FIBS

Written by Jack Tancey

Address Phone Number

COLD OPEN FADE IN: EXT. A PRISON - DAY Dozen of prison busses unload men in orange jumpsuits into a processing funnel while crowds picket from outside the fence with Keep Cons In signs. INT. PRISON CAFETERIA - DAY Prisoners are packed in shoulder to shoulder creating a sea of orange. Men of all ages, from all walks of life, reduced to a single article of clothing. And then theres Fibs [40s, charming good looks] wearing a full suit sans tie eyeing the same room everyone else is. GUARD Fibonacci Strauss. The guard holds the door open for Fibs, closing it after he enters. Hugh [50/60s, fat, joyous] is waiting with a smile. HUGH Fiiiibs. The two men hug, then begin walking. HUGH (CONTD) How much you bribe to get the suit? FIBS 500. HUGH Thats it? Prison is cheap. CORRIDOR HUGH (CONTD) Just remember the three Cs. Contrite, Confessional andFIBS And Succinct. Which is an S. Doesnt even sound like a C. HUGH You want it to be helpful or accurate?

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FIBS If my lawyer is so helpful, why isnt he coming into the hearing? HUGH Ive seen this judge before. She doesnt like me. FIBS Why not? HUGH Because Im a lawyer. They stop at a large door and wait to be signaled. HUGH (CONTD) Just remember: Were gonna be rich. (beat) You dont still do that thing where you cross your fingers when youre lying do you? FIBS No. HUGH Prove it. FIBS Im the President of Estonia. HUGH Show me your hands. FIBS (showing hands) My skin color is green. You look like youve lost weight. Id love to go shopping with you, honey. A guard nods to Fibs who begins to buckle, shift. HUGH All you have to do is get out that door and youre rich. Thats it. Fibs focuses with intensity. The con is on. PAROLE ROOM Two parole board members and a SPEAKING JUDGE sit as a parolee makes his way out the exit.

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Fibs approaches a table in the middle of the room where CAMILLE OLSEN [30s, light Swedish accent, hawkish] waits for him. CAMILLE (whispering) Just keep your mouth shut unless they call on you. FIBS Got it. SPEAKING JUDGE Fibonacci Strauss. FIBS Thats me. The room is shocked at his lack of respect. Camille narrows her eyes. SPEAKING JUDGE I move that Mr. Strauss not get parole. All in favor? FIBS Whoa! CAMILLE Your honor. HUGH (through the door) Damn it, son. The Speaking Judge puts up her hand for silence. SPEAKING JUDGE It is my opinion that this convict has not shown enough rehabilitation to be released early. CAMILLE Your honorSPEAKING JUDGE Shut it, Blondie. If I wanted the opinion of a Barbie doll Id pull a string. (points to Fibs) What have you done in here? FIBS Well...

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INT. PRISON KITCHEN - DAY Fibs looks at a greasy kitchen with disdain and mop in hand. FIBS (V.O.) I took my vocational assignment... SAME KITCHEN, LATER A half dozen convicts are scrubbing the kitchen clean as Fibs reads an E-reader while sipping a drink through a straw. FIBS (V.O.) And turned it into a works program. INT. PRISON KIOSK - DAY Fibs uses the straw to reach a number pad inside the depot. Once inside he takes stacks of items from a ten dollar section and passes them out the window for five dollar bills. FIBS (V.O.) I also found a way to distribute items to prisoners in need. INT. PRISON CLASSROOM - DAY A teacher watches as cons put their paper face down on his desk. When Fibs reaches him he puts a file down. FIBS (V.O.) I also earned my high school degree and B.A. in three years. The teacher opens the file to reveal stacks of small bills. He takes Fibs name off one test and puts it on another. INT. PAROLE BOARD SPEAKING JUDGE Id like to talk about your other activities. FIBS (feigning) Other? Activities? I dont... The judge holds up her e-reader with a copy of Fibs book.

