Kate's home · Night Swimming (the screenplay)

INT. KATE'S HOME -- NIGHT

[RING-RING] The kitchen phone rings, and Kate rushes from another room.

KATE
I got it!

She answers the phone.

KATE
Hello?

JORDAN
Holy fuck, is Josh there?

KATE
No, why? Are you okay?

JORDAN
Furthest from okay. I just had a really bad deal, and I’m fucking shaken up. I’ve been trying to call him, but I can’t reach him...

KATE
It’s okay, slow down...

JORDAN
I couldn’t think of anyone else to call. Sorry to bother you, just freaking out. That’s all.

KATE
It’s okay, it’s okay... just come over and tell me what’s going on.

JORDAN
I’m a little scattered; you sure?

KATE
Of course! Just come over, and we’ll talk.

JORDAN
Thanks. Thank you... I’ll be right there.

KATE
It’s fine; don’t worry about it. Just relax and tell me all about it when you get here.

JORDAN
Okay, be right there...

Jordan hangs up, and Kate stares at the phone, perplexed, before hanging up.

---

EXT. KATE'S HOME -- MOMENTS LATER

Jordan arrives and is met at his car by Kate and Theron. Her eyes widen as she takes in the damage: bullet holes, smashed windows, and a crowbar protruding from the driver’s door.

KATE
Oh my god, are you okay? Jesus...

THERON
Man, you’re looking pretty fucked up, real bad...

KATE
Hey Theron, give me a second, please. I’ll be in in a moment.

JORDAN
What’s he doing here? Is Josh jealous of him?

KATE
Maybe he would be if he wasn’t gay.

JORDAN
I don’t believe that... look at him; he’s a fucking alpha male.

KATE
Well, that’s neither here nor there... now, let’s get you out of this car. Can you move? You’re not pinned in, are you?

JORDAN
No, just really shaken up... but I’m physically fine other than some cuts from the glass in my shirt.

Jordan attempts to open the door but is shaking uncontrollably.

KATE
Then why don’t you come out of the car?

JORDAN
(laughing)
I wish I could! I can’t move; I’m shaking too much...

He pulls one foot out of the car with his hands and then the other, using his arms to hoist himself out. He stands but his knees buckle, and Kate rushes over, wrapping her arms around him. He can barely stand, leaning against the car.

JORDAN
Ouch, ouch...

KATE
What? What? Do you have a hole in you somewhere?

Jordan stands, tired and dazed, his body hanging limply. The crowbar, stuck in the side of the car like a shark's tooth, presses against his back. In her distress, Kate accidentally pushes him against the crowbar, causing him to wince.

JORDAN
No, crowbar...

KATE
(laughs)
Oh, here...

She pushes him toward the back of the car, leaning him against it. He buries his head in her neck, slowly beginning to weep. He tries to hold back the tears, wanting to be as quiet as possible.

KATE
(CONT'D)
It’s okay; don’t worry now.

She looks up at the sky, her eyes watery.

---

EXT. PAVED PARADISE PARK -- DAY


Josh and Jordan sit on a park bench in the afternoon, deep in conversation. Jordan smokes a cigarette, leaning back as Josh stands on edge.

JOSH
Kate told me you went to her house last night.

Jordan’s interest piques, and he turns to Josh, quickly interrupting.

JORDAN
Well, I called you first... I was freaking out, man! Some real crazy shit happened last night. Didn’t you see my car this morning?

Josh, struggling with his words, hesitates.

JOSH
That’s alright, I’m not getting all weird about it...

JORDAN
Could’ve fooled me; you seemed like you were grilling me.

JOSH
Was I grilling you? Or were you getting nervous? I see a difference.

JORDAN
(CONT'D)
I didn’t do shit if that’s what you’re getting at. I was just really out of it and needed someone, and my best friend was nowhere to be found.

JOSH
I was getting high, man. I had my cell off.

JORDAN
Well, she is her own person... I just needed someone, that’s all there was to it. Nothing more than someone to talk me down.

JOSH
Well, fuck it... consider it settled. You up for making some money tonight?

JORDAN
Yeah, I got something set up. Some jock named Dallas. First time.

JOSH
It’s so hard to babysit jocks, especially on their first time. They just don’t know how to relax and enjoy the ride.

JORDAN
I agree; if something goes sideways in my house again, they’re getting shot in the fucking mouth.

JOSH
(laughing)
So you want to go see the Star Wars remakes?

JORDAN
I was going to ask you the same. I’ll get some tickets in advance.

JOSH
Yeah, man, do that. I’ll give you the cash then.

JORDAN
Sounds good. I gotta run. I’ll see you later tonight.