room.

 

The messages start to play.

 

JUDY: "It's Judy, mom. I can't remember if today was Ned's funeral or not. Give me a call when you get in."

 

The machine beeps and goes to the next message.

 

EMIL: "How about dinner and a movie, you beautiful thing, you? I may even try to seduce you."

 

Marg has to smile at this message from her boyfriend.

 

EMIL: "Got to do something to get you out of your depression."

 

Marg frowns. She starts for the machine.

 

EMIL: "Not healthy, going to so many funerals all the time. Gives you death on the brain."

 

Marg turns off the machine.

 

MARG: Emil, funerals help me appreciate life.

 

Marg moves across the room to the phone. On the small table next to the phone is a photograph.

 

THE PHOTOGRAPH

 

Marg poses in a publicity shot with her friends Flo and Billie just after World War II, singing semi-professionally as The Victory Sisters. They stand in front of large microphones of the era, smiling at the camera.

 

INT. RETIREMENT CENTER - RECREATION ROOM - DAY

 

A makeshift musical band of senior citizens is rehearsing in the recreation room of a retirement center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

Band members of both sexes make up a motley crew: some in wheel chairs, some not; some looking on the verge of death, some looking out of place in a retirement home.

 

FLO, 70ish, still a nice-looking woman, plays the tambourine but her vacant look suggests that her mind is somewhere else. She's still in pajamas and a robe.

 

A NURSE enters the recreation room and tries to get Flo's attention. She holds a fist to one ear.

 

Flo finally notices the nurse, understanding by the nurse's gesture that she has a phone call.

 

The tune comes to an end, and Flo pounds a couple extra beats on the tambourine. Then she slowly moves off.

 

INT. RETIREMENT CENTER - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Flo picks up the phone in the hallway.

 

FLO: Yes?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION - MARG AND FLO

 

MARG: Flo - it's Marg!

 

Flo doesn't reply.

 

MARG: Are you there? Flo?

 

FLO: I'm here.

 

MARG: I talked to Char. You feel rotten don't you, poor dear? I can't say I blame you. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.

 

FLO: I don't want to talk about it.

 

MARG: Well, then, we won't.

 

FLO: I have to run. I have band practice.

 

MARG: Flo, I was thinking, seriously, maybe I should-

 

Flo hangs up.

 

INT. MARG'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Marg frowns, upset that Flo hung up on her. She thinks a moment, then her face lights up with an idea.

 

She picks up the phone again and dials from memory.

 

MARG: I need a cab, please.

 

EXT. DOWNTOWN - CITY STREET - DAY

 

The cab pulls to the curb in a business section of town. Marg gets out. She's still wearing her black funeral garb.

 

EXT. CITY STREET - CAR RENTAL AGENCY - DAY

 

Marg enters the office of a car rental agency.

 

INT. CAR RENTAL AGENCY - OFFICE - DAY

 

Marg comes in and goes to the front desk. The RENTAL AGENT is a young man in a suit.

 

RENTAL AGENT: Help you, ma'am?

 

MARG: Yes. I want to rent a car. Something that gets good mileage.

 

The rental agent gives her a suspicious look.

 

RENTAL AGENT: May I see your driver's license, ma'am?

 

MARG: Certainly.

 

She takes her driver's license out of her purse and gives it to the agent. He looks at it.

 

RENTAL AGENT: Excuse me a minute, ma'am.

 

MARG: Is something wrong?

 

RENTAL AGENT: No, ma'am.

 

He goes into an office.

 

Marg watches as the rental agent shows the license to someone else in the office, an OLDER MAN in charge, who looks out at Marg.

 

The two exchange a few more words before the rental agent heads back.

 

RENTAL AGENT: I'm sorry, ma'am, all our cars are tied up at the moment.

 

MARG: I don't believe you.

 

RENTAL AGENT: I'm sorry, ma'am.

 

He moves away from the desk. Marg leaves in a huff.

 

EXT DOWNTOWN - CITY STREET - DAY

 

Another cab pulls to a curb in town, and Marg gets out. Across the street is another rental car agency.

 

She looks up the street and sees a bar. She heads for it.

 

INT. THE BAR - DAY

 

Marg walks into the bar. It's not very crowded at mid-afternoon.

 

A casually dressed YOUNG MAN sits alone at the end of the bar, and Marg takes the stool next to him. He is startled when Marg flirtatiously smiles at him.

 

EXT. DOWNTOWN - AN ALLEY - DAY

 

Marg is waiting in an alley, impatient, unable to keep still.

 

A recent model car pulls into the alley, and the same young man from the bar gets out.

 

YOUNG MAN: Here's your credit card. All the papers are in the glove compartment.

 

Marg is taking money out of her purse.

 

MARG: And this is for you. I want to thank you very much.

 

YOUNG MAN: You're sure you can drive okay?

 

MARG: Of course, I can drive. People just think I can't because of my age.

 

She gets in the car.

 

INT. THE CAR - DAY

 

Marg settles in behind the wheel. She looks puzzled by the modern dashboard, and it takes her a moment to get her bearings.

 

EXT. ALLEY - DAY

 

The young man leans down to the window to help her.

 

YOUNG MAN: It's an automatic transmission. Just put it in D for Drive there.

 

MARG: I know that.

 

Marg puts it into drive, gives it gas, and the car leaps forward, then stops, then starts again, and begins a ragged stop-and-go path down the alley as the young man watches, shaking his head.

 

INT. HALLWAY - OUTSIDE MARG'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

EMIL knocks on Marg's door. He's thin and active for his age and by habit dresses a little more formally than any occasion warrants. The effect is to make him a very dapper elderly gentleman.

 

When no one answers, he takes out his key and lets himself in.

 

INT. MARG'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Emil comes in. He sees that the answering machine is blinking and presses the button to hear the message.

 

MARG: "Emil, I rented a car and am leaving town for a week or so. There's chicken in the refrigerator. Take it home and eat it, will you? Or bake it in the oven here. 350 degrees for 40 minutes. I'll call you at your place in a few days. And don't worry about me."

 

The message stops.

 

EMIL: On a trip where, for Christ's sake? You never take trips.

 

INT. JUDY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Emil has just come by to see JUDY, 40ish, Marg's daughter, who is a tough-minded professional woman.

 

Her husband BILL is more laid back, a commercial artist.

 

JUDY: Mother hasn't taken a trip in years. She didn't say where?

 

EMIL: Not a clue. I tell you, it's those funerals she goes to. They have an affect on the mind.

 

BILL: There can't be but a few car rental agencies in town. I'll call around.

 

JUDY: I can't believe anyone would actually rent her a car at her age.

 

EXT. A FREEWAY - DAY

 

Marg's RENTAL CAR is in the slow lane of a freeway, going much too slowly for traffic.

 

INT. THE CAR - MARG

 

Marg, wearing brighter and more casual clothes now, looks content, despite the dirty looks she gets from passing motorists.

 

One passing car slows down to her speed, and the driver honks his horn. Marg looks his way.

 

The man gives her the finger before speeding off.

 

Marg isn't fazed by the gesture. She shakes her fist back at him and tries to honk the horn but can't figure out how to do it.

 

So she screams at the long-gone motorist instead.

 

MARG: Beep, beep!

 

INT. BILL'S OFFICE AT WORK - DAY

 

Bill, at his desk and talking on the phone, has finally found the agency that rented the car to Marg via the guy in the bar.

 

BILL: No, you don't understand - I'm her son-in-law, and she didn't tell anyone where she was going. We're worried about her .... We have no idea where she might be going.

 

EXT. A HIGHWAY - EVENING

 

The rental car is passing through a town, with fast food restaurants and motels lining the road. Marg still drives in the slow lane, a creeping obstacle to the surrounding traffic.

 

INT. THE CAR - EVENING

 

Marg looks for an inviting motel to pull into.

 

EXT. THE HIGHWAY - EVENING

 

The rental car pulls into a motel. It has a swimming pool.

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - EVENING

 

As Marg parks and gets out to go into the office, a COUPLE pass by, who we will meet below. They are both a little tipsy, hugging and kissing, and seem eager to get to a room to make love.

 

Marg smiles, "ah, youth!," and goes on into the office.

 

INT. THE MOTEL - FRONT DESK - EVENING

 

Marg is handed her key by the young DESK CLERK.

 

MARG: What time does the pool close?

 

DESK CLERK: Nine o'clock.

 

MARG: I wish I'd brought a suit.

 

DESK CLERK: We have some suits that people left behind. I'm not sure we have anything suitable for you, though.

 

EXT. MOTEL SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT

 

Two COLLEGE BOYS are the only ones using the pool. One dives into the pool, then the other dives.

 

They swim to the side to get out, which is when one of them notices Marg coming toward the pool.

 

FIRST COLLEGE BOY: Holy Christ, man, look at this.

 

Marg comes forward to swim. She's taken the only swimsuit that fits her, which happens to be a BIKINI clearly more appropriate for a younger woman.

 

Without a hint of embarrassment, Marg goes to a table and sets down her purse. Then she moves to the edge of the pool and dives in.

 

The two college boys look at each other in wonder and decide to get the hell out of there.

 

Marg comes up out of the water, her gray hair wet, loving every moment of it. She starts swimming laps.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

 

The eager couple from before is in the room.

 

DWIGHT, mid-20s, presently disheveled but handsome in a rugged cowboy way, is watching Marg from the motel window.

 

At a nearby table, JANEY, 30ish, is snorting a line of cocaine with a rolled dollar bill.

 

DWIGHT: Come look at this.

 

Janey goes to the window.

 

JANEY: What?

 

DWIGHT: The old lady in the bikini.

 

JANEY: I hope I have guts like that at her age.

 

She amorously pulls him from the window.

 

DWIGHT: Are you after my body or my coke?

 

JANEY: I'm not telling.

 

They embrace and kiss.

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - MORNING

 

Marg's rental car is parked in front of her room.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - BATHROOM - MORNING

 

Marg, in her robe with a towel around her hair, is brushing her teeth. She catches herself in the mirror.

 

Suddenly, she's play-acting, on stage as a young singer again, and starts singing to herself in the mirror, a tune from the Big Band Era.

 

INT. ANOTHER MOTEL ROOM - MORNING

 

Janey is in bed asleep. Dwight, up and dressed, is sneaking away.

 

Before leaving, he sees the empty dope bag on the table. He picks up the empty baggy, then tosses it aside in disgust, looking like he's been had.

 

Dwight sees her purse on the table, opens it and takes out some money.

 

JANEY: Put it back, Romeo.

 

Janey is sitting up in bed, holding a small caliber pistol on Dwight. She slips out of bed and slowly approaches him.

 

JANEY: Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am - and now you play to steal my money, too, huh?

 

DWIGHT: I figure you owe me for the dope.

 

JANEY: I don't figure that.

