| HUNTER
"NIGHT OF THE DRAGONS"
Written by Herbert Wright
and
Patrick Barry
ACT ONE
FADE IN
EXT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Establishing shot -- the pride of Chinatown.
INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT
HUNTER and McCALL are being shown to their table.
Hunter eyes the surroundings with disdain.
HUNTER
I know you won the bet McCall,
but this is really rubbing it
in.
McCALL
You're right. I won the bet
and I like Chinese food.
McCall sits down, but Hunter glances at his watch.
HUNTER
Try to order me something
edible, and we're not talking
garlic squid here, right?
(moves on)
I'm gonna to call in.
A CHINESE WAITRESS comes over to take their order.
INT. RESTAURANT - HALLWAY
Hunter walks to the pay phone on the wall, mounted
between the two toilet doors. He starts to pick up
the receiver, looks:
CLOSE - PAYPHONE
A hastily scribbled NOTE IN CHINESE characters is pasted
on the phone.
WIDE - HUNTER
He gives it a glance, but ignores its unknown meaning -—
picks up the receiver, shoving a quarter into the slot.
A beat -- nothing, no dial tone, period.
He hangs up the phone -- leans in closer to observe the
note.
CLOSE - NOTE
Unintelligible except to the Chinese few.
HUNTER (V.O.)
Oh. Of course..."This...phone
is...out of...order."
CLOSE - HUNTER
As he turns, looking for another phone. None in the
hallway. O.S. from a DOOR cracked at the other side
of the passage, a couple of LOUD VOICES draw his attention
WIDE - HALLWAY
as Hunter moves toward the door. It sounds like Chinese
and your basic anger. He reaches it, ducks in his head.
HUNTER
Excuse me. I'm looking for...
POV - HUNTER
The room is filled with eight ORIENTAL MEN. The leader
CHANG -- the Chinese version of the Godfather --glares
at Hunter and SNAPS HIS FINGERS. A mammoth mean-looking
Chinese guard called MONGOL advances toward Hunter.
We will learn later he is Chang's top lieutenant. As
Mongol closes in, Hunter catches a glimpse of a
VIETNAMESE MAN, defiant but outnumbered, wearing
a green army-style fatigue shirt with epaulets.
WIDER ANGLE
Mongol looms into the doorway, blocking further view,
forcing Rick out of the door and back into the hallway.
Closing the door behind him, the massive Oriental may or
may not speak with a Chinese accent.
MONGOL
Who're you?
HUNTER
Just looking for a phone, pal.
MONGOL
None here, now get out.
Mongol pushes Hunter down the hallway.
HUNTER
Hey! Is this any way to treat
a customer?
Angry now, Mongol moves to shove Hunter again, but Rick's
faster. He sweeps his foot around the Oriental's front leg
and trips him. Mongol does not fall gracefully, but he falls
hard.
HUNTER
Customer's always right.
Steaming, Mongol gets up, intent on tearing Hunter apart,
but the door opens, and Chang appears, and saying something
sharply in Chinese. Mongol turns, but pauses to give Hunter
a mean look before he starts towards the back room.
The Oriental enters the room and SLAMS the door. Hunter
listens at the door, for a second, showing a little concern,
but it's silent. After a beat he turns and heads back to
the dining room.
INT. DINING ROOM
Hunter takes his seat opposite McCall.
HUNTER
Great atmosphere you picked,
McCall. Dead ducks hanging in
the kitchen, Genghis Khan's in the
hallway, and the phone's out to lunch.
(picks up napkin)
So what'd you order me?
McCALL
Number forty-six.
HUNTER
What's that?
McCALL
Boiled shark fin.
HUNTER
What ever happened to Chop
Suey?
CLOSE - RESTAURANT DOORWAY
A group of four VIETNAMESE MEN enter the restaurant.
The CHINESE MAITRE'D goes over to them. Soon the Viets
and the Maitre'd are loudly talking in Chinese. Other
CUSTOMERS react with discomfort to the situation. There's
some pushing, as the Viets try to work their way to the
back room.
HUNTER AND McCALL
HUNTER
(gestures)
Fun group. They'll probably
be sitting next to us.
