Whispers in the Wind: Part 3 (Finale)

Whispers in the Wind: Part 3 (Finale)

Scene 1

Compton...1994

Mr Johnson: Hey! Hey! Hey! Get back here you silly kids! You didn't pay for that! Give them back!

(Jese, Pedro, Jay and Casey didn't stop running, They ran as fast as their legs could carry them.)

Mr. Johnson: Stop!

Pedro: Haha! That boozoo shouldn't be eating too many donuts!

(They entered a back street and split up. Mr. Johnson knew that he couldn't keep up, he was way out of breath, he couldn't feel his legs.)

Mr. Johnson: Ok...you just wait, just wait till I tell your parents!

(The kids giggled as they disappeared out of sight. After a few minutes they ended up on one of the corners at the edge of their block. Jese emptied his bag. He emptied out sodas, candy, chips, cigarettes and  some army knives.)

Pedro: Haha! We got some good loot!

Jese: I've been dream about this all week bruh!

(They shared out the goods evenly and sat down laughing.)

Jay: You think he saw your face?

Pedro: I don't care. my mama don't use that store and he doesn't know where I live so I ain't bothered. You scared Jay?

Jay: Naw, it's just that I don't want to get grounded again..

Jese: Awwwww.

(They all laughed.)

Casey: Damn, its sooo true what they say, food tastes better when you don't pay for it.

Pedro: Beleeedddd dat! (He high fives Casey.)

(The sun was blazing hot in Compton. A few crews stood on the corner playing dice games and drinking liquor. Some guys sat on the top of a roof of a house smoking weed freely. A short black lady hobbled out of the house and pointed her stick up at them and began cursing them. "You better get your ass off my damn roof! This ain't no smoking society. Get off here before I call the cops on your ass!". "You can't call the cops on us Grandma!? "I bet your ass I will...now bounce...I ain't playing bwoi!". A silver low rider slid through the street bumping NWA. It was like the whole hood stopped to watch. All the chicks stopped talking to whatever dude they were speaking to get a look at the car. It was Jason, he was half black, half Hispanic. He made a lot of money selling crack and doing scams,. He eased up on the crack dealing because everybody knew that everybody was snitching so he had to switch up. But whatever happened he always seemed to have money. Half his family were crips and the other half were bloods. So he could break bread with both crews. He was slim and dark, he had long curly hair. He was well respected. He hooped out of the whip and nodded at a few of the bloods across the street. He turned to Pedro and Jese and smiled. Casey took one more chocolate and walked off without saying anything.)

Jason: I see you kids laughing, what's funny papi?

Pedro: We robbed a little corner store, some knuckle head tried to chase us, no biggie.

Jason: Ha!

Pedro: How's it going man? I need to get me one of those whips cuz.

Jason: Ha! Maybe one day young bull. Where did your friend go? (I looked at Casey as he walked down the street.

Pedro: He helped us rob the store, he's only down for the petty stuff nothing crazy. He ain't down for the real stuff.

Jason: Lil bwoi could make some money, it looks like he could do with some new sneakers.

Jese: He's a mouse, he isn't built for this.

Jason: Jese you remind me of a younger me. Hey check these out. (He walked to the back of his whip and popped the trunk. He reached in and presented them both with a pair of converses.

(Pedro and Jese mouths dropped.)

Jese: COOOOOOOLL!!!

Pedro: This feels like Christmas!

Jason: Ya'll trippin this ain't nothing cuzz.

Jese: Thanks Jason.

Jason: I got ya'll kids back.

Pedro: And we got yours!

Jason: You damn right!

(Jason goes back into the trunk and gives Jese a pack and nods his head in acknowledgement.)

Pedro: What about me? You ran out of work?

Jason: AHAHAHA!!! I like you papi!

Pedro: Come on whats the deal?

Jason: We never run out of work beleed dat, but we gotta move carefully. I'm too pretty to go to jail. ain't that right mami. (He winks at the girl sitting in the passenger seat.)

Pedro: Ight!

(Jason shakes hands with them and hops back in his whip.)

Jason: Imma get that stacks off you in two days. Same arrangement as before cuz, Nice and smooth.

Later that evening....

Mama: How was school Peedy?

Pedro: School was good mama. 

Mama: You still getting those good grades?

Pedro: Of course!