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SPEAKING JUDGE While in prison you wrote the book Im A Conman, Man. Id like to read a quick passage. CAMILLE Your honor, is this reallySPEAKING JUDGE All you have to do to find a mark is find someone who wants something. Anything at all and promise them theyll get it. The burden weighs on Fibs, his shoulders droop. He feels freedom slipping away and casts a look to the door the parolee walked out of. Then, after a moment, he rises. FIBS Ive told a lot of lies in my time, all of them designed to benefit me. So I get it, I do, when someone looks at that book and says hes not reformed. CAMILLE (hissing) Stop! FIBS But Ms. Olsen isnt here because I conned her. Shes here because if I walk out that door I have the first honest job in my life. SPEAKING JUDGE Is that true? CAMILLE Yes, your honor, working to get criminals work due to the massiveSPEAKING JUDGE Stop talking. CAMILLE Okay. SPEAKING JUDGE Go on. FIBS I could lie to you but the truth is; (MORE)

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FIBS (CONT'D) I cant come back here, I dont want to. Ive gone straight. When I walk out that doorSPEAKING JUDGE If you walk out that door. FIBS The very first thing Im going to do is go downtown and start trying to get someone else a job because I know what its like to be in here. SPEAKING JUDGE So for the record: You are done with your life of crime. FIBS Im done. Im done with this life. Im ready to move on from it. The Speaking Judge sits back in contemplation while Camille looks at Fibs with begrudging respect. Fibs holds crossed fingers behind his back and smiles looking to the parolee door until it swings open. INT. HOME OFFICE - DAY The elevator dings and Fibs with Hugh slide through the open doors with a smile, a big of prison belongings over his shoulder. He office is filled with thugs, prostitutes and addicts which he greets with chipper hellos and friendly gestures on his way back to an office. Hugh leads him to a back office where he Camille slides him a GREEN PIECE OF PAPER. CAMILLE Ready for your new life? Fibs signs it with gusto and then looks back the direction he came. FIBS Not even a little bit. END COLD OPEN

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ACT I FADE IN: INT. CAMILLES OFFICE - DAY A thick file is opened, inside is a picture of JEROME [20s, black, affable]. CAMILLE Jerome Stall. In prison for possession with intent to sell. Model prisoner, first arrest. FIBS Are you going to read the whole thing aloud because I have the file right here. I can read. CAMILLE Mr. Strauss. FIBS Fibs, please. CAMILLE Mr. Strauss. You may notice I have an accent. FIBS I was going to say, its pretty. CAMILLE Are you hitting on me? FIBS Ive been in prison for three years, Im going to hit on every woman I see to various degrees for the next 24 hours. CAMILLE Im not from around here. I came because I believe in the project, the promise. (she examines him) I dont buy it. FIBS It?

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CAMILLE You. I sense no remorse. They never recovered the money you stole. It was a large sum FIBS Oh come on, it was like 100,000! CAMILLE (small cold smile) For the first time in history a private prison is going back to the public sector. Im not going to let anyone tarnish this process. FIBS Is this animosity because I talked about your accent? CAMILLE Do your job and get him one. But I want you to know that if you are fired from this position you go back inside. FIBS You got it boss and I--WAIT, WHAT? CAMILLE Didnt your lawyer tell you? Camille waves the papers hes signed like a noose. FIBS (clueless) Of course he did. Can I have a moment? Fibs rushes out of the room. CAMILLE You meet with Jerome at one! INT. FIBS OFFICE - DAY Its a small and near-empty office with Fibs sitting on the desk with a bejeweled and sparkling pink phone. The only item on the desk is a TABLET whos light is too bright. FIBS What the hell did she mean if I get fired I go back in.

