It's a wrap. Thanks for trying this new format, for reading, and for all your encouragement and feedback! Click on the fish gills to see earlier scenes.

               INT JANE'S KITCHEN - SAME DAY

               Jane walks into her kitchen with the kids in tow carrying
               grocery bags.

               There is a huge bouquet of flowers with a card on the table.

               Jane opens it in haste. She reads the note.

                                   SHEP  (V.O.)
                         Jane, Life is short. Love Shep

               Jane gives herself a moment and until her youngest one
               unpacks the eggs.

               The phone rings. Poppy answers as Jane juggles groceries.

                                   POPPY
                         Hello. She's busy...

               Jane takes the phone gingerly from Poppy.

                                   JANE
                         Hello? 



               INT DAN'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               Dan's COLLEAGUE leans back in his chair at his desk.

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         Jane Dansbury? 

                                   JANE
                         Yes. This is me, she.

               She grabs another tumbling container from her toddler.

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         I work with Dan and he mentioned as
                         he was leaving for Chicago that you
                         might be up for some freelance
                         work.

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         Chicago? 

                                   COLLEAGUE
                             (confused)
                         Yes, Chicago - the Geary project?
                         He didn't tell you?

                                   JANE
                         No. Wow that's great for him. When
                         did he leave?

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         An hour ago. 

               Jane's face falls. 

                                   JANE
                         An hour ago.

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         He thought you might want to do
                         some work with us on a small local
                         library renovation. Could you come
                         in tomorrow?

                                   JANE
                         Tomorrow. Yes sure. What time? 

               She searches unsuccessfully for paper and a pen.



               INT HOME OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               Jane rushes with the phone into the adjacent study and grabs
               a pen and writes across some elevations open on her desk.

                                   JANE
                         Eleven. Thanks so much.

               Jane hangs up the phone. Her dog lays at her feet.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Watch them would you?

               Jane, phone in hand, walks outside.



               EXT JANE'S HOME - CONTINUOUS

               Jane stands on the same back steps where she once found Shep
               and where she sat with Lars late the night before.

               She sits down and takes a deep breath.

               She dials a number.

               The phone goes direct to voice mail.

                                   JANE
                         Dan. It's me. I hear you left for
                         Chicago... Wow Geary. Amazing...
                         Thanks for the job. (Long pause)
                         Dan, I...

               Jane noodles a hole into the knee of her jeans.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         I signed the divorce papers last
                         night. My life is pretty messed up
                         right now and I need time but maybe
                         we could have dinner when you're
                         back in town. 

               Jane hangs up and sits pressing the phone against her mouth
               holding her breath. She finally breathes.



               INT LARS OFFICE - DAY

               Lars at his desk snaps his pen repetitively, anxiously.

                                   LARS
                         They won't follow through. They'll
                         chop you up in pieces. Don't buy 
                         into it. It's a decoy.

               Claire walks in as he hangs up. The tightly wound pen breaks
               and sprays his shirt.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Fuck.

                                   CLAIRE
                             (knowingly)
                         You have news.

                                   LARS
                         Walter. Fucker. He matched all our
                         numbers and promised to build a new
                         media facility. He'll just spin it
                         out after he gets the deal.

               Scott cracks open a beer from his top drawer.

               Lars turns to Claire.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         I really thought I had it.

                                   CLAIRE
                         There's that ego again. WE ALL
                         tried Lars. That's life. Next time
                         we'll eliminate the Liz demon
                         first.

               Lars stews arms crossed. Claire stares at him, quietly. Their
               eyes meet and the quiet is awkward. 

               Lars gets up and grabs his bag.

                                   CLAIRE (CONT'D)
                         Where are you going?

                                   LARS
                         I need to go see someone. You tell
                         the team. They like you more
                         anyway. And here, take them out.

               He hands her his card.

                                   CLAIRE
                         That's it. Disband the team over
                         drinks. You can't deal with any
                         emotion can you?

                                   LARS
                         What?

                                   CLAIRE
                         You're one big transaction.

               Lars heads out of the office.



               EXT STATE PARK PARKING LOT - LATE AFTERNOON

               Lars parks his BMW in the lot next to the SUBARUS and 4-wheel
               drives. He spots Shep's MOTORBIKE. 



               EXT NATIONAL PARK - CONTINUOUS

               Scenes of the Appalachian mountain range, birds, eagles and
               foliage - a spring run off. Lars hikes up, with backpack on,
               to the mid-mountain point.

               Shep, on a log, rolls a joint - his camp set up behind him.

                                   LARS
                         Easy for you isn't it?

                                   SHEP
                         I thought I left you guys in a
                         karma circle? Here for another hug?

                                   LARS
                         I'm not the only Tanin with an ego.

                                   SHEP
                         Yeah, Jane is such a bitch.

                                   LARS
                         Why are you always on the run?

                                   SHEP
                         Why do you always think I'm in
                         trouble? I just live differently.
                         Into the Wild man!



               INT SHEP'S TENT - CONTINUOUS

               Lars lays down on the ground, with a sore back.  He turns
               over to see the inside of the tent. He sees a stash of
               homeopathic bottles and dried leaves. Lars grabs two bottles.



               EXT NATIONAL PARK SHEP'S CAMP SPOT - CONTINUOUS

               Lars sits back up pulling his head out of the tent holding
               the bottles in his hand.

                                   LARS
                         What do you do with all of this?

               Shep winces from a pain in his side and lights a joint.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Are you sick? I thought you looked
                         pale.

               Shep quiet. He inhales.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         You're sick. Of course! That's why
                         you showed up. 

                                   SHEP
                         Nope. I'm living just as I want.
                         What could be more beautiful than
                         this?

                                   LARS
                         You know the real world has this
                         progress called doctors and drugs.
                         Let me help. 

                                   SHEP
                         You know. It meant a lot to me to
                         be with you and Janie. It solved a
                         lot of things.

                                   LARS
                         Shep. Let me help.

                                   SHEP
                         You want to help? Accept my way for
                         once... Without all the bullshit
                         about obligation and rules.

               The sun starts to set and Shep shivers. He grabs a blanket
               and wraps himself up.

                                   LARS
                         Look, let me drive you to the
                         hospitals in Boston. They have
                         world class doctors. Then if you
                         decide to go solo, it's your
                         choice.

                                   SHEP
                         Lars. It's all through my body. I
                         tried Chemo in Ohio and hated it. I
                         made this decision months ago. Last
                         week they found even more. It's
                         over.

                                   LARS
                         Is that's why you showed up?

                                   SHEP
                         I promised Dad I would be there
                         when it all blew up. I had to
                         deliver on something for him, at
                         least once. 

               He takes another drag. Lars grabs for his cell.

                                   LARS
                         I can't just let you die. I'll
                         carry you out of here. I'm calling
                         Jane. This hero bull shit is
                         getting old.

               Shep grabs Lars' PHONE and throws it into the woods.

                                   SHEP
                         It's not always about you. That's
                         what you don't fuckin get. It's not
                         your life this time Lars. 

                                   LARS
                         OK, then I'm staying. I'm just
                         going to stay with you. Stay and
                         watch you die.

                                   SHEP
                         Hey Lars, I love you. A lot man.
                         But this time, it's my show. You
                         can stay tonight. But then you
                         gotta go.

               Shep hands him a joint. Night progresses with shots of the
               BROTHERS talking and laughing by the fire. 



               EXT CAMPSITE - NEXT MORNING

               Lars wakes up wrapped in his jacket and a blanket by the
               embers. He sits up and sees Shep has cleared out.

               There is a large note in capital letters pegged to the ground
               with a rock and stick. It reads:

               Brother. When you're real, you inspire. See you on the other
               side. Shep

               Lars gets up from the ground and starts yelling.

                                   LARS
                         SHEPPPP! You FUCKER. SHEPPP!

               The only sound to be heard is water run off.

               He crouches down and starts to sob. After a few moments, he
               lowers his cap over his brow, grabs his backpack and walks
               down the mountain.



               EXT FRONT OF BROWNSTONE - LATER THAT EVENING

               Lars stands in the same ink stained shirt and baseball cap
               outside of a brownstone ringing the doorbell.

               Claire opens the door in her jeans and a glamorous top.
               People's voices sound from the background of her house,
               dishes clink. 

                                   LARS
                         How about dinner?

                                   CLAIRE
                         Right now? (Laughs) Are you OK?
                         I've been trying to reach you.

                                   LARS
                         I lost my phone. 

               Claire looks at his hiking boots and unshaven face.

                                   CLAIRE
                         You lost your phone? (Pause) Too
                         bad because I had to make some
                         major calls without you.

                                   LARS
                             (Chuckles admiringly)
                         We both know you can handle it.

                                   CLAIRE
                         We got the bid.

                                   LARS
                         What?

                                   CLAIRE
                         The LA Times offered to joint
                         venture with us and I accepted.
                         Together we blew Walter out of the
                         game. We start Monday. Scott and I
                         drafted the term sheet all night.

                                   LARS
                         You and Scott? 

                                   Claire
                         Yeah. We survived. I admit it
                         wasn't as fun without your ego to
                         kick around.

               Lars focusses in on her.

                                   LARS
                         Look, I came see you if wanted to
                         go somewhere with me?

                                   CLAIRE
                             (Mocking)
                         Like... Camping?

                                   LARS
                         No. Dinner. (Beat) I want to have
                         dinner with you RIGHT now. Say yes.

               Claire looks intrigued.

                                   CLAIRE
                         I've got a party full of guests.
                         (She hesitates as she sees a
                         vulnerable Lars) Just a minute.

               Claire leaves him on the stoop. 

               She returns with her scarf and comes onto the steps with him.

                                   CLAIRE (CONT'D)
                         Let's go mountain boy. 

               Lars lifts her down to his step and pulls her close. They
               kiss tenderly for a long time.



               INT HOSPITAL - DAY

               Jane helps Maria get up as she holds a walker.

                                   JANE
                         You got it?

                                   MARIA
                             (Grunts)
                         Yeah. Remind me how hot I'll look
                         sleeveless. 

                                   JANE
                             (tenderly)
                         Steady. OK. There. You've got it?
                         You'll look so hot you'll wear
                         sleeveless all winter. 

                                   MARIA
                         Think I can take Tango lessons with
                         Bud next month?

                                   JANE
                         Yes. You'll be ready to Tango
                         tomorrow. You're my idol.

                                   MARIA
                         You've got a few qualities I'd
                         steal too my friend. 

               Maria stumbles and sits down on the chair.

                                   MARIA (CONT'D)
                         When are you going to tell me what
                         happened? Did you do it?

                                   JANE
                         Do it? Or DO it? 

                                   MARIA
                         It's all the same direction! OK
                         secret keeper. (Pause) Give me
                         this, is he a good kisser?

               Jane blushes.

                                   JANE
                         Very.



               INT DAN'S OFFICE - DAY

               Jane looks over renderings with Dan's colleague at a long
               white desk in a glass office. She radiates.