Mama: It's a shame you stopped baseball, you could have made it and brought us some serious deniro in the future!

Pedro: Ha! It's best to focus on the studies and other things mama.

Mama: Don't finish all of the food leave some for your brother.

(She stood up and covered the pot. She had short hair and a small and curvy frame. She had brown eyes and a beauty spot just above her top lip. She was always doing the best for them. He hardly saw his Dad. His mother rarely spoke about him. He wasn't sure if he was a crackhead or dealer or in and out the pen. But he detached himself. Whenever he was in town he had a new story. One minute he was in the church,the next minute he was starting his own company. His uncle Victor lived with them, he paid most of the bills, he had a good job just out the city. He was some sort of contractor, he was always talking about his job but Pedro never paid attention. His mind was in the streets, he just wanted to make paper. Him and jese were serving weed to some of the dealers in the neighbourhood. He took a small cut of the money with each sale. He was happy with that as was Jese.)

Mama: Fernando is asleep. Where is Jese?

Pedro: I will get him mama he is probably playing soccer on the corner-

(The door burst open, Vicor held Jese by the scruff of his neck.)

Jese: Get off me, you are hurting me.

Mma: Victor! What is this!? What are you doing?

(Pedro's jaw dropped. Victor was holding the backpack with the work. Jese had to make one transaction, Victor must have caught him.)

Victor: Sister! Your boy is a drug dealer ! Look at this! (He threw the bag at her feet,. She bent over and held it.)

Victor: Open it!

Jese: No Mama!

(She opened it slightly and tears ran down her face.)

Victor: You see! I caught him at the back of the house standing there looking like he was up to something, I knew that-

Pedro: It's mine.

Victor: What?

Pedro: It's mine. It's not for Jese, it's for me.

Victor: Are you loco?

Pedro: Sorry mama, sorry Uncle. I just wanted him to hold it for me.

Victor: I don't believe you.

Pedro: I'm being serious. He is just a kid, nobody would suspect him.

Victor: You want to get your lil brother in trouble?

Jese: I'm sorry.

Victor: Don't say sorry.

Mama: And where did you get those sneakers in your room? I saw them.

Victor: I got them.

Jese: No-

(His mum ran up the stairs and Pedro tried to follow him but his Uncle blocked him at the doorway. She trashed his room and found weed and cash. She brought it downstairs, she had tears streaming down his face. She slapped him across his face. His face stung immediately, he held back tears. )

Mama: You want to be the big boy? You can go, get out, leave us alone...

Pedro: What?

Mama: GET OUT!!!!

(She threw all of his stuff on the front porch, she didn't say a word. Jese began crying. Fernando woke up and looked at everything from his window. Pedro was upset but he didn't show it, he held it together. Victor looked on sternly and shook his head.)

Mama: Don't come back, you want to live the street life, you can stay in the streets, don't bring my Jese or Nando into your mess! 

End Scene

Scene 2

(Fernando and Pedro sat in the car in silence. Pedro's face was contorted with rage. Fernando wore an expression of anxiety. He could tell Pedro was angry. He had never seen him this angry in years. Pedro had been at such a positive place for years and it was on the brink of being destroyed. Pedro hadn't held a gun or done any crime for a long time. Now he was looking at doing something that would get him 25 to life.)

Fernando: Peedy...

(Pedro sat silently.)

Fernando: Peedy. We haven't got 50 stacks. I still have some money stashed away from when I was dealing but its only 20 stacks...I don't mind giving that.

Pedro: Let me think.

Fernando: Jese is not a serious guy, I should have known this day was coming.

(Pedro opened the door and stood in front of the car. I cried out and began beating the hood on the bonnet. He beat it in rage until his hands were raw. )

Fernando: STOP IT!!!

Pedro: Why!?? WHHY NOW!?? WHY NOWWW!??

Fernando: I know I know but we need to think about this. I know that cartel we can't go all guns blazing. Even if we give them the money they want there isn't a guarantee they will hand over Jese. We need to do something .

Pedro: My little girl needs to get out of town, that is my priority. 

Fernando: Brother...I'm not sure about all this stuff man, it's sounding too risky.

Pedro: So we leave him? We leave our brother?

Fernando: Damn..

Pedro: Jese is an asshole, I tried to pull him out of this shit and now he is dragging me into his.

End Scene

Scene 3

The next day...

