THE BRIGADE

by Anthony Kirkwood

Screenplay
Email: anthonykirkwood@hotmail.com

In the town of Fernsella in rural Virginia, a long established and deeply entrenched secret society called The Brigade operates with impunity snd vengeance against anyone who commits what they perceive to be an injustice against them. John Daehler, a seventeen year old boy in rural Fernsella, is a member of The Brigade and has committed the worst of crimes in its name. However, John’s feelings of regret and guilt lead him to turn against his friends and the entire Brigade and its atrocities. John betrays the people he has previously called friends and brothers and plays a central part in the Brigade’s downfall. The Brigade is set almost entirely in a small rural town in Virginia and in the surrounding farmlands. It follows the series of events that lead to the demise of the Brigade. The story revolves primarily around John Daehler, as he grows increasingly remorseful about The Brigade and a group of his ‘friends’. The film is based on the short story, ‘Confessions of a Reformed Ribbonman’, written by William Carleton in the nineteenth century. The original story of a massacre by members of a secret society in Ireland is thought to be based on true events. This script is registered with the Writers Guild of America, West

                    THE BRIGADE

                   SCREENPLAY BY

                  ANTHONY KIRKWOOD

                      Based on
         ‘Confessions of a Reformed Ribbonman’

FADE IN:
SUPERIMPOSE: FBI OFFICES IN VIRGINIA
INT. FBI OFFICE - DAY
JOHN DAEHLER is sitting in an FBI office. He is sitting alone at a small table in a small room. It is quiet, no officers are in the room, and JOHN waits.
The door opens and an FBI agent, carrying a clipboard file enters the room. JOHN looks up.
FBI AGENT
Hello John. My name is Special Agent Jorkins.
JOHN nods. AGENT JORKINS sits down opposite JOHN.
AGENT JORKINS
Is there anything I can get you before we begin?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. Thank you. I'm fine.
AGENT JORKINS
John, we've a few questions for you. We hope you'll answer them honestly and directly.
JOHN nods again.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll do my best.
AGENT JORKINS
First, we want to know exactly what you know about this group, sect, cult, crime syndicate - whatever - that calls itself The Brigade.
JOHN DAEHLER
Sure.
AGENT JORKINS
When we say everything, we mean everything. Don't leave out any details that might be relevant, even if you don't think they're important. Because they might be important.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll tell you what I know.
AGENT JORKINS
We know you've been a part of it. We know you've been a member of The Brigade, and we're willing to overlook that if you give us what we want.
JOHN DAEHLER
Okay.
AGENT JORKINS
So tell us what you know. It's that easy. The names, the activities, the history, the motivations, the reasons, everything.
JOHN DAEHLER
There's a lot to tell. Where do you want me to begin?
AGENT JORKINS
How long has The Brigade been in operation?
JOHN DAEHLER
Longer than I've been alive. Five times as long. Longer than that even. It goes back maybe a hundred years or more. I can't give you the precise history, because I just don't know it.
AGENT JORKINS
And what was the reason that The Brigade existed? For example, was it race-based, politically-based? Was it some sort of cult that indoctrinated its members and then called upon them to commit various crimes, including murder? What was it? What is it?
JOHN DAEHLER
What have you got from the other witnesses? They can tell you as much about that as I can, possibly a lot more. Some of them have been in The Brigade for fifty years or more.
AGENT JORKINS
We can't tell you that at this stage. All I can tell you is that we're working on it. We're asking them the same questions we're asking you.
JOHN DAEHLER
You should have enough, with the evidence I've given you, my testimony, and the testimonies of the others to put the members of The Brigade away.
AGENT JORKINS
We want to know how it worked from the inside. That's the only way we're going to be able to nail these people for their crimes. You John, you are the man on the inside. You are the one who betrayed your fellow brothers in The Brigade and came to us, asking for help. You can do it, John. You can help us to dismantle this brotherhood of murderers forever.
JOHN sits quietly. Agent Jorkins waits.
AGENT JORKINS
So, John, what can you tell us?
JOHN sits in silence, thinking of The Brigade and the events that have led up to this moment. AGENT JORKINS senses that JOHN is still, even now, hesitant to talk about The Brigade, possibly for fear of reprisal from The Brigade itself, but more likely that he still feels a bond - a connection - to some of the members he has known so long.
AGENT JORKINS
John, you can tell us. You're under our protection now. They can't get to you.
(pause)
Don't feel bad doing this John. Feel good about it. See it as a positive thing you're doing for the community. Think of all the bad things they've done. The hurt, the harm. Everything.
(pause)
These people weren't your friends. They weren't your brothers. They weren't your comrades. They were nothing John. They used you, a vulnerable child, like they used so many others. Think about that.
(pause)
Do the right thing. Give them up. Tell us what you know.
JOHN DAEHLER
I want out. For good. I don't want to be a part of it anymore. If I take you to them, if I tell you everything I know about The Brigade, do I walk free?
AGENT JORKINS thinks hard about this.
POLICE CHIEF
If you help us nail The Brigade, yes, you'll walk free.
EXT. FBI HEADQUARTERS - DAY
JOHN DAEHLER is standing outside the FBI HEADQUARTERS. He is deep in thought, thinking about the events of recent weeks, and the downfall of The Brigade.
THE CAMERA STARTS FROM A DISTANCE AS HE NARRATES AND SLOWLY ZOOMS IN ON HIM. WE SEE THE FBI SIGN ABOVE HIM.

JOHN DAEHLER
(V.O.)
My name is John Daehler. I'm seventeen years old. For the past four years I've been a member of a secret society that calls itself The Brigade. You might be wondering how I got to be inside the offices of the FBI, giving the FBI the information that would bring down the very group I've been a part of. Why would I betray people I've called friends and brothers for so long? Well, here it is.
EXT. RURAL TOWN OF FERNSELLA - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: A FEW WEEKS EARLIER
JOHN DAEHLER, a seventeen year old boy, and a resident of FERNSELLA, is walking down a street in the town. Fernsella is a rural town. It has a population of around two thousand people. It is surrounded by large tracts of farmland and farmhouses.
As John walks through Fernsella we hear his narration.
JOHN DAEHLER
(V.O.)
The Brigade changed my life. It changed me. I won't tell you how I became a member of The Brigade. I'll take that with me to the grave. I know I was one of many. The Brigade looked for young people like me. We were fodder for them, to do with as they pleased. Of course we didn't know it. We thought we were part of something special, something important, some age-old group that sought justice above all else. I will never forget what I did in its name. I will never forget, as long as I live, those nights, when we were all called out, those nights when the bad things happened. I have always kept it a secret what I did on those nights. It was only those within The Brigade who could ever know what I did, and know what I was capable of doing. To this day, I still carry my knife. Not to use it ever again. But to remind me of what I've done. I can still see the blood on the knife - the blood of four men which still stains the blade. I need to clean the blood away - the blood of all the people I have taken from this world. But that is all over now. Even though it is over, for as long as I am on this earth, I will never forget it. But I can take comfort in this fact - no matter what I did - the Brigade will come to an end. Once and for all. And I can always say that I helped to bring it to an end.
JOHN arrives at his destination, a milk-bar where his two friends, Philip and Paul, his own age, and fellow members of The Brigade, are waiting inside. He enters.
INT. FERNSELLA MILK BAR - DAY
PHILIP and PAUL are playing a pinball machine. JOHN walks in, glance around the milk-bar, and sees his two friends. John walks to the counter and orders a milk-shake.
JOHN DAEHLER
One milk-shake please. Vanilla.
The man behind the counter nods and starts to make the milk-shake.
PHILIP and PAUL look up.
PAUL
(playing pinball)
Get us one too John.
John signals for two more.
JOHN walks up to PHILIP and PAUL. They are absorbed in the game they are playing.
PHILIP
Hey, John.
PAUL
John, we're going for a record here. We've been playing this game for the last hour and . .
(he looks at a wall clock)
. . . forty three minutes.
JOHN DAEHLER
Yeah, that must be a record.
PAUL
(to JOHN)
So, what's on the cards today?
JOHN DAEHLER
I've got to go home and do some work on the farm.
PAUL
When?
John looks at his watch.
JOHN DAEHLER
Soon.
PHILLIP
You're not hanging out with us?
JOHN DAEHLER
I can’t. I have to work on the farm. And then we've got church.
PAUL
Yeah, church. That's important.
The man behind the counter calls out.
JOHN DAEHLER
Three vanilla milk-shakes.
PAUL
(still playing pinball)
I can't stop. If I stop the game will end.
MAN BEHIND COUNTER
You boys going to pay for these? Or should I just take them back?
Philip and Paul cast quick looks at the man behind the counter.
PAUL
(to man behind counter)
You in some sort of hurry?
MAN BEHIND COUNTER
No milk-shakes unless I see the money.
PAUL
We'll pay later.
JOHN DAEHLER
It's alright. I've got it.
John takes out some money and puts it on the counter. The man behind the counter, satisfied, turns and walks away.
PAUL
You didn't have to pay. You know that.
JOHN DAEHLER
If you're going to be here all day, I'll just have my drink and be on my way.
They look at John briefly.
PHILIP
You think we're wasting our time?
JOHN DAEHLER
It seems that way to me.
PAUL hits the machine and walks to the bar. Philip follows. They take their milk-shakes. John smiles and follows.
PAUL
(a toast)
Here's to spending our time more productively.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - DAY
JOHN DAEHLER is in the fields of his family farm. He is feeding the cattle. He carries their food for them and lays it out in the field. They follow keenly and start to eat their food. JOHN pats a couple of the cows on the head and back.
JOHN walks back across the field towards his family's farmhouse.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - DAY
JOHN enters the living room. In the room, JOHN'S MOTHER and John's older brother, DAVID, are getting ready for church. They are smartly dressed and are adjusting their clothes. JOHN is in his farming clothes, and looks a bit muddy and dirty.
JOHN'S MOTHER
John, get ready. Church is in one hour.
JOHN DAEHLER
I've given the cows their feed.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Good.
JOHN'S MOTHER finishes doing her hair and walks into the next room. JOHN sits down on the couch, and puts his feet up on a small coffee table.
DAVID DAEHLER
You're going to church like that?
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't see why I have to go at all. I think I ought to stay and keep the cows company.
DAVID DAEHLER
The cows will be fine. Come on, get moving. We're leaving in twenty minutes.
JOHN reluctantly stands up.
JOHN DAEHLER
Okay.
INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - DAY
JOHN is looking in a mirror in his bedroom, carefully combing his hair. He is satisfied it is neat. He is dressed in a smart suit. He is wearing a tie. He adjusts the tie, making sure it is straight. He walks out his bedroom and closes the door behind him.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
The church is small, but almost full.
JOHN and his parents and brother David are standing in a pew in the church. They are singing a hymn, along with the rest of the congregation. The hymn finishes and the congregation sits down.
The PRIEST stands in front of the congregation.
PRIEST
We are gathered in this church today to give worship to the good lord . . . We are here to thank the good lord for his many blessings upon us.
The priest continues to deliver the mass as usual.
JOHN listens at first. He then quietly looks around the church and his attention is focused on several people, all members of the secret Brigade. They are aware of JOHN'S presence in the church. They notice that JOHN is looking and they and make eye contact with him. JOHN stares at them for a couple of seconds and then looks back at the priest.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
The mass has finished. JOHN and his parents and brother walk from the church, amongst other members of the congregation.
A group of three, slightly suspicious looking men, the men that JOHN made eye contact with in the church, slowly walk past JOHN. They each nod to him as they pass him. JOHN doesn't respond. He simply makes eye contact. DAVID notices them.
DAVID DAEHLER
Do you know those people?
JOHN DAEHLER
No.

DAVID DAEHLER
Are you sure? They seemed to recognize you.
JOHN DAEHLER
It's a small town. Everyone recognizes everyone. Forget it.
Mr. SCRIVNER, a teacher at the Fernsella school, and one of JOHN's school teachers, sees JOHN and his family.
MR. SCRIVNER
John!
MR. SCRIVNER walks over. JOHN hears his name and looks and sees the smiling MR. SCRIVNER coming in his direction.
MR. SCRIVNER
Hello John.
JOHN DAEHLER
Hello, Mr. Scrivner.
MR. SCRIVNER looks at JOHN'S parents and nods his greetings.
MR. SCRIVNER
Mr. and Mrs. Daehler. It's nice to see you again.
JOHN'S FATHER
Likewise, Mr. Scrivner.
MR. SCRIVNER
I just wanted to say hello, and to tell you how well John is doing.
JOHN'S FATHER
Yes, we're very pleased with his efforts this year. He seems more focused than last year.
MR. SCRIVNER
Yes. I've never seen him work harder. His work so far is exemplary or close to it. I hope he can keep it up. John, you should be proud of your labours. You're very focused this year, much more so than last year, and the year before.
JOHN DAEHLER
Thank you.
JOHN'S MOTHER
John always says how much he enjoys your classes. He always does well in your class. I put it down to the fact that he always enjoys your teaching.
MR. SCRIVNER'S eyes light up with pleasure.
MR. SCRIVNER
Really? That's good to hear. It's important that the children enjoy what they're doing. If I make that happen, my job is half-done. Well, goodbye and have a wonderful day. John, I'll be seeing you in class. Keep up the good work.
MR. SCRIVNER smiles, nods and walks away. They watch him leave. When he has left JOHN turns to his mother.
JOHN DAEHLER
Why did you say that?
JOHN'S MOTHER
You do enjoy his classes. You said so yourself.
RUTH HOLBERT walks up. RUTH has a black eye and a badly cut lip. She looks nervous and afraid.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Hello Ruth.
JOHN and his family notice that the black eye and a cut lip. They can't help looking at the injuries.
JOHN'S MOTHER
My god, Ruth, what happened?
RUTH HOLBERT
It's nothing. I fell. Wouldn't you know it, my girl left something on the stairs and I took a tumble on it.
JOHN suspects he knows what has happened to RUTH.

JOHN'S FATHER
It looks bad. Are you sure you're alright?
RUTH HOLBERT
Yes.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Have you had it looked at?
RUTH HOLBERT
No. There's really no need. It'll heal soon. I just have to wait and put up with it. I know it looks bad, but it looks worse than it is.
DAVID DAHELER
Excuse me if I seem rude, Mrs. Holbert, but a black eye like that and a cut of the lip like you have doesn't come from a fall.
JOHN'S MOTHER
David!
DAVID DAHELER
I'm just saying, it looks more like someone's hit you. Hard.
JOHN'S MOTHER
(to RUTH)
Did someone hit you?
RUTH HOLBERT
No. I fell. That's all.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Ruth, if you're in some sort of trouble, you can tell us.
RUTH HOLBERT
It was a boy I think. He just came at me. He hit me two times I think, right in the face, and then took off running. I didn't get a chance to see who it was. It all happened so fast.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Why? Why did he attack you?
RUTH HOLBERT
To steal my purse I think.
DAVID DAHELER
Were you carrying a purse?
RUTH looks at DAVID. There is momentary silence. Ruth starts to cry. Then it all comes out.
RUTH HOLBERT
(crying)
He told me it was revenge and to keep my mouth shut. He said if I talked, he'd be back. He said he'd do a lot worse. I can't say anything more. Carol, I'm so afraid. I don't feel safe in this town any more.
DAVID DAHELER
You're not alone, Mrs. Holbert. There are lots of us who feel the same way.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Didn't you see his face?
RUTH HOLBERT
No. He was too quick.
(she wipes her eyes)
I'm sorry to be bothering you with this. I'm sure it's the last thing you want to hear.
JOHN DAEHLER
Mrs. Holbert. Didn't you report a boy for stealing from the poor box in church? You saw him do it, didn't you?
RUTH HOLBERT
How do you know that? I didn't tell anyone that.
JOHN hesitates.
JOHN DAEHLER
I heard it from a friend. He was there. He saw it happen.


DAVID DAHELER
(to JOHN)
What? He was there in the church and saw it?
RUTH HOLBERT
I reported it to the police. They're the only people I told.
(pause)
Do you think that . . . I was attacked by the same boy I reported?
JOHN'S MOTHER
It's possible Ruth. If he said it was revenge, perhaps that was what it was for. Who was the boy? If you saw him in the church, you can identify him.
RUTH HOLBERT
That's the problem. I don't know. I didn't get a good look at his face in church. He had his back to me. When he heard me calling out to him to stop what he was doing, he just ran out of the church. I think he was wearing a blue shirt. And grey trousers. That's all I remember. Anyway, he got away. I went to the police, gave them his description but said I didn't see his face. The police don't know who it was any more than I do.
DAVID DAEHLER
It could have been anyone.
RUTH HOLBERT
This town isn't safe anymore. It's not safe to walk the streets. It's not even safe in the church. Anyway, I won't keep you. It's nice to speak to you again, Carol. John, David. Mr. Daehler.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Ruth, I hope you feel better soon.
RUTH HOLBERT smiles a nervous half-smile and walks away. She hurries from the churchyard and disappears down the street.
DAVID DEALER
(skeptically to JOHN)
Your friend was there, was he?
JOHN doesn't answer.
JOHN'S MOTHER
John, maybe you can ask your friend if he knows who attacked Ruth. Is there any chance he might know who it was? If he got a good look at him he'll be able to give a description to the police, maybe pick him out of a lineup.
JOHN DAEHLER
I doubt it. But I'll ask him.
EXT. FIELD IN THE COUNTRY - NIGHT
Four tents are set up in the field. A campfire is burning, sending smoke drifting into the dark night sky.
About twenty metres away from the campsite, there is a small wooden shack. The shack is old and run down. It has broken glass in one of the windows, and another window is boarded up. There is an old car nearby.
Sitting around the campfire on logs and on rickety wooden chairs are three young men. They are TIGER CROSSMAN, ROBERT LAYSTON and JORDAN TRUSSDALE. They are dressed in worn clothes, their hair is dirty and their faces are smudged with dirt. They're around eighteen or nineteen years old.
INT. SHACK - NIGHT
There is only one room in the shack. An old, dirty kitchen fills one side wall of the room. There are shelves, piled with plates and cups, most of them dirty and cracked. A kettle is on the stove.
At the stove there is a young woman. JIMMY REDDEN, a young man, who is eighteen years old, walks in. He walks up to the young woman, puts his arm around her waist and looks at the kettle.
JIMMY REDDEN
We're getting thirsty.
YOUNG WOMAN
The tea's almost ready.
JIMMY REDDEN
When it's done, come out. We're cooking.
YOUNG WOMAN
What's on the menu tonight?
JIMMY REDDEN
Just come out when you're done.
JIMMY kisses her on the cheek and walks out of the shack.
EXT. FIELD IN THE COUNTRY - NIGHT
The group of men, TIGER CROSSMAN, JORDAN TRUSSDALE and ROBERT LAYSTON, are reclining casually, warming themselves by the fire. JIMMY walks out the shack.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Robert, tell us again how you got that woman back. What's her name? Ruth Holbert?
ROBERT LAYSTON
She said she saw me take money from the poor box in the church. She went to the police. She couldn't say who I was. I was too quick and she didn't get a good look at my face. Anyhow, I was walking down the street a few days later and who do I bump into. Her! So, I follow her. When she's alone, I put on my Balaclava and smack!
ROBERT when he says 'smack' hits his fist in his palm.
The other boys laugh.
JIMMY walks over to the campfire. He arrives just as ROBERT finishes telling his story.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Jimmy, Robert was just telling us how he hit that stupid woman in the town who reported him to the police.
JIMMY REDDEN
Yeah, what'd he say?
TIGER CROSSMAN
He said he smacked her one right in the face.
JIMMY REDDEN
Is that all he did?
TIGER CROSSMAN
Yeah, that's it. Funny though. Don't you think, Jimmy?
JIMMY REDDEN
Put dinner on. I'm hungry.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Who's cooking? It's not my turn. I cooked last night.
JIMMY REDDEN
(to TIGER CROSSMAN)
Tiger, do it.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Tiger cooked the night before.
JIMMY REDDEN
Then whose turn is it?
ROBERT LAYSTON
I don't know. That's why I'm asking. We need a proper roster. One that says who's doing what. Like, it says Monday morning, Tiger cooks sausages and bacon for breakfast. Then it says Monday lunch, Jordan cooks sausages for lunch. Then . . .
JIMMY REDDEN
I get it. And where do we get the bacon and sausages?
ROBERT LAYSTON
We get them where we always get them. We steal them.

JIMMY REDDEN
So, who's cooking dinner?
ROBERT LAYSTON
Not me. I did it last night.
TIGER CROSSMAN
I think it's Jordan's turn.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
I don't think it is. I think it's yours Tiger. I cooked breakfast the last three days. Which means you have to cook dinner twice more before it's my turn again.
JIMMY REDDEN
(angrily)
Fuck, how hard can it be?
JIMMY takes a log and chucks it onto the fire, sending a shower of embers into the air. The others sit back to avoid being covered in embers.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Alright, Jimmy, I'll do it.
JIMMY REDDEN
Meat's inside. Go get it.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Damn it, I was just getting comfortable.
JIMMY REDDEN
Get comfortable after dinner.
ROBERT LAYSTON stands up and walks to the shack.
JIMMY stands in front of the fire and starts to warm himself. They sit and stand in silence.
JIMMY REDDEN
I'm not doing this every night for the rest of my life.
TIGER CROSSMAN
What do you mean Jimmy?


