The Quick And The Dead

Happy Tuesday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 15 of RIDGEWAY, Kayla tries to convince coworker Darleen Jackson to talk to the store owner Sula about how Vivi is ruining the shop now that she's in charge ...


EXT. DREAMLAND - DAY
Kayla stands behind the counter
with coworker DARLEEN JACKSON (50’s)
a plain, plump mountain hippie
in denim and tie-dye.

DARLEEN
It’s dead.

KAYLA
It’s Tuesday.

DARLEEN
I know -- but no
customers at all.

KAYLA
Have you looked outside?
It's dead out there.

DARLEEN
Hundred degrees’ll do that.

Pause.

KAYLA
I don’t know if I can make it
on twenty-eight hours.
At least you got thirty --
and you’ve got Vergie to help out.

DARLEEN
Thank god.
(sighs)
Well, Vivi said the store
wasn’t doing so good.

KAYLA
That’s because Sula’s home
drinking all day and
can’t paint anymore,
Vivi’s enabling her
by running her errands --
and now she’s taken over
and is fucking up the shop.
Ordered all this cheap shit
that sells for peanuts,
and the way she’s
rearranged the windows,
it only brings in young kids
who don’t buy anything.
(off her look)
I see people with money walking by.
They don’t come in anymore.
don’t get me started
on the online store.
That’s the wave
of the future, Darleen.
Shopping malls are dying,
everybody’s shopping on
the internet these days,
and Vivi fucking killed it.
We were getting regular sales
from that.
(sighs)
I can’t decide if
she’s really that stupid,
or if she wants
the store to go under.

DARLEEN
I can’t believe you
just said that.

KAYLA
Well, somebody’s got to.
It’s not Vivi’s shop,
it’s Sula’s.
(off her blank look)
I need your help.
Would you come with me
and talk to Sula about it?

DARLEEN
Oh, gosh no.
couldn’t do that.
(beat)
Vivi would kill me --

Breakfast Of Champions

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Friday. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 14 of RIDGEWAY, the hits keep coming when Cate freaks out when she discovers that her former landlord who evicted her from her home has drained her bank account ...


INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Cate sits at her laptop
with a cup of coffee and a smoke.

The morning ritual of champions.

OUTSIDE THE WINDOW
A deer eats leaves off a
tree in the front yard.

ON THE SCREEN
Is a bank website.

The mouse CLICKS
on YOUR BALANCE.

The screen changes,
then reads 000.00.

CATE (O.C.)
What the fuck?

She GRABS her cell phone.
Starts furiously placing a call.

IN THE KITCHEN
Kayla sits at her computer.
Cate comes racing in.

CATE
My fucking landlord cleaned me out.

KAYLA
What?

CATE
I just checked my bank balance
and it was zero.
I called the bank and found out
he put a lien on my account
and took all my money.
Almost a thousand bucks.
All the money I had in the world.
What the fuck am I gonna DO?

KAYLA
Oh, baby.
I’m so sorry.

She gets up.
Puts her arms around her.

CATE
My phone bill is overdue,
my car insurance
is gonna get cancelled --
and how am I gonna
buy fucking SMOKES?

KAYLA
It’s gonna be okay.

CATE
But I told you,
I don’t wanna be a burden.
I wanna be self-sufficient.
And now that your hours
have been cut --

KAYLA
You’re not a burden.
You’ll find a way
to make some money.
I know you.
You’re a survivor.
We’ll get through this.

CATE
I know, I know.
(beat)
I just thought I’d
escaped this bullshit --

Breaking Bad

Happy Thursday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 13 of RIDGEWAY, Kayla comes home in tears and tells Cate that her new 'boss' Vivi cut her work hours, and now won't be able to pay the bills. Later that night, as they watch a crime show on TV, Cate gets an idea about how to make some money ...


INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DUSK
Cate stands at the stove, cooking.
Kayla walks in, exhausted.

CATE
Honey, I’m home.
(off her look)
What’s wrong?

Kayla sets down her bag.
Pulls out her smokes.
Lights one.

KAYLA
Vivi cut my hours.``

CATE
What the fuck? Why?

KAYLA
Said business was bad, said she
had to cut back everybody’s hours.

CATE
That’s really fucked up.

KAYLA
Next week I only work
twenty-eight hours.
I don’t know how I’m
gonna make the rent,
and I’m late with the
electric and the water --
and now she won’t
pay the internet bill.
(eyes fill with tears)
I don’t know what we’re gonna do.

CATE
Oh, baby --

She takes Kayla in her arms.
Kayla starts silently sobbing.

CATE
Don’t worry.
We’ll figure it out.

INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Kayla and Cate sit on
the couch watching TV,
eyes glued to the screen,
high as a pair of kites,
a cat on either side
of them like bookends.
Bobby dozes at their feet.

Kayla sips her cocktail.
Loads the bong.

Does a hit.
Holds it in.

Cate downs a shot of whiskey.
Sips her beer.

Kayla exhales.
Passes it to Cate.
She takes a big hit.

ON THE FLAT SCREEN
We see they’re
watching BREAKING BAD.

WALTER WHITE glowers
at his wife SKYLER,
who looks terrified.

WALTER WHITE
(electronic)
You clearly don't know
who you're talking to,
so let me clue you in.
I’m not IN danger, Skyler.
I’M the danger.

CATE
Nudges Kayla.

CATE
Maybe I should start
living a life of crime
like Walter White.
Make some real money.

KAYLA
(eyes on the screen)
You could ask Big Boy
for a job --

Cate looks at her.
Then back at the TV.
Wheels turning.

Home Is Where The Art Is

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Hump Day. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 12 of RIDGEWAY, Vivi delivers groceries, blank canvases and boxes of wine to her artist/shop owner boss Sula, but when she discovers that Sula is paralyzed with depression and is unable to paint, she wrangles for control of her business ...


EXT. SPARKS HOUSE - DAY
A big, rambling ranch house
on the edge of a bluff.

The overgrown front yard
sports a garden gnome and
other rural tchotchkes.

A dusty SUV is parked
in the gravel driveway.

A HUSKY BALD MAN (60’s)
wearing overalls and
neon pink sneakers comes lumbering by,
sporting a Bluetooth earpiece.

INT. SPARKS HOUSE - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Spacious, but incredibly messy.
You can practically smell
the ripe aroma of dirty gym socks
on the page.

