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Learn To Be Still
INT. NEW YORK SUBURB - THE HENNESSEY HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY
DANIEL HENNESSEY paces back and to across sun-washed oak boards, growling a memo into a PERSONAL RECORDER--
DANIEL ... Totally unacceptable in the present economic climate ...
He glimpses HOPE, his WIFE, at the top of the STAIRCASE, adjusting her flaxen HAIR in a wall MIRROR. She's STUNNING.
DANIEL (CONT'D) Consequently, we have no option but to consolidate our supply systems, withdrawing our interest in your company.
He flicks off the dictation machine, checks his ROLEX--
DANIEL My, my. Aren't we the early bird?
HOPE I'm in session at nine.
She starts down the STAIRS, fussing with her HAIR GRIP ... He's in her way -- She pushes past ...
Daniel slips into his jacket--
DANIEL You know, Hope, Zero sex equals zero alimony. Delaney versus Delaney, Philly '98.
She scoops up her PURSE off a low TABLE--
HOPE Daniel, please don't quote lawsuits on me. I really hate it when you misquote. Especially one of MY cases.
Daniel blocks her way to the FRONT DOOR ...
DANIEL Don't. Let's talk.
HOPE Move out of the way, Daniel.
DANIEL Why are you doing this?
HOPE For the sake of my sanity. For the sake of my unborn children.
Daniel makes a stupid, non-comprehending face--
DANIEL Kids? ... On my schedule?
HOPE Certainly not on my biological schedule!
She threatens him with her Purse. He steps aside--
DANIEL Okay, Hope. Have it your way. Go ahead. Run away. Don't expect me to come chasing. I won't.
She pulls open the door--
HOPE You're full of bullshit threats and promises, Daniel. Do you know that?
EXT. THE HENNESSEY HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Hope races down the wooden STEPS, as--
Daniel appears in the doorway, smiling lamely ...
DANIEL Call you a cab?
She surges towards a BMW ROADSTER parked on the drive--
HOPE I'm taking the car.
DANIEL My car, Hope.
HOPE Our car. Bill me.
The soft top's down. She slings her Purse in the back ...
DANIEL Okay. You keep the car, then. I'll take the apartment. Fair?
She clambers in and SLAMS the DOOR--
HOPE Please yourself.
She fumbles the KEY in the ignition--
HOPE (CONT'D) You always were happier in the city.
DANIEL Maybe after my promotion ...
Hope turns the engine OVER--
HOPE It's the same old plea bargain with you. Can't you see I'm tired of defending this case?
She GUNS the engine--
DANIEL Hey! This promotion means everything to me! EVERYTHING!
HOPE (under her breath) The evidence speaks for itself.
DANIEL Besides, you know what they say: He that hesitates ...
HOPE Usually says something more thoughtful.
She STABS the gas. Tires SCREECH--
Daniel watches, granite-faced, as the BMW lurches away ...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. NYC - THE CARLISLE OFFICES - DANIEL'S OFFICE - DAY
Shafts of SUNLIGHT warm a chrome and glass OFFICE. Grey SKYSCRAPERS loom beyond a huge WINDOW-WALL, dizzying ...
Daniel stares out at the skyline, tight-jawed, as--
The bespectacled FACE of NANCY - his PA - appears in a WINDOW on the SCREEN of his LAPTOP. Her voice is CRISP--
NANCY (from SCREEN:) Daniel. It's Harry, line one.
Daniel activates the SPEAKERPHONE--
DANIEL This better be good, Harry.
INTERCUT:
INT. THE BRONX - CONSTRUCTION SITE - CABIN - SAME
HARRY, a weathered Site Manager, watches a KNOT of arguing WORKERS through slanted WINDOW BLINDS--
HARRY It ain't. Miller refuses to budge.
DANIEL We have deadlines to meet.
HARRY So he's kickin' up a stink down here. Gettin' all my guys fired the hell up.
Daniel SLAMS his fist on the DESK--
DANIEL Dammit, Harry! There is no excuse for this delay!
HARRY Boss, I gotcha. But the hothead swears the new elevator rig is dangerous.
DANIEL Miller's an asshole. Out and out.
HARRY Maybe he is. But right now I got Health and Safety breathin' down my neck. I can't bluff the guy.
