Commonwealth, Part 2
By Danny Wayne Cotton
CONTINUED : 55..
(beat)
No, stay there, it isn’t a problem, yet.
Charlie hangs up, punches a piece of patio furniture
CHARLIE
(reacting to the punch)
Fuck
LINDSAY
That was stupid.
CHARLIE
Baby, I gotta--
LINDSAY
Charlie, ever since this campaign started
CHARLIE
I know, I know, trust me, I know. Tomorrow night?
LINDSAY
(now pissed)
You really owe me.
CHARLIE
(kisses her cheek)
I’m aware.
(beat)
You know it aint you. It’s the job, I gotta
(tries to think)
Potential sex issue.
Charlie rushes towards the house.
LINDSAY
You just made your own "sex issue."
EXT. UPSCALE BAR- SAME NIGHT
Kim is outside, smoking. Charlie approaches putting on his jacket. Charlie lights a cigarette.
CHARLIE
Any improvement?
KIM
He’s drunker now.
CHARLIE
How did this start?
KIM
The wife--
CHARLIE
Oh god.
KIM
She used--
CHARLIE
Please no.
KIM
Craigslist.
CHARLIE
Do what?
KIM
The "casual encounters" section.
Charlie offers a raised eyebrow and takes a big draw.
KIM
I don’t know if, yknow, anybody answered the ad and they
(gestures)
Yknow. Either way, he called me first, because you had me babysitting so much and
(she’s flustered)
Charlie.
CHARLIE
Ok, let’s chill
(beat)
You and him aint?
KIM
What?
CHARLIE
(shrugs)
Long nights, campaign trail, some things --
CONTINUED : Ly iF
KIM
Goddammit Charlie, What the fuck kind of woman do you think--
Charlie raises a hand, flicks away his cigarette w/ the other
CHARLIE
No offense, nothing implied, I just had to know.
Still a little offended, she accepts this, she has been on the road with him a lot They head for the door
INT. UPSCALE BAR
Charlie sees Chris, tie loosened, a little wobbly, trying to motion to get another shot
CHARLIE
What’s he drinking?
Kim shrugs They approach the wounded running mate Chris looks up and sees Charlie
CHRIS
Charlie boy, big, uh, big Charlie,
(sings)
Charles in charge...uh...hi
CHARLIE
Rough night?
CHRIS
(getting misty eyed)
She, uh, she said, it’s like
(he thinks a second)
she wanted to cheat on me, Charlie, like i couldn’t fulfill her, her...i dunno
CHARLIE
Did she do the deed?
CHRIS
No, well she says she didn’t, just, that she was putting herself out there
Charlie and Kim exchange "thank god" glances
CHRIS
(loudly)
She’s a bitch! I’11 fuck her the fucking...I’ll...waitress
CHARLIE
(briskly)
Hall!
CHRIS
What?
CHARLIE
What'd you tell her, yknow, when you, your own self did some things that you aint proud of?
CHRIS
That’s different, Charlie, I got demons. I explained that I got demons.
KIM
Maybe she has some demons too, Chris.
CHRIS
(as if this never crossed his mind)
She has demons? Charlie do women have demons?
CHARLIE
Some of ‘em. Hell, lots of the ones I end up with.
CHRIS
You're funny, he’s funny.
KIM
He is.
CHRIS
My daddy had demons. If he didn’t, Charlie, did you know if he didn’t he'd’ve been a Senator...maybe even president?
CHARLIE
But as it was, he was a damn fine representative.
KIM
They should’ve named the parkway after him.
CHRIS
She’s right! I like her Charlie.
(to Kim)
Hey my marriage is kind of--
CHARLIE
Hall!
CHRIS
What Charlie?
CHARLIE
Why wasn’t your daddy ever a senator?
CHRIS
Republicans
(hiccups)
Whiskey
(beat)
and pussy
(to Kim)
pardon, uh, me.
CHARLIE
And we gonna let that ruin you?
CHRIS
No sir, no siree we aint.
CHARLIE
Zactly, Kim, settle his tab.
Charlie hands her CREDIT CARD Charlie gets Chris to his feet
CHRIS
Charlie, did I cause a scene?
CHARLIE
You most certainly did not.
Charlie waves at one of the few patrons who's noticed all this.
CHARLIE
But we’re getting you out cause why?
CHRIS
Gotta stay clean.
CHARLIE
And you and the misses, you'll be talking to your preacher because
CHRIS
Gotta stay clean.
EXT. UPSCALE BAR- SAME NIGHT
Charlie loads Chris into his passenger seat, Kim close by
CHRIS
Hey, Charlie, you still seeing that girl with the big titties?
Charlie gives Kim an apologetic shrug
CHARLIE
Which girl?
