A KILLER DATE

Written by

Cyprian Francis

2741 W. Congress PKWY APT 1E

Chicago, IL 60612
708-990-3940
Cyprian@cyprianfrancis.com
INT. CHICAGO OFFICE - FRIDAY AFTERNOON
SAWYER SMITH, an attractive Ben Affleck type, is diligently
working at his startup office. Hes running around, typing
emails, and talking on the phone. He carries a printer up
three flights of stairs, through a long corridor, into a
small back office. Out of breathe, he sets it on a desk. He
walks into another room where is partner Jon sits, typing
away at his laptop. Sawyer pops his head in.
SAWYER
So I think thats it for me today.
Thats the last of it.
JON
Alright. Great. Awesome work
today.
SAWYER
Everything is set for next week
too. Ready to rock an roll. If
you dont need anything else, Im
going to head out.
JON
No. Thats good. Ill see you next
week, and text you if anything else
comes up.
SAWYER
Alright, have a good weekend.
(shaking his fist) Were getting
there.
JON
We are. Ok. See ya later.
Jon nods and Sawyer leaves the room, gathering his things,
and heading out of the building, into busy rush hour traffic.

EXT. CHICAGO BUSINESS DISTRICT - CONTINUOUS

Sawyer blends into the sea of people leaving work. Crossing

busy intersections, a bridge, amongst the incredible Chicago
architecture. He walks down the stairs onto the subway.

INT. CHICAGO CTA TRAIN - CONTINUOUS

Sawyer sits on the train playing with his phone, swipping
left and right as he fumbles through a number of different
dating apps.
 2.

Hes focused on liking just the cute girls, as he glances

at the people around him, and stares out the window,
mesmerized by his city around him.
CUT TO:

INT. CHICAGO APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

In an empty living room, TRAVIS, a young millennial type, is
clicking away at his PS4 controller, as Derrick Rose and the
Chicago Bulls beat up on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an epic
game of NBA2K15. We hear the keys jiggle at the door, as
Sawyer walks in, and collapses on the couch.
SAWYER
What a fucking long day man.
Travis clicks away with no response.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
This your season?
TRAVIS
Yes sir. 25 and 0 baby.
SAWYER
God damn! Is this Heisman?

TRAVIS
You know it.
SAWYER
Thats why I cant play you
anymore.
TRAVIS
I know. Its a shame.
Sawyer stands up. Walks to the fridge to grab something to
drink. Hes tired.
SAWYER
What are you doing tonight?

TRAVIS
My boy has a show in Wrigley. You
wanna go?
SAWYER
Maybe. Im waiting for a call.
He searches for something to eat.
 3.

SAWYER (CONT'D)
You eat yet. Damn Im hungry.
TRAVIS
Yea. Im straight.
No luck. Sawyer grabs a pillow off the couch and lays down,
very comfortably. Watching the game and playing on his
phone, as he doses off.

INT. CHICAGO APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

An hour passes and Sawyers phone dings as he receives a few
text messages. His roommate looks over to see if it was his
phone, but its not. It dings again. Same result. He
receives a few more messages, but then the phone rings,
blasting Wiz Khalifas We Dem Boyz. Sawyer wakes up and
answers.
SAWYER
Yo man. Whats good?
On the other line his friend FANYI.
FANYI
Yo man. What you doin tonight?
SAWYER
Shit. I was fucking sleeping, till
you woke my ass up.
FANYI
Well wake the fuck up. You want to
go to a party?
SAWYER
What party?
FANYI
A house party. Kim, Katie, and
Tiffany, are throwing down in Hyde
Park tonight. You know your girl
Lindsay is suppose to be there too.
SAWYER
Ah shit! Lindsay. You now Ive
been trying to hollar at her. Hell
yea! Im there. What time?
 4.

FANYI
Im thinking like 11. Im already
down here, so youll just have to
meet me here. No way Im heading
back your way.
SAWYER
Yea, alright. That sounds good.
Im going to get ready and see you
down there later then.
FANYI
Bet. Ill see you later.
SAWYER
Ight. Peace.