DANIEL Harry, I won't be held to ransom on this one! My future's on the line here!
HARRY All the same, Boss--
DANIEL All the fucking same, Harry -- Gilbert wanted Phase 2 commencement last week! Make the fucking deadline!
HARRY But, Boss, we're pushing the limits now. I got guys doin' eighteen hour shifts down here. The union's gettin' really pissed.
DANIEL Screw the union! This is the twenty first century, Harry! Lighten up! Commerce rules! Guilty consciences have zero place in this business!
HARRY (beat) All right - I'll see what I can do.
DANIEL Today, Harry! Gilbert's instructions are quite explicit. NO MORE DELAYS! Or heads will roll!
Daniel severs the connection, PUNCHES the desk ...
NANCY You seriously oughta consider cutting down on your caffeine.
Nancy smirks at him from the Laptop. Daniel glowers at her--
DANIEL Isn't there a law against eavesdropping?
NANCY Not that I've overheard. Besides, I thought you'd like to know your wife's on line two.
DANIEL So tell her I'm busy.
NANCY I like her. You lie to her.
Daniel minimizes the window, presses the Speakerphone--
DANIEL Hope springs eternal. Especially when I haven't got the time. -- You better make it snappy, Hope.
INTERCUT:
EXT. NYC - LOWER MANHATTAN - SUPREME COURT - STEPS - SAME
Hope walks into the HALLS OF JUSTICE, CELL PHONE to her ear--
HOPE Happy birthday, Daniel.
DANIEL Your sense of obligation astounds me.
HOPE How are you?
DANIEL Busy. Extremely busy. Fantastically busy. You won't believe how B-U-S-Y a guy like me can be!
HOPE Oh.
He practices his golf swing--
DANIEL You know me, Hope: Busy, busy, busy. It's my middle name!
HOPE I was wondering about the weekend.
DANIEL What about it?
HOPE We had plans.
DANIEL Are you serious? Those plans were made a month ago! They're dated!
HOPE But it's your birthday.
DANIEL Well it's nice of you to remember. Pity I've this incredibly important meeting Saturday. You know, the unmissable type? Some big, big deal with major real estate add-ons.
He pots an imaginary hole in one, PUNCHES the air--
HOPE It's just that I thought ...
DANIEL Spare me the prickly conscience, Hope. You think too much.
HOPE We booked seats.
DANIEL So take one of your lawyer chums.
He cuts the connection ...
INT. DANIEL'S OUTER OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Daniel passes Nancy, on his way out ...
NANCY Want some advice from the victim of umpteen failed relationships?
Daniel presses the CALL BUTTON on the ELEVATOR--
DANIEL No. And will you stop invading my privacy?!
NANCY Re-prioritize.
The elevator DOORS open. Daniel steps inside--
DANIEL Funny, I thought that was your job.
The doors close on his lopsided grin ...
CUT TO:
INT. THE PRESSMAN CLUB - LOUNGE - DAY
A wood-panelled smoking lounge steeped in WALL STREET MEMORABILIA, where Daniel drinks WHISKEY with two older MERCHANT BANKERS--
NATHAN, an Old School capitalist moneylender, and CARL, a suspender-wearing city analyst ...
NATHAN (smug) Fear not, gentlemen. By the time this legislation gets the green light it will be too late for the lobbyists to augment their objection. The deal will be signed, sealed and delivered.
Carl RAISES his GLASS, proposing a toast--
CARL To the acumen of like-minded businessmen.
DANIEL I'll drink to that.
The trio CLINK glasses ...
NATHAN With a bit of political manipulation, we should also see some long overdue stability return to Wall Street.
CARL At least, that's the objective.
NATHAN Empowering all our causes. Which makes excellent sense when you consider the likes of Maber Goldstein.
CARL (to Daniel:) Shed half its market value this morning. You should have seen the gradient it caused in the properties sector. This far off vertical.
NATHAN Apparently, the Gatling Commission is about to investigate their CEO.
DANIEL Greg Dyson?
CARL For improper dealings no less.
DANIEL Un-fucking-believable!
NATHAN Though not entirely beyond reason. That man has a corrupt reputation to uphold. He is, after all, gay.
Daniel nearly CHOKES on his drink--
DANIEL Dyson's gay?! Since when?
CARL Since Lady Liberty opened the closet door.
