A SIMPLE PLAN

INT. MITCHELL KITCHEN - DUSKSarah and Hank have been talking, while preparing, eating orcleaning up after dinner.

SARAHThere's no way that money is froman armored car rObbery.

HANKThis isn't a guess, Sarah. The guyfrom the FBI told me that's whereit's from.

SARAHBut that doesn't make sense. Akidnapping makes sense.

HANKHe's searching for a plane full ofmoney. You think there's more thanone of those around here?

SARAHIt's hundred dollar bills, Hank.If it were an armored car, there'dbe other denominations. There'd befifties and twenties and tens ..

HANKWell, congratulations, Sarah. Iguess you know more than the FBI.

Sarah starts to respond, then stops herself. Hank wants tofinish this conversation. Before he can walk away

SARAHDid he show you his badge?

HANKWhy would he show m~ his badge?

SARAHWait. Oh, my God ...

Sarah goes to dresser and retrieves the newspaper Clippings. Sheshows him.

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SARAHIt's the other kidnapper, isn't it?The older one, Vernon. He'slooking for his brother. And aplane full of money.

HANKThe guy I met today was skinnier.He had a crew cut and a beard.

SARAHMaybe he's lost weight. Maybe hecut his hair and shaved his beard.

HANKHe wouldn't be coming around herelike this; it's too big a risk.

(A pause)It doesn't really make adifference, does it? No matter whohe is, I still have to take him tothe plane.

SARAHIf we think it's him, you shouldn'tgo.

HANKWhy not?

SARAHHe'll shoot all three of you, Hank.As soon as he sees the plane.That's why he wants you to go, sohe can get rid of the witnesses.

HANKBut if he's really from the FBI,it'll look suspicious if I don'tgo. It'll look suspicious as hell.

(Beat)SARAH

I'll call the FBI in the morning.I'll ask for an agent Baxter.

HANKThat won't work.at nine. The FBIbefore that.

I'm meeting themwon't be open

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SARAHThen stall them for a bit. I'llcall from here, then I'll call youat the station.

HANKAnd if there's no Agent Baxter?Then what?

SARAHThen you won't go. You'll tellCarl that the baby's sick and youhave to come home.

HANKAnd Jacob?

SARAHSay he's hungover. Carl willbelieve that. No matter who thisguy is, we don't want your brotherthere.

HANKIt sounds like a B.S. excuse.

SARAHWhat do you want, Hank?

HANKWell ...

SARAHYou wanna just walk out there andget shot by this guy?

HANKNo! I don't want to get shot.

SARAHI'm trying to come up with a planhere ...

HANKA plan?

SARAHYeah.

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HANKA plan. Like the one where we tookthe money back to the plane andthen ended up killing Stephenson?Or the one where we taped Louwithout him knowing and then 2 morepeople died? That the sort of planyou're thinking of?Well, I've got a plan. I'm takingthe money back. Right now. All ofit.

SARAHHank!

HANKI'm gonna put it back andevery thing' 11 be just like it usedto be.

(As he goes into other room,to get his coat and theduffel bag:)

God Damn, that fucking money! !

SARAHIs that what you think?

She stops him.SARAH

Is that what you want? Walking offto the feeds tore every morning forthe next 30 years? Waiting for TomButler to retire or die so you canget a raise? And what abOut Amanda?You think she's gonna like growingup in somebody else's hand-roe-downclothes? Playing with other kids'old toys becaus~ we can neverafford to buy her anything new?

HANKSarah. Don't say any more.

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'. SARAHAnd me? What about me, Hank?Spending eight hours a day with afake smile plastered on my face,checking out books. Then home tocook dinner for you, the same mealsover and over, whatever the week'scoupons will allow. Going out torestaurants for special occasions,on birthdays or anniversaries, andeven then watching what we order,skipping the appetizers, waitingtill we get home for dessert? Youthink that's gonna make me happy?

HANKThat's enough. You've made your --

SARAHNo, I haven't done Jacob yet. Whatabout your brother? Back to thewelfare office, the occasional oddjob, but with Lou gone, justhimself and his dog in that dirtyapartment? How long do you givehim, Hank?

HANKStop it!!

SARAHSounds wonderful, doesn't it.Everything just like it used to be.

(End)