Southern Route: A Screenplay

John Coultas
Copyright 2006

FADE IN:FADE IN:

EXT. NEW ORLEANS SIDE STREET DAY
MUSIC: "Precious Lord" Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Jazz band is preparing to load equipment onto the back of a large van.
Pianist begins playing "Precious Lord" other bands men join in.
Jimmy a young soldier carrying a duffel bag and guitar case stops to listen for
several seconds, asks a question of one of the musicians, walks on.
AS THE CREDITS RUN  WE SEE JIMMY WALKING UP AND DOWN STREETS ASKING FOR
DIRECTIONS, FINDING HIS WAY AROUND THE CITY. "PRECIOUS LORD" IS PLAYING IN THE
BACKGROUND.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS CONVENT SCHOOL DAY
Jimmy enters gates of a convent school. He speaks to a gardener raking leaves on
a lush green lawn. The gardener points Jimmy to the administration building.
Jimmy sees a tarp covered truck, lifts part of tarp to verify what he thought it
was, nods, smiles. He walks on to the administration building.
INT. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Jimmy enters the office, approaches the secretary, Anita Morales, she is average
height, and weight, long wavy, dark brown hair, large dark brown eyes, with a
light olive complexion. She speaks with a slight Spanish lilt.
JIMMY
Morning Miss, my names is Jimmy Jones, I've come to see Sister Agnes.
Anita is startled, she becomes uncomfortable, begins to stammer, eyes misting.
ANITA
Oh...yes...I'll find sister. I'm sorry it will be just a...moment.
Anita exits the office, returning several minutes later.
ANITA
Sister will see you now.
INT. SISTER AGNES' OFFICE
Jimmy enters the administrative office.
SISTER AGNES
Corporal Jones.
JIMMY
I'm no longer in the army, just discharged. I didn't have the proper civilian
clothes for this visit.
SISTER AGNES
I understand, the war has caused a great deal of upheaval. Society will never be
the same again. Miss Morales, my secretary  tells me that you were with her
brother in the Pacific.
JIMMY
Anita, Miss Morales, I didn't recognize her.  Javier's picture was several years
old, she was just a girl then.
SISTER AGNES
She has been with us since the accident. Her brother saw to her care.
JIMMY
Javier was my sergeant, we were with a transportation unit, driving supplies
around the islands as they were captured. I promised Javier I would take Anita
home.
SISTER AGNES (CONT'D)
I think we need to discuss this with Miss Morales. Please wait.
Sister leaves and returns with Anita.
JIMMY
Miss Morales, I didn't recognize you.
ANITA
Corporal Jones, Javier spoke well of you.
JIMMY
I was just discharged, here in New Orleans. I was with Javier when he was
wounded. His last words, before he was moved out to the hospital ship, were a
request that I safely return you to your aunt and uncle in California.
Anita begins crying, Jimmy stands, walks across the room, gives Anita a
handkerchief, stands behind her, Puts his hand on her shoulder.
JIMMY
Have you heard anything about Javier.
ANITA

Just that he was seriously wounded. That was over six months ago what am I to
think. My letters have been unanswered.
Anita's body shakes with a sob, Jimmy squeezes her shoulder. Pause.
JIMMY
How do you feel about returning to San Pedro, to your aunt and uncle.
Long pause, Anita trying to control her emotions.
ANITA
I think I need to get back to my family. Sister you have been kind to me, but I
need to go home.
JIMMY
Would tomorrow morning be too soon?
ANITA
No, I can pack and be ready.
EXT. ADMINISTRATION BUILDING DAY
Jimmy and Sister Agnes talking on the steps of the administration building,
Anita walks off to her dorm.
JIMMY
I noticed the truck under that tarp there in the driveway.
SISTER AGNES
Just before the war we bought it for our gardener.
He went off to Europe, he never return. Our new man had his own truck, it just
sits there.
JIMMY
Would you like to sell it. I could drive it to California.
SISTER AGNES (CONT'D)
It will need some work.
JIMMY
I'll have it running by morning.
EXT. ADMINISTRATION BUILDING EARLY MORNING
Anita is sitting on her travel trunk, holding a small travel bag. She is wearing
a cotton, print dress. Jimmy drives up with the repaired truck. He is wearing
Levis and a cotton shirt. Jimmy exits the truck, puts her trunk in the truck
bed, helps her inside.
INT. TRUCK
Anita looks around with surprise.
ANITA
This is what was under that tarp all these years, hm.
JIMMY
It didn't take much for a quick tune-up, new tires and some cleaning.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS STREET MORNING
Jimmy and Anita finding their way out of the city pass a funeral cortege and
band.
MUSIC: "DID HE RAMBLE"  PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND
The truck follows the cortege for several blocks then turns off, music continues
as we see the truck winding through town, crossing the Mississippi over the Huey
Long Bridge.
EXT.  LOUISIANA HIGHWAY DAY
We see passing scenes of delta farms, workers in the fields, harvested crops on
horse drawn wagons.
EXT.  OPEN AIR CAFE DAY
MUSIC JAMBALAY,
Jimmy stops along a bay at a small outdoor cafe selling shellfish. A large black
woman is cooking-up cajun prawn and shrimp. Anita sits at a table while Jimmy
orders.
MISS KERRY
Nice big prawn make the little lady happy.
JIMMY
We just wanted lunch.
MISS KERRY
Ooh!  No man, sun, sea, prawn, little lady want more than lunch. She want man.
Laughing she throws several prawns into a steaming pot, laughs.
MISS KERRY (CONT'D)
I steam-up big prawn, you be plenty happy.
Jimmy returns to table, sits across from Anita.
JIMMY
I'm not sure what this lady is selling.
Anita smiles.
ANITA
She's OK, just being helpful.
JIMMY
If you say so.
Jimmy and Anita sit at the table, looking out over the bay. Brown pelicans
looking for a meal, fishing boats bobbing on the water.
Several minutes later.
Miss Kerry calls out to them.
MISS KERRY
Eat black bean and rice.
Anita turns, speaks to Miss Kerry.
ANITA
That will be fine.
Miss Kerry ladles prawns, rice and beans onto their plates, splashes tabasco
sauce over the food.
MISS KERRY
Little lady, food to eat.
Anita gets the tray with plates from Miss Kerry, places on the table, sits
across from Jimmy.
ANITA
Careful...
Jimmy bites into the prawn.
JIMMY
Ahhh! Hot!
ANITA
Tried to warn you.
JIMMY
Ouch!
ANITA
She poured Tabasco sauce on it. That red sauce there.
JIMMY
Hunh.
ANITA
Try scraping it off. Eat some rice and beans that should cool your mouth.
Jimmy fills his mouth with several spoonfuls of the rice and beans.
JIMMY
That's better. What is Tabasco sauce.
ANITA
It's a local delicacy made from red peppers, spices, vinegar.
JIMMY
Never had anything like it before.
ANITA
At home we ate only Mexican food, spicy hot, not this hot though.
They finish eating, Anita pulls an art pad and pencil from her bag, she begins
sketching.
JIMMY
About the trip. Do you mind roughing it.
ANITA
How do you mean, roughing it.
JIMMY
To save money you could sleep in the cab of the truck, I'll sleep in the truck
bed. I can pick-up consignment jobs as we go west. We'll get a motel room for
you every couple days so you can clean-up.
ANITA
I would rough-it going out on my father's boat...what is a consignment job?
ANITA (CONT'D)
I stop at a feed store or mercantile, see if they need to ship a load of goods
along our route. I pay for the load, I'm reimbursed when I make the delivery.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Interesting. OK.
Jimmy looks at Anita's art work.
JIMMY
Can I see it, right-side-up.
Anita turns the pad so Jimmy can see it.
ANITA
Just something I enjoy doing.
JIMMY
I like it. You enjoy boats.
ANITA
Yes, they are beautiful, but they need to be respected.
JIMMY
Why is that.
ANITA
They are deadly if you don't know what you're doing.
Anita turns the pad around, begins sketching again.
JIMMY
The accident, Javier mentioned it.
ANITA
It was a fuels leak, one of the few times mama and papa went out alone.
ANITA (CONT'D)
How about you, I don't know much about you or your family.
JIMMY
That's a story.
PAUSES
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Mother, father, younger sister.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
With the depression dad couldn't hold on to a job.
Always on the move, avoiding bill collectors.
ANITA
Made life rough.
JIMMY
One day I came home, no one was there. There was no note, maybe they had to
leave in a hurry. Over time I got to thinking maybe they felt I could do better
on my own.
ANITA
They had a lot of faith in you.
JIMMY
I worked in a print shop in Southern Illinois. Mr. Benson was a nice guy, taught
me the basics of printing. He showed me how to continue my education by using
the local library, suggesting books to read.
ANITA
You had to quit school.
JIMMY
Eighth grade was my last grade I completed. Had to work. I had a small room at
the back of the shop.  Benson did printing for all the businesses in town, and
all of the printing for the local National Association of Colored People,
newsletters and flyers. The Ku Klux Klan broke in one night, set fire to the
shop. I went out my window, and Mr.  Benson came down the fire escape, we ran
off down the alley.
ANITA
That was exciting.
JIMMY
I went to Saint Louis, working with a  trucking company, in their office,
keeping the books and learning truck repair. After several years I was able to
drive trucks, did some trips up to Chicago and down to New Orleans
ANITA
That's interesting, you in New Orleans.
JIMMY
I don't remember seeing you.
ANITA
Sisters kept us away from wild young men.
Jimmy laughs.
JIMMY
So when the war came along I thought I should play my part. I had mixed
feelings. Guys I was working with were going. On the other hand war just seems
to beget more war.
Jimmy pauses.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
That's how I got to the Pacific.
INT. TRUCK, JIMMY AND ANITA
ANITA
Jimmy, are these books in this bundle.
JIMMY
Yup.
ANITA
What kinds of books do you read.
JIMMY
Philosophy, history, biography.
ANITA
Hmmm. Can I look.
JIMMY
Sure.
Anita looks through the books, opens several, examining contents.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
You can read any that interest you.
ANITA
This is an interesting title "Thus Spake Zarathustra", what is it about?
JIMMY
Philosophy.
ANITA
I never had a philosophy class. I had basic high school classes, then after
graduating I took secretarial classes at the college, bookkeeping, typing,
shorthand.
JIMMY
Zarathustra is a teacher, returning to society after finding the meaning of life
in his cave, he attempts to convey his truths to people he meets in his travels.
It's controversial.
ANITA
Controversial, maybe I should start with him.
JIMMY
I don't want to influence you, you decide.
Anita reads for several minutes.
ANITA
Why do you read these books.
JIMMY
I've been on my own, I have to figure out how things work, how we think, why we
think, why is it easier to hurt than accept or love.
ANITA
Wow.
JIMMY
I know, I had a reputation in the Army, I was always reading. The other guys
were playing cards, having fun.