Daniel WIPES whiskey from his mouth--
DANIEL Jeez. I've played racket ball with that guy!
NATHAN And you never suspected?
DANIEL No! ... Jeez! -- We SHOWERED!
CARL Better get yourself checked over. Better still, get vaccinated.
Daniel scratches an imaginary itch ...
INT. MEN'S RESTROOM - MINUTES LATER
Gleaming gold-plated FAUCETS, tinted MIRRORS, polished MARBLE. Daniel SCRUBS his hands ...
DANIEL I can't believe I played racket ball with that guy!
Nathan adjusts his pink silk TIE--
NATHAN (To Carl:) You were saying -- About Gatling?
Carl dries his hands on a PAPER TOWEL--
CARL Word has it, once he's in office, he plans to spearhead a direct investigatory assault on the city's largest developers. Carlisle included.
NATHAN There you go, Daniel. What did I tell you?
Daniel's nearly down to the bone--
DANIEL Gatling's a scare monger.
NATHAN From where I stand, it's working.
CARL Let's hope Carlisle's not in the business of acceding to bully tactics.
NATHAN We would hate to think you were unable to meet your financial commitments this quarter.
DANIEL Hey. Trust me. Does the President live in a big white house?
INT. LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER
Daniel signs out of the REGISTER, hands GLOWING--
DANIEL Besides, Gatling's pissing in the wind. Carlisle houses the poor of this city. Even he can't deny that.
CARL Daniel's right, Nathan. Cleaning the streets of filth is always a vote winner.
The trio amble towards the EXIT ...
DANIEL I'm telling you, gentlemen. This whole Gatling affair is a temporary blip. A brief pain in the ass. You have my guarantee it won't have long-term negative impact on your investments.
NATHAN For your sake, I hope you're right.
CUT TO:
EXT. UPPER EAST SIDE - PARK AVENUE - MID EVENING
Daniel leaps out of a YELLOW TAXI CAB ...
INT. RESIDENTIAL BUILDING - LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER
Daniel strides through the long LOBBY as a female CONCIERGE intercepts him--
CONCIERGE Your mail and paper, Mr. Hennessey.
She hands him a WALL STREET JOURNAL and TWO ENVELOPES--
Absently, Daniel signs for one of the letters ...
ENVELOPES -- A BIRTHDAY CARD and an official-looking LETTER.
INT. THE HENNESSEY APARTMENT - MINUTES LATER
A swanky SUITE with fine décor. Daniel enters, flicks on LIGHTS, tosses the unopened MAIL onto a side TABLE ...
He marches over to a well-stocked BAR, pours himself a tall SCOTCH. He takes a drag, then wanders out onto the BALCONY to read his Paper ...
EXT. BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
He sits, sips his drink, eyes scanning the day's Dow, when--
SHREEEP!! SHREEEP!! SHREEEEEEEP!!!
He digs out his CELL PHONE--
DANIEL Yes?
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.) (filtered) Mr. Daniel Hennessey?
DANIEL Who is this?
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.) My name's Angela Sterling and I'm calling on behalf of the Lockhart Foundation.
DANIEL I'm already insured to the hilt.
WOMAN'S VOICE/ANGELA (O.S.) We're located in Mount Vernon.
He takes an exasperated sip of his drink--
DANIEL Yeah, yeah. Look, lady, I'm really very busy. Get to the point.
ANGELA (O.S.) We work with people like yourself. People in the business community. To help raise funds for disabled children ...
Daniel reads the Paper--
DANIEL I don't support charities.
ANGELA (O.S.) By collaborating together we aim to provide vacations for over one hundred needy children each year in and around the New York City area.
DANIEL Who gave you this number?
ANGELA (O.S.) Why, Mrs. Hennessey -- Your wife?
Daniel looks up from the Paper, smiling sardonically--
DANIEL Answer me this simple, straight from the heart question, Ms. Sterling: Do these so-called disabled children actually have homes?
ANGELA (O.S.) Why, yes. But by agreeing to sponsor one of our social events--
DANIEL So call me old-fashioned, but I believe - and please do feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here - I believe that charity begins at home, Ms. Sterling. After all, it is, undeniably, the American Way! Streamline your ideas, lady!
He terminates the call, shaking his head ...