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HUGH (PHONE) She means if you get fired you go back in. Hugh flips through a travel brochure. FIBS Why would you make that deal? Why would I sign that deal! HUGH (PHONE) Relaaaaaaax. I knew if I told you you would have worried. FIBS I am worried! HUGH (PHONE) Fibs. You just got to keep up the good guy act until we crack the code, get the money and skip town. FIBS I cant do any of that behind bars! HUGH (PHONE) Which is why I took a bad deal to get you out. Speaking of whichFIBS Not yet. HUGH (PHONE) Well hurry up. Find a nerd, get to the bank and lets get rich. Rich. Riiiiich. FIBS Say it one more time. HUGH (PHONE) (in a higher register) Rich. FIBS Ill call you when I can get to the bank. Fibs hangs up as Hugh sing-songs another Rich. CLIENT AND FAMILY ANNEX Fibs hides the phone behind his file while walking up to a girl looking through her purse frantically.

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GIRL It was just here--I just had it... As Fibs walks by he kicks the side of a desk, as the girl looks towards the noise Fibs drops the phone into her purse and keeps walking. HALLWAY Fibs flips through the file with a furrowed brow as TOM MILLS [20s, earnest, slow] recognizes him and trots over. TOM Hello! FIBS (not looking up) Hey there. TOM So youre the new guy, very exciting. FIBS How the hell could that be? TOM Well, for one, it means Im no longer the new guy. Tom laughs at his own joke. TOM (CONTD) (somehow ashamed) Err, Im Tom. FIBS. Fibs. TOM I know, I read your book. FIBS Oh good, you must have been one of the five. TOM I dont understand. FIBS I bet you say that a lot. TOM What?

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Fibs stops and bunny ears a page in the file to look at Tom exuding a sense of superiority. FIBS Tom, its nice to meet you but you wouldnt believe the day I have ahead of me so if we could move this along. TOM (still somehow ashamed) Oh yes, of course, sorry. So my name is Tom and if you have any questions of problems you can just let me know. FIBS Why would I ask you. TOM Oh, well I suppose technically that I...am, you boss. FIBS The second newest hire--is my boss. TOM Yes, well, you know bureaucrats. They just get into a position and dig in and, and... Tom gives off a grunt of despair pretending its playful. FIBS How long have you been here? TOM Two years. (feeling a void) And 11 months. (the void grows) And two weeks. FIBS Its Wednesday. TOM And three days! FIBS Wait if youre my boss, whos the Swede? They begin to walk and talk down the hallway.

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TOM Oh Camille? Shes a consultant but, a powerful one? I dont know. She scares me when she talks. And when she doesnt. FIBS You talk a lot when you get nervous, dont you? TOM I wouldnt say a lot I just feel its best to let you thoughts out when youre experiencing--Im still talking--why am I still talking. FIBS Tom I want you to respect that you and I are not going to have the standard boss/employee paradigm. TOM ...Probably? FIBS Okay, so since youre here to help, I have a guy coming in at One. How do I get him a job? INT. RESEARCH ROOM - DAY A row of computers and filing cabinets furnish the room. Desks are covered with neat binders. TOM This is the Research room. Inside each of these binders youll find information for all our programs. Employers, housing, grants. FIBS And these are good for any felon? TOM Anyone released today through the next six months, yes. Fibs opens the book titled Housing. FIBS What are the computers for?

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TOM Database for criminals. To make sure that you can find a good fit for a job, or make sure your client is tell you the truth. FIBS Are you telling me that I can look up anyones criminal history just by having their name? TOM Yes. FIBS And, for no cost, I can have information over any criminal in this system no matter how desperate? TOM Uh-huh. Fibs goes from the binder to a computer looking at it like it holds magical powers. He holds a hand up to it like it may bestow these powers upon him. TOM (CONTD) You can also search by date and crime. INT. FIBS OFFICE - DAY Fibs enters the room with a file and paperwork. Jerome idly turns on a tablet and winces as it flashes a bright light. FIBS Hey, sorry Im late. JEROME Oh, hey man, no problem. Just...good to be free. FIBS Youd think so but--paperwork. I dont know. Im still deciding. JEROME Huh? FIBS Nothing. You used to move drugs?

