WILD - The conclusion to the ANIMAL saga

INT. POORLY-LIT HALLWAY - DAY

WIDE SHOT: symmetrical HALLWAY WITH DOOR IN CENTRE

The hallway is still and silent.

That immediately changes as a minor creak invades the silence. The door begins to open slowly. We grab a closer look to see STEVE JACOB peering through. He looks blooded and bruised. With a slash across his wrists either side, he can barely stand.

Slow and steady, he proceeds through the empty hallway cautious of any cameras and people that may catch his attempt to escape. That is until he comes across a metal door. He stops and gazes heavily at a plaque with his name in capital letters planted on the outside of the door. But he was not the only victim.

As he quietly transgressed, he could see doors on either side with various names listed on them. Ear-piercing screams and cries exploded from each room. Like a mouse in a snake pit, Jacob continued to head on. That is until he comes across a stream of corridors. Which

way to go? He chooses to go left until-

GUARD

I know, son.

The voice startles him.

GUARD (CONT'D)

But, your mother said no.

A large silhouette appears in the furthest corridor.

GUARD (CONT'D)

I know but I have to work. It's not

ideal, I realise that. But, I have

no choice.

Jacob rushes frantically to hide but he develops a realisation. The man appears to be talking on a phone.

GUARD

Of course, I see what you're saying.

Jacob heads towards the shadowy figure. Peeping out from the wall, he sees a forty-something, Caucasian man. Dressed in khaki pants with a white, puffy shirt, he sees no weapons across his belt.

The GUARD looks distressed while, talking on an old Nokia, multi-keyed phone. Not a smartphone, but good-enough.

GUARD (CONT'D)

I'll be back soon son. We can

discuss it there.

Pulse pounding, blood rushing, Jacob clenches his right fist. A drop of blood trickles down his knuckles and jumps off the tip. The perfectly shaped droplet speeds towards the white ceramic floor. As it hits the ground, Jacob rushes towards the guard. Leeping on his heels with his fist hanging in the air, the guard turns. They lock eyes. He gets closer and closer. Suddenly-

INT. UNKNOWN - DAY

MEDIUM SHOT: A toy RACE CAR ON A WOODEN FLOOR

The toy looks chewed up, as thought it was used by a child. With focus on the car, we see a pair of small hands begin to play with it. Pulling it back, the car races along the ground. As soon as it comes to a halt, it is pulled back further. After being released, it rushes forward with fury and off the top floor to reveal-

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

The car lands on the floor and continues to roll. We hear muffling but, the voices cannot be made out. The car continues to move forward as the voice becomes clearer and louder. It keeps rolling and lands under a table. It is revealed that we are in-

INT. JACOB HOUSEHOLD - DAY

The table vibrates.

TRACKING: MOVE UPWARDS OF TABLE TO REVEAL A SMART PHONE.

The phone has a black screen. Suddenly, it lights up. UNKNOWN NUMBER is calling. Someone picks it up and we see

ANNA JACOB

Hey, I'm not sure what happe-

UNKNOWN

Anna?

ANNA

Steve?

STEVE (O.S.)

(relieved)

Oh my God, I am so glad to hear

your voice.

Anna's eyes water up.

ANNA

Steve is it you? It's been 3

months! Where have you been?

She lets out a tear. Excited and confused, she holds tightly onto the phone.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

It's a long story. Is Jack okay?

INT. JACOB HOUSEHOLD - DAY

ANNA

Yeah, he's fine. Steve, what's

going on?

STEVE (O.S.)

I don't have much time.

ANNA

What do you mean? Where are you?

What's going on?

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

I'm in this hospital or something.

ANNA (O.S.)

Wait, what? Did you hurt yourself?

STEVE

No, not really. I'm in this place.

I think I was kidnapped-

INT. JACOB HOUSEHOLD - DAY

ANNA

(confused)

What?

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

I know it's confusing. But, I'm

gonna need you to find me.

INT. JACOB HOUSEHOLD - DAY

ANNA

Of course, where are you?

Anna scrummages for her car keys.

STEVE (O.S.)

That's the thing, I don't know.

ANNA

What? Are you serious? How are you

calling me in the first place?

