Disturbance, updated

FADE IN:

Ext. A Wooded Lane - Night

The driving rhythm of Chris Isaak's "Wrong To Love You." A pickup truck winds along the lane. A young man is driving, and a young woman is sitting close to him.

INT. TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS

"Wrong To Love You" continues on the radio. The young woman lays her head on the young man's shoulder, but he concentrates on driving. Ignoring her, he starts getting into the music. She gets annoyed and turns off the radio.

CINDY

That place was weird, Terry. I mean the burger was delish, but what a dive! Down those creepy steps, the pipes hanging from the ceiling...

TERRY

I know, maybe that's why I like it. You just go there, you don't have to be anybody, you just go there and be yourself.

CINDY

but ewwww, the lady's room--I didn't want to touch anything. And that waitress, the way she leaned over to take your order, I thought her boobs were going to fall out on the table.

TERRY

Oh, that's just Sara. That's the way she is--it doesn't mean anything.

CINDY

She seemed to know you pretty well. Did you like, ever go out with her?

TERRY

You gotta be kidding. She's been there forever--used to do that same routine for my old man, back when he would take us there. He'd order himself two beers, and she knew to serve one to me, even though I was only 16 or 17.

CINDY

Sorry, guy, I should'na brought it up. Thanks for taking me, though. It was kinda nice to talk, and get to know you a little. And the pie was pretty good, too.

TERRY

Yeah, it was OK.

Terry clams up and drives on. Cindy gazes out her side window for a while and then shifts in her seat toward Terry.

cindy

What's up, Terry, you seem a million miles away.

TERRY

I'm sorry, it's been a long week. Sometimes I think the old man gets off on riding my ass.

CINDY

Cheer up, guy, it's Friday

TERRY

Yeah, and I gotta work tomorrow. We're a week behind schedule with the trim work.

CINDY

So why do you work for that guy? He sounds like a complete jerk.

TERRY

Who knows? It's not like I don't have a support payment due every month. Funny thing is, the other day he was ragging at me for something, some sloppy miter joint I think, and he reminded me of my old man.

CINDY

He's dead know, right? Your dad, I mean.

TERRY

Yeah, massive stroke, about five years ago. Bam, just like that. He died right after Juniper was born. At least he got to see her.

Cindy sighs. Terry bobs his head and taps the wheel, still hearing the song in his head. They drive on in silence for a while.

TERRY

Sorry, kid, guess I'm not much of a first date.

CINDY

That's why you gotta relax tonight, Terry. Why don't you find somewhere to park?

TERRY

You mean here?

CINDY

Yeah, here, somewhere-anywhere. Why not?

TERRY

I dunno, Cindy, I guess cause...

CINDY

(with a devilish look)

'Cause I got something you might like.

Terry turns toward her, frowning. Cindy pulls an Altoids tin from her purse and opens it, and shows him the contents. The tin holds several generous joints and some strike anywhere matches. Terry's eyes light up.

TERRY

Wow, Where'd you get those? I haven't seen any of that stuff since high school.

CINDY

Omigod, Terry, where you been keeping yourself, under some rock?

TERRY

Jeez, Cindy, Cortney never liked it, and after Juniper was born, things were different.

CINDY

Cortney! I can't figure what you were doing with that bitch anyway.

TERRY

(looks downcast)

That's not fair

CINDY

Well, from the stories I've heard about her...she sure sounds like one to me. Did she really come after you with a knife?

TERRY

(surprised))

Where'd'you hear that?

CINDY

Word gets around, Terry.

TERRY

(Exasperated)

God, what else do you know? Nevermind--don't answer that. Anyway, it was a salad fork.

CINDY

Still, it sounds pretty scary.

TERRY

We'd been drinking, you know.

There is a lull in the conversation, and they drive on.

CINDY

Do you still drink a lot?

TERRY

Once in a while--but not like that anymore. Not since we broke up. You know, she wasn't always like that. She's pretty young to be a mom. I guess I haven't been Mr Wonderful, either...a college dropout, carpenter's helper, not much of anything.