CHRIS
Worked at Platinum, let’s go to Platinum
CHARLIE
We're goin’ home, Hall.
CHRIS
Ok
Charlie slams the door, leans against the car haggard, grimaces, pops an ulcer pill, lights two cigarettes, hands one to Kim
KIM
Boss knows?
CHARLIE
I‘ll tell him. Tomorrow.
KIM
Really, Charlie, a stripper?
CHARLIE
God, that was in college.
Kim’s not backing down
CHARLIE
It didn’t last very long.
She’s still eyeing him
CHARLIE
Joey hated her.
KIM
(laughs)
Fair enough.
CHARLIE
Sorry you had to put up with
(gestures)
Dipshit back there.
KIM
Ruined my night off.
CHARLIE
Mine too.
KIM
Back at it tomorrow?
CHARLIE
Sure are.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE- DAY
Charlie sits with his feet propped up on his desk, Joe on top of the desk, Kim is in the room and Jake is, as always, checking his laptop
CHARLIE
So, tonight, Henderson.
JAKE
Where’s Chris?
Joe groans Kim chuckles and looks at Charlie
CHARLIE
Discussing private matters with his pastor, now--
JAKE
He didn’t.
KIM
Wife did.
Joe groans Charlie offers him an ulcer pill
JOE
I'll be fine.
JAKE
His wife?
CHARLIE
"Casual Encounters" ad.
JAKE
(shudders)
Eww
KIM
I know, right?
Charlie bangs his fist on the desk
CHARLIE
Order, people.
JAKE
What'd the ad say?
Chatter between Kim and Jake as Charlie and Joe begin to look more annoyed
CHARLIE
Hey, Henderson.
Still chatter, Jake clicking around on his laptop
JOE
(stern)
Henderson.
Silence
CHARLIE
The bossman here will be attending a Buddy Lee Fitch concert. Outdoor show, should be a lot of fun, short on stage shoutout.
JAKE
Get pictures?
CHARLIE
Local media too.
JAKE
On Tes
CHARLIE
And Kim, you’ve got volunteers together for--
KIM
North end.
CHARLIE
Remember this neighborhood is--
KIM
(rote)
Redneck north end, NOT black north end.
CHARLIE
Quick study and I--
JAKE
Wait, you?
JOE
You aren’t going to Henderson?
CHARLIE
Phones, with the golden circle.
JOE
Charlie, man, you’re sending me and Jake to a country show without--
CHARLIE
You can handle it Joey, it’s easy, go on stage with Anne, talk about how great Buddy Lee Fitch is, get the crowd pumped.
JOE
This isn’t exactly my crowd, Charlie.
JAKE
Yeah, man, how rednecky we talking here?
CHARLIE
Worst case, tell ‘em once you're governor Buddy Lee’1ll get a pardon for any white lightning he’s ever made.
KIM
Isn’t that condescending?
CHARLIE
These are rednecks loaded up on Bud Light and, be honest, probably a little homegrown, who're all pumped to hear Buddy Lee sing about how much America kicks ass and how fun it is to get drunk.
JOE
That’s where I always excel.
CHARLIE
Thirty seconds, after he plays "Main Street USA," it’1l be impossible to bomb.
JAKE
How will it play on local media?
CHARLIE
Great, Jake, it’s impossible not to.
(beat)
I really need to talk to these donors, these are the guys that throw us parties and want favors. These are the guys I met working for McGreevy.
Joe shoots Charlie a look Joe "gets
JAKE
I think somebody wants to avoid some overtime.
CHARLIE
(half sarcastic)
I shall not sit here and have my character and motives maligned in such a--
JAKE
Shut up Charlie. it"
JOE
(to Charlie, mouthed)
Lindsay?
Charlie has a subtle facial tick
KIM
You two did that thing, that macho law school buddy thing.
Jake looks up, Charlie barely raises his eyebrow
KIM
There it was again, you guys are doing something.
JAKE
I think I can handle Henderson, hell, I’m starting to really like Buddy Lee.
KIM
Oh no, no, damn it, you guys are not letting Charlie go home early.
JOE
Kim, we do need to touch base with some of our strongest supporters.
CHARLIE
If you want to call some of them...
KIM
No, I’ll get my staffers together, get my volunteers, I’1ll canvass, and when I’m done, I’11l turn in my data, and then I will go home and turn off my cell and make myself margaritas.
The three guys exchange glances
JOE
I don’t think we could ask any more of you.
JAKE
You're awesome Kim.
CHARLIE
Indispensable.
She stares at the guys, somewhere between getting really pissed and backing down
CHARLIE
Did you do something with your hair? Joe it look like she got her hair fixed up real nice don’t it?
JOE
Charlie I think you’ re--
KIM
Guys, knock it off.
CHARLIE
And give you Saturday?