 

DWIGHT: You got the power.

 

He drops the money back in the purse.

 

DWIGHT: Can I go peacefully?

 

JANEY: That's up to you.

 

Dwight takes a step toward the door, then twirls, diving low and knocking Janey off her feet. She loses control of the gun, and they begin wrestling on the floor for it.

 

Before anyone gets control of the pistol, it goes off, hitting Janey in the stomach. She slumps and Dwight, in shock, slowly gets to his feet.

 

He looks panicked. He hurries to the window and looks down. He sees Marg, putting a bag in the trunk of her car.

 

Dwight thinks a minute, then grabs the woman's money and heads out the door.

 

EXT. THE MOTEL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Marg puts a small suitcase in the trunk of the car and closes it. Then she goes to the driver's door to get back on the road. The desk clerk passes by as she unlocks the door.

 

DESK CLERK: The swimsuit work out okay?

 

MARG: Just fine. I rinsed it and hung it up in the shower.

 

The desk clerk has to smile at the nonchalance with which Marg reports wearing a bikini.

 

Marg gets in the car and starts the engine. Dwight comes up to her window.

 

DWIGHT: I wonder if I could trouble you for a lift?

 

MARG: I'm going west.

 

DWIGHT: West is perfect.

 

MARG: All right - get in.

 

Dwight hurries around to get into the car. Above and behind him, a few onlookers are gathering at the motel room.

 

EXT. THE HIGHWAY - DAY

 

The rental car moves slowly down the highway as before, a long line of cars behind it now, taking turns to pass when traffic permits.

 

INT. THE CAR - DAY

 

Dwight turns and realizes how much of a traffic jam they're causing.

 

MARG: Where are you going?

 

DWIGHT: Oh - Nashville, I guess. I got a brother there.

 

MARG: I'm going to Chattanooga. I'm not sure where that is. I have to get a map.

 

DWIGHT: Listen, would you like me to drive?

 

Marg just smiles at him. Dwight takes out his driver's license and holds it in front of her.

 

DWIGHT: Bona fide driver's license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It'd give you a chance to admire the scenery. We'll be getting into some spectacular stuff up ahead.

 

MARG: That's very kind of you.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

The rental car pulls to the shoulder, and the line of cars behind it hurries by. Dwight gets out and runs around to the driver's side.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

The rental car is in rolling hills now, making good time in the fast lane.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Marg is enjoying the scenery and Dwight monopolizes the conversation.

 

DWIGHT: I figure I can sing as good as some of those guys. If I don't go for it now, I'll probably regret it later. Do you like country music?

 

MARG: I never listen to it. I listen to big band music. I sang in a trio.

 

DWIGHT: Really?

 

MARG: Just after the war. That's World War Two. We called ourselves The Victory Sisters.

 

DWIGHT: You and your sisters?

 

MARG: Just best of friends. That's why I'm going to Chattanooga. Flo is dying of cancer.

 

DWIGHT: I'm sorry to hear that.

 

There's an awkward silence.

 

DWIGHT: Do you mind if I turn on the radio?

 

MARG: Not at all.

 

He does, and a loud COUNTRY TUNE blares out. He quickly turns down the volume, then changes the station.

 

MARG: You don't have to change the station. Maybe it's time I learned something about country music. I just never took the time to listen to it.

 

Dwight smiles, liking her flexibility, and turns back the dial.

 

INT. SUPERMARKET - DAY

 

Emil is pushing a cart down the aisle of a supermarket when he passes Char, who is looking at items on a shelf. She recognizes him.

 

CHAR: Emil?

 

He turns and sees who it is.

 

EMIL: Hi, Char.

 

CHAR: Will you be seeing Marg later today? I don't know what she said to mom, but it really upset her. Maybe Marg could call her back.

 

EMIL: Marg talked to Flo?

 

CHAR: Mom has cancer, Emil. I'm afraid Marg may have said something about it.

 

Emil lights up, making the connection.

 

EMIL: She's in Tennessee somewhere, isn't she?

 

CHAR: We put her in a home back in Chattanooga.

 

Emil, leaving his cart behind, quickly starts away. Char ends up talking at his back.

 

CHAR: Emil?

 

INT. JUDY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Emil is telling Marg's daughter the news.

 

EMIL: She went to see Flo, I'm sure of it.

 

JUDY: She can't drive all the way to Tennessee by herself.

 

EMIL: Tell me about it.

 

JUDY: I think we should call the police.

 

EXT. GAS STATION - RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

The rental car is at a gas pump, the station ATTENDANT standing at the driver's window. Next to the gas station is a motel.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Marg signs the credit voucher, takes her card, and passes the voucher to Dwight, who passes it to the attendant. The attendant returns the receipt to Dwight, who hands it to Marg.

 

MARG: I think that motel looks fine, don't you? You must be tired of driving by now.

 

DWIGHT: I never get tired of driving. I'll drive all night if you want to sleep in the car.

 

MARG: That's ridiculous. I want a nice firm bed and a television set. I don't plan to miss Night Court.

 

EXT. MOTEL - RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

The car pulls in front of the office of the motel.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

DWIGHT: Ma'am, would you mind if I slept in the car? I'm trying to spend as little money as I can before getting to Nashville.

 

MARG: That's ridiculous.

 

She starts out.

 

DWIGHT: I prefer sleeping in cars!

 

Marg gets out. Dwight watches her go into the office. He looks distraught, not sure how to handle this.

 

The door opens, and Marg gets back in. She has a key for herself and hands one to Dwight.

 

DWIGHT: You shouldn't have done that, ma'am.

 

MARG: I want you to call me Marg. Rooms 203 and 205. Night Court comes on in five minutes.

 

Dwight starts up the car.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - NIGHT

 

Emil sits at a table near the stage, watching a stripper gyrate through her act.

 

A cocktail waitress comes to him.

 

COCKTAIL WAITRESS: Telephone for you, Emil.

 

Emil looks puzzled that anyone should be calling him. He gets up and goes to the phone at the end of the bar.

 

EMIL: Hello?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION - EMIL AND BILL

 

Bill is calling from home, with an upset wife at his side.

 

BILL: This is Bill.

 

EMIL: How the hell you know I was here?

 

BILL: Judy said it's where you hang out. I tried you at home first.

 

EMIL: How's she know that?

 

BILL: Marg told her.

 

EMIL: Marg doesn't know I come here.

 

During Bill's speech below, Emil will crane his neck to see the stripper on stage, now that she's getting close to nudity.

 

BILL: Emil, listen, we reported the situation to the police, and there's really nothing they can do about it since Marg has a valid license. The highway patrol's been notified, and if anybody spots her, they can pull her over and relate that her family's worried. But unless she's breaking the law, that's about it.

 

There's a pause, as Emil watches the stripper.

 

BILL: Emil, you still there?

 

EMIL: Of course, she'll break the law. She drives twenty miles an hour on the interstate.

 

BILL: Judy's having a cow over it.

 

Bill's voice suddenly changes to a new urgency as Judy moves away a moment.

 

BILL: Ask me to meet you there, Emil! Quick, before Judy gets back.

 

EMIL: Do what?

 

BILL: Invite me to the bar - so we can think of something. Judy's heading back, do it now, invite me there!

 

But Emil just watches the stripper, oblivious to Bill's sense of urgency.

 

BILL: Emil, okay, if you insist, I'll be right over. But let's go someplace quiet so we can hear ourselves think. I'll be there as soon as I can.

 

The phone clicks.

 

INT. JUDY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Bill faces his wife.

 

BILL: Emil's got an idea for finding Marg. I won't be long.

 

And he's out of there, as Judy watches him go with suspicion.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - A TABLE - NIGHT

 

Bill has joined Emil at a table. It's Bill who is captivated by a different stripper on stage, as Emil thinks aloud.

 

EMIL: We know Flo is in Chattanooga, right? In a home, her daughter said. Knowing Marg, she'd take the route where she wouldn't get lost or have to deal with maps - which means the interstate. Which means she'll be driving too slow for traffic. I can't believe a cop won't pull her over, can you? Bill?

 

BILL: Right.

 

But Bill can't take his eyes off the naked lady on stage.

 

INT. JUDY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Judy picks up the ringing phone and talks immediately.

 

JUDY: Bill, if you think you're going to sweet talk me into-

 

MARG (Filtered) This is Marg, dear. Are you and Bill fighting again?

 

JUDY: Mother, where are you?

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Dwight is looking at a map spread out on the hood of the car as Marg arrives with her overnight bag.

 

MARG: Do you know where we are?

 

DWIGHT: Better than that, I know where we're going.

 

He starts folding up the map.

 

INT. JUDY'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Judy slams a suitcase shut.

 

INT. JUDY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Bill is stretched out, asleep on the divan, as Judy storms in, carrying the suitcase. He spent the night there, in the doghouse.

 

Judy drops the suitcase onto the floor. Bill stirs slightly.

 

Then she moves to the divan and shakes him. Bill sits up with a start.

 

JUDY: I'm flying to Chattanooga.

 

BILL: What?

 

JUDY: I talked to mother last night. She's determined to visit Flo before she dies. The least I can do is drive her home.

 

BILL: But--

 

JUDY: Would you call me a cab, please?

 

BILL: You're a—

 

JUDY: PHONE me a cab.

 

Bill gets to his feet, trying to think quickly despite a terrible hangover. Halfway to the phone he looks like he has an idea.

 

BILL: Why don't we send Emil?

 

EXT. AIRPORT - DAY

 

A jetliner has just taken off.

 

INT. JETLINER - DAY

 

Emil sits next to the window, looking at the landscape below. He settles in for the flight.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - DAY

 

The rental car speeds along the interstate.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Dwight is driving.

 

DWIGHT: How long's it been since you've seen your friend?

 

MARG: Oh, my gosh. Years. I try and call her two or three times a year, but it's harder since she moved into the home. No one ever seems to know where she is.

 

DWIGHT: You look a long ways from being put in a home.

 

Marg gives him a funny look.

 

DWIGHT: I meant that as a compliment.

 

MARG: To be honest, I don't approve of those kinds of places.

 

Dwight notices something in the rearview mirror.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

A POLICE CAR is behind them, and its lights begin to flash.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Dwight starts to pull over to the side of the road.

 

MARG: What's the matter?

 

DWIGHT: I don't know. I'm not speeding.

 

Dwight looks as if he's worried that the policeman is after him.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

The rental car stops, and the patrol car pulls and stops behind it.

 

The police officer gets out and goes to Dwight's window.

 

Dwight already has his wallet out, ready to give the officer his license. The police officer leans down to speak into the window.

 

POLICE OFFICER: Ma'am, could I speak to you in my car a moment?

 

MARG: Were we speeding?

 

POLICE OFFICER: I just need to talk to you, ma'am.

 

Marg gets out and goes with the policeman to the patrol car. They speak at the car.

