(1)
FADE IN:
EXT. ISOLATED AREA - DAY
MICHAEL MARSHALL, STEVEN PERRY, and SAMANTHA WHITMAN-PERRY are bound and gagged, knelt on the ground terrified, and breathing heavily. They also appear sweaty and beat up. Michael is a man in his early to mid thirties, African-American, handsome, tall with a strong build. Steven is in his mid to late twenties, Caucasian, handsome, average height, brown hair and eyes with a lean frame. Samantha is in her mid to late twenties, attractive, Caucasian, brown hair and eyes, average height with a slim figure…
MACKENZIE HARRISON is leaning against her van. LENNOX MURPHY, and JULIA BARNES are standing behind Michael, Steven, and Samantha, aiming their GUNS at their heads. Mackenzie is a beautiful, colored woman in her early thirties, average height, dark hair, dark eyes, attractive, and slim-figured. Julia is tall, slim-figured, attractive, blonde hair, and blue eyes. Mac glances at Charlie. Charlie stands in front of Michael, Steven, and Samantha. He fixes his eyes on Michael.
CHARLIE McCARTHY is a man in his forties, good looking, blonde hair, blue eyes, and average height with a stocky build. Jaya and Malcolm are standing behind him. JAYA MEHTA is an Indian woman in her mid to late twenties, average height, dark hair and eyes, attractive with a curvy figure. MALCOLM PETRIE is a handsome man, Caucasian, in his late twenties, or early thirties, average height with brown hair, brown eyes, and lean-figured.
CHARLIE
So it comes to this… Things could’ve been different, Michael but you’re too righteous.
Mac is watching Charlie. Steven, Samantha and Michael are all staring at Charlie.
MICHAEL
Go to hell!
Charlie, Malcolm and Jaya walk back toward the car. Mac looks at Lennox. Lennox is staring at Charlie. Charlie turns to face Mac. Mac is staring at him.
CHARLIE(CONT’D)
…Kill them.
SAMANTHA
(screams)
No!
CUT TO BLACK:
A GUN FIRES!
TITLE: PURSUIT
BEGIN CREDITS: A DURANGO FILMS PRODUCTION; CAST…
The SOUND of the SUBWAY is heard.
(MORE)
(2)
CONTINUED:
FADE IN:
INT. TRAIN – NIGHT
The train is virtually vacant. A couple of passengers sit preoccupied with their own thoughts as Steven Perry stands, holding onto the pole with his duffle bag on his shoulder.
INT. SUBWAY STATION – NIGHT
A train passes by and we see a vague glimpse of a nearly vacant transport.
INT. TRAIN – NIGHT
Steven is sitting in a seat. He looks tired.
ESTABLISHED SHOT: BACK BAY AREA
INT. SUBWAY STATION – NIGHT
Steven makes his way up the stairs to the street.
EXT. URBAN STREET – NIGHT
We see Steven in the distance walking down the street in the dark of night.
END CREDITS:
EXT. STEVEN’S APARTMENT BUILDING FRONT – NIGHT
Steven walks toward the door. He grabs the door and is just about to enter.
SAMANTHA
(peaceful)
…Steven.
Steven stops and looks over his shoulder. Samantha stands in the street, staring back at him. She looks dirty and unkempt. Steven releases the door and faces her.
STEVEN
Sam… What are you doing out here?
Samantha abruptly turns, and walks away. Steven walks after her.
STEVEN
Sam?
Samantha looks over her shoulder at him, and flees into the darkness. Steven watches in perplexity. Steven looks confused and frustrated. He walks to the front entrance and ENTERS.
INT. STEVENS APARTMENT FRONT DOOR – NIGHT
(MORE)
(3)
CONTINUED:
We hear the KEY IN THE TUMBLER. Steven ENTERS. He closes the door and takes his shoes off, placing them to the side. He walks down the hall. Samantha jumps out of an adjacent room, pinning him against the wall. His bag falls to the floor.
SAMANTHA
(fearful)
Steven…please… help me!