KIM
Deal
(beat)
You three have some evil telekinetic thingamabob.
JOE
We know.
EXT. OUTDOOR COUNTRY SHOW-NIGHT
A huge crowd of people as Buddy Lee and band rock out on stage
BUDDY LEE
(singing)
And since you asked me mister, I’m always proud to say, I come from the heartland
He points his mic at the crowd
CROWD
Main street, U.S.A
The song finishes BACKSTAGE Joe, Anne, and Jake stand, Joe, in BLUE DRESS SHIRT/KHAKIS looks conspicuously out of place Jake is on his CELL
JAKE
Uh-huh, you'll get a shot of him.
JOE
(to Anne)
Honey, this isn’t gonna work.
ANNE
You're sweating, you look nervous.
JOE
Jake, hit?
JAKE
(pulls away cell)
Real Kentucky people.
Anne wipes sweat from Joe’s forehead ONSTAGE
BUDDY LEE
And I'd just like to introduce y'all to another feller from Main Street USA, our next Governor, Mister Joe Lavassaney.
Light applause, Joe comes on stage w/ Anne, Buddy Lee hands him the mic
JOE
Well, my good friend Buddy Lee Fitch...
A few whoops and hollers
JOE
He asked me to sing a song with him, but I said that would be like inviting his old
(hesitant)
His old hound dog out here to sing with him.
Crickets BACKSTAGE
JAKE
You're not a comedian Joe, just get outta there.
STAGE
JOE
I’m just glad to see so many real Kentucky people. The people I fight for, folks like Buddy Lee Fitch and his fans.
Light applause, lone drunken "woohoo" CROWD REDNECK COUPLE stand together, holding beers
REDNECK WOMAN
He does kinda look Muslim.
STAGE
JOE
As I travel the Commonwealth, it makes me wish I had a tour bus like Buddy Lee’s.
BACKSTAGE
JAKE
Well, a beer bottle hasn’t hit him yet.
STAGE Buddy Lee begins to realize the crowd's losing interest, steps to a mic
BUDDY LEE
Well, uh, Joe, you know what my grandaddy always said?
JOE
What’s that, Buddy Lee?
BUDDY LEE
Be a smart-ass, and vote Democrat.
Rimshot CONTINUED : 69).
BUDDY LEE
Howsabout a big ole round of applause for our next governor and his pretty wife.
Buddy Lee told ‘em to cheer, they cheer Joe and Anne wave, head for the wings Buddy Lee steps from the mic and stops Joe
BUDDY LEE
Hey, we'll play "Song of the South," good Democrat song and remind ’em you're good people.
JOE
Thanks
BUDDY LEE
Ya did alright.
BACKSTAGE As Buddy Lee begins a cover of "Song of the South" Joe has a look of minor terror on his face Jake’s silence speaks volumes
ANNE
I think they liked you
The three exchange glances
JAKE
(shrugs)
Didn't get any boos
Awkward silence still
JOE
Wonder what Charlie’s up to right now.
INT. "MASTER SUITE" STYLE BEDROOM
Lindsay is putting on Charlie’s shirt, Charlie is putting on his pants Charlie grabs his Cigarettes, opens patio door, stands in the frame and lights up, big draw Lindsay walks over, holds a cigarette to her lips, he lights Le
LINDSAY
Penny for your thoughts?
CHARLIE
I’m content not to be having any at the moment.
LINDSAY
Drinks?
Charlie’s still in the afterglow
LINDSAY
Hey...major Charlie, this is earth.
CHARLIE
Huh? Yeah, drinks.
The two finish smoking, Charlie goes over to his BRIEFCASE takes out a laptop, Lindsay fixes the drinks She brings one to Charlie, who is firing up his laptop
LINDSAY
I thought you said "night off."
CHARLIE
I’m here aint I?
LINDSAY
What’re you reading?
She looks over his shoulder, trying to flirt
LINDSAY
Bluegrass Politics? God, Charlie.
CHARLIE
Just checking the headlines
(beat)
We missed the news, yknow.
RINGTONE, Lindsay's She checks the phone
LINDSAY
She's called me four times. Something must be up, have to take this.
Charlie, now intently reading something, signals "ok"
LINDSAY
(on phone)
I told you he was into that.
Charlie isn’t paying much attention as she wanders away, he’s starting to grin as he reads He rushes
CHARLIE
Crazy old SOB. Stupid crazy old SOB. This is too too good. to pick up his phone, dials, waits
CHARLIE
Jake, did you see what he said?
(beat)
Henderson don’t matter man, did you see what Fielder said?
(beat)
Just, man, it’s perfect. Joe will be deeply offended. We got curse words and coded language.
(beat)
Ask Anne if she likes being a beard, will ya?