SULA SPARKS (50’s),
cute but big and bloated,
sits at her desk
cruising the internet.

Takes a sip of wine
with ice in a plastic cup.

Vivi appears.
Big, fake smile.

VIVI
Got ya two boxes of wine.
Put one in the fridge,
the other in the pantry.
Your meds are in
the bathroom cabinet,
dog food’s by the cellar door,
and the new canvases
are in your studio.

SULA
Don’t know what I’d do without you, Vivi.

VIVI
Ya know I’m here for ya.

SULA
We’re family.
(tears up)
I love you so much.

VIVI
Love you, too.

Sula nods.
Takes another hit of wine.

VIVI
I was thinking --
since you’re no longer
coming to the store --
I could take over
some stuff for you --
making the schedule,
paying the bills,
ordering stuff for the shop --
(beat)
If you want.
(brightly)
Give you more time for painting.

Sula makes a face.
Another gulp.
Blinks back tears.

SULA
I can’t paint.

VIVI
What do you mean
you can’t paint?

SULA
I tried, but it’s all bad.
I can’t do it no more.
I just can’t.
I tried -- but I can’t.

VIVI
Enough of that talk.
You’re a great artist.
You hear me? We just sold
one of your paintings
for full price. FULL PRICE.
Five hundred dollars.
Does that sound like
somebody who can’t paint?

SULA
(tiny voice)
Five hundred?

VIVI
Yep.

SULA
No haggling?

VIVI
No haggling.

Sula drains the cup. Belches.

VIVI
Want me to put on a pot of coffee?
(beat)
I could make you a sandwich --

SULA
Get me some lemons.

VIVI
Lemons?
Why do you want lemons?

SULA
Eat a buncha lemons and
you ain’t gonna drink so much --

Two Broke Girls

Happy Tuesday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 11 of RIDGEWAY, Kayla takes Cate on a shopping spree at the local supermarket, which ends on a disappointing note when Cate discovers her food stamps card has been cancelled ...


EXT. GROCERY STORE - DAY
A down-home country store.
Adjacent to a laundromat
and a bait and tackle joint.

Sign reads:
SHIRT AND SHOES REQUIRED. NO WEAPONS.

A handful of cars and trucks
in the parking lot.

A LOCAL HOTTIE (40’s) in tight denim
and teased hair pushes
a shopping cart to her car,
cigarette dangling from her lips,
stilleto heels CLICK-CLACKING
on the cracked blacktop.

INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY
Not terribly well-lit.
Approaching grimy.

Country music plays at a low volume.
The few SHOPPERS we see sport beards,
big bellies and cowboy hats
straight outta Deadwood.

Cate pushes a cart, cruising
the aisles with Kayla.
Sees something. Gets excited. Grabs it.

CATE
Mini-pepperonis.

KAYLA
They’re four dollars.

CATE
Relax, I told you,
my food stamp card still works.
Doesn’t matter what state I’m in.

DOWN ANOTHER AISLE - LATER
The cart is almost full.

CATE
Fucking producer bailed.
Said my fee’s too high.
Cheap asshole fucktard.

KAYLA
You’ll find another one.

CATE
I better.
Bank account’s getting low.
Trip out here cost a lot more
than I thought it would.

KAYLA
Relax. I make enough.
We’ll be okay.

CATE
I know.
I just don’t want to be a burden.

AT THE CHECKOUT AISLE
The CHECKOUT GIRL (40’s), a big gal
with thick glasses and a friendly face
cheerfully finishes ringing them up
while a SKINNY KID (18)
bags their groceries.

CHECKOUT GIRL
That’ll be a hundred-thirteen dollars
and seventy-seven cents.

Cate swipes her food stamps
debit card on the machine.

Pushes a series of buttons. Waits.
Checkout looks at her screen.

CHECKOUT GIRL
Sorry. Says ‘declined.’

CATE
Can I try it again?

Checkout gives her a big smile,
revealing a missing tooth.

CHECKOUT GIRL
Sure thing.

Cate swipes it again.
Pushes buttons. Waits.

CHECKOUT GIRL
Nope. Sorry.

Kayla sighs.
Digs out her card.
Hands it over.

Not The Sharpest Knife In The Drawer

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Monday. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 10 of RIDGEWAY, Cate and Kayla have lunch with Kayla's sister Halene and her husband Londell, a local sheriff's deputy, where they reveal that their daughter wants to be a boy, and don't know what to do about it ...


EXT. KIRVIN HOUSE - DAY
A multi-colored Victorian house on a bluff.
Narrow in front, long in back,
with a basement level down the hill.

The by now ubiquitous
red pick up truck comes flying by,
pulling a rickety trailer
filled with rusted appliances.

EXT. KIRVIN HOUSE - REAR DECK - CONTINUOUS
Spacious, with a killer view
of the leafy canyon below.

Kayla and Cate sit a big,
crude wood table with a MAN (40)
and a WOMAN (38) eating a hearty lunch
and drinking beers.

WOMAN
(to Cate)
Kayla kept telling me how
gorgeous it was here,
so I came to visit,
fell in love with the place,
and didn’t want to go back.

Meet HALENE KIRVIN, Kayla’s sister.
Dark-haired, pretty.

Jeans and T-shirt try but
fail to hide her lushness.

Intense eyes flicker brightly.
The very definition of ‘a handful.’

HALENE
And then I met Londell --

LONDELL
And the rest is history.
(looks at Halene)
Or should I say herstory.

Meet LONDELL KIRVIN.
Football captain good looks
going to seed, with a bit of a
paunch and a receding hairline.

One of Echo’s finest, but not
the sharpest knife in the drawer.

CATE
Kayla tells me you’re a --
children’s art therapist?

HALENE
That’s right.

CATE
That must be very rewarding.

HALENE
Oh, it is. I’m truly blessed.
Working with children is a gift --
(brightly)
But enough about me. I mean, gosh --
it’s not every day one gets to meet
a real-life Hollywood scriptwriter.

CATE
Don’t be too impressed.
I’m not very successful.

KAYLA
Now don’t go all modest on us.

(to Halene)
She’s got a series in development
at one of the cable networks.

LONDELL
Really. What’s it about?

CATE
A female private eye.

KAYLA
Cate writes these really dark,
fucked-up crime stories.
Her next one’s gonna take place here.

HALENE
Here? In Echo?

LONDELL
A TV show?
(smiles)
Need someone to play a cop?