ANITA
Not a fun guy.
JIMMY
That's me.
ANITA
How did you get along with my brother.
JIMMY
Sarge, Javier was a great guy. He was hard working, smart, and fair. He knew how
to lead by example. He would gamble but not with us, he knew how to win, he
drank a little, he didn't seem to spend his money.
PAUSE
ANITA
When my parents died I went to the convent school, my late aunt was Sister
Superior. Javier supported me, all of his jobs before the war; then while he was
in the Army, most of what he earned went to the school. He was good, the best.
Anita turns facing the passing roadside, tears streaking her cheeks.
JIMMY
(To himself)
That's where his winnings went.
INT. TRUCK LOUISIANA HIGHWAY SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
Anita is looking at the passing scenery.
ANITA
Why did he ask you.
PAUSE
JIMMY
I don't know. There were other guys that he seemed to get along with better,
closer than me.
EXT. BEACH PACIFIC ISLAND
Battle is ragging in the background, sounds of riffles, machine guns occasional
explosions.Javier is laying on a stretcher his chest and arm are wrapped in
blood soaked dressings. A medic crouched next to Javier does not look
optimistic.
MEDIC
Corporal, gotta move him out.
Medics begin lifting .
JAVIER
Jus a minute. Jimmy.
Jimmy moves closer to Javier. Javier pulls a folded piece of paper from his
breast pocket.
JAVIER (CONT'D)
My sister, Anita. Take her home...family.
JIMMY
But.
JAVIER
No, you, it's an order.
Energy flowing out of him. The medics carry him away.
Jimmy unfolds the paper, there is a picture of a young girl and an address for a
girls academy in New Orleans.
INT.  TRUCK
JIMMY
I'm not sure.
ANITA
Why did you accept.
JIMMY
Respect. I respected Sarge, it was the right thing to do.
She turns back to the window.
EXT. LOUISIANA HIGHWAY EVENING
Southern route after the mercantile store they travel on stopping for the
evening at a roadside campground There is some racial friction with max, nothing
blatant Food zydaco music, jimmy and max play their instruments. cajun
talk--questions about Jimmy and Anita Anita is putting away dishes and utensils
Truck is parked on the side of the highway. Sitting on bales of hay Jimmy is
playing the guitar. Anita shows an interest. Jimmy gives Anita basic
instruction. Jimmy needs to get close leading to sexual heat.
ANITA
That's nice, how did you learn to play the guitar.
JIMMY
Guys I worked with in Saint Louis played, showed me basic chords, I went from
there.
ANITA
Could you show me.
Jimmy sits close to Anita helps place her finger on the strings.
JIMMY
Place your fingers firmly on the frets, those ridges. I'm always meeting someone
that wants to share chords or techniques. It's a good way to meet people. That's
right, now strum across the strings.
ANITA
Like that.
JIMMY
That's the idea.
Become steamy after a few minutes-break it off, Anita works on her own, Jimmy
watches gives advice, enjoys looking at her.
EXT. TRUCK MORNING
Jimmy is walking up from the river, drying his face and neck with a towel.
Anita opens the truck door, steps out, her hair is messed, she stretches.
ANITA
Don't look I'm a mess.
JIMMY
A nice mess. How did you sleep.
ANITA
I closed my eyes.
PAUSE
JIMMY
Oh, a comedian. Must have slept well.
ANITA
I did, thanks for asking.
JIMMY
We'll need to get going so we can eat.
INT.  CAFE MORNING
WAITRESS
What can I get ya.
JIMMY
Coffee Jimmy looks at anita
ANITA
Bacon,eggs over easy,whole wheat.
Anita is looking through the newspaper on the counter
WAITRESS
Military, got that look.
JIMMY
yes
WAITRESS
see a lot of guys coming through. Brother didn't make it.
JIMMY
Sorry.
COOK (O.S.)
Waitress turns, pulls plates off kitchen pass through, places them down before
Jimmy and Anita.
WAITRESS
Bacon, eggs, whole wheat.
ANITA
Do you have tabasco sauce
JIMMY
You do like it hot.
Jimmy gets the waitresses attention.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Is there a feed store near.
The waitress has a quizzical look.
WAITRESS
End of the block to your right.
Anita and Jimmy are finishing their meal.
WAITRESS (CONT'D)
Get ya anything else.
Jimmy looks at Anita.
ANITA
I'm fine
WAITRESS
Here's the check, thanks for stopping by.
INT.  TRUCK  DAYTIME LOUISIANA HIGHWAY
Jimmy and Anita going down highway Anita is attempting to read a book, she is
hot and sweaty, her dress clings to her form, moving around on seat exposing
legs, Jimmy has difficulty keeping his eyes on the road.
Anita is aware that Jimmy is looking at her exposed legs, she pulls her dress
down over her knees.
ANITA
Difficult trying to stay cool and modest at the same time.
JIMMY
I'm sorry. You do have nice legs.
ANITA
Thanks, this is going to be hard for both of us. I haven't had much experience
being around boys...Men.
JIMMY
About the same here. I've always been on the move, working, no social time.
Pause.
ANITA
We would walk off the school campus some times. We would see women and men
interacting, treating one another roughly, nothing like the Jane Austen or
Bronte novels I read.
JIMMY
Sometimes books don't convey the harshness of life.
ANITA
One night I watched a sailor and woman stumble into the bushes below my dorm
window. They call it making love, there were sounds of pleasure, but it seemed
to be uncaring, they went off their separate ways.
ANITA (CONT'D)
I was taking business class's in school, bookkeeping and secretarial skills.
Education seems to fit you into a box, limits you to specific knowledge.
JIMMY
That's what I like about self education, you determine where your future is.
Working as a mechanic I would read books to expand my mechanical skills as well
as business operation. Some day I would like to be my own boss.
Anita looks back to the book, reads for several minutes, looks up again.
ANITA
Um, "god is dead", those are strong words.
JIMMY
Nietzsche talks of man becoming superman. A person who takes hold of his life,
becomes self directed, is not influenced by myths, or gods, a mon who does not
fear the dark, a man who embraces science and the rational.
Jimmy laughs.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
I talk and think too much.
Anita goes back to reading.
EXT. RAIL ROAD CARS
Two people are crouched on top of a moving freight train, the taller older man,
Ben is looking toward the back of the train. The smaller of the two Mal is
crouched next to Ben, shielded from the wind. Both are wearing denim coveralls,
shirts and plaid jackets.
BEN
There's the inspector, follow me.
Mal follows Ben as they attempt to balance on the gyrating box cars jumping
between the gaps.
MAL
You ok.
BEN
Just tired, woo, he's gaining on us.
EXT. HIGHWAY
The highway parallels the train tracks. We see Ben and Mal atop a car and a
railroad inspector several cars beyond them.
INT. TRUCK
Jimmy is looking up at the freight train.
JIMMY
Hang on.
Jimmy whips the truck off the highway onto the rail bed paralleling the tracks.
ANITA
Jimmy. Are you crazy, you're going to kill us.
JIMMY
Just hold tight.
ANITA
What are you doing.
JIMMY
Just a minute. Come on jump.
Anita makes a worried face, then shouts.
ANITA
Me?
EXT. TRAIN
Ben and Mal are crouching, anticipating their capture.
BEN
Where's that dust coming from.
Mal looks off to the side of the freight car.
MAL
What is he doing.
BEN
Who's that.
MAL
Crazy guy down there in a truck.
Ben stands, looks, pulls at Mal's hand, they both jump from the top of the box
car.
EXT. TRUCK
The truck continues on the track side. Ahead we see that Jimmy is running out of
road bed where a trestle crosses a stream bed.
INT. TRUCK
JIMMY
I'm running out of road here!
There is a thump, thump sound from the back of the truck. Jimmy slams on the
brakes stopping on the edge of the drop off.
VOICE (O.S.)
Oof.
EXT. TRUCK
Jimmy breaks just short of the drop off, backs up the truck, pulls onto the
highway as the train moves on down the track.
Jimmy exits the truck, looks up into the truck bed where Ben and Mal are
standing.
JIMMY
You ok up there.
BEN
Sure, ok Mal.
MAL
I'm fine Dad.
BEN
That was some driving, where you learn to drive like that
JIMMY
been around, trucking a couple years.
Ben puts a hand on Mal's shoulder.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Where you headed
BEN
West, might try California
JIMMY
We're going to San Pedro, South of Los Angeles.  Welcome to tag along.
BEN
Kind of you.
MAL
Thanks mister.
JIMMY
We're stopping down the road in a bit.
EXT. AUTO CAMP
Jimmy's truck is parked amongst a variety of trucks and cars. Nomads of the
highway, cajun musicians, migrant workers, poor searching for a better life.
A young boy, Buster and a dog wander over to their campsite.
JIMMY
Nice dog
BUSTER
He's mine, names buster.
JIMMY
What's your name?
BUSTER
Buster.
JIMMY
Oh, and the dog, what's his name?
BUSTER
Like I said mister, buster
JIMMY
Oh.
BUSTER
Gee mister, don't you hear too good?
JIMMY
Guess not.
A gruff voice comes the tent next door.
BUSTER'S FATHER (O.S.)
Buster, what's gone on out there?
BUSTER
Jus talkin' to a stranger Pa.
BUSTER'S FATHER (O.S.)
Told yah to stay way from people yah don't know.
BUSTER
Yeah paw, see ya mister.
Anita walks up to Jimmy and Buster.
ANITA
What a cute dog. Is he your's.
BUSTER
Sure lady.
ANITA
What's his name.
Jimmy interrupts.
JIMMY
That's ok, I'll explain.
BUSTER'S FATHER (O.S.)
You still talkin' to that stranger.
BUSTER
Comin' paw.  Let's go Buster.
Sheriff's car pulls into the auto camp. Deputy exits vehicle, begins talking to
occupants at the various campsites. He approaches Anita and Jimmy.
DEPUTY
Hi folks, How ya doin'
JIMMY
Fine, how can we help officer.
The deputy pulls a paper from his pocket, unfolds it.
DEPUTY
Any chance you've seen these two, man and a woman.
JIMMY
Um, man...um kind of average looking, might have cant say for certain,
woman...really looks more like a girl...no, Anita what do you think.
Jimmy hands the paper to Anita.  Anita is startled.
ANITA
I haven't seen any men with a suit and tie since we left New Orleans, everyone
I've seen has a beard or a weeks growth...except you Jimmy.
The deputy is a little frustrated with Anita's response.
DEPUTY
They could look different, work clothes.
ANITA
The girl is quite attractive.  Man and a woman like that...no, don't think so.
DEPUTY
Thank's for the time.
The deputy works his way around the camp grounds.
ANITA
Nope, haven't seen a man and a woman...maybe a man and a boy.
Jimmy looks off into the woods.
JIMMY
Where did they go.
Sound of cracking branches off in the woods, Ben and Mal walk out approaching
Jimmy and Anita.