INT. STEVEN’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
CLOSESHOT: STEVEN’S FACE
He opens his bloodshot eyes. He’s sweating and he’s breathing heavily. He sits up, looking around as if unfamiliar with his surroundings. He throws the sheet covering him to the side and sits on the edge of the bed. His breathing calms down. He looks at the clock.
CLOSESHOT: ALARM CLOCK. READS 2:43AM
Steven sighs as he stares at the window in frustration and concern.
CUT TO:
CLOSESHOT: ALARM CLOCK BEEPING. READS: 7:00AM
Steven shuts the alarm off and lies in bed trying to wake up.
INT. BATHROOM SHOWER – DAY
Steven is in the shower. The SHOWER DOOR SLIDES open. Steven EXITS, grabbing his towel off the rack. Fastening the towel around his waist he walks to the sink and wipes the foggy mirror. He stares at himself.
EXT. STEVEN’S APARTMENT BLDG. FRONT ENTRANCE – DAY
Steven EXITS, carrying his bag. He stops and stares in the direction Samantha ran away to in his dream. He looks troubled as he walks away.
ESTABLISHED SHOT: OFFICE BUILDING- APEX INSURANCE COMPANY
EXT. STEVEN’S CUBICLE – DAY
Steven sits at his desk, peering down, deep in thought.
INT. STEVEN’S CUBICLE – DAY
Steven looks dazed. His friend, and colleague, JASON MORRIS stands with his hands in his pants pockets, leaning against the cubicle entrance.
JASON
(muffled)
Steven. Good morning! Steve?
(MORE)
(4)
CONTINUED:
JASON(CONT’D)
(raised voice)
Steven!
Startled Steven quickly looks up, perplexed. Jason examines him for a moment.
STEVEN
What?
JASON
I just said good morning.
STEVEN
Sorry, I didn’t hear you.
JASON
(smiling)
Anyway! I’m in a good mood today! Are you amazed to find me in a good mood today? Even I’m amazed!
Jason ENTERS the cubicle. Steven appears lost in his thoughts.
JASON(CONT’D)
My sister sets me up on a blind date last night and I’m thinking…this girls gonna be a dog like the last one she set me up with right? Come to find out, she’s hot! And we got stuff in common! I love my sister!
Jason stares at Steven inquiringly.
JASON(CONT’D)
Are you listening to me?
STEVEN
I heard you, Jason… Congratulations.
Jason looks at him curiously.
JASON
…What’s with you?
Steven takes a deep breath.
STEVEN
(grabbing his coffee mug)
Nothing…
Jason sits in the chair in front of Steven’s desk.
JASON
Is it the Gilbert case? He’s not even my client but I know dealing with him is like having an enema.
(MORE)
(5)
CONTINUED:
Steven grins.
STEVEN
You think I can’t handle Gilbert?
JASON
He’s got his ways of getting under your skin, that’s all I’m saying!
STEVEN
Yeah, well… I don’t have him as a client anymore.
JASON
Why? Did you kick his ass, or something? That big flabby ass!
STEVEN
(gesturing with his fingers)
I was this close.
JASON
If I were you I would’ve. That heifer needs a few kicks to the ribs…
STEVEN
Yeah, I know.
JASON
So what do you think about this thing that’s going on with President Crosse?
STEVEN
What thing?
JASON
You didn’t watch the news this morning?
STEVEN
I never watch the news.
JASON
Then you need to start! The president resigned…
STEVEN
(shocked)
He did what?
JASON
He stepped down! He has cancer and he starts his treatment in a couple days. So Vice President Locke is now taking his place. I can’t stand Locke!
STEVEN
I can’t stand any of them… They’re all criminals. They should be in jail.
(MORE)
(6)
CONTINUED:
JASON
What? Crim…? They’re not all criminals!
STEVEN
The only difference between a politician and a serial killer is that a politician wears a suite and tie.
Jason laughs…
JASON
That is so wrong, man!
STEVEN
Hey…
He looks at the computer and starts typing. Jason is shaking his head (no).
JASON
(stands)
Where we having lunch today?