 

INT. THE RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Now Dwight looks really nervous. He turns to watch them through the rear window, looking puzzled by what is going on.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

Marg and the police officer are still talking. Then she starts back, and the police officer gets back in his car and pulls away.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Marg gets back in.

 

MARG: Isn't that sweet?

 

DWIGHT: Sweet?

 

MARG: Emil and my daughter called the police to check on me and make sure I was all right.

 

DWIGHT: That's all he wanted?

 

Relief washes over Dwight like a comforting wave.

 

MARG: Well, let's get on our way.

 

Dwight nods and smiles.

 

INT. CHATTANOOGA AIRPORT - TERMINAL - DAY

 

Passengers are entering the terminal. One of them is Emil, traveling light with two carry- on bags.

 

INT. TERMINAL - CAR RENTAL BOOTH - DAY

 

The rental clerk, a pretty young woman, is handing Emil the keys to a car.

 

RENTAL AGENT: Here we are, sir.

 

EMIL: What time do you get off?

 

The woman smiles, humoring him.

 

RENTAL AGENT: When my fiancée picks me up, sir.

 

Emil snaps his fingers, grins and moves off.

 

EXT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - RENTAL CAR AREA - DAY

 

Emil gets into a rental car and pulls away.

 

EMIL (V.O.): It was a wild goose chase, as far as I was concerned. No way could I believe Marg would succeed in driving all the way to Chattanooga without being picked up. I only took the job because Bill gave me a credit card and was paying for everything.

 

EXT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - EXIT - DAY

 

The rental car comes out of the terminal.

 

EMIL (V.O.): So I figured I'd kill a couple days, visit Flo in Marg's stead, maybe visit the Lookout Mountain battlefield, see the sights - in other words, have myself a little vacation on Bill.

 

EXT. FREEWAY - DAY

 

Emil's rental car is on the freeway into downtown Chattanooga.

 

EMIL (V.O.): By the time I got back, Marg would be home, I'd tell her Flo was fine and asking about her, and we'd be back to normal. Marg would be getting ready for her next funeral.

 

EXT. OUTSIDE CHATTANOOGA - BUSINESS STRIP - DAY

 

Emil, driving toward Chattanooga, pulls into a motel along a business strip.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - BUSINESS STRIP - EVENING

 

Marg's rental car pulls into a motel along the highway.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Dwight stops the car and turns to Marg.

 

DWIGHT: I feel awkward about not paying for my room.

 

MARG: Don't be ridiculous. You're my chauffeur, you get wages.

 

She slides out of the car.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - EVENING

 

Emil turns on the television set and switches channels. He settles on a cable exercise show with pretty women in body suits.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - EVENING

 

Marg turns on the television in her room and settles on a Lawrence Welk repeat. A female singing group is singing a standard from the big band era. Marg joins in, singing.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - EVENING

 

Dwight turns on the TV in his room and switches channels. He settles on a western.

 

He goes to the phone and punches some numbers. He waits for the operator to come on to ask about charges.

 

TELEVISION SCREEN

 

A posse is chasing bank robbers down a lonely trail.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - DWIGHT

 

The operator comes on.

 

OPERATOR (Filtered) What is your billing, please?

 

DWIGHT: This is collect from Dwight, whoever answers.

 

OPERATOR (Filtered) Thank you.

 

He waits as the phone starts to ring. Finally we hear:

 

JOE (Filtered) Hello?

 

OPERATOR (Filtered) You have a collect call from Dwight. Will you accept the charges?

 

There's a pause, which makes Dwight nervous.

 

OPERATOR (Filtered) Will you accept the charges?

 

JOE (Filtered) I don't t think so.

 

DWIGHT: Joe, for Christ's sake, don't do this to me!

 

OPERATOR (Filtered) Sir, your party will not accept the charges.

 

DWIGHT: I'm on my way to Nashville. I want to enter treatment.

 

JOE (Filtered) I sent you money for treatment.

 

OPERATOR (Filtered) Sir, will you accept-?

 

JOE (Filtered) You put it up your nose!

 

DWIGHT: I'm straight now, I swear to God. Only I'm a little short, I need-

 

There's a click as Joe hangs up.

 

DWIGHT: We're family, for Christ's sake!

 

OPERATOR (Filtered) Your party will not accept the charges.

 

Dwight hangs up. He's upset now, pacing the room.

 

He goes to the duffel bag, rooting through it until he finds what he's after. He takes out a ski mask.

 

EXT. A CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT

 

It's past midnight when Dwight pulls the rental car into the parking lot at a convenience store. No cars are parked outside, and he drives behind the store and stops.

 

He is visibly nervous as he gets out of the car and moves around the building to the front of the store.

 

Rounding the corner, he stops, seeing a customer's car parked in front that wasn't there before.

 

Dwight watches as the customer goes into the store, buys a pack of cigarettes and heads out.

 

Dwight waits until the car pulls away and is gone.

 

He looks around, takes the ski mask out of a pocket and puts it on. Then he puts his hand in his pocket, as if he has a gun, and quickly enters the store.

 

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT

 

Dwight barges in, startling the CLERK, a middle-aged woman.

 

DWIGHT: Give me your cash, now! I don't want to hurt you.

 

The clerk quickly does exactly what he says. Dwight stuffs the cash into a pocket.

 

DWIGHT: Back in the cooler! Run!

 

The woman runs to the back of the store and gets in the cooler but Dwight is already on his way out.

 

EXT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT

 

Dwight runs out and around the store, getting into the car. He rips off the ski mask and drives off down an alley.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

The rental car continues west on the highway.

 

Marg is singing the same big band standard that was on the Lawrence Welk show last night.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Dwight, driving, is enjoying Marg's rendition of the song. She's making hand gestures as she sings, going through a part of the routine from her days in The Victory Sisters.

 

Then she stops and puts a hand on her chest.

 

MARG: Oh, my!

 

Dwight applauds with one hand against the steering wheel.

 

DWIGHT: That was great.

 

MARG: I haven't thought of that old tune in years.

 

DWIGHT: Your group must've been real good. You ever cut a record?

 

MARG: Heavens, no. Groups like ours were a dime a dozen in those days. Our claim to fame was playing the Jersey Pier the same month Benny Goodman played there.

 

DWIGHT: You opened for him?

 

MARG: We gave a free concert the weekend before Labor Day.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

The rental car continues down the highway, as Marg starts singing another song.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

Emil's finger tracks down a list of retirement centers and rest homes in the yellow pages. His finger stops at one. He picks up the phone and dials.

 

EXT. MOTEL - DAY

 

Emil comes out of his motel room and walks to the rental car. He starts to unlock the door but sees that it is already unlocked.

 

He is startled to see someone in the back seat. A young woman, casually dressed, is fast asleep back there.

 

Emil opens the door, pushes the seat forward and shakes the woman. She wakes up with a start.

 

The young woman is HILLARY, not yet twenty-one, who dresses on the bohemian side, like a leftover from the sixties. Her long hair drops to the small of her back, and she wears a floppy hat.

 

HILLARY: Hi. Is this your car?

 

EMIL: It certainly is.

 

Hillary gets out of the car, maneuvering past Emil.

 

HILLARY: I didn't have a place to stay last night. I hope you don't mind.

 

EMIL: How'd you get in?

 

HILLARY: The window was cracked - I used a coat hanger.

 

She's already hurrying away toward the highway. She turns long enough to say:

 

HILLARY: Have a good day, sir!

 

Emil watches her go, then gets into the car.

 

EXT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

The rental car moves out of the parking lot to get onto the highway.

 

Down the road, the car pulls over to give Hillary a lift. She climbs in, and the car pulls back onto the highway.

 

EXT. GAS STATION - RENTAL CAR AT PUMP - DAY

 

Dwight is putting gas into the car. In the background, Marg is making a call in a phone booth.

 

Dwight moves to the passenger window.

 

Marg's purse is on the front seat. Dwight leans in and puts some money in her purse, burying it in the bottom.

 

EXT. GAS STATION - DAY

 

Marg hangs up. She comes up to the rental car as Dwight finishes pumping gas.

 

MARG: Emil flew to Chattanooga. He doesn't trust me to cross the street by myself. I tried to warn Flo but she wasn't in her room. I don't know what they do there. She's never around.

 

DWIGHT: Well, Emil will give you company driving back.

 

MARG: I'm not driving back. I'm taking Flo to Arizona.

 

DWIGHT: What's in Arizona?

 

MARG: Billie. I told you.

 

DWIGHT: I don't think so.

 

MARG: We're going to get the trio back together again.

 

She climbs into the car.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS RETIREMENT CENTER - DAY

 

Sunset Hills is a very expensive and beautifully manicured retirement center in the hills outside Chattanooga.

 

As he drives onto the complex, Emil passes retired people hiking, playing golf, playing croquet.

 

EMIL (V.O.): Sunset Hills looked like a country club. Must've cost Flo an arm and a leg but from what Marg told me, her husband made a fortune in real estate and left her very well off. Funny thing is, just being on the place gave me the creeps. No matter how ritzy they made it, no matter how many activities they planned, it didn't hide the fact why folks came there. To pass time until they checked out.

 

The rental car pulls into a parking lot off the large central building ahead.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

Emil comes in and goes to the front desk, telling the nurse there whom he would like to see.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - RECREATION ROOM - DAY

 

A group of seniors is playing bridge when an announcement comes over the loud speaker into the room.

 

NURSE'S VOICE: Flo Adamson, you have a visitor at the front desk.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - TENNIS COURT - DAY

 

Other senior citizens are playing mixed doubles on the tennis courts. There's a loud speaker on a pole near the court.

 

NURSE'S VOICE: Flo Adamson to the front desk, please.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - LADIES ROOM - DAY

 

A WOMAN PATIENT comes into the ladies room as the same announcement repeats:

 

NURSE'S VOICE: A visitor for Flo Adamson is at the front desk.

 

The woman looks down under the closed door of a stall.

 

Two bare legs in slippers are visible.

 

INT. LADIES ROOM - STALL - DAY

 

Flo, in her robe, sits quietly on the toilet, the seat of which is down, looking like she is hiding from the world.

 

INT. LADIES ROOM - DAY

 

The woman stands up and knocks on the stall door.

 

WOMAN: You have a visitor, Flo. Come on, honey, I'll walk you to the front desk.

 

There is no reply. The woman finally leaves to get a nurse.

 

Flo cracks open the stall door.

 

She comes out, sees that the coast is clear and heads for the door.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Flo emerges from the ladies room, sees the coast is clear again and moves down the hallway.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

The nurse is talking to Emil.

 

NURSE: She must not be feeling well. Would you like to leave a message?

 

EMIL: Maybe I'll try again later.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - MAIN BUILDING - DAY

 

Emil comes out of the building and goes to the rental car.