                                   JANE
                         I think I can take it to a new
                         level. How many days do I have?

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         We submit final drawings Friday.
                         Want to work from here?

                                   JANE
                         If you'd prefer. But I have a home
                         office...

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         You're on your own. Just come in if
                         you want help.

                                   JANE
                         Great. I'm really excited about
                         this. Thank you. Thank you so much.

               Jane collects her things and as usual trips over the chair as
               she exits the office. 

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         Are you OK? 

               She collects herself only to look up and see Dan who's been
               watching the whole time from the doorway with a chuckle.

                                   JANE
                         Dan? But you're in Chicago?

                                   DAN
                         I forgot something. 

                                   JANE
                         You did?

               The intimacy is palpable.

                                   COLLEAGUE
                         I... Ah... I'll just be... 

               Dan moves in to face her.

                                   DAN
                         Hi.

                                   JANE
                         Hi.

               He takes her files and her purse from her and lays them down
               on a chair. The quiet, knowing intimacy is intense.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Dan, you have to go to Chicago.

                                   DAN
                         I know.

               He moves in very close and starts to kiss her down her neck.

                                   DAN (CONT'D)
                         There are twenty flights a day. I
                         should know. I just took one there
                         and back.

                                   JANE
                         I can't travel so lightly. Can you
                         see that?

                                   DAN
                         Never had more clarity in my life. 

               He kisses her passionately.
			THE END
 

 

               INT JANE'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

               Lars walks into Jane's kitchen and throws his coat down.
               Tish, the sitter, watches television.

                                   LARS
                         Everyone asleep?

               Tish nods.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Then I'll take over. Do I pay you?

                                   TISH
                         That'd be great.

               Lars pulls out a hundred dollar bill.

                                   TISH (CONT'D)
                         Er... That's too much.

                                   LARS
                         Just take it. I ate too many boxed
                         noodles at college. 

               Tish shrugs and takes it.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Where's Jane?

                                   TISH
                         She went to visit her friend in the
                         hospital again and then out with
                         your brother.

                                   LARS
                         Hospital? 

                                   TISH
                         Yeah, you know... Her friend in the
                         coma. She goes almost every day.  

               Tish grabs her backpack and puts in her ipod ear plugs.

                                   TISH (CONT'D)
                         Thanks for the stash.

                                   LARS
                         (Processes the info) Right.

               Once Tish leaves, Lars shuffles through Jane's desk, her
               calendar, her sticky notes and finds a manila envelope with
               PERSONAL stamped across it. He opens it and reads.



               EXT JANE'S HOME - DRIVEWAY

               Shep and Jane lean against her car smoking a joint. Stoned.

                                   JANE
                         Why don't I do this anymore?

                                   SHEP
                         Because you have kids and a little
                         red rule book on how to be grown
                         up.

                                   JANE
                         Listen. Those kids are my life. I
                         grew up for them. Not like Mom... 

                                   SHEP
                         You know Jane, Mom just hated being
                         stuck in Ohio. She was made for the
                         City. Had she raised us in New
                         York, you'd still have problems!

                                   JANE
                         Or balls. Just say I have it going
                         on.

               Elbows her brother on the shoulder.

                                   SHEP
                         Little sister, you've got it. 

               Jane takes off her heels.

               She starts to walk barefoot on her neighbors PEBBLE driveway.

               Shep takes a final drag of the joint.

                                   JANE
                         My yoga teacher says my root chakra
                         is sad. 

               Jane makes a playful sad face. Shep tries to repeat.

                                   SHEP
                         Your roots are bad?

               They laugh hysterically. 

               Jane walks in yoga like poses across the pebbles.



               INT JANE'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Lars sits down on the sofa with a Scotch reading the manila
               envelope papers.

               He hears laughter outside and goes to the door.



               EXT JANE'S HOME - EVENING

               Lars walks out the front door and stares. Shep and Jane look
               at him guilty with laughter.

                                   LARS
                         Are you two stoned?

                                   SHEP
                         Us. No not us... Very respectable
                         neighborhood. 

               He motions his hand around at the houses.

                                   JANE
                         YOU, you taught us how to roll
                         joints! What happened to you?

                                   LARS
                             (slightly angry)
                         Jane. Why didn't you tell me that
                         you've been going to see Maria?

               Jane looks at Shep shocked. Shep looks at Lars.

                                   JANE
                         I... Ah... I don't know. Why?

                                   LARS
                         What are you Florence Fuckin'
                         Nightingale?

                                   SHEP
                         Here comes the buzz kill.

                                   JANE
                         You're mad at me? (Beat) You're mad
                         at me for caring about the person
                         YOU put in a coma? It's not like
                         you care. You only care about Lars!

                                   LARS
                         I would have gone with you. 

                                   JANE
                         Really? Really? Because you haven't
                         made any great pilgrimage to see
                         her. In fact, you seem oblivious to
                         the effect you have on people.

                                   LARS
                         Why are you freaking out at me? 

               Jane walks past him into the house and hollers. 

                                   JANE
                         Because you hit my friend! Because
                         you took her away from me. And I
                         needed her. But you wouldn't
                         understand because you don't need
                         anyone!

               Lars does not let up and follows her.



               INT JANE'S FRONT HALLWAY - EVENING

                                   LARS
                         Your friend? What are you talking
                         about. Now everyone's your friend
                         when you're stoned?

               Jane reels back with disgust as she speaks.

                                   JANE
                         You're like a robot. Too busy to
                         even notice anyone else. (Beat) Tim
                         is gone you know and yes, Maria is
                         my friend. A beautiful and
                         compassionate friend who cares
                         about people.

                                   LARS
                         It was an accident! You think I
                         intentionally hit your friend? And
                         I just found out about Tim. 

               Lars holds up the PAPERS.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Why would you keep all of this a
                         secret?  I'm not even going to
                         pretend to understand the female
                         psyche. 

                                   JANE
                         Life is full of accidents Lars. The
                         point is you have to stop and take
                         stock. Look around. See what you've
                         hit and CARE. Then at least the
                         tragedy has a purpose! You just
                         keep bulldozing. It's not my job to
                         clean up your mistakes!

                                   LARS
                         Why did you ask me to move in then? 

                                   JANE
                         Because I was alone. Because Tim
                         and I are broken and I needed your
                         fortitude... I needed family.
                         (Beat) Sadly, you come with an ego
                         the size of China. 

               Jane softens.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         And I wanted to help you. You and
                         your lonely life. And then when
                         Shep came... 

               Jane turns to Shep and then back to Lars.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         We're all we've got. And I'm not
                         perfect. And I need you guys. Now
                         more than ever. 

               Lars moves towards her and hugs her. Jane punches him in the
               chest. He holds her and she keeps punching him as she cries.
               He just holds on.

                                   LARS
                         Jane. I'm really sorry. If you had
                         told me, I would have helped. Call
                         me out. Stand up for it Jane.

                                   JANE
                         Just open your eyes! Have a clue!

               She sobs as Shep watches from the lawn.



               EXT JANE'S HOME - LATER 

               Lars walks outside on the back steps alone.

               Shep puts on his helmet sitting on his bike. 

                                   LARS
                         The superhero escapes?

               Shep revs his engine.

                                   SHEP
                         Something like that.

               Shep winces and then regains composure.

                                   SHEP (CONT'D)
                         She needs your confidence. You get
                         that?

                                   LARS
                         Starting to. What do YOU need?

                                   SHEP
                         I've got what I need. Going to head
                         up into the Appalachians. Always
                         wanted to camp on top of
                         Tuckerman's. 

                                   LARS
                         OK then.

                                   SHEP
                         OK then.

               The brothers hug and Lars is reluctant to let go.

               Shep throws Lars a bag of pot and backs up his bike.

               He speeds off. Lars sits alone on the steps.

               Jane walks out with a container of Wagon Wheel cookies and
               sits next to him.

                                   JANE
                         He's gone again.

                                   LARS
                         Yup. (Beat) Being the baby.... He
                         got to skip the complications.

                                   JANE
                         True. 

                                   LARS
                         Did you meet someone else? Is that
                         why you're leaving Tim?

                                   JANE
                         Eventually. But now I ruined that
                         too.

                                   LARS
                         We all make choices Jane. They
                         don't stop coming at you. When they
                         do, you're dead.

                                   JANE
                         I wish the choices were more black
                         and white.

                                   LARS
                         Trust your instincts. That's one
                         thing I've got down. And if the
                         choice doesn't workout, make
                         another one.

               Lars looks at his watch.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Shit. I have to make a call.



               INT JANE'S KITCHEN - NEXT MORNING

               Jane in full mother mode makes breakfast reminiscent of the
               opening scene. This time fresh and engaged. She notices an
               empty used coffee mug on the counter and looks at the stairs.

                                   JANE
                         Poppy, love the outfit.

               Poppy cracks a big toothless smile.

                                   POPPY
                         Uncle Shep says it's cool to wear
                         two shirts at the same time. Can I
                         wake him up now?

                                   JANE
                         Remember I told you he would only
                         be here a few days? 

               The kids frown.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         He left you a little present. Just
                         for you guys. Not for me.

               Poppy rips open the package and out pours pages of Tattoos. 

                                   POPPY
                         Wow! Tatoos! Wait until I show Dad.

                                   JANE
                         Yeah and Dad will be here this
                         weekend so you can paste them all
                         over him.

                                   POPPY
                         Hoorah!

                                   JANE
                         Let's go. Everyone out the door.
                         Going to be late again.



               INT HOSPITAL - LATER SAME MORNING

               Jane walks the corridor of the hospital and greets the
               regular nurses on duty. She arrives at Maria's room. 

               She jumps and covers her mouth in shock.

               Maria eats breakfast and smiles broadly when she sees Jane.

                                   JANE
                         You're awake! Oh my God. You're
                         awake!

               Jane rushes to hug her. Maria eats eggs and tries to speak
               and chew while being hugged.

                                   MARIA
                         Whoa! My legs don't move yet.
                         Doctor says it will take some work
                         but it'll happen. 

               Jane refuses to let go of Maria.

                                   JANE
                         Are you in pain? 

                                   MARIA
                         Not if you let me go. 

                                   JANE
                         Maria. (Beat) There's something I
                         have to tell you.

                                   MARIA
                         There's more? Honey, all I want to
                         know is WHAT happened? 

                                   JANE 
                             (in awe)
                         You could hear me?

               Maria digs into her eggs some more. 

                                   MARIA
                         Every last juicy detail. I hope you
                         took the dive. Starving!

               Jane squirms.

                                   JANE
                         Maria... My brother is the one who
                         hit you. (Beat) How random is that?
                         He has to take out the one person
                         who is helping me in all of Boston.

                                   MARIA
                         Jane...(Deadpan) It wasn't pre
                         meditated. It was an accident. He's
                         just lucky he's still in one piece.
                         I thought Bud would've killed him
                         by now.

