When a Miami drug cartel expands their business to a sleepy Florida fishing village, the town’s police chief calls upon ‘Breath Taker’, a feared Seminole demon. The demon sweeps away many innocents forcing the police chief to strike a deal with 'Breath Taker' for absolution.

————

Ext. Somewhere in the S.W. Everglades - aFTERNOON

Fade IN:

Young Jake Billie, 12-years old, sturdy and dark brown, feet that had not seen shoes since the last day of school, find him always in cut off jeans and a tank top, some from the local Salvation Army, and maybe a baseball hat. Black hair and black eyes. Not Seminole, but raised by the Seminoles since being found lost in the swamp at 3-years old.

Jimmy Rawlings, 11-years old, skinny and sun burned, a "Ginger" who enjoyed hanging out with Jake, but was not the rugged outside kid that Jake was. He usually wears red Keds sneakers, and cut-off Levis from 2 years ago, and a Miami Dolphins tank top. Jimmy lives with his Mom, a school teacher in Everglades Bluff and attends the consolidated county school for grades 1-9, where his Mom teaches.

Paw Paw, 50-years old, at the beginning of the story, but his real age is unknown. He is athletic from hunting, fishing and working the fields and construction as a youth. Paw Paw is the man who found Jake in the Swamp and raised him as his own. Along with his wife Grace Aponi (butterfly) they are Jake's adopted parents. He is an honest and honorable man and has lived his life in the Florida sun. He is brave and a fearless explorer and expert of the Everglades. He has white hair and a very large face and a red handkerchief wrapped around his neck and always wears a black felt hat with an Osprey feather in it- hunter.

***

It was July and the unrelenting sun was most brutal at 1PM. The two young boys should have sought shade like every living creature in the swamp. Even the turtles had abandoned perches on river banks and logs, seeking coolness in the mud.

Jake

Set the hook Billy, pull it, pull it. It's a big-assed bass.

The two kids are fishing at the end of a narrow canal in a deep fishing hole surrounded by 50,000 acres of Saw Grass. They parked their hollowed out cypress log canoe on a mud bank about 50 feet away- a small plastic tool box full of hooks and sinkers, 2 Zebco rods and reels and a bait bucket full of shiners was all the gear they had.

Jimmy

I always hook 'em here Jake. Yep, it's a bass.

(His short fishing rod is almost doubled over and line is running out as the drag is set low)

JaKE

Give him some line, go easy. Don't jerk it.

Jimmy

I ain't gonna jerk it. Shut up! Okay, I got him, here he is.

(Reaches down to the water and pulls out a 5-lb bass.)

Billy grabs the bass by the lip and adds him to the stringer he pulls up- 2 bass, 6 spotted sunfish, and a catfish.

Jimmy

I'm ready, you ready to book?

JAKE

We can go. It's too hot for fish. That bass was just dumb.

Jimmy laughs and they collect their gear and walk toward the canoe.

JaKE

Go on, I'm going to take a squirt, I'll be right behind you.

Jake turns around to answer the call of nature and Jimmy walks along the bank to the boat. Overhead, an Osprey is circling and a pair of Egrets can be seen hunting in shallow water along the edges of the canal.

As Jake is finishing up his business, a piercing scream is heard, it's Jimmy. Jake turns around and Jimmy is on the ground holding his leg rocking and crying. Jake sprints towards Jimmy.

Jimmy

It got me Jake, a Cotton Mouth, there it is...

(pointing to the water, swimming away)

JaKE

Oh shit Jimmy, that IS a Cotton Mouth. We got to get you back to Paw Paw's camp, now!

Jake helps him up and lays him in the canoe and tosses the gear in. He grabs the long wooden pole and begins to frantically pole the boat, as fast and as furiously as he can.

JimmY

I'm going to die, all for that God Damn stupid bass. I wasn't looking where I was going Jake!

JaKE

Paw Paw can help you. Try to not freak out.

He poles on and on, covering perhaps a mile. In the distance, about 100 yards, 2 single-wide metal trailers become visible in the camp of Paw Paw and Grace Aponi. There are also several smaller outbuildings in the style of the old-school Seminole Chickee- a pole house with open walls and palmetto frond "thatched" roof. There were a couple cooking fires burning and smoke was visible.

Jake poles the canoe up to the muddy bank and shouts for Paw Paw.

JaKE

Paw, Paw! Come quick, Jimmy's been bit by a cotton mouth.

An older man, sturdy but of average size, perhaps 50 years of age with skin browned from the Florida sun, like dark leather, with white hair and a very large face and a red handkerchief wrapped around his neck comes running.

His face is tight and he looks gravely concerned. He steps into the water next to the canoe and looked over at Jimmy.

PaW PAW

Jake, go fetch me rope and a cleaning knife. Go now.

Jake runs towards the chickee and grabs a handful of rope and a knife from the cleaning table and runs back. Paw Paw was completing his exam of Jimmy's leg.

PAW PAW

Looks like we won't need that Jake.

JimmY

It's too late? That damn snake done killed me Paw Paw?

PAW PAW

Jimmy, your name from this day on is Skeeter. You were not bit by a snake you just ripped the scabs off some skeeter bites, that's skeeter bite blood.

The look at each other astounded and relieved.

JiMMY

I think I peed myself about 20 minutes ago.

PAW PAW

Do you want to be called Pee Pee Skeeter?

Jimmy shakes his head.

PAW PAW

Good. Skeeter, you scared the young man out of me! I was not an old man when the sun came up today, now I am.

JIMMY

I'm sorry Paw Paw... I thought I was a goner.

PAW PAW

(Shaking his head, but sees Jimmy's honest remorse.)

It's okay. You boys hungry? We got corn bread and catfish in the trailer, go eat. I'll clean your fish.

The boys climb onto the muddy bank and walk towards the trailer. Jake slaps the back of Skeeter's head.

Skeeter (Jake)

That was a Cotton Mouth. And there was blood.

JaKE

It was a big sucker too, I saw it swim away, it just didn't bite you.

SKEETER

It sure tried to. I jumped over it. Can Paw Paw call me Leaping Frog?

JaKE

Skeeter ain't a bad name. Paw Paw's names are gospel around here. No one ever changed his name once Paw Paw names 'em.

SKEETER

At least I ain't dead.

JaKE

You might as well be, you smell like pee!

(laughing)

FADE OUT.

EXT. Everglades Bluff Next to Blue Heron Bay - nIGHT

FADE IN:

Jake Billie, 28-years old, physically appears to be of Italian heritage, raised by Paw Paw and his wife after they found him as a 3-yr old wandering in a palmetto grove wearing a diaper. Jake went to the Collier County Law Enforcement 2-yr program and has been a  deputy sheriff since he was 20-years old. He is now the acting Chief of Police for Everglades Bluff, since the former Chief retired. He has been married to Skye, for 2 years, but is vested in the Seminole tribe that lives in the Everglades

Jimmy "Skeeter" Rawlings, 27-years old, still skinny but has toughened-up over the years. Has been a police officer since shortly after Jake went to the academy. Jimmy spent 3-yrs as an Army MP, mostly at Ft. Benning. Not married but has dated several local women. Jimmy has gotten good on IT and forensics and facts and this compliments Jake who is very hands on with law and order.

(The Story Fast Forwards 16 years and the scene opens with adult versions of Jake and Skeeter)

The Everglades Bluff Police Department's GMC Yukon sat next to an Australian Pine stand. Interim Chief Jake and Officer Skeeter were drinking coffee and watching the water with a pair of binoculars and a night vision scope.

JAKE

The tip said they were unloading tonight. I don't see jack shit.

SkeETER

There's been some traffic, just local fishermen. I know 'em.

JAKE

These guys are the real thing. The amount of coke and meth that's been showing up is off the charts.

SKEETER

Before this month, this county did not have a drug related death since the 60's when a bunch of Woodstock Hippies got lost. They had a shit-load of LSD and they burned their boat down.

JAKE

How do you know that? That's way before our time.

SKEETER

Google, it's good to know history. You have to know what happened to predict what's going to happen.

JAKE

Oh, I know what's going to happen. If I do a few more of these 70 hour weeks, Skye will kick my ass to the curb. We have to figure this out.

SKEETER

My couch is always there. What about the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or the DEA? No luck?

JAKE

They were sympathetic but they are up to their ass in Miami and Tampa and I'll bet they don't give a damn what Skye thinks.

SKEETER

There, out there- that Mako 17' is stopping by the sailboat. See it? 

(Jake reaches for the night vision scope)

JaKE

They're transferring duffel bags of something. Mako 17'? Whose boat?  

SKEETER

Dun know. One of dozens out here.

The boats move apart and the Mako speeds off. The sailboat is not under sail, just using it's kicker, moving slowly.

JAKE

Looks like they're done. What is that sailboat?

SKEETER

I think it's a Hunter, an old one, like a 33' or 34'. I've seen it around, not too many survivors, it has to be 40-50 years old.

JaKE

Let's go over to South Marina and see if it docks there for the night.

Skeeter nods and they drive off to the only place to tie-up in the area. 

FADE OUT.

Ext. EverGLADES BLUFF, Jake's House - eVENING

FADE IN:

Skye Billie, 25-year old, very attractive blonde, of average height and with a pole dancer body. She worked for Club Juana on South Beach as an "exotic dancer" when Jake "rescued" her 2 years ago from the party scene. A country girl at heart, from Memphis, but comes from a very rough family of alcoholics and meth dealers. Not afraid to fight, but wants a better life, not to repeat the dysfunction of family. She has a lot to learn and a long road to happiness and is impatient with the status quo.

Julio, 32-years old, a heavily tattooed, crack dealer, criminal, from Miami, who knows Skye from Club Juana.

***

The jacked-up black pickup truck was parked in the driveway of Jake and Skye's small home on the edge of the city limits of Everglades Bluff. Skye is talking to the man in the truck through the driver's window. It's now 9PM and is dark.

Skye

"J", what in the hell are you doing here? Jake is the Chief of Police. You gotta leave, now!

Julio

Wait a minute momma, hold on. I need you to do a favor for me.

SkyE

I don't talk to strangers and Jake will put a bullet in your head and dump you in the swamp if I ask him to. Leave me alone.

JULIO

Five large to hold on to a package and drop it off in a few days. Just like the old days.

