The Postman

written by

Brandon Medford

AddressPhoneE-mail

FADE IN:

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

A bike streams across the road.

Andrew, 40's, carries a stack of letters on his postman bike. He wears a postman's uniform and a cheery smile.

EXT- HOUSE DOOR 1- DAY

ANDREW walks to the house door.

He posts the envelope through the letterbox.

EXT. HOUSE DOOR 2 - DAY

Just outisde the property is a locked gate.

He crosses it and walks to the letterbox.

He posts through another envelope.

EXT. HOUSE DOOR 3 -DAY

A dog barks at the man's presence.

ANDREW walks up to him and rubs him on his head.

ANDREWHey there buddy.

He takes a glance into the house.

A family laughing and eating food together. He glumly smiles.

Andrew posts the letter then walks back towards the road.

EXT. ROAD - DAY

He picks up his bike and cycles back into the distance.

2.

INT. HOME - NIGHT

ANDREW takes off his jacket and places it onto a rack adjacent to the door.

He notices a pile of bills on the floor blocking his path.

Andrew picks one up "EDF" sighs and puts it back down.

INT. KITCHEN NIGHT

A Steaming evening's meal sits at the centre of the table which draws his attention.

He takes a quick glance around then goes to sit at the table.

He brings the plate towards him and grabs the knife to tuck in.

Emerging from the stairs a 30 year old brunette woman in her pyjamas, her face is unsually wrinkled and aged.

AMANDA(O.S.) What do you think you're doing?

ANDREW(Losing his breath)

Don't do that.

AMANDAI'll do what I want this is my house. And that’s my lasagna.

ANDREWSorry.

AMANDAThat's s why I leave extra in the pot since you're always asking for seconds.

ANDREWI forgot I..

AMANDASave it.

ANDREWWhy aren't you at work?

AMANDA Called in sick.

3.

ANDREWOh ok. Well I'm sorry I'll make it up to you. Promise.

He goes to kiss her on the cheek. She receives. Coldly.

AMANDAHey At least I'm not gonna be the one who dies before 40.

Andrew sighs and begins to withdraw from the table

AMANDA (CONT’D)I'm not eating that anymore. You finish it.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE DAY

ANDREW'S back on the country road with a stack of new post.

EXT. DOOR ENTRANCE DAY

He posts an envelope through the letterbox.

CUT TO:

EXT. DOOR ENTRANCE 1 DAY

He posts another bubble wrapped envelope thorugh the door.

EXT. DOOR ENTRANCE 2 DAY

The same house as he visited previously previously.

He walks up to it brushes the dog again and posts the letter before returning to his bike.

EXT. ROAD - DAY

He goes through the basket in his bike and picks out a medium sized parcel adressed to "19 DUKE AVENUE".

One of the side flaps had not been properly locked down exposing the contents.

A stack of cash notes.

Andrew glances around making sure none see him.

4.

He takes another look at the estate it is adddressed to.

He carefully agitates the package lifting up the flap opening it to reveal a whole wad of paper notes.

A beat

INT./EXT. DOOR ENTRANCE - DAY

He walks up to the door and knocks carefully.

A long beat.

Andrew dwindles, scuffing his boots into the ground.

No answer.

He knocks again.

Still no answer.

He takes another look at the package and sighs heavily.

He takes the journey back to his bike

EXT. ROAD -DAY

He stuffs his pocket with the package and begins to cycle home.

INT. HOME - NIGHT

Walking back inside with package in hand, he takes another look at the bills.

ANDREWSweetheart?!

No response

INT ROOM - NIGHT

ANDREW rushes upstairs into his room.

He puts the package onto his bed opening it carefully on its side and flicking his hands through the money.

It's something like £5000.

5.

ANDREW(Whisper)

Holy shit...

He quickly stuffs the money back into the parcel.

He walks up to his cupboard and stuffs the package.

FADE OUT

INT. KITCHEN- DAY

ANDREW's tucking into a nice breakfast, feeling good.

Finishing he goes to pick up the landline and pins into the number pad.

ANDREWHello. Yes it's Andrew here, hey I just wanted to say that I don't think I'll be able to come to work today. It's the flu.(laughs) yeah tell the guys I said hi. Ok thanks a lot. Bye.

Hangs up phone and smiles to himself.

A knock from the door.

ANDREW goes still.

He tries goes to the window. Peaking through the curtain.

Andrew walks up to the door and slowly opens it.

Noticing a familiar face he eases up and opens the door fully.

A fairly stock man in a casual t-shirt stands on the other side. This is CHAD.

CHADWhat's up!

ANDREWHey man, come in.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN- DAY

CHAD and ANDREW are both seated at the kitchen table.

6.

CHADFive thousand pounds?!

Andrew nods enthusiastically

CHAD (CONT’D)Well what are you gonna do with it?

Andrew shrugs

CHAD (CONT’D)I mean it's crazy, and you said they just stuffed it in a parcel?

ANDREWLike it was spare change.

CHADShit. Can I see it?