DANIEL (CONT'D) (to Himself:) Social leaches.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PARK AVENUE - MORNING
Daniel waves down a YELLOW CAB, jumps in.
INT. YELLOW TAXI CAB - CONTINUOUS
DANIEL ICT Building. Pronto.
He opens his BRIEFCASE, takes out his LAPTOP, begins shuffling through e-mails like a card shark ...
The Vietnamese DRIVER turns up the RADIO. Rowdy MUSIC BOOMS--
DANIEL Hey! Hey! I'm trying to work here!
DRIVER What's matter, Mr. City? You no like music?
DANIEL This isn't music! Smart ass. (to Himself:) Goddamn foreigners.
INT. YELLOW TAXI CAB - MINUTES LATER
Daniel SHOUTS memos into his pocket RECORDER, as--
The taxi jerks to a halt. The Driver mutes the radio and peers out the side window ...
Daniel pauses his recording--
DANIEL What's the delay?
DRIVER (over shoulder) Look like accident. Look bad. Maybe long wait. Maybe somebody die.
DANIEL Maybe inconvenient. Look, drop me here. (shuts Briefcase) I can't afford to be late.
DRIVER Please you'self. That'll be twenny buck, Mister City.
DANIEL Twenty dollars?!
DRIVER (shrugs) Not my fault. Twenny buck or I call cop. Up to you, Mister City.
Daniel mumbles something about Vietnam and pays up ...
EXT. CITY BUSINESS DISTRICT - MOMENTS LATER
TRAFFIC jammed. Hot COMMUTERS swarm the sidewalks like ants--
Daniel begins the sweaty hike to his office, as--
A PARAMEDIC UNIT WAILS, going nowhere fast ...
Everyone's in his way, stopped, staring with morbid fascination at a GARBAGE TRUCK and two FIRE APPLIANCES blocking half the road ...
Daniel ploughs on, his intolerance near fever pitch, when--
!!!CRUNCH!!! He collides head-on with a MAN ON CRUTCHES ...
MAN ON CRUCHES Hey! Watch where you're going, pal!
Daniel strides on, gesticulating--
DANIEL This is a sidewalk, buddy. Not a freaky sideshow.
MAN ON CRUTCHES (righting himself) Airhead.
DANIEL (over shoulder) Stick insect.
INT. THE ICT BUILDING - LOBBY - MINUTES LATER
A marble foyer, busy with business PROFESSIONALS ...
Daniel BURSTS through the revolving DOOR, looking hot--
DOORMAN (tipping hat) Good morning, Mr. Hennessey.
DANIEL (passing) Guess again.
INT. DANIEL'S OUTER OFFICE - MINUTES LATER
Daniel storms past Nancy, who leaps to her feet and scurries after him, reading NOTES out loud ...
INT. DANIEL'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
NANCY You have a meeting at nine with Mr. Carlisle and Mr. Russell. A one o'clock at Rene's. That's with Mr. Peterson, from the Mayor's office. Let's see ... Six reports require your immediate signature. Oh, and you have an appointment with your wife at four.
Daniel drops his Briefcase and disappears into the EN-SUITE--
Nancy rolls the TIP of her PENCIL between her TEETH, as--
SOUNDS of running WATER flow from the bathroom ...
NANCY I brought herbal tea this morning
No answer ...
NANCY (CONT'D) It's green leaf. Calming.
DANIEL (O.S.) Does it have any alcohol in it?
NANCY Is everything okay?
DANIEL (O.S.) Oh, everything's ay-oh-kay. Capitalized.
Daniel drifts back out, patting his cheeks with a TOWEL--
DANIEL (CONT'D) What appointment?
NANCY Oh ... With the lawyers. At four.
He goes over to his BIG shiny DESK--
DANIEL Memos?
NANCY Under your nose.
He picks up MEMOS, scans them, discards some to the WASTE--
DANIEL (to Himself:) Damned bed-sharing lawyers.
NANCY Want me to reschedule it?
DANIEL No, Nancy. Cancel it.
NANCY Oh ... Okay. (corrects notes) Perpetuating the denial ...
He looks up. She flashes a grin--
NANCY (CONT'D) Seen the paper?
Daniel takes the MORNING PAPER off his desk, studies it--
FRONT PAGE -- 'GATLING GUNS DOWN BIG SHOTS' ...