CINDY

(I'm sorry, Terry, you know what I mean. Come on, let's pull over. Look, up ahead.

(pointing ahead to a parking area)


Terry pulls off at the parking area. A sign reads "NO PARKING AFTER SUNSET."

TERRY

Uh-oh. We better go.

CINDY

Don't worry, nothing's gonna happen.

TERRY

I dunno about this. It's the old man's truck.

CINDY

Terry! You're such a stick in the mud. You need some of this weed, it's frickin' awesome!

TERRY

Well, we can't smoke it here. We're sitting ducks for a cop.

CINDY

Doofuss! I didn't mean right here.

Cindy reaches over and puts the Altoids tin in his shirt pocket and kisses his cheek. Then she slides away and opens her door.

CINDY

Come with me. I think I know a place we can go.

Cindy springs out of the truck. Terry grabs the keys and gets out.

TERRY

What the...hey! Where are you going...

EXT. A PARKING AREA - CONTINUOUS

TERRY

Hey, wait up!

Cindy dances off toward a gap in the trees and turns toward Terry.

CINDY

Yo, slowpoke! Follow me, comeon!

Terry dashes after her. Cindy pauses and takes his hand, and leads him into the woods.

EXT. A WOODED PATH LEADING DOWN TO A CREEK - CONTINUOUS

Cindy skips and bounds down the path, laughing, while holding Terry's hand. She reaches the bank and stops shortly, grabs his hand with both of hers and swings Terry toward the creek. He stuttersteps toward the creek and regains his balance by pulling her toward him, until they are almost embracing, tottering at the bank.

EXT. A CREEK - CONTINUOUS

Breaking away, Cindy shrieks with laughter and tiptoes out onto some rocks in the creek. Once again she takes Terry's hand and leads him along.

They go maybe halfway across and find there are no more rocks within reach.

CINDY

Oh dear. Well, I think there's a bridge somewhere. Let's go back.

TERRY

(blocking her path)

No way, kid, not now!

Terry scoops Cindy up in his arms, effortlessly, like he would lift a child. Then, carrying her, he plunges into the water, well above his knees.

Cindy kicks her legs up, slinging arcs of water, and squeals with delight, hugging him tightly around his neck.

EXT. THE FAR SIDE OF THE CREEK - CONTINUOUS

They reach the other side, a sandy spot, sort of a nook defined by boulders and vegetation. The moon illuminates the two figures, partially obscured by branches.

Terry gently sets her down. Cindy, viewed from behind, keeps her arms around his neck, and Terry, somewhat gingerly, holds her, just touching lightly her on the shoulders. She leans into him and kisses him, and backs away.

CINDY

Terry, I take back what I said about being a stick in the mud. Do you forgive me?

TERRY

I guess so--I mean no--I mean I was sorta agreeing with you.

CINDY

Oh Terry! You're too much. Hey, fire up a number. It'll help get your head out of your butt.

TERRY

Wow. I really mean it, I haven't done any pot since I was 18.

CINDY

Oh come on. I'm tellin' ya, this is some nice stuff.

TERRY

OK, for old time's sake.

Terry takes the tin from his pocket and removes a joint and a match. He puts the joint in his mouth and strikes the match against the boulder, and lights up. When he gets it going, he passes it to Cindy.

Cindy takes a dainty hit, with the sound of air hissing between her lips. She smiles and passes it back.

Terry takes a massive hit and holds it in. His eyes are scrunched shut and his cheeks bulge. Then he leans his head back and lets it out slowly, issuing a long stream of smoke.

TERRY

Wooo-oooohhh! Oh man! What a rush.

They pass the joint back and forth a few times, giggling.

CUT TO:

EXT. A WOODED LANE - CONTINUOUS

A police car driving down the lane, approaches the parking area.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE FAR SIDE OF THE CREEK - CONTINUOUS

TERRY

Wooohhh, that went straight to my head.

CINDY

Me too. Feelin' a little better?