SKYE

$5k, to hold onto a package? What is it, Crystal?

JulIO

Don't matter to you. You are protected. Your man is the heat.

SKYE

Paid in cash, now.

JuLIO

Si ­, mama girl! In 20's. You looking good Skye.

SKYE

Shut up and give me your package and my money and get the hell out of here.

Julio whispers information on the drop and hands her two packages. One is the size of a loaf of bread, and the other, the money, is in a brown clasp envelope. 

SKYE

Don't make this a habit, I'm done with Miami.

JULIO

Like they say, one way in, no way out. See ya' mama girl. Don't make me come all the way back out here to this cracker hole.

Skye flips him off and he backs out quickly, throws a dead cigarette out the window and speeds off.

Skye takes the drug package and puts it in the trunk of her car in her gym bag, looking around for spectators. She walks into the house, counts the money, puts $1000 into the kitchen behind a drawer, and the rest in the back of her underwear drawer. Turns on the TV and pours herself a glass of wine.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Everglades Bluff, SOuth Marina - eVENING

FADE IN:

Jake and Skeeter pull into the parking lot at South Marina and Crab Trap Bar. They stop for 5 minutes and gaze down at the docks, first with the night vision scope and then with binoculars. Skeeter points to the docks and puts the binoculars in their case.

SKEETER

Look, there it is and that fella on the dock just stepped off the boat.

JAKE

Let's see where he goes, probably to the bar.

SKEETER

He's dressed for snow with that jacket on and it's 85 degrees. Probably packing.

JAKE

Yup. I wonder who else is on that boat?

SKEETER

If we weren't wearing our uniforms we could just walk down there...

Jake looks at Skeeter and Skeeter pulls his gym bag out and starts to change clothes. He is soon in shorts and a baggy Hawaiian shirt, carrying his .45 ACP in a concealed holster. He steps out of the car and makes his way to the dock.

Jake steps out of the SUV and walks towards the bar, steps up onto the porch and looks through the window. The guy who walked inside is in the self-serve section buying a 12-pack of Modelo and a bag of ice. Clearly a Hispanic male, looking rugged and ready.

Skeeter walks down the dock, past the sailboat and stops at the end of the dock. He gazes at the water for a minute and turns around walking back towards the bar where Jake is standing outside on the porch.

JaKE

(to Skeeter)

He didn't see me. How many on the boat? 

SKEETER

I only saw one.

JAKE

Good, let's watch them from the wagon.

They walk back and start the SUV, moving it to a less conspicuous spot on the far end of the parking lot. They break out the gear again and sit watching the boat.

(Camera pans the boat through a binocular lens view)

The men are on the deck drinking beer and listening to music.

A large pickup truck, jacked-up with big wheels pulls into the parking lot and a man steps out carrying a black briefcase. He walks to the boat and the two men see him. One man, the guy Jake was watching pulls out a large rifle, probably an AK-47. The second guy walks down below and brings up a duffel bag. A brief conversation ensues and they exchange bag for briefcase. The man from the car walks off, carrying the duffel bag.

JaKE

That's it, they did it.

SKEETER

You want to bust him in the parking lot?

JAKE

Yeah, get the AR-15 we need something more than a pistol.

They both step out of the SUV. Skeeter has his badge pinned to a red Hawaiian shirt carrying the rifle. Jake has his .357 Ruger pistol in his hand and 4 speed loaders in his belt.

They walk fast across the parking lot towards the man with the duffel bag.

Jake

Hey, that's far enough, let me see some hands. Put your hands up!

The man, Julio, looks at him and pretends to not understand.

JULIO

No hablo ingles.

JAKE

Skeeter, hablo to him!

SKEETER

Manos arriba, en el suelo. (Hands up on the ground!)

Julio takes off running with the police in pursuit. Just then rifle shots ring out from the Sailboat, semi-automatic fire but it stops Jake and Skeeter who duck behind a car.

JAKE

That went well... Take your rifle and return fire to that boat.

Skeeter takes aim and an automatic burst of 10 rounds towards the boat sends the two Hispanics scampering below deck. The kicker engine on the sailboat starts and the sailboat begins to backup and pullout into the channel.

JAKE

Let's get the guy in the truck.

They run back to their SUV and crank it up with lights and sirens and they pursue the truck out of the parking lot onto the narrow dark road leading away from town and back towards the Tamiami trail through marshlands and swamps.

JAKE

He's hauling ass, he must have something really important in that bag.

SkEETER

Jake, we're doing 110 already. We can't catch him.

JAKE

Yeah, too fast for this wagon- shoot his tailgate. Maybe that'll get his attention.

Skeeter leans out the window and fires a burst. The bullets slice through the tailgate and shatter the back window but the truck does not slow down.

JAKE

Do it again.

A second burst and the rest of the rear window is gone and several holes are punched in the truck's cab and the front windshield is clearly blown out too.

The truck slams on it's brakes and slides hard to a stop on the asphalt. Julio reaches out and empties a clip into the police SUV, but Skeeter fires another burst at the driver knocking the mirror off and shooting the gun out of his hand.

The man floors the truck, but surprisingly throws the duffel bag out the window and speeds off. 

Jake floors the SUV but quickly realizes he has two flat tires and pulls up next to the duffel bag on the side of the road.

Skeeter grabs it and Jake calls for county road service.

JaKE

Damn Skeeter, you're pretty good with that thing.

SKEETER

Thank Paw Paw. With a handle like "Skeeter", I had to be an expert.

JaKE

At least you don't smell like pee anymore.

SKEETER

5 more minutes of trying to catch that pickup and I would have.

FADE OUT.

InT. Everglades Bluff Police Office - nIGHT

FADE IN:

It's midnight and the Police SUV pulls up outside the Police Station- it's a 2-room, wooden, portable building, called "The Shack".

SkEETER

Any word if the town's going to build a new station? We've been in the "Shack" for 2 years now, ever since Hurricane Micah.

JaKE

Yeah, I think they scheduled it right after hell freezes over and Rosie O'Donnell dances naked at the White House.

SKEETER

I take that as a No.

JaKE

This town is too poor and as long as we get our job done in the Shack- never.

They grab the duffel and enter the building, locking the door behind them.

JaKE

Let's see what's in this bag.

They walk into the back room and sling the duffel bag onto a table. Jake starts pulling out rectangular blocks wrapped in clear plastic and stacking them on the table. 

SKEETER

That's twenty blocks of something. Test it, looks like meth.

JAKE

It's meth, what else could it be?

SKEETER

Shit, that's about 50 lbs, would you say? At $10,000 per lb? We have a 1/2 million in ice here.

JaKE

They have to get this back and I'm betting they come tonight. Shut the lights off.

Skeeter flips the deadbolt and shuts off the lights. Jake puts the meth back in the duffle and locks it into a steel cabinet labeled "evidence".

JaKE

Can you get another AR-15 out? And some ammo? It too late for the State Police tonight but the people who own this bag are just waking up.

SkEETER

Yeah, will do. I'll run the truck tag too- FL RJB-1062. 

Skeeter clicks in the tag number into his system and a response is almost immediate.

SKEETER

Stolen tag, figures. Miami, belongs to a Honda Civic.

Just then outside a car slams on it's brakes and skids to a stop. A frantic lady runs up to the door screaming for help.

Lady Driver

Help me, someone please help me! My baby, my baby...!! 

She bangs hard on the door and shakes it violently. Jake looks out the window and sees an old Toyota Corolla on the curb and a hysterical woman running back to the car.

SKEETER

Jesus, when it rains it pours. Someone dumped crazy into the water supply!

JaKE

What the hell, we don't have time for this. Let's go.

Jake grabs his first aid kit and rushes out the front door, Skeeter right on his heels. They sprint up to the passenger side of the car and look in. There is only one seat, the driver's seat.

Julio

(stepping up behind Jake as another man takes Skeeter)

Don't move, I don't have to kill you. I just want my shit back.

The 2nd gunman whacks Skeeter on the side of his head and he goes down. He is handcuffed. Julio motions for Jake to get on the ground and he does, and is handcuffed.

The two gunmen enter the Police Shack and quickly emerge with the duffel bag. Their jacked-up pickup truck is parked on the side parking lot and they throw the duffel bag into the passenger seat.

Julio reaches into the bed of the truck and pulls out a Vodka bottle filled with gasoline. It has a rag stuffed in it and Julio lights it and throws it through the window of the Shack. The station is quickly engulfed in flame.

JuLIO

Chief, you did not die tonight. But you shot the shit out of my truck. Now we are even, Hombre.

Jakes nods his head and continues to lie face down as the two gunmen drive off and the Toyota backs up and takes off.

JaKE

Skeeter, are you dead?

SKEETER

Damn that hurt. I think he fractured my skull.

JaKE

Do you hear that sound?

SKEETER

What sound?

JAKE

That sound- it must be hell freezing, like snap, crackle and pop.

SkEETER

That's the Shack burning!

JAKE

Sounds like a new office on the way to me.

FADE OUT.

INT. eVERGLADES BLUFF, JAKE'S HOUSE - mORNING

FADE IN:

It's early morning and Skye is cooking breakfast for herself and Jake. Jake is sitting at the kitchen table and drinking coffee.

JAKE

Thanks for the coffee. It's very good.

SkyE

No problem. It's the best that Juan Valdez has to offer.

JAKE

Well thank this Juan fella' whoever he is.

SKYE

You don't know who Juan Valdez is? What about Taylor Swift? You know her?

JAKE

Not by name, no. I didn't grow up on reality TV at Paw Paw's camp. 

SKYE

Sorry for YOU! You missed a lot of what this world is all about. It's not just turtles and leaping frogs farting around in the mud.

JAKE

Whoa. Sorry I don't know a lot of pop culture. I do know Juan Valdez burned my police station down.

SkyE

Isn't that a little racist?

JAKE

He was as Hispanic as Juan Valdez must be. He drove a lifted suspension black pickup truck.

(Skye looks away from Jake and out the window)

Skye

So, where do you go today? 

JaKE

The Courthouse Annex on Flamingo. They have extra offices. We can hold people at the County jail.

Skye

Can I ask you a question?

JaKE

When have I ever been able to stop you?

SkyE

Don't you want better? I mean, I know you grew up in a singlewide without running water, but what about now?