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JEROME Supplements. FIBS What did the supplements fix? JEROME Boredom. FIBS So part of your parole is that we have to find you a job. Given your somewhat checked work history I figured moving things would be your primary skill-set. JEROME Well that or Gigolo who doesnt cuddle after. FIBS Just missed the last posting on that one. Fibs hands over a GREEN PIECE OF PAPER to Jerome. FIBS (CONTD) Were going to go down to the warehouse, let me talk him into it. He signs that... (Fibs points to the paper) ...you stay free. Fibs rises to end the meeting. JEROME Oh hey, Ive got some questions. FIBS Is that a thing? Asking questions? This is my first time. JEROME Having a meeting? FIBS Having a job. First day. JEROME How you going to get me a job if you dont know how to work...

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FIBS You didnt know until I told you. How would he? JEROME (long consideration) That checks out... (back on track) I need medical coverage for my family. FIBS Kids? JEROME What! No! Dont be like that! Its for my Gam-Gam. FIBS Your grandma... JEROME Yeah. Shes taking me in until I get everything set back up. She has diabetes, needs coverage. FIBS Theres a form for almost everything. Im sure somewhere in here theres some magical piece of paper that gets her treatment. JEROME When you say for us... FIBS Oh I just got released from prison today, too. JEROME Can I...get another case officer? FIBS I dont know what the actual answer to that is--but no. Fibs rises, hand Jerome his paperwork and pats him on the back. FIBS (CONTD) See you at the warehouse, 3 oclock. Fibs looks at a printed page with a YOUNG GIRL on it.

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INT. TOMS OFFICE - DAY The office is as barren and stark and Toms self esteem. Tom sits at a desk and Fibs pops his head in. FIBS Hey, do you have a car? TOM Uhhh... FIBS Its partially work related. TOM Well, you can take a company car. FIBS (using the excuse) Cant. Revoked license. Damn the system. TOM Well, where do you need to go? FIBS I need to go the bank to see my lawyer, then Im going to talk someone into joining the program. Tom looks at Fibs with disbelief. FIBS (CONTD) I know, bank to see my lawyer, its weird. But Ill lunch. INT. OFFICE ANNEX - DAY Fibs puts the finishing touches on a paper airplane. He throws it at the foot of the girl he stole from. When she bends over to pick it up Fibs boosts her phone and wallet. FIBS (in phone) Bank. Twenty minutes. He redeposits the phone and wallet sans rolled up wad of cash END ACT I

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ACT II EXT. BANK - DAY Fibs jumps out Toms crappy company car and into the bank with a bag of personal belongings in a prison bag. INT. BANK VAULT - DAY Hugh can be seen dancing like a fatman who scored a touchdown, his mouth movements clearly visible. The moment Fibs opens the door Hughs voice rings out. HUGH (singing) Riiiiiiiiccccchhhh. Yeah! FIBS How many times have you said that word today? HUGH 200. Sang it around a dozen, too. How come you havent opened up your stuff? FIBS Been a long day already. Fibs pulls an MP3 player from the bag and slides open a hidden compartment to reveal a key. HUGH Damn. You had it this entire time. FIBS In evidence. Safest place there is. Hugh pulls out his own key and they unlock a vault box together. Inside is a THUMB DRIVE covered in saran wrap. HUGH How much was it worth when you went in? FIBS About 100,000. HUGH And how much is it worth now?