(beat)
Yup, it’s that kinda stupid, the juicy kind of stupid.
RICK'S OFFICE- NEXT DAY Rick is reading the newspaper, visibly pissed. to stay calm Rick tosses the newspaper
RICK
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
JESS
Relax
RICK
They’re gonna pin us to the wall with this. This is
(flustered)
Courthouse bathroom? What was he thinking? Jess trying
CONTINUED : T2s
JESS
The old man didn’t know he was being taped--
RICK
He’s a candidate for fucking Governor, he’s always being taped. And wait, Charlie’1ll marshal his little liberal troops. Jake knows every reporter on this fucking beat and Joe
(beat)
He's vindictive, you don’t get his reputation...
JESS
In the long run this will blow over. It happened too early to tank us.
RICK
We've got three weeks. Three fucking weeks.
JESS
I've got a lead with Charlie. Think it might go somewhere.
RICK
I’m not sure it matters.
JESS
Worst case, we lose, you go to DC and work for--
RICK
I know.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE- NEXT DAY
Charlie gunslinger calm, feet propped up. Joe, pacing nervous energy. Jake, obsessively checking blogs.
JOE
Fuck him. He wants to say that about me? I mean--I’1l fucking kill that old prick--
CHARLIE
It’s the biggest favor he’s ever done us.
CONTINUED: TS
JAKE
Blue Commonwealth calls hima "gaffe machine"
(clicks)
Backwoods Dem calls him "an insensitive false Christian"
CHARLIE
See, false Christian, that’s big.
JOE
Does he think I’m some fucking pansy who’ll roll over and let him say this kind of, of, filth?
CHARLIE
Knock off the righteous indignation man, the more shit he spews the better.
JOE
If he said that to my face I’d knock his fucking teeth out.
CHARLIE
No, you’d sue him, but he gave you a gift Joey.
JOE
A gift?
JAKE
Hey, he’s already taken a hit in the polls.
Charlie gets up, checks his hair, straightens his tie
CHARLIE
We will, first, get in touch with news outlets. Joey, you will not stoop to his level and this is--
JOE
Politics as usual?
CHARLIE
You bet, and--
JOE
This is mudslinging, fear mongering and character--
CHARLIE
No, no, you know that real Kentucky people, the people that make this Commonwealth great are?
Joe shrugs
CHARLIE
They’re too smart for this.
JAKE
Ooo, I like it.
JOE
(catching on)
And they’re tired of it. They want substance, real debate, a change at the Capital.
CHARLIE
Jake my man, you'll rustle up the reporters, who're already calling I might add, and tell them what?
JAKE
The comments were reprehensible, offensive, and they...
CHARLIE
Only tell us what kind of politician Governor Fielder is, and has always been.
JAKE
And it is unfortunate that this is what makes the front page instead of honest debate about what’s best for our Commonwealth.
JOE
And you?
CHARLIE
I get to hit low, call Bobby Rich.
JOE
Motherfucker, you get to have all the fun.
CHARLIE
You’re damn right.
INT. INTERVIEW SHOW
Joe sits across from TV HOST
JOE
Well, I could respond, but I know and the people of Kentucky know...
INTERCUT- FIELDER’S SCANDAL
INT. JOE’S CAMPAIGN HQ
Jake is talking to MEDIA
JAKE
...And it only hurts our democracy, our system and our Commonwealth when...
JOE
...he has to resort to insults...
JAKE
...instead of substantive debate...
JOE
...on policies for the working families...
JAKE
...children...
JOE
...students...
JAKE
...and everyone...
JOE
...in our Commonwealth...
JAKE
...What we should be talking about...
JOE
...is whether or not Fielder... 15:
INT. DOWNTOWN PARK
Charlie, tie loosened, CHILI DOG and POP at a bench sits next to Bobby Rich
CHARLIE
...has Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy.
BOBBY
What?
CHARLIE
Listen, he’s a shitstorm of crazy, but if you write Alzheimer’s they’1l say that we’re running a rumor machine.
BOBBY
But it’s clearly in jest.
CHARLIE
You know that, I know that, but people’s grandmothers have Alzheimer’s and they don’t wanna laugh about it.
BOBBY
So Bovine spongiform encephalopathy?
CHARLIE
You know what that is, right Bob?
BOBBY
Mad Cow Disease, right?
CHARLIE
Ludicrous enough I can dismiss it as Bobby Rich being Bobby Rich. A below the belt joke that would never come from Joey.
BOBBY
"Governor Fielder: Mad Cow Disease?" That headline’d get hits.
CHARLIE
More traffic, more ads, more people reading Blue Commonwealth.
BOBBY
Get some of the other bloggers on board?
CHARLIE
Governor Fielder has Mad Cow, the college kids’1ll eat it up man, as will the email swapping old liberals.