Terry does not reply. He sets the roach on the boulder and faces her. This time he initiates an embrace, and they kiss again.

Cindy pulls back a little and smartly pulls her t-shirt over her head, and drops it. She shakes out her hair, and reaching back, unsnaps her bra, and lets it fall away. She is still facing away, towards Terry, but what is seen of her back is shapely and alluring.

Shuddering ever so slightly, Terry pulls back to admire her. He runs his hands along her shoulders and down her arms.

TERRY

You are so beautiful.

Cindy smiles and unbuttons his shirt. Terry slips it off and sets it on the boulder. He is lean, but chiseled. His eyes are fixed on her as he picks up the roach and takes another hit. They kiss again, languidly, completely absorbed in one another.

CUT TO:

EXT. A PARKING AREA - CONTINUOUS

The police car pulls in next to the truck. A short blond policewoman gets out with her flashlight and investigates the truck. Her hair is in a bun. She has the stiff rolling gait of a small person encumbered by body armor, a sidearm, and other equipment--but not without a little swagger in her move, too. Even so, she is vaguely attractive.

She places her hand on the hood of the truck and finds it warm. Then she raises her head and twitches her nose.

She walks over to the passenger side of the police car and makes a "roll down the window" gesture. The window rolls down.


POLICEWOMAN ANNE

(to someone inside, unseen)

Tom, you smell something?

Policeman Tom's head leans out the window. He is not wearing a hat, and a bald spot is visible on the back of his head.

POLICEMAN TOM

No, Anne. What's up?

She sniffs the air.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

I think I smell a bust.

POLICEMAN TOM

You sure?

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Pretty. Check it out yourself.

POLICEMAN TOM

I can't smell shit. I got allergies. This goddam park beat makes it worse, too.

She wrinkles her nose again.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Now I'm sure. Come on, Tom, let's go crash the party.

The car door swings open and a burly, weary cop gets out and puts on his hat. He is so heavy the car rises up noticeably when he stands.

Policeman Tom crinkles his nose. He notices the smell and pauses. Then, the sound of giggling is heard. Both officers turn in the direction of the creek.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

It sounds like they're across the creek. There's a bridge just up to the right. Keep your light off--let's not scare'em away.

Policewoman Anne moves out in a stealthy crouch; Policeman Tom plods along after her, arms out, struggling to keep his footing.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE FAR SIDE OF THE CREEK - CONTINUOUS

Terry and Cindy are kissing tenderly. Cindy still faces away. Terry's hands caress her back, and slowly move down the sides of her thighs.

CINDY

(breathlessly)

Oh Terry.

Still in his arms, Cindy fumbles with the snap of her cutoff jeans for a moment, and they fall away. Stepping out of the cutoffs, she is clad only in panties now.

TERRY

(whispers)

Oh my.

They hug quietly for a moment, gazing into each other’s eyes.

CINDY

(moaning)

Take me.

They sink to their knees. Cindy undoes Terry's belt buckle and fly buttons. His jeans slide down around his thighs.

Terry spreads out her shirt on the ground and begins to lay her down on it.

Just then they HEAR the crack of a breaking branch.

POLICEMAN TOM (O.S.)

DAMN!

CINDY

(hissing)

Ditch the shit!

Terry springs to his feet and pulls up his pants. With one hand, he holds up his pants, and with the other, he snatches his shirt from the boulder and hands it to Cindy.

TERRY

Put this on.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE (o.S.)

Police! Freeze!

Flashlight beams play around them, and then focus on them. He faces the light, shielding Cindy from their source as she gets up and puts on his shirt.

The officers appear. Policewoman Anne is in the lead, shining her flashlight in Terry's face.

Policeman Tom unsnaps his holster. Policewoman Anne reaches across and stays his hand.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

OK guys, lemme see some hands.

Terry, standing, and Cindy--in Terry's shirt, which comes down to her knees--raise their hands. Terry's jeans slip down again, and the unbuttoned shirt spreads open.

TERRY

We're unarmed!