(Pedro pulled up to Cassie's place. It was at least a 2 hour drive from his place. He wanted to get Isabella out of the country but he also wanted her close enough so he could keep an eye on her. She had slept the whole journey, Fernando also slept on the way there. Cassie was their cousin through their Dad's side. He didn't really know that side of his family too well but Cassie was always close. She had her own family with 3 kids. She adored Eliza. Cassie was living in the hood and she was a tough chick. She used to be in a crip set but her talent in photography and fashion saved her from the hood. It was a blessing she left because she was crazy. She still was crazy. Half Latina and half African American. Her skin was dark brown, she sported a bouncy Afro. She squealed with joy as the pulled up in her drive.)

Cassie: WHATTT!!?? My big brosss! Oh my God! (She jumped on Fernando and Pedro.)

Pedro: Whoaaa!

Cassie: Haha!

Fernando: Casius Clay!

Cassie: Ha! It's been a long time since anybody has called me that! NANDO YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT!

Fernando: I'm sexy now huh?

Cassie: You are still a nerd.

Pedro: Haha

(Pedro scooped up a now awake Isabella who was yawning.)

Cassie: My angel!

Isabella: Hello Auntie!

Pedro: You miss auntie huh?

Eliza: Yes!

Cassie: I'm going to cry outside! She is looking beautiful! She looks exactly like Bianca! Wow! I am going to keep you missy! (Pedro and Fernando look at each other awkwardly)

(She covers her with kisses and squeezes her cheeks. She scoops her up and leads them into the house. Her sons Jamal, Junior and Joseph were in the backyard playing. When they saw their uncles they stopped what they were doing and came over to greet them. Jamal was 10, Joseph was 8, Junior was 6. All had long plaited hair and caramel smooth skin which glistened in the sun.)

Jamal: Hey! You staying with us again?

Fernando: If I stayed I would kick you ass at fuzz ball and you would go back to school crying so its better I don't stay here. 

Jamal: Oh you wish!

Pedro: You got better at that Jamal?

Jamal: What? I would kick his ass with both eyes closed-

(Cassie clipped his ear.)

Cassie: You not using that language in front of my angel, don't make me get wild bwoi. Now go and fix her a juice and some snacks. 

Jamal: Aww ok ma!

Cassie: I've missed you guys!

Pedro: Where is Ronald?

Cassie: He is at work, I told him you were coming, he's got some baseball tickets. You guys can go and watch tomorrow, then maybe after we can-

Pedro: We need to talk cousin. (His tone soft but serious.)

(She smiled awkwardly and looked at Fernando, who winced.)

(They went to the conservatory. Pedro broke down the whole situation to Cassie. She couldn't hold back her tears. She was tough, , very emotional, she reminded him of Bianca sometimes.)

Cassie: You haven't got a plan? You gonna go there two guns up and hope that asshole is going to hand over your brother?

Pedro: We will work it out, I still know some people in the street. They still owe me loyalty.

Cassie: What about Jese's goons? Where are his workers?

Fernando: All scattered like rats.

Cassie: Pedro, this is the life that he has chosen. Let him lie in his bed, he knows the deal when you get caught in the street life. Do not make this your problem-

Pedro: I lost my friends to that life, I lost my wife, I can't lose my brother.

Cassie: And you want to risk losing yourself and Fernando's? Tell me what you gain from that?

Pedro: Cassie, please I didn't come to go back and forth. I can't leave my brother like that. I have to protect him.

(The kids ran around the house. Eliza was squealing with joy. Pedro's heart sank but his face was still blank.)

Cassie: You know I love Eliza , I will do anything to keep her happy and safe even though her father has gone loco!

Pedro: Cassie!

Fernando: Cassie!

Cassie: No! You left the hood and showed us all that is the best thing to do, now you are walking right back into a bear trap.

Fernando: It's complicated.

Pedro: Cassie-

Cassie: Get out! I will do my best to watch over Isabella, but as for you just get out of my face. I'm not happy.