JaKE

We have a decent house, your car works and I have a city vehicle. What do you need?

SkyE

When we got married 2 years ago, you seemed to have dreams. At least you said you wanted a home and maybe a family. But everyday you have off... Zoom, you run away to that damn swamp.

JaKE

I visit my family. They live here, not in Atlantic City, like yours.

SkyE

Look, we have $73 in our checking account, $200 in savings and you salary is just above the poverty level.

JAKE

Yeah, and I'm 28 years old. I have time to make you happy. Don't I?

SKYE

I don't know Jake. I really don't. I want my house now, not a rental house. My car needs tires and my sisters have kids. 

JAKE

What do you want me to do Skye? Rob a bank, steal some drugs and sell them? This is not Miami and I'm not a bouncer at Club Juana.

SkYE

No, you're not. You wouldn't catch those guys dead in a storage shed  like this 900 square foot dump.

JaKE

Yeah, but it's our dump. You're just in one of your moods. I'll see you later on... 

(Standing up and walking towards the door)

SKYE

Maybe you will, maybe you won't. Would it matter to you? You'd just run off back to Paw Paw's and Maw Maw's if I left.

JAKE

That's right get it all out. That's not her name and I don't much appreciate you being a jerk. She's always respected you, even when she found out you were a stripper.

SkYE

That's right, a God Damned, whore-bait stripper from Miami. You can't even pick a woman who isn't a rental unit.

JAKE

I never said that. People do what people do to get by. This is old news.

SkYE

Is it? Then why bring it up? I was a stripper for 6 months, when my scholarship was cancelled. 

JAKE

Don't snort coke Skye. They do drug test.

Skye

I could use a few lines right now to put up with your dumb-assed Indian mindset. And the sad part is you're not even a Seminole. What Seminole tribe in Southern Italy are you from?

JaKE

If you want money so bad. Get a job. You can do taxes. 

SKYE

That's a great idea genius. I'll do taxes for 3-months a year and we'll buy a Hacienda in Naples.

JaKE

Find something, even minimum wage, we can start saving.

SKYE

You know, the only think worse than a Bubba Cop who doesn't even know who Jerry Seinfeld is?

JAKE

Don't know, don't care.

SKYE

Too bad... it's a Bubba Cop whose dirt poor Indian family told him that White People were stupid and can't be trusted. 

Jakes leaves and bangs the door hard against the frame and shatters one of the small rectangular glass panes. He walks to the Police SUV and tears across the front lawn instead of backing out.

JaKE

(Muttering to himself)

This Bubba Cop needs to stop being a rescuer. 

FADE OUT.

Ext. EverglaDES BLUFF POLICE OFFICE - mORNING

FADE IN:

Dave "Cappy" Capps, The town's Mayor, a 60-year old retired banker and the town's loud-mouth politician.

***

Jake drives into town and stops where the station had been before the fire. Skeeter was there and Jake motions for him to get in the SUV.

SkEETER

Morning, where's your coffee?

JaKE

Juan Valdez overslept today.

SKEETER

Yeah, he switched from growing Coffee to Cocoa leaves when Pablo Escobar stopped by.

JAKE

You don't even know who the hell Juan Valdez is, do you?

SKEETER

Dude, I know everything. Surprised you haven't figured it out yet.

JAKE

Who is he?

SKEETER

He's not a real person, a fictional character the Columbian Coffee industry used forever to sell their coffee. Why do you care?

JAKE

Skye called me a stupid Indian who wants to catch fish and screw off. The argument started with this Juan Valdez fella. Whoever in the hell he is.

SKEETER

I wouldn't sweat Skye, I don't see her trying to get a job anywhere.

JAKE

That's what I said. Wrong thing to say. She tore me a new one, no she tore me a new three.

Skeeter is looking down the street and sees Mayor Capps walking toward the SUV.

SKEETER

Are you ready for number 4? Shit Jake, can you do 4? It's not even 9 o'clock yet. He looks pissed.

JaKE

Well, his police station just burned down. Why don't you go talk to our little birdie and see what he knows about last night?

SKEETER

You mean "Tank", our C/I? Ok, he always has his ear to the ground.

Jake and Skeeter step out of the SUV. Skeeter drives away in a city vehicle, and Jake walks towards the Mayor.

JAKE

Cappy, Good Morning, although I know you probably will disagree.

Cappy

Why would I disagree? I read your report already and you lost 1/2 million in drugs and the Shack was torched. Seems "all good" to me.

JAKE

Yeah, at least nobody got killed. Could have been worse.

CAPPY

Whatcha got? 

JaKE

Well, it happened 8 hours ago. I slept for 6, argued with Skye for 30 minutes and drove here. 

CAPPY

Nothing, I see. Can you be at the Annex at 10 to meet with me, Lou and Hank?

JAKE

The gangs all there, huh? Are you going to fire me?

CAPPY

You know the drill. We don't just fire people. But we do need to talk about Crime and your plan.

JAKE

Yes, I want to bring you up to speed. We need help.

CAPPY

Ok Jake, see you at 10.

FADE OUT.

INT. EVERGLADES BLUFF Administration Annex Office - mORNING

FADE IN:

Lou Whitley, The town's Controller and the minister of the local Baptist Church. About 50-years old. The numbers guy.

Hank Counts, The former Mayor of the town, and the owner of the Count's Chevrolet in an adjacent city. Influential citizen.

(These 2 characters appear in this scene only).

Jake walks into the front door of the annex and gazes at the wall clock, showing 10 o'clock straight-up. He walks through the door for Room #2.

Seated at a conference table are Cappy, Lou and Hank.

CAPPY

Jake you know Lou and Hank, yes?

JAKE

Of course. Good Morning guys.

Lou

Yes, a blessed morning Jake.

HaNK

Hey Jake, let's get started, I have to get to work. I have auditors in this week.

JaKE

I'll tell you what I know. You can ask questions and hopefully we can arrive at solutions.

CAPPY

Go for it- a summary please. Where are we?

JaKE

We seem to be targeted by an organized crime element. I don't have a name for them. Two are in county lockup. Two more plus a woman staged the attack at The Shack. Frankly, I'm thankful to be alive.

CAPPY

And there was a shootout at the Marina and on Highway 19, last night?

JAKE

We returned fire, yes sir.

CAPPY

How many felonies have been committed in the last 30 days? Do you know?

JAKE

47 felony arrests: Mostly drugs and guns. 

CAPPY

That's more than we had in all of last year.

JaKE

I realize that. I think we're getting some new Miami elements in here. That's what our C/I's are saying.

Lou

What are we doing to PREVENT crime? I mean you seem to be reacting after-the-fact. 

JAKE

Lou, with all due respect, this is not New York City. There are 2 of us. By the time I write tickets, tend the school crossings, watch the bars at night and respond to calls, that the end of me and Officer Rawlings.

LOU

Who's that?

Jake

Rawlings is Skeeter. But we don't have a crime prevention department. If we can stop a DUI on Friday night, that's about it.

Hank

Look Jake, you seem like a nice enough fella, but felonious crime is bad for business and tourism. Tourism is off 24% compared to last year, and they are scaring the shit, whoops, sorry Lou, the heck out of fishermen and Air Boat eco-tours. 

CaPPY

Yeah, you gotta fix this and fix it now. A new portable office will be delivered today and power will be hooked up tomorrow thanks to insurance. So, here is what we're going to do.

JAKE

Great. Here it comes.

CAPPY

No, no, relax! This is just a performance warning for the crime wave numbers and a request for your action plan. Read it and give me a written plan by the weekend.

JAKE

Ok. What about the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the DEA?

CAPPY

What about them? Talk to them. But you have 30 days to fix this or you're gone. 

JaKE

What? That's a big hot load of Horse...

(Jake catches himself and stops.)

Never mind, I can't fight you on this one, you have the power. 

CAPPY

Damn right we do. We run this town and you work for us. Do you understand that Interim Police Chief Billie? 

JAKE

I hear you loud and clear.

CAPPY

Fix it and we'll make you permanent Police Chief with a real salary. So, there is the proverbial "carrot and the stick". Just do it.

JaKE

I'll do it, on one condition. Put it in writing. If I stop this crime surge, I get the job.

CAPPY

Okay. We're on the same team.

JAKE

Yeah. And there's no "I" in team right Cappy? But there sure as hell is a "me".

Jake signs the warning and hands it to Cappy. They speak briefly after the meeting about a written offer and Jake walks out the door onto the street.

Jake meets Skeeter at noon at a local café. Their order is brought to them in the crowded restaurant as they huddle at a table.

JaKE

I'm having one helluva day. First Skye loses her damn mind and now Cappy flips his lid. 

SKEETER

What'd he say?

JaKE

He said that we, no, I... have to wave my magic wand and spread Pixie dust across the streets and stop the crime in 30 days or I'm washing cars for a living.

SKEETER

I used to detail, made good money.

JAKE

Yeah, I hear that. I'm a cop and don't like the idea of washing someone's crappy little ride.

SKEETER

If they fire us, let's open a pool business. 

JAKE

Ain't nobody digging any pools around here. We gotta shut these assholes down. You of all people should want that- they fractured your skull.

SKEETER

Well, not really, exactly, but I catch your drift.

JAKE

What did Tank have to say?

SKEETER

You know why they call him "Tank"?

JaKE

Lay it on me, he used to drive tanks in the Army?

SKEETER

No, his head is as big as the Everglades Bluff City water tank. I'm not kidding you.

(Skeeter is laughing and Jake can't help but smile)

JAKE

Okay Officer Moron, okay, very funny, what did the water tank have to say?

SKEETER

He said, it's some Cubans out of Miami, working their way to Naples and Captiva. They set someone up in each area and that guy sells dope and guns- it's like a franchise.

JaKE

So, who is Colonel Sanders for Everglades Bluff? The guy in the black pickup?

SKEETER

No, I don't think so. He heard they were trying to set-up some badass woman.

JAKE

Ok, here's what we do to catch them by surprise. I distract your Mom and you sneak in and bug her phone before she catches on that we know.

SKEETER

Or maybe Skye? A great career opportunity awaits. When you get fired, just let her bring in the bucks with coke and we can go fishing with Paw Paw.