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FIBS About three million. HUGH Well. How do we get the money out of there? Hugh shakes the data stick before Fibs snatches it. FIBS We need a nerd. HUGH You got anyone in mind? Fibs pulls out the print of the YOUNG GIRL. FIBS If youve got money for pizza. EXT. TOMS CRAPPY CAR OUTSIDE AN APARTMENT - DAY Tom is eating a giant slice of pizza in the car as Fibs takes the oversized box up the stairs and buzzes an apartment. DISTORTED MANS VOICE ON INTERCOM Yes? FIBS Pizza delivery. DISTORTED MANS VOICE ON INTERCOM I didnt order a pizza. FIBS No, but Ive got an extra one. You want it or not? A buzz and Fibs is in. INT. AMANDAS APARTMENT - DAY The mans voice turns out to be a program used by AMANDA NETTE [20s, chubby, nerd-cute]. She opens the door. FIBS Freeze! F-I-B-S! AMANDA Oh my god.

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FIBS I dont have a gun or a badge because I dont play by the rules. But there is one thing I do know and thats this: youre a criminal. Fibs moves over to the kitchen table to put the pizza down, taking a slice. He surveys the various computers, the personal server and various nerd deco on the walls. AMANDA I didnt do anything! FIBS You think you can get one over on me? Just because your previous hacking was sealed on your juvey record? Three strikes. When Amanda doesnt budge he holds up three fingers. FIBS (CONTD) Three strikes! AMANDA What was the third strike? FIBS Advanced network retcon through a remote IPO. AMANDA None of those are things! FIBS I know, but I figured if you opened the door for a free pizza I didnt have to try. Im here to hire you because youre a hacker. AMANDA That is insulting. (beat) But not entirely inaccurate. FIBS But thats okay because in addition to the pizza Im here to offer you 50,000 dollars for one days work. Can I call you Amanda? She nods.

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FIBS (CONTD) All I need for you to do is crack the code on this drive, give me access to the account number on it and I pay you the whole sum. Fibs pulls out the thumb drive. Amanda attempts to get her hands on it but Fibs holds it out of reach. FIBS (CONTD) No. If you have this AND can get away then youll screw me. AMANDA I wouldnt doFIBS Yes you would. AMANDA Yeah. I would. (suspicious) Thats all I have to do? FIBS Thats it. Im going to create a problem in our IT department. You come in, you do this, nobody ever sees each other again and everyone is happy forever. AMANDA I can do that. I just need an hour. FIBS You need clothes that dont have food stains on them. AMANDA I just need two hours. FIBS Good. Just make your way in saying you were called by a Swedish lady. Fibs starts to head out but turns around last second. FIBS (CONTD) Why do you pretend to be a man, anyway?

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AMANDA If youre a woman on the internet you get a lot of pictures of genitals that arent strictly speaking requested. FIBS Seriously? Amanda opens the pizza with a grin and takes a slice. AMANDA Yeah, dude. You get more surprise sausage than on this pizza. EXT. TOMS CRAPPY CAR - DAY Tom looks bored until he sees Fibs come out the apartment, then he acts like a dog seeing his master. TOM Hey, howd it go in there? FIBS Good. I got another con a job. TOM Wow! And she isnt even on your list. FIBS I know. Im awesome at this. TOM I feel like Camille is wrong about you and after she sees what you can do, shes going to be really impressed. INT. CAMILLES OFFICE - DAY Two technicians apply the final strap to Fibs MONITORING DEVICE before moving out of the office. CAMILLE A two hour lunch? FIBS Is that wrong? How long do you usually get for a lunch hour. Wait. I just heard my own question.

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CAMILLE Tom is a good man. I wont have you misguide him. (she sighs) Its your first day and you already made me hire two technicians to put that device on you. FIBS Well in all fairness one of them just stood there. Didnt really do anything. Seemed like overkill. CAMILLE I can now track your movements. Everywhere you go, I will see. And if I catch you... They stare at one another. FIBS If you catch me doing what? CAMILLE I dont know! But I will! And then Ill do! FIBS Anyone ever tell you that your accent gets thicker and your English gets poorer when youre mad? CAMILLE (much more Swedish) Be getting out of my office now! OFFICE DRONESCAPE A DRONE holds a notepad and eagerly approaches Fibs DRONE Excuse me, Mr. Srauss? FIBS Fibs. DRONE Theres someone waiting in your office. Said she knew you. Fibs stops and looks to the drone, eyes brows raised.