                                   JANE
                         You don't hate me? 

                                   MARIA
                         You didn't hit me?

                                   JANE
                         What are you Buddha?

                                   MARIA
                             (self deprecating)
                         Your brother came by early this
                         morning. Brought me those flowers.
                         Shitty driver but great taste! 

               Jane stands jaw dropped. 

                                   JANE
                         Lars came by? Here?

               Jane lowers herself onto the bedside, processing.

                                   MARIA
                         Stop worrying about everyone else
                         Jane. Just live your life. It's a
                         beautiful thing when you do.

                                   JANE
                         You're back! What do YOU need. Tell
                         me. 

                                   MARIA
                         Coffee and People Magazine.



               INT JANE'S KITCHEN - SAME DAY

               Jane walks into her kitchen with the kids in tow carrying
               paper grocery bags.

               There is a huge bouquet of flowers with a card.

               Jane opens them in haste. She reads the note.

                                   SHEP  (V.O.)
                         Jane, Life is short. Take the dive.
                         Love Shep

               The phone rings. Poppy answers.

                                   POPPY
                         Hello. She's busy putting the
                         groceries...

               Jane takes the phone gingerly from Poppy.

                                   JANE
                         Hello? 
 

               INT LARS OFFICE - SAME DAY

               The deal team stands staring at the pie charts on the white
               board. A table strewn with old coffee cups, half eaten
               sandwiches and Coke cans behind them. 

               Lars walks in on the phone.

                                   LARS
                             (to the caller)
                         Come to the second floor.

               Lars turns to the group.

                                   CLAIRE
                         I hope you've found someone.
                         Everyone we called is afraid to
                         talk. Too much press.

                                   LARS
                         I'm not sure this will work. Get
                         ready for fireworks.

               IN WALKS BUD, cleanly showered and shaven in his Red Sox cap
               and jeans.

               Lars extends his hand. Bud refuses the handshake.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         You can save a lot of jobs and
                         still hate me. 

                                   BUD
                         I do hate you. But it's not always
                         about you.

               Lars turns to the group. Claire's jaw drops.

                                   LARS
                         This is Bud Meriopolus. He's been
                         with the paper since he was 15.
                         Works in property management but
                         knows the place inside and out. He
                         can help.

               Lars ushers Bud to the conference table and to Claire tries
               to gather her astonishment.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         This is Claire. She's the one
                         person in here who can save jobs
                         and still look good to an investor.
                         Get cozy... You have two hours.

               Claire leans into Bud and whispers something. Bud listens.

               Liz escorts Lars aside and whispers.

                                   LIZ
                         We're short.

                                   LARS
                         What?

                                   LIZ
                         We're short funding for the buy. 

                                   LARS
                         How much?

                                   LIZ
                         Twenty million.

                                   LARS
                         Can't we outsource segments? Stock
                         options?

                                   LIZ
                         It's too tight. We need another
                         backer and there is no way we can
                         get another backer at this hour.
                         Bids are due by 3 PM.

                                   LARS
                         Fuck the leak. It killed us. 

               Lars gets back on his phone.  Liz quietly collects her things
               and walks into the hallway.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Pete. Did you see the front page
                         today? You want in now? (Pause)
                         Walter's missing key information.
                         You'll have to trust me.

               Bud walks up to Lars and stands an inch from his face. Lars
               juggles the call and Bud.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         You're in? Great. You won't be
                         sorry Pete. Thank you. I owe you.

               Lars hangs up the phone and turns to the group.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Peyton Partners are in with 50
                         million.
                         Word on the street is that we're
                         getting the deal. They want in. 

               Bud clears his throat, immobile. 

               Lars spins around to face him again and lays his PHONE on
               Scott's desk.

                                   BUD
                         I want to be paid... I think you
                         call it "consulting".

               Lars shoots a look at Claire who is shrugs coyly.

                                   LARS
                         Bud. What's your number.  

                                   BUD
                         I want 100K... Cash. And I'm still
                         going to sue your ass. But I want
                         to earn something for Maria...

               Lars looks visibly hurt and interrupts him.

                                   LARS
                         Deal. 

               Silence.

               Lars snaps into operation.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Let's get this deal done. Claire,
                         what are we salvaging?

                                   CLAIRE
                         Was that a wince Lars? New
                         languages are so tough to acquire
                         later in life, aren't they?



               INT HALLWAY IN FRONT OF OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               Liz is on her cell phone.

                                   LIZ
                         Walter, they're short 20 million.
                         There's no way they can make it.
                         I'm on my way.



               INT WALTER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               Walter sits at his desk with his sleeves rolled up surrounded
               by older men in suits as he speaks to Liz on speaker phone.

                                   WALTER
                         Welcome back. (Beat) Lars always
                         knew how to get a deal over the
                         goal line. But he's cocky. He'll
                         have a hard time raising that much.



               INT LARS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               Liz walks back into the office and grabs her bag and gently
               slips her glass bird on her desk into her bag using both
               hands, leaving her phone on the desk.



               INT LARS OFFICE - HOUR LATER

               Lars and Claire stand over dishevelled Scott, who manipulates
               computer spread sheets on his computer. 

               Bud sits at the conference table flipping awkwardly through
               the stash of money in an envelope.

               Once counted, Bud gets up and walks out quietly.

                                   SCOTT
                         There. That's the one. 

               Scott clicks the mouse one last time.

                                   SCOTT (CONT'D)
                         Sent.

               Lars checks his watch.

                                   LARS
                         Where's Liz?

                                   SCOTT
                         She left a minute ago. 

               A blackberry rings on Liz's desk. There is confusion over
               phones as Scott has one on his.

               Lars picks it up.

                                   LARS
                         Hello. Hello?

               Lars toggles down the phone. 

               He freezes.

               He slams his fist down on the desk.

                                   CLAIRE
                         What?

               He hands the ubiquitous BLACKBERRY PHONE to Claire. 

                                   LARS
                         (Deadpan)
                         This isn't my blackberry. It's
                         Liz's.

               Claire reads, her jaw drops and then she laughs.

                                   CLAIRE
                         She sold us out! That Bitch.

                                   LARS
                         I think I'm ready for drinks. Is it
                         too early for cocktails?

                                   SCOTT
                         Never too early.

               Scott pulls out a Jack Daniels bottle from under his desk.

                                   CLAIRE
                         You want to take another shot at
                         the numbers?

                                   LARS
                         No. I'm done. I've got nothing
                         left. Let's go.

               The group looks exhausted and demoralized.

                                   CLAIRE
                         I have to do something. Call me if
                         you get news. (Beat) Hey, however
                         you did it, bringing in Bud was a
                         bold and clever move. 

               Lars refuses her decline and grabs her arm.

                                   LARS
                         You're coming. One drink. 

                                   CLAIRE
                         I'll catch up. 

               Claire removes his hand softly and grabs her coat.

                                   SCOTT
                         I'm in!

                                   LARS
                         Scott, UPS Liz's phone to Walter
                         and stuff the envelope with a bomb.

                                   SCOTT
                         Done.



               INT POPPY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Jane snuggles into Poppy's twin bed with her two children.
               The kids are cleanly bathed in pajamas. Jane wears party
               clothes. 

               Shep lies like a dog as Jane reads the Wizard of Oz.

                                   JANE
                         "I'm going to ask him to send Toto
                         and me back to Kansas," added
                         Dorothy. "Do you think Oz could
                         give me courage?" Asked the Lion.
                         "Just as easily as he could give me
                         brains," said the Scarecrow.

               Tish arrives as the bedroom door.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         OK, little wizards, Tish is going
                         to take over from here. Let's wake
                         up Uncle Shep. He's taking me out
                         on the town!

               The children giggle and crawl all over Shep.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Sleep tight goddesses of the stars.
                         I love you.



               INT JAZZ BAR - CONTINUOUS

               Edna and young COWORKERS sway to music in a dark sultry Jazz
               bar while Josh plays Sax. 

               Shep and Jane order drinks at the bar. 

               Jane looks at the band and notices Josh on stage and tries to
               HIDE behind Shep.

                                   JANE
                         I know him. He hates me. He kicked
                         me out of a hair salon last week.

                                   SHEP
                         Who gets kicked out of a hair salon
                         rebel girl? 

               Shep keeps beat on the bar with his hands and zones.

                                   JANE
                             (Confessional)
                         He realized Lars was our brother...

               Jane takes a sip of the drink waiting for Shep to react. 

               She speaks louder over the music.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         The woman Lars hit is MY hair
                         dresser. 

                                   SHEP
                         This guy is good!

               Jane raises her voice even louder.

                                   JANE
                         Shep? Did you hear what I said? She
                         was MY hair dresser!!

                                   SHEP
                         Whoa. What's wrong little lady? 

               Edna and other stylists sit at a table across the room and
               she watches from the distance.

                                   JANE
                         She was... is a really good friend.
                         She knew all about Tim and I. 

               Jane hollers now.

                                   SHEP
                         Who's your good friend?

                                   JANE
                         God no one listens to me! Lars, he
                         HIT my friend. He wrecked my safety
                         zone! The woman Lars put into a
                         coma...

                                   SHEP
                             (Clues in, irony)
                         Lars doesn't know he hit your
                         girlfriend. (Beat) Dude?

                                   JANE
                         It's always that way. You know
                         that. He leads and we clean up the
                         mess.

                                   SHEP
                         What the fuck? Is that what you've
                         been doing all these years? You're
                         as bad as mom.

                                   JANE
                         What's that suppose to mean? I'm
                         not mom. I'm taking control now.
                         I'm not wasting my life away with
                         regret and anger! YOU'RE the one
                         who runs away!

                                   SHEP
                         Look, I'm just saying maybe if he
                         could see his collateral damage
                         (laughs) for once he might actually
                         give a flying fuck. Why don't you
                         stand up to him?

               She looks into her drink.

                                   JANE
                         Because I don't have real problems.
                         I got that memo.  

                                   SHEP
                         You do have problems! You're
                         getting divorced, your brother hit
                         your best friend!

                                   JANE
                         I just try to be grateful and keep
                         things calm. But when he hit Maria
                         it changed and I'm lonely!

               He hugs her.

                                   SHEP
                         I know you are. And for once I
                         think Lars may be taking the blame
                         for someone else... This is just
                         one big road trip to redemption! 

               Shep grabs Jane and heads toward the exit.

               Josh walks off the stage and turns to Edna.

                                   JOSH
                         Did you see that? I told you, that
                         woman is an emotional wreck.

                                   EDNA
                         You know Josh, a silver thread can
                         get as tangled up as a thick old
                         rope. 

                                   JOSH
                         Last time I checked, a silver
                         string comes with a Tiffany box. 

                                   EDNA
                         Thoreau.. It's never too late to
                         give up our prejudices.



               INT HIGH END HOTEL BAR - EVENING

               Lars sits at a five star hotel bar with Scott over drinks on
               the rocks. 