STEVEN
I’m not having lunch. I want to work and then go home.
Jason stares at him a moment.
JASON
What… is going on… with you?
Steven looks at him.
STEVEN
Why are you always asking me stupid questions?
JASON
It’s not a stupid question I’m just asking you what’s with the mood? Are you constipated?
STEVEN
No, I’m not constipated… I told you I’m fine.
JASON
But that’s not true.
STEVEN
I’m telling you nothing’s wrong, ok?
JASON
You say nothing. I know something is wrong. You’re forgetting who you’re talking to.
(MORE)
(7)
CONTINUED:
STEVEN
(irritated)
You know what your problem is?
JASON
Oh, I got problem now?
STEVEN
You never know when to quit?
JASON
Yeah, ok… that’s true.
STEVEN
I said I’m fine.
JASON
Not true…
Steven sighs deeply.
STEVEN
I’m just trying to figure out a few a things, ok?
Steven stares at Jason angrily. Steven goes back to typing on the computer. Jason watches.
JASON
Okay, look! I’m just trying to be here for you…
Jason sits back down in the chair. He’s gathering his thoughts. Steven looks at him.
JASON(CONT’D)
Some years back when my dad died… I sort of... I had issues.
Jason looks at Steven. Steven looks away. Jason looks away.
JASON(CONT’D)
I guess I couldn’t come to terms with, you know… his death on my own.
Steven is nodding (yes) appearing as if he understands.
JASON(CONT’D)
So, I went to see… a doctor. You know… a shrink.
Steven looks at Jason wordless.
JASON(CONT’D)
To be honest… I have to admit it helped.
(MORE)
(8)
CONTINUED:
STEVEN
(Ardently)
I’m not going to a shrink!
JASON
She was really good.
STEVEN
Yeah, well…good! But…No!
JASON
Look! We don’t know everything Steven. Sometimes we just need a little help.
Steven looks away.
JASON(CONT’D)
You know what? Everyone should visit a shrink at least once in his or her lifetime. I don’t understand what the big deal is!
(he stands, putting hands in pants pockets)
Her name is Dr. Marie Smith…She’s in the book. I want to go to Mambo’s for lunch…
He EXITS the cubicle and then faces Steven.
JASON
And if you tell anyone I went to a shrink… I’ll deny everything!
Steven chuckles. Jason smiles and walks away. Steven’s smile fades. He sighs deeply.
EXT. DOWNTOWN – DAY
Steven is sitting on the bench, pondering deeply.
POV SHOT: DAVID CHEN WATCHING STEVEN
CUT TO:
DAVID CHEN is a handsome man in his thirties, dark hair and eyes, average height, medium build. David is standing against a tree staring at Steven.
INT. STEVEN’S APARTMENT KITCHEN – DAY
Steven puts his COFFEE CUP and KEYS on the counter and puts his BAG on the floor. He takes his jacket off and puts it on the chair. He loosens his tie as he walks away.
INT. HALLWAY –DAY
He unbuttons his shirt as he walks down the hallway and passes the bathroom.
(MORE)
(9)
CONTINUED:
FLASHBACK: SAM JUMPING OUT OF THE BATHROOM AND PINNING HIM TO THE WALL
FLASHBACK: ENDS
Steven pauses a moment looking disturbed. He sighs and continues walking down the hall.
INT. STEVEN’S DINING ROOM – NIGHT
Steven is sitting at the table drinking a BEER and reading a BOOK on the brain.
A half eatenTV DINNER is on the table.
CLOSESHOT: STEVEN READING
INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT
Steven is asleep on his side. The arm of a female comes from behind him and caresses his chest.
SAMANTHA(O/S)
Steven? Baby? Wake up…
Samantha sits up and kisses his shoulder. Steven awakens. He rolls onto his back. Samantha leans her body against his.
STEVEN
What?
Samantha kisses his lips softly.
SAMANTHA
I’ve been thinking… Maybe it’s time to have a baby.
STEVEN
What?
Samantha chuckles
SAMANTHA
I mean it!