(At that Fernando and Pedro got up and left. Pedro walked towards Isabella and kissed her forehead. He held her tight and Eliza kissed him back. She wriggled out of his grip and ran with her cousins. She didn't have time for affection. Cassie walked them to the door, she scowled at them both then hugged them both. She whispered "I love you crazy sons of bitches". Typical of Cassie, they were used to it. One minute she loved them. The next minute she cursed them, she was crazy. They both hopped in the whip and sped off. The drive to Compton was going to be long. All now they hadn't discussed any viable plan, they did have some money but Pedro had no intention of giving that money over to the mob boss. He told Stacy that he went on a business trip. One of the many lies he had told her but he did love her. He promised himself that if he got out of this mess alive he would tell her the full truth. Fernando felt in his heart he didn't want to go but he had no choice but to ride out.)

Pedro: Nando.

Fernando: Yes?

Pedro: I'm sorry about all of this. I'm sorry Jese didn't listen when I told him to leave Compton. I didn't try hard enough.

Fernando: It's not your fault. Now we have to clean up his mess.

Pedro: I know.

Fernando: He is an ass hole (Sighs)

Pedro: I love you brother.

Fernando: I love you too brother.

End Scene

Scene 4

(After 3 hours they arrived in Compton. It was just like he had never left. Block parties, kids running around, old ladies stood outside the church. One thing about Compton was that despite all the drama. A lot of the people were happy. Some of the poorest people in America were from Compton but you wouldn't know it. Fernando couldn't help but smile when he saw all the joy in the neighbourhood. Pedro on the other hand had a blank face, he felt rage bubbling. He swore he would never come back to this city again. But here he was, riding round looking for the local gun dealer.)

Fernando: Yoo papi, you mean mugging too much.

(Pedro's face was still screwed up. He felt on edge already. It wasn't fear, he felt uncomfortable. He knew he had to stay focused on the task at hand or he could lose everything. )

Pedro: Sorry man.

Fernando: Loosen up-

Pedro: Loosen up and we get dealt with. Is that what you want?

Fernando: Yoo, chill-

(Pedro ignored him and pulled up outside their uncle's house. They didn't get out of the car for 5 minutes they just watched the area. It seemed pretty safe. A pyro gang stood on the corner but they were practically kids. There were only 3 of them. They didn't care about the older dudes in the hood. They got out of the car and walked up the steps into the house. When they walked in Uncle Carlos's  eyes lit up.)

Uncle Carlos: My boys!

Pedro: Uncle.

Fernando: Uncle! (They embraced)

Uncle Carlos: You still haven't found Jese? Where is he? I'm worried about him? I haven't seen him for a few days. He came to drop me some money the other day, I told him I didn't need it but he dropped it anyway.

Pedro: Uncle you need to go.

Uncle Carlos: What? 

Pedro: Uncle, it's not safe. You need to go today. 

Uncle Carlos: This is my home??? Where would I go? I haven't hardly got any money/

Pedro: Don't worry about that.

(A big van pulled up and 2 men hopped out and pulled up.)

Pedro: These men will take care of you. I can't risk anything happening to you old man.

Uncle Carlos: What happening? What are you doing?

(Pedro tapped Fernando and nodded towards the car, they walked out whilst their Uncle called out. Pedro couldn't risk anything happening to his remaining family in Compton.. He arranged the delivery men to help his auntie move out with her children as well.)

Fernando: You did the right thing amigo.

(Later that day they took a trip deeper in the hood. They went to their old corner to meet an old friend G Dee. G Dee had been the local gun dealer for the longest time.  He was never really in Compton, he always kept a low profile, you would be lucky to keep him around longer than an hour. He did his business and bounced that was his style. If you were even ten seconds late for an appointment he would leave with no hesitation. They waiting outside an old apartment building. They came 10 minutes early, they knew better than to play with his time. Soon enough G Dee arrived. He was always well dressed and smooth, you would have never though he was an illegal arms dealer. He was mixed race. He had a long beard and blue eyes. He was still skinny, this was probably due to smoking cigarettes 24/7. )

G Dee: You know how I do it. Let me get in the back.

(He hopped in the back seat.)

G Dee; Shotgun, 30 clips. 10 already in the chamber. I got a hand gun too, fully loaded, but I haven't got any extra bullets so you gonna have to make it count. Deal?

(Pedro examined the guns closely. He had been in some shoot outs but he never ever looked at what gun he had, he just took what was given to him and got busy. He looked at the mirror and saw G dee in the backseat looking outside the window.)

Pedro: You ok back there?

G Dee: Do we have a deal?

Pedro: We got a deal amigo. Thank you.