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

I knocked this guy out and took his

phone.

The unconscious guard lays on the floor. A fat red bruise on his forehead gazes at Steve.

ANNA

What?

STEVE

Yeah. Are you on your way?

ANNA

Hold on, I'm just gonna drop Jack

next door.

INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - DAY

Jack is playing with his cars until Anna jumps into his room.

ANNA

Come on, Jack.

JACK

What? Where are we going?

ANNA

Mummy has some important business

to take car of so I'm gonna drop

you off next door.

JACK

But, I'm not ready-

ANNA

Now, Jack!

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

A wide smile invades Steve's face as he hears Jack's voice over the phone.

STEVE

Wait, do you mind putting him on

the phone.

ANNA (O.S.)

I don't think we have enough time.

STEVE

Just for a bit.

ANNA (O.S.)

Fine. Someone wants to speak with

you.

JACK (O.S.)

Hello.

Steve burst into tears. He never thought he would he his son's voice again. He tries to compose himself.

STEVE

Jack!

JACK (O.S.)

Dad? Is that you?

STEVE

Sure is. You good, son? Everything

okay at school?

JACK (O.S.)

Yeah. Where are you Dad? I haven't

seen you in ages.

Steve tilts his head down. The realisation strikes him; he has not seen his son in three months.

STEVE

(crying)

Don't worry Jack. I'll be home very

soon.

JACK (O.S.)

You promise.

STEVE

Promise.

(beat)

Would you mind giving the phone to

your mother?

JACK (O.S.)

Sure. Bye, Dad.

STEVE

Bye

(pause)

Son.

INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - DAY

ANNA

Steve, I'm coming to get you. But

you need to find out where you are.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

How? There are no windows and if I

walk a bit further I might get

caught.

ANNA (O.S.)

Is that guy still alive? The guy

you knocked out.

STEVE

Yeah.

INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - DAY

Anna gathers Jack's essentials into a small rucksack.

ANNA

Maybe, ask him.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

Okay, but stay on the line.

INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - DAY

ANNA

I'm not leaving you.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Steve drags the guy onto the wall. Taking his belt off, Steve wraps it around the man's arms behind his back.

EXT. NEIGHBOUR'S HOUSE - DAY

Anna and Jack wait impatiently on the neighbour's porch. Sweating and breathing drastically, Anna approaches the door with her son and bashes her fists against the door frantically.

ANNA

Just ask if you want anything. I'll

be back soon.

JACK

Where are you going?

ANNA

I'm going to get your father.

The door swings open.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

(carefully)

Hey. Wake up.

Jacob continues to shake him until he sees a twitch in the guard's eye.

As one of his eyes slowly proceeds, the sight of Jacob causes his other eye to shoot wide open.

GUARD

(shouting)

Don't hurt me, please!

STEVE

I'm not gonna hurt you! Stop

shouting!

GUARD

Please don't hurt me!

STEVE

(calmly)

I won't. I promise I won't.

GUARD

Then, what do you want?! And why

have you got my phone?

Jacob stands in front of him with the phone in his left hand.

STEVE

I'm just gonna ask a few questions

and then I'll leave you alone.

GUARD

I'm not gonna tell you anything!

STEVE

Look, I know what this must look

like but, I'm just trying to get

home to my family. And you probably

wanna get home too.

GUARD

You're crazy if you think you can

get out of here?

STEVE

That's why you're gonna help me,

sir....

GUARD

Aaron.

STEVE

Okay, Aaron, please. I need to get

home. Just help me out and we can

then both go our separate ways.

AARON

Why should I trust you?

STEVE

Because I am trusting you.

Contemplating the thought, Aaron takes a few seconds to reply until-

AARON

I'll help you but, just don't hurt

me or my family.

STEVE

Fine.

AARON

What do you wanna know?

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

The door slams closed. Firing the ignition, Anna jumped onto the road. The gear stick moved like a snake as her car speeds down a deserted road.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

Where are we?

AARON

Telegraph Avenue. The biggest

building on the street.

STEVE

You get that?

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

ANNA

Yeah.

As Anna speeds down the highway, she quickly presses the address into her phone. But, a problem arises.