STEVEN
But we’ve only been married for three years.
SAMANTHA
Yeah… So?
STEVEN
Sam… it’s the middle of the night. You can’t be making decisions like this now.
(MORE)
(10)
CONTINUED:
SAMANTHA
This is not the first time I’ve thought about it. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.
Steven stares at her. Samantha examines his face looking for the yes she wants.
SAMANTHA
You don’t want to… ok.
Steven stares up at her.
STEVEN
It’s not that I don’t want to have a child with you. I do… I just don’t think it’s the right time. I don’t know how long this project is going to take.
SAMANTHA
Ok… What is this project you’re working on anyway?
STEVEN
You know I can’t tell you that.
SAMANTHA
Well, what if I tickled it out of you? Huh?
Samantha jumps on him and starts tickling him. He struggles to get her to stop.
STEVEN
(laughing)
Get out of here! Stop!
Steven grabs her arms and puts them behind her. Samantha stares down at him smiling and giggling. Her face changes suddenly. Her face is turning red and she appears to be in pain. Her face looks strained. Steven lets go of her arms.
STEVEN
Sam?
Sam has her head back and she is nodding her head (no) in pain. Steven grabs her by the waist. Samantha is pushing against her abdomen with both hands.
SAMANTHA
(screams)
No!
STEVEN
(yells)
What is it?
Samantha looks down at Steven as she writhes in pain.
(MORE)
(11)
CONTINUED:
SAMANTHA
It’s your…
Sam looks down at her abdomen. Steven looks at her abdomen. She’s bleeding. The blood rolls onto her fingers. Samantha looks faint. Steven puts her on her back. Tears exit her eyes as she is staring at Steven and takes her last mouthful of air. Steven stares down at her baffled and distressed.
STEVEN
Sam? Please!
Suddenly Samantha opens her bloodshot eyes and grabs Steven by the throat. Steven jumps out of sleep. He rubs his face in relief and frustration.
CLOSESHOT: STEVEN’S FACE
Steven is deeply thinking. He sighs and lies down
Steven stares up at the ceiling dazed. He sighs and turns his head to the left and sees Samantha next to him…dead. He screams and jumps.
CUT TO:
INT. STEVEN’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Steven jumps awake screaming.
INT. BATHROOM – NIGHT
Steven washes his face, rubs his wet hands through his hair.
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
Steven opens the fridge and pours a glass of water and sips it. He sits at the table.
CUT TO:
Steven is pacing. He looks deep in thought. He stops pacing.
INT. LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Steven grabs the PHONE BOOK from a bookshelf.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
He drops the book down onto the table and stares at it.
INT. DR. SMITH’S OFFICE – DAY
Dr. Smith is sitting at her desk looking over papers. Her phone rings. She presses the speaker button.
(MORE)
(12)
CONTINUED:
DR. SMITH
Yes?
SECRETARY(O/S)
Steven Perry is here to see you.
DR. SMITH
Send him in please.
CUT TO:
Dr. Marie Smith sits in her chair across from Steven. Steven stares at her with apprehension then he looks away.
DR. SMITH
It’s a pleasure to meet you Steven!
STEVEN
… Thank you.
DR. SMITH
So…Jason referred you to me?
Steven looks at her and then looks away quickly.
STEVEN
Yeah…
DR. SMITH
He’s a sweet guy. A bit wacky…but there’s no harm in that!
Steven looks unsettled. He looks quickly at Dr. Smith and then looks away. She smiles compassionately at him.
DR. SMITH
So… how are you today?
Steven doesn’t make eye contact.
STEVEN
…Okay.
Dr. Smith stares compassionately.
DR. SMITH
(smiling warmly)
Is that true?
Steven looks at her.
(MORE)
(13)
CONTINUED:
DR. SMITH(CONT’D)
At the moment you look rather nervous... Life has been a bit difficult for you lately?
Steven looks away. He pauses.
STEVEN
My life has been chaotic but… I’m okay.
Steven looks at her.
DR. SMITH
If you were okay… would you be here? I’m sure you have better things to do with your time.