Sawyer hangs up, and continues to browse through his phone.

He opens his dating app to check a message from one of the
girls.
Hi you! Text me if your down 708-262-1723. BTW checked out
your Instagram.. You know Sean Murphy? LOL Small world.
You must be a pretty cool guy then. Wink Face.
Hes thrown off by what he sees, but also excited. He grabs
his roommates attention.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Yo man, look at this message this
girl just sent me.
He shows him his phone. They both look at the screen.
TRAVIS
Damn, you know her?
SAWYER
I do not. But she says she knows
my boy Sean. I never thought it
would be this easy.
He screen shots the message and texts it to Sean. He then
copies the number and creates a new contact in his phone.
Followed by an intro text to the girl.
Hey there Jessica. Its Sawyer from Bumble. Thanks for the
number. Yea, Sean is one of my best friends. Up to anything
tonight?
 5.

INT. CHICAGO APARTMENT BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Sawer walks into his room, takes his shirt off and looks for
an outfit to wear. The phone rings. He answers.
SAWYER
Yo.
SEAN
Yo man. Who is that?
SAWYER
Some girl that knows you man. Hold
on. Let me send another picture.
He quickly screen shots a photo of her, and sends it to Sean.
SEAN
Oh man. Thats Jessica Stephens.
She grew up with my sister. Dude
shes so fine. What did you say?
SAWYER
She messaged me first. I said you
were my boy. Im seeing what shes
on tonight. What are you on?
SEAN
Man. I have to go to dinner with
my brother and his girlfriend.
SAWYER
Where at?
SEAN
The Athenian Room.
SAWYER
Ah man, thats like one of my
favorite restaurants.(beat) Well
Im going to see if this girl wants
to go out, otherwise Im meeting up
with Fanyi, and hitting up this
party down in Hyde Park. If you
want to make it down there let me
know.
SEAN
I probably wont. But you should
hollar at Jessica. Shes fine.
SAWYER
Dude, Im trying.
 6.

SEAN
Yea man. Good luck then. I gotta
run. Hollar at you later.
SAWYER
Alright man. Later.
He hangs up and texts Jessica back while continuing to get
ready. He irons a shirt, shaves, and hops in the shower.
Reemerging as a changed man, ready for the night.

INT. CHICAGO APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

Sawyer confidently walks back into the living room.
SAWYER
Duuuuude. Im meeting up with this
girl right now.
TRAVIS
Really! Thats awesome.
SAWYER
Yea. Ill hit you up if it falls
through. But damn. I feel good
about this one. Too fine.
He opens the door to leave.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Hollar at you later.

EXT. CHICAGO APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

Sawyer walks out of the building, into his car. He starts
the engine and drives off into the streets of Chicago, as the
sun sets. He picks up the phone to make a call.
FANYI
Yo.
SAWYER
Yo man. Im meeting up with this
chick off Bumble right now, so I
might not make it down there right
away. Just wanted to let you know
in case I dont.
FANYI
What the fuck is Bumble?
 7.

SAWYER
Its a dating app. Like Tinder,
but with better looking females.
FANI
Ight. Just hit my line.
SAWYER
Ight peace.
Sawyer drives off, while texting and jamming out.

EXT. HIDDEN SHAMROCK BAR - EVENING

Sawyer parks his car and walks into a popular Chicago sports
bar.

INT. HIDDEN SHAMROCK BAR - CONTINUOUS

Sawyer sits down at the bar. He knows the bartender, and
they dap up.
SAWYER
Yo man. Whats good? How you
doin?
BARTENDER
Good. Good. Been working all day.
Its going to be a long night you
know. Youre up here early. What
can I get you?
SAWYER
Let me get a Laguanitas.
BARTENDER
IPA?
SAWYER
Yessir.(beat) So Im meeting up
with a girl right now. Ive never
met her in person, so I thought I
would bring here somewhere Im
comfortable. Giving you a heads up
in case I have to pull a fast one.
The bartender laughs a bit.
BARTENDER
Yea ok. Thats fine. Ill do what
I can.
 8.