McCALL
By the way, I really ordered
you Chinese vegetables.
They're wonderful here.
HUNTER
Works for me.
WIDE - RESTAURANT
Mongol, followed by three other Chinese, appears crossing
the room toward the outspoken Viets. Then comes Chang,
imperial in attitude -- he strides up to the head Viet and s
softly. But the head Viet responds with great irritation,
and then:
CLOSE - VIET #2
as he reaches inside his loose shirt, YANKS OUT AN AUTOMATIC
PISTOL AND AIMS AT CHANG!
OMITTED
WIDE - ROOM
Mongol instantly GRABS #2's GUN, then shoves him roughly
toward the door -- as simultaneously the Viets pull pistols
and Chang's men whip out handguns -- both OPEN FIRE AT EACH
OTHER! The DINERS SCREAM AND DIVE TO THE FLOOR!
A LARGE VIET is shoulder-hit and thrown back toward the door
still firing! Hunter and McCall DRAW THEIR WEAPONS, as they
knock over the table for cover.
HUNTER
Police! Hold it!
Badly outgunned, the Viets backpedal FIRING AWAY, toward
the entrance -- the room has turned into some Wild West
shootout, Saigon-style. Another VIET is wounded near
the door and helped out by his companion.
The large Viet manages to squeeze off a few rounds as he
exits -- and HITS ONE OF CHANG'S MEN, who goes down, still
firing but mortally wounded! (NOTE: all this takes place
in a matter of seconds.) And the Viets are gone.
Hunter jumps up, gun ready -- but the Chinese also take off
fast and disappear down the hallway.
As the terrified, confused customers exit the restaurant,
Hunter and McCall run to the hallway.
BACK IN HALLWAY
McCall and Hunter run to the REAR EXIT DOOR. Hunter
KICKS THE DOOR OPEN and looks out.
EXT. RESTAURANT TERRACE - NIGHT
Hunter and McCall cautiously move out to a little-used
back terrace -- ringed on its three sides by HIGH
CINDER BLOCK WALLS. It too is deserted except for a large
and ornate GILDED DRAGON ON A PEDESTAL near the far back
wall and some potted trees.
OMITTED
HUNTER AND McCALL
cautiously search any possible hiding places...behind
the plants and the dragon's pedestal. Nothing.
O.S. a SIREN is joined by several other alarms.
OMITTED
INT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT - NIGHT
As Hunter and McCall round a tall Chinese paneled screen,
which separates the dining room from the restaurant's
entrance, TWO PARAMEDICS rush in from the outside. A good
looking Oriental man, LT. RAYMOND LAU, follows the
paramedics. He's surprised to see Hunter.
LAU
(not unpleasantly)
Rick! What are you doing here?
HUNTER
Dinner. But you missed the
floor show, buddy. By the way this
is my partner, Sergeant McCall.
(to McCall)
This is Lt. Raymond Lau. We
bunked together at the Academy.
He's in charge of the Asian
Task Force.
After Lau and McCall acknowledge each other, Lau gestures
to Restaurant.
LAU
What's the story?
HUNTER
Hard to say. No subtitles.
McCALL
Looks like one dead.
Lau is grim, passes by Hunter and enters the dining area,
Hunter and McCall follow.
OMITTED
WIDE - DINING AREA
As Lau enters, the paramedics attend a couple of waitresses,
one with cuts from broken glass, the other with a flesh
wound from the gunfire. When Hunter and McCall enter behind
Lau, Rick gets a confused look.
HUNTER
He's gone!
LAU
Probably just wounded. Guess
he ran.
HUNTER
I saw him take the hits.
No way he ran.
LAU
Some way. No body. What
was it, Rick? A robbery?
HUNTER
Four Vietnamese came in, hot
under the collar. An argument
broke out, next thing we knew,
bullets were flyin' and we
were kissin' the floor.
LAU
How do you Know they were
Vietnamese?
HUNTER
I was there, remember?
(off Lee's nod)
The Chinese had a Viet
in the back room, too.
They seemed to be arguing,
but I stayed out of it.
LAU
Where'd the Chinese go?