Andrew nods

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM- NIGHT

ANDREW stands next to the cupbaord showing the cash off to Chad.

CHADDid anyone see you take it?

ANDREWNope.

CHADThen what's the problem?

CHAD (CONT’D)Keep it. You're always complaining "if I had a better job" "If I had more money." This is your chance. I'd take it.

ANDREW takes another look at the parcel.

ANDREWI'll think about it.

CHADWell I'll gladly accept it if you don't want it.

7.

CHAD (CONT’D)I need the money man.(Laughs)

ANDREWNo I- I'll think about it.

CHADYou told the missus yet?

ANDREWShould I?

CHADWell...it's your choice man.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

Andrew takes his bike out to the neighborhood.

He parks out of view behind a bush and watches the house.

The lights are lit up.

An elegant middle aged woman emerges from the house, walks out onto the front Garden and smokes.

EXT. CAR DEALERSHIP - DAY

ANDREW'S Bargaining with a dealer next to a ford fiat.

ANDREWHow much for the ford?

DEALERThis baby? 2k.

ANDREWCan't afford that.

DEALERWell who's it for?

ANDREWIt's for er..for the missus.

DEALERBirthday treat eh?(Laughs)

Well I'll offer you 1.5k lowest I'll go.

Andrew gets distracted

8.

ANDREWYunno what I'll think about it. Thanks.

DEALERHey wait

Andrew walks off.

INT. KITCHEN NIGHT

Andrew's preparing stew.

He takes a plate and pours the contents from a pot inside.

He takes it upstairs

INT. WIFE'S BEDROOM- DAY

The door creaks open and ANDREW comes into shadow.

ANDREWHey baby I made dinner.

Amanda is sleeping peacefully in her bed.

Andrew sees her. He leaves the plate on a table.

ANDREW (CONT’D)(Quiet)

Hey I just wanted to say that er...never mind. You sleep.

Andrew walks out.

The thumping rhythms of club music play through the scene and we ...

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET-NIGHT

ANDREW parks his bike outside the bar entrance.

INT. CLUB-NIGHT

Andrew strolls up to the barkeep.

9.

ANDREWGimme a shot.

The Barkeep takes out a glass and fills it for him.

He passes it over.

ANDREW swallows it down in one gulp.

Nodding to himself and orders another.

He takes shot after shot.

After half a dozen he slams the glass down and we..

FADE TO BLACK.

FADE IN:

INT. HOME - NIGHT

The front door unlocks slowly.

A hooded figure emerges holding a crowbar.

He pushes the door aside and walks into the Kitchen.

Searching around he slowly opens up cupboard after cupboard.

Finding nothing he begins to walk upstairs.

CUT TO:

INT. CLUB-NIGHT

Andrew is slumped in the bar chair.

ANDREWAnother.

BARKEEPWoah you sure about that buddy?

ANDREW(Slurred)

Do I look drunk yet?

ANDREW turns to a Farmer on his side.

10.

ANDREW (CONT’D)Howdy partner.

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM- NIGHT

Amanda lays peacfully asleep.

The bedroom door budges twice, then crashes open and we just about catch her terrified scream.

CUT TO:

INT. CLUB-NIGHT

Both ANDREW and the Farmer are drunk.

ANDREWAnd I told her I said I can't afford that. I meanLaughs) I'd love to, you know you just imagine how much you'll spoil your wife if you had the cash?

The farmer grunts

ANDREW (CONT’D)I'd take her somewhere nice, cos I mean she deserves it for putting up with me.

CUT TO:

INT. HOME - NIGHT

ROBBERAre you going to tell me where the money is?

AMANDA is terrified.

She shrilly whimpers.

The Robber marches through the room.

He pulls out the bed. Upturns tables. She screams.

ROBBER (CONT’D)I know you got you it here. You stay where you are.

11.

The Robber storms to the teddy bear sat on her mirror table and throws it to the ground.

The back tears open and the money falls out.

The Robber turns to look at Amanda.

CUT TO:

INT. CLUB-NIGHT

ANDREWBut I love her, I really do. I fucking love my wife! I love my wife!

FARMERI'll toast to that.

Andrew takes the initiative.

ANDREWTo my wonderful wife!

A chink of a glass.

INT. HOME - NIGHT

ROBBERYou're shitting me where's the rest?

AMANDA

I don't know what you're...

ROBBERWhere's the fucking money?!

A hard knock on the door

NEIGBOR(O.S.)Hey what's going on in there!

The Robber goes cold and exchanges a rough look to Amanda.

He grabs the money and rushes down the staircase.

We hear the swing of the backdoor and he's gone.

CUT TO:

12.

INT. CLUB-NIGHT

Andrew's dancing with the farmer.

Making incomprehensible noises.

Barely able to hold himself up.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET-NIGHT

The robber walks briskly package in hand. Keeping to the side of the road. He takes his mask off to reveal CHAD.

In front of him a group of three men walk towards him. Shady.

One: a stock fat dude takes centre and stops him.