G Dee: $2,000?

Pedro: Deal (Fernando handed over bag stuffed with cash.. G Dee counted it and stepped out of the car. He looked back and walked back to the car.)

Fernando: Yes?

G Dee: Wait? Didn't you move out of the hood?

Pedro: Mind your business, you didn't see us.

G Dee; Ight.

(The engine rumbled loudly as they pulled off. G Dee stood and watched as they dipped out. He took out his cell and dialled a number.)

G Dee: They have come boss. They just left 14th street where I met them, they heading towards 3rd Av.

(He hung up the phone and threw the cell through the drains.)

End Scene

Scene 5

(Pedro pulled up at the traffic lights. He took a deep breath, he was fully loaded, he had no idea what the police patrol was like in the city, but he had to keep it together. When they were younger they would track how often the feds came around, usually there was a pattern but but there was no time for that. His phone rang. It was an unknown number, he pulled up.)

Pedro: Who is this? Where is my brother?

K Dawg: Yo! Slow down! Its me!

Pedro: K dawg??

(K Dawg was Jese's right hand man, they had been friends from school.)

K Dawg; Yoo man, the block is hot, the snatched Jese. They almost grabbed me too but I was lucky.

Pedro: Where is Jese!? We are in the city now.

K Dawg; Ight, I'm at an abandoned building opposite your Mom's old crib, Jese used it to stash some of his money and his work here. He told me to take this out of town.

Pedro: I'm coming now!

K Dawg; Becareful amigo, this guy has eyes all of the city-

(Suddenly as Pedro was pulling off a jeep rammed the back of his car. Everything slowed down, everything was silent apart from the ringing in his ears. He could see Fernando shouting in the corner of his eyes but he couldn't hear him. 2 men in balaclavas dragged them out of the vehicle. One of them gun butted Pedro and he doubled backwards. The other grabbed a pistol and shot at Fernando but hejumped out the way. The bullet ricocheted off the trash can. Pedro's eye swelled up immediately, his vision was seriously blurred. Suddenly another van pulled up and there was some shout and one or two shots were let off. Another group of men with balaclavas came on the scene arguing. He couldn't hear anything. He called out Fernando's name but there was no reply. There was more screaming and shouting but no sirens. He became frantic, calling out Fernando's name. Out of nowhere somebody grabbed him from behind and hoisted him up and tossed him in the back of a van, he hit it with a thud. He lay flat on his back and heard another thud beside him.)

Fernando: Pedro! It's me, Nando!

Pedro: WHAT!? Thank God! What's happening? 

Fernando: I'm here brother.

(Pedro quinted up and winced as the van's engine grumbled and the van began to move forward. A lady stood over him. He thought he was dreaming.)

Pedro: Bianca????!! Is that you!!?

Sienna: No, close enough, it's Sienna. Bianca's little sister. Driver step on it before the cops come!

End Scene 

Scene 6

(A few hours had passed. Pedro lay on the sofa half awake with an ice pack on his face. His head was still ringing but he was lucky to even be alive so he didn't complain. He and Fernando had made it out. The living room was small, a few dudes stood at the doorway staring in at Pedro and Fernando on the sofa. Sienna walked back into the room. he had seen her once since he left Compton. The last time he saw her was Bianca's funeral. He offered her out of the hood but she wasn't responsive to his advice. She instead decided to stay in the hood. She dropped out of school and began hustling. She started doing credit card scams and slowing worked her way into drugs. Now she was operating in both markets full time. She had a lot of clientele. He had did a few deals with Jese and Fernando earlier in the year. Pedro knew that she was devastated when Bianca died, at the funeral he told him she had forgiven him and it was her fault for getting involved in the mess. She tried to stop her following him that fateful night but Bianca didn't listen to anybody.)

Sienna: Are you two ok?

Pedro: Gracias.

Sienna: You are family, don't say that, this is normal.

Pedro: No, you didn't have to. You risked your life for me even though I'm the reason your sister isn't here. And you still put your neck on the line.

Sienna: You talk too much, here, have a beer. 

(Fernando shuffled in his seat. He hadn't spoke throughout the whole journey there.)

Pedro: Aren't you going to say thank you?

Fernando: How did you know we were there?

Sienna: Ha! What?

Fernando: You heard me?!