JAKE

Funny, not funny! She knows enough about coke- a perfect fit! Wait, she'll pass on that offer- she needs dental insurance since her lazy-assed husband's plan does not have it.

SKEETER

Planet Earth calling Jake- it's a joke. We need to get up to Carnestown on Highway 19. We might see our black pickup in action tonight at about 7 o'clock.

JaKE

The human water Tank said this? Okay... later on, we'll be there.

FaDE OUT.

EXT. HigHway 19, north of Everglades Bluff - nIGHT

FADE IN:

The police SUV with Jake and Skeeter is headed north on a dark two-lane road towards a small town. They are looking for a Baptist Church where a drop is planned.

JaKE

Is this Lou Whitley's church? 

SKEETER

Maybe, it's a Baptist Church he preaches at, right?

JAKE

We have to watch the parking lot and not be seen. That church is in the open.

SKEETER

We can park down the street and that's about the best we're going to do.

They drive on through the swamp. It's pitch black but in the distance the sky lightens as they enter Carnestown city limits. It's has a handful of stores, a Dollar General, a Piggly Wigley and a church.

SKEETER

Park at the Piggly Wiggly. We'll watch from there. The church parking lot has street lights too.

JaKE

There's a lot of cars in that church lot. Must be friggin' Bingo night!

They pull up next to a parked tractor-trailer in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot and break out the binoculars.

SKEETER

Being a cop is like being an jet pilot.

JAKE

What do you mean by that?

SKEETER

90% boring as hell, 10% unfathomable terror.

JAKE

Unfathomable? Really? Like a water moccasin?

SKEETER

You need new material Jake, that was 16 years ago.

JAKE

Seems like yesterday and it's still your hot button!

SKEETER

That's like me rippin' on you about your deal with you and your Cousin Ayita. 

JAKE

Second Cousin. And I wouldn't go there if I were you... Hey! 

(Jake lowers the binoculars.)

SKEETER

What!?

JAKE

Juan J. Valdez- black truck dude. I'm sick of this guy. And he's got another player riding shotgun.

The black truck pulls up next to an old blue van. The side door of the van slides open and Julio and his passenger step out and immediately begin lifting 50-lb bales from the truck's bed into the Van.

JAKE

It's going down. Looks like weed this time.

SKEETER

Leave the lights and sirens off until the last second.

The Police SUV cranks over and Jake floors it without turning his lights on. A red Nissan pickup truck doesn't see them and clips the SUV's right front fender. The driver rolls down the window and shouts something at them.

JaKE

Hey! Back off buddy, we're cops. Stay right there.

(Jake shouts and flashes his badge as they accelerate away.)

The small truck follows them and they both go into the Baptist Church parking lot until Jake hits the lights and the siren. The truck slams on it's brakes, backs up and speeds away.

Everyone at the drop is alerted and looks ups. One guy in the van levels a rectangular weapon with a shoulder strap and fires.

SKEETER

Shit, that's an auto Mac-10. That's Miami Vice stuff.

Bullets ricochet off the hood and 2 strike the front windshield punching holes in it. The SUV stops and Jake steps out using the vehicles body as a shield. Skeeter scrambles over the seats and rolls out of the driver's door onto the parking lot.

Jake

You okay? Don't get shot.

SkeeTER

10% unfathomable terror. I'm okay.

They return fire with their handguns. Amazingly one of the suspects in the van falls to the ground. The other guy shuts the door and cranks the van up and starts to drive away.

JAKE

Keep firing. We got one.

Julio's pickup moves to the edge of the parking lot and stops. Then the driver and his passenger fire back towards the church and the parked cars.

SKEETER

What's that moron doing, shooting at the church?

They now fire at the pickup truck and bullet strikes can be seen on the truck.

JAKE

He's creating a distraction so the van can get away. Let's get the van.

Jake picks up his mic and calls the FHP and County for backup.

The gunfire continues but they manage to get back into the SUV and start out after the van. A car in the parking lot erupts in a fireball, and that causes a second car to ignite and then a third.

The side window of the SUV is blown out and Skeeter cries out.

SKEETER

Aww shit. Not okay. Just got shot Jake.

The SUV stops and Jake quickly assesses the gunshot wound. 

JAKE

Dammit, I just told you not to get shot? That's a through and through into your upper arm. 

SKEETER

Grab the first aid kit. Gimme a compression bandage and some gauze. 

JaKE

I don't think it hit the bone but we got to get you to the emergency clinic.

Jake reaches into the passenger compartment and heaves the first aid kit over the back of the seat.

They drive towards the hospital, sirens and lights on.

JAKE

Sit tight Skeeter, we have 15 minutes. Let me call the Clinic to get them ready.

FADE OUT.

Int. Everglades Emergency Clinic - nIGHT

The Police SUV pulls up to the front door of the Emergency Clinic. An orderly and a nurse were waiting with a wheelchair when Jake parked.

Jake steps out and the clinic team opens Skeeter's door.

JAKE

He's shot in the upper right arm. It looks like a through and through to me. He's been conscious and talking.

Nurse

How much blood did he lose?

JaKE

I don't know, a pint at the most. We put a compression bandage on it.

SKEETER

I've felt better. I'm probably a little shockey. My body's doing stuff on it's own.

NURSE

Like what?

SkEETER

Chills and nausea and a little browned-out. Not quite here.

They wheel him into the clinic and to a treatment room.

Nurse

(out loud to the doctor)

Pulse 92, BP 122/78, oxygen saturation 96. Respiration's  clear.

Doctor

Would you start a 250ml- IV D5W please? Let's get him hydrated, I doubt he needs any blood. Once he feels a little better, do an X-ray.

NURSE

It's not broken.

DOCTOR

I want to be sure there's no other concerns here. If there's no nerve damage we're good. Clean it out, would you?

NURSE

Yes doctor. Any antibiotic IV?

DOCTOR

No, only with low velocity gunshots with broken bones. There is a 2% chance of infection then, but he should be okay.

Jake is seated in the waiting room of the small clinic. He's on his cell when the Mayor walks in.

CAPPY

Jake, what the hell happened. Is he ok?

JaKE

So far, we think so. Shot- through and through on his upper right arm. I drove him in.

CAPPY

Who did this?

JAKE

Juan Valdez.

CAPPY

Very funny.

JAKE

That's the name we've given to this Latin dude. Same guy who burned the station down.

CAPPY

No shit?

JAKE

I'm too pissy and tired to play party games boss.  No shit.

CAPPY

How long is he going to be out of commission?

Just then the doctor walks out. Cappy and Jake stand up.

DocTOR

He's mainly just a little shook-up and very sore. X-rays were negative, no bone or nerve damage. He's damn lucky.

CaPPY

Is he going to be admitted?

DOCTOR

Mayor, you know this is a tiny clinic- we only have 4 beds. But I'm going to sedate him for the pain and keep him at least for tonight.

JAKE

He said he was going into shock.

DocTOR

No, it's not shock, he's just freaked out and the pain doesn't help. He'll be okay.

CAPPY

Thank you doctor. We're going to stay awhile. Jake, maybe you can call his Mom?

JAKE

I'll stay with him. His Mom is in Oklahoma.

DOCTOR

He should be okay. You should be able to take him home in the morning.

The doctor leaves and Cappy motions for Jake to sit down.

CAPPY

Do you know what happened at the Church? Might I add... friggin' Lou's church, of all the God Damned places?

JAKE

What?

CAPPY

3 cars burned up. One bad guy dead, the church had about $10,000 worth of damage, a damaged truck, a damaged police SUV, a parishioner had a heart attack and may not make it, and 2 others were grazed by gunfire.

JAKE

Ouch.

CapPY

Ouch you bet your ass. You need to do something and now you're a one man band. Talk to the Sheriff's office and get them involved.

JaKE

They investigate but nothing ever happens. This is just like a terrorist attack Cappy. How about the FBI?

CAPPY

Call them, call Scully and Mulder. I don't give a shit. This is all you Jake. 

JaKE

This is me, asking for help. I'll send you a request in writing tomorrow. You can't just say "fix it" and it' my problem- life doesn't work like that!

CAPPY

You have to use your resources and the law enforcement network and do something. Just doing a stakeout is not working. You are the police chief, be a leader.

The door opens and Skye walks into the waiting room. She heads straight to Jake and hugs him.

SKYE

I heard a cop was shot and I came right away. It must be Skeeter, how is he?

CaPPY

Jake, I'm leaving. I have reports to get out tonight.

Cappy walks out.

JaKE

He was shot in the arm. He should be out tomorrow. I'm staying with him tonight.

SkYE

Oh, thank God.

JAKE

It could have been much worse. Juan Valdez is on the loose.

SKYE

(Tries not to smile, but does.)

Look, I said a lot of shit this morning and most of it came out wrong. I'm sorry. But that does not solve our problems.

JAKE

I get it.

SkYE

I need some space to think about this and to... well, just think. So, tomorrow, come get some clothes and what you need for a few days and just stay at Skeeters until we work this out.

JAKE

Work out what exactly?

SkYE

Look, I'm trying to be patient with you. But you have to get out of denial. Do you want a wife or do you want a Seminole tribe? Figure it out, before it's too late, please.

JaKE

Ok, I guess I have no choice. I'll stop by in the morning. Skeeter will need help for a few days anyhow.

SKYE

Thank you for not freaking out.

Skye hugs Jake and leaves the clinic.

The nurse comes back out and Jake sits down.

JAKE

How is he, any better?

NURSE

He'll be fine. We gave him something for the pain and that should knock him out until the morning.

NURSE

Are you hungry? We have our own little kitchenette here. Microwave Lasagna is pretty tasty for frozen food.

JAKE

Do you have a soft drink or something? Sure, microwave lasagna would be awesome...

NURSE

Have a seat. Watch some TV. Later I can get you a cot, and you can get some rest.

Jake sits down and flips on the TV and takes a deep breath.

FADE OUT.

INT. eVERGLADES EMERGENCY CLINIC - mORNING

FADE IN:

Jake wakes up on a cot in the waiting room of the emergency clinic. He gets up and plants his feet on the floor as a new-shift has arrived and a young nurse brings him a cup of coffee.

JAKE

Huh...? Oh, thank you. I guess you don't have to die and go to heaven to find an angel.