 

EMIL (V.O.): At least I tried. Marg would kill me if I hadn't. But now that that was taken care of, I figured I had the rest of the time to see the sites. Chattanooga was in a part of the country filled with history.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - STAGE - DAY

 

A stripper is doing her act for the lunch trade in a bar in Chattanooga.

 

In the club is Hillary, waiting at the end of the bar for the MANAGER.

 

A balding middle-aged man, the manager arrives, quickly giving Heather a once over.

 

MANAGER: You wanted to see me?

 

HILLARY: I saw the ad for dancers.

 

MANAGER: You eighteen?

 

HILLARY: Twenty.

 

She reaches into her purse for identification.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Emil's rental car is driving down the highway along the business strip. He approaches the topless bar, which has a large visible banner announcing "Nude Women Galore!" inside.

 

Suddenly Emil slams on the brakes to turn the car into the bar's parking lot, causing a driver behind him to beep the horn at his recklessness.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - DAY

 

RUTH, 30ish, who is in charge of the dancers, stands off the stage, watching the end of a routine. She's tough as nails and looks like she's seen it all.

 

Hillary comes forward, wearing a see-through gown.

 

HILLARY: I'm ready.

 

RUTH: You do this before?

 

HILLARY: Yes.

 

RUTH: We don't go bottomless here. We let the customers tip in your G-string. They'll wave a bill at you.

 

HILLARY: I've done that before.

 

RUTH: Then it's all yours, honey.

 

Hillary moves to the edge of the stage and drops her gown, revealing bikini-like lingerie under a see-through nightie. A new song starts up and she steps on stage to begin her audition.

 

Emil comes into the bar. He squints to find his way in the dark and finds an empty table, going for it.

 

He sits down and a waitress is quickly there for his order. Emil says something, and she moves off.

 

He turns to the stage. He is shocked to find Hillary dancing on stage.

 

Hillary is down to her bra and G-string. A customer sitting at the bar along the stage is waving a bill at her, so Hillary moves to him, and he reaches up and sticks the bill in her G-string.

 

Hillary turns her back to the audience, reaches behind and unsnaps her bra, letting it drop to the floor.

 

She starts dancing in a teasing way now, not quite turning around - then she finally does.

 

Emil grins, watching Hillary do her stuff.

 

EXT. LUXURIOUS HOUSE - SWIMMING POOL - EVENING

 

BILLIE is in a lounge chair near the swimming pool of her expensive Arizona home. She's a flamboyant woman who once was perfectly cast as Auntie Mame in a community theater production. She wears a robe and all of her exposed skin is coated with a white cream, making her appearance a trifle ghoulish.

 

Big band music plays over a speaker aimed at the back patio. Billie's only reaction to it is a big toe that can't keep still.

 

A servant, whose name is JAMES, comes forward with a telephone. He's a stuffy middle- aged professional whose demeanor suggests that Billie is a little too flamboyant for his sense of propriety.

 

JAMES: You have a call.

 

Without sitting up, Billie holds up an arm. James sets the phone in her hand and leaves.

 

Slowly, Billie brings the phone to her lips.

 

BILLIE: This is Billie.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - EVENING

 

Marg is on the other end of the line.

 

MARG: It's Marg, Billie. Guess who's coming to dinner?

 

INT. DIFFERENT MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

 

Emil is reading in bed. He puts down the book and turns out the light.

 

EXT. MOTEL - ENTRANCE - DAY

 

Marg's rental car pulls out into traffic.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Dwight is driving.

 

MARG: Billie was the comedian in the group. The things she'd come up with! She guarantees she'll have a gig arranged by the time we arrive.

 

DWIGHT: Really?

 

MARG: Probably in the rec room at a nursing home.

 

DWIGHT: Wish I could be there. I'd love to hear you.

 

Marg smiles.

 

EXT. TOPLESS BAR - DAY

 

Emil's rental car is parked in the lot. Another car pulls to the side of the road, and Hillary gets out.

 

She leans down to thank the DRIVER, a balding middle-aged man. She has bits of grass in her hair and on her clothes, evidence of having slept in a park the night before.

 

HILLARY: Thanks for the lift.

 

DRIVER: You dance here or something?

 

Hillary doesn't answer and hurries away to enter the bar.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - DAY

 

Emil is having lunch and watching the dancer on stage.

 

Hillary hurries in. She looks up at the clock and relaxes. She moves toward the dressing rooms and passes Emil's table.

 

Emil recognizes her as she passes.

 

EMIL: Young lady! You've got something in your hair.

 

Hillary stops and recognizes him, as one hand goes instinctively to her hair and finds the grass there.

 

HILLARY: What're you doing still in town?

 

EMIL: I could ask you the same thing. Buy you coffee or a coke?

 

HILLARY: I start in ten minutes. Maybe some other time.

 

EMIL: You name it.

 

Hillary smiles and moves off.

 

EXT. FREEWAY - EVENING

 

Marg's rental car is on the freeway, changing lanes to follow the sign to enter "Chattanooga."

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Dwight, as always, is driving.

 

DWIGHT: Well, I guess this is as far as I go. I ought to be able to catch another ride before it gets too late.

 

MARG: You'll do no such thing. We'll pick up Flo tomorrow and all drive to Nashville together.

 

DWIGHT: You're sure it's no trouble?

 

MARG: No trouble at all.

 

Dwight nods, accepting the offer.

 

EXT. THE FREEWAY - EVENING

 

The rental car continues toward the city.

 

EXT. TOPLESS BAR - PARKING LOT - EVENING

 

Emil's rental car is still in the parking lot.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Emil sits in the car, reading the newspaper.

 

EXT. TOPLESS BAR - EVENING

 

Hillary comes out of the bar and starts to cross the parking lot.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Looking up from the paper, Emil sees Hillary and leans out the window.

 

EMIL: Hey, there!

 

EXT. PARKING LOT - EVENING

 

Hillary comes to the window.

 

HILLARY: Hi.

 

EMIL: You don't have a place to stay, do you?

 

HILLARY: I don't do tricks, mister.

 

Hillary turns and starts walking away. Emil gets out of the car and catches up with her.

 

EMIL: Wait a minute, that's not what I meant. There's two beds in my room. One of them's yours if you want it. No strings attached. Long as you don't hog the bathroom.

 

HILLARY: What's in it for you?

 

EMIL: Not too hard to figure out you're on the bum. I've been there before.

 

HILLARY: Good Samaritan, huh?

 

EMIL: It's a clean bed and shower for a couple days. What do you say?

 

Hillary considers it, makes up her mind and moves for the car. Emil smiles and follows.

 

EXT. EMIL'S MOTEL - NIGHT

 

Emil's rental car is parked in the lot.

 

INT. MOTEL - EMIL'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Emil is in pajamas in bed, still reading the newspaper, when Hillary comes from the bathroom, fully dressed with a towel around her head.

 

HILLARY: You mind if I watch TV a while?

 

EMIL: Be my guest.

 

She turns on the television. She goes to her bed, which is closest to the TV, and gets under the covers fully clothed.

 

She starts undressing under the covers, getting down to panties and bra, tossing each item of clothing onto the floor as she removes it.

 

Emil, trying to read the paper, is fascinated by what she's doing and keeps glancing over.

 

HILLARY: Tell me if I'm keeping you awake.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - DAY

 

Marg's rental car pulls in front of Sunset Hills.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Dwight is letting Marg off.

 

MARG: You sure you don't want to come in?

 

DWIGHT: Tell me when, and I'll pick you up.

 

MARG: Say in an hour?

 

DWIGHT: I'll be here.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - DAY

 

Marg gets out, and Dwight pulls away as she heads into the building.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - RECREATION ROOM - DAY

 

The makeshift band is playing, with Flo half-heartedly beating the tambourine. As usual, she's in pajamas and a robe.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

A nurse comes up to Marg.

 

NURSE: You must be Marg. Flo's told me all about you.

 

MARG: How is she?

 

NURSE: As well as can be expected. She's in band practice at the moment. They'll be done soon.

 

MARG: I'd like to wait in her room - I want to surprise her.

 

NURSE: But she told me you were coming.

 

Marg's expression reveals she is surprised by this but she tries to cover.

 

MARG: I'm early.

 

NURSE: I'll show you where her room is.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - HALLWAY - DAY

 

The elevator opens and Flo gets out. She starts down the hallway toward her room.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FLO'S ROOM - DAY

 

Marg has a large suitcase on the bed and has been packing it. She tries to close it but has put too many clothes inside.

 

She struggles to get the large suitcase from the bed to the floor. When she finally succeeds, she sits on it and manages to latch one end.

 

The door opens and Flo walks in. Marg is startled, shifts her weight and the suitcase pops open.

 

MARG: I almost have you packed, poor dear.

 

Flo, without a word, passes through the room and into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

 

Marg gets to her feet and moves to the bathroom door. She puts her ear to the door.

 

MARG: Flo?

 

There's a strange sound in the bathroom.

 

INT. THE BATHROOM - DAY

 

Flo is gargling with mouthwash. She spits into the sink.

 

INT. FLO'S ROOM - DAY

 

The door opens, and Flo comes out.

 

FLO: I'm sorry. We had tuna casserole again. I smelled like fish.

 

She embraces Marg.

 

MARG: I almost have you packed. As soon as I find Emil, we'll make a plan for getting you out of here.

 

FLO: Is Emil here?

 

MARG: He should be. You haven't seen him?

 

FLO: No.

 

MARG: The nurse said you knew I was coming.

 

FLO: I wouldn't let you die in a crummy joint like this. Let me help you get it closed.

 

The women move to close the suitcase.

 

EXT. CITY STREET - DAY

 

Dwight has found the low-income part of town and is cruising, looking for drugs to buy.

 

He passes a corner where someone comes out to see what he wants.

 

Dwight and the DRUG DEALER talk. Then Dwight passes out a bill and gets a package of cocaine in return.

 

He drives off.

 

EXT. ROAD - OUTSIDE ENTRANCE TO SUNSET HILLS - DAY

 

The rental car is idling along the side of the road.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Dwight has a line of cocaine prepared on a small mirror. He snorts it.

 

He sniffs to clear his nose, puts the paraphernalia away and pulls the car into Sunset Hills.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FLO'S ROOM - DAY

 

Marg glances at her watch.

 

MARG: He'll be out front, I have to run.

 

She embraces Flo.

 

MARG: Don't you worry, Emil will think of everything.

 

FLO: I'll look for you at midnight.

 

MARG: And if something goes wrong, I'll see you right after breakfast.

 

The women giggle at their little plot. Then Marg goes.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT OF BUILDING - DAY

 

Marg comes running out. Dwight leans across the seat to open the door, and she gets in.

 

Then the car pulls away from the curb.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

MARG: We have to find Emil right away.

 

DWIGHT: How do we do that?