Sienna: If you must know we were on our way to do a job. It just happened to be your lucky day.

Pedro: Stop asking stupid questions this is familia! Stop talking and call K dawg. Tell him to come here, he says he knows where that asshole is.

Sienna: What asshole?

Pedro: The Dominican? 

Sienna: Ricardo? His name is Ricardo?

Pedro: He has my brother.

Sienna: I know, the streets talk. 

Pedro: Sienna, you saved my life, but if you could just give me the address.

Sienna: Hmmm, it's not so simple.

Pedro: What do you mean? 

Sienna: I mean this guy is an asshole but he is not stupid. He is on the brink of putting Jese out of business. He has a lot of people in the city that have his back. He has a lot of property. There is no telling where Jese is. 

Pedro: Give me one address. I will find of of his henchman and torture them myself until I get the answer.

(Sienna laughed.)

Pedro: Sienna? Whats funny?

Sienna: What is funny is that you think people still care about you rep? Or fear you? There are still some people that call you a pussy for leaving here. And you got caught slipping a few hours ago with ease, you were lucky I saved your ass.

(Fernando called K Dawg 3 times and got no answer.)

(Pedro froze.)

Sienna: But that is neither here nor there. We both have a common interest. I need to get rid of Ricardo so my business can thrive. He took Jese off the streets. It's only a matter of time before he turns his attention to my operation. 

Pedro: So when do you intend to make your move?

Sienna: Tomorrow night.

Pedro: So you know where to go?

Sienna: Yes I have a friend that will help me. (She nods at the men at the door. One of them walk out and within two minutes he was back. He dragged in a blindfolded man. He was wailing and weeping. He was blindfolded and his hands were taped together.)

Leroy: That big ass house by 23rd street. I told you already please, just let me go. 

Sienna: Naw you coming on a trip with us. 

Pedro: Nice.

Sienna: One of his mobb men I caught him snooping around the area so we grabbed him. He's a good singer.

Fernando: Pedro, we don't need her help.

Pedro: Are you crazy? She has the guns and the bread to help.

Sienna: Look Nando, if you don't like the cold close the window.

Fernando: I'm tired of this, I've been shot before, almost got shot again today. I'm copping out.

Pedro: Don't be silly, call K Dawg, when Sienna gives the order we move in on that guy.

Fernando: HE AIN'T BEEN ANSWERING MY CALLS HE AIN'T COMING AND I AIN'T COMING NEITHER!

Pedro: Think about what you are doing brother! We got this far-

Fernando: Cassie was right, you are crazy, you brother me out of here and you want me to come back? I'm not dying for that asshole.

(He left and slammed the door.)

Pedro: PUTA!

(Pedro wiped the sweat off his head. Sienna came behind him and gave his shoulders a squeeze. Almost like a massage. She followed him out to the balcony and gave him a cigarette. He took a few puffs and stared into the darkness. Sienna stared at him, she had always found him insanely attractive but for obvious reasons she could never act on her desires. When Pedro had the streets on lock down, his aura attracted all the girls but he only had eyes for Bianca. Even without any street credibility or dominance there was still something about him that pulled Sienna towards him.)

Sienna: She loved you so much you know.

Pedro: I know, I loved her too, I still do.

(She winced)

Sienna: I do miss her. How is your daughter?

Pedro: Our daughter is fine, and her name is Eliza.

Sienna: Same name as our Grandma.

Pedro: Yes, and you still haven't seen her. Whenever you decide to leave this lifestyle try and visit her. She would love you, I'm sure Bianca wouldn't be happy you haven't seen her since we left.

Sienna: It's complicated-

( Pedro's phone vibrated, he picked it up. She sent a picture of Eliza sleeping. He looked at the picture and threw his phone across the street. He didn't need his emotions to distract him. He had a job to focus on.)

End Scene

Scene 7

(Biggie's "Who Shot ya" played out of one of the whips in the convoy)

Biggie: NEIGHBOURS CALLED THE COPS AS THEY HEARD MAD SHOTS!

(Pedro and Sienna sat at the front. Pedro was strapped and focused. He wanted to do the job as quickly as possible. Sienna had her men at the front of the house with some cash. The plan was to pick up drugs in exchange for money. Very simple apart from the house was not an ordinary house, it was practically a mansion. There were so many exits and entrances. Ricardo's men opened the gates and 8 men came out the front and they began to talk about the transaction.)

