Conspiracy Theory Page #3

She gets on a treadmill and cranks it up. Walking a few

moments before she's jogging, before she's running. No

easy pace here. Liza gets grim, cranks up the speed and

goes hard. She's punishing herself.

JERRY:

His voice trails off as he watches. Sad, he lowers the

binoculars, doesn't want to watch her do this. Throwing

the CAR in GEAR, he takes a last look and drives away.

EXT. NEW YORK NEWS - NIGHT

A classic corner newsstand except that a river runs down

the street and over the curb. Newspaper stacks usually

on the sidewalk are up on milk crates. The owner, FLIP

TANNER, cruises the sidewalk in a battered wheelchair.

All sinew and tendons, Flip is black, about 50. He looks

to Jerry's cab plowing twin fountains as it approaches.

Flip heaves a stack of newspapers and magazines into his

lap. he rolls to meet Jerry at the curb, hands him the

stack through the window. Jerry looks down at the water.

FLIP:

Water main. Broke all the way

over on 40th Street and Seventh.

Subway's a damn river.

Jerry stares back over his shoulder at water gushing out

a manhole cover. Flip watches him, smiles.

FLIP:

What're you thinking, Jerry?

JERRY:

Water mains usually go in the

winter. It's August 1st.

FLIP:

Tell you what. Reminds me of life

in the Delta.

JERRY:

Mississippi?

FLIP:

Mekong, my friend, Mekong.

JERRY:

You know, Flip, Vietnam War was

fought because of a bet Howard

Hughes lost to Aristotle Onasis.

FLIP:

Sure. And the two of 'em used my

legs for a wishbone. Nearly

snapped me in half.

JERRY:

I gotta go, Flip. Thanks.

As Jerry drives away, Flip smiles, shakes his head.

EXT. VILLAGE BROWNSTONE - ROOFTOP - NIGHT

Carrying his magazines and newspapers, Jerry climbs onto

the roof from the fire escape. He deadpans a look back

and forth. All seems clear. Jerry starts across. COOS

as Jerry passes a PIGEON coop. He steps back, opens the

door.

Rate this script:3.5 / 4 votes