Another in a series of simple scenes, written in screenplay format, to provide a creative prod to readers who might want a spark to influence their game’s scenario or encounter creation efforts.
EXT. RUSTIC CABIN - NIGHT A TALL MAN, 40's wearing a wool jacket and jeans, leans against the porch railing, outlined in shadow by the light spilling out of the open door behind him. His hand makes a sudden upward motion and a match HISSES with yellow light, briefly illuminating his face. He lights the cigarette in his mouth and shakes the flame out, tossing the match away. He turns towards the open front door of the cabin. TALL MAN (LOUDLY) We don't have all night dammit! They ain't waiting for us a second time. The tall man returns his eyes towards the front yard as another man scurries into the open doorway. ANDY, a man in his 30's with unkempt hair, is fumbling with his handgun, trying to insert it into a shoulder holster but failing. ANDY I couldn't find my new one so I had to dig out this old one. I don't think it fits any more. The tall man, facing away from Andy, exhales a lungful of smoke off the front porch. TALL MAN Finally. Andy continues to struggle with the holster and grunts in frustration. The tall man turns around and looks surprised at seeing Andy's gun and holster, letting the cigarette in his mouth droop on his lip then squeezing it with his lips as he begins to talk. TALL MAN (CONT'D) What the fuck 're you doing? Andy finally gets the handgun into the holster with the clasp closed over the handle. He looks up innocently with raised brows. ANDY Huh? The tall man slowly takes the cigarette out of his mouth with his thumb and index finger, eyes locked on Andy, he puffs a quick burst of smoke out. He points the unlit end of the cigarette at Andy. TALL MAN What's with the iron Dirty Harry, plan on making somebody's day? Andy looks down at his holster as he realizes what JAMES is pointing at. He quickly looks up with outstretched, upturned palms. ANDY We have to be able to protect ourselves this time. JAMES This time? Who're you saying we need protection from exactly? ANDY Well the cops of course! Andy shoots James an open mouthed look of disbelief. ANDY (CONT'D) We nearly got caught on the last run and I don't want to risk that again. James flicks the spent cigarette down against the wooden porch. Andy reaches behind and shuts the cabin door. JAMES (MOCKINGLY) The deputy drove past us going the other way and waved fercrissakes. I don't think he aims to set up a roadblock next time we meet. Plus it's night out. Andy inhales and puffs his chest out, defiantly pushing past James and stepping sharply down the porch steps. ANDY Everybody knows night brings out the bad elements in this town. You never know who we might run into. James descends the steps following Andy, fishing for the keys in his pocket and gently shaking his head in disgust. JAMES We are the bad elements in this town ya moron. Andy ignores the remark, enters the passenger side of a well worn Ford pickup and SLAMS the door. JAMES (CONT'D) (TO HIMSELF) I'm glad paps ain't alive to see this. James looks up at the stars overhead and pauses for a a few seconds. He opens the truck door, climbs into the driver's seat and shuts the door. It doesn't latch properly and he must re-open it and pull it hard to SLAM it closed. The taillights flash red and the exhaust belches to life as the truck bounces down a dirt driveway and disappears behind a row of tall pines.