BEN
Visitor.
JIMMY
Sheriff's deputy looking for a young woman and older man. Man in a suit.  Girl
in a frilly dress, prom or cotillion gown.
BEN
Anyone you recognize.
Mal moves up to Ben's side.
ANITA
No, not around here.
MAL
Thanks.
JIMMY
Any time.
BEN
I was a college professor...
BEN (CONT'D)
No need to explain, as long as it's legal.
BEN (CONT'D)
Malory is of legal age. Comes from a well to do family...they forced me out of
my job, out of town.
MAL
I begged Ben to take me with him.
Mal holds tight to Ben's arm.
MAL (CONT'D)
Ben's a great teacher, my family couldn't understand...I want someone that
thinks, someone that I can relate too. Young boys are so shallow.
BEN
The family resented me because of my age and lack of economic potential.
Mal looks up at Ben with admiration.
MAL
There is a huge difference in age between Will And Ariel Durant.
She shakes her head, she is appalled.
MAL (CONT'D)
My parents had no idea who they were, how important they are. I love Ben...I
love his thoughts.
EXT. HIGHWAY CAMPGROUND NIGHT
MARMOT
That boy over there, goes off in the bushes by himself.
HANK
So.
MARMOT
Tried to go with him, went off on his own. Strange.
HANK
What's so strange. Strange to me you want to go off in the woods with a boy.
What's with you.
MARMOT
What do you mean by that.
HANK
Just saying you're the strange one..
MARMOT
You can't talk to me that way.
Hank raises up to his full height and clenches his fists. His biceps bulge at
his shirt sleeves.
MARMOT (CONT'D)
Well, seems strange, he looks like the one in the picture that deputy showed us.
HANK
He don't look like that old man.
MARMOT
Not the old man, I'm talking about the young girl.
HANK
What you sayin' fool, that young girl was actually a man.  Marmot you make no
sense, no sense at all.
Hank pauses, thinking, confused.
HANK (CONT'D)
We have music to play you are just confusing me.
As the music plays the weasle keeps staring at mal.
Mal goes off into the woods the weasle follows. He sees her squat to relieve
herself. On the way back to the camp she hears branches snapping.  music is
playing, malory whipers in be's ear, looks at the weasle.
Mal tells Ben. they have disapeared in the marning.
Morning Anita and Jimmy wake, Ben and Mal are gone
ANITA
MORNING JIMMY
Anita looks around, puzzled.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Where are they, Mal and Ben.
JIMMY
They took off last night. The weasel was paying too much attention to Mal.
ANITA
Damn, I liked her.
JIMMY
The weasel must have recognized her.
ANITA
Why is it that in life we are surrounded by weasels, so few Bens and Mals.
JIMMY
Just the way it is.
ANITA
Let's get out of here, I don't want to see that creep.
As they drive out of the camp Marmot is coming out of the woods, disheveled,
sharing his rodent smile and a wave.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Ugh.
JIMMY
Just one of god's creatures.
Anita looks back at him.
ANITA
Not so sure about that. Maybe we'll see Mal and Ben along the highway.
JIMMY
They'll want to stick to the back roads for a while, police will be watching the
highways.
EXT.  LOUISIANA HIGHWAY
Truck pulls up to the gas pumps at run down country store.
Jimmy steps out, Looks at the store, turns to Anita.
JIMMY
Anything you need inside, new party dress, diamonds.
ANITA
Not today.
Jimmy enters the store.
INT. MERCHANTILE STORE
Rundown country store, shelves on side walls, several freestanding shelves in
the middle of the store. Clerk is working on account books at the front counter.
The clerk is a tall thin fellow, disheveled blond hair, blue eyes seen through
thick glasses, overalls.
JIMMY
Hi, could I get a fill-up on the gas.
CLERK
With ya minute.
Jimmy turns to exit the store. A black man enters.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Hi.
CLERK
Boy, you know you don't be comin in here. Git out back.
EXT. MERCHANTILE STORE
Jimmy goes out to the gas pump waiting for the clerk. The black man walks out
and up the highway. Several minutes later the clerk arrives, standing close,
facing Jimmy, staring through thick glasses.
CLERK
You still here.
Jimmy shrugs.
JIMMY
Could I get it filled.
CLERK
(Mumbles)
That what I come out for.
Clerk fills gas tank. Jimmy checks the oil and water.
CLERK (CONT'D)
Wanna check the hood.
JIMMY
I got it.
CLERK
That'll be a buck fifty.
Clerk looks in truck window at Anita.
CLERK (CONT'D)
We aint nigger lovers round here.
Anita bristles.
Jimmy hands the clerk his money, enters truck, pulls onto the highway.
ANITA
You should have said something to him.
JIMMY
What's the use. I say anything to him he calls his friends in the Klan and we
end up in the bottom of that swamp over there. We got this all the time in the
Army, the color of your skin, last name, religion, some people just have to dig
and dig to find something different about you, something to hate, makes them
feel superior, important.
Driving down the road Jimmy stops to offer a ride to the black man from the
store.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Hi, I'm Jimmy this is Anita where you headed.
Max lifts his saxophone case.
MAX
Names Max, Maximilian Ward, got a gig in Houston.
JIMMY
Plenty of room in back.
MAX
Cool man.
INT. TRUCK HOUR LATER
JIMMY
This looks like a good place to stop. OK with you.
ANITA
A cool and shady glade, yes.
EXT. TRUCK LOUISIANA HIGHWAY
JIMMY
Max you OK back there.
MAX
Better than walking.
MAX (CONT'D)
Thanks for the hitch, long ways to Houston.
JIMMY
Been there before.
MAX
Oh, yeah, Club Roxi, couple times a year. Play a gig here, an there. On the road
all the time, pick-up, go whenever. I don't know time and time don't know me.
JIMMY
What's your instrument.
MAX
Sax, baritone sax, she's my baby, nice mellow sound.
JIMMY
What kind of music you play.
MAX
Only kind, jazz.
JIMMY
Heard some jazz, St. Louis, New Orleans, good sounds.
MAX
Who ya hear.
JIMMY
Quite a few years ago, don't remember any names, just remember feeling the
sound.
MAX
That's what it's all about.
Max takes his saxophone from the case, lovingly runs his hand across the horn,
moistens the reed.
MAX (CONT'D)
Beautiful curves, easy to the touch, she sings when you put your lips to her.
Max begins to play.
MUSIC:
Jimmy and Anita eat sandwiches that she has made, they enjoy the music in the
cypress grove.
Max finishes playing.
ANITA
That was beautiful Max. Here's a sandwich, I wish I could offer you more.
MAX
This is very kind of you, I'll eat in back, we should be on our way.
Anita takes the remains of lunch to the truck. Max speaking to Jimmy.
MAX (CONT'D)
You have a very fine lady.
JIMMY
We're just friends.
MAX
I don't think so.
JIMMY
Uh.
Jimmy perplexed, turns, steps into the truck cab.
EXT.  LOUISIANA SIDE ROAD, TWILIGHT
MUSIC: "STORMY WEATHER"
Dark purple and gray clouds are on the horizon.
Max is playing a deep, round, soulful rendition of Stormy Weather.
Jimmy and Anita sitting next to a fading cooking fire, Anita places cooking
utensils into a wooden box, pauses looking into the fire, stands looks off to
the west.
ANITA
Honeysuckle, warm air...that song...I want to laugh...maybe I'll cry...I need to
walk.
Anita walks off into the semidarkness towards a pond and wooded area.
Jimmy follows at a distance.
JIMMY
You cant be wandering off on your own.
ANITA
I'm a woman.
JIMMY
Getting dark. Don't know the area.
ANITA
This one of those Army things.
JIMMY
Yeah, maybe so...I promised Javier I'd lookout for you.
Claps of thunder can be heard in the distance, light rain begins to fall.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Head for that tree.
Jimmy pulls Anita under a huge cypress tree, he doesn't let go of her arm, she
looks at his hand, then to his face.
ANITA
Before I lost my parents: Momma would fix my hair, hold me when I was hurt;
Poppa would sit me on his knee and read to me. Six years without being held,
being touched.
Flashes of lightning, rumblings of thunder, it is now raining heavily. Jimmy
puts his arms around Anita.
ANITA (CONT'D)
My parents...now I've lost Javie. Life is so short, so fragile...lie to me
Jimmy...tell me I'm beautiful...tell me you'll never leave me...love me.
They descend to the grass embracing, kissing.
EXT. MEADOW EARLY MORNING
Twilight. Anita and Jimmy arm in arm are walking back to the truck through
ground fog.
JIMMY
What does this mean.
ANITA
Jimmy, I needed you so much. Sometimes I feel so cold inside. I need to be
touched, feel warm hands and arms. Thanks for being there.
JIMMY
I'll fix some coffee.
ANITA
Sounds good. I don't see Max.
JIMMY
Is his gear in the truck.
ANITA
Nothing, not a sign of him. Ooo!
JIMMY
What's that.
ANITA
Oh, just a feeling.
JIMMY
Like what.
ANITA
Momma Jean at the school would tell us about haunts, spirits. We would walk
through the cemetery to tales of people that would appear as flesh and blood and
then vanish. They could be with you for days and then they were gone.
Jimmy shakes his head as he leans over the steaming coffee pot.
JIMMY
Haunts, how about some coffee.
ANITA
You don't believe me do you. Did you notice that Max never ate with us.
JIMMY
What does that prove.
ANITA
Spirits don't eat, they don't have to.
JIMMY
Do they play the sax. I believe in what I can see and feel.
ANITA
I know, a rational man, a man of science. Sometimes things just can't be
explained, they're not rational or scientific.
INT.  TRUCK EAST TEXAS HIGHWAY LATE AFTERNOON
Anita is suffering with the heat and humidity, clothes are drenched, clinging to
her.
JIMMY
There's a river up here. If it's clean and safe we could go in to clean-up, wash
our clothes.
ANITA
Wet and cool water would be nice.
Jimmy turns off the highway, descending down a side road following the river.
Jimmy stops at a clearing with a large pool.
JIMMY
Looks to be fine. Can you swim.
ANITA
Living near the harbor, going out on the boats we had to swim.
JIMMY
OK, you want to go in first...check for gators or snakes.
ANITA
What, no you're going first!
JIMMY
Ladies first, isn't that the gentlemanly way.
ANITA
Not in this situation. I'll be here in the truck, you go.
Some time later, Jimmy returns from the pool.
ANITA (CONT'D)
So, how was it.
JIMMY
Let's see, all my arms and legs, no snake bites.
ANITA
Hmmm. I'll go in but you have to stand watch.
JIMMY
OK.
Anita walks into the pool with her dress on, out deep in the pool she unbuttons
her dress letting it float on the surface, she swims further out.
Jimmy sits at the edge of the pool.
ANITA
Ah, the water is so cool. I'm swimming home. I can't go back in that truck.