JIMMY REDDEN
Living here, in this squalid fucking place. Living like this isn't going to be my life.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
What is going to be your life Jimmy?
JIMMY REDDEN
Not this.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Yeah, but what? What are you going to do? How are you going to better your situation? I mean, how high are you going to aim?
JIMMY REDDEN
I'm still working it out in my head.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Mayor? Judge? Police chief? What?
JIMMY REDDEN spits on the ground and wipes the residual spit from his mouth. He doesn't speak.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Come on Jimmy, tell us. What are you going to be?
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Yeah, what will you make of yourself?
JIMMY REDDEN
Sitting around a fire every night, eating whatever we can find or steal, that might be enough for you boys, but it's not good enough for me.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
We've got a house.
JIMMY REDDEN
That's no house. It's a pile of sticks. It'll collapse at any moment, taking whoever's inside with it to the grave. Think about this. This land doesn't even belong to us. It's not ours. We have nothing to call our own. Is that how you want to go through life, with nothing to your name? Not a cent, not a single real possession, nothing nice and beautiful? Is that what you all want? Because that's what you're going to have. Nothing. Not a thing in the world.
TIGER CROSSMAN
None of us like it here. We all know what we have and what we don't have. We don't have those things that all respectable people have. But don't worry, Jimmy. We'll take a step up sooner or later. You, me, all of us.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Yeah, we just have to put our minds to it. We'll come up with something.
JIMMY nods and looks into the fire. He doesn't speak for a while. TIGER and JORDAN are silent. TIGER puts his boots up on a box in front of the fire. JORDAN scratches his head and looks into the fire.
JIMMY REDDEN
Where's Robert? What's taking him so long?
JIMMY turns in the direction of the shack.
JIMMY REDDEN
Robert! Get a move on!
INT. SHACK - DAY
ROBERT has a stack of meat wrapped up in paper. He has the package of meat tucked under one arm. He is leaning against the counter. The YOUNG WOMAN is chopping vegetables.
ROBERT LAYSTON
So you getting married anytime soon?
YOUNG WOMAN
To Jimmy? Hell no. I wouldn't have that bastard telling me what to do the rest of my life.
ROBERT LAYSTON
He loves you.
YOUNG WOMAN
Yeah, I know. I didn't mean that. Really.
ROBERT LAYSTON
You could do better. If you wanted to.
YOUNG WOMAN
Don't let Jimmy hear that.
JIMMY REDDEN
(O.C.)
Robert! What are you doing in there?
YOUNG WOMAN
Better hurry. Jimmy doesn't like to be kept waiting. Especially with an empty stomach.
ROBERT takes the wrapped up meat from under his arm and walks out of the shack.
EXT. FIELD IN THE COUNTRY - NIGHT
ROBERT walks over the fire. JIMMY and the others are waiting.
JIMMY REDDEN
Put it on. We're starving here.
ROBERT unwraps the package of meat and chucks some steaks and sausages on the fire.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Any bread to go with that?
ROBERT LAYSTON
Sorry, baker's was closed.
They smile devious smiles, except JIMMY.

JIMMY REDDEN
No bread?
ROBERT LAYSTON
Baker wouldn't give.
JIMMY REDDEN
Did you give him a warning? You need to make it clear who we are.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Yeah, I told him who we were. He wouldn't budge. Told me to go to hell and get a job. He said it was us folks that's bringing down the whole town. Then he said he'd be happy to sell me bread.
JIMMY REDDEN
Put the baker on the list.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Come on Jimmy, there's no need. It's just a bit of bread.
JIMMY REDDEN
Who's the steak and sausages courtesy of?
TIGER CROSSMAN
The butcher.
The steak and sausages are starting to cook on the make-shift metal grill over the fire.
ROBERT LAYSTON
They look good. Don't they Jimmy?
TIGER CROSSMAN
They certainly do.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
I'll be sleeping on a full stomach tonight.
They smile their devious smiles and laugh.
JIMMY REDDEN
It's not enough.
The others go silent at this comment by JIMMY.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
There's enough for all of us. We did well to get this much.
JIMMY REDDEN
There's no bread.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Jimmy, don't get one of your stupid ideas.
JIMMY REDDEN
Stupid?
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
You can't go around threatening people over bread.
JIMMY REDDEN
Get you stuff together. We've got a visit to make after dinner.
EXT. BAKER'S SHOP IN VILLAGE - NIGHT
The baker's shop is closed and locked. The front of the shop is glass.
A car pulls up twenty metres down the street. It stops and the engine is switched off.
INT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
JIMMY, JORDAN, ROBERT and TIGER are sitting in the car. JIMMY is at the wheel. They peer through the darkened street at the baker's shop.
JIMMY REDDEN
Is that the one?
ROBERT LAYSTON
That's it.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Jimmy, is this necessary?
JIMMY REDDEN
You want these respectable folk getting the better of you?
TIGER CROSSMAN
They didn't do anything.
JIMMY REDDEN
You want their selfishness to prevail. You telling me he couldn't spare a loaf of bread?
TIGER CROSSMAN
You need money for that. Money we don't have.
JIMMY REDDEN
We get money.
TIGER CROSSMAN
What? That? That's peanuts Jimmy, and you know it.
JIMMY REDDEN
It's better than nothing. Do you see anyone about?
TIGER CROSSMAN
No.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
No. No one.
JIMMY REDDEN
Let's go.
EXT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
They get out of the car and close the doors. They each have a baseball bat. They take a second look around to make sure there are no witnesses. They walk up to the bakery.
EXT. BAKERY - NIGHT
They stop outside. JIMMY walks to the glass front, puts his face against it and peers inside. The others wait.
JIMMY REDDEN
Empty.
JIMMY stands back and take out a pistol. The others see it.

TIGER CROSSMAN
Jimmy, it's empty.
JIMMY REDDEN
Just in case. Get to work.
TIGER, ROBERT, and JORDAN step up to the window and the three of them swing their bats and smash the front window. They swing several times and shatter the entire front windows. They step back.
A light switches on in a flat on the other side of the road. TIGER notices it, the others don't.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Jimmy.
TIGER nods to the light. JIMMY looks, the others follow.
TIGER CROSSMAN
It just went on.
JIMMY REDDEN
Forget it. Go in.
TIGER, ROBERT and JORDAN step through the broken glass and shattered window and enter the bakery.
INT. BAKERY - NIGHT
They start to smash things in the shop. They swing their bats and demolish the contents of the shop.
EXT. BAKERY - NIGHT
JIMMY waits outside. He watches the light in the flat. No one comes to the window.
JIMMY REDDEN
(into the shop)
Torch it.
INT. BAKERY - NIGHT
TIGER pulls out a packet of matches from his pocket. He then takes out a small container of lighter fluid. He pours some of the lighter fluid on the ground and walls. He strikes a match and ignites the fluid. The bakery catches alight. They hurry out of the shop, and join JIMMY outside.
EXT. BAKERY - NIGHT
JIMMY is standing watching the window. The curtain is pulled back and a man peers out into the darkness. He sees the four young men, and the burning shop.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Come on, let's get out of here.
JIMMY REDDEN
No. Wait. He's seen us. We don't want witnesses.
TIGER CROSSMAN
It's not worth it Jimmy.
TIGER, ROBERT and JORDAN run to the car. JIMMY hesitates, looking at the window across the street, and the person inside the window, and then follows after the others. They all jump into the car. JIMMY starts the car and they speed down the street, tires screeching.
INT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
They pass through the town streets and then back into the country. They are jubilant now.
TIGER CROSSMAN
That's a lesson the baker won't soon forget.
ROBERT LAYSTON
You were right Jimmy. That's the way to do things.
JIMMY REDDEN
I still say we should have taken care of the witness.
The others are too happy and on a high to worry about JIMMY'S statement. The car speeds off.
EXT. HOUSE IN COUNTRY - NIGHT
A majestic manor house sits by the roadside in the country. It is a wealthy looking residence.
JIMMY'S car comes to a halt outside it.

INT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
JIMMY REDDEN
(to the other three)
Wait here.
TIGER CROSSMAN
What are you going to tell him?
JIMMY REDDEN
I'll tell him there'll be some trouble for a bit, but not to worry. Things will cool down.
EXT. HOUSE IN COUNTRY - NIGHT
JIMMY walks from the car to the front door. He rings the bell. JIMMY waits. A few moments later the door opens. A MIDDLE-AGED MAN, well-dressed, is standing at the door. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is a secret member of The Brigade. He is a messenger for the leaders. He passes the leaders' orders to the members and provides the younger members, like JIMMY and his friends, with money when they need it.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Jimmy!
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN smiles.
JIMMY REDDEN
Sir.
JIMMY nods his head. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN takes a quick look behind JIMMY, on the lookout for anyone else.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Are you alone?
JIMMY REDDEN
Yes, sir. It's just me and Tiger, Robert and Jordan. They're waiting in the car.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Well?
JIMMY REDDEN
I wanted to tell you that we had to torch a shop in the town. The baker's shop. He stiffed us on some food.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Did anyone see you? We can't have anyone seeing us.
JIMMY REDDEN
No. No one.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Are you sure?
JIMMY REDDEN
Yes. No one saw us. Someone might have heard us, but it was dark. They wouldn't be able to see our faces.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Good. That's alright then. Thank you for telling me. I'll inform the leaders of this action of yours the next time I see them. Did you do a good job on the shop?
JIMMY REDDEN
Yes, sir, we did a real good job. They'll be nothing left when he comes to work tomorrow.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Good. These things need to be done. You know that, don't you, Jimmy?
JIMMY REDDEN
Of course, sir. The Brigade must take action against all offenders.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
That is true. We must. We can't let people get the better of us. We can't let them win. If they do something to us, we must do something to them. It is the way of nature.
JIMMY REDDEN
I have something else to ask, sir.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Yes?
JIMMY REDDEN
Me and the guys, we're a bit short at the moment. Is there any way you can see to give us next month's money tonight? It'd really help us out. Without more money, we'll have to do some burglaries and that could bring some more trouble, trouble that the leaders won't want.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
You know how it works Jimmy. Once a month we pay you and your friends your fair share. You get what is deserved. You do good work, you will get your just rewards.
JIMMY REDDEN
It doesn't go four ways. Five if you count Daehler.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I can't do it. Sorry Jimmy.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN shuts the door, but JIMMY stops him and pleads with him.
JIMMY REDDEN
Sir, wait. We're finding it hard, sir. Very hard. We're just scraping by as it is. If you could see it in your heart to advance us next month's pay, we'll make sure we keep up the good work.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Jimmy, I can't. The leaders would have to give me the okay. Without that there's nothing I can do to help you. Goodbye Jimmy.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN closes the door.
JIMMY REDDEN
(to himself)
Bastard.
JIMMY turns and walks back to the car.
INT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
JIMMY gets back in the car.
TIGER CROSSMAN
What'd he say?
JIMMY REDDEN
He said no. He said it has to come from the leaders and they won't give it.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Fucking lousy stinking bastard. Look at that house. You telling me he doesn't have enough to help us through. What happened to helping your brothers?
JIMMY REDDEN
Let's go.
TIGER CROSSMAN
What about Daehler?
JIMMY REDDEN
What about him?
TIGER CROSSMAN
He might have some spare money lying around.
JIMMY REDDEN
What's his is his.
JIMMY starts the car, it turns around on the country road and drive off.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
The next day.
JOHN is sitting in the classroom. Mr. Scrivner, his teacher, is giving a geography lesson.
The PRINCIPAL of the school enters the room. JOHN looks up. The CLASS stands when the principal enters. With the principal is KENNETH BEARFIELD, an African-American, who no one in the class has seen before. Kenneth is new to Fernsella and to the school.

PRINCIPAL
Class, be seated.
The CLASS OF STUDENTS sit down.
PRINCIPAL
Class, this is Kenneth. Kenneth and his family have recently moved to Fernsella. They are our newest residents. I want all of you to make him welcome to our school and to our community. I'm sure you'll make him feel at home.
SCHOOLBOY
Where's he from, sir?
PRINCIPAL
(to KENNETH)
Would you like to explain, Kenneth?
SCHOOLBOY
My father bought some land on the outskirts of the town. We're going to farm the land.
KENNETH BEARFIELD looks at the principal, the principal nods and KENNETH walks to a vacant seat and sits down. He sits next to JOHN DAEHLER. The PRINCIPAL turns to MR. SCRIVNER.
PRINCIPAL
Mr. Scrivner, you may resume your class.
The PRINCIPAL leaves the room.
JOHN is sitting next to KENNETH.
JOHN DAEHLER
John.
JOHN extends his hand. KENNETH looks at it.
JOHN DAEHLER
You don't shake hands?
KENNETH extends his hand and shakes JOHN'S hand.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Kenneth Bearfield.
KENNETH looks to the front of the class and listens to MR. SCRIVNER, who has resumed talking.
EXT. SCHOOL YARD - DAY
JOHN sits with two friends, Philip and Paul, in the school yard. The school yard is a grassed area with a wooden fence around it.
JOHN and his two friends look across the yard and see KENNETH BEARFIELD talking to three students.
PAUL
John, what do you think?
JOHN DAEHLER
He seems okay.
KENNETH BEARFIELD is smiling and laughing with the other students across the yard.
PAUL
Could he be recruited?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. He doesn't look that type.
EXT. SCHOOL HALL - DAY
It is after school. Most of the students have already gone home. A few students are walking down the school hall on their way out of the school building.
JOHN is standing with Philip and Paul. Paul is putting his books in his locker. He looks through his locker for his watch but it is not there.
PAUL
Where's my watch?
JOHN DAEHLER
It's not on your wrist?
PAUL
No. I keep it in here. I don't like to wear watches.
JOHN DAEHLER
Why not?
PAUL
Where is it?
Paul continues to search through his belongings in the locker.
JOHN DAEHLER
Maybe someone stole it.
PAUL
Who? Who would dare?
PHILIP
What about the new boy, Kenneth Bearfield?
PAUL
You think he took it?
PHILIP
Maybe. He's new, he doesn't understand the rules here. He doesn't know how things work yet. I didn't see him wearing a watch when he came into class. Maybe our new boy is a thief.
JOHN DAEHLER
Come on, you don't honestly suspect him, do you? You can't know who took it. Maybe you lost it, or someone else took it. I doubt he'd steal a watch on his first day at school.
While they are talking, KENNETH turns a corner into the school hall and walks in their direction.
PHILIP
Speak of the devil.
KENNETH walks up.
JOHN DAEHLER
Hey, Kenneth, how's it going? It's John. I met you in class.
KENNETH stops walking and smiles.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Hello.

JOHN DAEHLER
How did you find your first day at our school?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
People have been very welcoming.
PHILIP
Kenneth, you got the time?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
No. Sorry.
PAUL
Hey, Kenneth, you haven't seen a watch lying around, have you?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
A watch? No. Why?
PAUL
My watch is missing. Someone stole it from my locker. Did you see anything?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
No.
PHILIP
So you wouldn't have taken it yourself then?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Me? No. Of course not.
Philip grabs KENNETH by his arms and pins them behind his back.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
No. What are you doing?
PAUL
Where is it? We know you took it.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I didn't.
PAUL
(to Philip)
Take him outside.
(to JOHN)
John, you coming?
EXT. BEHIND THE SCHOOL BUILDING - DAY
Paul and Philip push KENNETH BEARFIELD roughly against the wall. They have threatening looks on their faces. JOHN stands back and watches.
PAUL
You didn't take my watch?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
No.
PAUL
(to JOHN)
What do you want to do with him?
JOHN DAEHLER
Ask again.
PAUL
Did you or didn't you take it?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I didn't.
Paul looks to JOHN.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Why do you keep looking at him? You can't make decisions on your own?
PAUL
What?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
You heard me.
Paul punches KENNETH BEARFIELD hard in the stomach. KENNETH keels over and gasps for breath.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
(bent over)
You ever tried to solve something without fighting?
PAUL
(threateningly)
You don't get it do you? New boy. You don't know how things work in Fernsella. If you did, firstly, you wouldn't steal my watch, and secondly you wouldn't give us shit about how we handle matters that concern us.
Paul punches KENNETH again.
JOHN DAEHLER
That'll do.
Paul and Philip stands back. JOHN steps up.
JOHN DAEHLER
I believe you.
PHILIP
You're lucky he believes you.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I'm lucky? What if he didn't believe me?
JOHN and his two friends don't answer. KENNETH looks at one, then the other, then at JOHN.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
What? You'd hurt me worse?
PAUL
There's a few things you need to know about some of the people in Fernsella.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
(still bent over)
Like what?
PAUL
Like this is John Daehler. You'll get to know John if you and your family stay here. Everyone knows John.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
What do I need to know about him?
JOHN reaches into his pocket and takes out a small knife. PHILIP and PAUL pin KENNETH to the wall.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
No. No. Wait.
JOHN holds the knife up, close to KENNETH'S face.
JOHN DAEHLER
It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I want to show you this. You mess with us, just once, you'll feel this. Okay?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
You'd do that to me?
JOHN DAEHLER
This is your warning. Consider it your introduction to the way we do things in Fernsella. Don't make us tell you twice.
JOHN puts the knife back in his pocket. JOHN nods to PAUL and PHILIP. They release KENNETH. JOHN walks off, followed by PAUL and PHILIP. KENNETH BEARFIELD finally stands up straight. He leans against the wall, in anguish.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICER - DAY
KENNETH BEARFIELD is standing in front of the PRINCIPAL'S desk. The principal is seated at his desk.
PRINCIPAL
A knife?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Yes sir. He took out a knife and threatened me with it. He threatened to use it if I messed with them again.
PRINCIPAL
Did you mess with them?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
No!
PRINCIPAL
Why did they think you did?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I don't know. They accused me of stealing a watch.
PRINCIPAL
What do you want me to do?

KENNETH BEARFIELD
I expect you to take action against them. You're the principal. It's your duty to stop actions like this.
PRINCIPAL
That's hard to do when there's no proof that it actually happened.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Sir, I'm telling you it happened. I'm not a liar. They took out a knife and threatened to kill me.
PRINCIPAL
No one else saw it. That makes it's hard to prove.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I was threatened with a weapon.
PRINCIPAL
But they didn't actually hurt you.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I don't understand. Please don't think I'm stepping over the line when I say this. Your school is your responsibility. It's your responsibility to make sure that its students are safe. And I don't feel safe. Not with people like John Daehler and his friends, who are carrying weapons around with them.
PRINCIPAL
Okay, this is what I'll do. I'll speak to the boy's responsible.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I don't think speaking to them is enough. You have to tell them what is and isn't right. What they can and can't do here. If they object, it's your responsibility to tell them to leave the school.
PRINCIPAL
I can't kick them out.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Why not?
PRINCIPAL
I'll have a word with them.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
(angry and frustrated)
A word? A word isn't enough! I can't believe this is happening!
PRINCIPAL
Now, now, Kenneth. Know your place. Another outburst like that and you will be the one in trouble. Now, would you like to be present when I talk to John and his friends?
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
It is a short time later. JOHN DAEHLER and PAUL and PHILIP are in the principal's office, seated in chairs. KENNETH stands next to the principal.
PRINCIPAL
John, Kenneth has come to me in great distress. He's complained to me that you and your friends have threatened him. John? Would you care to explain?
JOHN DAEHLER
He's making it up.
PRINCIPAL
Maybe he is and maybe he isn't. But if his claim is true, it's very serious. The three of you know that weapons of any kind are forbidden in this school.
PHILIP
We didn't touch him.
PRINCIPAL
And the knife?
PAUL
What knife?
The PRINCIPAL sits and thinks about it.
PRINCIPAL
I'll have to think about this. In the meantime, please, all of you, behave yourselves. There's no need for any of this. Just try to get along as best you can. Okay? John, Philip, Paul, please understand that it can be difficult for Kenneth being in a new environment and at a new school. Please don't make it even more difficult for him.
JOHN/PAUL/PHILIP
Yes, sir.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
That's it? You have to punish them. If they're permitted to get away with this, they'll do it again, and worse.
The three boys turn their eyes to KENNETH.
PRINCIPAL
Alright, that'll do. All of you, go home.
JOHN and PAUL and PHILIP stand up and walk from the room. KENNETH follows them.
EXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY
JOHN and PAUL and PHILIP and KENNETH are outside the principal's office.
PAUL
That was a mistake Kenneth.
JOHN DAEHLER
(to his friends)
That's enough. Let's get out of here.
(to KENNETH)
Have a good afternoon Kenneth.
The three boys walk away. KENNETH watches them leave.
EXT. STREET NEAR THE SCHOOL - DAY
It is half an hour later.
KENNETH is walking along a street in the town, near the school. He sees Phillip and Paul standing in the distance, leaning against the wall of a milk-bar. KENNETH walks on, planning to avoid any confrontation. He has to pass by them.
He gets within a few metres of them. They watch him pass.
PAUL
Hey Kenneth.
KENNETH turns. He looks at the two boys.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Please, I don't want trouble. I just want to go home.
PHILIP
You've got trouble. More trouble than you know.
KENNETH turns around and walks off.
PHILIP
(shout)
You're lucky I don't kill you now.
KENNETH increases his speed and walks around a corner and is out of sight of the two boys.
EXT. SCHOOL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN - DAY
KENNETH is waiting outside a school for young children, which his two young sisters attend. His two young sisters appear at the door of the school, with backpacks on their backs. They see KENNETH, smile and run to him.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Hi!
GIRLS
Hi Kenneth!
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Did you have a good day?