He smiles wistfully, and drops the Paper in the waste ...
CUT TO:
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - LATER MORNING
GILBERT - Carlisle's leather-faced CEO - occupies one end of a long, obsidian CONFERENCE TABLE -- with TOM - Carlisle's balding corporate lawyer - hovering alongside ...
Daniel stares through the long window-wall ...
GILBERT This company's outstanding reputation cannot be undermined by the obsessive tendencies of a power crazed adolescent!
Gilbert SLAPS a hand on the table--
GILBERT (CONT'D) I will not allow it!
DANIEL Gatling's treading water.
GILBERT And making huge waves in the process!
TOM He's a loose cannon, Daniel.
DANIEL He's shooting blanks!
GILBERT He's a megalomaniac! Which is worse!
Daniel turns, wearing a persuasive grin--
DANIEL Trust me; I can handle Gatling.
TOM We all know he's after a big fish, Daniel. Land that and he's won the election hands down.
DANIEL Hey, give me some credit here!
The trio face each other off. Gilbert wags a cautionary finger--
GILBERT I'm warning you, Daniel. Gatling's a young gun intent on making a big name for himself, in my city. In MY god-damned city, I tell you!
DANIEL Gilbert--
GILBERT Not at the expense of this company! You hear me? I'm warning you!
DANIEL Gilbert. Have a little faith. In me. Please. Take some Valium.
TOM It's about hard facts, Daniel. Gatling's proposed amendment to the Housing Charter will cost this company millions. Annually.
Daniel spreads his hands--
DANIEL See ... There's the blinder! This time next week Peterson will be safely installed in his new vacation getaway in Bermuda, and we'll have the go ahead on the biggest tenancy contract this decade. It's paid and signed for. And non-fucking-negotiable!
GILBERT Failure will not be tolerated.
Daniel plants his fists on the table--
DANIEL Listen to me. There isn't a force in this world or the next strong enough to stop me pushing this deal through. All the way.
GILBERT Before the voters go to the polls?
DANIEL To its very conclusion. You have my undying word. It's unbreakable.
INT. ELEVATOR AREA - MINUTES LATER
Daniel waits for the carriage, impatient as always, when--
DING! The doors HISS apart. It's empty. Daniel steps inside.
INT. ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS
Gilbert slips through, as the doors close, just in time. He presses the HALT BUTTON--
GILBERT Daniel, how long have you known me? Three, maybe four years? Long enough, you'll agree, to appreciate that I never bluff?
DANIEL Your point?
GILBERT My point being that you have a great deal riding on this great deal. Both professionally and personally. Second place is not an option. Do I make myself clear?
DANIEL Gilbert. I won't fail you.
GILBERT Because if you do there's always someone else who can fill your shoes, Daniel. Someone whose allegiance to this company is unquestionable. We communicating on the same wavelength here?
DANIEL Reading you loud and clear.
CUT TO:
INT. DANIEL'S OFFICE - MIDDAY
Daniel STABS out his temper on his LAPTOP -- TAP! TAP! TAP! -- when Nancy's FACE materializes on the SCREEN--
NANCY You got Harry, line one. Sounds jittery.
DANIEL Tell him I'm busy.
NANCY I told him. So he insists it's urgent.
DANIEL Tell him I'm in a meeting.
Nancy's IMAGE retreats a moment, before returning into focus--
NANCY No good. He won't buy it.
Daniel throws himself back in his chair, dramatic--
DANIEL For Chrissakes, what's the matter with these people?!
He POKES at the SPEAKERPHONE--
DANIEL (CONT'D) Harry, I'm really busy here! I've got shit loads of management reports coming outta my ears! This better be 24 karat!
INTERCUT:
INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CABIN - SAME
Harry peers through the WINDOW at a throng of raucous PEOPLE--
HARRY Boss, you better get down here right away. There's been an accident.
Daniel rubs his temples--
DANIEL So call 911. I'm busy.
HARRY It's Velasquez. Jeez, it's bad.
Daniel pouts, checks his ROLEX--
DANIEL Harry. It's twelve-fifteen! I have an inescapable meeting with the Mayor's chief advisor at one. The real deal! Can't miss! More than my life's worth!
HARRY Remember that faulty elevator? The damned rig ripped the guy's arm clean off. I never seen nothin' like it. Jeez, it's bad.