Anita dives under the water, she doesn't come up. Jimmy jumps to his feet, scans
the pool surface, begins to take his shirt off. Anita surfaces on the far end.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Sit down Jimmy, I'm OK.
JIMMY
Scared me.
ANITA
Told you I could swim.
JIMMY
Believe you now.
Anita grabs her dress off the surface, scrubs and squeezes quickly,walks out of
the pool, Jimmy looks off in the distance, Anita takes a towel draped on the
truck mirror, dries hair, wraps towel around herself.
Anita sketch pad?
EXT FEED STORE
First consignment job Pick up and haul hay and bags of feed
INT. FEED STORE DAY
Jimmy is talking to the owner, asking for a shipment. Standing behind them is a
rancher.
STORE OWNER
No, don't have anything going west right now. Sorry.
RANCHER
Excuse me, you have a truck.
JIMMY
Yes I do.
RANCHER
I need to ship  a couple coops of chickens, save me some time.
JIMMY
I'm the man to do it for you.
RANCHER
You ready now.
JIMMY
Yes sir.
RANCHER
Follow me kid.
EXT. TRUCK DAY
Jimmy and Anita are tooling down a country road. Chicken feathers are flying
from the back of the truck along with the cackle of agitated chickens.
INT. KITCHEN CHINESE RESTAURANT DAY
We see a meat clever coursing through the air cleaving a chicken breast.
COOK
Too much. Tell him three fifty.
Again the cleaver comes down to sever a leg.
Cook is cutting up chickens, an anglo waitress is nervously mediating the
delivery fee.
JIMMY
Four fifty
COOK
Four dollar The cleaver severs the other leg.
JIMMY
Four fifty and we pay for lunch here.
COOK
Deal. Chicken back yard, under tree.
INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT DAY
Anita and Jimmy are studying the menu, seated at the counter. The cook is in the
kitchen cooking yelling in Cantonese to the waitress.
WAITRESS
What ya goin to have.
JIMMY
Ah, Chow Mein, rice...egg fu young.
WAITRESS
Do me a favor order pan fried noodle. You don't order pan fried noodle I'll hear
about it all day long.
The cook continues to shout out what has to be explatives at the waitress.
FADE TO
Jimmy and Anita are finishing their lunch. The cook continues his tirade, the
waitress ignores him, she places the bill in front of Jimmy.
JIMMY
Pan fried noodles were delicious.
ANITA
Jobs must be hard to get around here.
WAITRESS
No, not at all.
ANITA
Work here long.
WAITRESS
As long as it's been open.
ANITA
Must be hard.
WAITRESS
Why's that.
ANITA
Him, yelling at you all the time.
WAITRESS
Oh that, that's nothing, he's my husband.
EXT. HOUSTON SIDE STREETS
INT. TRUCK
MUSIC:  "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE"
Jimmy and Anita Open highway before Houston, see them entering city Meet briefly
with several characters (PANTOMIME)  before meeting Carl Jimmy searching,
doesn't let Anita know what he is looking for-meet local characters Looking for
Club Roxie Local character indicates where Club Roxie burned down with Max
inside in 1936 Carl, missing front teeth Carl
JIMMY
I'm looking for the Cub Roxie.
CARL
Done have to look far, right over there. Club Roxie?man you jive'n me. There
aint no Club Roxie no mo'.  Mmm?1935?no?1936  Roxie burn ta da groun.
Carl points to a burned out building across the street.
JIMMY
CARL (CONT'D)
Maximilian Ward, he was one of da great ones.
JIMMY
What do you mean, was one.
CARL
Yeah, he die there in the Roxie.
JIMMY
But that was ten years ago.
CARL
Yeah, jus bout ten year go.
JIMMY
Maybe I met someone with the same name, plays one hell of a sax coming to play a
gig at that club, ten years after it burned down.
CARL
Wild man.
JIMMY
Yeah.
Jimmy turns away with a confused expression. Walks to the truck.
ANITA
What was that all about.
JIMMY
I'm not sure?
ANITA
Hmm.
JIMMY
I have to sort this out.
ANITA
Now I'm confused.
Jimmy grabs the map studying intently. He mumbles to himself.
JIMMY
HOW DO WE GET OUT OF HERE, WE HEAD FOR SAN ANTONIO, WEST, WEST. THERE IT IS.
HIGHWAY LOOKS TO BE OK.
Leaving town in evening traffic MUSIC: "Perdido", Duke Ellington, lights of
oncoming cars flash across their faces, horns honking., coordinate with music.
EXT.  WEST TEXAS FEED STORE
Truck pulls up to feed store, Jimmy exit trucks, enters store.
Several minutes later Jimmy exits. Talks to Anita in the truck.
JIMMY
Got a job.
ANITA
What do we have this time.
JIMMY
Hay, again.
ANITA
That OK?
JIMMY
It's easy to handle.
ANITA
Let me help this time. I can arrange the stacks as you throw them up on the bed.
JIMMY
OK, we'll see how it goes.
Jimmy and Anita load the truck.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
That was a big help, thanks.
After loading the truck they enter the truck. Jimmy drives onto the highway.
INT. TRUCK
JIMMY
What did you do when you went out on your father's boat.
ANITA
I would help with the nets, sort the fish, I could only go out on the short
trips, a week was the longest. I would help with boat maintenance when it was in
port. Boats are a lot of work.
JIMMY
So you know how to work.
ANITA
Guess so.
INT. TRUCK DRIVING LESSON
Need to work on lead into this scene
JIMMY
Foot on the clutch, give it a little gas, ease off on the clutch.
The truck shakes and shutters, the engine dies.
ANITA
Oh, damn.
JIMMY
Mother superior wouldn't approve. Try it again, push the clutch in, not too much
gas, ease out on the clutch.
THE TRUCK MOVES FORWARD
JIMMY (CONT'D)
There you go, just ease it forward, good, now push in the clutch and softly
press down on the break.
The truck comes to a smooth stop.
ANITA
Ah, that's right?
JIMMY
You're doing great. Try it again.
The truck pulls forward then stops.
ANITA
Ah...ah...that ok.
JIMMY
Great, now we get you to shift from first to second gear.
EXT. TRUCK ANITA SOME TIME LATER
Anita with a smile of confidence is driving down the highway. Jimmy has a bare
foot hanging out the side window. Both are laughing.
EXT. CAFE
Truck pulls up in front of a dusty cafe.
JIMMY
Here we are.
ANITA
Looks OK.
INT. CAFE
Anita reads through the menu several times, puts it down, exasperated with
herself.
JIMMY
Getting tired of cafe food.
ANITA
Just so many ways to cook an egg.
JIMMY
Sunny side up, over easy, scrambled, with ketchup, without.
ANITA
Glad to get home, salsa, avocado, cheese, tortillas.  I couldn't cook at the
school. There is something about doing it your own way, family traditions.
JIMMY
Food, so many different ways to mix and blend.  Variety, great, that's what we
are about.
CUSTOMER (O.S.)
Need to get those parts out to Old Man Harding, skin me alive if I'm late.
Jimmy looks over his shoulder in the direction of the voice. He turns to Anita.
JIMMY
Be right back.
She looks over her shoulder as he walks aside.
ANITA
What now?
EXT TEXAS COUNTRY MERCANTILE STORE
The truck is parked behind a mercantile store, pulled up to the loading dock.
Anita is sitting on the tail-gate. Jimmy walks out onto the dock.
JIMMY
Got out of the hay business.
ANITA
What now.
JIMMY
Windmills.
ANITA
Don Quixote.
JIMMY
No jousting, just delivering windmill parts to a ranch.
ANITA
No excitement there.
JIMMY
Never know
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Help me load it up? Lot's of parts.
Anita and Jimmy looking at about twenty wooden boxes filled with parts.
ANITA
Got that right, a lot of parts.
INT. TRUCK RANCH ROAD
Jimmy Driving down country road
ANITA
Ouch
ANITA (CONT'D)
Ouch
ANITA (CONT'D)
Couldn't this road be rougher.
JIMMY
Hope I don't damage the parts.
ANITA
Damage the parts, how about me!
JIMMY
You too.
ANITA
Thanks.
JIMMY
Ranch house up there.
Jimmy stops at the front of ranch house.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Mr. Harding, Names Jimmy Jones delivering your windmill parts.
Gray haired rancher on crutches works his way off the ranch house porch.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Hurt yourself.
MR. HARDING
Broke the leg, broke bad.
JIMMY
Someone here to help with the mill.
MR. HARDING
Just me, bad timing.
Pause.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Stack it over there, leg 'll heal couple months.
Harding looks off to a clouded sky.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Storm come'n.
JIMMY
We'll get it done.
MR. HARDING
Thanks.
Jimmy and Anita stack parts at the side of the ranch house yard. Rumble of
thunder in the distance. Rain begins to spatter.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Come on in, wait out the storm.
JIMMY
I'll throw a tarp over it.
Jimmy and Anita cover the parts, pouring rain drenching their clothes.
Harding shouts from the protection of the porch.
MR. HARDING
Come on in out a that rain, lightnings going to get you.
Jimmy and Anita run for the porch.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Goin' to rain a spell, come on in, fix someth'n to eat.
JIMMY
How many mills you have.
MR. HARDING
Seven. Yup, seven.
PAUSE
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Got about ten square miles, lot a thirsty cattle.  Without the mills they get
mighty thirsty.
JIMMY
Dry season coming.
MR. HARDING
Yup.
JIMMY
Need that mill running.
MR. HARDING
Yup.
JIMMY
How about I give a hand.
MR. HARDING
I'm not much help.
JIMMY
I'm mechanical, work on trucks, you supervise.
MR. HARDING
Give 'er a try.
Anita is fixing dinner in the kitchen as the men talk at the dinning table.
Harding has some reservations but softens to Anita
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Got a extra room, one bed.
JIMMY
That'll do. Anita will take the room, I'll sleep on the couch.
ANITA
I can take the couch, you haven't slept in a bed for weeks.
JIMMY
I'm used to it. Couch is better than a fox hole.
ANITA
True.
NEXT MORNING
INT. RANCH HOUSE KITCHEN EARLY MORNING
Bacon and eggs are sizzling on the stove. Anita is deftly moving about preparing
breakfast toast, steaming coffee.
EXT. RANCH HOUSE PORCH MINUTES LATER
Anita swings open the screen door.
ANITA
Breakfast Mr. Harding.
MR. HARDING
Smells darn good.
Harding slowly rises, Anita holds the door open for him.
INT. RANCH HOUSE LIVING ROOM MOMENT LATER
Anita calls to Jimmy.
ANITA
Wake up sun shine. Breakfast.
JIMMY
Argh.
INT. RANCH HOUSE DINING ROOM  TIME
MR. HARDING
Mighty good. Better than my cooking.
Harding pushes back from the table. Anita begins clearing the plates. Jimmy
enjoys his last strip of bacon.
