The Call
FADE INEXT. PARK - NIGHT
SPECIAL AGENT BARRETT FUZZONI (M, 25, lean) sprints through a wooded park, following a SUSPECT. Suspect races away from Barrett, running fast behind him. The Suspect looks behind him, and Barrett is gone. He looks forward and is clothes-lined by Barrett's arm. He hits the ground hard and Barrett lands on him, pinning him down. The suspect flips Barrett to the bottom, punching him repeatedly. Barrett flips them back over, hitting his solar plexus, knocking the wind from him. While he's GASPING, Barrett flips Suspect onto his stomach and puts HANDCUFFS on him.
BARRETT
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.
He picks up Suspect and leads him back to several COP CARS with their LIGHTS on. He shoves Suspect towards an OFFICER.
BARRETT (CONT'D)
Get this piece of shit out of here.
The Officer pulls the Suspect away, putting him into a car. A MEDIC runs over, seeing to Barrett's minor wounds. A ROOKIE runs over to him, holding out a PHONE.
ROOKIE
Sir! Phone for you!
Barrett takes the PHONE from the Rookie.
BARRETT
Fuzzoni. Yes sir. Of course sir. Cafe du Monde in twenty minutes.
He hangs up the PHONE and pushes the Medic away. He pushes through people until he gets to SPECIAL AGENT CLAIRE FUZZONI (F, 21, petite but strong).
BARRETT (CONT'D)
Cover for me.
CLAIRE
What? Why?
BARRETT
Walter Howards called. I'm meeting him in twenty minutes at the Cafe du Monde.
CLAIRE
Walter Howards? Okay. Go. But be back here soon. I don't know how long I can cover for you.
BARRETT
Thanks sis.
He moves away, behind the MEDIC VAN. A STRANGE NOISE is heard.
EXT. FRENCH QUARTER STREET - NIGHT
A STRANGE NOISE is heard. Barrett walks down the street, through a bunch of DRUNKS, LAUGHING and YELLING at one another. His face remains one of determination as he moves through the crowd. Ahead of him is a small diner with a SIGN above the door saying "Cafe du Monde". He opens the door and goes inside.
INT. CAFE DU MONDE - NIGHT
Barrett walks in, the door JINGLING as it hits the BELL. The WAITRESS doesn't look up from her MAGAZINE. He looks around, seeing one or two PATRONS, finally finding CAPTAIN WALTER HOWARDS (M, 56, aged well), sitting alone at the bar. Barrett walks over to him, sitting on the STOOL next to him. He grabs a CUP and pours himself some COFFEE from the CARAFE nearby.
HOWARDS
Thank you for coming on such short notice.
BARRETT
We've got to make it quick. I have a crime scene to get back to.
HOWARDS
Not here. Is there somewhere we can go that is more private?
Barrett downs his COFFEE, then gestures that they leave. Howards gets up, and puts a few BILLS under his CUP. Howards then turns to leave, grabbing his HAT and JACKET. He nods to the WAITRESS as they leave.
HOWARDS (CONT'D)
Gladys. Always a pleasure.
The Waitress raises a hand in a lazy wave.
EXT. FRENCH QUARTER STREET - NIGHT
Howards puts on his HAT and JACKET.
HOWARDS
Lead the way, Fuzzoni.
Barrett starts walking up the street, leading Howards through the drunken crowd. He turns down an alley, grabbing Howards' elbow, and pulling him into the shadows. A STRANGE NOISE is heard.
INT. STUDIO APARTMENT - NIGHT
A STRANGE NOISE is heard on the other side of the door. Barrett rushes in, attempting to tidy things as best he can as Howards slowly strolls into the room. JULIET, Barrett's DOG, playfully jumps at Howards. Howards stands stock still, not giving attention to the dog.
BARRETT
Juliet, no!
He grabs her COLLAR, pulling her away. He pulls her to the bathroom and closes the door. He turns back to Howards.
BARRETT (CONT'D)
Please. Make yourself at home.
HOWARDS
May we speak freely?
BARRETT
Yes sir. I have all the necessary precautions in place.
HOWARDS
Good.
Howards sits on the COUCH, pulling a FOLDER from his JACKET and opening it on his lap.
BARRETT
I'm sorry sir, but what would a man of your stature want with a man like me?
HOWARDS
You've done well, Special Agent Fuzzoni. You've made the New Orleans Department proud.
BARRETT
Thank you sir.
HOWARDS
You were the top of your class, graduated with highest honors from Headmaster Clarence, did a year abroad, in England I see.
BARRETT
Yes sir. My sixth year.
HOWARDS
Most successful rookie New Orleans has seen in decades. 27 high profile arrests in 2011 alone. Very impressive.
BARRETT
Thank you sir.
Long silence. Howards looks over the FILE.
BARRETT (CONT'D)
Sorry sir, but I still don't know what you want from me.
HOWARDS
I want to transfer you to Boston, under me.
Shocked silence.
BARRETT
But Boston has the highest crime rate in the entire nation.
HOWARDS
Yes it does.
BARRETT
And the men on your team are world renowned as some of the best in the world, rivaling even Britain. How can a small-town agent like me hope to make it.
HOWARDS
I'm not saying you will. I'm saying you have a chance. It's hard work, hardest in the nation. The only thing more likely to you quitting is you being killed.
(Standing)
You've proved yourself Fuzzoni. You've impressed my bosses and you've impressed me. We want you on our team. And that's not a request. I want you on the morning train to Boston. No questions. Good night.
He stands, putting the FOLDER into his JACKET, and putting on his HAT. He turns and leaves, closing the door behind him. A STRANGE NOISE is heard. Barrett remains still, staring at the closed door. Juliet WHINING at the door breaks the spell. Barrett goes over and opens the door, letting her out. He collapses on the COUCH and she jumps up next to him. He absentmindedly pets her.
BARRETT
Looks like we're going to Boston.
FADE OUT.