He hands Sawyer the drink and goes to address another

customer. Sawyer takes a drink and plays with his phone.
Moments later, he looks up to the entrance of the bar, where
he sees a cute blonde girl standing. She stops at the door,
and sends a text before fully stepping in. Shes unsure of
something. Sawyers phone goes off. He realizes its her,
but she keeps looking around for him.
SAWYER V.O.
Damn, shes here. She dont look
to bad either. Damn. Alright,
alright. I got this.
He extends his hand and waves, while cracking a small smile.
JESSICA, a cute sophisticated girl, recognizes him, smiles
back, and walks over. He stands up to greet her.
SAWYER
Hey! Jessica right?
JESSICA
Yea. Sawyer?
SAWYER
Yes mame. Like the infamous Tom
Sawyer.
He laughs at his joke. She doesnt get it.
JESSICA
Who?
SAWYER
Tom Sawyer? Do you know who that
is?
JESSICA
Never heard of him. Is that your
friend?
Sawyer pauses.
SAWYER V.O.
This girl doesnt know who Tom
Sawyer is.
He grabs a seat for her.
SAWYER V.O. (CONT'D)
Next topic.
 9.

SAWYER
Never mind. Thats a bad joke. So
thanks for coming out.(beat) I
didnt think we would meet up this
quick you know.
JESSICA
Why not? I didnt have anything
planned tonight, and this is right
around the block from me.
Beat. As they feel each other out.
SAWYER
So are you from Chicago? Because I
read your profile.
JESSICA
Yea kind of. I grew up here, but
spent the last 7 years in Arizona.
Thats actually how I know Sean. I
think we went to the same high
school.(beat) How old are you?

Sawyer cringes at the question.

SAWYER V.O.
Fuck man. Whys she gotta ask me
how old I am? Didnt you see that
on my damn profile.
SAWYER
Im a few years older than you I
think. I just turned 30.
Beat. Shes silent. She didnt realize how much older he
is. Awkward silence.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Would you like something to drink?
He waves on the bartender, he approaches.
BARTENDER
Hey. What can I get you?
JESSICA
Do you have wine?
BARTENDER
Not really.
She grins.
 10.

SAWYER V.O.
This chick drinks wine. Jeez.

Sawyer shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

JESSICA
What kind of Vodka do you have?
The bartender points at the bottles behind him.

BARTENDER
There you go.

She gazes over the selection.

JESSICA
Hmmmm. How about a Grey Goose
Vodka and Soda.

SAWYER
Grey Goose... Really? Thats gotta
be the most expensive liquor on the
wall.

JESSICA
Well its for my figure.

She struts it off a bit. He stares.

SAWYER V.O.
Damn. She is bangin though.

SAWYER
Out of all those liquors you gotta
choose Grey Goose hu?(chuckling)
Shes a bit offended.

JESSICA
Do you have a problem with that?
SAWYER
Na, na. Do you girl.
Beat.
JESSICA
After we broke off the engagement
Ive really been watching my
figure.
SAWYER
Engagement?
 11.

Shes slips up.

JESSICA
Oh my!

Covering her lips in embarrassment.

JESSICA (CONT'D)
I shouldnt have said that.
Sawyer is confused, a bit disappointed.

SAWYER
No no. Now thats its out there.
Its ok. So you were engaged?
JESSICA
Well, last week......

She rambles on, while Sawyer analyzes the situation in his

head, staring blankly at her mouth moving.
SAWYER V.O.
Damn. This girl just called off
her engagement last week. Theres
no way I have a chance with her
tonight. I might as well hit up
that party and hollar at Lindsey.
He looks at his watch.

SAWYER V.O. (CONT'D)

How am I going to get out of this?
She continues rambling on as he nods his head.
JESSICA
And then we got into a huge fight
at my friend Ambers going away
party. Amber is like one of my
best friends, and I just didnt
understand why he couldnt just
chill out that night?
Chugging her drink.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
Thats what really started
everything. Hes been staying at
his brothers place.
Sawyer looks at her funny?
 12.