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

I can see that.

Policeman Tom, aiming his beam at Cindy, is transfixed. Policewoman Anne reaches across and pushes Policeman Tom's beam away from Cindy.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

(to Cindy and Terry)

Please put your clothes back on, folks.

(to Policeman Tom)

Tom, you better go back to the car and meet backup. Tell'em we're under control. I'll finish up down here.

POLICEMAN TOM

Alright, Anne, see ya back at the car.

Tom glances at Policewoman Anne, then back at Cindy, and ambles back out of site.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

(To Terry)

Sir, am I correct in identifying the smell of marijuana from this area?

TERRY

Marijuana? I don't smell...

Just then Cindy leans forward to pick up her cutoffs. The tin falls out the shirt pocket, lands on the rocks with a clatter, and opens.

Policewoman Anne shines her light on the area, and sees the remaining joints laying on the ground.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Ma'am, would you mind handing me those reefers?

Cindy kneels and gathers up the joints, and hands them to Policewoman Anne.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Thank you, please get yourself dressed. Then I need to see some ID.

Terry pulls out his wallet and hands her his drivers permit.

TERRY

I'm really sorry about this. It's all my fault; the girl had nothing to do with this. It was all my idea. Please let her go.

CINDY

But Terry...

TERRY

(Cutting her off)

I talked her into it...

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

All right, all right. Ma'am, some ID please.

CINDY

It's back in the truck.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

OK ma'am, why don't you go back to your vehicle and wait.

Cindy glances back at Terry, and then turns and walks off screen.

Policewoman Anne turns aside and calls Policeman Tom on the walky talky.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Tom, run a check on Terrence Wolfe with an E, soundex [reads number]. Check the truck, too. Got all that?

POLICEMAN TOM (O.S.)

(scratchy indecipherable sounds from walky talky)


POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Roger all that.

Hands on hips, she turns back to Terry. Terry is still without a shirt on. Moonlight highlights his chest and arms.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Who does that truck belong to, Mr. Wolfe?

TERRY

Vintage Design Build. I'm a carpenter...I mean a carpenter's helper there.

policewoman anne

I know that name. Is that your project on Patton Road?, with the dumpster hanging out into the travel lane?

TERRY

Yes, ma'am. The owner wouldn't let us get it any closer to the curb. He was worried they'd break a branch off his tree.

Policewoman Anne's walky talky crackles.

POLICEMAN TOM (O.S.)

(on walky talky)

No priors on Terrence Wolfe, Anne.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

(into walky talky)

Thanks, Tom. When the girl gets back, check her out, too.

(to Terry)

Mr. Wolfe, you seem like a nice young man. I really don't want to spend 2 hours writing you up, know what I mean? Is this all the shit you were holding?

TERRY

Yes, ma'am.

Policewoman Anne walks over to the edge of the bank and tosses the joints into the creek. They swirl for a moment in the current and then flow downstream.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Since I didn't find any weed on you, I can't write you up. I do have to issue you a parking ticket.

Again Policewoman Anne's walky talky crackles.

POLICEMAN TOM (O.S.)

(on walky talky)

No priors on Cynthia Jamison, Anne.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

(into walky talky)

Roger that, Tom.

(to Terry)

You OK driving?

TERRY

Yes ma'am.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Good. You go back to your vehicle and take that young lady somewhere a little more discreet, OK? Then promise me you'll stay out of trouble, OK? I really don't want to see you again in circumstances like this. You got all that?

Policewoman Anne hands Terry back his ID.

TERRY

Yes, ma'am, thank you, ma'am.

Terry begins to walk away. Policewoman Anne interrupts.

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

Mr. Wolfe...

TERRY

(Turning back)

Yes, ma'am?

POLICEWOMAN ANNE

What in the fuck were you thinking?...oh, never mind. Drive safely, sir.

CUT TO: (To be continued...some days later--expecting to be regarded as a hero—Terry is crushed to see Cindy with another guy. When confronted, she tells Terry he is too wild—a bad influence on her.)