Nurse 2

Nope, we're right here at the clinic Chief. Here's some cream and sugar. If you want a microwave sausage and biscuit, let me know.

JAKE

How's Officer Rawlings?

NURSE 2

He already said he preferred to be called Skeeter.

JAKE

Ok, how's Skeeter doing?

NURSE 2

The doctor's changing his dressing and we're giving him a couple shots "for the road" and he will be out of here in about 20 minutes.

JAKE

Thank you, Nurse.

NuRSE 2

Call me Angie, Chief.

JAKE

Ok Angie, thanks.

FADE OUT.

ExT. sOMEWHERE IN THE S.W. EVERGLADES - mORNING

FADE IN:

Jake is alone, driving from the seat of his airboat, racing across the Bay. The Bay narrows and turns into estuary and the estuary turns into s vast wetland of grass. The land is cross-cut by narrow channels of water. Only a Seminole or an expert tracker could not get lost.

In the narrow channels Jake throttles the airboat's powerful airplane engine back to respect the fragile environment and not kill other fisherman or locals by racing through the maze.

As he approached Paw Paw's camp, he backs the speed down to just above idle. His airboat bumped up onto the muddy bank and he gunned the engine to get more of the boat out of the water and onto the bank.

Paw Paw is in the largest of the thatch-covered outbuilding working on a small outboard engine.

Jake shuts the airboat engine off and walks towards his Step-Father.

JAKE

Good Morning to you!

PAW PAW

Hello Jake, it's been a good morning. I traded for this Evinrude outboard and your Mother is in town selling some of her grass baskets to get a few dollars for food.

JaKE

What's wrong with that old Evinrude?

PAW PAW

It's just old and ugly, like the rest of us. And, it needs a new impeller in the lower foot.

JaKE

You think it's big enough to use on your john boat?

PAW PAW

I'm hoping. I'm getting too old to row that thing and the dugous are too small to carry much of anything.

JaKE

How about I buy you a small skiff with a 25 HP outboard on it?

PAW PAW

No Jake, when you and Skye get your house and pay it off, maybe then.

Jake

(Looking down and away from Paw Paw)

Yeah. That's why I'm here, I need your advice.

PAW PAW

Ahhh! The young warrior returns to the camp of the elder to find wisdom.

JAKE

I think I saw that episode on Gun Smoke. But, you have helped me, every second of my life.

PAW PAW

I've been making mistakes for nearly 70 years now, so if you can not repeat them, you will be ahead of the game.

JaKE

Skye and I have been married for 2 years now. All the time, I've been a cop for the city. We are not getting ahead and she is restless.

PAW PAW

Welcome to the life of the Seminole. The world is set-up for the educated white man, or the swindler. The rest of us, it's a struggle.

JAKE

I'm in a real crisis and I haven't faced it yet. The swindlers, as you say... the criminals are taking their toll. More of the bad guys than the good. 

PAW PAW

It's always been you and Skeeter looking out for the good.

JAKE

He got shot last night, he's okay. But he's going to need some time to heal.

PAW PAW

Shot? Jake that is terrible, he's a good boy. Who did this?

JAKE

Juan Valdez, we call him- some drug dealer out of Miami. He's been tearing up Everglades Bluff and Cappy, the Mayor, has given me 30 days to fix it, or else.

PAW PAW

Would you like a lemonade, Son? Let's sit over here in the shade.

JAKE

Sure, that'd be good. Or else means, I'll need a new job.

Paw Paw pours him a lemonade into a glass peanut butter jar and one for himself and they sit in the shade under a scrub palm.

PAW PAW

Can Cappy do that?

JAKE

I'm not a lawyer, but I think he can. And if I don't have my job, Skye has made it clear, I won't have a wife or a home.

PAW PAW

What has this Juan Valdez criminal done.

JAKE

More felony arrests from his group in one month than all of last year. About 4 homicides we can point to. Hell he burned our police station down and stole back 1/2 million in drugs.

PAW PAW

Oh Jake! Your world is burning!

JAKE

That's about the size of it Father.

Paw Paw goes quiet and looks out on the swamp. 

Camera pans back and looks down to define the vast scope of the natural world and the aloneness they are in the middle of. Cut back to Jake.

JAKE

Remember when Skeeter and I were... maybe 6-years old and we stole that big jar of honey and ate it until we were sick?

PaW PAW

That quart of honey cost us 2 grass baskets and your Mother was very angry. We ate sour cornbread all summer.

JAKE

When you punished us, you told us the story of the demon "Breath Taker". The one who takes bad children to the Swamp of Eternal Fire? It scared the crap out of us.

PAW PAW

I remember, I was reckless to speak his name, but you two had it coming and you never did that again.

JAKE

Who would ever steal if Breath Taker was coming for them in the dark of the swamp? He comes from the black water and drags bad children away to the Swamp of Eternal Fire?

PAW PAW

Not just children. 

JAKE

It's just a story right?

Paw Paw slowly gets up and walks back to his Chickee and continues to work on his outboard. Jake sits under the Palmetto tree looking out at the swamp. Paw Paw sees him sitting there reflecting.

Paw Paw walks back to Jake.

PAW PAW

Somethings you do not know, my Step-Son raised as my own. You don't have Seminole blood, despite having a Seminole heart.

JAKE

That's why I need you to fill in the holes for me. I don't know, the things I don't know.

PAW PAW

Some things many Seminoles do not know or have forgotten. Most likely people choose to not remember the fear.

JaKE

I know it's not legend because you are so sure.

PAW PAW

Legend proved by witnessing, my Son. I've seen it work. I don't want to see it again.

JAKE

It would fix the town's problems.

PAW PAW

Mayhaps it would. In my mind's eye I see a wide lake of pain and sorrow created by bringing Breath Taker back to life. Seminoles seldom speak his name.

JAKE

How is it done?

PaW PAW

In a ceremony in a special place on a ritual blanket. It is very vile.

JAKE

It works?

PAW PAW

It has not been done in 20 years. There is only one person left who can do the calling.

JAKE

Calling? You mean summon the Demon?

PAW PAW

Thank you Jake for not speaking his name. The less we say it, the safer we are.

JaKE

You are serious?

PAW PAW

As serious as the breath that was given to me. It is real.

JAKE

Why has he not been called for 20 years?

PAW PAW

Because the demon does not work for free. Everything has a cost. When he gets summoned everything is at risk.

JAKE

What do you mean? How does he get paid?

PAW PAW

He does not get paid, he takes equal pain for his work. He might murder a little one, or bring disease to a village. But every time he is called, there is a price.

JaKE

Who is the caller?

PAW PAW

Evening Panther. You do not know him. He lives 10 miles North. He is on the C.B..

Jake

Would you help me if I wanted to do this?

PAW PAW

You need to look deep inside yourself and know the pain your choice will inflict on others- even those you love.

JAKE

Skye is not wrong. She has had a hard life and she trusted we could be a team. I don't want to lose her.

PAW PAW

You are my adopted son and I want for you only the best. It is your life and you must choose what is best for YOU.

JaKE

I know, I know. I appreciate that.

PAW PAW

You know how I got my name? I was given a sack of Paw Paws when I was a boy. They came from Tallahassee.  I ate them until I was sick- 2 days in bed. You're not supposed to eat the seeds.

JaKE

So they gave you the Paw Paw name as punishment for being a dumb kid?

PAW PAW

No, they gave me the name to always remind me to consider the consequences of things I do not know. I ask you to do the same here.

JAKE

I will.

PAW PAW

If you summon the demon, you must drink a powerful mixture, a drug, and you will feel pain from the ritual unlike any you have ever felt. It is dangerous. He will be summoned in your name and since you are NOT Seminole by blood, I will have to pledge for you. 

JaKE

I'm sorry to bring this upon you Father. Can I call you on the sideband at 10 o'clock tomorrow. Is that okay?

PAW PAW

I'll be listening for you Jake.

Jake retrieves 2 bags of grocery staples he had brought to the camp on the airboat, coincidentally there is a quart of honey and he waves it to Paw Paw, who smile and nods appreciatively. They say goodbye and returns to the boat ramp in Everglades Bluff.

FADE OUT.

InT. Skeeter's apartment, everglades Bluff - mORNING

Jake is back in Everglades Bluff at Skeeter's apartment explaining what he is considering. Skeeter is functioning with his arm in a sling. The coffee table has several prescription bottles and other medical supplies spread out.

JaKE

I know it seems crazy or maybe just a load of crap. 

SkEETER

There's a lot of stuff in that swamp that white men have never known or will ever know.

JAKE

It's probably a load of crap. How can stuff return from the "great beyond" and rain death upon their enemies?

SKEETER

Seems like if they had this marauding demon the Seminoles wouldn't ve been pushed to the end of Florida in the middle of a swamp by the White Man? They'd be smoking cigars in the White House.

JAKE

Or in a billion dollar Seminole Casino? You never know.

SKEETER

What are you going to do?

JAKE

I can't stop Juan Valero, or whatever the hell his name is. The Sheriff's Department can't help us for 10 days. The DEA is still laughing and the FBI won't call me back.

SKEETER

What about the Florida Department of Law Enforcement? 

JAKE

They're sending an investigator out next Tuesday if he doesn't get reassigned.

SkEETER

Man, if you got the balls to drink some narcotic, while chained down on a table, then summon a demon, you have cannon balls for testicles. I couldn't do it.

JaKE

Well, can I set a temporary sideband radio up here, so at least I can call you from the swamp if I need to? Yes, that and my cell.

SKEETER

Sure, for tonight, you'll be back by 7ish? Couch-bound and down?

JAKE

Around that. I'm going over to the house for a few minutes and then swing a couple laps around town.

SKEETER

Yeah, good luck.

Jake leaves the apartment and drives to his house. Skye is home and he walks to the front door and knocks.

SKYE

(Answering the door)

Jesus Christ Jake- I thought you were a Jehova's witness or something. You don't have to knock, this is your house too.

JAKE

Just making sure. It's easy to get it wrong. 

SKYE

What's up?

JAKE

That's my question. You have the floor, my Dear.

SKYE

Well, I was thinking of a 3 step plan. 1) I'll get a job shoveling horse poop or something I can do that does not involve me taking off my clothes, 2) You keep your cop job, and 3) You visit the swamp less. They could even come here, now and then.