SAWYER
You guys still live together?
JESSICA
Yea, unfortunately. But hes
suppose to get his stuff this week.
SAWYER V.O.
No fucking way man.
She finishes her drink.
JESSICA
Do you mind if I have another?
God, its been a long day!

Sawyer has lost complete faith in the opportunity.

SAWYER
Go for it.
SAWYER V.O.
This girl is using me for drinks.
Leaning back in his chair, waving at the bartender. Jessica
orders another drink.
JESSICA
Ill have another please.
The bartender looks at Sawyer. He shrugs in acknowledgement.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
Do you know where the bathroom is?
SAWYER
Yea, right there to the left.
JESSICA
Ok. Please excuse me. Ill be
right back.
Sawyer watches her as she walks away. He looks up in
frustration.

SAWYER
Fuck!
He reaches into his pocket, pulls out some cash, and waves
the bartender over.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Yo man. Code red. I have to run
on this girl. This bitch is crazy.
(MORE)
 13.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
I think she might still be married.
I dont have time for all this
shit.(handing him cash) This
should cover everything. Just tell
her you dont know where I went.
The bartender laughs.

BARTENDER
Yea man. Whatever you say.
Sawyer jets out of the bar, making sure hes not seen bailing
on his date. Jessica soon walks out, and aimlessly looks
around for him.
CUT TO:

EXT. HIDDEN SHAMROCK BAR - EVENING

Sawyer jogs away from the bar, placing a phone call in the
process. Fanyi answers, but its really loud in the
background.
SAWYER
Yo man. How is it?
FANYI
My G, its crackin up in here.
Come through. Im going to text
you the address.
SAWYER
Bet. Im on my way.
He increases his jog, as he looks behind him. His phone
starts ringing. Its Jessica. He denies it. It rings
again. He denies it, again, and logs into his phone settings
to block the number. He walks to his car and drives off,
eager to get to the party.

EXT. GHETTO GAS STATION - EVENING

The surroundings change dramatically as Sawyer pulls into the
beat up gas station, where a group of panhandlers stand out
front. Sawyer parks and cautiously looks around as he buys
gas and a pack of White Owl blunts. He fills up, and pulls
off.
 14.

INT. SAWYERS CAR - CONTINUOUS

Sawyer pulls away from the gas station, driving a few blocks,
and pulling over in a decollete area. He pulls out the White
Owls and unwraps one, dumping the guts out the window. As he
does, he suddenly sees a cute white girl running full speed
across the street, as someone chases after her. The two run
out of sight, but Sawyer is concerned. It looks bad.
SAWYER
What the fuck?
He puts the blunt down, starts the car, and drives around the
corner to see whats going on. As he pulls around, the same
girl hysterically slams into his car, banging in desperation.
Sawyer rolls down the window.

SAWYER (CONT'D)
Whoa! What the fuck is going on?
FIONA
Help me! Please help me! Open the
door. Please!
SAWYER
Yea yea. Come in. Whats wrong?
Are you ok?
Sawyer unlocks the door. She quickly jumps in and bangs on
the dashboard.
FIONA
Go! Go! Go! Please go!
Sawyer drives off. Her hands shaking.
SAWYER
Are you ok? Was that someone
chasing you? What happened?
She just stares ahead.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Should I call the cops?
FIONA
No. We cant call the cops. We
just cant.(beat) I cant believe
that just happened!
SAWYER
What happened? What the fuck is
going on?
 15.

He pulls the car over.

FIONA
Please dont stop. I didnt mean
to do it. I swear.
SAWYER
Do what?
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK:

EXT. UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CAMPUS - EVENING

Fiona happily walks out of her college building, onto a busy
section of campus. A big smile on her face as she ends her
day and heads a few blocks away from campus onto the CTA Red
Line. The scenery changes.
FIONA V.O.
The day started off as usual. I
ended my classes, a little later
than normal, but everything was
fine. I walked to the Red Line
like I always do.