 

MARG: First we see if there's a topless bar in town.

 

Dwight raises his eyebrows: she's always surprising him.

 

EXT. EMIL'S MOTEL - PARKING AREA - DAY

 

Emil is pacing by the car. He looks at his watch and goes to the door of his room.

 

He opens the door and sticks his head in.

 

EMIL: You're gonna be late!

 

HILLARY (O.S.): Almost ready!

 

Emil goes back to the car and gets in.

 

Hillary comes out and rushes to the car. She gets in, and Emil pulls away to drive Hillary to work.

 

INT. THE CAR - DAY

 

Emil looks at his watch.

 

HILLARY: We'll be fine.

 

EMIL: I guess it wasn't hard for you to get a job, huh?

 

HILLARY: Dancing? It never is. I'll be back on the road in a couple days. I ran out of money.

 

EMIL: Back on the road to where?

 

HILLARY: L.A.

 

EMIL: Become a movie star?

 

HILLARY: Very funny. To pick up my daughter.

 

EMIL: Sorry. How old's your daughter?

 

HILLARY: Four. Mom watched her the past two years while I was in jail.

 

EMIL: In--! I mean, you don't look the type.

 

HILLARY: Drugs, okay? But I'm clean now. And I plan to stay clean. Anything else you want to know about me?

 

EMIL: Sorry.

 

They drive on in silence.

 

EXT. TOPLESS BAR - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Marg's rental car pulls into the lot of a topless bar, a different one from where Hillary works.

 

INT. THE CAR - DAY

 

Dwight turns to Marg.

 

DWIGHT: How do I know him when I see him?

 

MARG: I’ll know him.

 

To Dwight's surprise, she opens the door to get out.

 

PHOTOGRAPH

 

of Emil, sitting at Marg's dinner table back home, grinning at the camera.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - DAY

 

Marg is showing the photograph to the BARTENDER.

 

BARTENDER: No, don't think I've ever seen him in here.

 

The bartender returns the photograph to Marg, who puts it in her wallet.

 

BARTENDER: Sorry.

 

MARG: Where's the closest topless place from here?

 

DWIGHT: We have a list.

 

Dwight hands the bartender the list, who glances at it. Nearby customers are very amused by all of this.

 

BARTENDER: It'd be this one here, The Pink Lady Tavern.

 

He returns the list to Dwight.

 

MARG: Thank you very much.

 

Marg leads the way out as the bartender grins and shakes his head at a customer, as if to say, "Now I've seen everything."

 

EXT. TOPLESS BAR - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Emil's rental car is in the lot where Hillary works, as Dwight pulls into the lot in Marg's rental car.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - A TABLE - DAY

 

Emil is sitting at a table, eating a sandwich. A dancer performs on stage.

 

Suddenly two hands, Marg's hands, cover his eyes from behind.

 

EMIL: Hey, I'm in the middle of a sandwich here!

 

But the hands don't move.

 

EMIL: Hillary, come on, let me eat.

 

Marg removes her hands and sits down next to Emil.

 

MARG: And who is Hillary?

 

Emil chokes on his food, shocked to find Marg there. Then he notices Dwight standing by the table.

 

MARG: Yes, I did have a nice trip, how thoughtful of you to ask. This is my chauffeur, Dwight. Who is Hillary?

 

Emil clears his throat.

 

EMIL: You made good time.

 

MARG: Fine, so don't tell me who Hillary is. She works here, doesn't she?

 

The dancer on stage is nude now, and Emil is trying hard not to notice. Marg notices he is trying not to notice.

 

EMIL: You want half a sandwich? Dwight?

 

MARG: Emil, listen to me. We have to get Flo out. Now I told her to be on the lookout for us at midnight and--

 

EMIL: Wait a minute, hold your horses. Let's go someplace where we can talk without this racket.

 

MARG: Is your motel close by?

 

Emil starts to say so but remembers that Hillary's things are still there and changes his mind.

 

EMIL: Ah, we'd better go to yours, they're doing repairs in mine today.

 

They get up to go.

 

As they do, Hillary passes by in her gown and brief outfit, ready to go on stage next.

 

HILLARY: See you tonight, Emil!

 

Emil gestures a quick wave, hoping Marg doesn't notice, but she does.

 

After giving Emil a quick look, Marg continues to lead the way outside.

 

INT. MOTEL - MARG'S ROOM - DAY

 

Emil has a shocked expression on his face.

 

EMIL: Arizona!

 

Marg and Dwight sit at the small table in the room. Emil is on his feet, pacing.

 

MARG: Billie can't come here, and they'll be looking for Flo. Besides, the weather's better in Arizona.

 

EMIL: You've had some hare-brained ideas before, Marg, but this one takes the cake.

 

MARG: I've never done anything like this in my life, and you know it. You should be happy. Think of all the funerals I'm missing. Now will you help me or not? Dwight and I can manage it alone if we have to. I just always rely on you to handle the details, you know that.

 

Emil's expression suggests that he's about to give in.

 

EMIL: Well, tonight's pretty short notice.

 

MARG: Tomorrow night then.

 

EMIL: The plan's got to be foolproof, you don't get a second chance on something like this.

 

MARG: I know you'll think of something.

 

Emil looks at his watch.

 

EMIL: I have time to see her yet today, it'll give me a chance to case out the joint.

 

MARG: Perfect.

 

EMIL: It's not perfect yet, I haven't thought of anything.

 

He is starting for the door.

 

MARG: See you tomorrow, then?

 

EMIL: We're not having dinner?

 

MARG: That girl said, "See you tonight."

 

EMIL: In case I came in, she meant.

 

MARG: Well, I guess you do spend most of your time there.

 

EMIL: I'll pick you up at six. You, too, Dwight.

 

DWIGHT: If you two would rather be--

 

EMIL: No, you're important in this. See you at six.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - PARKING AREA - DAY

 

Emil's rental car is parked in front of the retirement center.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FLO'S ROOM - DAY

 

Emil is looking out the upper-story window, down to the ground below, as Flo, in her robe as ever, watches him. She's holding a bundle of tied-up sheets.

 

EMIL: Jesus Christ, you can't climb down that way.

 

Emil moves from the window to Flo. He takes an end of sheet, takes a grip at each end of a knot Flo has tied and yanks. The sheets come apart.

 

FLO: Oh, my word!

 

EMIL: No granny knots, Flo. Your life depends on it. I need you to give me the grand tour.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - GROUNDS BEHIND BUILDING - DAY

 

Flo and Emil are walking along the grounds behind the main building.

 

Emil keeps looking up at windows, looking around, trying to get an idea. He's perplexed at the moment.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT OF BUILDING - DAY

 

Flo and Emil are casing the front of the building.

 

FLO: They lock the doors at ten p.m.

 

EMIL: What's that over there?

 

FLO: The rec room.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - REC ROOM - DAY

 

Emil and Flo have moved to the large windows of the rec room on the ground floor.

 

Emil is looking at the window, presently cracked open, trying to see how it's latched and how hard it would be to break into.

 

As Emil inspects the window, several SENIOR CITIZENS in the rec room move to the other side of it, staring out at him. Emil is so involved, it takes him a moment to notice them.

 

Then he sees a lineup of senior citizens watching him, some grinning, some staring vacantly, some drooling, some looking curious and alert. It's quite a sight.

 

The most alert of the group watching him, an ancient WOMAN with piercing eyes, speaks up.

 

OLD WOMAN: You're up to something no good, aren't you?

 

EMIL: Maintenance, ma'am.

 

Emil takes Flo's arm to move away from the window.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT OF BUILDING - DAY

 

Emil is leading Flo up the steps when suddenly they hear a siren and turn to find an ambulance rushing to the front of the building, where it parks.

 

Two ATTENDANTS move out quickly, get a stretcher out of the back and hurry into the building.

 

Through the glass door into the foyer of the building, Emil and Flo can see what's happening inside.

 

A nurse is helping an old man on the floor as the attendants rush up. They put the old man onto the stretcher and move back outside.

 

The attendants bring the stretcher down the steps, put it into the back of the ambulance and in no time are gone.

 

Emil turns to Flo.

 

EMIL: I think I know how we'll get you out of here.

 

INT. MARG'S MOTEL ROOM - EVENING

 

Emil dials a number, then hands the phone to Dwight. He waits for someone to answer.

 

Marg and Emil look on. Then Dwight speaks on the phone.

 

DWIGHT: Yes, this is Dwight Hall from the newspaper, I called earlier about-- ... great.

 

He is writing down something on a note pad.

 

DWIGHT: I really appreciate your help .... Oh, well, I'm not sure if the story's been scheduled yet. I appreciate your help, though. Bye.

 

He hangs up.

 

DWIGHT: Over the past year, ambulances have arrived an average of every 4.5 days.

 

EMIL: Then we may have to wait over a week.

 

DWIGHT: Or less. The law of averages can go either way.

 

EMIL: Bill's going to wonder what's taking me so long.

 

MARG: I'll call and tell them I'm sick, we can't start back yet.

 

INT. TOPLESS BAR - DAY

 

Hillary is getting her daily pay from the bartender.

 

BARTENDER: Thought you said you needed a week to make your bankroll.

 

HILLARY: Got great tips today. I'm outta here!

 

She's happy as she moves off and out. The bartender watches her, looking like a man who's seen a lot of them come and go.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - GROUNDS - DAY

 

Marg and Emil are sitting on a bench in the front grounds of the rest home, playing cards. A small suitcase is on the ground beside them.

 

A NURSE strolls by, gives them a second look, not recognizing them.

 

NURSE: Excuse me. Can I help you?

 

EMIL: We're waiting for Flo to come down.

 

NURSE: Oh, of course. I didn't recognize you. I think she's doing better now that she has visitors.

 

She smiles and moves off.

 

Marg and Emil exchange a glance, then go on playing cards.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT ROAD - DAY

 

Emil's rental car is parked along the side of the road. Dwight leans against the car, waiting.

 

Then he sees something on the road ahead.

 

He quickly gets into the car and speeds off, hurrying into the grounds.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - BENCH ON GROUNDS - DAY

 

Emil and Marg are playing cards when they hear a car honking its horn. They turn to see Dwight driving up.

 

Emil gets quickly on his feet, puts the suitcase on the bench and opens it. He takes out a robe like the kind worn in the retirement center and puts it on.

 

Then he starts moving quickly toward the front of the building, as Marg closes the suitcase.

 

Dwight pulls up at the bench, and Marg gets in.

 

Emil is still hurrying to the front of the building.

 

Suddenly an ambulance moves onto the grounds and speeds to the building.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT OF BUILDING - DAY

 

Emil is at the front of the building, looking like any other senior resident, when the ambulance pulls up. As before, the two attendants rush inside with a stretcher.

 

When they're gone, Emil moves to the driver's window of the ambulance. All attention is on the emergency as he reaches in and grabs the ignition keys.