JAKE

And that would make you happy?

SKYE

Happier. I don't want to take 5-years of cleaning condos in Naples just to buy a double-wide trailer in the swamp- we deserve more.

JAKE

If I can fix the Juan Valdez problem, they'll make me the regular Police Chief, not a bullshit interim. It pays about twice what I'm making now.

SKYE

Christ then, fix it. What do you have to do?

JAKE

That's a long story, just be patient.

SkYE

I'm sorry. Not long on patience these days. But I'm not going anywhere until you make me- we have time.

JAKE

Good to hear baby. I love you.

SkyE

I haven't given up on us. I love you too, we just need to work together and kick some ass.

JAKE

Deal, I have my ass kicking boots on!

(And he thinks, I'll need them!)

FADE OUT.

INT. sKEETER'S APARTMENT, EVERGLADES BLUFF - mORNING

Jake is talking on the powerful sideband CB radio.

JaKE

Paw Paw, I know this is hard and risky, but I have to move forward.

PAW PAW

I spoke to Evening Panther last night on the C/B. He will do it tomorrow night. Be at my camp at 4 o'clock and bring $500, nothing, even in the swamp is free.

JAKE

I'll be there Paw Paw.

The transmission ends and Jake clips the mic back on the radio.

SKEETER

And you need $500, right?

JAKE

Man you are good. Like the old dude- The Amazing Kreskin, the mind reader!

SkEETER

Not bad for a dumbass whose only claim to fame is out-jumping a Water Moccasin. Right?

JAKE

I'll never mention it again.

SKEETER

Then swear it, but you'll still owe me 5 big ones.

FADE OUT.

ExT. soMEWHERE IN THE S.W. EVERGLADES - aFTERNOON

Jake crosses the bay on his airboat and again heads through the narrow water channels in the vast river of grass that is the Everglades. The sun is getting low when he arrives at Paw Paw's.

PAW PAW

Right on time, my Son. Tonight will not be your best day. Just remember, that there is tomorrow and you must not give up.

JAKE

Yes Sir, I'm worried. And frightened.

PAW PAW

The demon does not come to you, you go to him. When your spirit is ready and can take no more, you move across the sky to him. You will not be dead, but you may not know it.

JAKE

When do we go?

PaW PAW

I have something you should drink before we go. It will steel your spirit against the poison and keep you from passing over with no return.

JAKE

What's in it?

PAW PAW

I don't know, Evening Panther brought it at noon. Smells like turtle crap and skunk cabbage. Just drink it and go to the outhouse.

He hands Jake the mason jar and Jake smells it and is instantly repulsed and gags.

JAKE

Oh Jesus, you're right.

PAW PAW

Go on, get it over with.

Jake chugs the brown mixture but has to stop in the middle. He takes several deep breaths and fights the urge to vomit but finishes the drink.

PAW PAW

I told you it was a vile ritual.

JaKE

Vile is the correct word, Father.

Jake doubles over and runs carefully to the outhouse. He stays in the outhouse for 20 minutes and emerges.

PAW PAW

Come, let's sit here for awhile. I got the Evinrude running and we can take the john boat. We are headed into very shallow water.

JaKE

I think I ruptured my colon.

PAW PAW

It cleans you out. I remember that.

JAKE

Did you cross over?

PAW PAW

Yes, and that is all I will say about my time.

As the sun sets, they carry a bedroll, a plastic gallon jug of water and a lantern to the boat. The moon is full and it breaks the horizon in a magnificent display.

PAW PAW

Full moon, Friday the 13th, and the demon. White man and Seminole fears meet. It had to be this way.

JAKE

I hope I'm making the right choice.

PAW PAW

There is no way to know. Except looking back.

They push the small flat bottom boat into the swamp and light the lantern. Up the narrow channel, along the shore and in the water, there are dozens of pairs of glowing eyes.

PAW PAW

Allapattah will show the way.

JAKE

I'd forgotten alligator eyes at night. 

PAW PAW

It is a good sign that they did not forget you.

Paw Paw cranks the engine on the 10th pull and they motor off at idle speed north, deeper into the Everglades, headed to Evening Panther's camp.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Deep in the everglades, Evening Panther's camp - nIGHT

FADE IN:

Evening Panther, 60-something years old. Jet black hair, very long and always in a leather vest. He does not work because his son is a partner in a casino project on Paradise Coast. A newer double-wide trailer with an external diesel generator. He has a custom made wooden dock on the canal. Evening Panther is a surrogate Medicine Man.

The john boat ties up next to the boat ramp and they step up onto the wooden dock.

PAW PAW

Out back, Evening Panther has a Chickee set-up for family holidays. He is using that tonight.

Jake and Paw Paw walk down the path past the double-wide and the generator providing power to the camp, towards the large, wide-open chickee structure. Tiki torches are burning along the path and the area of the Chickee is set-up with tiki torches surrounding a table. The wooden table is a ceremonial table with rope restraints for the arms and ankles. There is a colorful blanket on the table and it's clear that this is the place.

PAW PAW

(Looking over his shoulder towards the approaching Evening Panther)

Evening Panther, are you ready to start?

Paw Paw hands Evening Panther the $500 payment from Jake.

Evening Panther

Thank you for that and for allowing me to help. Yes, let's get started because this can take a great amount of time.

They sit Jake down at the edge of the table and give him a large glass of a thick milky substance and he drinks it without incident and then slumps backwards on the table. They flip him onto his stomach and tie his arms and legs with the ropes and almost instantly Jake is speaking loudly and incoherently.

JaKE

Run for the snake, now, quickly, let it go for the pizza. Skeeter watch the door...

Evening Panther walks out with the Fang Stick. It is a rake-like tool that has a row of rattlesnake fangs embedded on a board with a handle. The fangs have been dipped in a ghost-pepper distillation and the Evening Panther begins to scrape Jakes's back. The pain of flesh-tearing and the intense burn of the ghost-pepper soon evokes screams from the nearly comatose Jake. The raking continues until the shallow cuts on Jake's back had created a pool of blood.

EVENING PANTHER

He is getting there Paw Paw, better and faster than you did.

PAW PAW

I hope so. He is a good boy and I want him to get this over with.

Evening Panther continues to debride Jake's back with the fang stick and the blood drips off his back and soaks into the blanket. The moaning stops and Evening Panther steps back from the table with the fang rake. He throws the rake onto the ground.

EVENING PANTHER

Cross over Jake. Now is the time to go.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Crossed over into Sacred land - nIGHT

FADE IN:

Jake awaken at the edge of a campground. He is cold and confused but feels light and free. Jake tries to sit up and is surprised that it is so easy. Gravity is a past concern and he rolls to his feet. Confused but emotionally cancelled he walks towards the fire.

Standing around the fire in a semi-circle are 12 dark figures, smoky black outlines, non-specific, more like swirls of soot and ash. They each have a metal rod in their hand topped by a lantern but they have the silhouette of men.

Jake walks forward into the center of the semi-circle

JAKE

You know who I am and why I am here. Who is the demon Breath Taker?

One of the figures stands and steps forward. 

Breath Taker

You seek me.

JAKE

Where are we?

BrEATH TAKER

In your mind, we are in hell.

JAKE

Are you a demon from hell?

BrEATH TAKER

(Slowly, tired of hearing questions)

I am what your mind calls me. I am Breath Taker, the brother of Breath Giver. When you are born, he gives you your first breath, when you die, I collect your rotting carcass.

JAKE

You are the Grim Reaper?

BrEATH TAKER

Your human attempt at flattery is amusing but my patience is thin white man. I speak to Seminoles but your Paw Paw has forced testimony upon me.

JAKE

You know why I'm here.

BREATH TAKER

To stop evil ones in your town.

JAKE

Yes.

BrEATH TAKER

You wish for me to extinguish their souls.

JaKE

I do.

BrEATH TAKER

And you know there is a cost?

JAKE

Yes.

BrEATH TAKER

And you are willing to pay that cost?

JAKE

Yes.

BreATH TAKER

Your word here is an eternal bond. You can not change it. 

JAKE

Do it. Do it now.

BreATH TAKER

Thy will is done. Go.

In Jake's mind a video is being played of a swirling blur tearing across the city eliminating souls. They are sucked out of existence as quickly as thoughts can be processed. Cars run off of roads with no drivers. Showers are on with no one present, a tractor trailer collides with a bus as the driver (smuggler) is removed instantly and the carnage is complete, Breath Taker moves to Miami and extinguishes the gang. Everyone is blipped out of existence with no witnesses and no recollection of where the person went. The crime wave in Everglades Bluff is over.

Jake's world snaps to white and he wakes up vomiting on the table at Evening Panther's. He passes out.

Ext. EVERGLADES BLUFF, JAKE'S HOUSE - mORNING

FADE IN:

Jake wakes up in his bed at his home. He looks at the clock and it's 10:30. He instinctively picks up his cell phone and begins to cycle through 48 messages.

SKEETER

(message) Jake, the shit is hitting the fan, where the hell are you? Call me!

SKEETER

(message) Jake, a bus collided with a truck on Tamiami. Call me now.

Florida Department of Law Enforcent

(message) Police Chief Billie, this is Agent Andrews, call me at this number. It's urgent. We are looking for the mayor, his wife called it in. He is missing from his bed.

He sits up in bed and wonder where Skye is and then the night rushed back to him in flashes.

He jumps up and turns on the Sideband and calls Paw Paw who tells him they took him to his house and put him in bed. The crossover was complete.

Jake gets up and looks around the house and Skye can't be found. Her car is not in the driveway.

He is gripped by a nagging fear.

Jake calls Skeeter.

JAKE

Skeeter, oh shit. Are you going to be there for awhile.

SKEETER

The entire world is looking for you. Where are you?

JAKE

On my way. Sit tight.

Jake starts the Police SUV and tears across the lawn headed to Skeeters.

FaDE OUT.

INT. SKEETER'S APARTMENT, EVERGLADES BLUFF - MORNING

Jake and Skeeter are sitting on the couch and Jake has explained the night. Skeeter has removed his arm sling and is dressed, looking stronger and ready to hit the road.

SKEETER

You're not shitting me and you're not high, right?

JAKE

No man, no way. It happened. And now a lot of weird shit happened in the last 8 hours and we need to figure it out.