McCALL
Out the back and over the
wall, I guess.
LAU
Who shot first?
HUNTER
Sorry, I missed that part.
McCALL
(to Lau )
Make any sense to you?
LAU
Been a lot of gang activity
down here lately.
HUNTER
I got a hunch about that
missing body.
LAU
What's that?
HUNTER
They came back and got him,
maybe to give him a proper
burial. I'd check the next
big Chinese funeral -- his
friends might be there.
LAU
(smiles)
Sounds interesting. Rick. But
this is just a small piece
to a big puzzle, and I don't
have time to follow up on long
shots. But thanks.
Lau turns to walk over to a group of waitresses who have
been lined up for questioning by some police officers.
Hunter turns to McCall as they walk out of the restaurant,
HUNTER
What are you doin'
on your day off?
McCALL
Going to a Chinese funeral?
On his look, and smile.
EXT. BUDDHIST TEMPLE - DAY
a party of CHINESE MOURNERS, mostly dress in black, flows
down the steps, moving toward LIMOS which are parked out
front.
HUNTER (V.O.)
Mere we go.
CLOSE - TEMPLE CROWD - TELEPHOTO
as the shot sweeps the crowd, looking at one older male
after another. Ends on Mongol, the guard.
HUNTER (V.O.)
We're getting warmer. There's
the Great Wall of China.
CLOSE - MONGOL
as he glances across the street, then away, then again
into the lens. Not a face your mother would love.
McCALL (V.O.)
More like Godzilla!
WIDE - HUNTER AND McCALL
They cross the street to try a better vantage, headed for
the funeral party dressed in casual wear.
CLOSE - CROWD
as it moves apart a little. For a brief beat a knot of men
surrounding the bereaved WIDOW become visible. By their
vigilant looks, they appear to be guarding a man who is
comforting the widow. That man turns, giving Hunter a
glimpse of his face. It's CHANG.
CLOSE - HUNTER AND McCALL
HUNTER
Bingo. There's our man.
McCALL
Can you get a clear shot?
(as she moves ahead
to pose)
Look, honey! It's a Chinese
Wedding! Take my picture
with them. Biff and Muffy'll
love it.
WIDE - TEMPLE FRONT
Hunter aims with his CAMERA toward the group, a little
past McCall, as Mongol pushes toward them. Hunter CLICKS
AWAY.
HUNTER
Sure enough, Pumpkin! Now
everybody smile!
HUNTER'S POV - CHANG
sees the two coming, but unworried, slips into his
waiting limo door -- holding for a beat, LOOKING AT
HUNTER...something he recognizes, but can't put a finger
on it.
HUNTER (V.O.)
Say cheese!
WIDE
Chang's inside and the limo quickly PULLS OUT into
the street, and he's gone.
MONGOL LUNGES FORWARD with his hand outstretched over
the lens. Hunter jerks the camera out of Mongol's grasp
as McCall starts towards the car.
McCALL
Hunter!
Hunter tosses the camera to McCall who runs with it to
the car across the street. Mongol tries to push by
Hunter to go after the camera.
HUNTER AND MONGOL
Hunter grabs his arm. Enraged, Mongol charges into Hunter
like a bull as two more of Chang's men race after McCall.
Hunter shoves Mongol aside, but Mongol's a heat seeking
missile and won't stop until his target is destroyed.
McCALL
reaches the car, throws the camera in, locks the door,
draws her gun as she turns around, catching the two
Chinese thugs off guard.
McCALL
Think again, boys.
They don't want any trouble now. She shows her badge,
then gestures with the gun toward the direction furthest
away from Hunter and Mongol.
McCALL
Get going! That way!
They jog off in the direction of the departing funeral
party.
WIDE
Mongol lifts a sizable PIECE OF STATUARY and raises
it overhead to dump it on Hunter, Rick pulls out his
gun.
HUNTER
Half time! Hold it right
there!
McCall comes up behind Mongol with gun drawn.
McCALL
Police! Put it down...slowly.
Mongol DROPS the statue which shatters with a CRASH of
sound. Hunter inspects his shirt.
HUNTER
He tore my new shirt!
(to Mongol)
You're under arrest.