MANHey man.

CHAD doesn't respond.

He attempts to brush past them.

The guy's notice the package.

Torn on the side revealing the notes stashed inside.

MAN (CONT’D)Woah ease up.

The Man looks intently at the notes.

CHAD makes a run for it, and from the corner another guy emerges.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET-NIGHT

Andrew stands on the curb with his hand out calling a taxi.

He stumbles as one parks next to him.

CUT TO:

13.

INT. HOME - NIGHT

Andrew forces his way through the door.

ANDREW(visibly drunk)

Honey I'm home!(Laughing)

Walking into the Kitchen he notices the open cupboards.

ANDREW (CONT’D)Sweethart?

A gentle sobbing comes from upstairs.

Andrew quickly walks up to investigate.

INT. BEDROOM- NIGHT

Amanda's in tears.

AMANDAYou never told me about any money.

A beat. Andrew doesn't dare talk.

ANDREWI'm-

AMANDASorry?

ANDREWHow bad was it?

AMANDAOh yunno I was just threatened at knife point by a drug junkie but I think a good night's sleep will take care of it.

ANDREWOh sweethart are you alright?

ANDREW walks up to her to hug her and she fiercly resists.

AMANDATake your hands off me. What the fuck is wrong with you?

14.

She sniffs him

AMANDAAre you- are you fucking drunk?

Andrew gives a guilty look.

Amanda's in pure disbelief.

ANDREWWhere's the money?

AMANDADidn't you hear what I said. We were robbed.

Andrew panics, he rushes up to the cupboard and opens it. Empty.

ANDREWJesus.

He knows exactly who did this.

AMANDAWhat?

ANDREWDid they take everything?

AMANDAHow the fuck am I supposed to know that?

Andrew nods

AMANDA (CONT’D)Where did you get the money?

ANDREWWhat-

AMANDAI wanna know where you got the money. Because you sure as hell didn't earn it. And I want the truth.

ANDREWI kept a mail package.

Amanda gasps

15.

AMANDAHow much?

ANDREWSomething like five thousand

Amanda is in pure shock.

AMANDADo you have any idea how much shit you're in? No I mean seriously.

ANDREWI just thought that the rent and your car that I'd be able to pay it off.

AMANDAWho's money was it?

ANDREWThe croods.

AMANDAThose fucking rich kids with the buggati?

ANDREWI thnk so.

AMANDASo that's how you're justifying it? It doesn't matter if I steal from a rich guy who cares about their problems? And That's just you isn't it. No conscience.

ANDREWWell it doesn't matter anymore does it.

AMANDAThat's it?! You think it's gonna clear itself like that?

ANDREWWell if we can't afford rent we're outta here anyway.

16.

AMANDASure. I'm outta here. You go where you want.

Andrew doesn't compute

AMANDA (CONT’D)This isn't working out. I'm sorry. We're done.

ANDREWYou don't mean that.

AMANDATommorow morning you're packing you bags and you're out. I don't care where you go but I'm sick of your shit. I'm sick of waiting up all night for you to come give me some bullshit excuse, I'm sick of working my ass overtime because you were too lazy to go to work. I'm sick of you treating me like I'm a stranger in my own house.

ANDREWWe can work it out. We'll talk.

AMANDANo! We have talked and talked and each time I forgive you and you never change. No. We're finished. I'm sorry.

FADE TO BLACK.

FADE IN:

EXT. BUS STOP-DAY

Andrew's wield his suitcase.

He sticks out his hand for a taxi.

INT. TAXI-DAY

The car's revving to go.

ANDREWCould we make a stop before we go to the station.

17.

DRIVERIt cost more money.

ANDREWThat's fine.

EXT. STREET- DAY

The road is blocked by cars.

The taxi comes to a halt and ANDREW jumps out.

DRIVERHey!

Police tape gates off a siginificant section of the road.

A large tent has been set up on the path with police patrolling.

OFFICERStay back.

A crowd has formed around the crime scene.

ANDREW rushes up and pushes his way past the police tape into the tent.

CHAD's body lays on the pavement Stab wounds on his stomach.

Andrew cannot compute this.

He notices the empty box lying on CHAD half open with a note cellophaned to the side.

He looks to see the police out busy keeping pedestrians away and brings the box to himself.

Dear Mandy, how long it must have been since I had seen you, I presume you must now be a mature young lady when you come to reading this. I wish I had been able to see you earlier. In any event I wish to part with you what little of my earnings I managed to accuumulate over the years in the hope you will spend it better than I ever could. Yours. Father.

Andrew goes cold. Sirens wail in the distance and we return to..

INT. TAXI-DAY

The Driver has gotten impatient. He beeps the car.

18.

DRIVERHey!

From his PoV we see ANDREW walk out of the tent and towards the police officers.

DRIVER (CONT’D)Hey!

He continues beeping, he watches as ANDREW inaduaibly talks to the officers.

His expression changes understanding what's going on and so we.

ANDREW is handcuffed.

END.