SKEETER

Where the hell is Skye? Did he take her? Sorry man, I know it's hard.

JAKE

I don't know Skeeter. Let's go look. Can you be the wing man and I'll drive?

SKEETER

Yes. And the mayor is gone too. Not to mention the two suspects in county and Preacher Lou- gone. They found my cell number and have been tearing my phone up.

FaDE OUT.

ExT. On the streets of Everglades Bluff - mORNING

FADE IN:

The Police SUV is hurrying down Main Street and headed t the outskirts of town.

SKEETER

Slow down Jake and take a breath. Jesus Christ you are manic.

JAKE

Yeah, I need some heroin or a gallon of scotch. I am flipping out- okay, I'll slow down.

The drive on towards the outskirts of town. 

SKEETER

(Pointing to the side of the road.)

There, right there- look, do you see it. That's the back end of Skye's Kia.

JAKE

I see it. 

The SUV pulls to the side of the road where the KIA is embedded in a row of bushes and small trees, nose first. 

SKEETER

I'll check it out- wait.

JAKE

Yeah, okay.

(Jake steps out too and follows Skeeter)

SkEETER

Yeah, okay. Come on. There's no one here! The car is locked and the damn engine is running.

JAKE

Break a window.

Skeeter whips a telescopic metal rod out and breaks the driver's window and reaches in shutting the engine off.

They search the car and Jake pops the trunk and finds Skye's gym bag with the package of meth. He rips it out and throws it onto the ground.

JAKE

She's with them. This is enough Meth to make 1/2 the town happy for a month.

SKEETER

You think she got sucked up with the rest of them?

JAKE

(Looking up at the sky in search of his wife)

That's a weird-assed way to say it... but yeah. Yes, I do. Gone.

SkEETER

Let's go up and make the scene at the Truck and Bus wreck. 

JAKE

Screw that. I'm taking you back to town and you go up there. I have stuff to do.

SkEETER

What are you going to do?

JaKE

Well, if I don't blow my brains out in the next 10 minutes, I'll call you. I have to fix this mess.

FADE OUT.

Int. EVERGLADES BLUFF, JAKE'S HOUSE - mORNING

FADE IN:

Jake is in his bedroom calling Paw Paw on the CB Sideband radio.

JAKE

Come on Paw Paw, respond. Jake to Paw Paw, over. Jake pickup.

The CB provides only static, and Jake continues to hail Paw Paw.

Finally he responds.

PAW PAW

Jake Son. Is that you? 

(He sounds weak.)

JaKE

Yes Father, are you okay?

PAW PAW

No Jake. I'm not okay. Your Mother has disappeared and I think we know why. I hope it's not so.

JAKE

Where was she last seen?

PAW PAW

At Blue Star's camp and today she is gone. Her pallet was untouched.

JAKE

Oh Father. I'm so sorry. Skye is gone too.

PaW PAW

The consequence of our actions.

JAKE

My actions.

PAW PAW

Our actions Jake. Blood.

JaKE

Call Evening Panther. I'm going back. I need to go tonight.

PAW PAW

You can't.

JAKE

I'm going back one way or the other. Call him now please and set it up. No fang board. I can do it on the drink.

Jake gets back in the Police SUV and goes to the city Annex. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is looking for the Mayor and Preacher Lou. They are gone. Jake's speaking to an agent.

JAKE

What about the driver of that that tractor/trailer truck?

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCENT

Missing too. There was 2000 lbs of marijuana in the trailer, though. Maybe he was taken by a rival gang?

JAKE

Maybe. 

Jake and Skeeter pull Skye's car out of the woods and tow it back to Jake's driveway.

JAKE

I'm going to get them back- Skye and my Mother. There must be a way.

SKEETER

Yeah, a way to get killed. Man, you are risking your life drinking that shit. 

JAKE

It's real, it's another power and another dimension. In this Universe so many things, we just don't know.

SKEETER

Or want to know.

FADE OUT.

EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE S.W. EVERGLADES - nIGHT

FADE IN:

The airboat carries 2 men. Jake has brought his HK91 .308 Battle Rifle and his .357 Ruger. Paw Paw is sitting in the lower seat and is using the spotlight to light the narrow channels as the airboat speeds through the swamp.

The engine is so loud communication is impossible.

The camera pans onto Jake and his thoughts are spoken.

JAKE

There has to be a way. There must be a point of leverage with this demon. Something he needs. Something he wants. There must be a way to right this wrong, a way to protect the Seminole people and to keep Breath Taker's legend intact untarnished in the spirit realm. I just don't know what he needs.

The airboat reaches the camp of Evening Panther and Jake just runs the hull up on the boat ramp and guns the engine putting it on the concrete pad, scraping it up.

JAKE

I don't know why I brought guns. There is no one to shoot. 

PAW PAW

To make yourself feel protected? It's okay Son, we are both in new land.

They walk to the back of the property and Evening Panther is there. Jake offers him another $500 but he refuses the offer.

EVENING PANTHER

No Son, I can't take your money. Good luck to you.

He sits Jake down on the platform and Evening Panther hands him another round of the potent narcotic drink. Jake drinks it and lays back on the platform and Evening Panther ties his ankles and wrists.

Jake passes out and begins his transition.

His world goes black.

Then he is swept up and carried to a camp next to a Lake with picturesque snowcapped mountains in the background. It is a beautiful and sunny morning and a fire burns outside and two chairs await by the fire.

Jake walks to one of the chairs and sits down and reaches for the nearby bearskin and a cup of coffee that has now appeared on the table. The other chair is empty. He looks away.

Jake looks back and the chair is occupied by a distinguished looking man in his late 30's. He has a black tux on and also has a hot cup of liquid in a cup. His hair is black, his eyes are black and his handlebar moustache is waxed on the ends.

BrEATH TAKER

Top O' the morning to you Police Chief. It's quite a brisk wake-up, yes?

JaKE

And you are?

BrEATH TAKER

Oh, you know exactly who I am.

JAKE

Do I? You look much different than the last time we met.

BREATH TAKER

I have you to thank for that. You are the fine fellow who makes me who I am!

JAKE

I made you Clark Gable this time and I made you Mr. Death, the Soot Monster the last time? Where did your British accent come from?

BREATH TAKER

I am just the reality you create. Is it not much nicer to meet here by this lake and discuss your worries than in some far away nightmare landscape?

JAKE

I assume the same rules apply.

BrEATH TAKER

I don't know rules? Do they? 

JAKE

I want my wife back and my Mother was not part of the deal.

BREATH TAKER

"Want", well, for you mortals, "want" is such an awkward word. Is it not?

JAKE

I don't know what you mean.

BREATH TAKER

There is only the two of us here Jake- you and you. I am what you "want" me to be. Not "need" me to be.

JAKE

Ok, I need my wife and Mother back.

BreATH TAKER

Ahh. There is the distinction, I'm glad you got there so soon. I have to see a cricket game at 10.

JAKE

I need my wife and Mother back.

BrEATH TAKER

"Need!" That breaks our deal Jake. You knew the deal.

JAKE

What? I'm just a passenger on this ship.

BrEATH TAKER

It's so nice to not accept responsibility, is it not, my fine chap? A bystander is such an uninvolved person. An innocent in his own mind!

Jake

I demand you return my wife and mother.

BrEATH TAKER

"Demand"? You are getting there. To hell with rules! I see you catch on fast.

Jake

I will do whatever I need to do for you to return my wife and mother.

BrEATH TAKER

In 10,000 years no one has had the courage to return to me. Perhaps their mind was too weak.

JAKE

What can I offer you for their return?

BREATH TAKER

Oh, you have so little and it's so much trouble to fix these things. What do you think I want?

JaKE

My immortal soul?

BreATH TAKER

(Chuckling and taking a sip of his tea)

Surely my good man, you jest. Your immortal soul does not really exist except in Christian folklore. And you are worth about a slab of good bacon If I sell your basic chemical elements. You have nothing, you are a confused mass of swirling energy for 70 years and then nothing, mortal.

JAKE

Then what the hell am I talking to you for?

BrEATH TAKER

Didn't you stop by for just a great cup of coffee? No, then would you like tea? Lemon?

JaKE

Can I swear my allegiance to you in exchange for my wife and mother?

BrEATH TAKER

Allegiance, and why would you pledge that? A very noble concept, evokes images of knights and castles of home.

JAKE

Because I have nothing else of value to you. You took it all.

BrEATH TAKER

And how would you execute this Camelot-inspired "allegiance"?

JAKE

For my remaining years, I will do your will on earth.

BrEATH TAKER

You have an expansive and creative mind for a mortal. But  your offer, what should be done?

JAKE

Fix it and I will serve you.

BrEATH TAKER

You amuse me mortal, but we are out of time. It is done- you are no longer Jake. At this moment, You are re-born as Silver Wolf, my will on earth. 

BrEATH TAKER

Your mortal life is over at this moment! You will protect the Seminole Nation until they are no more.

FADE OUT.

INT. EVERGLADES BLUff, JAKE'S HOUSE - mORNING

FADE IN:

Light streams in through the lace curtain's covering the windows in the master bedroom. Jake rolls over and finds Skye sleeping, warm and sweet smelling.

Suddenly, he explodes into the present with a gasp.

He jumps up, feels his arms and chest to confirm he is alive. Very confused, he stumbles into the kitchen. Was it all a dream? 

He looks at the kitchen table and a note is held in place by a glass salt shaker. It's from Paw Paw:

PAW PAW

(Written on the Note)

Dear Son, thank you. Your mother is home. You were able to do something I did not believe could be done. How you did it, will be a great story. You were in a deep sleep last night and we brought you home. Your Father and Mother.

Jake call Skeeter on his cellphone.

SKEETER

I've probably left you 50 messages over the last 12 hours.

JAKE

If I don't call you after your first message, the next 49 are a waste of your time.

SKEETER

Where are you?

JAKE

At the house. I just woke up. Remarkable news, Skye is home.

SKEETER

That is great to hear. How did it happen?

JAKE

Some things are best left unspoken. You'd never believe me.

SKEETER

Come on Jake. Spill it.

JAKE

Maybe someday, but today is not the day? What about the other missing people?

SKEETER

Still missing and my guess is that won't change.

JAKE

Probably not.