Steven thinks. He looks at the clock hanging on the wall and then looks away. Dr. Smith studies him.
DR. SMITH
To be very honest, Steven…none of us are okay. We’re all dysfunctional is some way or another. We all have problems… We’re human. Individually… we just deal with our problems differently and some can cope a little better than others. But we’re all stuck in the same boat.
Steven stares at Dr. Smith who is staring back at him…waiting.
STEVEN
…I don’t know what to say.
Dr. Smith shifts her body in her chair.
DR. SMITH
You know... I’ve had my practice for some time now, and I’ve worked with many men and women. The difference between the two is women love to talk! It’s a necessity that they express how they’re feeling, and that makes my job a lot easier! Men, on the other hand, don’t talk enough…at first.
She smiles at him. Steven looks away.
DR. SMITH
It takes some effort to break through their armor and get them to express their feelings… But when they do, I see a wonderful change take place with them and they start to feel better! Like I said everyone has problems, and it doesn’t mean that a man is weak, or strange because he chooses to accept help to deal with his problems. So I’m asking that you trust me.
Steven sighs deeply as he looks at Dr. Smith.
(MORE)
(14)
CONTINUED:
STEVEN
My name is Steven Perry... I’m an insurance broker at Apex. Jason is…the only friend I’ve got… I don’t sleep well and I have very graphic nightmares… That’s all I know…
DR. SMITH
Meaning what?
STEVEN
Two years ago I was mugged, and assaulted. Someone left me for dead in an alley. I woke up in a hospital and all I could remember was my name.
DR. SMITH
(surprised)
Are you saying you’ve been dealing with amnesia?
Steven nods (yes). Dr. Smith looks at him sympathetically.
DR.SMITH
You don’t remember anything from your past at all?
STEVEN
No…
DR. SMITH
I find it odd that you forgot everything…but your name you remembered! Have you ever tried to find out anything about your past?
STEVEN
I have… but I didn’t find anything
Dr. Smith stares attentively at him. Steven crosses his arms.
STEVEN
Like I said, I’ve been having nightmares for the past two weeks.
DR. SMITH
Nightmares?
STEVEN
Yeah…
Dr. Smith looks concerned.
STEVEN
I know they’re just nightmares but… they cause me so much anxiety even though I know their just dreams.
DR. SMITH
Do you mind telling me what happens in your dreams?
(MORE)
(15)
CONTINUED:
STEVEN
There’s this woman. Her name is Samantha. She keeps asking me to help her but she doesn’t explain what’s wrong and I know that she is going to get hurt… And then it happens…
DR. SMITH
She gets hurt?
STEVEN
… She dies.
Dr. Smith nods in response. She sighs.
DR. SMITH
That is unsettling… On top of that not being able to remember your past is a burden. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you… and your nightmares? Stress and anxiety are definitely getting the better of you and even our dreams can be affected by stress and anxiety.
STEVEN
That may be true… but why would I keep having dreams about a woman I don’t know?
DR. SMITH
I wish I could explain Steven… Unfortunately I cannot. I can only give you my professional opinion, help you to try to find the answers to your questions, and help you to cope with your problems. That’s all I can truly ever guarantee.
Steven sighs.
STEVEN
(mockingly)
Wonderful…
EXT. DR. SMITH’S OFFICE BLDG FRONT – DAY
Steven EXITS, carrying his business bag. He appears annoyed as he looks around at the bustling city. He walks away from the building. A man walks into him, causing his business bag to fall to the ground. The man is Malcolm Petrie.
STEVEN
(startled)
What?
MALCOLM
Are you okay, man?
(MORE)
(16)
CONTINUED:
Malcolm picks up Steven’s business bag and hands it to him.
MALCOLM
Sorry about that. You okay?
STEVEN
Yeah… Don’t worry about it.
MALCOLM
I should’ve been more careful. I’m sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going. I guess I’m just having one of those days, you know?
Steven looks annoyed.
STEVEN
(turning to walk away)
You’re not the only one.