GIRL #1
Yes. We've already made some new friends!
KENNETH BEARFIELD
You can tell me about it at dinner. How does that sound?
GIRLS
Okay.
EXT. KENNETH BEARFIELD'S FARM - DAY
KENNETH and his two young sisters walk up the front path to their house. The house lies just off a country road. The farmhouse is surrounded by fields.
INT. KENNETH BEARFIELD'S FARM HOUSE - DAY
KENNETH and his two sisters enter the house.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Now, run on upstairs and do your homework.
GIRLS
Okay.
The two girls happily run off up the stairs to their bedrooms.
KENNETH sits down on the couch. He starts to cry. He cries for some time. Finally, his tears stop. He wipes his eyes and takes two deep breaths. KENNETH looks at a family photograph on the wall. He looks at his mother in the picture.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I wish you were here.
CLOSE UP of KENNETH BEARFIELD'S MOTHER in the photograph. She is smiling and happy.
EXT. KENNETH BEARFIELD'S FARM HOUSE - EVENING
It is nightfall. HAROLD BEARFIELD arrives in a car at the house, returning from work in the town.
He parks his car. He steps out of the car, takes his suitcase and walks up to the house.
INT. KENNETH BEARFIELD'S FARM HOUSE - EVENING
HAROLD enters the house. He looks around the dimly lit room for KENNETH and his two daughters.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
(calling out)
Kenneth!
There are footsteps on the stairs and KENNETH appears in the living room.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Well? How was your first day at school?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I don't want to stay here. We've made a mistake coming to Fernsella.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
What's wrong?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Everything.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Are your sisters okay? Where are they?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
They're fine. They're upstairs doing their schoolwork.
KENNETH walks to the photo on the wall. He looks at it.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I miss my mother.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
We all miss her. It wasn't right. But these things happen. We have to find ways to cope. We still have each other.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
And leaving everything and coming to this stupid town is the answer?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Give it time.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I don't want to give it time. Something bad is going to happen.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
No. Nothing bad is going to happen. I'm going to make sure it doesn't. I'll look after you. You have to be strong. Not only for your sake, but for your sisters' sakes.
KENNETH sits down on a couch.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
What if I can't protect them?
HAROLD walks to the couch and sits down next to KENNETH.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Is there something you want to tell me? Do you know something that I should know?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
No. You're right. I can be happy here. I just have to give it a chance.
They sit in silence for a short time.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I should check on your sisters.
INT. SISTERS' BEDROOM - NIGHT
The two girls are sitting at their desks, with school books open. They are reading from the open books and writing notes in their note books.
HAROLD opens the door. He sticks his head in the room.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Everything okay in here?
GIRLS
Yes father.
FATHER
Good.
HAROLD quietly closes the door.
EXT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
A raucous party is in full swing. JIMMY REDDEN and the YOUNG WOMAN, ROBERT, TIGER, JORDAN are inside. There are about ten other boys and girls. A few are dancing to the music. The rest are standing around talking. There are copious amounts of hard liquor. Many bottles are strewn around on the floor. Loud music is blaring.
A fight breaks out in the room between two boys. No one tries to stop it. Instead, everyone cheers them on. They pummel each other.
Boys are challenging each other in drinking contests. They gulp beer by the bottle. One keels over and vomits on the floor. The others laugh. JIMMY and the others see it and laugh too.
JIMMY REDDEN
Where's John? It's ten o'clock.
TIGER CROSSMAN
He'll be here. He wouldn't miss it.
JIMMY REDDEN
Is it just me, or is John on the path to being reformed?
TIGER CROSSMAN
Huh?
JIMMY REDDEN
Reformed? Is he on the path to good behaviour? John was never that way before. But I see him now, he seems changed.
TIGER CROSSMAN
I don't know. You'll have to ask him yourself Jimmy. I haven't noticed anything different in him.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN's parents and brother are sitting watching television. JOHN enters the room.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm going out.
JOHN'S MOTHER
John, it's ten o'clock. Where are you going?
JOHN DAEHLER
Out.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Where? We're your parents. We have a right to know.
JOHN DAEHLER
Nowhere in particular. Just around.
DAVID DAHELER
Where John?
JOHN'S FATHER
With Jimmy?
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll see you later.
JOHN'S FATHER
Be back by midnight.
JOHN DAEHLER
Maybe.
JOHN'S FATHER
No, John. Midnight. It's a school night.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll see you.
JOHN walks to the door and out.
DAVID DAHELER
You shouldn't let him go out like this. You don't even know where he goes.
EXT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
The noise of the party is blaring into the night.
JOHN walks towards the house. He has his hands in his warm coat.
INT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
JOHN is walks in. JIMMY and the other three see him enter the room. JOHN walks over to them.
JIMMY REDDEN
John Daehler. So you decided to drop by.
JOHN DAEHLER
Yeah.
JIMMY REDDEN
What's going on?
JOHN DAEHLER
Nothing. Usual.
TIGER CROSSMAN
We messed up the baker's real good last night.
JOHN DAEHLER
I heard. That was you?
JIMMY REDDEN
What did you hear?
JOHN DAEHLER
Nothing. The baker's too scared to do anything. He thinks if he does anything about it, or talks, worse things will happen. You're safe.
JIMMY REDDEN
You think I care if the baker does do something?
JOHN DAEHLER
No, Jimmy. I know you don't care.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Here, John, take a drink of this.
JORDAN hands JOHN a flask of wine. JOHN takes a long drink.
JOHN DAEHLER
That's garbage.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
We can't afford anything better at the moment.
JOHN DAEHLER
Steal it.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
We did.
JIMMY REDDEN
John, I want a word.
JIMMY walks to the front door. JOHN follows.
EXT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
They stand outside in the cold.
JIMMY REDDEN
So where you been?
JOHN DAEHLER
I've been busy.
JIMMY REDDEN
You know what I think? I think that you don't want us as friends any more. Am I right?
JOHN DAEHLER
No, Jimmy, that's not it. I'm just busy.
JIMMY REDDEN
Why do we never see you any more?
JOHN DAEHLER
I have other things to do.
JIMMY REDDEN
Yeah, we all got other things to do. It doesn't mean we neglect our duties, and our obligations.
JOHN DAEHLER
To who?
JIMMY REDDEN
You know who.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm not neglecting anything or anyone. Jesus, Jimmy, don't be so damn selfish all the time. The world doesn't mean just you.
JIMMY REDDEN
You listen to me John. You took an oath. You swore never to break that oath. I don't want to hear that you've given up on all of us. You know what'll happen.
JOHN DAEHLER
Fuck you. I'm going back inside. It's too cold out here.
JOHN walks past JIMMY and back into the house.
INT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
JOHN and the others are standing in the room. JOHN is looking at a girl in the room.
JOHN DAEHLER
(to TIGER CROSSMAN)
Who's that?
TIGER CROSSMAN
Susan Frontis.
JOHN DAEHLER
Is she taken?
TIGER CROSSMAN
Nope.
INT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
A short time later. JOHN is pouring a drink. He is standing next to the SUSAN who is talking to two other girls. He knows the two other girls.
GIRL
John!
JOHN turns. SUSAN looks at him.
GIRL
Have you met Susan?
JOHN DAEHLER
No.
GIRL
John, this is Susan. Susan, this is John Daehler.
SUSAN extends her hand and JOHN shakes it. SUSAN smiles.
JOHN DAEHLER
Drink?
SUSAN laughs.
INT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
A short time later. JOHN and SUSAN are kissing in an empty room. The music is blaring from the next room.
INT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
JIMMY and the others are drunk. They are sitting around.
JIMMY REDDEN
Where'd John go?
ROBERT LAYSTON
He's with that girl.
INT. JOHN'S FRIEND'S HOUSE IN TOWN - NIGHT
JOHN and the GIRL are still kissing. They stop kissing.
GIRL
John, is it true you've . . . killed a man?
JOHN DAEHLER
Who told you that?
GIRL
It doesn't matter. Is it true?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. It's not true.

GIRL
I heard you killed more than one. What does it feel like?
The door bursts open and JIMMY enters the room. JOHN and the GIRL separate.
JIMMY REDDEN
John, we're going shooting.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT
JIMMY'S car speeds down a dark country road. JIMMY is driving. TIGER, ROBERT, JORDAN and JOHN are in the car.
The car takes a bend in the road and speeds onwards.
They pass a sign on the side of the road. There are two flashes of light and two gunshots. The bullets hit the sign.
INT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
JIMMY is driving. The others are in front and back passenger seats. TIGER holds the gun. He sticks it out the window and fires off two shots.
JIMMY sees a house in a distant field, it's lights the only lights in the darkness.
JIMMY REDDEN
Over there.
He points to the house.
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
The car is pulled over in a field, on a track. JIMMY has the gun pointed at the house in the distance. He aims at a window and fires. The bullet hits the window and the window shatters.
JIMMY REDDEN
Bulls-eye.
JIMMY turns to JOHN.
JIMMY REDDEN
Your turn John. Put a couple in the door.
JOHN DAEHLER
No. I don't feel like shooting tonight.
JIMMY, angry at JOHN, says nothing. He tosses the gun to JORDAN.
JIMMY REDDEN
Here, Jordan. You do it, if John isn't up to it.
JORDAN takes the gun, aims carefully, and fires two shots. Both hit the door.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Doesn't look like anyone's home.
JIMMY REDDEN
Come on, let's go.
They get back into the car. JIMMY looks angrily but silently at JOHN.
INT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
The car is speeding down a country road. TIGER is hanging out the window with the gun.
TIGER fires a shot out the window and hits a sign. He holds the smoking gun.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Got it. Who's next?
JIMMY REDDEN
Let John have a go.
TIGER passes the gun to JOHN. JOHN takes the gun but hesitates.
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't want it.
JIMMY REDDEN
What?
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't want it. I'm not in the mood.

JIMMY REDDEN
You'd rather be somewhere else? Is that it?
JOHN doesn't answer.
JIMMY REDDEN
Right?
Still JOHN doesn't answer.
JIMMY REDDEN
I see. You'd rather be with that whore.
JIMMY hits the breaks and the car screeches to a halt. JIMMY turns around the looks at JOHN in the back seat.
JIMMY REDDEN
That's what she is John. I know her. She's trash. A whore.
The others sit in tense silence.
JOHN DAEHLER
Let me out here. I'll walk back.
JIMMY REDDEN
It's five miles.
JOHN DAEHLER
Let me out.
JIMMY REDDEN
(to the others)
Let him go.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT
JOHN gets out of JIMMY'S car. It drives away, leaving JOHN alone in the country. JOHN starts to walk slowly back along the road, in the direction of his home.
INT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
As they drive,
TIGER CROSSMAN
What the hell was with John? He never acts this way.
ROBERT LAYSTON
He's not himself. That's what it is.
JIMMY REDDEN
Forget John. Just shoot some more.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Maybe we should go back and pick him up. It's a long walk home. And it's cold out.
JIMMY REDDEN
I said, forget John.
ROBERT LAYSTON
I agree with Tiger. We should take him back. It's too far. He won't get back until midnight.
JIMMY REDDEN
I'm not going back. He had the choice to stay with us and have fun. He didn't want to. It's his fault.
JIMMY speed onwards. A police car is coming in the opposite direction. JIMMY's car races past it. The police car turns, switches on it's sirens and pursues them.
INT. JIMMY'S CAR - DAY
TIGER CROSSMAN
(looking out the back window)
Shit, we've got company.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Best to pull over Jimmy. We'll cop a bit, but they'll let us off when they see who it is.
JIMMY REDDEN
No way. If he wants us he can come and get us.
JIMMY accelerates.
ROBERT LAYSTON
This is stupid Jimmy. Just pull over.
The police car keeps up behind them, its lights flashing and its siren blaring.
JIMMY REDDEN
(looking at the road ahead)
Come on, cop, let's see how fast you can go.
JIMMY floors it. The car accelerates even more. The police car continues the pursuit, right on JIMMY'S tail.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Jimmy! Pull over!
JIMMY REDDEN
No. Let him catch us.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Jimmy, they can put us in jail.
TIGER CROSSMAN
I'm not going to jail, Jimmy, because you want to have some fun. Pull over!
JIMMY REDDEN
Jesus Christ. You're a bunch of . . . I don't know what.
JIMMY hits the brakes. The car slows and JIMMY pulls to the side of the road.
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD - NIGHT
JIMMY has pulled over. The police car comes to a stop behind Jimmy's car. A police officer, OFFICER TREDO, gets out of the police car, takes out his gun, and walks towards JIMMY'S car. OFFICER TREDO points his gun at the car. JIMMY winds down the window.
OFFICER TREDO
Get out of the car. All of you.
They all get out of the car. They face OFFICER TREDO. They see his gun.
JIMMY REDDEN
You ever fire that thing, officer?

OFFICER TREDO
(with obvious disgust)
Oh, it's you Jimmy.
JIMMY REDDEN
Evening officer.
OFFICER TREDO
Would you care to explain what were you doing joyriding around like hooligans? Oh, wait, I forgot, you are hooligans.
JIMMY REDDEN
We were just having some fun.
OFFICER TREDO
Do you know how fast you were driving?
JIMMY REDDEN
No.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Officer, we told him to slow down and pull over. If you just let us go this one time, it won't happen again.
OFFICER TREDO walks to JIMMY'S car and looks inside. He sees their gun. He reaches into the car and takes it out.
OFFICER TREDO
(holding up the gun)
This part of the fun?
OFFICER TREDO throws the gun on the ground. He walks back to JIMMY.
OFFICER TREDO
There are other ways to have fun. Didn't anyone ever tell you that?
TIGER CROSSMAN
If you could just let us go Officer. We won't do this again. You can trust us on that.
OFFICER TREDO
I have to take you all in.

TIGER CROSSMAN
Is that really necessary officer?
OFFICER TREDO
Yes. It is.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Shit. I told you Jimmy.
JIMMY REDDEN
Officer, you know who I am, right?
OFFICER TREDO
Yes. You're Jimmy Redden, the lowlife scumbag of Fernsella.
JIMMY REDDEN
Then you know I have friends who wouldn't want to see me in jail. They wouldn't want to see any of us in jail. In fact, if they found out we were in jail, they'd be very angry.
OFFICER TREDO
Who are you referring to Jimmy?
JIMMY REDDEN
You know who.
OFFICER TREDO
No. Tell me. I'm interested.
JIMMY REDDEN
Just friends.
OFFICER TREDO
They want to save you, they can save you once you're in jail.
JIMMY REDDEN
Officer, they'll pull some strings. You know it. I know it. We'll be out by morning. And they won't look kindly on you, officer, for arresting us.
OFFICER TREDO looks up at JIMMY.

OFFICER TREDO
You threatening me? You little hoodlum.
JIMMY REDDEN
No officer.
OFFICER TREDO
It sounded like a threat.
OFFICER TREDO grabs JIMMY and violently pushes him backwards against the car.
OFFICER TREDO
(roughly)
Why don't we settle this now? Just you and me.
JIMMY doesn't react. He has a smirk on his face. He is amused by OFFICER TREDO'S behaviour.
OFFICER TREDO
(he gives JIMMY a violent shake while he says this)
If your friends have got a problem perhaps they shouldn't hide themselves away like cowards.
JIMMY REDDEN
I'm sure they'll be happy to hear that.
OFFICER TREDO lets go of JIMMY. He takes out his police radio.
OFFICER TREDO
(into radio)
This is Officer Tredo. Out on Repsell Road. Send support. I've got some joyriders I'm bringing in.
OFFICER TREDO puts his radio back on his belt.
JIMMY REDDEN
(to Officer Tredo)
You know they'll let us go without charge.

OFFICER TREDO
I've heard enough from you tonight Jimmy. Keep your mouth shut for a while.
INT. POLICE HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
JIMMY, TIGER, ROBERT and JORDAN sit in a police holding cell.
TIGER CROSSMAN
This is bullshit, Jimmy. You get us into too much god damn trouble.
JIMMY REDDEN
Relax Tiger.
TIGER CROSSMAN
No, this is bullshit Jimmy. You want to go to jail, don't take us with you. I've got better things to do.
JIMMY REDDEN
You like John too? You don't want to have fun with the rest of us?
TIGER CROSSMAN
That's not what I said. I'm just saying . . .
JIMMY REDDEN
Why don't you just keep your mouth shut for a bit. I'm sick of your complaining.
INT. ROOM IN POLICE STATION - NIGHT
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is in a police office, talking with a HIGH-RANKED OFFICER. The middle-aged man is talking and making movements with his arms as he talks. We cannot hear the conversation. We see them through a glass wall. The High-Ranked Officer waits for the MIDDLE-AGED MAN to stop speaking. The High-Ranked Officer looks out the glass door at the four boys in the cell. He nods.

INT. POLICE HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
The MIDDLE AGED MAN appears at the jail cell. The four boys stand up when they see him.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Jimmy, what the hell were you thinking? What the hell were all of you thinking?
JIMMY REDDEN
We were having some fun. Nothing wrong with that. Did you get us out?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
They're letting you all go. This time.
JIMMY REDDEN
I knew it.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Don't fuck up again. I'm not getting out of bed to save your sorry selves a second time. Have fun if you have to, but do it quietly. Stop fucking around.
JIMMY REDDEN
I thought we were supposed to look after each other's backs. We get in a scrape. You get us out.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
No more fuck ups Jimmy. And that goes for the rest of you. You want to have fun, have fun. But do it quietly.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN walks away. A POLICEMAN opens up the cell and the four boys walk free.
POLICEMAN
Your friends won't be able to save you in the future.
JIMMY REDDEN
What?
TIGER CROSSMAN
Forget it Jimmy. Let's just go.
JIMMY gives the POLICEMAN an amused look and they leave. The POLICEMAN watches them walk out of the police station.
OFFICER TREDO is nearby. He sees the four boys leave. He storms into the office to confront the HIGH-RANKED OFFICER who let the four boys go.
INT. POLICE OFFICE - NIGHT
Officer Tredo is confronting the High-Ranked Officer.
OFFICER TREDO
God damn it! You're letting them go?
HIGH RANKED OFFICER
They're young boys. They were just having a bit of fun.
OFFICER TREDO
What if they turned that gun on a person, for fun?
HIGH RANKED OFFICER
That won't happen. I know these boys.
OFFICER TREDO
So do I. You're making a mistake letting them go.
HIGH RANKED OFFICER
Know your place Officer Tredo.
OFFICER TREDO
God damn it! Have they got to you too?
HIGH RANKED OFFICER
That's enough!
OFFICER TREDO angrily leaves the office.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN is walking slowly towards his house. A couple of windows are lit up dimly in the night. He has walked the five miles back home.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN opens the front door quietly and enters. The living room is dark, all the lights are off. Everyone is in bed.
JOHN walks to the kitchen. He opens the refrigerator, takes out a bottle of milk, and drinks straight from the bottle. JOHN hears a cough behind him. He turns and sees DAVID standing behind him in the kitchen. He is taken by surprise.
DAVID DAHELER
It's after two.
JOHN DAEHLER
So? What do you care where I go?
DAVID DAHELER
I'm your brother. I hear things John. It's a small town. I know what you're up to. Lots of people know.
JOHN puts the milk back.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm tired. I'm going to bed.
JOHN walks past DAVID, who doesn't move. JOHN walks out of the kitchen and into the living room. DAVID follows.
DAVID DAHELER
Get out while you still can.
JOHN DAEHLER
Out of what?
DAVID DAHELER
You're involved in things you shouldn't be. You're young John. Don't fuck up your life to help your friends. Because they're not your friends. None of them are.
JOHN DAEHLER
(dismissive)
What do you know about it?
DAVID DAHELER
I know enough. It's called The Brigade.
JOHN stops and looks at his brother.
JOHN DAEHLER
I know it's going to get you into trouble. You know that too. Your 'friends' can only get you out of so many fixes. After that you'll be on your own, and no one is going to help you. Your treading on thin ice.
JOHN DAEHLER
What do you mean?
DAVID DAHELER
I mean your 'friends', whoever they are, can't influence the law, the police, the judges forever.
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't know what you're talking about. I'm going to bed.
JOHN walks from the living room to his bedroom.
DAVID DAHELER
John, just think about what I said. Time will run out for you. It's best to distance yourself from them. The sooner the better. Otherwise, you'll end up in jail, along with all the rest of them. Or, you'll end up dead. John, are you listening to me!
JOHN closes the door of his bedroom.
EXT. BEARFIELD FARM HOUSE - DAY
An exterior shot of the house.
INT. STUDY IN BEARFIELD HOUSE - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD is sitting in his study. He is working. The front door bell rings. HAROLD BEARFIELD stands and walks from the study.