                                   SCOTT
                         Even if we don't get it, we're
                         playing with the big sharks! 

                                   LARS
                         Big sharks bite. 

               Scott stretches out his arms across the leather back chair.

                                   SCOTT
                         But you get to live like this. I'll
                         take it.

                                   LARS
                         You think tearing down people's
                         livelihoods to up yours is
                         glamorous? 

               Lars pounds back his drink motioning for a second.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Learn the craft. That's
                         interesting. Architect the deal -
                         that's interesting. But taking
                         people's jobs sucks.

                                   SCOTT
                         Then why do you do it? 

               Lars looks around for Claire and checks his phone.

                                   LARS
                         Great question. (Beat) Let me know
                         if you hear anything. I'm going
                         home.

                                   SCOTT
                         You mean your sister's?

                                   LARS
                             (laughs)
                         Yeah. My sister's. 

                                   SCOTT
                         Dude, you gotta change that. Maybe
                         you should just stay here tonight.
                         (Hyped smile of horny youth) See
                         those cougars at the bar?  

                                   LARS
                         Yeah, you're right. I do have to do something.

               Lars slaps him on the back. He lays down some bills.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         See ya kid.



               INT CLAIRE'S CAR - CONTINUOUS

               Claire parked in a BMW is on her phone.

                                   CLAIRE (O.C.)
                         Ted, it's Claire. 



               INT FORMAL TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               TED, an attractive businessman in his 50s, walks away from a
               formal living room in a townhouse on his phone excusing
               himself from a cocktail party.

                                   TED (O.C.)
                         Claire. Just a minute...



               INT LIBRARY OF A FORMAL HOME - CONTINUOUS

               Ted closes the door to his wood panelled library.

                                   TED (O.C.)
                         It's good to hear your voice. 

                                   CLAIRE (O.S.)
                             (Ironic)
                         To fuel your... (Beat)
                         Look. There's a bid coming in on
                         the Post deal from a new young firm
                         run by Lars Tanin.

                                   TED (O.C.)
                         Ah. Walter's prodigy?

                                   CLAIRE (O.C.)
                         It's a good bid. Just make sure it
                         gets the right eyes. 

                                   TED (O.S.)
                         Did you touch it?

                                   CLAIRE
                         Yes.

                                   TED
                         I would do anything for you, and
                         that instinct of yours is usually
                         right.  

                                   CLAIRE (O.C.)
                         Just look at it.

                                   TED (O.C.)
                         Maybe one day you'll forgive me
                         (pause). I miss you Claire. How
                         about dinner?

                                   CLAIRE (O.C.)
                             (Quietly)
                         You've got a family, remember? Good
                         night Ted.

               Claire sits in the dark of her car in silence.

 

               EXT JANE'S HOME - NIGHT

               Shep shovels snow in the driveway. 

               Lars drives in. His BEAM LIGHTS shine on Shep. They stare at
               each other for a long time. Lars gets out dressed in a formal
               business attire.

                                   SHEP
                         Big day at work honey?

                                   LARS
                         Some of us work for a living. Got
                         another shovel? 

               Shep throws him his shovel and cracks open a beer from the
               snow bank. Lars begins to competitively shovel in bare hands.

                                   SHEP
                         Don't kill yourself. It'll melt
                         tomorrow. Want these?

               Shep offers his GLOVES.

                                   LARS
                         No. (Grunts) I got it.

                                   SHEP
                         Why are you such a DICK?

                                   LARS
                         Here we go.

                                   SHEP
                         No really. Take my gloves tough
                         guy.

                                   LARS
                         Are those beggar gloves? Look, I
                         know you want a fight. That's why
                         you've come here isn't it?

                                   SHEP
                         No. That's not why.

                                   LARS
                         Really? Then why? To join the
                         family drama.

                                   SHEP
                         You're such an asshole.

               Shep shakes his head and swigs his beer. 

                                   LARS
                         I've heard that before... So why
                         now after five years of silence?

                                   SHEP
                         Dad.

                                   LARS
                         Dad? Is this your last chance at
                         redemption?

                                   SHEP
                         No. It's yours Lars. Maybe you
                         could surrender to that ego you've
                         been carrying since 4th grade.

                                   LARS
                         My ego? A few sessions with a good
                         shrink and you might get a life.

               Shep looks like he wants to punch him.

                                   SHEP
                         He waited for you Lars. He waited
                         and you didn't show up. 

                                   LARS
                         What the hell are you talking
                         about?

                                   SHEP
                         Dad. He lay there dying waiting for
                         you. Too fuckin busy with your
                         life.

                                   LARS
                         Dad died immediately from a heart
                         attack. I called Mom as soon as I
                         got the message.

                                   SHEP
                         Right. That's the party line custom
                         made for "our Lars". 

               Lars stops shoveling and lifts the shovel in the air.

                                   LARS
                         Are you telling me that Dad knew he
                         was sick?

               He moves towards Shep. Shep points at the shovel.

                                   SHEP
                         You might want to ditch the shovel?
                         You already have one person in a
                         comma.

               Lars lurches at him. They start to fight on the ground.

               Jane sees them from the window and walks out in her pajamas
               and furry boots.

                                   JANE
                         Wait! Hey! Stop it. Please...

                                   LARS
                         You love this disaster scene don't
                         you? Come and weigh in on it all
                         with your free spirit panhandling.

               Has him in a neck hold on the ground but more like brothers
               than enemies. Shep is gasping. Jane pulls Lars off him.

                                   SHEP
                         No Lars. I'm trying to save you
                         from your own demise.  Have you
                         even fuckin apologized to her or
                         her family?

               Lars lets him go and stands back. 

                                   LARS
                         What did he say?

                                   SHEP
                         I said...

                                   LARS
                         No. Dad. What did HE say to you?

               Heavy breathing. Jane stands over them.

                                   SHEP
                         Dad said, I fucked up with Lars. I
                         drove him too hard. I made him
                         think he had to be someone. And now
                         it's too late to tell him to live
                         the life he wants. Now I've lost
                         him.

               Lars stumbles and sit down quiet in the snow.

                                   JANE
                         Shep... Stop. 

               Lars begins to mumble.

                                   LARS
                         Death only hurts a wasted life...
                         Those were her words.

               Jane sits down next to him. She shoots Shep an angry glare.

                                   JANE
                         Lars? Hey Lars. Whose words?

                                   LARS
                         Maria.

               Lars gets up and punches Shep in the arm. 

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Get the fuck in the car then hero.

                                   JANE
                         Where are you going? Wait. I can't
                         leave the kids alone. I want to
                         come too! Why am I always the one
                         who has to be responsible! 

               The brothers get into Lars sports car.

               Jane, left standing in the snow, takes a swig of beer.



               EXT NORTH END BUD AND MARIA'S HOME - EVENING

               Shep and Lars stand at the front door of Maria's house. 

               Lars claps his gloves together, shifting. 

               A younger version of Maria, her SISTER, answers. She only
               opens the door half way, shy.

                                   SISTER
                         Can I help you?

               Lars stalls. Shep steps in.

                                   SHEP
                         Bud. Bud Meriopolus. Is Bud home?

                                   SISTER
                         No. No. He's at the bar down at the
                         corner. 

               She points down the street.

                                   SISTER (CONT'D)
                         Sonny's. You'll find him there.

               Lars keeps staring at her and finally speaks.

                                   LARS
                         How is she?

                                   SISTER
                         The same.

                                   LARS
                         I'm very sorry. It was an accident.

                                   SISTER
                         I know. Goodnight.

               She shuts the door.



               INT OF SONNY'S BAR - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING

               A smoke filled billiards bar sidelined with a few jackpot
               terminals. At a table with two other MEN, Bud drinks.

               Lars and Shep scan the bar just as Bud squares in on the
               misfits, slightly drunk.

               Bud gets up and lurches at Lars.

                                   BUD
                         You mother fucker. 

               Bud comes flying at him with a fist. Shep blocks him and then
               the TWO OTHER MEN jump in. A full bar brawl erupts.

               A hot, ball breaking waitress hustles into the mess and
               screams.

                                   WAITRESS
                         Keep your fuckin hands in your
                         pants or I'm calling the cops.

               Bud's friends pull him back. He hollers and spits at Lars.

                                   BUD
                         I oughta kill you right here.

                                   WAITRESS
                         Bud. Sit down. Maria would KILL you
                         if she saw you like this.

                                   BUD
                         Well she ain't here thanks to this
                         bastard.

               Lars wipes his bleeding lip and speaks mid breath.

                                   LARS
                         Look. 

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         I came to say I'm sorry. 

                                   BUD
                         Sorry? Sorry your rich ass is on
                         the line.

                                   LARS
                         I realize I've caused you a lot of
                         pain. But I didn't mean to hurt
                         anyone. I want to help.

                                    BUD
                         If I see you again... I'll kill
                         you.

               Bud brushes off his friends and hollers to the waitress.

                                   BUD (CONT'D)
                         Put their beer on my bill. Tell
                         Maria I bought the fuckers a drink.

               He slams the door hard behind him as he exits the bar.

               Lars and Shep collapse in chairs.

                                   SHEP
                         I think that went well.

               The waitress comes over to Lars and Shep with two beer.

                                   WAITRESS
                         He loves that woman. Known her
                         since they were kids. An honest
                         man. Works hard at the POST and
                         loves his wife.

                                   LARS
                         The Post? Boston Post?

                                   WAITRESS
                         Yeah. You think he got that press
                         on you with money? (Laughs) We "the
                         people" have our breaks too you
                         know.

                                   LARS
                             (laser sharp)
                         What's he do at the Post?

                                   WAITRESS
                         Maintenance or something. Been with
                         the paper since I knew him. And
                         that was 20 years ago. Everyone
                         there owes Bud a favor.

               Shep takes a swig of the beer.

                                   SHEP
                         Gacias lady... Do you think he'd
                         throw in a burger on that tab? I'm
                         starving!

                                   WAITRESS
                         She winks at Shep.

               Lars hands her a few twenty dollar bills.

                                   LARS
                         We'll take a few more rounds and a
                         burger.



               INT LARS OFFICE - NEXT DAY

               Lars in jeans and unshaven calls his team up on the phone. 

               Montage shows him calling to wake up Scott. Then Liz. Then he
               calls Claire. 

                                   LARS
                         I need you in the office now.



               INT CLAIRE'S CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN - MORNING

               Claire awake and reading the morning papers with coffee in
               hand and very lounge pajamas. 

                                   CLAIRE
                         Are you sick? Or are you one of
                         these annoying people who never
                         sleeps?

                                   LARS
                         Neither. Can you get in here. We
                         need to restructure the pitch.

                                   CLAIRE
                         Last night your words were "Baked"
                         and you kicked me out of the
                         kitchen. Did you read the Journal
                         yet today? 

                                   LARS
                         No. 