ANNA (CONT'D)

There's two different addresses.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

There's two different addresses

Aaron. Which one are we at?

AARON

I don't know.

STEVE

Come on Aaron. You gotta know

something.

AARON

I only know the one! I just know

that we're the biggest building

along the road. I swear I don't

know anything else.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

ANNA

(worried)

The two roads look identical.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

Dammit!

Steve waves his right fist up and down. His cheeks go red as fear settles in deeper.

ANNA (O.S.)

Steve? You there.

Placing the phone towards his ear, he knows what must be done.

STEVE

You're gonna have to choose one

Anna.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

Anna begins to pant heavily. Her voice becomes strained as she says-

ANNA

I don't know Steve.

STEVE (O.S.)

You're gonna have to Anna, we have

no choice.

ANNA

What if I choose the wrong one?

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

I trust you Anna.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

With sheer trepidation, she lets out a sly sight of relief.

ANNA

Okay.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

STEVE

Let's go.

AARON

What?

STEVE

We're getting out of here.

AARON

You know I work here, right?

STEVE

You're just as trapped as I am; you

have a son at home.

AARON

And I have to work to support him.

I don't think I'll have a job

anymore if I help you leave. You

should know that better than

anyone!

STEVE

Oh, I know that very well. I've

been in your position before.

Steve turns Aaron around.

AARON

We are not the same.

STEVE

Maybe, but I know you don't want to

be in a line of work that keeps

people away from their own

families.

AARON

I have no other choice.

STEVE

There's always a choice Aaron. Just

choose the right one.

AARON

How do I know which one is right?

STEVE

You don't. You just gotta feel it.

Aaron stays still contemplating the thought. As he does, Steve unhooks the belt holding his hands together. Placing blind faith in Aaron, Steve turns Aaron around and faces his potential accomplice.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

Swerving like a formula one car, Anna has already crossed five red lights. Darting between the road and her phone, she looks at the "10 minutes" listed on her phone.

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY

Aaron walks into the corridor. Looking from left to right, he signals Steve. Both walk swiftly through the alleyway knowing well they could potentially get caught at any moment.

AARON

There's three cameras towards the

entrance. But, each one has their

own blindspot. You stick to those

and they won't see you. Then, I'll

distract the guards at the front

and then you're Scott free.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

ANNA

I'm 7 minutes away. How far are you

guys?

INT. ANOTHER POORLY-LIT HALLWAY - DAY

Steve was directly under a camera as Aaron causally walks beside him. As the camera moves left and back, Steve rushes forward and out of its line of sight.

STEVE

Almost there.

Aaron turns to face him.

AARON

Who's on the other end?

STEVE

My wife.

AARON

What's her name?

STEVE

Anna.

AARON

That's a beautiful name. You must

be looking forward to seeing her

again.

STEVE

More than anything.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

Anna continues to push forward. Her adrenaline is mixed with excitement as she anticipates her reunion. Three minutes until-

Red and blue lights suddenly dominate her vision. Shining behind her, a police siren exhausts her ears. A look of joy is transformed into a worrisome state.

INT. HOSPITAL EXIT - DAY

Steve and Aaron lay crouched behind the main reception. Peeping up, Steve gazes at the two front doors leading out to freedom. But, two obstacles remain.

The sight is blocked by two security guards. One of whom strolls past the doors. The other is rested against a marble green wall on the left side. In front of the doors was a railing with two metal detectors on either side. Both of the guards have revolvers strapped to their waists.

STEVE

Anna, you there?

Perplexed, Steve looks at the phone. His eyebrows tighten up

as he quietly spouts-

STEVE (CONT'D)

Shit.

With heavy force, he passes the phone back to Aaron.

AARON

What happened?

Steve nods his head downwards. Aaron looks at his phone as it reads: 0% BATTERY.

EXT. TYPICAL LONDON ROAD - DAY

Anna pulls her car to a halt followed by the police car behind her. The African male, forty-something cop jumps out of his car, holding onto a stun gun as the strap becomes loose.

INT. HOSPITAL EXIT - DAY

AARON

I'll distract them. You go around

the right side, away from them.