Sienna: You feel good?

Pedro: Lets get this shit done. My little girl is waiting for me.

Sienna: This punk needs to hurry up.

(Pedro hops out and crept past through the bushes. He pulls his mask on tight and hops over the back fence. Sienna follows suit. She moves stealthily almost like Cat woman. There was one short man stood on the back door. Pedro crept behind  him and tackled him to the ground. He gave him two punches to the nose and sliced his ear. He looked at Sienna whilst he fell back and began to mouth something inaudible.  

Guard: What? Why are you...

(She stamped on his head and knocked him out cold. They climbed through the window and landed in the kitchen. The kitchen was huge, marble floors and high ceiling. Ricardo was definitely the King pin. He could hear muffled voices from the next room. Almost sounded like laughter, this enraged Pedro. Sienna pulled him back but he shrugged her off. This was it now, he was angry, he wanted to shoot up the whole room. He kicked down the door. 3 men sat at a table playing cards. 2 fairly short men, tanned complexion. One at the end of the table was pale and skinny. He wore big gold rings and had a moustache. Pedro pulled out his strap and waved it in the air.)

Pedro: Nobody move! One move and I will blow your brains across this whole place. Where is my brother?

Sienna: You heard him asshole!

Pedro: Where is he??!

(Ricardo stepped forward smiling with his hands raised, his gold rings glistened under the light of the chandelier.)

Ricardo: You must be Pedro. Good evening.

Pedro: Listen-

Ricardo: This is my home I have to welcome you no?

Pedro: Give me my brother, so we can end this.

Ricardo: And who is this pretty lady?

Sienna: Shut up asshole.

Ricardo: Sorry to be so crude, I just wanted to make the atmosphere a little less serious. If you don't laugh you will cry. 

Pedro: You have 10 seconds.

Ricardo: Do you have my money?

Pedro: You ain't getting money, you can have your life.

Ricardo: That wasn't the deal amigo. (He was sweating.)

Pedro: We got a new deal now. I get my brother, your boys give Sienna all the work and money. 

(Shots were fired outside the house. Pedro grinned.)

Pedro: You hear that music outside? The game is over for you pussy. 

Ricardo: Is that so?

Pedro: 5 seconds.

Ricardo: Where is the money?

Pedro: 4 seconds.

Ricardo: Listen you can't play this game, this is not how it works.

Pedro: 3 seconds.

Ricardo: Ok wait, listen to me-

Pedro: 2 seconds.

Ricardo: Look-

(In one swift movement Sienna took the bottle from the table and smashed it on the side of Pedro's head. It shattered immediately. He fell backwards and his gun dropped. He was on all fours now. Ricardo whistled and all the men outside including Sienna's men came in. Pedro's head was swirling as the men came in. They were all laughing. Ricardo grabbed Pedro and shoved him against the wall and smiled in his face. It was a set up, Pedro should have known better. Now he was going to suffer. He was so stupid for trusting Sienna. She still wasn't over Bianca's death.)

Ricardo: Bring up his brother, take him outside, we can have a family re-union. (He pulled in Sienna and kissed her on the lips.) You did good flower, you did good my love. The plan worked, you led him straight to me, I knew he was too stupid. This son of a bitch got your sister killed. You can get your revenge however you want mami.

(A few minutes later the henchmen dragged out Jese and Pedro together. Pedro caught eye contact with Jese. He looked battered but he still smiled at Pedro.)

Jese: Brother, you found me.

Pedro: Ha! Always brother!

Ricardo: Brotherly love! Where is the other rat brother? He ran to the sewers as well? Where are all your friends Jese.?

Jese: You scared away all my friends and my goons but you have brought my brother to me. I don't care about those rats. 

Ricardo: Sounds poetic. Now how would you like to die? I have all your business and Sienna has them too. You have nothing to live for. Your brothers left you here all alone and now you have nothing.

Jese: You think this whore will take you anywhere far?

Ricardo: Watch your mouth!

Pedro: Jese!

Sienna: You have always been stupid, you don't learn! (She screams in anger.)

Jese: You know we didn't wish no harm on Bianca, is this how you are gonna repay her?

Sienna: SHUT UP! SHUT UP!

Ricardo: Ok lets end this, too much disrespect this evening.