                                   CLAIRE
                         Multiple bids now. It's a long
                         shot. I'm telling you there's a
                         social angle to this. 

                                   LARS
                         You're right. And I need your help. 

               Claire hears humility in his voice for the first time.

                                   CLAIRE
                         OK. Last chance rock star.



               EXT FRONT OF BROWNSTONE - CONTINUOUS

               Claire stands outside her flat and gets in the cab waiting
               for her. She is collected, stylish and on top of her game.



               INT LARS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               Lars hangs up and stares out the window. 

               Scott startles Lars carrying a Dunkin Donut box and coffee.

                                   SCOTT
                         Whoa! Nice punch. What happened to
                         you? Did they send a bunch of thugs
                         to take you out?

                                   LARS
                         There's a stack of numbers I need
                         you to crunch on your desk.

                                   SCOTT
                         For some reason, I look up to you.
                         Whatta ya got this time Ace?

               The two of them pour over the papers as more of the team roll
               into the office bleary eyed, there are about 10 staff now.

                                   LARS
                         Save some jobs. The Post is like
                         the Sox. It's in their blood and if
                         we kill the players, they will
                         never take our bid. I printed out
                         every division we're cutting,
                         charted years with the company,
                         department history, family
                         situation, last raise....

               Scott stares at him in disbelief.

                                   SCOTT
                         Are you sick? That blow to the
                         head?

                                   LARS
                         No. I'm not sick.

               Lars chugs back more water and aspirin. Then chases it with
               coffee.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         And it's about the bid. We won't
                         get the paper without a socially
                         responsible bid.

                                   SCOTT
                         Possessed? (Bellows)
                         Would the real Lars Tanin please
                         act like a DICK!

               Claire walks in and slams the dailies on Lars' desk.

                                   CLAIRE
                         We won't get the bid now anyway.
                         Your Alma mater just matched every
                         one of our offers. What the hell is
                         going on? 
 

 INT LARS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               Lars arrives back in the office. Everyone looks spent.

                                   CLAIRE
                         The LA Times just placed a bid and
                         is printing all competitive
                         numbers, including ours, in
                         tomorrow's paper.

                                   LARS
                         Come again?

                                   SCOTT
                         Someone leaked our bid.

                                   LARS
                         This is when it gets exciting
                         folks. If someone in here leaked
                         this... Watch your back. 

               Everyone looks around the small group. Lars operates.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Scott, what'd they offer?

                                   SCOTT
                         They're playing a social card.
                         Promise to protect more jobs than
                         anyone else by moving groups around
                         their papers.

                                   LARS
                         Bullshit. They'll fire more because
                         they can consolidate the two. 

               He shoots a look at Claire and hands her a red marker.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Ready? May I present our resident
                         social conscience. Professor, your
                         Kennedy School dogma just found an
                         audience.

                                   CLAIRE
                         We LIBERALS like to think people
                         are generally good Lars and that
                         life is just messy. 

               Claire erases all his charts. 

                                   CLAIRE (CONT'D)
                         However, you may be the first to
                         debunk that theory.

               Liz crosses her arms in the corner like a jilted lover. 



               INT RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS

               Jane and Dan are at dinner in a small Italian Trattoria. She
               peppers him with questions.

                                   JANE
                         What about the scale of the model?
                         Did they like it?

                                   DAN
                         Couldn't keep their eyes off you.

               She scolds.

                                   JANE
                         And the rest of the panel? Did they
                         like the drawings?

                                   DAN
                         What drawings? (Beat) Oh those.
                         They were good. Everyone bought
                         into the whole books FETISH. 

               Jane reaches for her water and knocks over her glass of wine. 

                                   JANE
                         AH! You make me nervous. You always
                         have.

               Jane grabs napkins to clean it up as waiters arrive.

               Dan sits back and laughs.

               Jane apologizes as waiters create an oasis of calm around
               her, laying down fresh napkins, silver ware.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         It's just you have this incredible
                         portfolio of work... I just want
                         some of that 20 years later.

                                   DAN
                         You're raising two kids alone.
                         That's pretty amazing to me. 

                                   JANE
                         Right, I'm getting a real A+ on
                         that right now. 

                                   DAN
                         Why do you say that? 

                                   JANE
                         I'm wreaking havoc in my family
                         life. (Ironic) It really helps the
                         kids flourish when you and your
                         husband separate.

                                   DAN
                         My parents split when I was eight
                         and it has its pros.

                                   JANE
                         Yeah, 40 and single. Great result.

               She waves her hand at him.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         I'm sorry.

                                   DAN
                         I was married. It didn't work. We
                         had different goals and hers
                         involved her professor. (Beat)
                         Work's been my muse. 

               He leans into her and grabs her hand.

                                   DAN (CONT'D)
                         Jane. Let's get out of here.

                                   JANE
                         I can't. I'm incapable right now.
                         I'm really confused and vulnerable
                         and tired and...

                                   DAN
                         And beautiful.

                                   JANE
                         That kiss (shakes her head) In one
                         short moment, you rocked my world.
                         But then I thought about it.

                                   DAN
                         Ah. Thinking... Bad.

                                   JANE
                         It's just lust. 
                             (Speaks quickly)
                         I'm the troubled heroine, you're
                         the hero here to bring me out of my
                         chaos. We start to collaborate on a
                         shared passion. It's textbook!

               He reaches across and kisses her again. 

                                   DAN
                             (whispers)
                         If it's textbook, then let's go.

                                   JANE
                         Believe me. I want to. I just
                         can't.

                                   DAN
                         Come with me.



               INT BEDROOM IN DAN'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

               He lays her down on his bed and begins to kiss her from her
               neck down. They make love and it is passionate and intense.



               EXT DAN'S HOUSE - EVENING

               Jane puts her coat on. She turns to walk out the front door. 

               Dan pulls her back assertively. 

                                   DAN
                         You're a beautiful woman Jane. 

               Jane touches his lips and leaves without a word.



               INT JANE'S MASTER BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Jane turns on the bath in her bathroom. She strips off her
               clothes and then smells them around the collar, down the
               sleeves in search of something. She gets into the bath and
               lets the water pour over her knees. She sobs.



               INT JANE'S KITCHEN - NEXT DAY

               Lars stands in the kitchen as Jane ushers the kids through
               their morning routine.

               Lars riffles for Jane's wallet on the counter for money. 

               Jane grabs his hand. 

                                   JANE
                             (Harshly)
                         Hey? 

               Lars shrugs with a smile. 

                                   LARS
                         I'm late and I need some cash. 

                                   JANE
                         Presumptuous?

                                   LARS
                         It's just money. I'll double it
                         later. 

                                   JANE
                         Yeah, it's money. You could ask. 

                                   LARS
                         Tim makes a good salary. Here, cash
                         this then. 

               Lars writes her a check for twice the amount. 

               Jane looks indignant.

               Shep wanders in half asleep and dressed only from the bottom
               down with a big stretch watching.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         And I'm checking into a hotel.

                Lars walk out the door.

               Jane stares out the window watching as he gets into his
               sports car.

                                   POPPY
                         Is that stealing?

                                   JANE
                         No Poppy. It's entitlement. Let's
                         get you to school buttercup.

                                   SHEP
                         Guess the Four Seasons was full.

               Jane looks at him confused. 

                                   JANE
                         You know he's really starting to
                         piss me off! He operates like we're
                         all props. I know there's more in
                         there. 

                                   SHEP
                         No there's not. (Shep covers
                         Poppy's ears) He's an asshole.
                         Realize that and it will be easier.

                                   JANE
                         Do you really believe that?

               Shep wraps his arms around her side by side.

                                   SHEP
                         No. But softens the rejection.
                         (Beat) Now what's for breakfast
                         little sister?

                                   POPPY
                         Can I stay home?

                                   JANE
                         No. Or you'll end up like him. 



               INT LARS OFFICE - DAY

               Lars stands over Claire's desk.

                                   LARS
                         The numbers don't work your way. We
                         can't fit them all in. We have to
                         cut the old timers.

                                   CLAIRE
                         Cut half. Cut them all and you'll
                         end up with a revolt.

                                   LARS
                         Cut them all and the revolt will be
                         external not internal.

               Lars walks off. Claire shakes her head and grabs her bag.

                                   CLAIRE
                         I guess my job's done.



               INT JANE'S HOME OFFICE - DAY

               Jane sketches in her office, light pouring in. The phone
               rings. She stares at it angry at the interruption. She
               hesitates.

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         Hello?

                                   DAN (O.S.)
                         Hey. How are you?

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         Just trying to lose myself in the
                         structure of drafting.



               INT DAN'S OFFICE - DAY

               Dan leans back in his office chair.

                                   DAN (O.C.)
                         I want to see you again tonight.

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         I can't.

                                   DAN (O.S.)
                         Tomorrow night?

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         My brothers are both staying here
                         and I think a storm is brewing.

                                   DAN (O.S.)
                         Men like to fight it out. Come out
                         with me. Leave them to solve it
                         over beer and football.

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         It's that simple for men.

                                   DAN (O.S.)
                         Pretty much. But you help. The
                         Goddess role is under valued these
                         days. 

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         I think most of my friends would
                         say Goddess powers disappeared a
                         few centuries ago. 

                                   DAN (O.S.)
                         I think yours are in tact. (Pause)
                         I can't stop thinking about you,
                         how you felt. 

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         God Dan. I have to go. I can't do
                         this right now. I'm sorry. 

               Jane hangs up and leans back in her chair.

 

               INT HALLWAY OF JANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

               Jane comes out of Poppy's bedroom in her pajamas holding a
               flashlight in the middle of the night. She hears a loud yell.
               She turns and walks towards the Guest Room. 


               INT GUEST ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Lars sits up in bed. Jane stands over him with her flashlight
               on him.

                                   JANE
                         You OK?

                                   LARS
                         Yeah. What time is it?

               Jane flashes the light on his clock and then on him.

                                   JANE
                         4 am. Wow you're really sweating.
                         Are you sick?

                                   LARS
                         God, I saw the woman I hit. You
                         were with her in this field and...

                                   JANE
                         Go on...

               Jane flashes the light in his eyes again.

                                   LARS
                         Shit Jane.  What's with the
                         flashlight! 

                                   JANE
                         What happened after that?

               Lars shrugs and comes back into his ego.

                                   LARS
                         That was it. Just a weird dream.

               She then crawls up on his bed and sits next to him.

                                   JANE
                         Lars, maybe there's a message for
                         you in this whole thing. Do you
                         ever think of that?...

                                   LARS
                         No. Life is random. You just move
                         forward and make decisions.
                         Sometimes you win, sometimes you
                         lose.

               He pats her knee and then he turns his back to her.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         I need some sleep. Goodnight Janie.

               Jane gets up but stands at his door watching over him
               defeated.



               INT LARS OFFICE - FEW DAYS LATER

               Lars walks around the office, shouts game plans, and writes
               on a white board with Liz and Scott paying close attention.