Stay in the shadows and they're

less likely to stop you. But keep

in mind, the doors have an alarm.

So once you go past them, you gotta

run like your life depends on it.

Let's just hope your wife is on the

other side.

STEVE

Thank you Aaron. Honestly, I really

appreciate it.

AARON

No problem. You go home to your

family.

STEVE

And what's gonna happen to you.

AARON

Don't worry about me.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

Frantically, she tries to re-call Steve. No luck. The policeman is half way there. She looks at the directions again: 2 minutes. Nearly there. But, is it the right address?

POLICEMAN

How are you doing ma'am?

INT. HOSPITAL EXIT - DAY

AARON

Oh my god, am I glad to see you

guys.

GUARD #1

Aaron, what's going on?

AARON

I think someone has left their

cell.

Aaron keeps an eye on Steve as he rests against the wall on the opposite side. Shimmying along the smooth wall in the shadows, he moves slowly. Careful enough not to make a sound.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

ANNA

I understand that. But, I am

running late officer.

She looks at his name tag.

ANNA (CONT'D)

Francis.

OFFICER FRANCIS

Ma'am, you were going fifty on a

thirty road. I have to give you a

ticket.

ANNA

Okay, that's fine. But, please, can

we make this quick.

OFFICER FRANCIS

I will take how long I want ma'am.

INT. HOSPITAL EXIT - DAY

GUARD #2

We were told not to leave our

posts. You know that mate.

AARON

I know but, it's pretty urgent!

GUARD #1

Tell someone else then!

Steve continues to shift slowly and smoothly. His faces pops across a ray of light. Until suddenly, the friction with the marble floor causes a sharp streak to escape. Steve ducks his head behind the railing and metal detector. Both guards turn towards the sound.

EXT. TYPICAL LONDON ROAD - DAY

OFFICER FRANCIS

Can you confirm that's your

address.

ANNA

Yes.

The policeman holds his notepad as he drafts the ticket. But, does so at a snails pace. Anna becomes increasingly uneasy.

INT. HOSPITAL EXIT - DAY

AARON

(yelling)

COME ON! We have to go.

GUARD #1

What was that?

AARON

Probably a pipe burst or something.

We got a bigger issue to solve!

GUARD #2

One sec.

Both the guards converge towards the source of the sound. One guard wraps their right hand around the root of the gun. The other follows suit. Steve faces the exit, knowing that he has no other option.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

Looking towards Francis, she sees him writing slowly, as though trying to spite her. Her heart pounds as hard as a drum. Palms sweating and breath panting, she closes her eyes. Anna rests her hands around the steering wheel. She then lets out one heavy breath. Opening her eyes, she puts her right foot down.

INT. HOSPITAL EXIT - DAY

With his eyes transfixed on the exit, Steve bends his heals. Palms on the floor, he forms an arch with each. Eyes open, heart racing, he is about to leap off the floor until-

AARON

RUN!

Aaron jumps at one of the guards, wrapping his arms around his chest. He falls victim to Aaron's strength. The other guard turns and raises his gun at Aaron.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

Anna shifts the gear into six as she races towards the endgame. Blue and red colours illuminate her surroundings. Clutters of sweat fly off her face as she makes a sharp turn. As she swerves, the fiery officer shouts-

OFFICER FRANCIS

STOP YOUR CAR NOW!

INT. HOSPITAL EXIT - DAY

That is when Steve leaps towards the finish line. Blood flows from Steve's wrists, leaving behind two red trails. The struggling guard sees Steve and yells-

GUARD #1

THE DOORS!

The guard with the gun shifts his aim towards Steve. In a flash, he pulls the trigger.

BAM!

The bullet escapes the gun and joins the race towards the doors. Gaining in momentum, it goes ahead of Steve. Impacting with glass doors, they both explode into a million pieces. Shards clattering everywhere, Steve jumps through the gap as an ear-piercing alarm explodes into a frenzy.

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Steve collides with floor. He releases an agonising pain but picks himself up. He leaps forward and then he sees-

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

Anna notices a small figure running towards her. The blue and red lights disorientate the figure.