INT. CHICAGO CTA TRAIN - CONTINUOUS

Fiona steps onto the train, her headphones on, playing music,
minding her own business. A few seats ahead, a sketchy
looking man, obviously drunk and high, stares aimlessly at
her. Its creepy. Hes completely mesmerized by her. She
notices, irritation ensues.
FIONA V.O.
When I got on the train, this
creepy fucking guy kept starring at
me. I was totally freaked out. So
at the next stop I got up, and
moved to the next train.
The train approaches a stop. Fiona steps out and quickly
runs over to the next train. The creepy guy follows,
stepping through the back door. He finds a seat directly in
front of her, and continues starring. She notices him
following, and is now upset.
FIONA V.O. (CONT'D)
The guy kept following me! He just
kept starring at me.
(MORE)
 16.
FIONA V.O. (CONT'D)
I was totally creeped out So I had
no choice but to avoid him till I
got to my stop.
The train reaches her stop and she gets out. He follows.
She picks up her pace.

EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - CONTINUOUS

FIONA V.O.
But he kept following me. Once I
got out of the train station, I
could see him following me. So I
started running. I knew he
couldnt outrun me.
Fiona exists the station, turns the corner, and starts to
run. She heads two blocks over, but he keeps following,
pretty fast for a creeper. She then suddenly slips on
something and falls. The creeper approaches fast.
FIONA V.O. (CONT'D)
But I slipped and fell. And.
And.....
While on the ground the creep grabs her. They struggle for a
bit.
CUT TO:

INT. SAWYERS CAR - CONTINUOUS

FIONA
But he grabbed me. I couldnt get
away. Thats when things get hazy.
She put her head in her hands. Shes emotional thinking
back.
SAWYER
What do you mean things got hazy?
Is this guy still out there? We
gotta call the cops. You were just
assaulted.
FIONA
I know but I dont think thats a
good idea.
SAWYER
Why not?
 17.

FIONA
Because....Because I hurt him.
SAWYER
What do you mean you hurt him?
CUT TO:

FLASHBACK:

EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - EVENING

While jostling on the ground, the creep pulls out a knife.
Fiona sees it, and immediately a super power overcomes her,
as she lunges towards him, grabbing the knife and jabbing it
into his side. The anger raging in her eyes. He falls over
in obvious pain, grabbing his side. She stands up and runs
away.
FIONA V.O.
He pulled a knife on me. And I got
scared, so I fought back.
CUT TO:

INT. SAWYERS CAR - CONTINUOUS

FIONA
I dont really remember what
happened next, but he fell over,
and I ran away.
SAWYER
Are you hurt? Do we need to go to
a hospital?
FIONA
No. I think Im fine. Just a few
scratches. Ill be alright.
SAWYER
We have to report this.
FIONA
No, no. Im fine. Just keep
driving.
Fiona takes a deep breathe as Sawyer continues to drive. Not
exactly sure where to go next. Looking over at Fiona every
so often, drawn and attracted to her. She calms down a bit.
Silence.
 18.

FIONA (CONT'D)
Whats your name?
SAWYER
Sawyer.
FIONA
Like Tom Sawyer! One of my
favorite books.(beat) Im Fiona.
She extends her hand. He shakes it.
SAWYER
Pleasure to meet you Fiona.(beat)
So what now?

FIONA
I think I need a drink.
SAWYER
I was actually heading to this
party. Before you stormed into my
car.
FIONA
A party around here?
SAWYER
No. I bit further south. Where do
you live.
FIONA
Near Wrigley.
SAWYER
Ok.
He makes a turn and starts heading north.

FIONA
But I dont have to go home, just
yet.
SAWYER
Oh. What do you want to do?
FIONA
Lets stop somewhere.
SAWYER
Ok. You tell me when.
Beat.
 19.

FIONA
Are you from Chicago?
SAWYER
Yea, ever heard of Oak Park?
FIONA
I love Oak Park!
The two continue in conversation as the car drives off,
slowly fading off into the night.
FADE TO BLACK.

EXT. CHICAGO PARK - EVENING

The creepy guy who got stabbed struggles to get up and walk,
his mouth filling with blood. He tilts over, out of breathe,
and falls to the ground. Hes dead.
FADE TO BLACK.