                                   LARS
                         If we buy them for $600 million and
                         then sell this division at $120
                         million, this one at $250, reduce
                         costs by closing these three, then
                         we can be up before the ink is dry.

                                   LIZ
                             (scoffs)
                         These divisions have been with the
                         paper since inception. You will
                         need to account for severance. They
                         will not accept us if we are too
                         harsh.

                                   LARS
                         Who brought the fun police? Did you
                         read your job description Liz?
                         Mergers and takeovers.

               Liz looks annoyed. 

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         OK, so Scott take a look at
                         comparable severance and get me
                         numbers by this afternoon. 

               Claire walks in with the Professor. Everyone stands.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Team meet Professor Claire Stedman
                         and Professor Taylor. Stedman
                         worked on the AOL/Time casualty.
                         With war wounds like that, we can
                         all learn from her.

               Liz sits back down in her chair if claiming her territory.

               Lars' phone rings and he turns his back to the group.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Jane? Look it's not a good time.
                         Call your husband. 

               He hangs up.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         OK, where were we?



               INT KITCHEN IN JANE HOME - DAY

               Jane impatiently dials her phone. 

                                   JANE
                         I cannot believe he just hung up!

               She dials another number.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         BEEP. Hey Sadie, my sitter has to
                         leave in two hours. If I'm stuck
                         can I drop them off again? I know I
                         owe you.

               Dials another number annoyed. Phone rings and rings.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Lars, I have to present drawings
                         tonight. Please be here. Please            
                         leave by seven.

               The dog whines at the door. Jane talks to him.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         OK. I know boy... I'm coming.

               Jane hollers to sitter from doorway.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Tish, I'm just taking the dog out. 

               Jane opens it to let him out.


               EXT JANE'S HOME - CONTINUOUS

               Sitting on Jane's back steps is SHEP, 33, eating an apple and
               clad in attitude with his motorcycle parked in the driveway.

                                   SHEP
                         Baby girl. Comos das? 

                                   JANE
                         Shep? What are you doing here?

               Jane gives him an enormous hug reserved for kid brothers.


               INT DINER - CONTINUOUS

               Shep and Jane sit in a retro diner over lunch. His shaggy
               hair matches his free spirited good looks. Jane opens her
               wallet and pushes bills across the table.

                                   JANE
                         How much do you need?

               He pushes it back at her.

                                   SHEP
                         Lunch is on me. That's not why I'm
                         here. 

                                   JANE
                         OK. Then why are you here?

                                   SHEP
                         How about a family love in? Rumor
                         has it Lars is in residence.

               She looks at him with slit eyes, warily.

                                   JANE
                         A love in? You think our family is
                         completely fucked, except Mom of
                         course. You disdain every choice
                         Lars and I ever made?

                                   SHEP
                         And there's still time. I've come
                         to win you over to the other side.

                                   JANE
                         Buddha was a loner. Your type
                         actually likes being alone. You
                         have another motive?(Beat) How did
                         you hear about Lars? Does Mom know?

                                   SHEP
                         Where's the trust, sista... She
                         doesn't need to know. But I do know
                         Tim is back in Ohio for a stretch.
                         (Beat) Talk to me Janie. I knew
                         Lars would self combust at some
                         point but what's going on with you?

                                   JANE
                         Your life is easy Shep. No kids, no
                         house, no job, no marriage. Just
                         you and your music. Maybe you're
                         enlightened because Mom loved you
                         more. 

                                   SHEP
                         Poppy is pretty damn great. I'd
                         take her. 

               Jane's eyes mist.

                                   JANE
                         It's so hard Shep. I wanted it to
                         work but I'm making a mess. What if
                         they hate me for it.

               Shep jumps over the table to her side of the booth and tilts
               her chin.

                                   SHEP
                         Hey, I'm here to help. No kid ever
                         hates a mother who has her own
                         life. They idolize her.

               Jane wipes her nose on his sleeve.

                                   JANE
                         Can you baby-sit tonight?

                                   SHEP
                         I am all about the Manny! I've got
                         a gig at 11. Can you be back by
                         then late night party girl?

               She sits in his arms for a long while. 


               INT RESTAURANT - DAY

               Claire and Lars eat at a deli in Harvard Square. As they get
               up, a BUS BOY comes to clear. Lars does a double take. The
               BUS BOY glares at him.

                                   LARS
                         You're the valet?

                                   BUS BOY
                         You asshole. You tried to stiff me
                         with that accident!

               He looks like he's going to punch him.

                                   LARS
                         No. No man. I came to find you and
                         they wouldn't give me your number.

                                   BUS BOY
                         They fired me. Now I do this. Ever
                         cleared fuckin tables! 

                                   LARS
                         I'm really sorry. I wasn't
                         thinking. The keys were a mistake.

                                   BUS BOY
                         Yeah. Well, your mistakes caused me
                         many problems!

               Lars hands him some money.

               Claire watches it all and grabs Lars.

                                   CLAIRE
                         Make a real difference Lars.

                                   LARS
                         I said I'm sorry.

                                   CLAIRE
                         Get his number. Change his days.

               He stares at her. And turns back to the kid.

                                   LARS
                         Come with me.

                                   BUS BOY
                         Why would I do that?

                                   LARS
                         Because I owe you.


               INT LARS OFFICE - EVENING

               Lars and Claire walk into the office with the VALET. Lars
               introduces him to Scott. 

                                   LARS
                         Scott, we have a new hire. He is
                         going to help run the office. Juan
                         Scott, Scott Juan.

               He turns to Juan.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Give me a chance. What did they pay
                         you at the valet job? I'll double
                         it.

                                   VALET
                         I don't like you. Why would I work
                         for you.

                                   LARS
                         Give me a chance. Work for her then.

               Lars sits down at his desk listens to voice mail. Claire
               shows Juan around.

               Liz watches from the printer. She picks up documents and
               slots them in a manila envelope sneakily.

               Lars hangs up the phone.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         I knew moving into her place was a
                         bad idea.

                                   CLAIRE
                         Girlfriend trouble?

               Claire prods.

                                   LARS
                         Yeah. My sister.

                                   CLAIRE
                         You live with your sister?

               Lars picks up her mocking tone.

                                   CLAIRE (CONT'D)
                         Of course you live with your
                         sister. It all makes sense.

                                   LARS
                         I've got to run a quick errand but
                         then let's go over these numbers
                         one more time. You're wrong about
                         the revenue split. (Beat) Liz?

               Liz looks up. Claire quips back.

                                   CLAIRE
                         You can't just fire 600 people Lars
                         and not expect it to affect your
                         brand in a city this size.

               Lars ignores her and looks at Liz.

                                   LARS
                         Come with me. I need a favor. 


               INT JANE'S KITCHEN - EVENING

               Lars and Liz walk into Jane's kitchen. 

               Liz, seriously annoyed, scowls at Lars.

                                   LIZ
                         You want me to baby sit?

                                   LARS
                         You might like it. Kids would be
                         good for you.

                                   LIZ
                         I left one of the best private
                         equity firms for you. You have
                         fuckin nerve.

               They run smack into Shep eating ice cream from a container. 

               Lars does a double take and is pissed.

                                   LARS
                         What are you doing here?

                                   SHEP
                             (Full grin)
                         Came to bail you out.

                                   LARS
                         No Shep. That's what we do for you. 

               He nods at the ice cream container.

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Hungry?

               Shep turns to Liz.

                                   SHEP
                         Same old Lars. Forgive my brother.
                         He went to Harvard. I'm Shep. 

                                   LIZ
                         This is your brother? Baby-sitting
                         just got better.

                                   LARS
                         Where's Jane?

                                   SHEP
                         On a hot date with her protractor.
                         I got it covered. 

                                   LARS
                         Great. We gotta go. Tell Jane I
                         came by.

               Liz stands completely amused.

               Shep puts his feet up on the counter finishing the carton.

                                   SHEP
                         Glad to be back on the ranch.

               Lars turns to Liz as they leave.

                                   LARS
                         Remind me to book a room at the
                         Four Seasons tonight.
 

               EXT CHARLES RIVER RUNNING PATH - LATE AFTERNOON

               Lars and Jane pant running along the Charles River. Jane
               stops and bends over to catch her breath.

                                   JANE
                         You always do this to me!

                                   LARS
                         It's good for you.

                                   JANE
                         You always say that. I have a
                         stitch. Ouch.

                                   LARS
                         Out of shape?

                                   JANE
                         I lift 40 pounds hourly and run
                         around after miniature tyrants all
                         day. 

                                   LARS
                         When's Tim back?

               Janes starts to run again.

                                   JANE
                             (dismissive) 
                         How did it go this morning? Are you
                         sure you want to jump back in? You
                         should go travel the world, find
                         yourself. 

                                   LARS
                         I may not come back. 

                                   JANE
                         That's a bad thing?

                                   LARS
                         I've spent years gaining this
                         expertise. It's what I'm good at. 

                                   JANE
                         Or what you know.

               Jane looks at her watch.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Shit. I have to go. I have to meet
                         someone in an hour.

                                   LARS
                         What? No home cooking tonight?

                                   JANE
                         Lars, you have to have a home for
                         home cooking. (Beat) Yours is what
                         I call a take-out life.

                                   LARS
                         Tough.

                                   JANE
                         I learned from a pro.

               Jane pushes him as she runs off but he doesn't laugh.



               EXT JFK FOUNTAIN - CONTINUOUS

               Lars runs onto the green lawn in front of the Kennedy School.
               He stops to tie his sneaker at the JFK fountain. 

               Claire walks by looking prettier than before and sees him.

                                   CLAIRE
                         You might want to read those words
                         while you're down there. 

               Lars reads the words under his foot. Claire recites them by
               heart.

                                   CLAIRE (CONT'D)
                         When at some future date the high
                         court of history sits in judgement 
                         on each of us... Were we truly men
                         of courage? Were we truly men of
                         judgment? ...

                                   LARS
                         Perfect. A crash course is saving
                         the world. 

                                   CLAIRE
                         Why are you such an asshole?

                                   LARS
                         Hey, I'm just a guy going on a run.
                         Maybe you should join me, run off
                         the anger.

                                   CLAIRE
                         I'm not angry. I just like you and
                         wish you were nicer. (Beat) I teach
                         in five. I gotta run.

               She walks off. He hollers back.

                                   LARS
                         What's the class?

                                   CLAIRE
                         Ethics and leadership.



               INT TAVERN HALL ONSITE - MAGIC HOUR

               Dan and Jane stand in a gutted tavern looking over the plans
               spread across a make shift table. 

                                   DAN
                         You can't add two windows if they
                         need to open this wall?

                                   JANE
                         I was trying to allow for light.

                                   DAN
                         In a tavern? People come here at
                         night. Don't forget function.

               Jane scribbles notes on the elevations.

                                   DAN (CONT'D)
                         You don't need these bookshelves
                         either. More room for tables.

               She stops suddenly.