BOBBY
Yknow, I could try to give the rumor legs.
CHARLIE
Well, going full joke mode is best, don’t want to offend Agribusiness, but if you must give it a tinge of realism...
BOBBY
Joe know you’re doing this?
CHARLIE
(emphatic)
Hell no, and I’1l deny I even know your name.
Charlie grins, winks, gets up
BOBBY
You still seeing the Blakemoore heiress?
CHARLIE
What’s it to you?
BOBBY
Dude, everybody wants an invite to those parties.
Charlie shakes his head, starts walking away
INT. RICK’
Rick sits
CHARLIE
Bobby, Bobby, Bobby... S OFFICE- NIGHT at his desk, reading papers a a
Jess enters with FLATTOP, who we saw in the BG of EXT. BIG HORSE FARM
JESS
Rick, this is the man I was telling you about.
Rick perks up
RICK
Hi
He extends a hand, they shake
RICK
So Jess says you have something I might be interested in?
FLATTOP
Yes, Mister Daniels, I’m aware of...well...an investigation that might be of some interest to your campaign.
RICK
Really?
FLATTOP
Thing is, see, through the normal channels it would hit Lavassaney’s office before it did yours. They’d know it was coming, they’d have time to strategize, head it off and
(fidgets, thinks)
Well, I don’t want to see him in the Governor’s office.
RICK
What’ve you got?
Unknown Guy hands him a folder
FLATTOP
You didn’t get this from me, think of it as coming from...well...a concerned citizen.
Rick looks it over, then registers surprise, Jess gets a smirk
RICK
This is all?
FLATTOP
One hundred percent, we’1ll go forward soon.
JESS
Good job?
RICK
Good job.
INT. JOE’S CAMPAIGN HQ- DAY
We're in the "bullpen" of a bustling HQ, lots of people manning phones, giving old ladies YARD SIGNS, heading out w/ clipboards etc. Enthusiastic Young Guy comes over to Kim’s desk Kim is on the phone, untouched SALAD in front of her
KIM
Well, m’aam I understand your reservations but Mister Lavassaney’s opinion on abortion...he is in fact a practicing Christian...Lutheran...well...I understand...thank you for your time
(hangs up, scribbles on a sheet)
Yankee church?
She notices the Enthusiastic Young Guy
KIM
What’s up?
He holds up PIECE OF PAPER, too far from her face to read it
ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG GUY
This is up.
KIM
What is it?
He hands it to her, but doesn’t give her time to read it
ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG GUY
Once Bluecommonwealth gets a hold of this we’ll--
KIM
Let me read it.
Kim reads
KIM
This is good.
She gets up, passing enthusiastic young guy, pretty much ignoring him, goes to Jake’s office
INT. JAKE'S OFFICE
Smaller than Charlie's, more cluttered, John Lennon- IMAGINE POSTER on the wall Jake manages to be on both his laptop and his blackberry.
JAKE
(into phone)
And it is with great anticipation Joe looks forward to attending the Burgoo Festival.
(beat)
No, thank you.
(beat)
I'll tell him you said hello.
He notices Kim.
KIM
Political Wire, right now.
Joe clicks around on the computer
JAKE
Holy shit.
He immediately checks other websites, we can’t register yet whether this is positive or negative surprise
KIM
Bluegrass politics?
JAKE
They've got it too.
KIM
CJ?
JAKE
On the CJ.
Kim grins CONTINUED: Si...
KIM
I tell Charlie?
JAKE
You take this one.
They both exit
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE
Charlie is typing something, Kim and Jake stand at the open door
CHARLIE
(without looking up)
What?
Kim puts the paper down on his desk
KIM
All the blogs seem to agree.
JAKE
Evidently we were a little pessimistic internally.
CHARLIE
We’re ahead?
KIM
We're ahead.
JAKE
It must've been the press flap from the--
CHARLIE
We’re ahead?
KIM
Everywhere we look.
CHARLIE
Hot damn we’re gonna win this sumbitch. Call Joey.
JAKE
He’s in court.
CHARLIE
Who cares, he’s winning.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE- NIGHT
Charlie pours three glasses of TOP SHELF BOURBON, distributes them to Jake and Joe Charlie raises his glass to toast
CHARLIE
Here’s to fifty three to fifty five percent statewide.
JAKE
Salut.
They drink
JOE
So you think it was the gaffe?
JAKE
The gaffe put us ahead.
CHARLIE
Y'all are too goddamned pessimistic. The gaffe gave us a point, two maybe, we’ve put us ahead.
JAKE
Not to mention all the staff, volunteers--
CHARLIE
Jake.
JAKE
Yeah
CHARLIE
Implicit in "we."
Joe looks a lot more contemplative than celebratory at the moment he’s shot ahead in the polls
JOE
Man.