JIMMY
Almost done.
EXT. RANCH HOUSE FRONT PORCH
Anita and Harding are standing on the porch.
MR. HARDING
Um, that was good.
ANITA
Glad you enjoyed it.
Anita sniffs the air.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Smells sweet.
MR. HARDING
Sage.
Pause.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Wife loved the warm, moist mornings, sweetness, quiet.
Pause, Harding has a wistful look on his face, collects himself.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Gotta get going, where's that man of yours. Work ta do.
ANITA
He'll be out.
Jimmy comes through the screen door, and stretches.
JIMMY
What was that noise last night, racket out by the barn.
MR. HARDING
Wetbacks looking for work. Gave 'em directions to a ranch that can use some
help.
EXT. HARDING'S BARN MORNING
Harding shows Jimmy how to harness the horse, Harding sits on the back of the
wagon as they drive to the well site.
EXT. WINDMILL MORNING
Harding is shouting directions up to Jimmy.
MR. HARDING
Loop your cable there.
Wind comes up, vane hits Jimmy knocking him off the mounting, the cable loops
around Jimmy's ankle.  his body swings out and back into the wooden frame, there
is a loud thump when his head hits the frame. Anita screams.
ANITA
Jimmy.
MR. HARDING
Damn.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Anita, come down now.
ANITA
No, Jimmy.
Anita has a panicked look on her face.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Jimmy, say something.
MR. HARDING
Hit his head, he won't be talkin' awhile. Come on down I'll rig someth'n up.
Anita comes down the mount, Harding yells for equipment he needs, Anita
responds, Harding pounds a few nails.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Run back up, hook this on the line to pull that fool in.
ANITA
But..
MR. HARDING
Don't argue, blood is rushing to his head...we have a mill to git up.
Anita drags the two by four back up the mount. Hooks the cable, pulls Jimmy to
the platform. Anita wraps the cable under his arms and lowers him to the ground.
Jimmy is laying on the ground with his head in Anita's lap, they are shadowed by
the wagon. Harding hands her a moist cloth she pats on Jimmy's forehead.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Good sized goose egg.
ANITA
His breathing seems to be Okay.
MR. HARDING
Seen worse, should do just fine.
Jimmy begins to move.
JIMMY
Not so hard.
He pushes at Anita's hand.
ANITA
You're OK.
JIMMY
Guess.
PAUSE
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Leave the cloth on my forehead, put your hand here.
Jimmy moves Anita's hand to his cheek. He smiles. Anita laughs with relief.
ANITA
Don't get too comfortable, Mr. Harding want's us to go back up.
MR. HARDING
Maybe a few minutes, see how your man is doin'.
INT. TRUCK SMALL WEST TEXAS TOWN
Anita is seated alone, watching people walk by. Jimmy approaches, puts a box in
the truck bed, gets in sitting next to her.
JIMMY
Salt licks and more nuts and bolts for the mill.
They sit quietly watching town folks. Harding exits the doctors office in front
of them, enters truck.
MR. HARDING
Don't trust a doctor who has veterinary books on his office shelves.
ANITA
How long have you known the doctor.
MR. HARDING
While...grade school.
JIMMY
Local farm boy.
MR. HARDING
Got a small spread out'a town.
Harding absently looks at people walking by on the sidewalk.
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Thinks I should hire a ranch hand.
JIMMY
Might be right. Think you'll do it.
MR. HARDING
Doc gave me a name, phoned from the office, just till the leg heals.
PAUSE
MR. HARDING (CONT'D)
Get those salt licks, lets get back, too many people round here, never like big
towns, just too many people.
EXT. WINDMILL DAY
Jimmy and Anita are up on the windmill finishing the work, Harding is below
calling out instructions.
MR. HARDING
That's got her, come on down.

EXT. RANCH HOUSE PORCH EARLY MORNING
Front porch of ranch harding is standing, Anita and Jimmy are stepping off
headed to the truck
MR. HARDING
Good folks, thanks for all the help.
JIMMY
Glad we could. You're man 'll be along soon.
They get into truck, wave goodbye
INT. TRUCK RANCH ROAD MORNING
Jimmy sees a trail of dust off in the distance.
JIMMY
Wonder if that is Mr. Harding's hired man.
Pickup truck approaches. Jimmy stops the truck, gets out and waves. Other truck
stops.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Hi, we've been staying with Harding. Needs a lot of help, patience.
DOC BLANCHARD
Doc Blanchard, this is Pino, the hired man, knows ranching, knows how to deal
with cussed ol' white folks like us.
LAUGHTER
JIMMY
Good, Harding's an okay guy, just need tough skin around him.  Thanks!
Jimmy climbs into the truck heads down the road.
EXT.  WEST TEXAS HIGHWAY LATE NIGHT
The truck pulls into a crowded dirt parking lot in front of a rundown roadhouse.
Anita and Jimmy exit the truck and check the amenities..
JIMMY
Wha da'ya think.
ANITA
We don't have much choice, I'm hungry, we haven't seen anything else around
here.
INT. ROADHOUSE MOMENTS LATER
MUSIC: "HEY GOOD LOOKIN"
Crowded, smoke filled, music playing loudly. Dance floor and bar are both filled
and active. Jimmy and Anita squeeze through the crowd to the bar.
ANITA
Smoke is thick in here.
JIMMY
Could get lost in it.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Look's like the bar is where we order.
They approach the bar, sit down on stools. Jimmy gets the attention of the
bartender.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Hi, burger, fries and coke for the two of us.
BARTENDER
Got ya.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Quite a crowd in here.
ANITA
No beer.
JIMMY
Not a good idea in a strange environment, keep my wits about me.
ANITA
Ever the vigilant. Do you ever loose the caution.
JIMMY
Some times, not on the road.
A tall thin fellow, wearing glasses, western suite approaches Anita.
LONNIE
Hi cutie, maa names Lonnie. Haven't seen you round.
JIMMY
Were just passing through.
Lonnie glares at Jimmy.
LONNIE
Um talkin ta the lady!
ANITA
As he said we are just passing through town.
LONNIE
Let's dance!
Lonnie pulls Anita close to him, dances off into the crowd, Jimmy attempts to
protest.
Cora steps in stops Jimmy, stands close.
ANITA
I don't want to dance.
Lonnie I know you do. All the girls want to dance with me.
ANITA (CONT'D)
No, I want to...
LONNIE
I think you want to dance.
Anita wrestles away from Lonnie, He follows, pulls her through the crowd to the
exit.
EXT. ROADHOUSE
Lonnie drags Anita to his car forcing her in.
ANITA
Let go me.
LONNIE
Bitch get in there.
INT. ROADHOUSE
Cora talking to Jimmy, rubbing her breast against his chest.
CORA
You don't like women?
JIMMY
Sure I do, not right now.
Cora What kind of man are you.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
The busy kind, gotta go.
Cora Puts arms around his neck attempting to kiss him.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
I'm leaving!
Jimmy breaks away from Cora, wades into the dancers looking for Anita, not
finding her he heads for the exit. Cora attempts to follow.
EXT. TEXAS COUNTRY ROAD NIGHT
Ford convertible races along road.
INT. LONNIE'S CONVERTIBLE NIGHT
Lonnie careening up the hill with Anita screaming, ripping and tearing at him.
EXT. ROADHOUSE NIGHT
Jimmy runs to his truck.
INT. JIMMY'S TRUCK
Drives truck out to the roadway, pounds on wheel.
JIMMY
Damn, which way.
Notices trail of dust in the air, turns to follow up the hill.
INT. LONNIE'S CAR
Lonnie driving up the hill hitting and swearing at anita. She is clawing and
hitting him.
LONNIE
Keep it up and I'm going to kill you.
Anita continues hitting at him.
INT. JIMMY'S TRUCK
Jimmy following, sees tail lights up ahead.
Truck slows as the grade of the road increases. Jimmy shifts down a gear and
then another.
INT. LONNIE'S CAR
Careening up the hill Lonnie is hitting Anita.
LONNIE
Your just making it better. I like a woman that fights.
EXT. LONNIE'S CAR
Lonnie spins to a braking stop in an isolated park, pulls Anita from the car.
Lonnie attempts to wrestle Anita to the ground, she fights back
EXT. JIMMY'S TRUCK
Jimmy's headlights wash across Lonnie's car, Jimmy jumps out, searches under
truck seat.
Lonnie swears, throws Anita to the ground
LONNIE
God-damn bitch.
Jimmy approaches with a large tire iron.
LONNIE (CONT'D)
Hand to hand man, drop the iron.
JIMMY
Sure thing.
Lonnie lunges at Jimmy, he ducks, swings the iron hitting Lonnie in the back of
his head driving him to the ground. Lonnie moans and writhes on the ground.
Anita screams hysterically
ANITA
Hit him again, kill him.
Jimmy runs to the front of Lonnie's car, slams the tire iron into Lonnie's
windshield shattering the glasss, smashes the headlights, grabs Anita, pulling
her to the truck.
ANITA SCREAMS AT JIMMY
ANITA (CONT'D)
You should have killed him...a man would have killed him.
Jimmy doesn't respond, runs to the driver's side, getting in drives down the
hill. Anita wrapped in her jacket is sobbing in the corner of the cab.
ANITA (CONT'D)
A real man would have...
At the highway they turn west.
EXT. TEXAS HIGHWAY SEVERAL HOURS LATER NIGHT
Jimmy's truck is heading west. There are flashes of lighting ahead of them.
Rain is pouring down the windshield.
JIMMY
(Softly)
Raining too hard, I gotta pull over, I can't see the road.
There is no response from Anita.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
(softly)
Are you awake.
ANITA
I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. You were right.
JIMMY
I understand how you feel. He meant to harm you, spoiled rich kid that takes and
smashes whatever he wants, whatever is good.
ANITA
Thanks for being there.
Jimmy pulls the truck to the side of the highway, takes a canvas tarp from under
the seat.
JIMMY
You lockup, I'll be in back, you stretch-out here.
ANITA
No, I don't want to be alone, I want you with me.
JIMMY
You sure.
Jimmy pushes the tarp back under the seat.
ANITA
Come here. I'm cold I need you close.
Jimmy slides across the seat, puts his arm around her.
ANITA (CONT'D)
That's better.
JIMMY
Where are we going?
ANITA
West?
JIMMY
No. I meant what is San Pedro like. What does it look like what do people do.
ANITA
It's been six years. Things change. It's a small fishing town, everyone knows
one another. It's not perfect, but people watch-out for each other.
EXT.  WEST TEXAS HIGHWAY ABOUT SUNRISE
INT.  TRUCK
Windows are fogged over, inside and out, soft light filters in. Anita is
enveloped in Jimmy's arms, wedged in the corner of the truck cab. She begins to
wake.
ANITA
Jimmy.
JIMMY
Hunh.
ANITA
Morning.
JIMMY
Ooh, I'm stiff.