INT. FRONT DOOR OF BEARFIELD HOUSE - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD opens the door. Standing at the door is FRED CADWELL, the neighbouring farmer.
FRED CADWELL
Mr. Bearfield?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Yes.
FRED CADWELL
Hello. My name is Fred Cadwell. I'm your neighbour. I live on the next farm. Welcome to Fernsella.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Oh, thank you. Yes.
FRED CADWELL
Are you settling in alright?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Yes, fine thanks. Would you like to come in? I'll make you some coffee.
FRED CADWELL
Yes, coffee would be good. Thank you.
INT. BEARFIELD FARM HOUSE - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD hands FRED CADWELL a cup of coffee. FRED is standing.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Please, have a seat.
FRED sits down. HAROLD BEARFIELD takes a seat.
FRED CADWELL
You work from home?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
No. I have an office in the town. Normally, I work there.
FRED CADWELL
If you don't mind my asking - what is it you do?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I was hoping to do a little farming, now that we're living on a farm. It's always been my dream to be a farmer. The fresh air, the wide open spaces. The animals. But I'm a doctor. I enjoy that too.
FRED CADWELL
There's another reason I came to see you. Have you had the chance to inspect your whole property? I was wondering because it is a large farm.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
No. Not yet. We've only been here two weeks. I know the boundaries and I've been around most of the property. But I haven't had time to look it all over yet. I sort of bought the farm without seeing everything. I was assured the farm was all in good condition.
FRED CADWELL
The things is - there are other residents living on your land. Squatters. They've lived on this land for a while, maybe two or three years. The last farmer who lived here, Mr. Adger, he had some type of agreement with them. He let them stay providing they didn't bother him.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I haven't seen or heard anyone.
FRED CADWELL
Trust me, Mr. Bearfield. They're living on your property.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
How many?
FRED CADWELL
Three or four.

HAROLD BEARFIELD
No one told me about that when I bought the farm. What if I don't want them?
FRED CADWELL
They have no legal right to be living on your land. You have the right, as sole owner of the property, to have them evicted.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Can you show me where they are?
FRED CADWELL
There's a shack, an old run down wooden house out on the edge of your farm. That's where they are.
EXT. TRACK LEADING TO SHACK - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD is driving towards the shack. He is looking around the fields for it. He finally sees it almost hidden near a clump of trees. He drives towards it.
EXT. SHACK - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD gets out of the car. He walks towards the shack, examining the signs of habitation that he sees. There is the campfire, boxes and chairs, the metal grill. He stops at the campfire and sees the ash and coals. He walks to the shack.
FATHER
(into shack)
Hello? Is there anybody there?
There is no answer. He tries the handle and the door creaks open. He steps inside.
INT. SHACK - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD looks around the shack. He sees the cupboards and sink, the various plates, and cups.

EXT. SHACK - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD walks out of the shack and back to his car. He gets inside, starts the engine and drives away.
EXT. JUDGE PORTEN'S OFFICE - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD is sitting opposite the town judge, JUDGE PORTEN.
JUDGE PORTEN
You want them off your land immediately?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Yes. They have no right to be there. They don't own any part of my land.
JUDGE PORTEN
Have you spoken to them?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
No. Not yet.
JUDGE PORTEN
Do you know how long they've been living on your land?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
At least two years.
JUDGE PORTEN
I'll make sure they're gone by nightfall. They'll have to find an alternative dwelling.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Thank you, judge.
EXT. SHACK - DAY
JIMMY, ROBERT, TIGER and JORDAN are sitting around the campfire. It is late afternoon.
A police car approaches in the distance. The group of boys see it approaching.
ROBERT LAYSTON
What the hell are the police doing here?
They sit in silence as they watch the police car approaching.
The police car stops, two POLICE OFFICERS get out and walk to the group of boys. The boys all stand up.
JIMMY REDDEN
Afternoon.
POLICE OFFICER #1
We'll get straight to the point. This isn't your land. Is it?
JIMMY REDDEN
It's where we live. So, yes, you could call it our land.
POLICE OFFICER #1
This farm now belongs to Harold Bearfield. He doesn't want you living on his property. You have till nightfall to pack your stuff and get out.
JIMMY REDDEN
That's not going to happen.
POLICE OFFICER #2
Leave by nightfall or we'll be back and you'll prosecuted for trespassing. You can't live on land that doesn't belong to you.
POLICE OFFICER #1
You leave by dark and there won't be any problem.
The two POLICE OFFICERS walk back to their car. The group of boys watch them get into their car and drive away.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Who the hell is Harold Bearfield? What happened to Mr. Adger?
TIGER CROSSMAN
What do we do Jimmy?
JIMMY REDDEN
There's no way I'm leaving. No way.

JORDAN TRUSSDALE
You heard what he said. We have until nightfall.
JIMMY REDDEN
(angrily)
Where are we going to go? You have any ideas?
ROBERT LAYSTON
We'll find another farm. There's plenty of space. There are farms as far as the eye can see, and further. We'll find a new one.
JIMMY REDDEN
We'll be kicked out of there too. Just like before. I'm not leaving. No way. This is where we live. There's room enough for all of us. If this Harold Bearfield wants us out, he'll have to kick us out himself.
EXT. FIELD OPPOSITE CAMPSITE - NIGHT
It is night. JIMMY, TIGER, ROBERT and JORDAN are sitting around the campfire, talking and laughing. The two policeman who gave them their eviction notice are watching them through binoculars. HAROLD BEARFIELD is next to them. Their police car is parked nearby.
POLICE OFFICER #1
It doesn't look to me like they're going anywhere.
POLICE OFFICER #1 hands HAROLD BEARFIELD the binoculars and HAROLD watches them.
POLICE OFFICER #2
Mr. Bearfield. It's your call.
HAROLD puts down the binoculars.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I'd like them evicted. But, please, do it quietly.
POLICE OFFICER #1
With some of these boys, you've got to make it clear to them. They tend not to listen too well, even to police.
POLICE OFFICER #2
Don't worry, Mr. Bearfield, we'll be nice and polite.
EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT
The two police officers drive up in their car. The siren is off, but the lights are flashing.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Shit, they're back.
JIMMY REDDEN
We're not leaving.
The police car pulls up and the police get out of the car and walk up to the campsite. They face the four young men.
POLICE OFFICER #1
I thought we told you to leave by nightfall.
The young men don't reply.
POLICE OFFICER #1
Didn't you hear me?
JIMMY REDDEN
You want us to leave, you'll have to make us.
The police officers take out their truncheons. There is alarm on all the young men's faces except JIMMY. JIMMY stands up.
POLICE OFFICER #1
Come on Jimmy. You think you can fight both of us?
POLICE OFFICER #2
You don't want to do that Jimmy.
(to the others)
Boys, pack your stuff and let's go.
JIMMY looks as though he's reaching for a gun in his trousers. The officers see this.
POLICE OFFICER #1
You carrying a weapon Jimmy?
POLICE OFFICER #2
Lower your arm Jimmy.
The two police put their truncheons back on their belts and take out their guns.
POLICE OFFICER #1
Jimmy?
JIMMY waits. Then,
JIMMY REDDEN
(to the others)
Get your gear. Let's go. The officers want us to leave, so we'll leave.
POLICE OFFICER #1
Good boy, Jimmy.
TIGER, ROBERT and JORDAN stand up.
JIMMY REDDEN
(to the police officers)
Give us ten minutes to pack.
EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT
Ten minutes later.
The four young men throw bags and backpacks into the back of JIMMY'S car. The police watch.
POLICE OFFICER #1
Now get going. And don't come back.
The four boys get into JIMMY'S car. JIMMY starts the engine and drives off.
EXT. HOUSE IN COUNTRY - NIGHT
JIMMY'S car pulls up outside the MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S house. The four young men get out of the car and walk up the front path to the front door.

JIMMY REDDEN
(to the others)
Better wait out here.
They nod and stand back. JIMMY rings the doorbell. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN answers the door.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Back already?
JIMMY REDDEN
We've got a problem.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Jimmy! No more problems. I told you to watch yourself.
JIMMY REDDEN
It's not that sort of problem.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Is it serious?
JIMMY REDDEN
We've been kicked off our land. All of us. Tiger, Robert, Jordan and me.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
By who?
JIMMY REDDEN
The guy who owns the farm. His name's Harold Bearfield. We need a place to stay, and some money.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I can give you some money, but you can't stay here.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN reaches into his pocket, takes out some money and hands it to JIMMY. JIMMY takes it and counts it.
JIMMY REDDEN
Is this it?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
That's all I have.
JIMMY REDDEN
Where will we stay?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I don't know Jimmy. You'll figure something out. Look, Jimmy, if you want to take things into your own hands you can. You have my okay. Okay, Jimmy?
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN closes the front door.
JIMMY turns back to the others.
JIMMY REDDEN
We're going to John's.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
They four boys pull up in JIMMY'S car. They get out of the car.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The four boys bang on the front door.
JIMMY REDDEN
John! Open up!
They wait.
The door opens and they see it is JOHN.
JOHN DAEHLER
Jimmy, what's going on?
JIMMY REDDEN
We need a place to stay. For the night.
JOHN DAEHLER
There's the barn out the back. Go around and I'll bring you out some blankets.
INT. BARN - NIGHT
JIMMY, ROBERT, TIGER and JORDAN are in the barn.
TIGER CROSSMAN
It's better than nothing.
ROBERT LAYSTON
I'm going to freeze in here.
JOHN enters with blankets.
JOHN DAEHLER
Here.
JOHN tosses a blanket to each of the four boys.
JOHN DAEHLER
Good night.
JIMMY REDDEN
Hey, John, why don't you hang with us for a bit? Keep us company.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm tired. I'm going to sleep.
JOHN walks from the barn.
JIMMY REDDEN
What the hell's with him? Treating us like we're barely his friends now.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Give him a break. He's letting us stay here, isn't he?
JIMMY tosses his blanket on the ground, on a thin pile of hay.
JIMMY REDDEN
It doesn't seem right does it? Us sleeping here.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
You heard what the middle-man said. We can 'take things into our own hands'.
JIMMY REDDEN
He did say that. That means we have the leaders' okay. Someone go wake up John.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JORDAN is standing under JOHN'S window. He calls out.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
John! It's Jordan! We've got business to do. Order of the leaders.
INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
JOHN is lying in bed, awake. He hears JORDAN calling to him.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
(O.C.)
John! Come on! Hop to it! We've got work to do.
JOHN lies still in bed.
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Don't make us wait John. The leaders have given us an order.
EXT. JIMMY'S CAR - NIGHT
JIMMY, TIGER and ROBERT are leaning against the car. They look at John's house.
JORDAN appears around the side of the house. He walks towards the car.
The front door opens. JOHN steps out and closes the door quietly behind him. He walks up to the others.
They all meet at JIMMY'S car.
JIMMY REDDEN
Let's go.
ROBERT LAYSTON
What about weapons?
JIMMY REDDEN
They're in the boot. Everyone grab one.
JIMMY opens up the boot, revealing a couple of guns, some baseball bats and a metal pole, and several knives. They all take a weapon.
They get into the car and drive off.
EXT. KENNETH BEARFIELD'S FARM HOUSE - NIGHT
The five boys are parked in Jimmy's car down the road from KENNETH BEARFIELD'S house. They sit in the car and wait for JIMMY to speak. JIMMY looks at the house of KENNETH BEARFIELD.
JIMMY REDDEN
Are we all ready?
TIGER CROSSMAN
Yes.
JIMMY REDDEN
Everyone's got a knife?
They all nod.
JIMMY REDDEN
We do what we have to do. Robert and I will go in first. John and Tiger, you two follow us in. We make sure we get everyone in the house in the same room. We don't want anybody escaping out a window or a back door and running for help. Okay? Now, Jordan, you wait out on the street. You keep your eyes open for anyone. We don't want anyone coming in and spoiling the party . . . you understand?
JORDAN TRUSSDALE
Yep.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'd rather wait on the street. Let Jordan go in. I'll wait outside.
JIMMY REDDEN
What?
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll wait outside and keep a lookout. Let Jordan go in.
JIMMY REDDEN
What are you talking about? You always come in. Jordan waits on the street.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'd rather wait outside this time.
JIMMY REDDEN
Why? You're the slickest blade here. We need you, just in case anything goes down.
TIGER CROSSMAN
How far are we going with this?
JIMMY REDDEN
As far as it needs to go.
TIGER CROSSMAN
I mean, do we use the guns, or not?
JIMMY REDDEN
Not if we don't need to. Listen, we're going to teach this man a lesson - and his family too. We all have a reason. We're all in this together. If we need to use a knife, we use a knife, if we need to use a gun, we use a gun.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Yeah, but are we doing this guy, for good?
JIMMY REDDEN
It depends.
JOHN DAEHLER
On what?
JIMMY REDDEN
What's the time?
ROBERT LAYSTON
Ten o'clock.
JIMMY REDDEN
Alright. Let's go.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
They all get out of the car and start walking up the dark street. They are carrying their knives and two guns.
They reach the house. The lights are on. JIMMY and ROBERT approach first, followed by TIGER and JOHN, followed by Jordan. They pause.
Suddenly, JIMMY kicks the door to try to open it. He fails and he tries again, this time successfully.
INT. KENNETH BEARFIELD'S FARM HOUSE - NIGHT
JIMMY and ROBERT burst in shouting. TIGER and JOHN follow behind.
Inside the house, HAROLD, KENNETH and his two SISTERS sitting comfortably in chairs around a fireplace. When the four men burst in they react in a terrified way.
JIMMY and ROBERT point their guns at the family. TIGER and JOHN stand behind.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
What do you want?
GIRL
(terrified)
Daddy?
JIMMY REDDEN
Shut up. All of you. Well, well, well. A real nice family gathering. It looks like we came at a bad time, but that can't be helped. Is there anyone else in the house?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
No. Who are you? What do you want?
JIMMY REDDEN
Who are we? Who do you think we are?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I don't know. Please don't hurt my family.
JIMMY REDDEN
Well, it's really you that we want. But seeing that the whole family's here . . .

HAROLD BEARFIELD
Please, let them go. They've done nothing wrong.
JIMMY REDDEN
I'm going to get right to the point. We want our land back.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
What?
JIMMY REDDEN
(angry shout)
Our land! The land you took from us!
HAROLD BEARFIELD
What land? I don't understand.
JIMMY REDDEN
What land? Don't play games with me. I've got a short temper. And I'm pointing a gun at your family.
HAROLD BEARFIELD looks at the loaded guns and then back at JIMMY.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Please, I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't taken anyone's land. I bought this farm legitimately. I own this land.
JIMMY REDDEN
Our land. We've lived on this land for years. We survive off this land. It's our land.
(shout)
You've taken it from us!
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I bought it, legitimately. Wait, I know who you are. You're the squatters.
JIMMY, TIGER, ROBERT and JOHN exchange glances.
JIMMY REDDEN
Give us back our land back. Or you're a dead man.
JOHN DAEHLER
Come on, it's not his fault.
JIMMY REDDEN
Shut up. That's our land. No one, no one, can take it from us.
(to the father)
We're sick of men like you, ignoring us common folk, stealing our land, taking away our livelihood. You sit here, in your nice house, with your nice family, and now, you think you can take away what's ours. Get up.
HAROLD BEARFIELD gets up.
JIMMY REDDEN
In there.
JIMMY points to another room. HAROLD BEARFIELD walks to the door. He turns to his children.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I'll be back soon. Don't be afraid.
JIMMY and ROBERT push him through the door to another room and close the door behind them. 
TIGER and JOHN are left with the three frightened children. JOHN looks at KENNETH BEARFIELD. KENNETH BEARFIELD is looking at him. JOHN looks at the two terrified girls.
JOHN DAEHLER
(to TIGER)
What's he going to do to them?
TIGER CROSSMAN
What the hell do you think?
TIGER proceeds to smash things in the house with his baseball bat. He breaks anything he can find - vases, glasses, windows.
The children look on terrified and the girls start to cry.

JOHN DAEHLER
It's not his fault he took our land. They sold it to him.
TIGER CROSSMAN
That land belongs to The Brigade. No one can take it from us, without facing the consequences. Remember, we are all in this together. We don't stand for injustice. Our loyalty is to the higher power.
Suddenly two loud gunshots are heard from the other room.
TIGER CROSSMAN
That should teach them.
(he laughs)
And anyone else that wants to mess with us.
The door to the other room opens and JIMMY and ROBERT come out.
JIMMY REDDEN
Come on, let's get out of here.
JOHN DAEHLER
You didn't kill them did you?
JIMMY REDDEN
I said, let's go.
JIMMY, ROBERT and TIGER leave the house. JOHN is left staring at the three children. KENNETH BEARFIELD doesn't speak.
JOHN DAEHLER
(to the two girls)
It's going to be okay.
JOHN slowly walks to the other room and pushes open the door.
INT. NEXT ROOM - NIGHT
HAROLD BEARFIELD is sitting on the floor in the corner.
JOHN DAEHLER
Jesus Christ, I thought you were dead.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Who are you people? That man wasn't human. The look on his face, the anger in his eyes, it wasn't human. He looked like the devil himself. What have we done to you? Why are you doing this to us?
JOHN DAEHLER
I can't tell you that. I took an oath.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
An oath to what? To attack and harm innocent people?
JOHN DAEHLER
Look, I'm sorry, okay. These are not people to be messed with. You don't know how vengeful these people can get. If they feel injustice they will retaliate. There is no stopping them.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
How old are you? You can't be more than sixteen. Why are you doing this? Why make yourself a part of such terrible things?
JOHN DAEHLER
Look, I'll tell you straight out, give back the land before you come to more harm. These people are dangerous. You're not the first people this has happened to, and some of them aren't living anymore. You understand me? From now on the land you bought no longer belongs to you. It belongs to us.
HAROLD BEARFIELD nods. JOHN then leaves, and observes the children on the way out. KENNETH BEARFIELD watches him, but stays silent.

EXT. BEARFIELD FARM HOUSE - NIGHT
The others are half-way to the car, with JORDAN. JOHN runs after them and catches up to them.
JOHN DAEHLER
Well done. Now he's going to go straight to the police.
JIMMY REDDEN
He wouldn't dare.
JOHN DAEHLER
Why the hell not?
JIMMY REDDEN
Because I made it clear to him what would happen to him and his children if he does go to the police.
They get in the car, and drive off.
EXT. FIELD IN THE COUNTRY - DAY
It is the next morning.
JIMMY, ROBERT, TIGER and JORDAN are sitting around a small campfire. They are silent, staring into the fire, each thinking about the night before.
Two police sirens are heard in the distance. They all look up and see two police cars speeding towards the campsite.
JIMMY REDDEN
That fuck! Come on!
The police cars speed towards the campsite, sirens blaring. The four boys are up and start running across a field, and towards a forest.
The police cars easily catch up. JIMMY takes out his gun, and starts to fire at the police cars. Two of the bullets hit the car windows and another hits the front headlight. The police cars keep coming.
The boys run as fast as they can, but the police cars are soon right behind them. JIMMY has run out of bullets and discards his gun. He keeps running with the others.
The police cars come to a halt, a cloud of dust behind them. Three police officers jump from each car. They all pull their guns. OFFICER TREDO is among them.
OFFICER #1
Stop where you are!
The boys don't stop running. The POLICE now pursue the four boys on foot. They carry their guns as they run.
JORDAN is running ahead. He stops, takes out a gun and turns. He aims the gun carefully at the pursuing police officers.
OFFICER #1
(to other OFFICERS)
He's got a gun!
OFFICER #2
(to JORDAN)
Put it down!
JORDAN fires off several rounds. One OFFICER goes down, hit by a bullet. The remaining five police officers all fire simultaneously. JORDAN takes six bullets in his chest and legs and falls to the ground, dead. The others, seeing JORDAN has been shot, stop running and raise their arms. The POLICE approach carefully, their guns extended.
JIMMY REDDEN
Alright cops, we give up.
JIMMY, unnoticed by the police, reaches in his pocket very subtly and takes out a small knife. He conceals it in his hand. The POLICE are now metres from the JIMMY, TIGER and ROBERT.
OFFICER #2
Raise you arms.
The boys all raise their arms and put them on their heads.
OFFICER #1
Lie down. Arms extended.
The boys all lie down. The police handcuff TIGER, ROBERT and JIMMY. One police officer walks over to JORDAN and examines his body.
Just as one officer is about to handcuff JIMMY, JIMMY turns on his back, and thrusts his arm at the police officer. The officer draws back, and clutches his stomach.
The other officers pounce on JIMMY. They pin him down, take his knife and hand-cuff him.
OFFICER #1
(to stabbed officer)
You okay?
INJURED OFFICER
He got me with a knife.
The INJURED OFFICER winces with pain.
INJURED OFFICER
I'll be okay.
JIMMY REDDEN
What's this about?
OFFICER #1
Shut up.
The three boys are roughly lifted to their feet and pushed towards the police cars. JIMMY gives OFFICER TREDO a stare as he is pushed into a police car.
INT. JAIL - DAY
JOHN is visiting JIMMY, TIGER and ROBERT in jail.
The four boys are in a jail cell. They are in shackles.
JOHN stands on the other side of the bars.
JIMMY REDDEN
(to JOHN)
We go on trial in two days. There are only four witnesses. Harold Bearfield and his three kids. John, I want you to do something for me. Go to see the middle-man [the middle-aged man's nickname] and find out what he's going to do to help us.
JOHN DAEHLER
You think he'll pull some strings?
JIMMY REDDEN
Just go see him. Tell him that it's serious. Tell him to get as out any way he can. He'll know what to do. He always does.
(to the others)
Doesn't he? He's always there for us.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Always.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Yep.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll do that.
ROBERT LAYSTON
Hey, John, how come you're not in jail with us? You were there too, they saw you.
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't know. I was wondering about that.
ROBERT LAYSTON
They didn't get Jordan because no one saw him. He was outside.
JIMMY REDDEN
I know that. I was asking about John.
JOHN DAEHLER
Don't know. Maybe the guy had a change of heart.
JIMMY REDDEN
For you? Why?
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't know. But I'm sure glad I didn't get caught.
JIMMY REDDEN
Are you worried?
JOHN DAEHLER
Why would I be worried?