CHARLIE
What’s wrong?
JAKE
Yeah, smile.
JOE
TES FUSCA:
CHARLIE
Just what?
JOE
We might actually win.
CHARLIE
You're damn right Joey, we might actually march our asses up to Frankfort.
JAKE
That’s gonna be a good day.
Joe and Charlie exchange glances, toast
JOE
You think we’d be here this soon?
CHARLIE
I’ve always been cocky Joey, aint the one to ask.
JOE
You can’t honestly tell me you thought I’d have a shot at governor this soon.
CHARLIE
No, I can’t.
JOE
Thank you.
CHARLIE
I thought it’d be me.
Charlie grins, Joe flips him off
INT. SMALL BAR
Few customers, Jake stands at the JUKEBOX Mellow Sinatra type music queues Jake goes to a table where LEEANN, same age as Jake, sits
JAKE
So, what were you wanting to talk to me about?
LEEANN
Well, we’ve been friends for a while...
JAKE
(pained, hating to say it)
Leeann, it’d be inappropriate, yknow, with the campaign and all if l-=
LEEANN
Don’t get ahead of yourself, that wasn’t where I was going.
Jake’s kind of deflated
LEEANN
Not to say I’d never go there.
Jake smirks
LEEANN
I’ve just been following something. It looks to me like it has legs and it might be dangerous for you guys.
JAKE
What is it?
LEEANN
I can’t, well
(strained pause)
It'd be wrong for me to tell you exactly. But it might be dangerous for you guys, particularly Charlie.
JAKE
Trust me, Charlie--
LEEANN
I think Fielder’s guys already know about it.
JAKE
Either way, I’ve known Charlie a long time, for everything he does, he’s really careful.
CONTINUED: 85's
LEEANN
Well, that may be true, Jake. But don’t be blindsided, something big might be coming and it might involve Charlie. Just, word of warning.
JAKE
(measured)
Well, we’ll be on the lookout.
LEEANN
Friendly warning.
Short, uncomfortable silence
JAKE
(grins)
Can we quit worrying about work and enjoy some Sinatra?
LEEANN
Fine.
INT. JOE’S COURTHOUSE OFFICE
Screams "successful prosecutor" Joe is at his desk, reading FILE Across from him sit N.D. DETECTIVE and FLATTOP, who is now wearing a BADGE
JOE
So, Client number two, four escorts and--
FLATTOP
We really want Miss Moore.
N.D. DETECTIVE
The whole operation traces back to her.
JOE
I've never, ever been shy about taking a case, but--
FLATTOP
It’s airtight, we’ve got her on tape so...
(pointed, but not aggressive)
(MORE)
FLATTOP (cont’d) Whatever connections she might have...
JOE
(equally pointed)
I can assure you, detective, "connections" mean nothing to me. Law is law.
FLATTOP
Of course, you’re the guy who pinned Lambert.
N.D. DETECTIVE
(oblivious)
The law and order candidate.
JOE
Exactly.
FLATTOP
We knew we could trust you, Mister Lavassaney.
JOE
Proceed as needed. Anything else?
The Cops rise to leave, N.D. Detective still oblivious to the political sniping between Joe and his partner N.D. Detective extends a hand to Joe
N.D. DETECTIVE
(unironic)
Good luck in November, Mister Lavassaney.
Joe returns the shake, if halfheartedly, and nods a "thanks" The cops exit Joe slumps in his chair, looks over the FILE, groans, wings a PEN across the room He looks over at his CELL, dials
JOE
(impatient/anxious)
Answer. ..goddammit...answer
(beat)
Charlie.
INT. LINDSAY’S PLACE- KITCHEN
Charlie, for the first time, looks disheveled, almost trembling Lindsay sits at the counter, STRAIGHT WHISKEY in front of her, guarded, defensive
LINDSAY
I never did any of the calls, Charlie.
CHARLIE
That makes it so much fucking better.
(beat)
Dating a whore, that’s one thing, but a pimp.
LINDSAY
Oh, fucking spare me, when did you turn all prudish?
CHARLIE
When my best friend ran for fucking Governor, Lindsay. You think I give a goddamn if you and your dim bulb nympho friends decide you wanna supplement your trust funds getting horse trash laid?
LINDSAY
There it is again, horse trash? From a fucking redneck?
CHARLIE
The fucking redneck wasn’t running an escort ring outta the back of his pickup, sweet thing.
He’s got her there.
CHARLIE
Goddamn it, this is what tanked Chris’ daddy.
(beat)
Well, she was a Louisville hooker, but still.
He’s on the verge of tears, violence, something
CHARLIE
Before we had name recognition, before we had polls, before we had anything, we were clean, damn FE
LINDSAY
Charlie I--
CHARLIE
We were clean.