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FIBS She? INT. FIBS OFFICE - DAY EVIE WELSH [30s, girl next door, clever] lounges on Fibs desk wearing a zip-up hoodie and sweat pants. EVIE Fibsy. FIBS Get out. EVIE (mock pouting) Dont you want to say hello. Its been years. FIBS Which is why I dont miss you. EVIE But I missed you. FIBS Are you doing the--are you doing the seductive girl thing because youre wearing the wrong clothes. Evie tilts her heard, bats her eyes and lifts an index finger to her zipper. She flicks it up and down. EVIE Am I? Fibs grabs the TABLET and turns its bright light on her. FIBS In the name of all that is holy, I banish you back to hell! Evie hisses and brings her hands up like claws before sighing and dropping the act. EVIE Fibs. We were really good together. FIBS I know. I just--its too late. EVIE I get it, I do.

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Evie rises and picks up her purse, pausing before leaving. EVIE (CONTD) I got a job as a court reporter. I know three different cases where the money went missing. She looks back to him with faux wide eyes. EVIE (CONTD) Could that benefit you in some wa-Fibs kisses her so hard he pushes her against a wall. FIBS Fair warning. Im going to last, like, 90 seconds. Tops. EVIE So you didnt change on the inside? LATER Evie zips up her hoodie looking very pleased with herself and Fibs is so relaxed he almost melds into his chair. FIBS So I hate to do that and ask for a favor, but-EVIE You really didnt change. FIBS I need you to wait around here for about 30 minutes then go down to the IT department and mess up their internet. EVIE Why cant you do it? Fibs puts his leg on the desk to show off his device. EVIE (CONTD) Aww. Does it come in pink? FIBS This is my alibi maker. Because if Im at a warehouse in 30 minutes-EVIE You cant be here causing trouble.

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FIBS Will you do it? EVIE How much will you pay me? Fibs pulls all the crumpled money out of his pocket and places it on the desk. FIBS Everything I have to my name. And a ride around the world later. EVIE Can I just take the cash? FIBS Did we just fall back into six year old habits in one day? EVIE Seems so. Although I thought you would have gotten buff in prison. FIBS I thought youd have gotten fatter on the outside. She smacks him with her purse before collecting the money. EVIE You got something big planned? FIBS Biggest score of my life. EVIE Really? FIBS Just gotta get a job to do a job. Everythings going smooth. Camille pushes her head into the office door, she regards Fibs as though Evie isnt there. CAMILLE Ive decided to ride along to your next appointment.

END ACT II

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ACT III EXT. WAREHOUSE - EVENING Fibs, Camille and Tom get out of Camilles nicer company car. TOM (to Fibs) Why did she come along again? CAMILLE To oversee you boys. FIBS You have really good hearing, is that a Scandinavian thing? Camille walks into the building like she didnt hear it. FIBS (CONTD) Guess not. So if things get tough in there I might need your help. TOM How? FIBS Nothing major, a little interference. I get the feeling that Camille might want everything to be on the level. TOM And you..dont want that? FIBS Tom, its a job interview. Its the only time people are allowed to lie besides poker and dating. TOM Okay, so just-FIBS If I give you this signal-Fibs gives a hand signal. FIBS (CONTD) You get Camille out of the room, say you need to talk to her.