JIMMY REDDEN
Are you worried we'd tell the police you were there too?
JOHN DAEHLER
Would you?
ROBERT LAYSTON
No. Jimmy's just messing with you John.
TIGER CROSSMAN
Yeah, Jimmy, we'd never do that.
JOHN looks at JIMMY REDDEN.
JIMMY REDDEN
Don't worry John. You're safe. We'd never turn you in.
EXT. MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S HOUSE - DAY
JOHN is sitting in the lounge room. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is sitting opposite him, on a couch.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
How did they get caught?
JOHN DAEHLER
The guy they roughed up, Harold Bearfield, the man who owns the farm, he had them evicted and they wouldn't go.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Where is he now?
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't know. I've heard he left town. For good. They said he'll only come back to testify for the trial.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
We can't let that happy. Jimmy, Tiger and Robert mean too much to The Brigade. They must be set free.
JOHN DAEHLER
I think that's going to be unlikely, probably impossible. The cops are determined to put them behind bars.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
How long are they looking at?
JOHN DAEHLER
For breaking and entering, assault and so on, they could get five to ten years.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN thinks.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
John, as a member of our great Brigade, you know you have duties and responsibilities. Not only to the higher power, but to all your comrades. Find the family, and make sure there's no way they can ever testify.
JOHN DAEHLER
I won't do it. If you want them dead, if Jimmy wants them dead, do it yourself.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
John, listen to me. The leaders want the Bearfields taken care of. They want someone to do it. I suggested it be you. That means it's going to be you, whether you like it or not. Find them, take care of them.
JOHN nods.
EXT. BEARFIELD FARM HOUSE - DAY
JOHN walks up to the house. He picks the lock, opens the door and enters.
INT. BEARFIELD FARM HOUSE - DAY
The house is completely empty. There is no furniture, no objects, no pictures on the walls. The rooms are dark.
JOHN goes upstairs. He checks all the rooms, and finds them empty.
EXT. BEARFIELD FARM HOUSE - DAY
JOHN comes out the front door. He closes it behind him.
REAL ESTATE MAN
Hey!
JOHN looks up and sees a man in a suit walking down the front path. This is the real estate agent, BRIAN TEALE.
BRIAN TEALE
What are you doing!
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm looking for the family who used to live here.
BRIAN TEALE
You have no right to be looking in that house.
JOHN DAEHLER
Can you help me? I'd really appreciate it. I'm a relative. I came as soon as I heard.
BRIAN TEALE
Oh yes. The attack. How are you related?
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm a distant relative. I came to lend a hand, to help them through. Do you know where they've gone?
BRIAN TEALE
I can't tell you that. It's confidential. They've fled the town, that's all I'm permitted to say.
JOHN DAEHLER
Are you selling this house?
BRIAN TEALE
I represent the family. Yes. If you really do need to know where they are, go to the police, and identify yourself. They'll help you out.
JOHN nods and walks past BRIAN TEALE.
JOHN DAEHLER
Hey, what's your name?
BRIAN TEALE
Brian Teale.
JOHN nods and walks off.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - DAY
JOHN is in his bedroom. He picks up the phone and dials the police.
POLICE OFFICER
(V.O.)
Hello? Fernsella police. How can I help you?
JOHN DAEHLER
(into the phone)
Hello, this is Brian Teale. I have important news for the Bearfield family. It's about their house.
POLICE OFFICER
(V.O.)
Why don't you call them yourself? You have the number.
JOHN DAEHLER
I've misplaced it. Could you give it to me again?
There is a pause on the other end of the line.
POLICE OFFICER
(V.O.)
Come to the police station. We'll give it to you in person. Not over the phone.
JOHN DAEHLER
It'd be quicker if you give it to me now.
POLICE OFFICER
(V.O.)
Sorry, can't do it. You know that.

JOHN DAEHLER
Okay, I'll come down.
JOHN hangs up.
EXT. REAL ESTATE OFFICE - DAY
BRIAN TEALE'S real estate office in the town is small. There are three staff working. JOHN is standing outside, looking in through a window. He looks for BRIAN TEALE. He sees him enter the room. BRIAN TEALE has a folder full of papers in his hand. He puts them down on a woman's desk and he starts to explain something to her.
EXT. REAL ESTATE OFFICE - NIGHT
It is closing time. BRIAN TEALE switches off the lights, exits and locks the front door.
Across the road, JOHN is watching. He waits for BRIAN TEALE to walk off down the road, carrying his briefcase. He then emerges and walks up to the real estate office.
JOHN takes out a lock pick and picks the lock. The door clicks open. JOHN enters the office. He closes and locks the door behind him.
INT. REAL ESTATE OFFICE - NIGHT
JOHN searches through desks and in cupboards, looking for the number for the BEARFIELD'S.
He hears the door open and looks up. At the door is BRIAN TEALE, returning to find something. JOHN hides behind a large cupboard. BRIAN TEALE switches on the light and sits down at his desk. JOHN watches him. BRIAN TEALE takes out a folder of information and starts to look at it.
JOHN quietly takes out a knife. He creeps up behind BRIAN TEALE, then, in one swift movement, grabs BRIAN TEALE and holds the knife to his throat. BRIAN TEALE, terrified out of his mind, raises his arms and doesn't struggle.
BRIAN TEALE
Take what you want. I won't try and stop you.
JOHN DAEHLER
Where is it?
BRIAN TEALE
What? Money? We don't keep money on the premises.
JOHN DAEHLER
I want to know where they sent the Bearfields.
BRIAN TEALE starts to turn but JOHN jerks him forward and presses the knife into his back.
BRIAN TEALE
I don't know that.
JOHN DAEHLER
(angrily)
You do know. Where are they?
BRIAN TEALE
I don't. Really. Only the police know. The family doesn't want anyone to know where they are. They're too afraid of retaliation.
JOHN DAEHLER
Where? I won't give you another chance.
BRIAN TEALE hesitates, and JOHN presses the knife harder against his body.
BRIAN TEALE
Alright, all I know is they've gone a hundred miles away. To another town called Strobridge.
JOHN DAEHLER
What's their address?
BRIAN TEALE
I don't know it.
JOHN DAEHLER
What is it?
The knife pokes into BRIAN TEALE'S back. He gasps.
BRIAN TEALE
Okay, Loken Street. All I did was handle the purchase of the house. I never saw the address, only the street. That's all I know.
JOHN DAEHLER
Lie down, on your stomach. Don't look up. Count to one hundred.
BRIAN TEALE lies down. JOHN waits a second and then walks quickly from the shop. BRIAN TEALE doesn't look up.
INT. MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN DAEHLER
Bigford Street in Sipler. Sipler's a small town, about three hundred miles away. It shouldn't be hard to find them.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Good work, John. You've done well.
JOHN DAEHLER
The rest is your business. I don't want anything more to do with it. I've found out where they are, I've given you the address, the rest is up to you.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Here.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN hands JOHN a packet of money. JOHN takes it reluctantly and looks at it for a second.
JOHN DAEHLER
No. I won't.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
This is to get you there and back. The rest you can keep. Consider it a reward from The Brigade. For all your hard work.
JOHN looks again at the thick packet of money.
JOHN DAEHLER
I want to meet them [the leaders].

MIDDLE-AGED MAN
You know better than that. No one is permitted to meet the leaders. Under any circumstances.
JOHN DAEHLER
I know you meet them.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I'm a special case. I'm a sort of a . . . middle-man. I report to the leaders, they tell me their orders and their wishes, I pass that along to the relevant people. Like you.
JOHN DAEHLER
I won't go unless you let me meet them.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Out of the question.
JOHN DAEHLER
Then you're on your own. And you can keep this.
JOHN tosses the packet of money on a table between them.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
That would be considered an insult.
JOHN DAEHLER
Just organize a meeting for me. Five minutes. Just give me five minutes with them.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN shakes his head.
JOHN DAEHLER
Come on, just five minutes. That's all I want.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN hesitates. He thinks about John's request.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were finding a way to protect these . . . these niggers. But . . . if you have serious reservations about hurting them, and doing your duty, and if the leaders are willing to help you, then I'll see what I can do.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN stands and walks from the room. He is gone about thirty seconds. JOHN sits and waits. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN returns with a black diary. JOHN's eyes immediately lock on the black diary. JOHN conceals his interest in the diary. He hasn't seen it before. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN sits back down and opens the diary. He reads a number and dials it.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
(into phone)
It's me. I have John Daehler with me. He's . . . hesitant about the your orders relating to the Bearfields . . . Yes, he's found them . . . He knows he'll be well paid but he still says . . . Yes, I understand.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN hangs up the phone. He looks at JOHN.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
They'll meet you. Tonight.
JOHN DAEHLER
Thank you. You wouldn't have something to drink, would you?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Just a minute.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN puts the black diary on the table. He stands and exits the room to fetch John a drink. JOHN, when he sees he is gone, picks up the diary quickly and opens it. He reads it.
CLOSE UP OF DIARY - IT READS: 'OUR GREAT LEADERS' FOLLOWED BY A 'PHONE NUMBER'.
John quickly puts the diary down just as the MIDDLE-AGED MAN returns with a drink.
JOHN DAEHLER
Thanks.
JOHN takes the drink. He takes a sip.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
John, remember where your allegiances are. Remember who you serve. The Bearfield's have destroyed your friends' livelihood. They must pay. It's the way it is.
JOHN nods, stands, walks to the door and exits. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN picks up the black diary and walks from the room.
INT. CHAPEL - NIGHT
JOHN and the MIDDLE-AGED MAN enter a chapel in the town. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN dips his hand in holy water and makes the sign of the cross. JOHN watches him but doesn't imitate his actions.
JOHN DAEHLER
What are we doing here? I said I want to meet the leaders. Why are we in a church?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
The leaders will not let you jeopardize their secrecy by a meeting in any other place. They will be here presently.
They walk to a pew near the front of the church, sit down and wait.
JOHN DAEHLER
How many members have met the leaders?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Very few. It is not only a matter of secrecy. It is a matter of worth. The members of The Brigade are the subordinates of the leaders. They are inferior human beings. You must be worthy to meet the leaders.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm worthy enough?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Barely. But the leaders make exceptions. They are very anxious that this problem, this family, is taken care of quickly. If you do this task well, they may elevate you within The Brigade to a position that carries responsibility. You'd like that. Wouldn't you?
Three men, the LEADERS, enter the chapel. Each is wearing a coat with a hood, which hides their faces. They see JOHN and the MIDDLE-AGED MAN. They walk towards them, and sit down in the pew in front of them. They kneel and pray. Then, when they are finished praying, they turn to JOHN and the MIDDLE-AGED MAN.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
(to the leaders)
I've told John of his responsibilities. He is willing to do whatever is necessary to make this problem go away.
LEADER #1
John? Do you consider yourself worthy of this task?
JOHN DAEHLER
I have a small problem with it.
LEADER #1
We can't have problems.
LEADER #2
What's on your mind, John?
JOHN DAEHLER
Why do they need to die?
LEADER #1
There have been four, haven't there? [four people that John has killed]
JOHN is silent.
LEADER #1
Why is this any different?
JOHN stays silent.


LEADER #1
Please, John, we must know what you think about this problem. Are you having any doubts?
JOHN DAEHLER
Doubts?
LEADER #1
Doubts about your duties as a sacred member of our brotherhood.
JOHN DAEHLER
No. I am loyal.
LEADER #1
Then what is the problem? Every member must do his duty. Even if that involves the shedding of blood.
JOHN DAEHLER
My problem is this. These people, the Bearfield family, did nothing wrong.
LEADER #1
They destroyed the livelihood of your friends. That is a crime in The Brigade.
JOHN DAEHLER
They didn't know.
LEADER #1
It doesn't make any difference what they knew. To deny our brothers their livelihood is a slap in the face to all of us. If the Bearfield's get away with one injustice they will simply commit another. And another. You must stop them from doing that.
JOHN DAEHLER
They're gone. There's no need to go chasing them. They won't come back. How can they offend us?
LEADER #1
One offence is enough and it is never forgotten. John, put aside your doubts. Put aside your worries. Any put aside your fears. Do what is right. Do what is noble. Your own honour rests on you completing this task successfully. If you fail, you may lose the respect of your sacred brotherhood. Is that what you want?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. I want my brothers to respect me.
LEADER #1
Then do it. Do it for all of us.
LEADER #1 smiles a weak smile and stands up. The other two LEADERS follow him. They step out of the pew and into the church aisle. LEADERS #2 and #3 start to walk down the aisle. Before LEADER #1 leaves he turns back to JOHN.
LEADER #1
John, if you don't kill them, someone else will. Their deaths are inevitable. Don't feel bad for them. They've done us wrong, and they must pay for their crime.
LEADER #1 walks down the aisle. The three LEADERS leave the church.
When they are gone, JOHN stands and the MIDDLE-AGED MAN follows him.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
You see John, as always, the leaders have cleared things up. Do you feel better now?
JOHN DAEHLER
Yes. I do. I will find them and do what the leaders ask of me.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Good John. Excellent.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning.
JOHN turns and walks down the aisle and out of the church.
EXT. COACH STOP - MORNING
JOHN is standing at the coach stop. There are two other people standing near him, both with small suitcases.
A short time later, the coach pulls up. The doors open.
COACH DRIVER
Coach to Strobridge.
JOHN boards the coach.
INT. COACH STOP - DAY
The coach is driving through the country. JOHN sits quietly in his seat, gazing out the window. He unconsciously takes a knife from his jacket and starts to handle and play with it.
A passenger sitting across the aisle looks across and sees the knife that JOHN is playing with in his hands. He looks at JOHN'S face. JOHN turns his head, not realizing the passenger has noticed him. He looks at the passenger for a minute, the passenger again looks down at the knife, JOHN realizes what he is doing, and puts the knife back in his jacket. JOHN looks away, back out the window.
EXT. TOWN OF STROBRIDGE - DAY
The coach pulls to a stop at a coach stop in the town of Strobridge. The doors open and JOHN emerges. He is the only one to disembark.
EXT. STROBRIDGE MAIN STREET - DAY
JOHN is walking through the main street of Strobridge. There are shops lining both sides of the street. Some are boarded up. The town is small and sparsely populated.
JOHN sees a cafeteria. He walks towards it. He enters.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
JOHN enters and walks to the counter. The cafeteria is empty. The CAFETERIA WORKER is cleaning the counter with a cloth.
CAFETERIA OWNER
Can I help you?
JOHN DAEHLER
Do you know Loken Street?
CAFETERIA OWNER
Yep. Are you going to buy something?
JOHN DAEHLER
Where are all the other customers?
CAFETERIA OWNER
The morning rush is over. What can I say?
JOHN DAEHLER
I'll have a lemonade.
The CAFETERIA pours a glass of lemonade and hands it to JOHN. JOHN sits down on a stool at the counter. He reaches into his pocket and takes out some coins. He puts them down on the counter and the CAFETERIA OWNER counts them. JOHN drinks his lemonade.
CAFETERIA OWNER
Just passing through?
JOHN DAEHLER
Something like that.
CAFETERIA OWNER
You said you want Loken Street?
JOHN DAEHLER
Yes. A friend lives there.
CAFETERIA OWNER
Go down the main street, take the third left, go straight on and then turn right at the end of the street. Take the first left. That's Loken Street.
JOHN DAEHLER
Got it.
JOHN drinks his lemonade. A bell above the door jingles as it is opened. JOHN looks over his shoulder. KENNETH BEARFIELD enters the cafeteria. JOHN turns back around quickly and tries to hide his face.
KENNETH BEARFIELD walks to the counter, looks at the back of JOHN, and sits down three stools down the counter. JOHN is leaning his head on his left hand to cover his face.
CAFETERIA OWNER
(to KENNETH BEARFIELD)
What can I get you?
JOHN DAEHLER
A lemonade and one of your special sandwiches.
CAFETERIA OWNER
Everyone's drinking lemonade today.
The CAFETERIA OWNER pours a lemonade. He puts it on the counter in front of KENNETH BEARFIELD.
CAFETERIA OWNER
One sandwich coming up.
The CAFETERIA OWNER goes into the kitchen to make the sandwich.
KENNETH BEARFIELD doesn't speak. JOHN is still concealing his face. KENNETH BEARFIELD looks at JOHN and then he looks away.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
We can sit in silence. Or we can talk. It's a small town. There aren't that many people to talk to.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm not in the talking mood. Sorry.
KENNETH BEARFIELD doesn't speak. JOHN is thinking of a way out.
The CAFETERIA OWNER emerges from the kitchen and places a sandwich in front of KENNETH BEARFIELD.

CAFETERIA OWNER
(to JOHN)
Can I get you anything to eat?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. I have to go.
JOHN stands and walks quickly from the shop. KENNETH BEARFIELD isn't able to see his face. The bell above the door rings as JOHN opens and closes the door.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Who was that?
CAFETERIA OWNER
I've never seen him before. He said he was just passing through. He's here to visit someone. In Loken Street.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Loken Street?
CAFETERIA OWNER
That's where he was going.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
That's my street.
KENNETH BEARFIELD reaches into his pocket and puts some money on the counter. He hurries from the shop.
CAFETERIA OWNER
Where are you going?
EXT. STROBRIDGE MAIN STREET - DAY
JOHN is walking down the main street. KENNETH BEARFIELD, about thirty metres back, comes out of the CAFETERIA. He looks both ways, and he sees JOHN walking. He calls out.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Hey you!
JOHN turns. Realizing his error in revealing his face, he turns back around quickly and keeps walking. KENNETH BEARFIELD immediately recognizes John's face. He runs towards JOHN, who quickens his step.