KAYLA
Gotta do some research first.
Just got here.

LONDELL
Well, hell.
You gotta have Big Boy in it.

CATE
Big Boy?

LONDELL
That’s his nickname.
Real name’s Zane Burkette.
Rumor has it he’s in the Dixie Mafia.

CATE
The Dixie Mafia?

LONDELL
Some people call ‘em the Redneck Mafia.
Used to be small-time -- sellin’ weed,
moonshine, running whores --
but lately they’ve been
flooding the town with heroin.

CATE
Heroin? Here?

LONDELL
Government cracked down on pills.
Now you got all these people
addicted to opiates, and now
they need something else.

CATE
But this is such a small town.

LONDELL
That’s how they operate.
Set up shop in a backwater
where the cops are a joke --
except the joke’s on them,
cause we’re gonna kick their ass.
(nods)
Gotta new sheriff, set up an
organized crime task force,
put me in charge of it.

CATE
Would it be -- safe
for me to talk to Big Boy?

LONDELL
Oh, yeah.
He’s got a legit front in real estate.
Also owns a motel on the highway.
And he runs the bluegrass festival.

CATE
Why haven’t you been able
to pin anything on him?

LONDELL
Know the slogan for Kessler’s whiskey?

CATE
No. What is it?

LONDELL
‘Smooth as silk.’

LES (15), their daughter
appears in the doorway.
Tomboy deluxe in baggy jeans,
baggier T-shirt and no makeup,
but what really seals the deal
is the buzz cut.

LES
Goin’ over to Lance’s.

HALENE
Okay. Have fun.

LONDELL
Leslie. Don’t be rude.
Say hello to Kayla’s friend Cate.

HALENE
Londell --

LONDELL
Sorry, Les.

CATE
Nice to meet you.

LES
Yes, Ma’am.

HALENE
Run along now. Scoot.

Les nods curtly. Dashes inside.

KAYLA
What the hell happened to her hair?

LONDELL
Found my clippers. Did it herself.

HALENE
(to Cate)
We’re a -- little concerned.

CATE
Well, she is seeing a boy --

LONDELL
Yeah, right.
Boy’s a fudge-packer in training.

HALENE
Londell --
(to Kayla)
We were wondering if you’d
take her out to dinner,
find out what’s what.
(off her look)
She won’t talk to us.

LONDELL
Afraid she’s gonna go full-Chaz Bono
on us and chop off her tits --

Rocky Mountain High

Happy Thursday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 9 of RIDGEWAY, Cate takes Bobby out for a late night walk taking in the sights, sounds and solitude of life of her new home on the mountain top. Moments later, Kayla tries to make love to Cate, with surprising results ...


EXT. RIDGEWAY AVENUE - NIGHT
Pitch black. A million crickets
chirp in the distance.

Competing with the loud thrum
of the cicadas.

A cracked, narrow country road
lined with smallish houses.

A lone street lamp glows at the end,
making the cul de sac kinda spooky.

We’re not in California anymore, Toto.

Cate walks Bobby down the street,
looking at the mostly dark windows.

She passes a bed and breakfast,
sees a sad-looking MAN (50’s)
in the window by himself
on a couch watching TV.

Passes the next house.

A butch/femme FEMALE COUPLE (40’s)
sit on their porch in the dark,
cigarette embers glowing.

Keeps walking.

Sees a small spring
in a tiny front yard.

Hears a frog CROAK.
Stops. Listens.

Another CROAK.

Continues on. Stops. Looks up.
Opens her mouth in surprise.

THE SKY
Is filled with a zillion stars.

In the absence of city lights,
every single one twinkles
in the inky black sky.

CATE
Stares.
Eyes filled with wonder.

INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - A LITTLE LATER
Funky. Lit by a single candle.
Cate lies on her back.

Kayla slowly gives her head
under the covers.
Cate moans softly.

Then stops. Kayla pops out.
Sees Cate has passed out.

Kisses her on the cheek.
Gazes at her a long beat.

KAYLA
I still can’t believe you’re here --

Bohemian Rhapsody

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Hump Day. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 8 of RIDGEWAY, just as Cate gets settled in her new home with Kayla, she discovers that the gas company mistakenly shut off their hot water, so she can't take a much-needed shower after her long road trip. Later that night, while watching a movie with Kayla in the living room, she discovers the perils of living with cats when one of them sneezes and sprays her bare leg with snot ...


INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DUSK
Cozy and dark with the shades drawn.
Indigo walls. Funky furniture.

Primitive, spiritual art. Tons of candles.
Bohemian rhapsody in blue.

Cate finishes setting up her stereo.
Turns it on. We hear some pretty,
Smiths-like new wave song.
Kayla walks in the room, pissed off.

CATE
Got the stereo hooked up --
(sees her expression)
What’s wrong?

KAYLA
There’s no hot water.

CATE
What?

KAYLA
The creep upstairs moved out
and the gas company was
just here to it shut off --
but they shut off ours, too.

CATE
I was really looking forward
to taking a shower.

KAYLA
I know, I’m sorry.
I’ll call the gas company.

CATE
Hey. I’ve got something
that’ll cheer us up.

She walks over to her suitcase.
Pulls out a heavily sealed plastic bag
the size of a paperback. Holds it up.

KAYLA
What’s that?

CATE
Ounce and a half of sticky bud.
OG Kush. Surfer Tom triple-sealed it.
(smiles)
Ready to fry the friendly skies?

INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT
Cate and Kayla cuddle on the couch
watching the flat screen, candles lit,
both really high, eyes druggy slits.

Cate downs a shot of bourbon,
takes a pull on her beer.

Kayla sips a glass of wine.
Can you say ‘rocky mountain high?’

ON THE SCREEN
We see glam brit-rockers
Suede performing onstage.

Singer Brett Anderson, a Ferry/Bowie
hybrid of decadent beauty croons
a fragile ode to the devastation of heroin.

BRETT ANDERSON
(electronic)
Where’s all the money gone?
All up the hole in your arm --

CATE
Sways to the music,
softly mouthing the lyrics.

Kayla loads the bong.
Takes a big hit.
Cups the top with her palm.

Passes it to Cate.
She does one.
Both hold it in.

Then look at the cats on their laps. Smile.
Then BLOW the smoke in the felines’ faces.

One of them SNEEZES, blows
snot all over Cate’s bare thigh.

PUSH IN ON Cate’s face. Disgusted.