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TOM Im a little nervous about this. FIBS Dont be, Ill only use it as a last resort. Besides, you read my book, it told you everything you need to know about lying. Fibs walks into the warehouse. TOM I actually mostly skimmed it... INT. WAREHOUSE OFFICE - EVENING Jerome and Fibs sit across from a beady eyed MANAGER who is going over the paperwork. MANAGER So why should I hire you. JEROME Well, I-FIBS Mr. Stall has shown a go-get-em attitude paired with an unparalleled work ethic. He started his own shipping business. CAMILLE To tell you the truth, is business was not what one may say-Fibs starts incessantly giving the hand signal. FIBS As successful as he would have liked. Which is why hes here. CAMILLE But the reason for that failure-Fibs gives the signal HARDER and FASTER. FIBS Was a downturn in the economy followed by strict overregulation of the industry. Im sure you know what THAT feels like.

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TOM Camille can I see you for a moment? CAMILLE Tom, were in the middle of-TOM Youve been putting me off for weeks. This is clearly handled. (to the manager) If youll excuse us, were going to talk about my plans for the program. Tom exits and after a moment of composure Camille does as well. Fibs looks on with newfound respect before con mode. FIBS We can go back and forth on this but the truth is Jerome wants a job and will work hard. JEROME Its true, I do, and I will. FIBS And I didnt even coach him to say that. Plus as an ex-con you get a stipend, a credit and with the new program your first two months are paid for by the county. Fibs takes the GREEN PIECE OF PAPER out of his folder and slides it over to the Managers side of the desk. FIBS (CONTD) Its going to work out. Sign it. The manager looks over Jerome and Fibs with pursed lips before taking his own paperwork and pen out. FIBS (CONTD) (to Jerome) I wonder how many beers it would take to knock us on our asses. JEROME Fore real, like three. Bet Im a lightweight now. FIBS You stay clean inside?

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JEROME Yeah, you? FIBS Nah, got into a bad way. Needed a fix or two a day. JEROME H? FIBS Books. Worst habit there is. One minute youre content the next youre wondering what else you dont know. The Manager pushes a stack of paperwork to Jerome as Camille and Tom come back into the room. MANAGER Here you go. JEROME (shy and nervous) Hey, this is great and all, but uh-MANAGER What is it? JEROME Its just that, you Xed out the medical portion. The benefits, I need them, you know. MANAGER Yeah. Im not doing medical. FIBS (earnestly outraged) Are you out of your mind? Its like 50 bucks a month to your company, youre still saving money on him over anyone else you could hire. MANAGER Yeah, and from what I hear with all the prisons going public, I can get this same deal minus the medical with all those guys. (to Jerome) Sign it or walk, kid.

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JEROME (apologetic) I cant, Fibs. I cant do it. Camilles expression softens. CAMILLE Its okay, Jerome. Well find you something else. She moves between Fibs and Jerome and rips up the papers. CAMILLE (CONTD) (to manager) Im going to do my absolute best to make sure you dont get a single cent of our hiring money while all your competitors do. Lets go. Camille, Jerome and Tom leave the office leaving Fibs to stare off against the Manager one on one. FIBS Im sorry it didnt work out, but shes right. Its a lot of money. MANAGER Get out. FIBS Hey, dont say no just yet. He rises, moves around to the side of the desk and holds out his hand. FIBS (CONTD) Think it over. Crunch the numbers. Maybe give me a call after if you change your mind. Fibs stands there until the Manager stands. They shake. EXT. WAREHOUSE - EVENING Fibs waves Jerome over to him and pulls out the managers wallet. He takes the cash out and hands it to Jerome before tossing it in the trash. FIBS Take this. JEROME But I--

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FIBS My voice didnt go up at the end, it wasnt a question. Well find you something. Jerome nods and Camille approaches with a smile. FIBS (CONTD) Hey. Im sorry it didnt work out. CAMILLE Im not. You tried. I respect that. It looks as though they are going to have a moment before Camilles cell rings. CAMILLE (CONTD) (on phone) Camille. What? How can our whole system go down like that? INT. IT DEPARTMENT - EVENING Three nerds surround and ogle over Amanda as she looks over their system on one monitor and cracks code on the other. FIBS (V.O.) If youre reading this its to understand how to get what you want. Hardest part about that is figuring out exactly what that is. Amanda sees that the code is about to complete and grins. INT. CAMILLES OFFICE - EVENING Tom is pitching a community center. Eyes wide, hands waving-hes on fire selling the idea to Camille. FIBS (V.O.) Once you do, half of the con is convincing the other person that you really do want it more than anything. Ambition confounds and dazes. It opens people up. Camille looks pensive, thoughtful at the prospect.