KENNETH BEARFIELD
(angrily)
You! I know you! What do you want with my family!
JOHN doesn't turn around. JOHN keeps walking. He quickens his pace. KENNETH BEARFIELD catches him up to JOHN and is now only a few metres behind him. KENNETH BEARFIELD stops.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
It's John, isn't it?
JOHN stops walking, but he doesn't turn around. He pauses, while he thinks of the best way to diffuse the situation.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm not here for you.
KENNETH BEARFIELD steps close to JOHN and pushes JOHN in the back. JOHN reacts ferociously and turns and grabs KENNETH BEARFIELD by his collar and thrusts him hard against the wall.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Go on. Kill me. That's why you're here. To kill us all.
JOHN DAEHLER
(angrily)
I said I'm not here for you. I don't want to hurt you.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Why are you terrorizing my family? What did we do to you?
JOHN DAEHLER
You don't understand. I have to explain to you who I am and what will happen if they find you.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
If who finds us? Who are you?
EXT. THE BEARFIELD'S NEW HOUSE - DAY
JOHN and KENNETH BEARFIELD are walking up to KENNETH BEARFIELD'S HOUSE.
The two young girls, KENNETH BEARFIELD'S two sisters, are playing on the front lawn. They see their brother and JOHN walking towards them.
JOHN DAEHLER
Would they remember my face?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
I don't know.
KENNETH BEARFIELD and JOHN approach the two girls, who stop playing.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Hi. This is my friend John.
GIRLS
Hi John.
JOHN DAEHLER
Hi. It's nice to meet both of you.
GIRL #2
You look familiar. Have we met?
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't think we have.
GIRL #2
Oh.
The GIRLS continue playing.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
(to JOHN)
This way.
KENNETH BEARFIELD and JOHN go up to the house and enter through the front door.
INT. STUDY - DAY
HAROLD BEARFIELD is working in his study. KENNETH BEARFIELD knocks at the door. HAROLD BEARFIELD looks up from his work.
KENNETH BEARFIELD
You'd better come out.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
What is it?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
It's them.
INT. LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
JOHN is standing in the lounge room, waiting. HAROLD BEARFIELD and KENNETH BEARFIELD enter. HAROLD BEARFIELD stops when he recognizes JOHN.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Isn't forcing us out of our own home enough for you?
JOHN DAEHLER
They sent me to find you.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Your friends?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. My friends don't make those decisions. They need the permission of the leaders. I'm not here to hurt you. I know this is going to be hard for you to believe, but you can trust me. I want to explain everything to you.
HAROLD BEARFIELD thinks it over. He decides to let JOHN say what he has to say.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Take a seat.
JOHN sits down. HAROLD BEARFIELD sits down, as does KENNETH BEARFIELD.
HAROLD BEARFIELD looks out the window at the girls playing on the front lawn.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Fortunately the girls seem okay. I don't want to think about the trauma you could have caused them.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm sorry. I didn't want it to happen. The attack on your family wasn't up to me. I had no way of preventing it. If I could have stopped it I would have.
HAROLD BEARFIELD is still watching his daughters playing on the front lawn.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
They've already suffered a big enough loss. All of us have. My wife died last year.
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm sorry.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I am all they have left. If I was gone, I don't know how they would survive. Where would they go? Who would look after them?
KENNETH BEARFIELD
Father, let him say what he has to say.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
You say we can trust you. Why should we?
JOHN DAEHLER
I'm here to warn you. There are people, not my friends - they're as good as in jail now - who want to find you.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
How much danger are we in?
JOHN DAEHLER
Have you ever heard of The Brigade?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
No.
JOHN DAEHLER
The Brigade is a secret organization that operates in Fernsella and some of the surrounding areas. There are other branches of it around, but I don't know exactly where they are. The Brigade has been around since Fernsella began. That's a long time. They are now and have always been extremely dangerous, if you get on their wrong side. The thing is you can get on their wrong side without any idea that you've done anything wrong, without knowing that you've done anything to offend them.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Like buying land on which your friend's were living?
JOHN DAEHLER
That and much more.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
How do you know about them?
JOHN DAEHLER
I belong to it. I'm a member.
HAROLD BEARFIELD thinks about this and JOHN waits.
JOHN DAEHLER
The members of The Brigade are many and varied. They come from all levels of society. It is ruled by appointed leaders, who can summon the members to action. Once summoned by The Brigade, it's members must appear or face retribution themselves. Once you're in, you make a pact with the leaders and the other members to devote yourself entirely to The Brigade. It takes precedence over everything else.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
What type of action?
JOHN DAEHLER
The attack on you. That's typical of The Brigade. My friends, the boys on trial, are all members. By evicting my friends, you committed an offense against the whole Brigade.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
How could I know?
JOHN DAEHLER
You couldn't. It's not your fault. The Brigade doesn't listen to reason. They just react. They don't think about the attacks. They just do it. The Brigade tells itself that it fights for justice. They carry out retributive attacks against anyone that commit injustices against them. To them, you committed an injustice. By effectively evicting four of its members from their home, which happened to be your land, you set yourself up as a prime target. That's the reason we came after you. We wanted to give you a warning. Not everyone gets a warning.
HAROLD BEARFIELD and KENNETH BEARFIELD think about this.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
But we've left. The land your friends were living on is no longer mine. How can I still be a target?
JOHN DAEHLER
You're due to testify against the three attackers that came into your home and threatened your family. You'll be testifying against The Brigade. You're the only witnesses, you and your children. You're the only ones that can put them in jail.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
They'd kill us all to prevent three of their members going to jail?
JOHN DAEHLER
Yes.
HAROLD BEARFIELD is sad and worried. When he doesn't speak, JOHN asks a question that has been on his mind.
JOHN DAEHLER
Why you didn't report me?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
You're too young for jail. The others, they're young too, but there's a difference between you and them. I saw it in your face and I heard it when you spoke.
JOHN DAEHLER
The Brigade still thinks I'm a loyal member. They gave me the duty of killing you and your family. They don't know that I'm not going to do it. If they knew I'd be dead already.
(pause)
I want you to testify. I want them in jail. All of them.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Why?
JOHN DAEHLER
I've seen what they've done. I know what they're capable of. I know what I've done too. But I want out. There bond between them all, it's meaningless to me. It's a bond that unites them in merciless killing and destruction. I don't want to be a part of it anymore.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Are you sure they don't know that you want to leave?
JOHN DAEHLER
Maybe they suspect me. But I can't be sure. If I gave any sign that I was what they would consider a traitor, they'd kill me as quickly as they'd kill you. You have to testify. If you testify those men who attacked you will go to jail.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
If you managed to find me so quickly, someone else might find me too.
JOHN DAEHLER
That's a risk. I'm sure no one followed me here. And I won't say I found you. My suggestion would be to move far away. Somewhere so far away that The Brigade cannot reach you. The tentacles of The Brigade reach a long way, but if you go far enough, you'll escape them.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
How far?
JOHN DAEHLER
Leave the country.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I can't just pack up and leave.
JOHN DAEHLER
Then find somewhere far enough away, so long as they won't be able to find you.
EXT. MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
What did you find out?
JOHN DAEHLER
I haven't found them yet. The address was wrong. But I will. Don't worry about that. I'll find them.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
They testify tomorrow. We don't have any more time. The freedom of Jimmy, Tiger and Robert rested upon your finding the family.
JOHN DAEHLER
The Brigade has no choice. Jimmy, Tiger and Robert will have to serve a jail sentence. There's nothing else we can do to save them.

MIDDLE-AGED MAN
The leaders don't like any of their members to serve time in jail. It is a great injustice to all of us.
JOHN DAEHLER
They'll have to accept it. There's nothing else we can do.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Retribution will come fast. If we can't get them before the trial, we'll sure as hell get them after.
JOHN DAEHLER
What else do you want to me to do?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
You've tried your hardest. The leaders will see that. Go home and have a rest.
JOHN DAEHLER
Will Jimmy, Tiger and Robert give anyone up tomorrow?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Never.
During this conversation JOHN again notices the black diary on a table next to the MIDDLE-AGED MAN. He casts unseen glances at it during the conversation.
EXT. PLACE OF LEADERS - NIGHT
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is in a large house. The three LEADERS are there. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is reporting to the LEADERS.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
The boy John Daehler failed in his task. The family hasn't been located. They will testify tomorrow.
LEADER #1
I don't hold John responsible. He is a trusted member of The Brigade. I know he did his best.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I'm not so sure.
LEADER #2
Why aren't you sure?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I have a feeling that John isn't telling me the truth. I've felt it for a while.
LEADER #3
None of us doubt his allegiance. John's strong. He's an asset to our Brigade.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Then I'm sure he can be trusted. You are always right. The members of The Brigade know you are always right.
LEADER #1
The Bearfields will be found. If it takes us twenty years of searching, we will find them.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
A basic courtroom. JUDGE PORTEN is sitting in his chair, overlooking the courtroom. There is silence in the courtroom.
JIMMY, TIGER and ROBERT are standing in front of JUDGE PORTEN. They are cuffed at the hands and shackled at the feet.
A door at the far end of the courtroom opens and HAROLD BEARFIELD steps into the room, accompanied by a guard. He walks down the courtroom and stops in front of the judge. All eyes watch him as he walks through the courtroom, including those of the three on trial.
JUDGE PORTEN
Please, sit there.
HAROLD BEARFIELD walks to the witness stand and sits down.
JUDGE PORTEN
Mr. Bearfield, I know this has been a difficult and trying time for you. We'll make this as easy on you as possible. Would you please point out the men you testify broke into your house and threatened your family?
HAROLD BEARFIELD looks sadly at JIMMY, TIGER and ROBERT. He looks at them for a few seconds. Then he raises his hand and points at them.
HAROLD BEARFIELD
That's them.
JUDGE PORTEN
All of them? Were there three men?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Yes. Only three. That I saw.
JUDGE
There could have been more?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I can't say.
JUDGE PORTEN
Thank you. Would you tell the court what these three men did to you and your family?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
They broke into my house at night. I was home, with my three children. They had guns, knives and baseball bats. That one,
(he points at JIMMY)
. .  . took me into another room. I thought he was going to kill me. He left my children with the others. I thought they would hurt my children. They said to me that I'd stolen their livelihoods.
JUDGE PORTEN
Would you explain that?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
I recently moved to Fernsella. I bought a large farm just outside the town. I didn't know that those men lived on part of my land. I had them run off the land. After I did that, that's when they came to my house and attacked me. They told me that the land they lived on was theirs and that they would kill me and my family if I didn't permit them to remain on the land. They threatened to kill me if I ever went to the police.
JUDGE PORTEN
You did the right thing Mr. Bearfield. You're excused. You will not be required again during this trial. Mr. Bearfield, I understand that you have decided to relocate to a safer location and start anew with your children. Is that right?
HAROLD BEARFIELD
Yes.
JUDGE PORTEN
Rest assured that these men will pay for their crimes. I hope you and your family can begin again somewhere new. I believe I speak for the whole town when I say how sorry I am that this has happened to your family.
HAROLD BEARFIELD nods, stands in the witness stand and walks back through the court. His exit is watched closely by JIMMY, TIGER and ROBERT.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
Later.
JUDGE PORTEN
You three men - Jimmy Redden, Robert Layston and Tiger Crossman - that stand before me in this courtroom - are accused of breaking into the house of Harold Bearfield. You are accused of entering his property unlawfully, threatening himself and his three children, and destroying property. You are not the first of your kind that has been in my courtroom. I have lived in this town a long time. I know what goes on. I'm aware of the activities of your so called 'secret organization'. I've seen many worse cases than yours - vile and reprehensible treatment of innocent men, woman and children. The three of you were reported and identified by Mr. Bearfield and his family, who, fearing violent consequences for turning you in, are now forced to leave this town. Your actions and the actions of your organization are intended to intimidate and strike fear into the hearts of ordinary decent folk, who have done no wrong, but have been accused by your organization of various injustices. What these injustices are remains a mystery to me. However, in this case, as you never harmed this family in any physical way, I cannot apply the sentence that I believe you deserve. But you will face a jail term, which I set at three years, in which time I expect you to consider the consequences of your actions and those of your organization.
(to GUARDS)
Take these men to jail.
JIMMY REDDEN
(angrily)
What about our right to defend ourselves? What about our rights?
JIMMY, ROBERT and TIGER are about to be led away when JIMMY starts shouting at the judge.
JIMMY
There is an injustice being done in this town and it is to us. Where are our rights? People take our land, force us out, and we are expected to sit quiet and let it happen. And you, you be warned, judge, that our brothers will not accept this punishment lightly. I warn you now, watch your own back.
JUDGE PORTEN
Get these men out of my sight.
The young men are led away.
EXT. FARM FIELD - DAY
JOHN, his brother DAVID, and JOHN'S FATHER are working in the fields. JOHN has a shovel and is digging. The sky is blue and the sun is hot. JOHN puts down his shovel and looks up at the sky. He stares. His father soon notices him and calls out to him.
JOHN'S FATHER
You right there John?
No response.
JOHN'S FATHER
John?
JOHN hears his father and looks at him.
JOHN
What?
JOHN'S FATHER
You alright?
JOHN
Yeah, I'm fine.
JOHN continues working. His father continues to work as well.
EXT. HOUSE PORCH - DAY
JOHN is sitting on the farmhouse porch. He is cleaning the blade of his knife. He hears his mother call out to him.
JOHN'S MOTHER
John, are you out there?

JOHN
Yes.
JOHN'S MOTHER
It's two o'clock. Can you check the mailbox? See if anything's come.
JOHN finishes cleaning the blade of his knife. He lays it down carefully on the table and gets up.
EXT. FARM - DAY
John walks down to the path from the house to the road where the wooden mailbox stands. He opens it and pulls out one letter in an unmarked envelope. There is no other mail. He closes the mailbox and returns to the house.
INT. FARM HOUSE - DAY
John enters the kitchen where his mother is working over the stove, preparing food.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Did you check the mail?
JOHN
Yes.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Well? Was there any?
JOHN
(hesitates)
No.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Nothing?
JOHN
Nothing.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Oh well, maybe tomorrow.
INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - DAY
JOHN sits down at his desk with the envelope. He opens it and starts to read. There is a knock at the door.
JOHN
Who is it?
JOHN'S MOTHER
It's your mother.
JOHN
What is it?
JOHN'S MOTHER
It's three o'clock. Get ready for church.
JOHN
I don't really feel up to it today.
JOHN'S MOTHER
You know how important church is to us.
JOHN
Not today. I don't feel well all of a sudden.
JOHN'S MOTHER
What is it?
JOHN
I don't know. I just need to rest.
JOHN'S MOTHER
Well, okay, just this once then.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
John's mother and father are in the kitchen, dressed for church and ready to leave. DAVID is there as well.
JOHN'S FATHER
Where's John?
MOTHER
He said he's not feeling to well.
FATHER
Is it serious?

MOTHER
I'm not sure. I think he just needs to rest.
FATHER
If you think so. We need to leave, or we'll be late.
EXT. FARM HOUSE - DAY
JOHN'S FATHER and MOTHER and DAVID get into their car, slowly pull out of the driveway and head down the street. JOHN is standing at the door and waves as they leave.
INT. FARM PORCH - DAY
JOHN is holding the letter and envelope in his hand. He takes out a lighter, lights the letter and envelope and it starts to burn.
EXT FARM DAY
We see that night is approaching, and that two hours have passed. The sky is no longer clear. It is heavily overcast and the weather looks bad.
EXT. FARM - DAY
John's father, mother and DAVID return from church in the car. They come to a stop and get out of the car.
INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - DAY
JOHN is still in bed. His room is dimly lit. His father and mother knock at the door.
JOHN'S FATHER
John? Are you alright? Are you feeling better?
JOHN
No.
JOHN'S FATHER
Can we come in?
JOHN
Yes.
John's father and mother enter. JOHN looks ill in bed. He is pale.
JOHN'S MOTHER
My God, he look's worse. You're so pale, John. How are you feeling?
JOHN
How do you think I feel?
JOHN'S MOTHER
I'm calling the doctor.
JOHN'S FATHER
The boy has obviously suffered some sort of shock. But I can't figure it out. He seemed in good health just hours ago when he was working in the fields.
JOHN'S MOTHER
John, can you speak to us? Tell us what is wrong.
John's mother puts a cold cloth on JOHN'S forehead.
JOHN
No, it's nothing. I must have caught a chill. Perhaps I ate something bad. I'll be alright. I just need some rest. I must leave at midnight.
JOHN'S FATHER
Midnight? Again? In your state? Why must you always go out in the middle of the night? Where on earth can you possibly be going at midnight? And haven't you seen the weather? A massive storm is blowing through. It looks like it will last for hours. It's not safe. The rain is pelting the house, and there is lightning and thunder.
JOHN
I received a letter. I must go at midnight.
JOHN'S MOTHER
A letter? From who?
JOHN
A friend.
DAVID DAHELER
It's another of John's mysterious friends. The friends who have no names. The friends we never see. The friends that John meets in the middle of the night without telling us why.
JOHN'S MOTHER
But in your state . . . can't it wait until tomorrow?
JOHN
No. I must go tonight.
JOHN'S MOTHER
But . . .
JOHN'S FATHER
Fine. Go then. See where it gets you.
JOHN'S MOTHER
I think we should call the doctor.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
The DOCTOR arrives. He has a stethoscope and examines JOHN, who is still lying in bed.
DOCTOR
Well, he is pale and cold, and his pulse is weak, but I see no medical reason for his condition. Perhaps he is a little worn out. Or perhaps his affliction is more to do with matters of the heart . . . or perhaps his conscience. I say, let the boy rest. I recommend plenty of rest. In the morning he may feel better. If his condition worsens, call me again, and I will come immediately.