                                   JANE
                         They stay.

               Dan is amused by her assertiveness.

                                   DAN
                         OK. Books stay.

               He moves closer to her, occupying her space.

                                   JANE
                         Everything I have ever designed has
                         room for books. 

                                   DAN
                         Books are good.

               Jane backs off and stretches her arms showing where they go
               in the actual room.

                                   JANE
                         They go right here.

               She turns back to him mid sentence. He kisses her. She does
               not refuse but then pulls back.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Wow.

                                   DAN
                         I had to do that. 

                                   JANE
                         I should go. Um. I should REALLY
                         go. (Nervously) Thanks for walking
                         me through this.

               She falls slightly off balance in her heels as she walks away
               quickly towards the door, fingers on lips. 



               EXT TAVERN - CONTINUOUS

               Jane walks briskly to her car. Dan follows close behind.

                                   DAN
                         Jane. Let me explain.

               Jane stops, turns towards him and kisses him passionately.
               They stand kissing against her car in the empty parking lot. 

                                   JANE
                         It wasn't suppose to feel
                         like that.

                                   DAN
                         But it did.

                                   JANE
                         Dan, I'm just kind of messed up
                         right now. It's not you... 

                                   DAN
                         I'm OK with messed up.

                                   JANE
                         I'm not.

               He rests back on his lone parked car as she drives away.



               INT HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

               Jane walks into Maria's hospital room. Maria lies still
               hooked up to the machines in a coma. 

               The room overflows with handmade paper mobiles. Jane paces
               back and forth by the bed.

                                   JANE
                         Well. It's all coming at me meteor
                         speed now. And you just lie here so
                         peaceful. Oh Maria, please wake up. 

               She props up the pillow behind her head and brushes back
               Maria's hair. Jane notices a bottle of pills next to her bed.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         I never knew I had missed out on it
                         until it showed up. 

               Jane reads the label and cracks open the bottle and swallows
               them with water, neurotic.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Go ahead - laugh. I'm a middle-aged
                         crisis aren't I? Who wouldn't like
                         it after a dozen years. 

               Jane picks up an unfinished mobile.

               She speaks quickly and busies her hands cutting.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         What if this is the authenticity
                         you look for in life? Who said you
                         find it at 25? Twenty five...
                         making all these major death 'til
                         us part decisions? Can you really
                         decide anything wisely at 25. I
                         paid my first cable bill at 25! I
                         got my first real job at 25 and
                         look how that turned out... It was
                         a really stupid job by the way.
                         Please wake up. I need you to tell
                         me it's going to be alright. I need
                         you to make it all charmic and
                         purposeful.

               Bud walks in. Jane jumps and nervously blurts. 

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Oh hello. I'm Jane. Maria cuts my
                         hair.

               Bud doesn't know what to do with her. Then he looks at the
               string of sketches in her hands.

                                   BUD
                         I'm Bud. Her husband.

                                   JANE
                         Your wife.. She's been a really
                         good friend to me... I try to keep
                         her compa... Um. I should probably
                         get going.

               Jane fumbles, hurriedly stuffing her art work into her bag.

                                   BUD
                         Are you the one who fixed this
                         place up?

               He glances at the half cut mobile on the table. 

                                   JANE
                         Yes. I... I hope you don't mind? I
                         just wanted to do something with my
                         hands... Nervous energy.

                                   BUD
                         It's real pretty. Thank you.

               Jane reaches out for his arm.

                                   JANE
                         I am so sorry. This must be awful
                         for you. 

                                   BUD
                         She's a fighter. I can't live
                         without her and she knows it ...
                         She'll wake up for me.

               Bud clears his throat. Jane nods her head knowingly and
               quietly excuses herself leaving Bud alone in the room.



               INT HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

               Jane stands at the elevator of the hospital wing. Her cell
               phone rings.

                                   JANE 
                         Hello? Almost... Present tomorrow?
                         (Pause) No. Dinner is probably a
                         bad idea. 

                                   DAN
                         You have to eat. That's not a bad
                         idea.

                                   JANE
                         Danger would be the first word that
                         comes to mind. I'll meet you there. 

               Jane hangs up and mumbles on the crowded elevator.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Anything to help me resist you.
                         Jane, stay focussed. A man is not
                         the solution.

 

 

               INT DINING ROOM IN JANE'S HOME - DAY

               Jane creates a tower of food that looks more like art than
               anything edible. Kids run around the kitchen after a plasma
               car, dog chasing.

               Lars stands at the kitchen island trying to manoeuvre a place
               to stand and read the paper.

                                   JANE
                         Welcome to chaos.

                                   LARS
                         Hey, why do you have my old medal? 

                                   JANE
                         Oh, Poppy's medal.

                                   LARS
                         My medal.

                                   JANE
                         You threw it out.

                                   LARS
                         I asked why you kept it?

                                   JANE
                         After all those cold Saturdays
                         watching you play, I deserved
                         something!

                                   LARS
                         Yeah, your grueling princess life.

               Lars moves over and grabs a beer from the fridge.

                                   JANE
                         Hey, we should build the kids a
                         tree house like ours this week.

                                   LARS
                         Actually, I plan to get office
                         space this week. There's a deal
                         coming down.

                                   JANE
                         That's a quick recovery.

                                   LARS
                         I'm not in recovery Jane. 

                                   JANE
                         You looked it holed up in your
                         hovel.

               Lars sits with the kids.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         I'm in start up mode too. I'm
                         submitting drawings for the
                         renovation of a historic tavern. 
                         They want a local architect.

                                   POPPY
                         Mommy, Hazel spilled her peas on
                         me. 

               Milk spills across the table. Hazel begins to cry. 

               Lars jumps up, visibly annoyed by the domesticity. Jane
               quickly lays out paper towel.

                                   JANE
                         Eat it before it gets cold.

               Lars sticks his fork into the tower of wonder making faces at
               Poppy who laughs in disgust.

                                   LARS
                         Well you never could cook. Glad to
                         hear you're working again. I was
                         surprised you gave it up in the
                         first place.

                                   JANE
                         If you bear a child, we'll talk.



               INT KITCHEN IN JANE HOME - CONTINUOUS

               Jane talks on the phone while she washes dishes.

                                   JANE (O.C.)
                         No, I don't feel like telling him.

                                   TIM (O.S.)
                         Your brother puts a woman you know
                         in a coma and you hide it while
                         paying his penance. 

                                   JANE
                         Look, it's easier this way, until
                         she's better, he's better.

                                   TIM
                         And you think my family is
                         dysfunctional? 

                                   JANE
                         Tim, there's not much of me left over. 
                         And if I choose to give it to her,
                         to go sit in the hospital and to
                         protect Lars... Why do I even talk
                         to you? It's never enjoyable
                         anymore.

                                   TIM
                         Easy Jane. You need to simmer.
                         Control the emotions. 

                                   JANE
                         You want a controlled emotion? I'll
                         give you a controlled emotion...
                         Fuck you. 

               Jane hangs up and drops the casserole dish in the sink. It
               breaks. Jane cuts her finger. 

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         Ouch.

               She reaches for paper towel that spills onto the floor as she
               dumps out a box of NEMO band-aids. She leans back on the
               counter holding back tears.



               INT GUEST ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Lars toys with the rock from Poppy. He dials a number.

                                   LARS (O.C.)
                         Pete? Lars. I think I have a deal
                         for you. It's the real thing.

                                   PETE (O.S.)
                         It's late. Either you're desperate
                         or you're calling me first. 

                                   LARS (O.C.)
                         Calling you first of course. The
                         Post. They're open to selling. I
                         have the numbers. There's a big
                         margin.

                                   PETE (O.S.)
                         I heard Walter put you on leave.

                                   LARS (O.C.)
                         No. I'm breaking out on my own. 

                                   PETE (O.C.)
                         Lars. That's a riskier play my
                         friend. I don't know. Who's backing
                         you?

                                   LARS (O.C.)
                         Listen Pete. You've known me since
                         HBS. You're either in or you're
                         out. I need to know now.

                                   PETE (O.S.)
                         Easy buddy. It's ten at night. Let
                         me sleep on it.

                                   LARS (O.C.)
                         Can't. I've got other people
                         waiting.

                                   PETE (O.C.)
                         In this market, you're hedging.

               Lars throws Poppy's rock out the window.

                                   LARS (O.C.)
                         Are you in?

                                   PETE (O.S.)
                         Lars. Are you going against Walter?
                         Boston is not that big. Right now,
                         I'll have to pass.

               Lars goes silent.

                                   PETE (CONT'D)
                         Come back to me if you get some
                         other backers.

               Lars hangs up and falls back on his bed knocking over the
               modern stuffed toy. He stares at the ceiling.



               INT MEETING HALL AT HBS - NEXT DAY

               Lars walks into the hallowed halls of the Harvard Business
               School Spangler lobby.

               Sitting on a couch is PROFESSOR TAYLOR, 65. 

               A woman, CLAIRE, 38, attractive with a modern style sits next
               him.

                                   PROFESSOR
                         Lars, I've invited Claire Stedman
                         to join us from the New Media
                         department. 

               Lars cordial but dismissive. Claire responds equally amused.
               Lars directs all talk to the Professor.

                                   LARS
                         I've put together a bunch of hot
                         shots from the financial district.
                         We're building a tight take-over
                         team. You'd be the perfect advisor.

                                   PROFESSOR
                         Thank you. I think Claire is the
                         expert on integrating new media and
                         she also spends time at the Kennedy
                         School. She structured much of the
                         Time Warner AOL deal. 

                                   CLAIRE
                             (self deprecating)
                         Notably the worst deal in new media
                         history.

                                   PROFESSOR
                         She's modest. I think you two would
                         be a very good fit for one another.

               An older PROFESSOR interrupts them for a minute. 

               Lars leans over to Claire.

                                   LARS
                         How did they let you in here with
                         those credentials? Quota hire?

               Claire rests her hands on top his blackberry and locks eyes.

                                   CLAIRE
                         The key is to learn something from
                         the car wreck... wouldn't you say?



               EXT PARKING LOT OF HBS - DAY

               Lars walks the HBS parking lot on his cell phone towards his
               new BMW.

                                   LARS
                         Liz, tell Scott and Mike it's a go.
                         I'll personally make it worth your
                         while. This deal is going to be the
                         apex of your career. 

               He sits down and looks in his rearview mirror and sees a
               woman who looks like Maria walk by. He begins to sweat. 



               INT TOWNHOUSE IN HARVARD SQUARE - SAME DAY

               Lars walks through a brand new office space.

               A heavy set male REALTOR, 40s, a loser next to Lars, fumbles
               with his paperwork still smiling.

                                   REALTOR
                         I showed you something recently? 

                                   LARS
                         No. I don't think so.

                                   REALTOR
                         We've never met?

                                   LARS
                         No. We've never met.

                                   REALTOR
                         I could swear I've met you
                         recently? Kids play soccer at
                         Beagle Park on Saturdays?

