Back Story

Parole Agent Phil McGuire, eight years sober, chairs the largest Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Baltimore City. He just abruptly terminated a blossoming romantic relationship with Angela West. Angela, an attractive elementary school teacher, has only brief experiences of recovery principles.  She does not understand why Phil ended things and is very angry about it. She would like to write Phil McGuire out of her life forever, but she must join him for a mutually agreed upon meeting with police.

EXT. RESTAURANT PARKING LOT – NIGHT

Angela and McGuire exit their cars at the same time but they ignore each other as they head toward the entrance.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Angela, McGuire, and Sergeant Wynant shake hands and are seated at the table. McGuire is aware that Angela slides her chair as far as possible from him. The WAITRESS approaches.

WAITRESS
(to Angela)
Would you like a drink?

ANGELA (V.O.)

I haven’t had one in 38 days, but yes, I’d like a drink.
McGuire winces.

ANGELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Ice water, please.

McGuire smiles.

BACK TO SCENE

WAITRESS
And you, sir?

MCGUIRE
Ice water….., that’s perfect!

WAITRESS
(to Wynant) And you, sir?

WYNANT

Gimme a beeee… Uh, I mean ice water. No ice.

WYNANT (CONT’D)
Am I missing something?

MCGUIRE
Recovering addicts don’t use alcohol.

Wynant points to McGuire. McGuire nods.

WYNANT
Good to know. Now, Angela, that killing in the mansion. Witherspoon. Did you know that man?

She shakes her head.

WYNANT CONT’D)

I didn’t think so. These guys bring heroin overland from Mexico and cocaine by ship from Colombia. They’re using bizarre methods to scare off or kill competition. The guy killed at the mansion was livin’ on breadcrumbs at his parents’ house.

He borrowed their car. When it wasn’t returned the parents used their OnStar tracking device. We found the car but no body.

Wynant hands them a picture.

WYNANT (CONT’D)
What about him.

ANGELA
Billy Francisco! He gave us the video.

WYNANT
He was found behind a pool hall with a bullet in the back of his head.

EXT. RESTAURANT – DAY
Indistinct conversation between McGuire, Angela, and Wynant. A big grin from Wynant as they shake hands.

WYNANT
So, you’re staying in a convent… Now that’s pretty darned creative. Just make sure you stay there.

Wynant heads toward his car. Without looking at McGuire, Angela does likewise. McGuire catches up to her, but she keeps walking.

MCGUIRE
I had thirty-eight days clean once.