Retail Hell

Happy Tuesday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 12 of RIDGEWAY, Kayla takes Cate to the gallery/gift shop she works at where she meets Kayla's coworker Vivi, who Cate quickly realize is going to be trouble. Then, shortly afterwards, Cate has to navigate the steep uphill walk up the mountain to return to her new home ...


EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY
Kayla, Cate and Bobby
walk down the narrow,
picturesque main drag
lined with shops.

It’s like out of a movie,
with a breathtaking view
of the mountains above
the storefronts.

CATE
This is amazing.

A SCRUFFY TROUBADOUR (20’s)
wearing hippie threads
and a stovepipe hat
carrying a guitar walks by. Nods.

SCRUFFY TROUBADOUR
Hi.

KAYLA
(to Cate)
Told ya.

INT. DREAMLAND - DAY
Kayla and Cate stand
in the middle of the store.

Vivi sits at a work table
sifting through a
tray of jewelry parts.

Clumsily trying to assemble
a cheap plastic necklace.

CATE
(looks at the paintings)
Love the colors.

KAYLA
Cate, this is Vivi.
I told you about her.

CATE
Oh, yeah. Hey.
Nice to meet you.

KAYLA
Be right back.

She heads off to
the back office.

VIVI
(weird grin)
I suck at this.
(beat)
But I guess Kayla
told you that.

CATE
Yes, she did.
(beat)
Kidding. I’m kidding.

Kayla returns.

KAYLA
Ready to go?

CATE
Yeah.
(to Vivi)
Nice meeting you.

VIVI
You, too.

They head toward the door.
Vivi watches them go.

VIVI
Bitch.

EXT. PINE STREET - A LITTLE LATER
Kayla and Cate walk
back up the steep hill.

Cate, huffing and puffing.
Red in the face.

CATE
Hold on a sec.
(stops)
Smoke too much --

KAYLA
Wanna sit down?

CATE
(catching her breath)
I’m okay --

Four Cats, No Waiting

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Monday. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 11 of RIDGEWAY, Kayla takes Cate on a tour of the breathtakingly beautiful mountain streets of downtown Echo Springs ...

INT. CATE’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY
A large, sunny room with
tons of original cabinets.

Big double sink.
Old-school stove.
Giant fridge.

Big wooden table against the window
with Kayla’s computer in one corner.

The cats stare at Bobby
drinking from his bowl of water.

KAYLA
(points)
That’s Mona Lisa -- Henry --
Mingus -- and Ernie.

CATE
Four cats, no waiting.
(beat)
And they’re okay about Bobby?

KAYLA
I told them he was coming.

CATE
Bobby’s totally chill with cats.

KAYLA
I have to go to the store
to get my paycheck.
Wanna come with?
Show you around a bit
if you’re not too tired?

CATE
Yeah. That’d be great.
(sees something)
Oh, shit.

KAYLA
What’s wrong?

ANGLE ON:

A DOG TURD on the hardwood floor.

CATE
Bobby took a shit.
(grimaces)
Sorry --

EXT. PROSPECT STREET - DAY
Old and cracked, with an amazing view
looking down the mountain.

And the mountains across the way
in the distance.

Kayla, Cate and Bobby
stroll down the street,
taking in the sights,
Cate overwhelmed by all the beauty.

CATE
Steven Wright was asked in an interview
why he lived in upstate New York
insteade of the city, and he said
‘my body reacts well to nature.’
(smiles)
My body’s reacting well to nature.

A TROLLEY goes chugging by.

KAYLA
That’s the trolley.

Cate watches it go down the street.
Shakes her head.

A MODEL T FORD drives by.
The OLD MAN (60’s)
behind the wheel waves.

Another comes by.
The DRIVER (50’s) also waves.

KAYLA
It’s Model T weekend.
In the summer, every
weekend has a theme.

CATE
Does everybody wave at you?

KAYLA
Yeah. And they also say ‘hi.’

CATE
Nice change from the
‘fuck you’ in LA.

They make a turn.
Start walking down a
very steep, narrow road.

Pass by a series of
tiny Victorian cottages.

CATE
When’s lesbian weekend?

KAYLA
Oh, that’s year-round.
(beat)
Actually, we have three
diversity weekends a year.

CATE
You mean gay pride?

KAYLA
Yeah. Echo’s very progressive --
but it’s still Arkansas.

They continue down the steep hill.

CATE
I’d pay good money
to see drag queens in heels
navigate these hills.

Petticoat Junction 2.0

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Friday. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 10 of RIDGEWAY, Cate finally arrives in the mountains of Echo Springs, Arkansas after a very long drive, completely exhausted ... but happy to be in paradise ...


EXT. CATE’S CAR - MOVING - EARLY AFTERNOON
A two-lane highway lined
with fast food joints.

It’s a wonderful day
in the neighborhood. Not.

The power-punk of The Jam’s
THICK AS THIEVES snap, crackle
and POPS on the car stereo.

Cate drives, looks beyond exhausted.
Riding on fumes.

Bobby sticks his head
out the window, ears flapping, smiling.

The expanse of salt, sugar and fat ends,
and suddenly the road plunges
into gorgeous, green countryside.

A SIGN
Displays an arrow that twists
and turns like a Gordian knot.

Speed limit fifteen miles
per hour. Yikes.

IN THE CAR
The road takes a sharp right
down a steep hill.

Cate slows, turns
the wheel carefully.

AERIAL POV
The car goes up, down
and around the mountain --
followed by a line of cars
close behind it.

EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY
Cate pulls into a rickety
gas station/general store.

An OLD MAN wearing overalls
sits on the porch in a
ratty old chair
fingering a smart phone.

Petticoat Junction 2.0.

The cars behind Cate
HONK as they drive by.
She gets out.

Takes Bobby onto a patch
of grass to pee.
Pulls out her cell.

CATE
Hey, it’s me.
I’m almost there.
(listens)
I’m at this old gas station.
Had to let Bobby out,
stretch my legs,
let all the cars
behind me pass.

INTERCUT WITH:

INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY
Kayla sits at the kitchen table
surrounded by all four cats
on the floor, counters, the table.
Lights a smoke. Excited.

KAYLA
You’re early.

CATE
I’m the early bird, baby.

KAYLA
And I’m your worm-hole.

CATE
I can’t wait to see you.

KAYLA
That makes five of us.