ANITA
That was nice.
JIMMY
What's that?
ANITA
Being with you, you holding me.
JIMMY
You said I wasn't a fun guy.
ANITA
You aren't, you're a good guy.
JIMMY
Okay, got to clean the windows.
Jimmy searches under the seat, pulls out a large cloth.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
This'll do.
Jimmy rolls down his window, steps out of the truck, begins cleaning the
windows. Jimmy stops, turns looking off to the east. Approaches the window
speaks to Anita.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Police car coming fast, red lights on.
Jimmy looks back toward the oncoming patrol car. Turns again to Anita.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
They may be looking for us.
ANITA
Lonnie is the one that they should be after.
The sheriff's deputies pull in behind the truck. Two officers step from the car,
approaching Jimmy.
JIMMY
Mornin.
OFFICER 1
Where you headed.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
California.
Officer 2 looks into the truck. Speaks to Anita.
OFFICER 2
Mam, where ya come'n from?
ANITA
New Orleans.
OFFICER 2
Is he your husband.
ANITA
No, he is a friend, taking me home to California.
OFFICER 2
You seen a tan ford convertible, tall skinny guy, glasses.
JIMMY
No, don't recall a guy like that, or car.
OFFICER 2
OK, thanks.
Officers walking back to their car.
OFFICER 1
That Lonnie ain't nothing but trouble for the sheriff.
Jimmy turns to Anita.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Looks like Lonnie is the sheriff's spoiled kid.
The patrol car pulls back onto the highway, Jimmy nods as they head further
west.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Hopefully Lonnie is up there stuck in the mud with a headache.
ANITA
We need to get away from here.
Jimmy finishes cleaning the windows, gets in the truck, pulls onto the highway.
INT. TRUCK NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY
Jimmy turns to Anita.
JIMMY
Those guys may pull off ahead to give us another look. Let me know if you see
them.
INT. CAFE MORNING
Anita is reading the newspaper as Jimmy finishes his breakfast.
ANITA
Nothing here about Lonnie.
JIMMY
Anything of interest there.
ANITA
Not that I have seen.
Newspaper, nothing about Lonnie CafÈ-eat Where to next Check chronologies to see
what was going on in March of 1946 to use as lead stories for paper
INT. LAUNDROMAT NEW MEXICO SMALL TOWN
MUSIC RUM AND COCA COLA ANDREWS SISTERS
Clean clothes Interchange with locals some conflict over Anita being with the
gringo.
JIMMY
Do you need help filling the machine.
ANITA
No, you go over to that grocery store and get me a coke.
JIMMY
OK, nothing else.
ANITA
No, just hot and thirsty.
Maria What you doing with that gringo.
ANITA (CONT'D)
He's a friend.
Maria Mexican girls don't go with gringos.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Like I said he's a friend.
Maria Huh!
JIMMY
Nice, cold coke. Speaking of cold it looks a little frosty in here.
ANITA
Later.
JIMMY
Got yuh.
ANITA
That's good, just what I needed.
JIMMY
Washer's done, finish your coke I'll move the clothes over to the dryer.
ANITA
Thanks.
Mexican women leave the laundry mat.
JIMMY
So, what was that all about.
ANITA
Good Mexican girls don't associate with whites.
JIMMY
Ah!
ANITA
At home there is some racial conflict, but because there are so many different
people working and living together we don't see this too much.
JIMMY
Anything interesting in the magazine.
ANITA
No, just a bit of mindless reading.
ESMERALDA
My man, Joaquin, we are moving into our own apartment, across town, today. He is
making many trips with our car.
ANITA
We have a truck, we could help.
ESMERALDA
He will help.
ANITA
Oh, yes. Jimmy is good, he'll help.
Anita walks over to Jimmy.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Esmeralda, the young lady over there and her boyfriend need help moving into
their apartment.
Would you mind helping with the truck.
JIMMY
No problem, I could use a break from the highway.
EXT. DUPLEX APARTMENT
Jimmy and Anita are helping Esmeralda and Joaquin move boxes and furniture onto
the truck. Everyone is talking and laughing limited dialog They invite Anita and
Jimmy to come for dinner.
INT.  ESMERALDA'S AND JOAQUIN'S HOME
JOAQUIN
Welcome
JIMMY
Gracias.
ESMERALDA
These are our friends Anita and Jaime.
JOAQUIN
Cervesa, vino.
ESMERALDA
Anita, come meet my friend.
JOAQUIN
Jaime, Cervesa.
JIMMY
Si, gracias.
JOAQUIN
Jaime, mi amigo, Jose. We work together at the garage, we come from the same
town in Sonora.
JOSE
Sonora is our home
INT. KITCHEN
Long wooden table woman is preparing food. The room is filled mwwith steam and
the aroma of spicey foods, pots are bubbling on the stove.
ANITA
Smells so good, just like home.
ESMERALDA
Tomales, enchalada y carne asada. Anita is from California.
ANITA
I was going to school in New Orleans, Jimmy, my friend is driving me home.
Women laugh.
ESMERALDA
Friend, he is more than a friend.
ANITA
He's a good man.
GLORIA
How good is he.
Women laugh.
ANITA
He's a nice man.
A sigh of disappointment.
WOMEN
Oh.
Women laugh again.
INT. DINING ROOM
Men are seated around the table talking, drinking. Women begin bringing food to
the table.
ESMERALDA
Joaquin, make room.
Joaquin takes empty beer bottles off the table.
JOAQUIN
Esmeralda, here.
GLORIA
Jose, your hat, take it off, your in the house.
JOSE
Si, si.
Men laugh. Women sit and begin passing platters of food around the table, talk
and laughter.
EXT. ESMERALDA'S AND JOAQUIN'S HOME NIGHT
Jimmy and Anita walking side by side to the truck.
ANITA
You drank beer.
JIMMY
Yes.
ANITA
We're on the road, you said you didn't feel comfortable drinking on the road.
JIMMY
This is different, like being with family. I couldn't understand everything that
was being said; I did sense that they are good people, care for one another.
ANITA
Yeah, family and friends...that's good.
EXT.  WEST TEXAS HIGHWAY NIGHT
Truck drives up to Motel. Jimmy exits truck, walks into motel office.
Several minutes later Jimmy exits office, walks to passenger side, whispers to
Anita who has fallen asleep.
JIMMY
Anita...we're at the motel.
ANITA
Oh...fell asleep. Thanks Jimmy.
Jimmy walks Anita to the room, she leans against him.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Come in Jimmy.
JIMMY
Anita we made one mistake already, no.
ANITA
A mistake.
She takes her bags, walks into the room. Jimmy returns to the rear of the truck
where he makes space amongst the hay bales to sleep.
INT. MOTEL ROOM IS SPARSE BUT CLEAN: SINGLE BED, DRESSER, AND CEILING
light. The bathroom has a sink with mirror, shower and toilet.
Anita takes off her clothes, showers, dries herself, wraps towel around herself,
combs her hair, turns off the light and then gets into bed. She tosses and turns
in bed. She gets out of bed walks around the room and then looks out the window.
There is a full moon shining on the truck, she can't see Jimmy. She returns to
bed, stares at the ceiling.
MUSIC "DREAM" PIED PIPERS
EXT. TRUCK
Jimmy is turning in the hay, stares up at the sky
INT SINGLE BED
MEDIUM CAMERA SHOT, CAMERA ROTATES AROUND THE BED
Anita is laying in bed looking at ceiling, sheet covers most of her torso, arms
legs exposed, sheets tossed about.
EXT. HAY STACK
MEDIUM CAMERA SHOT, CAMERA ROTATES AROUND THE STACK
Jimmy is staring at the sky.
INT SINGLE BED
MEDIUM CAMERA SHOT, CAMERA ROTATES AROUND THE BED SLOW MOTION
Anita is asleep.
EXT. HAY STACK
MEDIUM CAMERA SHOT, CAMERA ROTATES AROUND THE STACK SLOW MOTION
Jimmy is asleep.
EXT. MOTEL, TRUCK JUST BEFORE SUNRISE
Jimmy wakes, looks around stretches, slides off hay, onto the ground. Walks over
to motel room, taps on door lightly, there is no response. Walks out to highway,
looks up and down highway, walks west.
INT. MOTEL
Anita begins to stir, wakes, stretches. She drapes the the sheet around herself,
walks to the window, stares out. She returns to the bed, grabs her clothes and
begins dressing.
EXT. MOTEL EARLY MORNING
Anita exits room approaches truck, looks inside and at the rear for Jimmy.
She glances around the motel and parking area, she has a worried look, pulls at
her hands.
Jimmy approaches from the highway.
JIMMY
Good morning. Sleep well?
ANITA
Sure. Where were you.
JIMMY
I needed a walk to get the kinks out.
ANITA
I was worried. I didn't see you.
JIMMY
Sorry.
ANITA
It's just?I don't know.
JIMMY
Just what?
ANITA
I'm confused?uneasy?maybe it's just the trip.
JIMMY
I'll try to let you know where I am.
ANITA
I'm being such a pest...sorry...did you see any cafes on your walk, I'm hungry.
JIMMY
Couple blocks down, there were a couple trucks, usually a sign of good food.
run-in with trucker Tequilla shooters Cajun jam session buster playing the
accordian, marmot and hank playing in their band Vaughn MOnroe sinning rain
EXT. NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY DAY
The truck is winding up through a steep narrow canyonl.
INT. TRUCK DAY
ANITA
nice sky
JIMMY
the clouds are so beautiful agains the blue.
ANITA
is that a castle
JIMMY
maybe...how about an ice ceam cone anita titls her head to the side
ANITA
hmm, maybe...I like to thint it is a castle
JIMMY
more romantic
ANITA
guess they are quiet for awhile, a melow mood as they look at the clouds.
honking sound of a truck
EXT. NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY DAY
large truck is bearing down on Jimmy and Anita Honking horn
INT. TRUCK DAY
JIMMY
Truck behind us...coming on fast.
HONKING SOUND AGAIN
JIMMY (CONT'D)
no place for me to go buddy honking
EXT. NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY DAY
the big truck  pulls over begins to pass though there isn't much room.
INT. TRUCK DAY
JIMMY
I'll have to pull off the road.
ANITA
Jimmy there is nowhere to go over here
JIMMY
this guy isn't giving us much choice.
Jimmy yanks the wheel , the truck grinds to a stop. on the steep shoulder.
EXT. NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY DAY
the truck is hanging on a steep shoulder of the highway.
INT. TRUCK
ANITA
Jesus, mary and joseph.
Jimmy laughs.
JIMMY
is that church approved.
ANITA
Do we have a Saint christopher medal in here.
JIMMY
I'm not sure, would that help.
ANITA
someone is watching out for us.
JIMMY
slide out slowly...we could slide some more.
EXT. NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY DAY
Jimmy and Anita are climbing out of the drivers side of the truck.
