Read counterpane Page 9

THE COMMAND QUARTERS OF A SUBMARINE, UNDERWATER

  where Manny talks to the CAPTAIN about his mission. Simple holiday decorations are evident.

      

  CAPTAIN    

  I can't put you on the beach now.    

  Guillermo will tear you to ribbons.

      

  MANNY    

  GUILLERMO? Who the hell is Guillermo?

  CAPTAIN    

  What.

      

  MANNY    

  WHAT, WHAT?

  CAPTAIN

  It's WHAT the hell is Guillermo.

      

  The Captain starts to chuckle.

  MANNY    

  Okay. What the hell is Guillermo?

      

  CAPTAIN    

  A tropical storm.    

      

  MANNY    

  So. What's a little wind?

      

  CAPTAIN    

  (into com. system)    

  Bosun. What's the reading on the surface?

      

  BOSUN V.O.    

  One hundred and ten knots per hour, Sir.

      

  MANNY    

  How long before it breaks?   

      

  CAPTAIN    

  (shrugging)    

  Six, maybe seven hours.   

 

      

  THE DUNGEON UNDER THE FORT -

      

  where David sits morosely in a corner, seemingly unconcerned with the Device whose clock now shows one hour and fifty minutes. The wind, now fierce, howls through the corridors.

  COMANDANTE UNO    

  (from the door)      

  Mr. Carson. You have a responsibility     

  to your country to disarm the device.

      

  He holds several red pills.

      

  DAVID    

  So you can free your people?     

  (laughing)    

  You're German, Uno, but you know    

  what mordida is, don't you?    

  You want to know what my mordida    

  is? A call to the New York Times. Now.

      

  COMANDANTE UNO    

  Then die in shame, Mr. Carson.

      

  Comandante Uno clicks his heels turns and walks away.  

 

      

  DAVID'S HOUSE, -

      

  Rosy takes Tommy by the hand and walks towards his bedroom with milk and cookies. Tommy wears his dad's Stanford T-shirt, which drops past his knees.

       ROSY    

  (to Jean, o.s.)    

  I'm putting Tommy to bed, Jean.

      

  JEAN (O.S.)    

  Thanks Rosy.

      

  Tommy's room is a lot cleaner now, but still cluttered.

      

  ROSY    

  Tommy, has anyone ever taught you to pray?

      

  Tommy shakes his head no. Rosy moves to her knees and Tommy follows.

    

  ROSY    

  Madre - de - Dios, please protect - Manuel   

  and David - from danger - and bring     

  them back - safe and sound.

      Tommy repeats every word and a tear rolls down his cheek.

      

  TOMMY    

  And God, please pray for my Mommy     

  in heaven.