(to himself)
Under my goddamn nose.
INT. JOE’S KITCHEN- LATE
Joe, tie loosened, shirtsleeves, haggard, sits, thousand mile stare TV Drones, he isn’t paying it any attention Anne enters, turns off the TV
ANNE
(aware)
Rough day, huh?
JOE
He said he didn’t know.
ANNE
Do you believe him?
JOE
Babe, it’s Charlie. I’ve--I mean--it’s Charlie. He said he didn’t know.
ANNE
He probably didn’t. He was more caught up in this campaign than you, even.
JOE
(gallows laugh)
I know.
ANNE
But that doesn’t change the fact that he was dating the, what’d they call her?
JOE
(eye roll)
The Blakemoore mistress.
Anne has a "huh?" look
JOE
After her parents’ farm.
ANNE
Is Charlie staying?
JOE
Am I supposed to fire--
ANNE
You want to be Governor Lavassaney, Senator Lavassaney and as much as I know you guys--
JOE
No, babe, I can’t fire him. He’s--
(searching for the words)
He and I--
(still searching)
Some things--
ANNE
Come before politics?
Joe nods, Anne kisses him on the cheek
ANNE
If you don’t get any sleep, honey, tomorrow won’t be any easier.
Joe nods
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE- NEXT DAY
Kim enters as Charlie, Joe, Jake and Chris are already in the office
CHARLIE
Kim, door.
She closes and locks the door Tense, momentary silence
JAKE
(leaping forward)
I say we go to bat for you. They’re trying to make you, and by extension Joe, guilty by association. There’s no evidence--
CHRIS
Guilt by association means a hell of a lot in this state.
KIM
(passive aggressive)
Chris, your dad had the Seelbach incident, we don’t.
(to Charlie)
I’ve already gotten a supportive call from Keith, down in Hazard.
CHARLIE
(smirks)
Good ole Keith.
JOE
Charlie...
All eyes on the bossman
JOE
...Tell them what you told me.
CHARLIE
I did not know about Miss Moore’s illegal activities. Had I known, I would not have associated with her. I am under no threat of indictment...
CHRIS
You sure?
JOE
I’m sure.
CHARLIE
I may, however be under threat of subpoena.
KIM
Joe wouldn't.
CHARLIE
The defense might.
JAKE
(incensed)
To prove a negative? That’s ridiculous. Charlie I’m serious we--
Charlie raises a hand
CHARLIE
I’‘ll be damned if I’m gonna let a money making scheme, hatched by an over privileged heiress keep Joe out of Frankfort.
KIM
So what do we do?
CHARLIE
I'm resigning.
JAKE
Charlie, man.
CHARLIE
Jake, I aint bringing down the ship, alright.
KIM
(to Joe)
Boss?
JOE
It's his decision. I’ve trusted his judgment thus far.
CHARLIE
Tell ‘em I’ve prepared a statement. End of discussion.
CHRIS
I aint against it, but this wouldn’t be admitting weakness?
CHARLIE
No, end of discussion.
KIM
I don’t know, I’m with Jake--
CONTINUED : 92).
JOE
End of discussion.
Palpable tension, Chris leaves first, barely making eye contact with Charlie Kim stands, "say it aint so" look, Charlie salutes his best "trooper," she leaves Charlie sits down, puts face in hands, rubbing his temples
JAKE
So?
CHARLIE
You and Trooper take the reins. Last debate.
JAKE
Next week. Hit?
JOE
(wearily)
Back.
Charlie grunts a chuckle "What can be said?" silence
CHARLIE
Blinded by a piece of ass
(beat)
Damn fine piece of ass, though.
Jake gets up, to head out
JAKE
(chuckles)
That going to be in your statement?
JOE
("speechy" tone)
And as you know, Democratic policy on damn fine pieces of ass...
CHARLIE
It aint gonna be in there. Just hold ‘em back a while, would ya Jake?
JAKE
Yeah, man.
Jake exits, Charlie pops an Ulcer Pill
CHARLIE
I really am sorry, man. You know I would’ ve--
JOE
I know. You know what you’re gonna do?
CHARLIE
McGreevy, I guess.
(beat)
Nobody expects scruples froma lobbyist.
JOE
Listen, if you want to stay--
CHARLIE
You and I both know I can’t.
(long beat)
But thanks for the sentiment. You can still win this thing Joey.
JOE
Maybe.
Charlie gets up, puts on SUIT COAT, straightens his tie and hair
CHARLIE
(purposefully overdramatic)
Yay though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...
Joe grins, but it’s the grin before you face a firing squad
CHARLIE
...1 believe in Harvey Dent.
Firing squad grin, short silence
JOE
This sucks, man.
Charlie nods, acknowledging as much
CHARLIE
(re: office door)
Out of the fat, huh?