JIMMY
have you read grapes of wrath
ANITA
yes I have...are you going to mention the turtle.
JIMMY
You did read it. Enjoying the clouds...that guy destroys the moment.
ANITA
Never know what is going to come along.
Jimmy walks around the truck.
ANITA (CONT'D)
How is it.
JIMMY
not good. Stuck...waste of time trying to drive it out.
Jimmy looks up and down the highway, shakes his head.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Why don't you sit on the running board in the shade...we'll just have to wait
for a good samaritan to come along.
Anita wanders over to the side of the truck and sits.
ANITA
Won't slide will it.
JIMMY
No, it's stuck good...not going anywhere.
EXT. NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY LATE AFTERNOON
Jimmy is looking up in the sky.
JIMMY
Sun is getting low...might have to spend the night here.
ANITA
That's ok.
EXT. NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY DAY
group of mexican laborers offer to help pull the truck back onto the highway
they share dinner aferter dinner they plaqy music and do taquilla shooters.  lot
of laughter, fun, big head aches in the mornig one of the laborers cook up
menudo to help with the headaches.
Are you sorry.  about what this trip.  no...I have been able to country and
people i would never have met otherwise, No, I appreciate what you are doing.
They look down the hill to the sound of an appoaching truck.  hey mister, need
help yes i can a lot of help.  pull up here...ok.  sure thanks.  guys walk down
to the truck.  good stuck, si.  everyone walk around thee truck, look at
surrounding terrain.  tree over thhere do you have a block and tackle aque
follow him Jimmy and juan climb on to the back of juans truck, juan pulls
equipment from large wooden crate.  ah, mirra yes...si, bueno Here, this, and
the chain they return to the truck and begin un raveling their line of rope.
that tree over there.  tie to truck
SI
that should do.  juan you start your truck, i'll start mine.
Anita could you go down the hill, over by that tree, if the lines snap you could
get hurt.  will do...be carefull.
The trucks start up, jimmy give juan the sign to begin a slow pull on the cable.
 Hector and alberto push at the back of Jimmy's truck.  thanks guys da nada
Anita, do you think we have enough food to feed all of us.
I think so.  the gang is sitting around a fire in the dark. Everyone is eating
tortillas and frijollirs. they are laughing and telling stories.  ah, thirsty
SI (CONT'D)
un momento.
juan comes back with a canvas bag.  aqui he has a big smile.  hector and alberto
laugh. jimmy and anita don't quite get what is going on Mexicans have long known
that a little sodium chloride on the tongue can help to mollify the fiery flavor
that characterizes much of their food.
They use salt when downing chile peppers, for example. By the same token, citrus
juices of various kinds have long been used to kill the aftertaste of the more
potent forms of alcohol
EXT.  ARIZONA HIGHWAY HIGHWAY
Cowboy Hank Music: "Don't Fence Me In"
EXT. ARIZONA HIGHWAY HOT DAY
Truck stops for a cowboy walking along the side of the road. He is carrying a
saddle over his shoulder.
JIMMY
Someone walking at the side of the road ahead.
ANITA
Going to give him a ride.
JIMMY
See if he wants one.
ANITA
Has to be a hundred out here. He'll want a ride
JIMMY
Need a ride.
HANK
Yup.
JIMMY
Mind riding in back.
HANK
Nope.
JIMMY
How far you going.
HANK
Down the road.
JIMMY
Let me know when we get there.
HANK
Yup.
Hank throws his saddle onto the bed of the truck, climbs in.
INT. TRUCK ARIZONA HIGHWAY SECONDS LATER
JIMMY
A man of few words.
ANITA
Yup.
They laugh, Anita goes back to reading her book.
JIMMY
Look, see those dark clouds ahead, I think it's rain? that should cool us off.
ANITA
Cool would be nice.
Anita looks off to the clouds, then returns to her book. They approach the wisps
of rain.
ANITA (CONT'D)
I can smell it. Smells like a wet dog.
They are in the midst of the virga.
JIMMY
God, is this hot, steamy. It's evaporating before it hits the ground.
ANITA
Oh, careful what you wish for. Feels like I'm back in swamp country. Just
hotter.
INT. TRUCK ARIZONA HIGHWAY NIGHT
The truck pulls to the side of the road.
ANITA
Stopping here for the night.
JIMMY
Best were going to do.
EXT. TRUCK ARIZONA HIGHWAY SECONDS LATER
Jimmy and Anita exit truck, approach rear.
JIMMY
How you doing back there.
HANK
k.
JIMMY
How bout something to eat.
HANK
K.
JIMMY
Anita I'll brew up some coffee.
HANK
That'll be my chore.
Jimmy gives Hank a surprised look, shakes his head.
JIMMY
Ok.
HANK
Fix-up cowboy coffee.
Hank fills the pot with cold water, puts coffee into pot then places the pot on
the fire.
HANK (CONT'D)
Let'er boil.
Jimmy and Anita watch. Hank rolls a cigarette one-handed.
Several minutes later.
HANK (CONT'D)
That 'ill do er.
Hank takes the pot off the fire, spoons cold water into the pot.
HANK (CONT'D)
Let 'er set a spell.
Several minutes pass.
HANK (CONT'D)
Now she's ready.
Hank pours coffee for everyone.
EXT. YUMA FAIR GROUNDS AFTERNOON NEXT DAY
Hank jumps off the back of the truck, pulls his saddle over his shoulder.
HANK
Much obliged.
JIMMY
Take it easy.
ANITA
Good luck with the rodeo.
HANK
Yup.
Hank walks off towards the fairgrounds.
JIMMY
Lunch.
ANITA
Yes.
Truck turns down a side street stopping at bar.
EXT. JIMMY DEE'S
ANITA SEES LONNIES CAR
INT. LYRIC THEATER
EXT. LYRIC THEATER
Jimmy and Anita exit the theater There is acommotion on the4 siddewalk Sherrifs
deputies are slapping handcuffs on Lonnie.
Shouldn't play around with underage girls or the mayor's daughter.
I didn't know...my daddy's the sherrif of El Paso County.
Yah, well this isn't texas son.
Jimmy and Anita walk by, trying to ignore Lonnie. Lonnie focuses on them.
Stop, stop them...he beat the hell out of my car.
Go after his girl too.
Let's get out of here, he'll be out of action for awhile.
EXT. MOTEL ARIZONA
JIMMY EX
INT. MOTEL ARIZONA
JIMMY
Time to get going. It's Sunday, we have to get you to church.
ANITA
I forgot what day of the week it is.
JIMMY
Last night at the casino I asked about Church, it's just down the highway.
ANITA
Thanks, I feel bad that I forgot.
Jimmy turns, exits room.
Anita dresses, fusses with dress, searches through her bag, opens the door for
Jimmy, finds what she is looking for.
ANITA (CONT'D)
My mantilla, I can't go to church without my head covered.
Anita pulls the mantilla over her head with a loose tie at her neck.
JIMMY
Why is that.
ANITA
Tradition, rules, sign of respect for god.
EXT. CHURCH
Truck pulls into crowded dirt parking lot next to white clapboard church.
JIMMY
Here it is.
PAUSE
JIMMY (CONT'D)
I'll wait here for you, about an hour?
ANITA
Yes, you could come in.
JIMMY
No, the walls might tumble down on us.
Anita nods in agreement.
ANITA
Mmm, back in an hour.
Anita returns to the truck an hour later.
JIMMY
I enjoyed the music.
ANITA
Thanks for respecting my traditions.
JIMMY
Respect others and hopefully they respect you.
PAUSE
ANITA
Jimmy's thought for the day?
JIMMY
One of many.
INT. TRUCK MORNING
They pass by a wedding chapel.
ANITA
Lutes, that's the same name as on the bar.
JIMMY
Wedding chapel, umm.
ANITA
No, don't be getting any ideas.
JIMMY
Is convenient, one side of the family get's them sauced up and the other marries
them in their debilitated state of mind.
PAUSE
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Not a bad idea either.
EXT. GAS STATION CALIFORNIA DESERT HIGHWAY
Jimmy pulls the truck into a gas station. Black attendant comes out to service
the truck.
JIMMY
Hi, could you fill it up Jimmy lifts the hood, checks the oil level.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
I got the oil.
MOSES
Yes, suh.
JIMMY
how hot does it get here
MOSES
hot
JIMMY
Hmm.
MOSES
Sometime 115,sometime 120
JIMMY
hot
MOSES
back east they has snow...gotta shovel snow...don't has ta shovel sunshine.
Moses and Jimmy laugh.
JIMMY
That's good.
MOSES
Yes suh, yes it is.
Jimmy looks off to the foothills.
JIMMY
How high is the pass going to San Diego.
MOSES
Four Thousand feet.
JIMMY
Hmm. With this heat and that pass I think I'll need an oil change and lube. Have
the time.
MOSES
Moses always has the time.
JIMMY
Thanks.
MOSES
Why don't you and the missus get a coke, sit in the shade round the corner.
Attendant takes the truck into the repair bay. when he completes the work he
joins them drinking a coke on a bench in the shade.
JIMMY
Mr. Moses, have a drink here for you.
MOSES
Jus Moses,  thanks.
Moses sits on the bench next to Jimmy.
MOSES (CONT'D)
I work here, my garage, workin cars, trucks see people passen. War made big
change. See young fellas come back from war with new wife. Most folks same
color.
Takes a sip of coke.
MOSES (CONT'D)
Some folks mixed. See some asian wives, colored women... with white husband...no
suh, lota change.
Change good. See lota pain tho.  takes another sip.
MOSES (CONT'D)
Like ta sit here, shade...see people...go'n bye.
EXT. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY DAY
The truck moves along the desert highway, begin ascending into the foothills.
Truck pulls to the side of the road. Jimmy steps out of the cab.
Takes the canvas water bag off the radiator, fills it in trough at the side of
the road. He lifts the truck hood, steam is coming from the radiator, pours some
water over the top, removes the cap, fills the radiator, refills bag, Hanging it
over the radiator, returns to cab.
INT. TRUCK
JIMMY
Hope they have more of these watering holes, with this heat the radiator will be
running low.
Anita is fanning herself with the road map.
ANITA
It is hot.
EXT. TRUCK
Truck slowly climbs the mountain grade.
JIMMY
getting higher, cooling off, be easier on the engine.
Jimmy looks at Anita, she is wilting fast.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Be easier on you.
ANITA
Can you imagine pioneers walking through this heat.
Hearty souls.
INT. CAR
Elderly woman is driving down the highway. We hear a thump,thump,thump sound.
ELDERLY WOMAN
Fiddle sticks, shame on me, is that a flat tire.
EXT. CAR
The elderly woman gets out of the car, looks at the tire
ELDERLY WOMAN
Ornery old car she kicks the tire, looks up and down the highway.
ELDERLY WOMAN (CONT'D)
Of all the places for a tire to go flat.  she sits on the running board and
begins fanning herself in the shade.