DANIEL So let Miller handle it! I'm BUSY!
HARRY Are you kiddin' me? Miller's ranting like a maniac down here. He's calling for your head. We got tools down all over the shop.
DANIEL Harry. I don't need this right now! I can do without this added complication!
Daniel SLAMS the Screen down, seething blue murder ...
CUT TO:
INT. YELLOW TAXI CAB - AFTERNOON
Daniel rides through THE BRONX, where decrepit TENEMENT BUILDINGS shoulder the sidewalk like drunks ...
The cab hits TRAFFIC, stops. Summer in the ghetto ...
EXT. THE BRONX - CONTINUOUS
Daniel clambers out, puts on designer SHADES, moves off ...
A DOZEN multi-racial YOUTHS play BASKETBALL behind a chain link FENCE. Daniel strides by, when--
SLAP! The BALL sails over the top and hits Daniel on the arm.
BLACK YOUTH Yo!
Daniel curls his lip. He kicks the Ball away, walks on--
WHITE YOUTH Hey, man ... Hey!
HISPANIC YOUTH Cool move, man.
DANIEL (to Himself:) Get a life. God-damned slackers.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - MOMENTS LATER
Daniel forces his way through a growing CROWD of ONLOOKERS gathered around the SITE ENTRANCE ...
HARRY greets him with a bright orange HARD HAT--
DANIEL Miller? Where is the runt?
HARRY Up by Pylon Three. With the news people. Selling us down the tube.
EXT. PYLON #3 - MOMENTS LATER
MILLER, a lanky college-type, stands atop a CONCRETE BLOCK, espousing the unfavorable practices of his employers to a band of eager REPORTERS. . .
Daniel fights his way through--
DANIEL This interview is officially over! I want you people off my site. NOW!
A MICROPHONE pokes in Daniel's face--
FEISTY FEMALE REPORTER Mr. Hennessey. Everyone knows you're an up-and-coming top dog with Carlisle Construction. What have you to say about this tragedy?
Daniel brushes the Microphone out of his face--
DANIEL No comment.
The news CROWD jostles--
GRUFF MALE REPORTER We have several witnesses who claim you knew the rig was faulty. Can you comment on that?
DANIEL Who gave you permission to film here?
MILLER I did.
Daniel shoots Miller a vicious snarl ...
GRUFF MALE REPORTER Well, Mr. Hennessey?
A MICROPHONE pokes in Daniel's face. Daniel swipes it aside. A One-eyed CAMERA glares at him accusingly--
DANIEL Listen to me ... People are clumsy. They make mistakes.
MILLER That rig was dangerous and you knew it!
Daniel grits his teeth--
FEISTY FEMALE REPORTER Records show this is the third serious injury on a Carlisle site this year.
DANIEL Accidents happen.
FEISTY FEMALE REPORTER Could this one have been prevented?
DANIEL What do you want me to say? As a responsible employer we do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our employees. However, we cannot be held accountable for the carelessness of individuals. Thank you ...
INT. SITE CABIN - MINUTES LATER
Harry watches Daniel pace to and fro, gesticulating wildly--
A CAMERAMAN tries to film through the WINDOW. Daniel SNAPS the BLIND shut ...
DANIEL (To Miller:) What the hell were you thinking?! Have you any idea how much damage negative publicity will have on our stock value?! Have you?!
Miller seethes--
MILLER Jesus Christ, a man was nearly killed here and you're worried about your precious stock value?! What kind of asshole are you?!
DANIEL Dammit, Miller! This is my project! My project! I'm in charge here! And I say you overstepped the mark this time! Big style!
HARRY Easy, gentlemen ...
Daniel throws his arms in the air, despairing--
DANIEL It's inexcusable!
MILLER I was setting the record straight!
DANIEL Since when were you qualified to speak on behalf of this company?! You're paid to use your head, Miller. Not your mouth!
MILLER And I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't worry about the safety of my men out there!
DANIEL Dammit! Don't ever question my authority!
HARRY Easy, Daniel ...
DANIEL Stay out of this, Harry!
MILLER (To Harry:) Harry, you know Velasquez. He's a good worker. A decent family man. He doesn't deserve this kind of dumb-ass treatment.
DANIEL He has insurance.