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

The guard throws himself out of the hospital. He lifts the gun like an arrow. Steve in sight, he pulls the trigger.

BAM!

The bullet flies out of the hole and eats into Steve's knee. Steve collapses and releases a blood-curdling scream.

INT. ANNA'S CAR - DAY

OFFICER FRANCIS

STOP THE CAR!

Anna races towards the man. She gets closer and closer and the figure becomes clearer.

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

The guard pulls the slider back causing the revolver to turn. Steve crawls frantically towards the car. He raises the gun in Steve's direction. Blood pours out of his leg. Finger on the trigger. Steve wraps his hands around his head. With one quick motion, the guard pulls the trigger.

BAM!

The bullet pierces Anna's car. Jumping towards the passenger door, she launches the door open.

ANNA

GET IN!

Steve jumps in. As he does, another bullet pierces the car. Francis hears the gunshot. Immediately stopping his car, he jumps out.

BAM!

Another bullet is launched at Anna's car. Anna's window turns to liquid as the glass explodes.

STEVE

DRIVE!

Anna punches in the gear. The car races forward. Anna peers at her side mirror to see the guard's figure getting tinier.

OFFICER FRANCIS

FREEZE!

The policeman aims his stun-gun at the guard who lays at the mouth of the steps. The look of dominance transforms into fear as the guard throws down his weapon.

OFFICER FRANCIS (CONT'D)

HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!

Francis approaches him, pulling out a pair of cuff locks. Wrapping them around the guard's arms, the wreckage catches Francis's eye. In the distance he sees GUARD #2 lying on the floor, unconscious. No other person was there.

OFFICER FRANCIS (CONT'D)

What is this place?

FADE TO BLACK:

FADE IN:

INT. KING'S HOSPITAL - DAY

Steve lies on a hospitable bed flicking through channels on a small TV. At the base of the bed, we see a pristine white caste wrapped around his wounded leg. His bruises are covered and moistened while the marks on his wrists are bandaged.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

STEVE

Come in!

The door opens and Anna walks through. Lit with a gigantic smile across her face, she looks relieved and happier.

ANNA

Hey, how are you feeling?

STEVE

Apart from being shot at, not too

bad.

ANNA

(laughs)

Yeah, that wasn't fun.

STEVE

How's Jack?

ANNA

He's good. He's here actually and

so are a slew of reporters.

STEVE

What?

ANNA

Apparently, the "hospital" you were

at was operating illegally-

STEVE

That's not surprising.

ANNA

And they are finally cracking down

on it.

STEVE

What took them so long?

ANNA

Well, there were no witnesses or

victims until now.

STEVE

And they all wanna talk to me?

ANNA

Yep.

STEVE

Before that happens, I want to say

something.

Anna moves closer and leans onto Steve's bed.

STEVE (CONT'D)

Not one day went where I did not

think of you and Jack. I know I

have messed up more times than I

can count but I wanna make right

you know?

ANNA

I know and we will. It will take

time and effort but we'll get

there.

STEVE

Yeah, definitely. But, being in

that place, it made me think about

a lot of things. How I've changed.

How we've changed.

ANNA

When you were missing, I thought

you left us-

STEVE

You know I would never do that.

ANNA

But, considering how we have

drifted apart; I thought it was

possible.

STEVE

I know.

(painfully)

We aren't the same anymore, are we?

ANNA

Yeah, we're not.

(pause)

But, that's fine.

Anna grabs Steve's hand with tenderness. As though they were meeting each other for the first time.

ANNA (CONT'D)

We just need to accept those

changes.

STEVE

Together.

ANNA

Exactly.

Anna leans in and both Steve and Anna share a long-awaited kiss.

ANNA (CONT'D)

Anyways, you're keeping a bunch of

journalists waiting.

STEVE

Right.

ANNA

(sarcastically)

I would say break a leg but you've

already done that yourself.

STEVE

(laughing)

But, before I do, could I see Jack

first?

ANNA

Yeah, for sure.

MEDIUM CLOSE-UP: CAMERA FIXED ON STEVE

Steve stood up in anticipation. With his wide eyes fixed on the door, his mouth widens open. Then, it shifts into a huge, wide smile.

END.