Charlie and Joe exchange salutes, Charlie exits Joe sits, alone, looking hollowed out
INT. JOE’S CAMPAIGN HQ- MOMENTS LATER
POV Charlie as he stands in front of rows of reporters
CHARLIE
In light of charges recently leveled against Miss Lindsay Moore, a close personal friend, I am resigning from the Citizens for Joe Lavassaney campaign...
EXT. COURTHOUSE
Lindsay faces a similar gauntlet of reporters as she "perp walks"
CHARLIE (V.O.)
...While I have not and will not be charged with any wrongdoing, my continued association with Miss Moore casts a dark cloud of suspicion over a fine man and close personal friend...
INT. FIELDER FUNDRAISER
Rick, Fielder and Flattop all shaking hands, backslapping
CHARLIE (V.O.)
...and diverts attention away from substantive issues affecting our fine Commonwealth...
INT. CHARLIE’S APARTMENT- NIGHT
Charlie pours and downs a glass of CHEAP WHISKEY
CHARLIE (V.O.)
...I regret that I may have jeopardized the campaign. But I believe that the people of Kentucky can look past this...
INT. RUPP ARENA- GAME NIGHT
Joe sits with Buddy Lee, he looks over his shoulder and realizes his friend isn’t there
CHARLIE (V.O.)
...and look at Joe Lavassaney, the man. Thank you.
INT. CHARLIE’S APARTMENT- ELECTION NIGHT
Charlie’s watching returns on TV, with a bottle in his hand
T.V. ANCHOR
And with results out of Western Kentucky still not in, the race is a dead heat.
CHARLIE
C'mon damn it, we were all over the purchase.
(examines TV)
Well we got Anderson County.
He's satisfied that, at the very least, he got his home county
INT. NICE HOTEL ROOM- ELECTION NIGHT
Joe, Anne and Kim watch returns
T.V. ANCHOR
Exit polling and early results suggest that the Western counties might tip this race in Lavassaney’s favor.
T.V. PUNDIT
Well, the Blakemoore Madam trial didn’t get much play in western media outlets and there’s still some lingering discontentment with Fielder’s--
Joe mutes it Anne and Kim look at him "why the hell?"
JOE
(shrugs)
I can see the results, I don’t need the anchors.
Jake enters, on his CELL
JAKE
You're sure, Calloway, McCracken and Graves? Graves, really? Ok, ok, thanks.
KIM
So?
JAKE
So it looks like we tipped just enough of the west that, on top of Louisville and Lexington--
JOE
And just enough in NKY?
KIM
Trust me, just enough.
JAKE
I think so.
ANNE
Joey, you're going to be--
JOE
Babe, not til they
(points to TV)
Call Lt.
INT. CHARLIE’S APARTMENT- ELECTION NIGHT
T.V. ANCHOR
With 83% reporting, Joe Lavassaney is Kentucky’s next governor.
Charlie raises his fists, they won Then, as the realization of where he is sets in, he looks around, he’s alone, a Pyhrric victory He grabs his CELL
INT. NICE HOTEL ROOM- ELECTION NIGHT
Kim and Jake pop CHAMPAGNE Anne kisses Joe
ANNE
Your supporters await.
JAKE
We better get out there.
(checks CELL)
CJ, already.
Joe looks tired, but satisfied
JOE
You guys go on, I need to put the finishing touches on this speech.
Anne and Jake exit Kim stays a little behind
KIM
We won, boss.
JOE
We won.
KIM
Hard to believe?
JOE
A little.
KIM
Too bad...
That hits Joe a little, tense beat
JOE
Yeah, too bad.
Joe salutes Kim, she exits Joe picks up his notes, paces a little CELL rings, he smirks when he looks down at it
JOE
Hey man.
INT. CHARLIE’S APARTMENT- ELECTION NIGHT
Charlie is on his phone Charlie is a little tipsy
CHARLIE
You done it man.
INTERCUT- CHARLIE AND JOE’S CONVERSATION
JOE
I had help.
CHARLIE
Bullshit, you was the best candidate in years.
Charlie’s TV- Anne and Jake have made it to the podium, where Chris is giving a speech
CHARLIE
Hall still can’t stump worth shit.
JOE
God, I’m glad I’m missing it.
CHARLIE
Tell Anne she looks, yknow, real first lady like.
JOE
I’1l tell her.
CHARLIE
And Jake to--
JOE
Take it easy on the open bar.
CHARLIE
You’re the governor, man.
JOE
That's starting to set in.
CHARLIE
Take care of yourself
(overemphasizing)
Governor.
JOE
You too, man, you too.
He hangs up
JOE
You too, Charlie.
He puts on his JACKET, picks up his SPEECH, gathers himself, and heads out FTB