                                   LARS
                         No. No kids. (Beat) I'll take it.
                         Can we get in here tomorrow?

                                   REALTOR
                         Great. Tomorrow... On a Saturday?
                         Yes, first thing. Just need you to
                         sign here. We can get you keys for
                         tomorrow... Saturday.

               Lars signs and hands his card to the realtor. 

                                   REALTOR (CONT'D)
                         I really needed this commission.
                         Boy, not very professional, but my
                         kid goes to this special school and
                         one needs braces. Night dentists
                         and all. You know how it is?

               Lars, uncomfortable with the intimacy, pulls out his money
               clip and slowly flips out some hundreds.

                                   REALTOR (CONT'D)
                         I can't take that. 

                                   LARS
                         How about you get us some rental
                         furniture by tomorrow and keep the
                         rest.

                                   REALTOR
                         This is way more than I need.

                                   LARS
                         Keep it. Really. I'd like to help.

               Lars walks out the door squeezing his fist open and closed,
               uncomfortable with giving.


 

 

INT TOWNHOUSE IN BEACON HILL LARS HOME - A FEW DAYS LATER

Lars sits scribbling on a pad of paper in his disaster strewn
living room: half packed boxes, half eaten Chinese food,
books and crumpled paper litter the room. He scribbles on
paper, crumples it and starts again.


EXT DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - MAGIC HOUR

Jane and Dan walk outside a major renovation site of a
historic mansion. Jane stares at very tall trees wrapped in
burlap, leaning against a Cat digger ready to be planted.

                                   JANE
                         They imported 20 foot trees? Just
                         another one of your small
                         residential project.

                                   DAN
                         I'll be a minute... really.

Dan disappears indoors. Jane examines the copper turrets,
runs her hand along the stone pillars. She makes her hand
into a viewfinder, framing each detail until she trips over
construction debris in her stilettos.

Dan looks down from a window amused.

                                   DAN (CONT'D)
                         Sexier than work boots... Need a
                         hand?

                                   JANE
                             (Goofy)
                         I always dress up for site work.

                                   DAN
                         Works for me. Bet it helps with
                         deadlines. Want a tour?

Jane smirks, straightens her skirt and carefully walks up the
steps.


INT HOUSE RENOVATION - CONTINUOUS

Dan walks her through with drawings in hand. 

                                   DAN
                         It's hard to keep a Victorian with
                         clean lines. New material helps.

                                   JANE
                         This from the champion of
                         modernism. Why'd you take this on?

                                   DAN
                             (deadpan)
                         The modern reality of money.

                                   JANE
                         What would your great Geary say? 

                                   DAN
                         Change the rules. You can't
                         reinvent the classics but you can
                         replace material. That's creative.
                         Sort of like life.

                                   JANE
                             (contrarian)
                         Sort of not like life! You can't
                         just insert new material. You have
                         to deal with what exists.

                                   DAN
                         Exactly. The authentic structure
                         stays but everything else is
                         malleable.

They walk up a spiral staircase, rough and unfinished. Jane
wobbles on one of the treads.

                                   DAN (CONT'D)
                         Authenticity is a line. Like a
                         spiral staircase, when you look
                         down, the same line connects the
                         curves. Keeps the integrity of the
                         design.

                                   JANE
                         Philosopher Dan is back.

                                   DAN
                         Something like that.


INT PUB - CONTINUOUS

Dan leans across the table attentively. Jane, in full
animation, hands whizzing around opens up.

                                   JANE
                         Yes. Because it feels good to
                         create again. 

                                   DAN
                         And your new haircut? 

                                   JANE
                         This is someone's rage. I got
                         caught in the crossfire.

                                   DAN
                         Duck next time.

Jane falls deeper into her chair.

                                   JANE
                         Look at me. Sorry for going on. In
                         short, I'm looking for meaningful
                         work and pay the bills. It's
                         pathetic idealism. I'll have to
                         fold at some point.

                                   DAN
                         Who cares. You like doing it. If
                         you love it, you should do it.
                         Where's Tim in all this?

Jane stares at him for a longtime in quiet.

                                   JANE
                         It's really good to see you again
                         Dan... But I should go. 

                                   DAN
                         OK. You should go? Did I say
                         something? Eat too many of your
                         fries?  

Jane fumbles for words.

                                   JANE
                         I should come clean... Tim and I
                         are talking divorce. 

                                   DAN
                         Jane, I'm sorry to hear... That you're
                         having a hard time.

                                   JANE
                         A bit messy these days. (BEAT)
                         Thanks for getting me out.

                                   DAN
                         Can I see you again while I'm here?

                                   JANE
                         I'm not great company right now. 

                                   DAN
                         I'm entertained.

INT TOWNHOUSE IN BEACON HILL LARS HOME - CONTINUOUS

Jane walks easily into the living room of Lars' townhouse,
surprised at the ease. She finds Lars in the same spot on the
sofa, unshaven and a mess. 

There are now CRUMPLED PAPERS everywhere. 

                                   JANE
                         What are these? Suicide notes? Your
                         door was wide open.

                                   LARS
                         I just keep trying to remember her
                         words. They way she said it...

                                   JANE
                         Who? Dara? Liz called to tell me.

                                   LARS
                         Dara? No? Maria. 

Jane gulps and crouches next to him. 

                                   JANE
                         When you hit her?

                                   LARS
                         No. In the ambulance. She was so
                         lucid. Ephemeral almost.

Jane bites her lip.

                                   JANE
                         Lars, I... You need to get it
                         together. I'm taking you to my
                         place. You can stay with us while
                         you get sorted.

Jane begins to pick up his stuff. 

                                   LARS
                         Jane, I'll just go to a hotel
                         across the park. 

                                   JANE
                         Lars, jerks go to hotels. 

She throws him a sweater and baseball cap.

                                   JANE (CONT'D)
                         I'm not sure when you turned into a
                         jerk. Maybe at business school,
                         maybe when you met Dara, but it's
                         not the Lars I grew up with. 

Lars stares at her from the couch and laughs.

                                   LARS
                         Who the hell put you in charge?


INT BEDROOM IN A SMALL RURAL A-FRAME - MORNING

SHEP, 37, wakes up to a ringing cell phone. Rugged and in bed
with a beautiful, sporty, naked WOMAN in a wooden house,
Wyoming like.

                                   SHEP
                         Yup. I'll go.

He hangs up the phone and looks over at the sexy woman.

                                   SHEP (CONT'D)
                         Gotta run.

She does not look surprised.

                                   WOMAN
                         When you comin' back this time? 

Shep kisses her forehead tenderly.

                                   SHEP
                         I'll be back. I worry I might come
                         back one day and find you gone.
                         Question is: Will you leave a note?

She pulls him close and kisses him deeply. Then rolls over
back under the comforter. Shep walks out the door.


EXT DRIVE ON COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

Shep mounts a Harley motorcycle, throws on his pack and takes
off down the road.


INT HOME OFFICE IN JANE'S HOME - FEW DAYS LATER

Jane pulls out old architecture drawings from a box.

                                   JANE
                         A school where you make pictures
                         all day sounded like my kind of
                         school. So I followed Uncle Lars to
                         Boston and met daddy.

                                   POPPY
                         Does Uncle Lars like to draw?

                                   JANE
                         Not really. He was more of a
                         lemonade stand guy. Once he tried
                         to sell me. Fifty cents on the back
                         of his bike.

Poppy holds up a rendering of a tree house.

                                   POPPY
                         Did you want this to be your house?

                                   JANE
                         We had a cool tree house in Ohio.
                         We'd escape from battles. Uncle
                         Lars was the leader.

                                   POPPY
                         Uncle Lars would be a good fighter.
                         Can I have it?

Poppy opens a treasure box covered in glitter and feathers.

                                   JANE
                         Yes, take any of it!

Jane dumps her old box upside down on the carpet. The kids
clap and laugh.

Lars walks in unannouced.

                                   LARS
                         Can I have Poppy's room?

The kids run towards him in glee hugging him.


INT STAIRCASE IN JANE'S HOME - DAY

Jane sits on her stairs texting on her IPHONE. 

                                   LARS
                         So this is what you stay-at-home
                         moms do all day. Steve Jobs banked
                         on your demographic.

                                   JANE
                         Nice. I thought you were on the
                         three step jerk detox? We have a
                         few golden rules around here. Rule
                         number one: Be nice.

                                   LARS
                         Speaking of nice, where's Tim?

Jane stops texting like a cold water shower has hit.

                                   JANE
                         He's away scouting for a few weeks.
                         Good timing.

                                   LARS
                         For me or you? 

Lars walks up the stairs. 

                                   JANE
                         (Under her breath)
                         Rule number two: Sometimes you just
                         have to shake it off.


INT GUEST ROOM - DAY

Lars unpacks his bag in a shabby chic guest room. Poppy sits
on his bed staring at his every move, treasure box in lap. 

                                   POPPY
                         I can lend you things if you get
                         scared at night.

                                   LARS
                         I don't get scared. 

Poppy squints at him.

                                   POPPY
                         Everyone gets scared.

                                   LARS
                         Whatta ya got?

                                   POPPY
                         Flashlight, pocket knife, glow
                         sticks...

                                   LARS
                         A regular little comrade. Your mom
                         lets you have a pocket knife?

                                   POPPY
                         I'm very responsible. See. 

Poppy holds out a plastic knife in hot pink. 

Lars toggles through his blackberry distracted.

                                   POPPY (CONT'D)
                         I'll give you a medal if you
                         survive.

She holds out a shiny gold medal.

                                   LARS
                         Hey. Let me see that!

Lars grabs it from her like a child.

                                   POPPY
                         My mom says grabbing is rude. 

                                   LARS
                         Your mom thinks the world is rude.
                         That's mine. Hockey gold, grade
                         ten.

                                   POPPY
                         Finder's keepers.

                                   LARS
                             (concessionary)
                         Here. You can have it. We lost the
                         state finals after that. 

                                   POPPY
                         Look. Take this rock. It's one of a
                         kind. 

She wears the same sly look of her uncle. Bearing down.

                                   LARS
                         A rock? 

                                   POPPY
                         Worked for David.

                                   LARS
                         David?

                                   POPPY
                         Yeah. You know the Bible? Geesh.
                         Mom was right. You do need God.

Lars' phone rings. He hesitates, looks around the room, and
then answers.

                                   LARS
                         Lars Tanin.

He ushers Poppy out of the room and shuts the door. 

                                   LARS (CONT'D)
                         Who else knows about this? Any
                         bids? Ask Scott to join us. 

                                   LIZ (O.S.)
                         You want me to leave a top grossing
                         firm for your science fair project?

He turns operational.

                                   LARS
                         Yes. Yes I do. I'll shore up
                         financing by end of week. People
                         owe me. Call Scott.

He hangs up and sweats, hanging his head between his knees.
 

 Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.