(Ricardo pulled out his gun and raised it above Pedro's forehead.)

Pedro: I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier brother.

Jese: You came on time amigo.

(Sienna held her pistol above Jese's head. Her hand was trembling.)

Ricardo: Do you need help mami. Let me assist you exterminate this punk.

(He lowered his gun and slid behind Sienna and gripped her hand and kissed her neck.)

Ricardo: Shoot.

Sienna: Yes..I will shoot..

Ricardo: Don't talk mami, finish it, they took your sister.

(She trembled.)

(Both Jese and Pedro closed their eyes. All of a sudden sirens could be heard and there was a crash. A loud voice could be heard on a megaphone. "Ricardo Cormega come out with your hands up". An array of bodies scattered. All the henchmen fled the scene. Pedro and Jese looked at each other confused. In the midst Jese saw a gun on the floor. He rushed to pick it up. He looked around frantically and grabbed Sienna who was trying to scale the wall.)

Pedro: Nooooo!!!!

Jese: She was gonna kill us brother.

Pedro: If you kill her we are all going to jail, we lose everything, lets split whilst we can.

(Ricardo saw her in the corner of his eyes but he didn't hang back, he left.)

Sienna: Please let me go, I wasn't going to do it.

Pedro: Jese!

(Jese let her go. One of the men that was holding Jese in the basement dropped Jese's phone, Jese dived on it and stashed it in his pocket. Pedro and Jese scaled the wall and ran down the back streets. Pedro followed Jese. He knew the best hidden spots. They ran and ran and ran until they were in a local park. Jese switched on the phone and dialled frantically.)

Jese: K Dawg! Where you at?

K Dawg: Yoooo! You out? What? 

Jese: Come and get us, we are at the park by 56th street. 

Pedro: Ask him where Fernando is!

K Dawg: Yoo! I'm with him now, we coming.

(15 minutes later, Fernando pulled up. He rushed to their aid, both men were battered and bruised. He helped them into the car.)

Jese: It was you that called the feds Nando?

Fernando: Yes. I remebered the address, I figured you would get to that place quite late so I called the cops.

Pedro: So wait, all that shit you was pulling about going back in front of Sienna was a front??!! That was a good idea bro, you saved our lives! HAHAHA!

K Dawg: Damn.

Pedro: We can go home now.

Fernando: Jese, I'm not discussing this with you. You are leaving this place ok?

Jese: Ahh damn.

Pedro: Damn what?

Jese: You damn right, lets get out of this place.

Scene 8

2 years later...

(Music blasted out of the speakers. Sounds of Calypso and Reggaeton. The family were celebrating the 2 year anniversary of their business. They raised money which was also to go to charity. They booked an area of the park. There were 3 BBQ grills, grilling meat, fish and chicken.  Eliza ran around with her cousins and school friends. Stacy's sons played soccer with Jamal and his friends. The sun blazed down, Pedro walked around topless. He had never been this happy before. He drank champagne with his brothers, Uncle Carlos was doing salsa with their Auntie.)

Jese: Damn, when I think about all the years I wasted in Compton, risking my life and freedom it wasn't worth it.

Fernando: We all made mistakes.

Pedro: Look this is what life is about, family, friends and food. We didn't do too badly huh?

Jese: This is the life bro, lets not forget beutiful women too. (He eyed up Stacy's group of friends.)

Fernando: Haha! Slow down boy!

(Pedro grinned.)

Pedro: Ok its time.

(Fernando and Jese grinned.)

Pedro: Ok QUICK SPEECH!

(Everybody gathered around and faced Pedro. He didn't care for celebrations and parties but this was bigger than him. He wanted to show people that no matter what mistakes they have made they could change their lives.)

Pedro: I just wanted to thank you all for coming here today. I won't talk too long. I just want to enjoy yourselves, eat , drink, dance and be merry. I want to thank my brothers for helping me hold it down and staying focused. I would like to thank Stacy my one and only. (Come up here baby girl. She walked through the crowd and everybody clapped.)

Pedro: Baby I love you so much, you helped me with ideas that people here don't even know about, I don't know how much I can thank you but I can only show you how much I love you.

(He went down on one knee and the crowd gasped.)

Pedro: Will you marry me?

Stacy: YESS YESS YESS!

(The crowd clapped and cheered.)

End scene