FADE IN:
EXT. WAREHOUSE DISTRICT - NIGHT
Photo by Bruno Zorman on Unsplash
A run-down industrial area, lined with shipping containers. Camera pans down to reveal Nigel’s parked car.
Nigel leans against the car door, smoking, waving lazily. Zeke trudges off toward the warehouse, sweat beading down.
INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
A man's hands, heavy with rings, rest atop a table. Zeke watches him anxiously.
BOSS (O.S.)
So remind me—was it planting the fakes in the elixir plant, dragging down the Queen’s brand?
The boss lounges confidently.
BOSS
And once we control the real supply... we own the market. So, how big a cut’s that guy taking?
Zeke gulps.
ZEKE
...Three. He said three.
The boss glares—Zeke freezes—
Then bursts out laughing.
BOSS
Damn, that’s generous. You finally found yourself a decent partner.
Zeke exhales, relieved.
BOSS (CONT’D)
But here’s the thing—
The boss smirks.
BOSS (CONT’D)
We’ve already been mixing in the real stuff. You’ve probably sold some without even knowing it.
Zeke’s face falls as he recalls the case.
BOSS (CONT’D)
Not that I mind a few extra ORDER connections. But what I do mind—is rats.
A figure is shoved forward into the warehouse.
BOSS (CONT’D)
So, what’s the verdict—Ace?
Zeke turns.
ZEKE
!?
SMASH CUT TO:
FLASH:
A smiling man in an elixir commercial.
ZEKE (V.O.)
The poster boy of ORDER!?
BACK TO PRESENT:
INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Ace marches in—pushing Nigel ahead of him at gunpoint.
ACE
Heard about the deal. Thought someone was copying my side hustle...
Ace glares at Nigel.
ACE (CONT’D)
Or maybe you’re here to blow it all up.
Zeke is thrown.
ZEKE
He’s selling the real stuff first!? But he’s an elite!
NIGEL
Look who’s talking, Acey-boy.
ACE
(irritated)
Nigel... of course it’s you.
NIGEL
I could smell it coming.
ACE
Bet you’re planning to snitch. You’ve always hated me.
NIGEL
You hate me more. Didn’t I take all your biscuit last month, Acey?
Ace jabs Nigel’s head with a red gun.
ACE
Don’t call me that! I’m Ace of Division One—the elite of elites! I’m not like you.
Ace turns his gun on Zeke.
ACE (CONT’D)
And this is who you send in undercover—
—Nigel knocks Ace’s gun away.
ACE (CONT’D)
!
The gun clatters away, but Ace kicks Nigel hard.
ACE (CONT’D)
Pointless!
Nigel is sent flying.
NIGEL
...Shit.
He stares at the red gun far out of reach. Ace looms over him.
ACE
(sweating)
Too bad.
Nigel tries to sit up, sweating.
NIGEL
Come on, cut me some slack. I’ll turn a blind eye to your little crimes, too.
ACE
Hah! How noble of you. I’ll deal with you myself—for betraying ORDER.
NIGEL
Sure, frame me all you want. Just know the Queen might catch wind of your side business.
Ace is thinking silently...
The boss, still seated, gives Ace a subtle nod—fix it, and keep the deal alive.
NIGEL (CONT’D)
Jeez... If you’re that trigger-happy—
He suddenly gestures toward Zeke.
NIGEL (CONT’D)
Why not shoot him?
ZEKE
What the hell!? You used me! I’m with my boss, dumbass! You’re the only one here with no backup!
Zeke pulls his gun and steps toward Nigel.
NIGEL
(to Ace)
Hey! Take out the dumbass who dragged a rat in here! Go go go!
He wildly points at Zeke.
ZEKE
Goddammit! You’re unarmed!!
ACE
hahaha...
He starts walking toward Zeke, who shakily aims his gun.
ZEKE
Wh-What? I’m with the boss, right? ...Right?
ACE
Thanks for the setup, Nigel. Now then...
He grabs Zeke’s hand and gun in one move.
ACE (CONT’D)
How about this twist?
Zeke gasps as Ace twists the gun toward Nigel.
ACE (CONT’D)
A reckless fool walks into a gang hideout and takes a stray bullet from a thug...
He flips the safety off with his finger.
ACE (CONT’D)
That’s your curtain call, punk.
BANG! Ace pulls the trigger with Zeke’s hand still on the gun. Blood splashes. Nigel crumples to the ground.
A stunned silence.
The gun clatters from Zeke’s limp hand. Ace pats Zeke’s shoulder.
ACE (CONT’D)
Not bad, for a grunt.
He turns and walks off—presumably to retrieve his red pistol. Zeke stares at his hands, shaken. He may have never shot anyone before.
BLOOP—A notification sounds from the device on Zeke’s wrist. He looks down, confused. Behind him, as Ace stoops to pick up his own gun...
DEVICE (O.S.)
Recording complete.
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