Miller's expression drops. He shakes his head, slowly--
MILLER I don't believe you just said that. You uncaring son of a bitch!
Daniel stops pacing and squares up to Miller--
DANIEL Right. Get the hell off my site!
MILLER So what's this? You're firing me?
HARRY Daniel ...
DANIEL You ran the rig. You made the call. You bet I'm firing you!
MILLER (aghast) You're incredible.
DANIEL And you're a liability.
MILLER Harry?
Harry shrugs. His hands are tied; Daniel's the boss ...
MILLER (CONT'D) Great.
He brushes past Daniel, begins clearing out his THINGS--
MILLER (CONT'D) That's just great. Fired for doing my job. Fired for being human. Great.
DANIEL For gross incompetence, Miller.
MILLER You know what? I hope they throw the whole damned book at you. Men like Velasquez are worth ten of you.
Daniel stands with his hands on hips, looking flustered ...
DANIEL You had this coming.
Miller grabs up his JACKET, makes for the DOOR--
MILLER And you're gonna regret this, Hennessey.
DANIEL Don't threaten me, Miller.
MILLER Don't worry, I won't.
He RIPS open the DOOR--
MILLER You'll be hearing from my lawyer.
He storms out. Harry shakes his head ...
Daniel turns on his heel and THUMPS the WALL--
DANIEL SHIT!
CUT TO:
INT. DANIEL'S OFFICE - EN-SUITE - LATE AFTERNOON
Daniel kicks off his MUDDY SHOES and RINSES his hands ...
He straightens his ATTIRE, takes a fresh pair of DESIGNER SHOES from a wall CLOSET, and snarls at the wall MIRROR ...
CUT TO:
INT. THE PRESSMAN CLUB - VARIOUS ROOMS - EARLY EVENING
Daniel THRASHES out his temper, playing solo RACKET BALL ...
Daniel POUNDS out his anger on a TREADMILL ...
Daniel SWEATS out his mood in a SAUNA ...
Daniel SHOWERS the stress from his FACE ...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE HENNESSEY APARTMENT - LATE EVENING
Daniel sips WHISKEY while he watches a summary of the day's stock market movements on a financial TV PROGRAM ...
He uses a REMOTE CONTROL to skip to a popular NEWS CHANNEL--
OLD REPORTER (V.O.) ... for the foreseeable future. This is Gus Oakes at LaGuardia Airport. Back to you, Bob, in the studio.
BOB (ON TV) In other news, a Bronx construction worker had a narrow escape with his life today when a faulty elevator platform came loose from its moorings. Here's Jan Meredith with the full story.
Daniel sits up, raises the VOLUME--
JASON GATLING appears on TV, sporting a HARD HAT. He's a whip of a kid with a crooked smile and intense eyes ...
JAN (V.O.) Three disabling injuries and two deaths this month alone sees fresh scrutiny turned towards this City's major developers as the Gatling Commission redoubles its efforts to expose shoddy work practices in this, the City's most demanding of working environments ...
The PICTURE switches: A speeding AMBULANCE, sirens WAILING--
JAN (V.O.) Alfonso Velasquez, the latest casualty in this ongoing drama, seen here arriving at St. Luke's Hospital earlier today, was carrying out ducting installation in a new high-rise tenement building in South Bronx when he was struck from behind by a falling elevator platform. The impact severed his right arm at the shoulder, throwing the Puerto Rican born worker twenty feet to the ground below ... He was admitted at St. Luke's with severe blood loss and two compound fractures.
Archive surgery FOOTAGE flashes across the TV screen ...
JAN (V.O.) Surgeons struggled in vain to reattach the severed limb, and have, not long ago, reported Mr. Velasquez's condition as borderline stable ...
The PICTURE blinks to a familiar Carlisle site ...
JAN (V.O.) An unofficial voice, speaking on behalf of Carlisle Construction, the company involved in this latest incident, shared this intriguing view -- And, as you will hear, despite the Gatling Commission's commendable endeavours to the contrary, the current safety at work ethic remains sorely lacking.
A hyped-up Miller begins his sell-out speech ...
DANIEL (a whisper) Fucking commie.
PRINNNNG! A nearby TELEPHONE rattles in its CRADLE ...
Daniel mutes the TV before taking the call--
DANIEL Who's disturbing me?
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