Malcolm grabs him by the shoulder. Steven appears alarmed.
MALCOLM
You sure you’re all right?
STEVEN
I said I’m fine. Thank you.
Steven walks away. Malcolm watches him closely as he turns the corner, out of sight. Malcolm looks to a car parked across the street. Jaya Mehta is sitting in the passenger seat staring back.
INT/EXT. MALCOM’S CAR – DAY
Jaya watches Malcolm cross the street toward the car.
ESTABLISHED SHOT: CIA SUBSTATION
INT. MICHAEL MARSHALL’S OFFICE – DAY
The PHONE RINGS. Michael reaches for his cell.
MICHAEL
(on phone)
Marshall…
INT. MALCOLM’S CAR – DAY
MALCOLM
(on cell phone)
Sir… this is Petrie. He didn’t seem to know who I am.... Thank you, sir.
Malcolm puts down his cell phone and ponders a moment. He looks annoyed. Jaya is staring at him.
(MORE)
(17)
CONTINUED:
JAYA
What’s the deal?
Malcolm gives Jaya a fleeting look.
MALCOLM
We’re done here.
Malcolm starts the car and drives off.
INT. MICHAEL’S OFFICE –DAY
Michael looks deep in thought. He looks down at his desk. On it is an open DOSSIER.
CLOSESHOT: OPEN DOSSIER
An 8x10 PHOTO of Steven Perry, IN BLACK AND WHITE, is in the dossier. Michael closes it. His cell phone rings. He answers.
MARSHALL
I’m on my way now.
EXT. UNDESCRIPT PARK – DAY
A LINCOLN TOWNCAR stops. Michael EXITS the vehicle. He looks some distance away, ahead of him. Sitting on a bench reading the newspaper is Charlie McCarthy. Charlie is an agent with the NSA (National Security Agency).
Michael shuts the car door and walks toward Charlie and approaches him.
MICHAEL
What’s the point of meeting now?
CHARLIE
(sarcastically)
Good morning to you too!
MICHAEL
What do you want, Charlie?
CHARLIE
Why don’t you take a seat?
MICHAEL
No, thank you.
Charlie looks at Michael angrily.
(MORE)
(18)
CONTINUED:
CHARLIE
(sternly)
Sit down!
MICHAEL
(sternly)
Arguing about where I put my ass is a bit trivial don’t you think?
Charlie grins sardonically. Charlie folds the newspaper and places it on his lap as he looks ahead
CHARLIE
Regardless, coming from a man in your position, I’d start listening.
Charlie stands and puts his hands in his pants pockets.
CHARLIE
What happened today?
MICHAEL
Malcolm checked in. Steven Perry didn’t recognize him.
CHARLIE
So it seems. Michael… I’m running out of patience. It’s been two years and we still don’t know its location and I’ve always had my doubts as to whether Steven ever had it.
MICHAEL
If I had it I would’ve given it to you! I don’t enjoy being in this position!
CHARLIE
And you don’t know where it is? Is that still your position?
MICHAEL
You’re guess is as good as mine.
CHARLIE
…I don’t believe you.
MICHAEL
That’s your problem!
CHARLIE
And it’s yours! Because if I don’t believe you… people are going to start dying! Need I remind you, Michael? Sarah will be the first one to go.
MICHAEL
I’m looking for it! Once it’s found…it will be yours! I gave you the hardware didn’t I? That’s all I had!
(MORE)
(19)
CONTINUED:
Michael stares angrily.
CHARLIE
It better be! Making my people wait like this is bad business for me.
MICHAEL
I just need some more time. I’ll find it.
CHARLIE
Well you better find it soon because I’m cutting the time.
MICHAEL
What? I’ve been working my ass off to find it!
CHARLIE
Work harder, my friend.
MICHAEL
How much time do I have?
CHARLIE
Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll know where to find you when the time is up.
They stare at each other intensely.
CHARLIE
Don’t be a fool, Michael. If I don’t get what I want…Sarah’s mine. You have no idea what kind of fun I’ll have before I cut her throat!