EXT. KAYLA’S HOUSE - DAY
Kayla stands in the tiny
front yard on her cell.

KAYLA
It’s an orange house with
yellow and red trim on the corner.
Can’t miss it.

Cate’s car comes down the street.
Parks in the drive.

Gets out with Bobby.
Kayla RUSHES over. They hug.

KAYLA
I can’t believe you’re here.

CATE
I can’t believe I made it.
(beat)
I can’t tell you how much
I need a shower --

Be It Ever So Humble

Happy Thursday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 9 of RIDGEWAY, Cate continues her grueling drive across America's heartland in the 100 degree summer heat ... without air conditioning ...


INT. CATE’S CAR - MOVING - MID-AFTERNOON
Cate drives, sleepy from the heat.
Bobby leans out the window,
ears flapping in the breeze,
tongue hanging out.

She takes a drink
from her water bottle.

Pops in a fresh stick of gum.
Lights another smoke.

FRIDAY FOSTER (V.O.)
(electronic)
Kelsey rabbit-punched him in the throat.
He doubled over in pain, gasping for air,
clutching his ruined windpipe.

EXT. AMERICA’S BEST VALUE MOTEL - EARLY EVENING
Beyond shitty. Cate’s car sits
in the almost empty parking lot.
CARS and TRUCKS FLY BY on the highway.

Welcome to Winslow, Arizona.
In the middle of nowhere.
What the fuck were The Eagles thinking?

INT. AMERICA’S BEST VALUE MOTEL - ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Wood panelling. Ripped, stained carpet.
But it’s cheap. And you can smoke.
And have a dog.

There’s even a vintage Mr. Coffee.
Be it ever so humble,
there’s no place like dive.

Cate sits on the bed cross-legged
working her laptop.

On the night table is a beer,
a bottle, her mini-bong,
a pack of smokes and
a tiny glass ashtray.

IN MONTAGE:
Cate on the highway,
listening to books on tape.

Sipping water. Chewing gum.
Chain smoking.

Bobby in his seat,
tongue hanging out in the heat.
Clock reads 9:00.

A sign reads ENTERING NEW MEXICO.
Miles and miles of nothing
as far as the eye can see.
Flyover state, indeed.

Another America’s Best Value Motel.
Cate drags her bags into the room.
SUPER reads MORIARTY, POP. 1,910.

Morning. Cate trudges to the
complimentary breakfast in the lobby.

Tiny, crusty mini-donuts.
Weak orange juice. Scary-looking bacon.
She loads a plate, heads back to her room.

Back on the highway.
Pulls into a Navive American
gas station/gift shop/rest area.

Walks Bobby in the scrub brush outside.
A FERAL DOG in a pickup truck BARKS at them.

Driving again. Brain turning to mush.
A sign reads WELCOME TO TEXAS --
then another -- $2000 FINE FOR LITTERING.
Cate LAUGHS. WINGS a cassette out the window.

CATE
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS.

Yet another America’s Best Value Motel.
Super reads AMARILLO, TEXAS.

Cate drags her bags out to her car.
Beyond exhausted.

Cate eats outside at a McDonald’s
at a picnic table with Bobby.

No one else around, since
it’s as hot as a furnace.

Sign reads YUKON, POP. 24,128.
yes, folks, there it is -- wait for it --
another America’s Best Value Motel.

Welcome to Oklahoma, where the wind
comes sweeping down the stains.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Much smaller than the room we saw before.
And shittier. No coffee machine.
Big, old TV on with the sound off.

Cate sits on the bed.
Fires up her laptop.

Does a shot of bourbon.
Chases it with a sip from her longneck.

Then a hit from her mini-bong.
She tries to connect to the internet.

CATE
What the fuck?

She reaches over.
Picks up the phone.
Dials the front desk.

CATE
Yeah, hi. This is room two-thirty-four --
(listens)
The internet connection’s not --
(listens)
Too many people are -- ?
(surly)
Thanks.

She SLAMS the phone down.
Closes the laptop.

Does another shot.
Grabs the remote.
Turns the sound up.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
(electronic)
Come on down to Norm Hurley Auto
on Garth Brooks Boulevard --
we got prices that can’t be beat.

PUSH IN ON Cate’s face.
Wishing she was anyplace else.

Have Blonde, Will Travel

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Hump Day. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 8 of RIDGEWAY, Cate says goodbye to the beach with her dog Bobby, and then heads off onto the freeway to start the long drive to the Ozark Mountains, but when she makes a pit stop in the scorching heat of the desert, she wonders if she's made a mistake ...


EXT. MARINA DEL REY JETTY - EARLY MORNING
Gorgeous sunrise over the ocean.
Seagulls and pelicans
fly the beautiful skies.

A hundred-yard cement walkway
with a chrome railing juts past
the shoreline out into the sea.

Cate stands at the end with Bobby.
Looks at the coastline,
deep in thought.

This is the last time she’ll
this view in a long time.
Almost surprised she feels nothing.

CATE
Ready?

Bobby looks at her. Pants happily.
They start walking back.

INT. CATE’S GARAGE - EARLY MORNING
Cate walks to her car.
We see the back seat
is filled to the brim.

She opens the passenger-side door.
Bobby jumps in.

INT. CATE’S CAR - MOVING - CONTINUOUS
Out the window, we see the canal,
lined with airbrushed McMansions.
Cate shoves a cassette into the stereo.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
(electronic)
Regent Audio Books presents
‘Have Blonde, Will Travel,’
by Carrie Love, read by Friday Foster.

Cate smiles. Cracks the window.
Grabs a smoke. Fires it up.

FRIDAY FOSTER (V.O.)
The body was lying on the
bathroom floor in a pool of blood,
a pair of scissors
sticking out of it’s neck --

EXT. WASHINGTON BOULEVARD - DAY
One of LA’s patented traffic clusterfucks.
Cate’s car is stuck in a motionless sea
of SUV’s, Beamers and Benzes.

IN THE CAR
Cate sighs. She was anxious
to get the hell out of Dodge,
but now has to wait for
the wagons to start moving.

IN MONTAGE:
Cate’s red Toyota on the
Ten Freeway heading east.

Passing downtown LA. Then East LA.
Then scrub brush in the desert.

EXT. REST STOP - DAY
A cement block in
the middle of nowhere.

Hundred-degree heat
shimmers off the pavement.

Cate pulls in and parks.
Gets out.

The scorching blast
punches her in the gut.

