Passenger 57 Page #4

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Sly's Secretary appears in the doorway, alarmed to see her boss in this most undignified position.

SECRETARY:

(frightened)

Mister Delvecchio? Should I call Security?

SLY:

(upside down)

Ellen, I am Security.

(then; chuckling)

Don't worry. It's just a couple of Navy buddies catching up on old times.

CUTTER:

We're bonding.

SLY:

(to Cutter)

You want something? Coffee? Tea?

CUTTER:

I'm fine.

(to the Secretary)

But you'd better bring Mister Delvecchio some Therapeutic Mineral Ice. He's not as young as he thinks he is.

The Secretary nods and backs away. Cutter releases Sly and lets him crumple to the floor. With a groan. Sly gets to his feet. He straightens his suit and tie in a dignified manner.

SLY:

Okay. So I'm a little rusty. But you... you sonovabitch...

Sly and Cutter regard each other soberly, then break out laughing. They embrace.

CUTTER:

I think you put on some weight.

SLY:

Corporate life. I think you lost some.

CUTTER:

You ever tried the food at Forrestal?

SLY:

(scoffing)

Forrestal. Jesus, Cutter. Teaching counter-terrorism and evasion techniques to a bunch of rich guys' bodyguards and chauffeurs -- it's beneath you. What's next? Church Groups? Cub Scouts?

CUTTER:

Maybe. How much do they pay?

SLY:

It's not you. Cutter.

CUTTER:

It's me, Sly -- the new me. And the new me happens to like teaching. It's got some great perks.

SLY:

Name one.

CUTTER:

You want to know what I like best? It's make-believe. The danger is pretend. Strictly hypothetical. Nobody gets hurt -- especially me.

SLY:

You ever hear that old expression? 'Those who can -- do. Those who can't -- teach.'

CUTTER:

What about it?

SLY:

I know you. Cutter, and you're no teacher.

CUTTER:

Then I'm in big trouble because the idea of being a 'do-er' again makes me break out in a cold sweat.

SLY:

'You fall off a horse, you get back on.'

CUTTER:

Sly, don't you know any new expressions?

The Secretary returns.

SECRETARY:

Mister Delvecchio -- your meeting with Mister Ramsay.

SLY:

(looks at his watch)

Better hustle.

CUTTER:

Look, Sly, I'm not even sure I want this job. The idea of getting back in the sh*t doesn't exactly thrill me.

SLY:

I need you, Cutter -- and you need this job.

It's the truth. ON Sly's imploring look...

CUT TO:

18C INT. ATRIUM - DAY 18C

Sly and Cutter wind their way through an in-door botanical garden that doubles as a dining area for the employees of Trans Pacific.

SLY:

Ramsay is Stuart Ramsay, the guy above me -- President of Operations. To get the airlines anti-terrorism unit off the ground, we're gonna need Ramsay's support. He's a slick prick but he can be handled. You've done these dog and pony shows before so you know the drill. Nod. Smile. Jump through a few hoops.

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