 

Emil moves quickly away from the ambulance as Dwight pulls up. Emil gets in, and the rental car speeds away.

 

An OLD MAN has witnessed this, chuckling and clapping his hands, not sure what happened but liking it nonetheless, looking as if any rebellion against authority is good news to him.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT ENTRANCE - DAY

 

The attendants bring an OLD WOMAN in a stretcher down and put her into the ambulance. Then they get in.

 

INT. THE AMBULANCE - DAY

 

The driver finds no keys in the ignition. In panic, he searches his pockets.

 

AMBULANCE DRIVER: Shit, where are the keys?

 

The other attendant has his own set.

 

ATTENDANT: Get us out of here, man!

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT AREA - DAY

 

The driver starts up, and the ambulance speeds off.

 

The old man from above is still enjoying every moment.

 

EXT. A HIGHWAY - EVENING

 

Near dusk, Hillary is hitchhiking when a pickup truck pulls over ahead of her. She runs forward to it.

 

INT. PICKUP - EVENING

 

The door opens and Hillary looks in.

 

HILLARY: How far you going?

 

WAYNE: At least to Nashville.

 

HILLARY: Great.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - THE PICKUP - EVENING

 

Hillary throws her tote back in the back of the pickup and climbs in. The truck pulls back onto the highway.

 

INT. THE PICKUP - EVENING

 

WAYNE, the driver, is a handsome man in his thirties, wearing jeans, a plaid shirt and a baseball cap. Blue collar, all the way.

 

HILLARY: You look familiar.

 

WAYNE: You dance at the Pink Lady. I tipped you twenty.

 

HILLARY: Right.

 

But Hillary looks like she's a little suspicious about this coincidence.

 

HILLARY: So what are you doing here?

 

WAYNE: Going to Nashville. How far you going?

 

HILLARY: Los Angeles.

 

WAYNE: Yeah, I might be going that far.

 

Wayne smiles at her. Hillary is definitely nervous now.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT OF BUILDING - NIGHT

 

The grounds are quiet, and most of the lights are out.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT FOYER - NIGHT

 

The SECURITY GUARD, a man near retirement himself, is locking the front door. He turns to find Flo wandering into the area, carrying a suitcase.

 

SECURITY GUARD: You should be in bed.

 

FLO: I'm leaving. Will you unlock the door, please?

 

SECURITY GUARD: You know I can't do that, ma'am. What's your room number, I'll walk you back.

 

Flo suddenly begins to have a fit.

 

FLO: I want to leave! Let me out of here! Let me out!

 

The security guard looks troubled, as if he isn't sure how to handle this. He goes to her, trying to calm her down.

 

Suddenly Flo grabs her heart, gasps, and collapses onto the floor.

 

The security guard checks her and in panic rushes to the phone at the front desk.

 

He dials a number and waits.

 

SECURITY GUARD: We need an ambulance at Sunset Hills!

 

Flo opens one eye, smiles, and is "unconscious" again.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT HIGHWAY - NIGHT

 

Emil's rental car and an ambulance are parked along the highway. Emil is looking at his watch, standing by the driver's door of the ambulance, where Dwight is behind the wheel.

 

EMIL: Six, five, four, three, two, one - go!

 

Dwight starts the siren and pulls onto the grounds, and Emil hurries into the driver's seat at the rental car.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT OF BUILDING - NIGHT

 

The ambulance pulls up. Dwight gets out and struggles alone with the stretcher. The security guard has seen his plight through the glass door and hurries out to help him.

 

SECURITY GUARD: Where's your help?

 

DWIGHT: We're under-staffed tonight. Flu bug's going around.

 

They take the stretcher up the steps.

 

INT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT FOYER - NIGHT

 

Dwight and the security guard come in and go to Flo. They put her on the stretcher. Dwight fetches the suitcase.

 

DWIGHT: Case she needs a change of underwear.

 

EXT. SUNSET HILLS - FRONT HIGHWAY - NIGHT

 

The ambulance speeds out and stops by the rental car. Dwight and Flo hurry out and get into the car, abandoning the ambulance.

 

Emil pulls the car onto the highway.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - FOLLOWING AMBULANCE - NIGHT

 

The "real" ambulance is racing down the highway. It reaches the entrance into Sunset Hills, where the other ambulance is parked along the highway.

 

INT. AMBULANCE - NIGHT

 

The attendants see the other ambulance.

 

AMBULANCE DRIVER: There's the stolen ambulance.

 

ATTENDANT: I'll phone it in.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - NIGHT

 

The rental car is on the interstate, heading west.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - NIGHT

 

Marg and Flo are asleep in the back seat. Dwight is driving now. Emil, in the passenger's seat, is awake.

 

EMIL: You want relief, let me know.

 

DWIGHT: My adrenaline's pumping so much, I won't calm down til Nashville.

 

Emil glances into the back seat.

 

EMIL: They're a pair, aren't they?

 

DWIGHT: You're a lucky guy, Emil.

 

Emil looks a little puzzled that a younger man would tell him this.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - A FIELD - DAWN

 

Only an occasional car or truck passes by along an isolated section of the interstate. Beyond the highway, something moves in a field.

 

EXT. THE FIELD - DAWN

 

Hillary rises up. Her clothes are torn, and her face is bruised. She takes a deep breath and stands up.

 

She sees her tote bag, where it's been tossed into the field. She fetches it and starts moving to the interstate.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - DAWN

 

Hillary moves to the shoulder of the interstate to start hitchhiking.

 

She looks blankly down the long empty road to where the sun is rising in the east.

 

Resigned for a long wait for a ride, she puts her tote bag on the ground and sits on it. She leans forward, resting her head in her hands. She starts crying.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - DAY

 

A pickup truck is driving along a stretch of interstate through farmland. The truck is hauling a load of hay.

 

INT. PICKUP - DAY

 

An elderly FARMER in a baseball cap is driving, Hillary is in the passenger seat.

 

FARMER: I turn off up ahead. Hate to leave you in the middle of nowhere.

 

HILLARY: That's okay, every little bit helps.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - DAY

 

The pickup pulls to the side of the interstate near an off-ramp and road heading into endless farmland.

 

Hillary gets out and fetches her tote bag from between bales of hay. Her door is still open, and the farmer has leaned across the seat and holds out a twenty-dollar bill for her.

 

FARMER: Take this.

 

HILLARY: You don't have to--

 

FARMER: I don't have to do anything but what I want to do, young lady. Now take it. And good luck to you.

 

Hillary takes the money.

 

HILLARY: Thanks a lot.

 

She closes the door.

 

Hillary watches the truck move off on the auxiliary road across farmland.

 

She is stuck in the boonies again. She sits on her tote bag, expecting another long wait.

 

EXT. CAFE AND GAS STATION - DAY

 

The rental car is parked in front of a small cafe with two gas pumps in front of it, surrounded by farmland.

 

INT. CAFE - A TABLE - DAY

 

Emil and Dwight are sitting at a table. Marg arrives from the ladies room, carrying Flo's suitcase.

 

EMIL: How's she doing?

 

MARG: Better.

 

EMIL: She doesn't look well to me.

 

MARG: Emil, she isn’t well.

 

They stop talking as they see Flo approaching.

 

Flo is dressed in casual slacks and a brightly colored blouse. She looks tired but better, too.

 

Flo arrives at the table and manages to smile.

 

EMIL: Is everybody ready?

 

EXT. CAFE - DAY

 

As the group walks back to the car, Dwight comes beside Marg to speak privately.

 

DWIGHT: I've been thinking - Nashville will be a zoo this time of year, all the tourists and everything, and I've never seen the southwest before. So I was wondering--

 

MARG: The answer is yes. You can drive as far as we're going.

 

Dwight puts his arm around her.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - DAY

 

The rental car is on the road again.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Dwight is driving. Emil has the front passenger seat.

 

Flo is asleep in the back seat with Marge beside her.

 

EMIL: Well, if you're coming all the way, either we stop nights or trade off driving.

 

MARG: Of course, we'll stop nights. We can't have Flo sleeping in the car.
 60.

 

DWIGHT: I can drive twelve, fourteen hours with no problem if you folks can ride that long.

 

EMIL: We'll play it by ear.

 

Emil looks out the windshield as the car approaches Hillary hitchhiking on the highway.

 

He whirls around in his seat, recognizing her.

 

EMIL: Pull over! I know that girl.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - DAY

 

The rental car pulls to the side of the road. Seeing it, Hillary starts running to the car.

 

Emil opens the door as Hillary bends down.

 

HILLARY: Oh my Lord! I don't believe this.

 

EMIL: What happened to your eye?

 

HILLARY: It's a long story.

 

Marg is a little jealous, despite herself.

 

MARG: If we're picking her up, Emil, let's do it and get back on the road.

 

Flo stirs, as if from a bad dream.

 

FLO: Ahhhh ...

 

MARG: Sshh ...sshh ...

 

Emil gets out to let Hillary slide in first.

 

HILLARY: I don't think there's room.

 

EMIL: I'll put the bag on my lap.

 

She gets in, sitting between Dwight and Emil. Emil gets in beside her, with the tote bag on his lap.

 

Dwight pulls back onto the highway.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

MARG: And what's your name, dear?

 

HILLARY: Hillary.

 

MARG: Isn't that a coincidence? Emil knows a nude dancer named Hillary.

 

Hillary isn't sure what to make of this remark, nor is Emil - both look confused but hold their tongues.

 

Marg just smiles.

 

EXT. MOTEL - EVENING

 

The rental car is parked in front of a motel office.

 

Emil comes out and points to a nearby room. He walks as Dwight pulls ahead to park.

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING AREA - EVENING

 

Dwight parks as Emil unlocks the doors of two adjacent rooms.

 

EMIL: Women in 115, men in 116.

 

Hillary and Dwight get out of the front seat. Marg gets out on her side in back, then walks around the car to open the door for Flo.

 

Marg opens the door. Flo appears to be sleeping.

 

MARG: Flo, dear, we're here. You can sleep in a real bed.

 

Marg touches her - and instinctively draws back her hand.

 

MARG: Oh, my God, no ...Emil! Come over here!

 

In the back seat, Flo opens her eyes and, seeing Marg, manages to smile.

 

FLO: Are we there yet?

 

Emil arrives to see what the problem is.

 

EMIL: Is she all right?

 

MARG: Of course, she's all right.

 

Marg begins to help Flo out of the car.

 

INT. ST. ELIZABETH'S - AUDITORIUM - DAY

 

Billie is on stage, setting up three microphones so a technician can set the lights. The technician is in the light booth and speaks to her from a speaker.

 

LIGHT TECHNICIAN: You do any dancing, choreography, anything like that?

 

BILLIE: We stand at the mics and sing.

 

LIGHT TECHNICIAN: Set them up anywhere you want.