CATE
Holy shit.

She lets Bobby out.
Takes him to a nearby spigot.

Fills his bowl with water.
Watches him hungrily lap it up.

Looks around at the desolate landscape.
Miles and miles of nothing.
She could be on Mars.

CATE
What the fuck have I done?

Cat Scratch Fever

Happy Tuesday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 7 of RIDGEWAY, Cate tells Kayla on social media about her plan to drive across the country to be with her ... which thrills Kayla ...

INT. KAYLA’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Kayla sits at the kitchen table
in front of her computer.

A BIG FLUFFY ORANGE AND WHITE CAT
sits next to the mouse pad.

ON THE FLAT SCREEN
We see a Friendbook chat window.
A conversation scrolls down:

Cate:
And then I felt a huge weight lift.
I’ll just pack up the fucking car
and drive -- to YOU.

Kayla:
This is incredible.
I’m so excited.

INT. CATE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Cate sits at her work station
typing on her laptop.

ON HER SCREEN

Cate:
When Roberta suggested it,
I felt this big weight
lift off my shoulders.

Kayla:
What are you gonna do
about all your stuff?

Cate:
Roberta’s gonna let me
store my books and movies
in her garage. I’m throwing
away everything else.
As George Carlin said,
‘It’s just stuff.’

Kayla:
I’m can’t believe
this is happening.
It’s a like a
dream come true.

CATE
Lights a smoke.
Smiles. Starts typing.

Cate:
The long nightmare is over.
And I’m bringing an ounce
of primo weed from Surfer Tom.

Kayla:
Wow. BIG love.

Cate:
BIGGER love, baby.

KAYLA
Smiles. Starts to type, but
the cat sits on her hand.

She tries to gently move it,
but it CLAWS at her,
drawing blood.

KAYLA
OW.

A Fresh Start

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Monday. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 6 of RIDGEWAY, Cate is upset when she discovers she can no longer park an RV in her friend's Roberta's driveway after losing her home, but gets excited when Roberta comes up with a radical solution to her housing problem ...


EXT. VENICE BUNGALOW - DAY
Sunlight dapples a tiny house
on a leafy avenue full of
similar beige blocks of stucco.
KIDS play across the street.

An oldish red Toyota convertible
is parked in the narrow driveway.
Bumper sticker reads EAT, PRAY, FUCK.

Welcome to Venice, California.
Not the hot chicks roller-blading
on the boardwalk in short-shorts
version as seen on TV.
David Duchovny never stayed here.

INT. VENICE BUNGALOW - KITCHEN - DAY
Cozy and cluttered with
a big, crude wood table.

Sink and counter tops
filled with dishes.

Oversized primitive art
on the walls.

A tiny stereo plays
French pop music.

Cate sips a glass of wine,
watching ROBERTA (50) cook.

She’s a sturdy Italian with
a shock of dark hair and an
attractive, lived-in face.

Salt of the earth,
with a dash of pepper.

ROBERTA
So it was also no good?

CATE
Well, it was an RV, much bigger
than the trailer in Malibu,
but it was pretty disgusting.
And when he showed me
how to hook up the water,
electric and propane,
I realized how complicated it is.
I can’t hook all that up
in your driveway.

ROBERTA
About that --`
(off Cate’s look)
Roberto’s coming home
from Italy after his surgery,
and things aren’t
going to be the same.

CATE
He’s gonna be convalescing --

ROBERTA
I’m sorry.

Cate takes a big hit of wine.
Fighting back tears.

ROBERTA
Why don’t you go stay
with your online girlfriend
until the money from
the script comes in?
Then you can both move
back here together.

CATE
You mean -- move to Arkansas?

ROBERTA
You said she invited you --

CATE
Yeah. I thought it was crazy --
(thinks, then -- )
But that was before
she came to visit.
(thinks)
I WAS gonna move her out here --
(considers it)
You know what?
That’s fucking brilliant.

ROBERTA
It makes sense.

CATE
I just pack up the car
and drive there with Bobby.

ROBERTA
A fresh start.

Cate beams. It lights up
her face like we haven’t seen.

CATE
A fresh start --

Date With Destiny

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Friday. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 5 of RIDGEWAY, we discover on a social media website that Cate in Los Angeles and Kayla in the Ozark Mountains are online lovers. Later that day, Cate checks out a possible new place to live ... in a decrepit, old trailer high in the Malibu bluffs ...


INT. CATE’S APARTMENT - DAY
Cate sits at an old workstation
working her laptop.

BOBBY, a black spaniel-retriever mix
sleeps at her feet.

ON THE SCREEN
We see a social media website.
A conversation scrolls down:

Kayla:
How was court?
Did you get the time you want?

Cate:
Yeah. Landlord gave me a month. Whoo-HOO.
(Found out they usually only give you a week.)
*Does crazy dance*

Kayla:
That’s great!
How’s the trailer hunt going?

Cate:
Looking at one in Malibu at three.
Wish me luck.
*sings* ‘Trailer for sale or rent -- ‘

Kayla:
You better get going.
‘Your date with destiny ... ‘

Cate:
Yeah.
Just wanted to give you the good news.
Will report back later, skipper.

Kayla:
I’ll be here. Waiting for YOU.

CATE
Smiles. Starts typing.
The lights flicker, then GO OUT.

CATE
Aw, c’mon. Not again --

EXT. MALIBU BLUFF - DAY
A small TRAILER parked at the top
of a bluff in the dirt.

The view of the ocean is breathtaking.
The trailer, not.

A mobile home would be a mansion
comparison. Whee-doggie.

A FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCK
climbs up the hill and parks.

and a SCARY, ACNE-SCARRED GUY
get out. Walk over to it.

CATE
This is -- really high up.

SCARY, ACNE-SCARRED GUY
Hauled it up from the other side.
No problem getting it down.

Acne-Scarred opens the door.
They go in.

INT. SHITTY TRAILER - DAY
Beyond sad. A tiny, threadbare couch
in the ‘living room’ area with
a chipped table and a tiny, ancient TV.

The stained, ripped rug completes
the picture of domestic shame.

SCARY, ACNE-SCARRED GUY
TV goes with me.

Cate nods. Goes to the ‘kitchenette.’
Grimy would be a compliment.

Looks at the hose coming in
through the window.

SCARY, ACNE-SCARRED GUY
Water’s not hooked up.
Run that from the house down the way.

CATE
Parking it in a friend’s driveway.
Guess I could do that.