JOHN'S MOTHER
Thank you doctor. I think you may be right. Perhaps he is overworked.
JOHN'S FATHER
Then let's leave him be. John, if you need us, ring the bell.
John's mother, father, brother and the doctor leave the room. John is left in bed, staring at the roof.
EXT. FARM - NIGHT
Night has come and the clouds are dark and stormy.
INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
It is close to midnight.
JOHN rises from bed, checks his clock, and puts on his big coat, and a warm hat. The house is dark, his family are sleeping. He creeps out the house and into the night.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The storm has passed. The moon is out and the stars are shining brightly. John looks up and smiles. He starts to walk down a road.
EXT. FERNSELLA - NIGHT
JOHN arrives in the town and passes through the streets. He observes the quiet houses and shops in the streets. He arrives at a quiet and somber building, the town chapel.
EXT. TOWN CHAPEL - NIGHT
JOHN stands outside momentarily and looks at the building. Soon, John enters the chapel through two large doors.
INT. TOWN CHAPEL - NIGHT
Inside the chapel it is quite dark. There is an altar at the far end. On the altar are several candles burning, and many more candles are placed around the chapel. At the stairs to the altar are a large number of people, sitting or standing quietly. There are six people of authority standing above them, at the top of the steps in front of the altar itself. The head of these is THE CAPTAIN. THE CAPTAIN is MR. SCRIVNER, John's schoolteacher.
JOHN walks down the aisle to the crowd of people. His footsteps echo around and everyone watches his arrival. JOHN shakes hands with the six people in front of the altar. They stare deep into his eyes.
The Captain, one of the most high-ranked members of the organization, takes a bottle of wine from the altar and offers it to John. John does not take the bottle.
THE CAPTAIN
Take it, drink. It's cold out tonight. This will help.
JOHN
No. Not in a church.
THE CAPTAIN
A harmless drink here won't offend God. Holy people have surely drunk here before.
JOHN
No. You drink it if you dare. But I won't.
THE CAPTAIN
I will. It's the first taste I've had tonight. But remember, drinking the wine is something that each man in this room is sworn to do when the proper time comes. It is part of who we are.
The Captain drains the bottle of wine and places it upside down upon the altar.
THE CAPTAIN
Now, who else refuses to drink the wine in the house of God, even though he is sworn to do so by his membership of our organization? If it is so, take the wine outside and drink it outside in the cold and wet, while we wait for the remainder of our comrades to arrive. And be warned now, if these men do not arrive in time without good reason, then they will be punished in a manner so horrible that it will be a deterrent to all who wish to contravene our sacred laws.
Some of the group, who do not wish to drink in the church, go outside with bottles of wine and drink there. They all wait for the arrival of the remaining members.
Eventually, everyone returns inside and the Captain shuts and locks the doors to the chapel. He puts the key in his pocket. He resumes his place at the altar and speaks to the assembled crowd.
THE CAPTAIN
The time has come. It is time to reveal the purpose of this secret summons tonight. All are present that were summoned but six. These six traitors - unless they have good reason for not coming tonight - will be punished. Neither rain nor snow shall stop those summoned from coming here, particularly when our cause is so great. These six men will be dealt with accordingly. Now, I come to the purpose of tonight's meeting.
The whole crowd is eagerly watching the Captain to find out the secret of tonight's meeting. JOHN examines the face of the Captain and sees the horrid expression on his face. Suddenly, a loud, peculiar laugh comes from the darkness next to the altar. The Captain calls out to the source of the laugh.
THE CAPTAIN
Hold your tongue. It is not yet time.
The CAPTAIN turns back to the gathered crowd.
THE CAPTAIN
Now, my brothers, for we are all brothers, sworn upon all that's sacred and holy to obey whatever them that commands us wishes us to do, are you now ready, in the name of God, upon whose altar I stand, to fulfill your oath?
The other leaders on the altar jump forward and call out.
THE LEADERS
By all that's sacred and holy we are willing.
The crowd then leaps up and calls out.
CROWD
By all that's sacred and holy we are willing.
THE CAPTAIN
Of what do I speak? Who knows?
One of the crowd steps forward and responds.
MAN IN CROWD
You are our Captain. You have your orders from higher quarters and we are bound to obey whatever it is that you command.
THE CAPTAIN
Now, my brothers, you are sworn to obey me. And I to obey the higher powers. Here, I take the holy book.
The Captain takes a bible and lays in on the altar.
THE CAPTAIN
By this sacred and holy book of God, I will perform the action which we have met this night to accomplish, be that what it may, and I swear upon God's book and God's altar.
His words echo loudly around the chapel and birds nesting in the chapel swoop down and for a moment there is chaos. Maddened and eager, members of the crowd rush forward and repeat the oath, their voices also echoing around the chapel. Eventually, the Captain calls for order and the noise dies down to silence. At that point, the loud laughter again rings out from the darkness near the altar.
THE CAPTAIN
Come forth now boys.
Seven men, who are instantly recognized by the crowd step forward from the dark.
THE CAPTAIN
These are the brothers, and the cousins, of three of our brothers - Jimmy, Robert and Tiger - convicted for acts of intimidation against Harold Bearfield. Three of our brothers languish in jail and it shall be our mission tonight to extract vengeance for our brothers. The truth remains, that tonight, your presence is needed only to ensure that there will be no resistance. Our numbers tonight will make that impossible. However, you must all take the oath of secrecy, our most sacred oath. Any man who refuses this oath, who refuses to keep secret the actions of our sacred organization, will not know the day, the hour or the minute, when revenge shall come.
The Captain now picks up the bible and holds it up.
THE CAPTAIN
In the presence of God and before his holy altar, whatever takes place on this night will be kept secret, except from a priest on his dying day, and that neither bribery, nor imprisonment, nor death, will wring it from his heart.
The crowd responds in unison.
CROWD
I also take this oath. Whatever takes place on this night will be kept secret, except from a priest on his dying day, and that neither bribery, nor imprisonment, nor death, will wring it from his heart.
The Captain descends from the altar, passes through the crowd, and walks down the aisle. He unlocks the doors of the chapel and the whole crowd leaves.
EXT. FERNSELLA STREETS - NIGHT
The large crowd, brandishing their weapons, march through the darkened streets on their way to JUDGE PORTEN'S house.
They finally arrive at the house, the Captain leading the way.
EXT. JUDGE PORTEN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The Captain divides the crowd into groups by shouting orders. He has his own gang of six men by his side.
Several Molotov cocktails are lit and hurled through the windows.
Some of the group suddenly protests and insists that mercy be shown to the people inside.
MEMBERS OF CROWD
Please, show them some mercy. This is too much. Don't do it.
However, by this stage, the Captain is bent upon bloody revenge. He addresses the group with his horrific countenance visible to all.
THE CAPTAIN
Another word from any man and you will die where you stand. We did not come here tonight to spare these folk. No mercy is the word tonight. By the sacred oath I swore in the chapel it is so and any man here that attempts to show mercy to those inside will find none by my hand. Now, surround the house on all sides - no mercy, that is the order of tonight.
The crowd completely surrounds the house in order to prevent escape by those inside the house.
Suddenly, a window is broken and a woman calls for help.
WOMAN IN WINDOW
Please, don't do this to us. Please!
(shouting out)
Somebody help us. Somebody!
One of the Captain's gang raises a pistol, takes aim at the woman, and shoots her in the head. The CROWD watching on is horrified. Many turn their heads away so as not to witness the death. The CAPTAIN notices this, and it enrages him even more.
MAN IN CROWD
Captain, stop now. You've done what you came to do. Let's leave now.
The CAPTAIN approaches the MAN IN CROWD and raises a pistol to his head. The Captain is in a fury.
THE CAPTAIN
We all took an oath tonight. An oath of secrecy, by which we are all bound. Breaking of this oath will result in death. If we are to hang for this deed, we will all hang together. We must show no mercy and leave none alive in this house.
Suddenly, the door of the house is flung open and several people, terrified, come out of the house. They are crying and screaming. They are met with gunfire from the Captain and his gang. These are men and women, friends of the judge.
A short time later, when the gunshots have stopped, JUDGE PORTEN emerges from the house, his arms raised. He looks at the crowd, and then addresses them.
JUDGE PORTEN
Please, my two children are inside. Your mothers and your wives have innocent children just like them. Please, spare their lives, or if not, shoot me first so that I cannot witness their suffering.
The Captain approaches JUDGE PORTEN.
THE CAPTAIN
The man who you so quickly defended is gone. We will find him though. But for you, you will convict no more men; you will commit no more injustices against us. You will punish no more people. You must die.
The Captain raises his gun to JUDGE PORTEN'S head and coolly shoots him. JUDGE PORTEN collapses to the ground, dead.
THE CAPTAIN
(loud shout to his gang)
We will stand here and wait. Any more men, women or children that step from that house will be shot down the moment they appear. We will wait. Everyone must die.
The scene is too much for many of the crowd who start to flee the scene. They run away, into the darkness. The Captain angrily and threateningly calls out to them as they run.
THE CAPTAIN
Cowards. All of you! Cowards. Run away. But remember the oath. Remember what you have sworn to this night on the book and on the altar of God. If you break this oath you may hang us. But remember that if we hang, there will be others living that will ensure that your own lives will be short ones.
The Captain and his gang turn back to the house, their guns ready. The rest of the crowd slowly disperses. JOHN too, leaves the scene, unable to help those inside.
THE CAPTAIN
Set it alight. I want to see it burn.
The CAPTAIN'S gang walk into the house.
INT. JUDGE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The CAPTAIN'S GANG pour gasoline in the rooms and set it alight. They emerge from the house.
EXT. JUDGE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The house catches alight. The CAPTAIN and his GANG stand and watch it burn.
EXT. JAIL CELL - NIGHT
JIMMY is laughing with malice at the thought of the Judge Porten massacre. JOHN is standing outside the cell, a sombre look on his face. JOHN waits for JIMMY to stop laughing. JIMMY sees JOHN'S look.
JIMMY REDDEN
What? You don't think that's funny? Man, they deserved everything they got.
JOHN doesn't speak.
JIMMY REDDEN
Is there anyone left alive?
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't think so. They say Judge Porten was hosting a gathering for family and friends. They say The Brigade didn't only kill him, but his wife and his two daughters. Plus four friends.
JIMMY REDDEN
All of this because of us. I feel honoured. The Brigade looks after its own, don't they?
JOHN DAEHLER
There are other ways to solve our problems. This is going too far. People are dead, lots of people.
JIMMY REDDEN
There are always people dead. Anyway, they were warned. The judge got his warning not to meddle with us. So everything we do after that, if he doesn't listen, is fair and square. He should have known our power. He shouldn't have underestimated us.
JOHN DAEHLER
It was the wrong thing to do.
JIMMY REDDEN
John, I get the idea that you're faith in The Brigade isn't what is was. I get the impression that you don't want to be a part of it anymore.
JOHN DAEHLER
It's not the point. And it's not true anyway. The point is, because of this massacre, everyone is now after The Brigade. We've gotten away with murder before, many times, but a massacre is different. Fernsella has had enough. Killing the judge and his family was the last straw. The gallows will go up and people will hang. Including you. That is a certainty.
EXT. SCHOOL YARD - DAY
JOHN is sitting in the school yard, with his two friends.
PAUL
I'm sure glad I wasn't there.
PHILIP
Me too. I didn't get any summons. And a good thing it was. People in The Brigade will go down for this.
PAUL
Are you worried John?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. There weren't any witnesses. Everyone was killed. Even if there were, there were at least fifteen of us there. They couldn't identify all of us.
MR. SCRIVNER passes by. MR. SCRIVNER makes eye contact with JOHN. They glare at each other for a moment. MR. SCRIVNER puts a finger to his lip, signalling for JOHN to keep his mouth shut. He walks away.
EXT. SCHOOL YARD - DAY
JOHN is leaving school for the day. He is walking with his two friends from the school building. They walk together, carrying their school bags. MR. SCRIVNER passes them in the other direction.
MR. SCRIVNER
John, I'd like to see you for a minute. In my office, please.
JOHN DAEHLER
Mr. Scrivner, can it wait until tomorrow?
MR. SCRIVNER
No. I want to see you now. Be in my office in five minutes.
MR. SCRIVNER continues on his way.
JOHN DAEHLER
(to his two FRIENDS)
I'll see you tomorrow.
FRIEND OF JOHN
Okay.
FRIEND OF JOHN #2
Are you in trouble?
JOHN DAEHLER
No. It's nothing.
JOHN walks off, and his two friends keep on walking.
INT. MR. SCRIVNER'S OFFICE - DAY
JOHN is standing in the office. MR. SCRIVNER hasn't arrived yet. JOHN looks over the room, the piles of papers, the shelves of books. MR. SCRIVNER walks in the door.
MR. SCRIVNER
Ah, John. Thank you for coming. Please, sit.
JOHN sits down opposite MR. SCRIVNER'S desk. MR. SCRIVNER takes his seat at his desk.
MR. SCRIVNER
Do you know what this is about?
JOHN DAEHLER
No.
MR. SCRIVNER
You don't know?
JOHN DAEHLER
Did I do something wrong?
MR. SCRIVNER
No. No. It's nothing like that. Actually, it has nothing to do with school. Just a minute.
MR. SCRIVNER stands, walks to the door and closes it.
MR. SCRIVNER
We don't want anyone listening in. They might overhear something they're not meant to hear.
MR. SCRIVNER smiles and resumes his seat. He sits down at his desk, and looks at JOHN, a slight smile on his face.
MR. SCRIVNER
Now, John, things have happened recently, things both of us have been involved in. Things that were necessary. That is a fact, John, mind you. A fact. Now, what we know - what I know and what you know - cannot be revealed to anyone, under any circumstances.
JOHN DAEHLER
I understand the oath.
MR. SCRIVNER
Taking an oath means more than absolute secrecy. The oath means loyalty to one's brothers. Without loyalty what have we? Nothing.
JOHN DAEHLER
What do you want from me?
MR. SCRIVNER
I've been asked to speak to you. The leaders want to give you another chance. We know you found Harold Bearfield and his family. Where are they?
JOHN DAEHLER
You'll kill them.
MR. SCRIVNER
What we do with them doesn't concern you.
JOHN DAEHLER
As a member of The Brigade, what the leader choose to do, does concern me.
MR. SCRIVNER
John, it has to be done.
JOHN DAEHLER
I didn't find them. I already told the leaders that. If I knew, you'd know.
MR. SCRIVNER
John, you're a bad liar. You're only putting yourself in peril by keeping their location a secret. Don't try and be a hero. Don't try and protect them from us. It is a requirement of the oath that you obey the leader's wishes. Just tell me, and it will be over.
JOHN stands up and pushes back his chair.
JOHN DAEHLER
I wish I could help you. But I can't.
JOHN walks to the door, watched by MR. SCRIVNER.
JOHN DAEHLER
If anything happens to the Bearfields, it will be you who faces the consequences. I know the school would be very interested to know what you do in your spare time. Captain.
JOHN opens the door and walks from the room. MR. SCRIVNER is left to think about what JOHN said.

INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE IN FERNSELLA - DAY
All of FERNSELLA'S administrators, led by the MAYOR of FERNSELLA, and the entire town's police force is present at a meeting, which has been called to discuss the actions of the BRIGADE. OFFICER TREDO is there, among the police officers.
MAYOR
I've never seen a worse crime in my life. There were eight dead. Judge Porten, his wife and two children. His whole family. Plus four of the Judge's friends.
POLICE CHIEF
Let's not turn away from the facts. This was a massacre. We all know who is responsible. We must see that justice is done.
OFFICER TREDO
With all due respect, sir, justice has never been done in this town. The Brigade has been given a carte blanche to do whatever they want. My question is why.
POLICE CHIEF
Officer Tredo, each person who has something to say on this matter will be given the chance to do so. Please wait your turn.
OFFICER TREDO angrily crosses his arms and remains silent.
MAYOR
We all know The Brigade did it. Our task is to find each member and to bring them to justice. We can put up with a lot, but this massacre is too much to ask of anyone.
POLICE CHIEF
Mayor, we're already questioning as many people as we can. Particularly people who live nearby. Anyone that might have seen it. We're getting nothing.
OFFICER TREDO
Is that surprising?
POLICE CHIEF
Officer Tredo, you're officially warned.
OFFICER TREDO
I don't care about your warnings, sir. The problem is everyone fears retaliation if they do talk. The Brigade has people so scared they just won't speak out, if they do know something.
POLICE CHIEF
Regardless, we're getting very little.
MAYOR
I don't want just a few of these men caught. I want The Brigade taken apart. I want every member held accountable for his actions. We have a duty to the citizens of this town to do that.
OFFICER TREDO
Maybe the reason The Brigade still exists, maybe the reason it has never faced justice, is because of the corruption in this town. There are the threats and intimidation, of course, people are too afraid to do anything against The Brigade, but there is also the issue of bribery . . .
POLICE CHIEF
Officer Tredo, thank you for your comments, but that's not the point of concern at this time. It's not the issue.
OFFICER TREDO
It is the issue. There are so many god damn people on the take in Fernsella . . . The Brigade has been allowed to get away with anything.
POLICE CHIEF
That's enough, officer.
(to the others in the room)
We need to try harder than we've tried before. We need to work together, combine out efforts and bring these men to justice.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - EVENING
JOHN is in his bedroom. He is lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The door opens. It is DAVID.
JOHN'S BROTHER
John, one of your friends is here.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
PAUL is standing outside the front door. JOHN appears at the door.
JOHN DAEHLER
What's up?
PAUL
Something's happened to Philip. Someone attacked him. They hurt him badly.
EXT. PHILIP'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN and Paul are standing at the end of a bed in Philip's bedroom. The badly injured Philip is lying in bed. His face and arms are bandaged and stained with blood.
PAUL
He was found unconscious. They used a knife.
JOHN DAEHLER
I want to know did this.


EXT. MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN is in the MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S living room. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN lights up a cigar. He smiles at JOHN, a trace of evil in his face. JOHN waits.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Well, what do you want John?
JOHN DAEHLER
(angrily)
Who was it?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Philip? It doesn't matter who it was. The fact is, it had to be done.
JOHN DAEHLER
He was one of us. He was one of The Brigade. Is this how you treat your own members? Philip is my friend, okay, he's my friend, and he's lying in a bed bleeding. The doctors don't know if he'll live. He means more to me than your stupid Brigade. I want the name of the person who did it.
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is quiet in thought for a minute, puffing on his cigar.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Your friend, Phillip, betrayed us. He betrayed the whole Brigade. By betraying us he betrayed you too.
JOHN DAEHLER
No more talk of loyalty and oaths. They're meaningless as far as I'm concerned.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
John, Philip spoke to the police. He's lucky to be alive. No one in The Brigade speaks the police. What would we do if we had every policeman in Fernsella following us? We have a hard enough time keeping them out of our business as it is, without some kid going and telling them names. The cops, the judges, the administrators, we have to keep them happy and we have to keep them as ignorant as we possibly can. Our Brigade and it's actions must remain as secret as possible. It is part of the oath.
JOHN DAEHLER
You don't think people know? You don't think people have always known? They know all about you. They just don't know who.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
No one talks to the police, John.
JOHN DAEHLER
Philip would never do that. Never. I know him. You think I'm stupid? You did it to get to me. You hurt him to hurt me.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
The matter is very simple. Everyone knows what happens if they break the sacred oath of secrecy.
JOHN DAEHLER
Fuck your oath!
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
(angrily and loudly; now engaging in an argument)
We can't have members going to the police, and talking about The Brigade and giving all our secrets away. You know that. Every member is aware of the punishments for betraying his brothers and for betraying our trust. Philip is no different. He's no exception to the rule.
JOHN DAEHLER
You've gone too far.

MIDDLE-AGED MAN
(amused now)
Too far? Who says how far is too far? You? John, you took an oath when you became one of us. You took an oath to defend your brothers, to obey their orders, to do as they wish, and to keep silent no matter what happens. Philip was hurt because the leaders wanted him hurt. We must all accept what the leaders want. We must never question them.
JOHN DAEHLER
They've brainwashed you. You can't see beyond The Brigade.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
John, get some rest. You're making too much of all this.
JOHN DAEHLER
What did he tell the police?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
He told them everything he knew.
JOHN DAEHLER
Like what? Names? Was I mentioned?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Don't worry yourself. Relax John. The leaders are already taking care of it.
JOHN DAEHLER
Don't take offence, but I've had enough of this. I'm leaving.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
By all means. Remember, keep quiet, no matter what they ask you.
JOHN gets up and storms to the front door. He opens it. Two members of The Brigade are standing outside the door, revolvers held at their sides. JOHN stops, realizing they are going to kill him.

MEMBER #1
(smiling)
Hello John.
JOHN turns. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is directly behind him now, a sinister grin on his face.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Like I said, The Brigade is already dealing with it. There were too many witnesses to the massacre. We just can't take the risk anymore.
JOHN pulls a knife from his pocket and, in a flash, he has driven it into the stomach of MEMBER #2. He groans and collapses to the ground. JOHN pulls out the bloody knife.
MEMBER #1 raises his gun to shoot JOHN, but JOHN swings an arm and knocks it out of his hands. JOHN swings his knife at MEMBER #1 but MEMBER #1 dodges it. JOHN sees the gun and runs for it. He gets there first and picks it up. Just as he picks it up he is tackled by MEMBER #1.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
(watching on)
Get the gun. Get the gun!
JOHN and MEMBER #1 scuffle. The gun goes off in the scuffle and MEMBER #1 stops moving. JOHN jumps to his feet and points the gun at the MIDDLE-AGED MAN. They are both now outside the house.
JOHN DAEHLER
(angry shout)
What order did the leaders give?
The MIDDLE-AGED MAN doesn't answer.
JOHN DAEHLER
(louder)
What orders did the leaders give?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
They want you all disposed of. As quickly as possible.
JOHN DAEHLER
Everyone? That's impossible. There's too many. There were fifteen people at the massacre.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
That was the order. Direct from the leaders themselves. Now, put down the gun.
JOHN DAEHLER
What about you? Do you live or do you die?
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I live, John.
JOHN lowers the gun. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN relaxes. JOHN waits a moment, then he raises the gun and pulls the trigger. The MIDDLE-AGED MAN is shot in the stomach. A look of horror and shock spreads across the MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S face. He drops to his knees and holds his stomach where the bullet entered. Blood colours his shirt. He falls forward and lies still.
JOHN looks at the gun and throws it into the bushes.
JOHN runs back into the house.
INT. MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
John runs to the table, sees the black diary, picks it up and runs out of the house.
EXT. MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN kneels down next to the body of the MIDDLE-AGED MAN and takes the car keys out of his pocket. He runs to the MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S car and uses the MIDDLE-AGES MAN'S car key to open the car door. He gets in and drives off.
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN come speeding towards the house in the car. He skids to a stop outside his house. He jumps out of the car and runs inside, worried about the safety of his family.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN bursts in the front door. His parents and David are sitting quietly, absorbed in various activities - watching TV, sewing, reading. They see the panic and fear on JOHN'S face.
DAVID DAHELER
What is it John?
JOHN DAEHLER
Thank God you're safe. You have  to leave tonight. Right this minute. I can't explain it all now. But it's not safe. Pack a bag.
JOHN'S FATHER
John, we've been talking to David about your . . . your friends and your recent behaviour.
JOHN DAEHLER
You know?
JOHN'S FATHER
John, is there something you want to tell us?
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN'S FATHER and MOTHER and DAVID put their suitcases in the trunk of their car. They close the boot.
JOHN'S FATHER
(to JOHN)
We can't leave you here.
JOHN DAEHLER
I have to stay until this whole thing is sorted out.
JOHN'S FATHER
John, don't be a vigilante. Don't take matters into your own hands. If The Brigade is after you go to the police.
JOHN DAEHLER
I don't have a choice. The Brigade will kill us.
JOHN'S FATHER
You have to go to the police. Let the police deal with it. Tell them what you know. We'll all leave, and when The Brigade is dead and buried, we'll come back.
JOHN DAEHLER
When you go, keep driving. Get as far away as you can. Find a motel. But you have to go now.
JOHN'S family all get into the car.
JOHN'S MOTHER
John, we want to see you again.
JOHN'S FATHER
Follow us when you can.
JOHN DAEHLER
I will.
JOHN'S FATHER starts the engine. He starts the car and they drive away. JOHN watches the car drive down the road. When the car disappears into the distance JOHN runs back to the house.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
John's bedroom. John opens up a cupboard. He pulls out clothes and reaches to the back. He pulls out a gun. He sticks the gun in his trousers. He then reaches around again, finds a cartridge of bullets and takes it out.
He takes the gun from his trousers, puts in the bullets and sticks it back in his trousers.
JOHN hears car engines outside his house. He runs to the window. Three cars have pulled up. Two people climb from each car. JOHN stands unnoticed at the window, peering through a split in the curtains. JOHN recognizes them as members of The Brigade. Two of them are carrying guns.
The six people notice the MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S car. They look inside it, discuss it amongst themselves, out of earshot of JOHN, and then they look to the house. They start to walk up the front path to the door.
JOHN DAEHLER
(quietly to himself)
Shit.
JOHN runs out of his room. He runs to the back-door. He hears the front doorbell ring. He stops in his tracks and turns. He thinks quickly. He runs to the back door. He looks out a back window and sees two men with guns approaching the back door. He turns and runs back into the lounge room. He runs to the phone. He punches in a few numbers. He waits while it rings.
POLICE OFFICER
(V.O.)
Fernsella police. Can I help you?
JOHN DAEHLER
This is John Daehler on Hapfill Road. Number 6. There are six members of The Brigade outside my house.
POLICE OFFICER
Are they armed?
JOHN DAEHLER
Guns.
POLICE OFFICER
It'll take us five minutes to get to your location.
JOHN DAEHLER
They're already at the front and back doors.
POLICE OFFICER
We'll send officers immediately. Try to stall them until we arrive.
JOHN DAEHLER
Okay.
JOHN hangs up. He stands silently, watching the front door.
The bell rings again. Then,
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
(O.C.)
(hard voice)
John?
JOHN DAEHLER
(quietly)
Shit.
JOHN stays quiet.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
(O.C.)
John? We know you're there. Come on out and we'll talk.
JOHN raises his gun and points it at the door. He waits.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
(O.C.)
If you don't come out, John, we'll be forced to come in and get you. You don't want that. Let's just do this quietly.
JOHN stands silent, with his gun ready and pointed at the door.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
(O.C.)
John, we won't hurt your family. But you have to come out.
(pause; angrily)
John! Are you listening to me?
EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The four members of The Brigade at the front of the house are waiting with their guns out. They look at each other, waiting for instructions from the MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION who is doing the talking.
The doorknob turns and the door slowly opens. They all raise their guns. JOHN is standing at the door. Only half of his body is visible. They cannot see the gun in his hidden hand.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
Hi John. Are you armed?
JOHN DAEHLER
What do you think?
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
Take out your gun and any other weapons. Drop them on the floor.
JOHN DAEHLER
Not yet.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
The leaders want to speak to you.
JOHN DAEHLER
Why?
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
You know why.
JOHN DAEHLER
I want out.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
No one is allowed to leave John. You know that better than anyone. You can't break the oath you took.
JOHN DAEHLER
The police know about you. The Brigade is on its last legs. If you want to stay and defend the leaders that's your choice. But I want out.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
Have you spoken to police?
JOHN DAEHLER
No.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
John, if we go down, you go down. That's how it works. And if you do manage to escape, whoever's left will find you.
(pause)
John, you've killed four people. The only reason you're still free is because of us. You think if we're all caught, that won't come up. You'll get jail, for life, no chance of release. But if you come quietly, if we all escape with our freedom, then that fact stays with us. It will never see the light of day.
(pause)
Come on, John. The leaders are waiting.
They all hear police sirens in the distance. The MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION turn in the direction of the sirens. JOHN looks up too.