INT. TRUCK SHORT TIME LATER
The truck winds higher into the mountains, vegetation changes from scrub growth
to larger bushes and small pine trees.
ANITA
It's getting cooler.
INT. TRUCK HIGHWAY
Jimmy looking at a map.
JIMMY
We turn north here, there's a small town, Julian, we can get food, need gas.
ANITA
It looks like someone's in distress up there.
JIMMY
Flat tire.
The truck pulls up to a car parked at the side of the road. An elderly woman
sits on her cars running board. Jimmy speaks to her from the driver's side of
the truck.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Hi, looks like you neeed help.
ELDERLY WOMAN
Yes, I seem to have a flat tire.
Jimmy steps out of the truck.
ELDERLY WOMAN (CONT'D)
Thank you young man, I think I have a spare tire in the trunk.
Jimmy opens the trunk, pulls out the spare.
JIMMY
Here it is, shouldn't take long.
A Mexican family, father, mother wearing a colorful sarape and an infant in her
mother's arms approaches from the bushes at the side of the road.
ANITA
Buenos dias! Que va?
ALFREDO
Buenos dias, Riverside.
Alfredo keeps looking a the radiator bag.
ANITA
Agua?
ALFREDO
Si, por favor.
Alfredo holds the bag up for his wife who sips slowly. The baby is given a small
amount then Alfredo takes his fill, passing the bag back to Anita.
ALFREDO (CONT'D)
Gracias senorita.
.Jimmy finishes with the tire.
JIMMY
That does it. I'll put the flat in the trunk. It looks worn you might want to
replace it.
ELDERLY WOMAN
With war rationing I wasn't able to, now with the war over I guess I should.
JIMMY
I've been in the Pacific, I forgot all about rationing.
ELDERLY WOMAN
My son fought in the pacific, died when his ship was torpedoed near Midway
Island.
JIMMY
Sorry Ma-am.
She wipes a tear from her eye.
ELDERLY WOMAN
He was a nice considerate boy, just like you.
JIMMY
I was glad to help. Be careful Ma-am. Bye!
ANITA
Will she be OK?
JIMMY
Should be. How about that family.
ANITA
They're walking to Riverside, looked at the map, a three or four day walk.
They drive down the road offere a ride.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Want a ride?
ALFREDO
Gracias.
JIMMY
I'm concerned about taking them into Julian, could have border agents.
ANITA
We can drop them off and they can walk around the town and then we pick them up
on the other side.
JIMMY
Sounds good.
ANITA
We'll leave you here, walk up the hill around the town, we will meet you in an
hour.
(Spanish)
ALFREDO
Si, gracias.
JIMMY
How does that cafÈ look, they have a gas pump.
ANITA
Looks clean, homemade apple pie...that's what I want.
JIMMY
Why don't you go in and get us a table, I'll fill the tank.
INT. CAFE
Jimmy walks to table sits across from Anita.
JIMMY
Order your pie yet.
ANITA
I better eat something substantial first, that OK.
JIMMY
Good idea, then the pie. I'm going to order some extra hamburgers to take with
us.
ANITA
Thanks.
Anita looks at the menu, glances at the back of the room, looks at menu again,
shows concern. Talking to Jimmy over the top of the menu.
ANITA (CONT'D)
I think there is a border agent in the back corner.
He keeps looking at me.
JIMMY
So he has good taste.
Waitress approaches the table.
WAITRESS
What can I get you.
JIMMY
Burger, fries and a coke for both of us, oh, I'd like to take three more burgers
and fries with us...almost forgot, two pieces of your apple pie, we'll eat the
pie here.
ANITA
Good.
WAITRESS
Hungry?
Agent walks by closely looks at Anita.  She looks directly at him with a smile.
ANITA
Good afternoon.
Agent walks to cashier.
JIMMY
What was that for.
ANITA
I wanted him to hear my English.
JIMMY
Good thought.
Jimmy watches the agent go out to the truck.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
He's checking the back of the truck...found something that interested him.
EXT. JULIAN CAF…
Jimmy and Anita exit. Anita carries bagged food to truck, Jimmy takes large
canvas tarp from truck bed. Covers the truck bed securing with rope. Pulls onto
highway.
INT. TRUCK
ANITA LOOKING FOR FAMILY
ANITA
There they are.
Jimmy pulls to the side of the road.
EXT. TRUCK CALIFORNIA COUNTRY ROAD
Jimmy and Anita talk to family, Anita translating. Elderly woman drives down
road.
ANITA
Look who's coming.
Jimmy takes several steps onto the highway and  waves.
EXT. TRUCK SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
Jimmy and Anita return to cab of truck
INT. TRUCK
JIMMY
Now we watch for our agent.
Further down the highway.
ANITA
There he is.
JIMMY
Hold on.
EXT. TRUCK CALIFORNIA COUNTRY ROAD
Truck begins to pick-up speed, tight twisting curves of roadway.
INT. BORDER AGENTS CAR CALIFORNIA COUNTRY ROAD
Agents car is following truck closely. Agent has malicious smile on his face.
Agent Got ya now.
LAUGHING
INT. TRUCK
Truck slides through another tight curve. Jimmy is fighting the wheel.
JIMMY
Just a couple more curves.
Jimmy works through another curve.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
It flattens out ahead
EXT. TRUCK CALIFORNIA COUNTRY ROAD
The truck pulls to the side of the road, followed by the border agent. The agent
exits his car approaches the truck.
JIMMY
My brakes went soft on me.
Agent Yeah. Step outa there, Come on back here.
At the back of the truck Agent So let's see what we have in here.
Agent whips back the tarp at the back of the truck.
Agent Where are they?
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Where's who?
Agent I know you had wetbacks in here, there were threads from a sarape, what ya
do with um.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Like you said there not here.
Agent Don't get smart with me kid. I can make it hard for you and that greaser
girl.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
You don't need to talk that way.
AGENT
I'll talk however I want, what ya plan to do bout it sonny The agent gets in
Jimmy's face, pats the gun on his hip with a smile.
Agent returns to the cab of the truck, he snarls at Anita.
AGENT (CONT'D)
Little Mexican girl where your papers, no papers and you go back across the
border.
Anita goes through her bag.
ANITA
Here, I have my Los Angels County birth certificate...social security
card...grades from my school.
The agent goes through Anita's papers, he is seething with anger.
AGENT
Huh..OK, now the both of ya get the hell out of here, don't let me see either of
you again, I'll ship ya both to Mexico for good.
Agent turns, stomps through the dust to his car.
JIMMY
Nice guy.
Elderly woman drives by, illegals peer from under blanket
ANITA
Looks like the tortoise wins again.
JIMMY
Not so quick. If he goes down the hill we could have problems.
Agent pulls onto the highway, pauses, glares at Jimmy and Anita turns up the
hill.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Now the tortoise wins.
Anita is exhausted.
ANITA
Take me home.
EXT. TRUCK COUNTRY ROAD
The truck drops down to the interior valley, over the coast range and onto the
coast highway.
Transition scenes: down onto plains, across coast range, follow coast up to San
Pedro.
EXT. HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING SAN PEDRO LATE AFTERNOON
Dark gray clouds forming on the horizon
JIMMY
Where are we going.
ANITA
Didn't we have that conversation before.
JIMMY
No, this ones different. Trips almost over, Where do we go from here.
ANITA
I have to think, that's a big question.
Anita looks off to the horizon and home. Jimmy thumps his thumbs against the
steering wheel.
PAUSE
JIMMY
Well?
Anita smiles.
ANITA
I need more time, a day or two.
JIMMY
OK.
(with a sigh)
(MUSIC: "THERE I'VE SAID IT AGAIN" Vaughn Monroe)
EXT. SAN PEDRO LATE AFTERNOON CLOUDS DARKENING SKY
Truck descends downhill through residential neighborhoods.
EXT. SAN PEDRO TIA Y TIO MORALES'S HOME
Truck pulls up in front of Morales home. Anita and Jimmy exit truck stand on
sidewalk.
JIMMY
What do you think. How does it feel being home.
ANITA
I recognize things but the sizes and colors are different. It's comfortable, but
strange.
Anita looks to the west.
ANITA (CONT'D)
Storm clouds, better get inside.
They approach the front door and knock. A few moments later the door opens.
A tall thin, young man with an arm in a sling stands at the door smiling,
laughing. Anita and Jimmy are stunned.
ANITA (CONT'D)
(Screaming)
Javie, Javie.
Crying, Anita puts her arms around Javier. He pushes Anita back a bit, looks at
her.
JIMMY
Sarge, what are you doing here.
JAVIER
Anita you're a woman, all grown up?
Pause, Javier gets a scowl on his face, looks at Jimmy.
JAVIER (CONT'D)
was he good to you?
ANITA
Sure, you entrusted me to the best guy.
JAVIER
That was the plan.
JIMMY
What plan?
JAVIER
Don't think I would entrust my sister to just any guy.
JIMMY
We thought you died. We didn't hear from you.
JAVIER
Come on Jimmy you know the Army, everything is slow.
They got me lost with the war wrapping up. Who's truck is that.
JIMMY
Mine.
JAVIER
You didn't get enough driving on the islands.
JIMMY
Guess not.
JAVIER
Tell me about it.
JIMMY
It was at the school in New Orleans. I thought I could use it to work our way
west. I picked up consignment jobs along the way. It helped to pay for food and
gas. We took the southern route.
JAVIER
Anita this guy, when he wasn't reading, was always scrounging for parts,
bartering a little extra food for us here and there? resourceful.
ANITA
I've noticed. And I read all of his books.
Javier is upset.
JAVIER
Corporal Jones, you let her read those books of yours.
JIMMY
Come on Sarge, I don't think I made an agnostic of her in a couple weeks. She's
too much a Morales.
Javier scowls at Jimmy. Jimmy changes the subject.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
How's the arm going to be.
JAVIER
lost some muscle, they say I should be able to drive well enough.
Javier pauses, looks at the truck
JAVIER (CONT'D)
About that truck?
JIMMY
Yeah, you sure are interested in my truck.
JAVIER
Think you could get enough jobs around her to keep it on the road.
JIMMY
Sure. You got a busy harbor. We could ship fish inland and bring produce to the
markets.
JAVIER
Jimmy, you are always a few steps ahead.
JIMMY
If we play it right maybe we can get a second truck to keep you out of trouble.
JAVIER
I never asked about the trip how'd it go, any problems.
Jimmy and Anita look at one another
JIMMY
Not a one.
JAVIER
How 'bout you Sis.
ANITA
I'm fine.
JAVIER
Wha'da ya think of this guy.
Anita studies Jimmy.
ANITA
He'll do.
Jimmy's hand is at Anita's waist, pulls her close to his side.
The sky is black, rain begins to fall.
MUSIC: "THERE I SAID IT AGAIN"
THE END