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INT. RESEARCH ROOM - EVENING Fibs goes through the house grants for cons before getting an idea. He goes to a computer and types in Security Guard. FIBS (V.O.) And once you have that energy the rest is easy. Apply a little misdirection, smile at the right time, and youll get it. When the list comes up Fibs starts looking between the grant housing and job positions. INT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - NIGHT Fibs makes his way up to a locked door. The red lock turns to green the moment he grabs the handle and he opens it. FIBS (V.O.) Thats what Im going to teach you. How to get anyone to give you something thinking they didnt. Fibs walks by Jerome, seated behind a Security desk, writing Grandmother on the medical insurance form. INT. FIBS OFFICE - NIGHT Fibs is leaning far back in his chair, a few empty beer bottles and pizza box adorn his desk. He puts his book down. AMANDA Dude, why were you reading to me from your book? FIBS Because you dont have my money, my ex is crazy and I had to talk to someone about my day. Fibs pulls from a beer. AMANDA How did you know I dont have the money? FIBS Would you have let me yammer if you had cracked the code?

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AMANDA Its a really complex code! FIBS Alright. Dont be defensive. Whats the problem? AMANDA The was a code inside the code for some kind of internet money thing? FIBS Could you actually work in IT? AMANDA Uhh... FIBS Congratulations, you have a real job. AMANDA I dont want a real job! FIBS Well neither do I! We do this until we figure out the code. AMANDA I dont know what it means but-FIBS What? AMANDA Theres a bank account attached for some reason. I think you have to hack the code and be in the bank at the same time? FIBS Could you get into the system? AMANDA Yeah. Fibs sits up, interested. FIBS So all Id have to do is rob a bank? AMANDA Yeah...

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FIBS Okay. AMANDA Okay? FIBS Yeah. I can do that. Amanda looks at him with disbelief. The phone rings. FIBS (CONTD) (to phone) Fibs. (beat) No. We arent rich yet. Maybe tomorrow. Fibs hangs up and rises with a beer. FIBS (CONTD) Im going to the bathroom. As he exits, Amanda reaches into the pizza box. FIBS (O.S.) (CONTD) Dont touch my pizza you already had one! Amanda snaps her hand back and sips her beer sullenly. OFFICE ANNEX Fibs sees the desk of the girl his robbed twice today and sighs. He pulls the money he stole from her out of his pocket and tucks it into one of her desk drawers as Tom appears. TOM What are you doing? And are you drinking a beer? FIBS I was un-stealing. And yes. TOM Do you not have a place to stay? FIBS Started renting, just dont have furniture. What are you doing here?

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TOM (contained defeat) Oh, I just pitched Camille my graduate thesis and lifes work. FIBS I have more beer in my office. TOM Thats okay. Tom starts to walk off. FIBS What was it? TOM Oh, just a community center. You know; food bank, urban gardening. FIBS Sounds like a good idea. TOM Thanks. But shes right, the start up money. Its too much. I get it. FIBS You want to do a con? Tom stops and looks back at Fibs with a smile. FIBS (CONTD) Im serious. Want to help me con your way into a community center? TOM You understand that Im your boss. FIBS Ive got pizza. And beer. Tom tries to come up with a response but stops. Unsure of what to say or do he heads towards Fibs office. Fibs uses the office phone to dial out. FIBS (CONTD) Evie. You want to rob a bank? Of course Ill give you an even cut. Fibs crosses his fingers. FADE OUT