 

A NURSE comes into the auditorium with a portable phone.

 

NURSE: Phone call for you, Billie!

 

She holds up the phone, then starts for the stage.

 

NURSE: I can't tell you how much we all appreciate this.

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION - MARG, BILLIE

 

Marg is on the phone in the motel room she shares with Flo and Hillary. Flo is in the bathroom, with Hillary standing "guard" by the door. Still, Marg speaks softly into the phone.

 

MARG: I just don't know if she's strong enough to do it.

 

BILLIE: Well, I've got everything set up if she is. We're doing an afternoon freebie at St. Elizabeth's.

 

MARG: You're a dear - but I don't know. She's so weak.

 

BILLIE: Let's play it by ear. Maybe she'll perk up when she gets here.

 

Hillary makes a waving motion that Flo sounds like she's ready to enter.

 

MARG: I've got to run.

 

INT. AUDITORIUM - STAGE - DAY

 

Billie has the portable phone on stage.

 

BILLIE: Don't worry, Marg. Flo's always been a fighter.

 

Billie immediately is back to work, bellowing orders at the light technician.

 

BILLIE: Hello, up there! Show me your specials! You got anything soft to reinforce a couple tearjerkers?

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING AREA - DAY

 

They are getting a late start this morning. Emil is standing by the car when Marg sticks her head out her motel door.

 

MARG: Emil, we need help.

 

He starts for the room.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

Flo, dressed, is stretched out on one of the beds. She's holding a thigh. Hillary sits on the edge of the bed with her.

 

MARG: She can't walk, she has a cramp.

 

EMIL: Flo, you okay?

 

FLO: Of course, I'm not okay.

 

HILLARY: It'll pass in a minute.

 

MARG: Maybe you can carry her to the car.

 

Emil moves to the bed to pick her up.

 

EMIL: I'm going to pick you up, Flo, okay?

 

FLO: You're too old for that.

 

EMIL: Watch me.

 

He hoists her up and starts for the door, with Marg and Hillary following.

 

As a matter of fact, he's having a pretty hard time carrying her.

 

EXT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

Emil carries Flo to the car, with the women behind. When he gets to the car, he realizes he doesn't have the keys.

 

EMIL: Dwight has the keys.

 

HILLARY: I'll get them.

 

Hillary goes to get the keys. She goes to the motel door next to the women's room and knocks.

 

When nobody answers, she tries the door. It's unlocked.

 

INT. MEN'S MOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

Hillary enters the room. Dwight is in the bathroom, his singing heard through the closed door.

 

Hillary sees his pants on the bed. She goes there and looks in Dwight's pocket for the keys to the car. She finds them - but something else as well.

 

She also finds a small sandwich bag of cocaine. She looks shocked.

 

She hesitates, then puts the bag in her purse, hurrying back out with the keys.

 

EXT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

Hillary comes out with the keys. She unlocks the door, and Emil helps Flo into the back seat.

 

EMIL: There we go. Comfy?

 

FLO: No, I'm not "comfy." It's too damn hot.

 

MARG: Poor dear. But we don't have far to go now.

 

EMIL: Dwight ready?

 

HILLARY: Not quite.

 

EMIL: He takes longer in the morning than a woman.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - SOUTHWEST - DAY

 

The rental car is traveling through the southwest now, in the full heat of the day.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Emil is taking a shift behind the wheel. In the passenger seat, Dwight naps.

 

Emil looks at the women in the rearview mirror, seeing all three women trying to nap back there.

 

EMIL (V.O.): It was hotter than hell, and the worst was yet to come. If it was just Dwight and me, we'd have driven all night. But Flo was getting worse, it seemed to me. She belonged back at Sunset Hills, where they had nurses trained for this sort of thing.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

The rental car continues down the highway.

 

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

The rental car is parked in front of a room.

 

Dwight comes out the door.

 

INT. MOTEL - WOMEN'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Marg and Hillary are watching television, sitting close to the screen since the volume is turned low. Flo is already in bed.

 

There's a tap on the door. Hillary goes to it. It's Dwight.

 

DWIGHT: Anybody want a coke or anything?

 

HILLARY: Coke, Marg?

 

MARG: No thanks.

 

HILLARY: I'll go with you.

 

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

Hillary comes out, and they walk to the beverage machine.

 

HILLARY: You figure it out yet?

 

DWIGHT: Figure what out?

 

HILLARY: What happened to your dope.

 

DWIGHT: You? I was afraid it was Emil. I didn't know if he'd know what it was or not. You got any left?

 

HILLARY: Very funny. I don't do that any more, and I think you--

 

DWIGHT: Hey, no lectures, okay?

 

HILLARY: Right. Nobody could talk sense to me either. We have to make our own mistakes in this world, don't we? You won't listen til you hit rock bottom. Sure is a poor way to make any progress in this world.

 

She turns and starts back to the room.

 

DWIGHT: Wait a minute. You still got it or what?

 

HILLARY: What am I, crazy? I tossed it.

 

DWIGHT: That's destruction of someone else's property.

 

HILLARY: Tell it to the judge.

 

Hillary continues on.

 

Dwight, upset but not wanting to make a scene, goes on to the pop machine.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - SOUTHWEST - DAY

 

The rental car is driving through the southwest in the full heat of the day.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

In the back seat, Marg is fanning Flo with a newspaper as she blankly stares out the window. She's also trying to entertain her by teaching a big-band era song to Hillary. Marg and Hillary sing a bit of the song.

 

MARG: That's good! Now you sing it the same way, okay? And I'll sing harmony. One, two, three ...

 

They start singing again.

 

Flo continues to stare blankly out the window.

 

EXT. TUCSON - HIGHWAY INTO CITY - EVENING

 

The rental car is entering the Tucson area. It takes a turnoff.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - GAS STATION - EVENING

 

The rental car pulls to a phone booth next to a gas station.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Emil, in the passenger seat, turns to the back seat. Marg hands him a slip of paper.

 

EMIL: Let's hope she's home.

 

EXT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Emil gets out and goes into the phone booth.

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

 

Marg wipes Flo's brow with a handkerchief.

 

MARG: We're almost there. Billie will be so excited to see you.

 

Flo has had a tough day and looks every bit of it.

 

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

The rental car is parked in front of a room at the motel. Emil comes out and goes to the adjacent door and knocks.

 

Marg answers the door, speaks to Emil, and he enters. In a moment they come back out, with Flo between them, slowly going to the car as Hillary and Dwight watch.

 

With Flo and Marg in the back seat, Emil goes to the driver's door.

 

EMIL: We shouldn't be too late.

 

He gets in, and the rental car pulls away.

 

Dwight starts back to his room.

 

HILLARY: Want to see the sights?

 

DWIGHT: You see anything in the neighborhood worth looking at?

 

HILLARY: You could get us a cab. You can afford cocaine.

 

DWIGHT: You missed your calling. You should've been a missionary.

 

HILLARY: You should learn from the mistakes of others.

 

Dwight just smiles at her and turns to go into the room he shares with Emil.

 

Hillary looks like she's going to pursue him, decides against it and goes into her room.

 

EXT. BILLIE'S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - NIGHT

 

Billie opens the door to find Marg, Flo and Emil. Tears swell in her eyes.

 

BILLIE: Marg ...Flo . .

 

The three women embrace as Emil looks on.

 

EXT. BILLIE'S HOUSE - PATIO - NIGHT

 

Flo is stretched out on a lounge cot with Marg and Billie in chairs on each side of her. Emil sits next to Marg.

 

Billie is tending Flo with an exotic fan as she and Marg sing a song from the big band era. Flo gamely tries to sing along but is too weak to do much.

 

They finish the song.

 

BILLIE: Oh boy, does that bring back memories! Doesn't it, Flo?

 

Flo manages to smile and nod.

 

INT. BILLIE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Marg and Emil are in the kitchen. Billie and Flo can be seen on the patio through the full glass doors.

 

EMIL: She belongs in a hospital.

 

MARG: She can't be cured, Emil.

 

EMIL: She can be made more comfortable.

 

MARG: I asked her if she wanted to go back, and she said no.

 

EMIL: She's too far gone to think clearly.

 

MARG: She has a right to die as she pleases.

 

Marg starts back onto the patio.

 

EMIL: You don't have to be an accomplice.

 

Marg turns and glares at him.

 

MARG: Don't you dare say that to me. I'm her friend.

 

EXT. BILLIE'S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - NIGHT

 

Emil is carrying Flo down the steps to the car. Marg waits behind with Billie on the porch.

 

BILLIE: I didn't realize she was so bad.

 

MARG: All she wants is to be able to do the concert first.

 

BILLIE: She breaks my heart.

 

MARG: We have to be strong for her, Billie.

 

They embrace.

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT BY ROOM - NIGHT

 

A cab pulls up in front of Dwight's room.

 

INT. MOTEL - HILLARY'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Watching TV, Hillary hears the car pull up outside. She goes to the window, where the curtains are drawn, and separates them to peek outside.

 

She watches as Dwight goes out and gets into the cab.

 

Hillary moves away from the window to continue watching TV.

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

 

The rental car is parked. It's past midnight, and all the motel rooms are dark.

 

INT. MOTEL - EMIL'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Emil is in bed, asleep. Dwight's bed is empty.

 

The phone starts ringing.

 

Emil stirs, sits up and answers the phone.

 

EMIL: Hello?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION - EMIL, DWIGHT

 

Dwight has been arrested and is calling from jail.

 

DWIGHT: It's Dwight.

 

EMIL: Where the hell are you?

 

Dwight takes a deep breath, getting courage to get into it.

 

DWIGHT: I'm in jail, Emil. I tried calling my brother but he wouldn't talk to me.

 

EMIL: Jail for what?

 

DWIGHT: It's a long story, man. Listen, I have some money in my bag. Enough for bail in the morning.

 

EMIL: You've got money?

 

DWIGHT: I'll explain everything after I'm out of here.

 

INT. MOTEL - WOMEN'S ROOM - DAY

 

Marg and Hillary are in bed, Flo's bed is empty.

 

Marg wakes and sees that Flo is not there, then sees the open door to an empty bathroom. She sits up in panic and gets out of bed.

 

MARG: Hillary, Flo is gone!

 

Hillary gets up, too. Marg grabs a robe to put over her sleeping gown, Hillary starts dressing over her underwear.

 

EXT. MOTEL - DAY

 

Marg and Hillary come out of the motel. They notice the car is gone.

 

MARG: Emil must've taken her somewhere.

 

HILLARY: I didn't hear a thing, did you?

 

MARG: No.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

Flo is walking down the highway near the motel in her robe. She moves slowly but persistently.

 

Flo appears content and, in fact, has more energy than she's had recently.

 

Flo continues down the highway and into the parking lot of a cafe near the motel.