INT. SHITTY TRAILER - BEDROOM - DAY
Just big enough for a small bed
and night table.

Cate squats down below the low ceiling.
Examines the filthy carpet.

SCARY, ACNE-SCARRED GUY
You can have the table.

Cate nods. Goes back down to the kitchenette.
Opens a door on the other side, looks into --

INT. SHITTY TRAILER - BATHROOM - DAY
Beyond crappy. Pun intended.
A stack of junk is piled up
in the shower and on the tiny toilet.

A fly BUZZES around the brackish water
in the clogged sink.

SCARY, ACNE-SCARRED GUY
Gotta commode outside.
(off her look)
Don’t worry.
I’ll clean all that stuff out.

PUSH IN ON Cate’s face. In shock.

Paradise Found

Happy Thursday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 4 of RIDGEWAY, Cate starts packing up her belongings after being evicted from her home in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Kalya trudges home to her Victorian-era Ozark mountain home, exhausted after a long day at work ...

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
An old, run-down,
baby vomit-colored shithole.

A wide, beautiful canal
runs by it on the left.

To the right, across the street,
is the beach.

Straight ahead in the distance
a sailboat glides by.
Water on three sides.

Welcome to the Marina Del Rey peninsula,
an oasis on the outskirts
of the city of devils.
Paradise found. Then lost.

INT. CATE’S APARTMENT - DAY
It’s borderline hoarder time
in what once was a light, airy room
with a wall of windows,
now stuffed with crap.

Boxes filled with movies, books,
CD’s and clothes dot the joint.

Portrait of the writer
as being evicted.

Cate picks up a giant garbage bag.
Takes it outside.

IN THE DRIVEWAY
She carries it to the trash.

It suddenly BREAKS OPEN,
spilling several dozen
shoes onto the pavement.

CATE
Goddamn cheap fucking
Dollar Store bags.

Gets down on her knees.
Starts stuffing them
into the ripped bag.

Then slowly, carefully
carries it to the dumpster.

A platform shoe falls out.
Hits the pavement with a CLUNK.

EXT. VICTORIAN HOUSE - NIGHT
A faded Victorian home
on a cracked mountain top road.

Cheerfully painted orange
with red and yellow trim.

A BLACK CAT stares ominously
out the window.
Watches a FOX trot by.

Then a faux vintage
TROLLEY on wheels.

A BLUE BIRD lands
in the bird bath.

This is your brain on rustic.

A CHUBBY RETARDED GIRL (20)
wearing thick glasses
and a tiara stands in
the gravel driveway.

Slowly spins in a circle,
arms outstretched, smiling like
some demented Eraserhead outtake.

Kayla trudges up the front walk.
Goes to the door.

Looks at Chubby Retarded.
Winces. Goes inside --

Make Art, Not War

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Hump Day. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 3 of RIDGEWAY, we go back in time and meet Cate Salinger, the 'Tall Woman' in the opening sequence, and see her in court, where she's being evicted from her home. Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, we meet Kayla Cross, a jewelry maker in an upscale tourist boutique, being fucked with by an extremely unpleasant coworker ...

EXT. COASTLINE - DAY
TITLE CARD reads: ‘THREE MONTHS EARLIER.’

Deep blue ocean.
White sandy beach.
Palm trees galore.

Sunshine so bright it hurts.
Another gorgeous day in paradise city
where the grass is legal
and the girls are shitty.

EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
Your typical drab, seventies-era courthouse.
But this is Santa Monica, California,
so the HOMELESS PEOPLE
lying on the grass outside
are well-fed and sleeping peacefully.

LAWYERS, DEFENDANTS and PLAINTIFFS stream in.
Some smiling. Some frowning.
More than a few on the verge of tears.

INT. COURTROOM - DAY
Small. Plain. Filled with the dregs of society.
And that’s just the lawyers.

Welcome to Eviction Court,
where all day, every day, people find out
the date they lose their home.

Standing before the
STERN BUT CUTE FEMALE JUDGE (40’s)
is Tall Woman, who we recognize
from the opening scene.

Meet CATE SALINGER (50’s),
rakish in a black suit and hipster glasses.
Great-looking, but looks drained, stressed-out.

Standing next to her is her LANDLORD (80’s),
tall and skinny with a giant head like a lollipop --
and his LAWYER, a boisterous BIG GUY (50’s)
clutching a sheaf of papers.

STERN BUT CUTE FEMALE JUDGE
You’ve agreed to vacate the premises
August seventeenth.

CATE
Yes, your honor.

STERN BUT CUTE FEMALE JUDGE
Please get a conformed copy
of the judgement from the clerk.

Stern But Cute BANGS her gavel.
Landlord glares at Cate.

She fidgets. Looks down.
Not her finest hour.

EXT. BOUTIQUE-GALLERY - DAY
A quaint shop on a steep, narrow,
winding main artery filled with
tiny tourist traps.
A handcrafted sign reads DREAMLAND.

A horse-drawn carriage CLIP-CLOPS
by carrying a FAT TOURIST COUPLE,
who marvel at the sights.

Welcome to Echo Springs, Arkansas,
AKA Little Switzerland.

Population two thousand.
Twenty percent gay, forty percent artists.
A liberal oasis in a sea of red.

INT. DREAMLAND - CONTINUOUS
A cozy, airy joint stuffed with paintings,
furs, jewelry and high-priced art pieces.

Quiet, ethereal music plays on hidden speakers.
Crunchy granola ambiance, ahoy.

A WOMAN (40’s) stands at the counter.
Pretty, with short, curly dark hair.

One long, lone tendril spins down
the side of her cheek
as if daring you to comment.
Make art, not war.

Meet KAYLA CROSS, self-proclaimed
punk mountain dyke.

Right now she’s making a necklace.
It’s exacting work, handling
the tiny jewelry pieces
taking all of her concentration.

The music stops. Insanely cheerful
REDNECK COUNTRY starts playing,
like some kinda Charlie Daniels from hell.

An extremely unattractive HEAVYSET WOMAN (50’s)
appears, big fake smile a counterpoint
to eyes full of scared shitless.

Meet VIVI TIDWELL. Quite the vision
in mom jeans, gaudy cowboy boots and a
baby doll dress stretched over a stained leotard
that looks like it’s gonna burst any minute.

VIVI
Not done yet?

KAYLA
(softly)
It’s a -- tricky piece.