JOHN DAEHLER
Too late.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
Damn it John.
JOHN shuts the door as quickly as he can. The MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION are too slow. They open fire on the door, putting a multitude of bullet holes through it, but JOHN is safely inside and the door is closed.
MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION
(to the other members)
Let's get the hell out of here.
The six men run to their cars. The POLICE are getting closer. The MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION start the car engines, but the police, six cars, skid to a stop and barricade them in. Police leap from the cars, their guns out, and swarm on the cars and the members of The Brigade. OFFICER TREDO is among them.
The MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION, seeing escape is impossible, all raise their arms. Except two. Two raise their guns but are shot dead by the police.
INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
JOHN is sitting on the sofa. There are police officers outside, at the scene of the police shooting, and inside the house. The POLICE CHIEF is talking to two officers. OFFICER TREDO is standing near JOHN. He quietly approaches him and sits down.
OFFICER TREDO
John, my name's Officer Tredo.
JOHN DAEHLER
Nice to meet you.
OFFICER TREDO
Why were these men after you? Why were they trying to kill you?
JOHN DAEHLER
Do you know about The Brigade?
OFFICER TREDO
Yes.

JOHN DAEHLER
They were part of it. They tried to kill me because I turned against them.
OFFICER TREDO
We'll need you to tell us what you know. The police chief, that's him over there, will want to ask you a lot of questions. Do you think you'll be able to answer them?
JOHN DAEHLER
(very quietly)
No offence to the good officers in Fernsella, but I don't trust the chief, and I don't trust half of the police in Fernsella.
OFFICER TREDO
Why?
JOHN DAEHLER
The Brigade has a lot of influence. Do I need to say more?
OFFICER TREDO
No, John, you don't.
JOHN DAEHLER
I think I'd feel more comfortable talking to the FBI. No offence.
OFFICER TREDO smiles.
OFFICER TREDO
None taken.
JOHN DAEHLER
Oh, you'd better send someone to this address.
John writes down the address of the MIDDLE-AGED MAN'S house. He hands it quietly to OFFICER TREDO.
JOHN DAEHLER
Something bad went down there tonight. I think someone was killed.
EXT. FBI HEADQUARTERS - DAY
An exterior shot of the FBI headquarters.
SUPERIMPOSE: FBI HEADQUARTERS IN VIRGINIA
INT. FBI OFFICE - DAY
John is sitting in an FBI office. He is being questioned by Agent Jorkins. Agent Jorkins sits opposite him.
The middle-aged man's black diary is on the table. John pushes the diary forward towards Agent Jorkins.
AGENT JORKINS
What is it?
JOHN DAEHLER
This has the names of twenty members of the Brigade.
AGENT JORKINS
Are you one of those twenty?
JOHN nods.
AGENT JORKINS
Is it a full list?
JOHN DAEHLER
No.
AGENT JORKINS
How many are there, in total?
JOHN DAEHLER
It's impossible to say.
AGENT JORKINS
Try.
JOHN DAEHLER
We don't know the names or the identities of most of The Brigade's members.
AGENT JORKINS
Why not?
JOHN DAEHLER
To maintain anonymity and secrecy. Everyone's identity is a secret. We only see each other at the summons. Members even where masks or hoods to cover their faces.
AGENT JORKINS
You've been in The Brigade long enough to know who some of the members are.
JOHN DAEHLER
I can name a few.
AGENT JORKINS
Who runs this thing? Who's in charge?
JOHN DAEHLER
There are three leaders. They're at the top of The Brigade. You can't get any higher than the leaders. They make all the decisions, they determine what course of attack to take.
AGENT JORKINS
Do you know who they are and where they are?
JOHN DAEHLER
Yes.
AGENT JORKINS
What about the massacre?
JOHN DAEHLER
The massacre of Judge Porten was the work of The Brigade. I was there, I witnessed it.
POLICE CHIEF
Did you participate?
JOHN DAEHLER
No.
POLICE CHIEF
Who did?
JOHN DAEHLER
The Brigade picks its members to do various tasks. That's basically how The Brigade works. If someone needs to be hurt, if someone needs to be killed, The Brigade, through the leaders mostly, will pick the person or people to do it. With the massacre of Judge Porten, a lot of us got called out. Secretly. There were about fifteen of us. It wasn't until we attended the summons that we even knew why we were there. I knew it was bad, it made me sick, but I didn't know how bad.
POLICE CHIEF
So fifteen people got a summons that night?
JOHN DAEHLER
You have to understand, most of us didn't do anything at the massacre. If you'd seen the way the Captain and his gang looked, the way they shot down the judge and his family as they came out, children and all, you'd have been as sickened as we were. Most of us left. The Captain shouted at us for deserting, but we didn't care.
POLICE CHIEF
What happens to deserters?
JOHN DAEHLER
If you desert your comrades you'll be the one punished. They'd summon people because of you.
OFFICER TREDO
So, if you don't participate, or if you desert, or if you talk, you become the target?
JOHN DAEHLER
Yes.
POLICE CHIEF
I need to know who carried out the killings. Each person.

JOHN DAEHLER
The Captain was in charge. There was his gang, six men, and then there were the rest of us. Most of us just watched and then we ran. It was the Captain and his gang that did the actual killings. And the three leaders would have given the order. After the killing, we became the targets. The leaders didn't want us around as potential witnesses.
POLICE CHIEF
Just to clarify, were the leaders there, at the massacre?
JOHN DAEHLER
No.
AGENT JORKINS sits back in his chair. He thinks for a minute.
AGENT JORKINS
John, we can go ahead and prosecute the perpetrators of the massacre, including the leaders. The leaders gave the orders, they're part of it. But what we want is the whole group. Everyone. What else can you tell us?
JOHN DAEHLER
You want to know about The Brigade, I can tell you what I know. I said I would and I will.
INT. FBI OFFICE - DAY
JOHN is sitting in AGENT JORKINS' office. Agent Jorkins is outside, talking to two other FBI agents. They can see JOHN through the glass.
AGENT JORKINS
John's told us everything he knows. He's told us who killed Judge Porten and his family and friends. He was there, he saw it all. The Captain, six others, and the three leaders who ordered the massacre. We've got them on that. Plus, the diary gives us the names and addresses of twenty men to start with. He says there are more, but he doesn't know their names or where they live. But he has said they've all been involved in various crimes in Fernsella.
FBI AGENT #2
So we've got them for the murder. Then we can look at the rest and prosecute them. The diary will put the nail in their coffins.
AGENT JORKINS
Yes, we've got them. We'll pick them all up. Then, we'll question them, get more answers, more leads, and act on that. I bet there's more than one member willing to talk to save himself. Either they talk or it's jail.
FBI AGENT #2
What about John? He's played a part in all this. At this point we don't know the extent of his involvement. Do you trust his word?
AGENT JORKINS
Whatever he's done, if John talks, if he testifies, he'll walk. I'm willing to let one go to get the rest.
(he taps the black diary)
Let's pick up these guys.
INT. FBI OFFICE - DAY
JOHN is sitting quietly, looking around the office.
JOHN DAEHLER
(V.O.)
So that was it. I gave the FBI what I knew and they did the rest. It was over for The Brigade. With my testimony, my first hand account, the leaders, the Captain and his gang didn't stand a chance. And I knew there would be more once they saw it was over. There would be more members coming forward to testify, if only to save their own skins.
EXT. MR. SCRIVNER'S OFFICE - DAY
MR. SCRIVNER is sitting in his school office. He is marking test papers. He hears a police siren in the distance, faintly carrying through the night air. He walks to the window and looks out.
As he watches through the window, three police cars pull up outside the school. Three officers emerge from each car. They are carrying revolvers and shotguns. He watches as the leading police officer signals to the others to enter the school. He watches as they enter the building.
MR. SCRIVNER calmly walks back to his desk. He opens a drawer, takes out a gun and puts it to his head.
EXT. SCHOOL YARD - NIGHT
The officers hear the gunshot. They run upstairs.
INT. MR. SCRIVNER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
The POLICEMEN try the handle, see the door is locked, and then force the door with their shoulders. It swings open and they run in. They see MR. SCRIVNER. He is dead. Blood is splattered on the wall behind him.
INT. DINGY HOUSE - NIGHT
Six members of the CAPTAIN'S GANG, the same men who participated in then massacre at the JUDGE'S house are sitting around a round table. They are playing cards. They have bottles of beer and spirits in their hands and on the table. They are talking and laughing, and enjoying themselves.
Suddenly there is a thump at the door, the sound of the police kicking it in. It breaks off it's hinges and six police rush into the room, all with their guns out. The GANG grab their guns from their trousers.
POLICE OFFICERS
Put them down!
One of the GANG fires a first shot. The first POLICEMAN through the door gets a bullet in the chest. The remaining POLICEMEN all open fire and four of the gang are shot.  Two are killed. Two are wounded. The other two of the GANG, who have not been shot, drop their guns and raise their arms. The POLICE shout instructions.
POLICEMAN
Both of you, down on the floor, hands on your heads.
The two uninjured GANG MEMBERS lie on the floor and put their hands behind their heads.
POLICEMAN
(to other police)
Check them [the four others].
The POLICEMEN cuff the two GANG members and check the four who have been shot. Two are dead, the other two are moaning in pain.
POLICE OFFICER
You're all under arrest for the murders of Judge Porten and his family.
GANG MEMBER #1
(in handcuffs)
Go fuck yourself.
The two GANG MEMBERS are pushed from the room in handcuffs. The other TWO who have been injured are lifted to their feet, wincing with pain as they are lifted.
EXT. LEADER'S HOUSES - NIGHT
SERIES OF THREE SCENES
Each scene shows each of the three leaders being led from his house by police. They are handcuffed. They do not resist. They are led from their houses to waiting police cars.



JOHN DAEHLER
(V.O., as the leaders are arrested and led away)
Those responsible for the Judge Porten massacre were rounded up and arrested, including the leaders. The leaders didn't resist and they didn't say one word the whole time. The mistake the leaders made was the middle-man's black diary. It had their phone numbers in it, and that led the police to the addresses. After all their talk of anonymity, they practically gave themselves away.
EXT. FBI HEADQUARTERS - DAY
An exterior shot of the FBI headquarters.
JOHN DAEHLER
(V.O.)
As it turned out, other members of The Brigade decided that they had had enough too. They were like me. They shared my feelings. They knew it was all over, especially when the leaders were arrested. They also knew that it was likely their own names would surface somehow, even if they didn't know about the black diary. Seven others came forward and testified, like me. They told the FBI every detail they knew about The Brigade, even about crimes that dated back decades. For example . . .
INT. FBI OFFICE #1 - DAY
An old man, in his seventies is sitting in an FBI office. An FBI agent is questioning him and taking his testimony.
FBI AGENT #3
How long has The Brigade existed?
OLD MAN
I'm eighty now. I've been a part of it for over five decades.
FBI AGENT #3
How old were you when you joined?
OLD MAN
About thirty. The Brigade promised to carry out true justice, against certain people. They promised to stand up for all of us.
FBI AGENT #3
How did they stand up for you?
OLD MAN
Violence and threats. It could take any form. They could assault people, vandalize their properties, or even murder them.
FBI AGENT #3
Did you witness these crimes?
OLD MAN
I did more than that. I participated in them.
FBI AGENT #3
Why are you testifying then?
OLD MAN
I have learnt much in those five decades. I don't agree with the methods of The Brigade any more. I would have testified sooner, but I'd have ended up in a grave. I still might as a result of this. I'm aware of that.
FBI AGENT #3
The Brigade would kill it's own members?
OLD MAN
Yes. If they break the oath. Breaking it is one of the greatest sins a member can commit.
INT. FBI OFFICER #2 - DAY
A man, around thirty five years of age, a member of The Brigade, is being questioned.
FBI AGENT #4
How long have you been a member of The Brigade?
MAN
Ten years.
FBI AGENT #4
How many crimes have you witnessed or participated in during your time in The Brigade?
MAN
I can't count how many. But it was sometimes as much as one every month or so.
FBI AGENT #4
For ten years?
MAN
Yes.
FBI AGENT #4
And who led you in these crimes? Who gave the orders?
MAN
The leaders.
FBI AGENT #4
What orders did they give?
MAN
If they wanted someone hurt or killed, they would pick the people to do it. Most of the time, the orders came in what we called a 'summons' - a letter sent to you, telling you what was to be done. That summons [on the table] is the summons issued to kill Judge Porten.
There is an envelope on the table, which the MAN points to. The FBI agent looks at it and then back at the MAN. Then FBI AGENT #4 picks up the envelope, opens it and reads.
FBI AGENT #4
It reads: 'Judge Porten and his family, along with anyone else found in their company, are to be captured and killed. They have committed a great injustice against our noble brotherhood. You all know the nature of that injustice. They must be made to pay with their lives.'
FBI AGENT reads the rest in silence.
MAN
All the summons were like that. You can see in it that it gives the details of how and where the judge and his family were to be murdered.
INT. FBI OFFICE #3 - DAY
MAN #2, another member of The Brigade, is being questioned by the FBI.
FBI AGENT #5
What was your role in The Brigade?
MAN #2
I was required to prepare each 'summons' as it were ordered.
FBI AGENT #5
That would mean you would have kept some sort of record of each crime committed by The Brigade.
MAN #2
Yes. It's a long list. It runs to over forty pages. But I'm sure it isn't a complete list.
FBI AGENT #5
And this is it?
FBI AGENT #5 picks up a folder off the table. This is the 'summons' record kept by MAN #2. He opens it and reads it aloud.

FBI AGENT #5
'January 15, 1994, Barbara Fredditer is to be murdered for her complicity in the arrest of  a Brigade member for breaking and entering. September 2002, Janice Lorrmen is to be murdered for her being a witness to theft by The Brigade, and this, Officer Brimworth to be murdered along with his family for his role in the arrest of a Brigade member for car theft and fleeing from police.'
FBI AGENT #5 puts down the folder.
MAN #2
It's a terrible list of crimes. I'm sorry that it happened. All of it. I only wish it contained the names of those who committed the crimes. But those records don't exist.
EXT. COURT - DAY
An exterior shot of a courthouse.
JOHN DAEHLER
(V.O.)
Finally, the trial came. All the witnesses who had talked to the FBI testified on the stand. With the testimonies of seven men and with the evidence we gave to the FBI - the murder list - the leaders and the Captain's gang didn't stand a chance in court. Their downfall had come from the inside. We had ensured that these men would never see the light of day again. When it came to my turn, I simply told what I knew. This is part of what I said . . .
INT. COURT  - DAY
JOHN is in the witness box. The PROSECUTOR is questioning him.
The four remaining gang members, plus the three leaders sit cuffed at the ankles and wrists. A couple of the gang have expressionless faces. The leaders though, have looks of hate and venom on their faces.
PROSECUTOR
Your honour, the testimony of this young man, John Daehler, is the basis upon which these men have been brought to trial. John Daehler knows the men on trial, he has seen their actions. He is one of the few willing to turn against The Brigade and bring their members to justice.
(he turns to JOHN)
Mr. Daehler, why did you testify against The Brigade?
JOHN looks at seven men on trial. The court waits.
PROSECUTOR
John?
JOHN DAEHLER
Because I've seen first hand the pain and the suffering that these men have brought to the community of Fernsella. I don't believe that the people of Fernsella deserve to suffer the way they have. If, through me, Fernsella can rebuild and cleanse itself of the blemish that calls itself The Brigade then I'm willing to do what is necessary. And that is to turn my back on people I once called friends. I know they weren't my friends. I know that now.
JOHN stops speaking. The court is quiet. Everyone in the court is looking at JOHN.
JOHN DAEHLER
(V.O)
During the trial the leaders never uttered a word. They sat, angry and betrayed, no doubt thinking of vengeance and retribution. It occurred to me while I was testifying - why hadn't I confessed sooner? Why did I feel it necessary to protect the people I once called friends and brothers? To that question, I don't yet have an answer yet. But I know one day I will.
INT. COURT - DAY
The court is awaiting the judge's verdict. He is sitting in at his bench, reviewing some of the evidence. The court is silent.
JOHN sits at the back of the court, waiting.
The four members of the CAPTAIN'S GANG and the three LEADERS, all sit shackled at the front of the court.
The DEFENCE LAWYER for the leaders turns to the LEADERS.
DEFENCE LAWYER
(quietly to the LEADERS)
I don't like our chances of getting an acquittal. As your lawyer I need to make that clear to you.
LEADER #1
The judge wouldn't think about convicting us.
DEFENCE LAWYER
How can you be so sure? Is he . . . is he in your pocket?
LEADER #1
No. But he's aware of what awaits him if he convicts us.
The JUDGE is still reviewing evidence reports. The DEFENCE LAWYER glances at the judge and then back to the three LEADERS.
DEFENCE LAWYER
All we can do is hope for a light sentence. But I just don't think you'll get one. The evidence against you is too strong. And the people of Fernsella have had enough. They've put up with you for too long. Everyone has.
LEADER #1
I'd choose your words more carefully.
DEFENCE LAWYER
They've had enough of all of you. They just want you put away and for things to settle down. No more violence. That's what they want.
LEADER #1
If we go to jail, any of us, we will hold our council for defence, that means you, personally responsible. So you'd better do something.
DEFENCE LAWYER
I can't. I can't do anything.
LEADER #1
Why not?
DEFENCE LAWYER
I've done what I can. I put your case forward. I think you'd better accept that a guilty verdict is likely, even certain.
LEADER #1
DO SOMETHING!
The LEADER #1 tries to attack his lawyer, but his shackles prevent him from lashing out. He makes an aggressive move towards the defence lawyer. The DEFENCE LAWYER is out of his reach.
Two COURT GUARDS race forward to restrain LEADER #1. The courtroom's attention turns to LEADER #1 and his lawyer. The JUDGE looks up at the sound of the commotion.
LEADER #1 has calmed down, his sudden outburst of anger has passed.
JUDGE
(to DEFENCE LAWYER)
Is there a problem?

DEFENCE LAWYER
No, your honour. Just a disagreement.
The JUDGE tidies up the reports and papers and puts them into a pile. He looks up, ready to deliver his sentence.
All eyes now fix on the JUDGE. The JUDGE briefly looks across the courtroom and then at the members on trial.
JUDGE
(slowly)
Never before, in my long history as a judge, and I have sat in this court for the better part of twenty years, have I seen or heard of men capable of such hate, such malice, such brutal violence against members of an honest, hard-working, well-meaning community. I am shocked, as I know the whole town of Fernsella is shocked, at your actions. It is truly shocking to read the reports of your crimes, to listen to the testimonies of your victims, and to hear of your complete lack of remorse over your actions.
A WOMAN stands up in the crowd and shouts at the members of the Organization.
CROWD MEMBER
(to the men on trial)
Shame on you! You animals! You've destroyed Fernsella!
The JUDGE looks to a GUARD at the back of the court. The JUDGE nods his head. The GUARD approaches the woman and escorts her from the courtroom.
CROWD MEMBER
(as she is led out)
Shame on you all! May you burn in hell for your crimes.
Once the WOMAN has been removed from the courtroom, and quiet returns, the JUDGE continues with his verdict.
JUDGE
I have listened to the evidence put before me. I have heard testimonies from some of your own members.  I am convinced that this Brigade has done great wrong and great harm to the people of Fernsella. Your actions have been designed to frighten, to hurt, and to cause ruin. Your crimes have been a dark part of this community for many years, decades in fact, and they have culminated in a brutal, horrendous massacre, in which men, women and even poor, innocent children have suffered.
(pause)
I see no other choice before me but to find you all . . . guilty. Guilty of murder and of complicity to murder. I find you guilty of the murders of Judge Porten, Dorothy Porten, Nancy Porten, Kathleen Porten, Judy Hiland, Barbara Longacre, Paul Nettleton and William Adelmann.
The CROWD in the courtroom breaks out in cheers and applause. Two or three objects are hurled at the members of the Brigade.
The members of the Organization on trial do not react at the JUDGE'S verdict. Two of the gang look down, the other two turn their heads and watch the crowd shout at them and cheer the verdict.
The LEADERS sit motionless, the hatred still on their faces.
JUDGE
(over the noise)
I sentence each of you to spend the rest of your lives in jail.
The CROWD cheers.
JOHN has seen and heard enough. He stands and exits the court quietly, unseen.
LEADER #1
(shouting)
No court will get away with this injustice. We'll find a way to exact revenge. We will fight on. We will be avenged.
LEADER #1 looks around the packed courtroom for JOHN DAEHLER.
COURT GUARDS approach the LEADERS.
GUARD
(to the LEADERS)
On your feet.
They LEADERS stand. The GUARDS escort the three LEADERS from the room.
LEADER #1
(as he is led away)
Where's John Daehler?
LEADER #1 has a last look around the courtroom for JOHN DAEHLER before he is led from the court.
EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
JOHN stands outside the courthouse. He is almost smiling with happiness. He is finally free of The Brigade. A MAN standing outside the court sees JOHN. This man is smoking a cigarette.
MAN OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE
Guilty?
JOHN DAEHLER
Yes.
MAN OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE
I knew it. Are you John? John Daehler?
JOHN DAEHLER
Yes. Do I know you?
MAN OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE
You will. In time you will.
The MAN drops his cigarette and puts it out with his shoe.
MAN OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE
Remember, John, they got some of us, but they didn't get all of us.
The MAN smiles a horrid smile.
MAN OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE
I'll be seeing you.
The MAN OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE smiles his awful smile again and walks away from the courthouse. JOHN watches him leave.
JOHN waits a few moments, and then he walks in the other direction.
THE CAMERA PULLS BACK TO SHOW JOHN WALKING DOWN THE STREET AWAY FROM THE COURTHOUSE
THE END

Anthony Kirkwood, December 2007
This script is registered with the Writers Guild of America, West

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