 

INT. CAFE - DAY

 

Flo enters the cafe.

 

A POLICEMAN is sitting at the counter, and Flo takes a stool several places down from him. She acts perfectly normal, as if unaware she is wearing a robe and slippers.

 

The WAITRESS isn't sure what to do about Flo, given her dress. She exchanges a glance with the police officer.

 

Flo picks up a menu. The policeman moves to the stool beside her.

 

POLICE OFFICER: Morning, ma'am.

 

FLO: Good morning.

 

POLICE OFFICER: Didn't you have time to dress this morning?

 

FLO: Well, I'm starving! I think I'll have the Special. Have you had it before?

 

POLICE OFFICER: Tell you what. Let me give you a ride home, and after you get dressed, I'll buy you breakfast.

 

FLO: I'm hungry now.

 

POLICE OFFICER: How about a donut to tide you over? Betty, give the lady a chocolate donut.

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

The police car pulls into the parking lot.

 

Marg and Hillary rush out of the room. When the policeman helps Flo out of the car, Marg embraces her.

 

EXT. A TAVERN - DAY

 

The rental car is parked in front of a tavern.

 

INT. TAVERN - DAY

 

Emil and Dwight sit at a table. Emil is drinking coffee, Dwight is pouring tomato juice into a beer.

 

DWIGHT: My brother sent me money for a treatment program. I spent it on drugs.

 

EMIL: At least you admit it.

 

DWIGHT: I know I need help. But if you don't have money to get into a private program, what do you do? You keep moving til everything catches up with you and you finally buy from an undercover - and then you're in jail.

 

EMIL: Serving some time might be good for you under the circumstances.

 

DWIGHT: There's more I haven't told you. I don't think I can tell you.

 

EMIL: Suit yourself.

 

DWIGHT: It was an accident, is the thing. She used up all my dope and-- ... Christ, it's a real mess.

 

EMIL: Jail helped Hillary straighten herself out, is all I'm saying.

 

DWIGHT: She did time?

 

EMIL: Don't tell her I told you.

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION - MARG, BILLIE

 

Billie is on the phone on her patio, reacting to surprising news.

 

BILLIE: What do you mean, he's missing?

 

Marg has called from the motel, with Hillary looking on. Flo is stretched out on the bed.

 

MARG: The car was gone this morning, with Emil gone with it. Hillary says Dwight took off in a cab last night and apparently never came back.

 

BILLIE: Did you two have a fight?

 

MARG: Nothing more than usual. He doesn't like what's going on.

 

BILLIE: He wouldn't strand you, would he?

 

Hillary sees the rental car pull up through the window.

 

HILLARY: They're here!

 

MARG: They just pulled up, Billie. I'll call you back.

 

EXT. MOTEL - PARKING AREA - DAY

 

The rental car parks.

 

Emil and Dwight get out as Marg and Hillary come out of their room.

 

MARG: And where have you been? We want to have a rehearsal before the show this afternoon.

 

EMIL: We've got plenty of time to get there.

 

MARG: You found a topless bar, didn't you?

 

Emil and Marg move into the women's motel room as Hillary stays back with Dwight.

 

DWIGHT: I tried to score from an undercover cop.

 

HILLARY: Oh, Dwight ...

 

Their eyes meet.

 

HILLARY: I served time for the same thing. You've got to look at the big picture now. This can be good for you.

 

She moves into his arms to give him a hug.

 

INT. RETIREMENT CENTER - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Scores of senior citizens are moving down the hallway to the auditorium.

 

INT. RETIREMENT CENTER - AUDITORIUM - DAY

 

They move into the auditorium to be seated for the free afternoon concert.

 

INT. AUDITORIUM - STAGE - DAY

 

Three microphones are set up under a makeshift banner reading "The Victory Sisters".

 

INT. AUDITORIUM - DRESSING ROOM - DAY

 

Marg and Billie are attending Flo, who sits in a wheel chair. All are dressed formally but not "in sync," Billie being dressed much more extravagantly than the other women.

 

Emil and Hillary look on. Emil, pacing, is more nervous than any of them.

 

FLO: I can't breathe.

 

MARG: It's just nerves, Flo. Take a deep breath. You'll be fine once we start.

 

FLO: I can't remember any words.

 

Billie takes Marg aside.

 

BILLIE: I don't think she'll make it.

 

Hillary has joined them.

 

HILLARY: Let me sing.

 

BILLIE: Our songs go way back, honey.

 

HILLARY: Marg taught me a couple. Just to back her up in case.

 

MARG: It's an idea. At least Flo would be on stage with us.

 

A NURSE enters.

 

NURSE: Are we almost ready?

 

INT. AUDITORIUM - STAGE - DAY

 

The DIRECTOR of the center is introducing the women.

 

DIRECTOR: We have a very special treat for you all this afternoon. Reuniting for their first concert since 1947, I'm proud to present ... The Victory Sisters!

 

The four women come on stage, Flo in a wheel chair that is pushed by Marg.

 

They will set up with Flo and Hillary sharing a microphone. MUSIC is playing over a loud speaker - they are using big band instrumentals for their accompaniment.

 

INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY

 

The audience, many of the same generation as The Victory Sisters, loves it and applauds wildly, some getting to their feet.

 

Dwight sits in an aisle seat near the rear of the auditorium, applauding along with the rest.

 

INT. STAGE - DAY

 

The Victory Sisters start into their first tune, an uptempo number from the big band era.

 

Emil is watching from the wings when he realizes a NURSE is behind him.

 

NURSE: They're very good.

 

EMIL: Aren't they?

 

Emil is pleasantly surprised that everything is going so well.

 

The women are doing pretty well, all things considered. Flo is weak but beaming, occasionally joining in to sing, though Hillary is carrying most of her part in the song.

 

Emil is beaming. Then something catches his attention in the audience.

 

He sees Dwight move out of the auditorium.

 

EXT. RETIREMENT CENTER - AUDITORIUM BUILDING - DAY

 

Dwight moves out of the building, moving to the parking lot and the rental car.

 

Emil comes out behind him. Two taxis are parked outside the building.

 

Dwight gets into the rental car and moves off.

 

Emil hurries to the front taxi and gets in. The taxi takes off after the rental car.

 

INT. THE CAB - DAY

 

The CAB DRIVER is a balding man with the stub of a cigar in his mouth.

 

CAB DRIVER: Where to?

 

EMIL: Follow that car.

 

CAB DRIVER: You serious?

 

Emil nods. The cab driver starts laughing.

 

CAB DRIVER: Over twenty years in this business - and nobody never told me that before! "Follow that car!"

 

EXT. STREET OUTSIDE RETIREMENT CENTER - DAY

 

The rental car pulls into traffic, with the cab following behind it.

 

INT. AUDITORIUM - ON STAGE - DAY

 

The Victory Sisters are singing a ballad under mood lights - perhaps "Blue Moon" under blue lights.

 

Flo is in her chair between Marg and Billie. She reaches and takes a hand of each, sings a line softly, and closes her eyes.

 

The Victory Sisters continue singing the ballad.

 

EXT. CITY - STREET - DAY

 

The rental car finally reaches its destination and parks in front of a Police Station. The cab passes by.

 

Dwight gets out and enters the police station.

 

INT. CAB - DAY

 

The cab has pulled over, and Emil strains to see what Dwight is doing.

 

CAB DRIVER: What's going on here? What's he getting a cop for?

 

EMIL: I don't know. How much is it to wait?

 

INT. AUDITORIUM - ON STAGE - DAY

 

The Victory Sisters finish a song, to wild applause. Marg notices that something about Flo is different, as Billie speaks to the audience.

 

BILLIE: Isn't this fun?

 

More applause.

 

BILLIE: For our next number--

 

She stops when Marg whispers something to her. Billie looks at Flo.

 

Flo's eyes stare blankly, her mouth hangs open. In fact, she is dead.

 

The women speak quietly to one another, off mic.

 

BILLIE: Oh my God - I'll call an ambulance.

 

Marg stops her.

 

MARG: Flo wouldn't want us to cause a scene. One more song.

 

HILLARY: I'm not singing with her like that.

 

Marg goes to the microphone.

 

MARG: You've been a wonderful audience. We have one more song for you ...

 

She gestures to the technician in the booth to start the tape. Billie comes close to whisper to her.

 

BILLIE: You are morbid.

 

MARG: The next song is "I'll Be Seeing You." It's Flo's favorite.

 

Marg takes Billie's hand and Hillary's hand, and they reposition themselves to give the audience a less clear view of Flo.

 

Marg sings and when the others are late to begin, she pulls at each arm: then Billie and Hillary give in and start singing.

 

Flo is dead - but looking strangely at peace with herself.

 

EXT. FUNERAL PROCESSION - DAY - WITH SONG CONTINUING OVER

 

The rental car is in the funeral procession as it enters a cemetery. The women are still singing "I'll Be Seeing You."

 

INT. THE RENTAL CAR - DAY

 

Emil is driving. Marg sits up front, with Hillary in back.

 

MARG: How long has it been since you've been to a funeral?

 

EMIL: Five, six years maybe. My brother Herbie.

 

MARG: It's not so bad, is it?

 

EXT. CEMETERY - GRAVE SITE - DAY

 

Flo's casket is being lowered into the ground.

 

EMIL (V.O.): My old lady and I are different, what else is new? Opposites attract or something. She's got a bigger heart than I do.

 

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY

 

Marg is signing her statement as Emil and a policeman look on.

 

EMIL (V.O.): She insisted on going to the police station to make a statement in behalf of Dwight, who'd given himself in. His prints were never on the gun, as it turns out, so he was off that hook, at least.

 

INT. AIRPORT - EMBARKING AREA - NIGHT

 

Hillary and Marg are embracing, prior to Hillary boarding a plane, as Emil looks on.

 

EMIL (V.O.): She insisted on buying Hillary a plane ticket to L.A., so she wouldn't have to hitchhike the rest of the way to pick up her kid.

 

EXT. FUNERAL PROCESSION - DAY

 

Back in New England, a funeral procession winds its way to a cemetery in gorgeous scenery - with a yellow cab in the procession.

 

EMIL (V.O.): And back home, everything more or less went back to normal.

 

INT. THE CAB - DAY

 

Emil is sitting next to Marg in the back seat of the cab.

 

EMIL (V.O.): Well, I did start going to funerals with her now and again. If you can't beat them, join them, you know what I mean?

 

Marg moves close to Emil, and he puts his arm around her. Their eyes meet, lovingly.

 

MARG: Emil, we're very lucky to be alive, you and I.

 

EMIL (V.O.): She was right, of course. But I'll tell you something - never in a million years did I think I'd be taking my old lady to a funeral on a date.

 

FREEZE FRAME

 

of Marg and Emil in the back seat, like teenagers on a date, looking into one another's eyes.

 

FADE OUT.