VIVI
But you made the fifteen dollar stuff so fast.

KAYLA
That’s because they cost fifteen dollars.
(holds it up)
This sells for ninety-five.
See all the detail?
Takes a little longer.

VIVI
Well, hurry it up.
I need you to dust all the glass
before you leave.

KAYLA
But Sula asked me to make a few of these.

VIVI
I could give a rat’s ass what Sula wants.

KAYLA
But she owns the store.
Don’t you think I should --

VIVI
NO. I’M running the store --
and when I say I want you to clean,
you’re gonna clean, UNDERSTAND?

PUSH IN ON Kayla’s face. Terrified.

Gentle Ben

Happy Tuesday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 2 of RIDGEWAY, the mysterious tall woman we just saw blow someone's brains out in a mountaintop shack hears a police siren coming and races into the woods to escape, and then sees a giant bear, who starts chasing after her ...

EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT
Tall stand at the intersection of
the mountain ridge and the uphill roads.

Hears the siren getting closer.
Then sees the cherry top FLASHING,
coming toward her.

She turns, RUNS into the woods --
just as a COP CAR comes RACING
up the steep incline.

EXT. MOUNTAIN SLOPE - NIGHT
Tall DASHES through the underbrush and trees.
Stops. Catches her breath. Looks around.
Listens to the crickets chirping.

Hears a twig SNAP. WHIRLS AROUND.
Sees a FAMILY OF DEER.

Momma, Poppa and two young ones.
Staring at her.

TALL WOMAN
(whispers)
Wow.

They DASH OFF into the darkness.

EXT. MOUNTAIN GORGE - NIGHT
Tall stands at the top of a gorge.
Looks down at the valley far below.

A woodpecker TAP-TAP-TAP-TAPS
like a machine gun.

TALL WOMAN
SHIT.

She JUMPS, startled, then
TUMBLES down the hill --
and CRACKS into a tree at the bottom.
Gets up. Brushes herself off.

Hears a low GROWL.
A BLACK BEAR appears.
Flashes WHITE TEETH.

Tall stiffens.
Shakes with fear.
This ain’t Gentle Ben.

They stare at each other a long beat.
The beast suddenly REARS UP
on its hind legs, ROARS --
and starts CHASING her.

She SCREAMS. Starts climbing
the tree like she’s on fire.

GRABS at a branch above her,
but it SNAPS off.

The beast SWIPES
at her with a meaty paw.

She tries to WHACK it with the branch,
but it GRABS it away from her. GROWLS.

GRABS another branch.
Pulls herself up --
just as the bear
SINKS IT TEETH into her boot.
Tall CRIES OUT.

Thunder BOOMS. Lightning CRACKS.
It starts POURING RAIN.

Cabin Fever

Hey there, crime kids. Happy Monday. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

I've got a special treat for you today. You've probably been wondering why I haven't been posting my most recent projects on here. The reason for that is quite simple. For the last few years I've been working as a writer for hire on scripts that aren't originally mine, and as such, I haven't been allowed to post them on the blog. My latest original script, a pilot for a cable/streaming series I've also kept under wraps, but after considering it for a long time, I've decided it's time to share it with you.

In Chapter 1 of RIDGEWAY, we take a trip to an old shack on top of a mountain deep in the Ozarks, where a Dixie Mafia boss orders a mysterious woman from the big city to shoot his hostage in the head ...


EXT. OZARK MOUNTAINS - DUSK
Fat white clouds
poke the deep blue sky.

Rolling green hills stuffed
with pine trees out of
a John Denver song.

A giant white statue of Jesus
stands at attention
on the mountain peak,
arms outstretched like
he’s gonna take a dive.

A narrow gravel road meanders
up the mountain to an old,
ramshackle cabin at the top.

Cue the banjo music.

A giant, brand-new red PICKUP TRUCK
comes BARRELING up the road in a
CRUNCH of gravel like
the rural archetype it is.

An ARMADILLO lazily
skitters across the rocks.

The truck ROARS by and SQUISHES it,
CRACKING its shell with a CRUNCH.

EXT. MOUNTAIN CABIN - DUSK
At the top is a shack
that looks like it’d fall over
if you sneezed.

The gravel road runs by it,
then disappears into a
tunnel of trees
across the mountain ridge.

Dim light spills out from
behind dingy curtains.

The truck’s doors OPEN.
Out steps the DRIVER
and a TALL WOMAN.

He’s got a big gut.
She’s quite the looker,
with a great rack.

INT. MOUNTAIN CABIN - NIGHT
Dimly lit by a kerosene lantern.
Empty except for a KID (20’s)
tied to a chair. Badly beaten.

Covered in blood.
Mouth a ruined mess.
Teeth litter the floor.

Driver and Tall Woman walk in.
A BIG, BALD BRUTE in overalls
and a Ducky Dynasty beard
looks at Driver. Grins toothily.

BIG, BALD BRUTE
Finally told us.

Another MAN, intense-looking
with elaborate mutton chops and giant,
gnarled eyebrows eyes Tall Woman.
Smacks his lips.

MUTTON CHOPS
Who’s the cunt.

DRIVER
New business associate.

Driver pulls a thick wad
of bills from his pocket.

DRIVER
Five grand. Like we agreed.

Her eyes light up.
She reaches for it --
but he snatches it away.

Pulls out a GUN.
Offers it to her.

DRIVER
First you gotta shoot
this piece of shit
in the head.

TALL WOMAN
But what about --

DRIVER
This man stole from me.
Now he needs to pay the piper.
You want the fucking money or not?
(off her look)
You want to write my movie,
you gotta be IN my movie.
(holds up the cash)
Go a long way round here.

She looks at Bleeding Guy.
Then at Driver’s henchmen.
Then the money.

Takes the gun
in trembling hands.

DRIVER
Atta girl.

Walks over to Bleeding.
Slowly raises it.
Looks at Driver.

He nods.
She takes a deep breath --

Takes aim -- and BANG,
SHOOTS him in the head.

Brains, skull and blood
SPRAY the wall.

Driver tosses her
the wad of bills.

DRIVER
She shoots, she scores.
(beat)
Londell sent you
to get the dirt on me.
Now you’re dirty.
(nasty grin)
You just did a hit
for the Dixie mob.

A SIREN starts WAILING
in the distance.

DRIVER
Whoops. Gotta go.
(winks)
Don’t spend it all
in once place now, ya hear?