SKEETER

Good news, we haven't had a crime in 3 days. Not even a speeding ticket.

JAKE

The criminals are gone. At least for awhile.

SKEETER

Have you spoken with Skye?

JAKE

Nope, I just woke up. 

SKEETER

Are you coming in? I'm covering you with sick time on the attendance tracker.

JAKE

I'll stop by later. I need to have a long conversation with Skye.

SKEETER

Okay, go easy and listen. Not your strong suit.

JAKE

Hey Skeeter?

SKEETER

Yeah?

JAKE

Bite me.

SKEETER

Asshole. You are back.

FADE OUT.

INT. EVERGLADES BLUFF, JAKE'S HOUSE - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

Jake and Skye are huddled in the living room on the couch, sitting, face-to-face.

SKYE

That's an incredible story, I don't believe it.

JAKE

Where have you been for the last few days, then?

SKYE

I was going to an interview at Walmart and I woke up in bed a half hour ago. I see.

JAKE

Skeeter and I turned the meth over to FDLE. It's gone. Skye? Why?

(his voice shaky and emotional)

SkYE

Desperation. I didn't go looking for insanity- it came looking for me and they fronted me $5,000.

JAKE

So, you're not part of this drug ring?

SKYE

I took one package and was supposed to hold it for a local preacher. He never contacted me and that's all I know.

JAKE

Lou's gone. 

JAKE

Do you think they'll come looking for it? Julio is gone too! They're all gone.

SkYE

Shit's happening too fast, I can't think this quickly. If Julio is gone, and the Miami gang is gone, then their Mexican boss will come looking once they figure out everyone is missing. They'll want to be paid.

JAKE

I don't have a solution Skye. You can't ever do that again. 

Skye

I get it, but what if they come looking?

JAKE

I think we cross that bridge when it happens. You still have your 9MM? Carry it, you have a permit.

SKYE

I really need a machine gun and an atom bomb but it's better than nothing.

JAKE

I need a shower, I smell like roadkill.

SKYE

Uhh... well.

Jake smiles and walks into the bathroom and soon the shower is steaming and he steps in. He washes the Everglades mud off of him and steps out.

He wipes the fog off of the steamed-up mirror and daubs on shaving cream and shaves. He towels his face off and looks in the mirror.

He stops suddenly and looks at his chest, over his heart. It's not a tattoo because it is shiny silver. It's a paw print of a wolf, a big wolf. He touches the paw print and it's cold to the touch. It's not embedded in the skin, it is part of the skin and is as big as his hand.

JaKE

Silver Wolf.

FADE OUT.

INT. evERGLADES BLUFF POLICE OFFICE - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

Skeeter and Jake are cleaning their weapons at a work table in their office. The sun is getting low and they are ready for the day to end. 

JAKE

Well, it's been 6 months now and we're at an all-time low crime level.

SkEETER

We had a DUI last week but Old Man Smith was long overdue.

JAKE

He should've been stopped 10 years ago. I wonder if a night in County Lockup will wake him up?

SkeETER

Nahh- he needs detox and rehab.

JAKE

This town's better without a Mayor. The new part-time City Manager is twice as productive as Cappy was.

SKEETER

I miss old Cappy.

JAKE

Yeah, no one yelling at us everyday of our life. His disappearance shows us what he was really up to. 

SKEETER

Him and Lou. Lou, a preacher for God's sake!

The office phone rings and Skeeter picks it up.

SKEETER

Ok, stand by... Jake, it's Skye.

Int. EVERGLADES BLUFF, JAKE'S HOUSE - eVENING

Skye is tied to a chair in the kitchen of her house as three men stand next to her.

Raul

Tell him you are sick and he needs to come home.

SKYE

Jake, I'm so sick, can you come home? I think I have food poisoning.

SKYE

Okay, thank you.

Skye nods as Raul slaps her across the face, full force and the second gangster grabs the back of her hair and pulls it back hard and pushes a knife against her throat.

RAUL

We want our stuff, now! We're not fooling around. Where is it?

SKYE

I'm telling you the truth. The preacher disappeared and my husband found the meth and turned it over to the FDLE.

RAUL

We need $50,000 from you then. We need it now.

SkyE

Look around dumbass, this is a rental house. I have a 4-year old Kia. This is not South Beach, and if I had your shit, I'd give it to you. I told Julio to leave me be, but he was too stupid to listen.

RAUL

Let's see what your old man has to say. I'll bet he has an evidence locker full of candy.

SkYE

Yeah, 6 months ago. What the hell took you so long? 

RAUL

You have a smart mouth Momma, you must like the sting of my hand.

He slaps her several times and she bites her lip with blood dripping down.

EXT. EVERGLADES BLUFF POLICE OFFICE - evENING

Jake is leaving the office headed home. 

Jake

I'll call you in an hour. If I don't can you swing by?

SKEETER

Yeah, what's up?

JAKE

I don't know, Skye sounded weird, I gotta go. Do you hear that sound?

SKEETER

What sound?

JAKE

It sounds like marching band practice. Like drums or something. I don't know.

SKEETER

What are you smoking Jake?

JAKE

Gotta go, come by if you don't hear from me.

SKEETER

You're nuttier than a squirrel, but ok. Call me. Don't forget, I have bowling tonight.

Jake walks out of the office and into the cooler evening. He gets in the Police SUV and drives off.

He keeps listening and rolls the window down to hear the drum cadence better. The sound is louder but rolling the window down does not change the volume- drums, getting more intense.

Jake realizes the sound is in his head and he's heard it at Seminole festivals. It's a Seminole drum war beat used in tribal ceremonies before a battle.

The road starts to become blurry and Jake swerves off the road and stops in a drive through $2.00 car wash. He is dizzy and not in control of his body.

Jake looks down at his pants leg and it's tearing open as his calves expand into a muscular hairy calf. He glances into the mirror and his nose is elongating and silver hair is sprouting on his face and hands.

He puts his hand in front of his face and sees a massive silver paw with 3-inch razor-sharp thick nails. His last memory is opening the door and falling to the ground.

FADE OUT.

Int. EVERGLADES BLUff, JAKE'S HOUSE - eVENING

FADE IN:

Skye is still tied up in the chair with her chin tilted forward, towards her chest. She is bruised and bloodied but not seriously hurt.

RAUL

Where is your man, Mamma?

SKYE

He said he was coming.

RAUL

(Speaking to his men)

You two, go look out the front window. Stay in the other room.

They walk into the living room and look out the window.

It took only the time of a glance for the Silver Wolf to cover the distance from the heavy cover of the wooded lot on the side yard to the window where the two men were standing.

They were looking out the window when Silver Wolf crashed through it with tremendous force. Silver Wolf did not stray from his course and within seconds they were dead with  their throats were ripped out. Instantly Silver Wolf was in the kitchen standing on his hind legs upright in front of Julio. 

Silver Wolf was 7-foot tall standing erect and weighed 290 lbs. He stands in front of Julio growling as Julio levels his automatic pistol and empties it.

Silver Wolf roars in anger and lunges at Julio and slices his head off his torso in one swift thrust of his paw. 

A thick silver liquid-metal oozes from the wolf's gunshot wounds as he retreats from the kitchen and onto the porch.

Silver Wolf lays down on the wooden boards and licks his wounds to heal and to complete the transformation cycle. He cannot be killed, and the gunshot wounds heal in front of the camera.

FADE OUT.

Ext. EVERGLADES BLUE, JAKE'S HOUSE - niGHT

The new City Police cruiser pulls up in front of Jake's house an hour later.

Skeeter gets out of the car and walks up to the house with his pistol drawn.

He sees Jake on the front porch, naked and sitting upright on the deck. He is bloody but seemingly unhurt. The Silver Wolf skin emblem is glowing brightly and is smeared in blood. Skeeter gazes at the Silver Wolf emblem, mesmerized  for a second and then snaps back.

Skeeter looks Jake over and finds no sign of damage.

He walks into the bloodbath inside the house and into the kitchen. Skye is still tied up, bruised and battered but not seriously hurt. The headless torso is on the floor.

SKEETER

Are you hurt? We'll untie you in a second.

She shakes her head.

SKYE

Oh my God, Skeeter... Oh my God.

Jake walks in with a blanket wrapped around his waist and proceeds to untie Skye and carry her to the couch, placing an ice pack from the freezer onto her cheek. Skeeter follows him.

SKEETER

What in the name of God, Jake?

JaKE

God had nothing to do with it-Silver Wolf.

SKEETER

This is what you couldn't tell me?

JaKE

I still can't.

SKEETER

Were the drums part of this?

JaKE

I think they were a warning that the shit was fixing to hit the fan I guess. Now I know.

SkeeTER

I thought silver and werewolves didn't work.

JAKE

I'm not a werewolf.

SKEETER

What are you? 

JaKE

I'm the son of Paw Paw, a Police Chief, a husband and soon to be a father. Skye's pregnant. That link to our unborn child is why I transformed. 

SKEETER

That's a lot to process Jake. Is she okay?

JAKE

No, they just slapped her around. She's just more pissed off than anything, but those dirtballs are dead. That's my justice.

SKEETER

Let's clean this mess up.

Several trips to the bay with full garbage bags and in 2 hours they are done and the terrazzo floors have been bleached. They walk back into the living room.

SkEETER

You want a drink?

JaKE

Yeah, I need several drinks.

Skye removes the ice pack she had on her face and stands up from the couch and they walk to the porch and sit out in their chairs. Jake and Skeeter have a Budweiser and Skye is drinking sweet tea.

SKYE

Oh my God Jake. I'm trying to say thank you, but it's not coming. I've never...

JAKE

(holding her hand and 

JAKE

And I will protect the 

speaking from his heart)

It's okay. It's worth it to me to have you back. I'd do it a thousand times to make you safe.

Final Voiceover-

Seminole drums are beating softly.

defenseless of my people a thousand times. Perhaps ten-thousand times to ensure they are safe. Breath Taker claimed my mortal days  but I will honor my promise until the Seminole people are no more.

The sun is setting across the Bay and the light softens the features of everyone's face and the scene looks dreamy.

Closeup of Jake and his eyes are a glowing blood red and his hands still show silver coarse hair that has not receded.

The story ends.

By Michael Prongue

From: United States

Twitter: veriteguy