MONGOL
For what?!
HUNTER
Attempted theft -- my camera, resisting
arrest, assaulting an officer...
(gestures to his own shirt)
and wanton destruction of private property,
(to McCall, indicating
Mongol)
You think we can fit this into
the car?
McCAll
I'll call a tow truck.
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
Hunter and McCall are walking across the room. Hunter
has a self-satisfied look on his face and a MANILA
ENVELOPE in his hand.
McCALL
You look like the canary that
swallowed the cat.
HUNTER
I think I get to pay off
an old debt today.
McCALL
What do you mean?
HUNTER
Lau covered for me when
I was AWOL at the Academy
one night, and he never
lets me forget it.
(showing envelope)
This should finally settle
the bill.
WIDER
Lau walks down the stairs and across the room.
Preoccupied, he doesn't see Hunter and McCail walking
toward him.
HUNTER
Lau!
LAU
(sees him)
Hey Hunter!
HUNTER
(hands him envelope)
Just came back from the
lab. Favor for an old
buddy. And maybe you'll
stop reminding me about
that night at the Academy.
LAU
(smiling)
Fat chance. Hunter.
Lau takes the envelope and opens to find;
CLOSE - PHOTOS OF TEMPLE FUNERAL PARTY
A shot of MONGOL shows him towering above the procession.
Several other SHOTS in progression, of CHANG -- sometimes
hidden sometimes half-seen in the crowd. The last shot
is clear however, the one at the limo door, with a RED
CIRCLE around Chang.
Hunter points to the shots of Mongol and Chang.
HUNTER (V.O.)
These two were at the shooting.
(pointing to Chang)
He's gotta be important. He
was sure running things at the
restaurant, and he left the funeral
in a stretch limo.
WIDE - HALLWAY
Lau studies the photos, something between fear and anger
flashes across his face. He puts the photos back into
the envelope.
McCALL
I ran a make on the limousines
and they were rented by...some
outfit called the Chang Restaurant
Supply Company...know it?
LAU
I've heard of it. How'd
you get these pictures?
HUNTER
I'd never seen a Chinese
funeral, so I decided to
go to one.
McCALL
The big guy in the picture's
downstairs in the slammer.
You'll wanta talk to him
before he makes bail.
LAU
(surprised and a little
disturbed)
You arrested him!
HUNTER
(indignant)
Yeah, he tried to rip my head
off. Charge was attempted
theft, he wanted to trash my
camera. And he tore my new shirt.
LAU
(laughs)
Stop! You're ripping my
heart out.
(more serious)
Sergeant McCall, Rick, thanks.
I'll check this out right away.
HUNTER
How about lunch?
LAU
Next week for sure.
HUNTER
Swamped, huh?
LAU
(tired)
It never ends.
HUNTER
It's not supposed to.
TIME LAPSE CUT TO
INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE - DAY
One button starts to blink as the TELEPHONE BUZZES.
Angle widens as the Captain is already on the other line. He
punches "Hold" and takes the next call.
CAPTAIN
Yeah...schedule the line-up
A.S.A.P. I don't want that
witness getting cold feet on
us.
(takes next call)
Yes...no absolutely no
overtime... Alright.
As he hangs up, the SECRETARY enters, with a sheaf of papers
to sign.
CAPTAIN
Not now, Shirley. And hold
the calls alright?
She does a U-turn out of the office, and he turns to Hunter
and McCall, sitting across from his at the desk.
CAPTAIN
Continue
HUNTER
(confused)
We found a suspect no one could
i.d. but McCall or me!
McCALL
On our day off, too!
CAPTAIN
Nobody asked you to find
anybody, got it? That's my
point.
McCALL
I still don't get it, Captain.
Two hours ago we give Lau his
biggest lead and the guy tells
the Deputy Chief we're getting
in the way?! "Thanks a lot".
CAPTAIN
(points to wall map)
In the last few years, the number
of Vietnamese in this city
doubled. And they live right
in the middle of Chinatown.
(his point)
That's causing real problems,
given the thousand-year-grudge they
carry against each other...and
that's why we have an Asian Task
Force. And that's why I don't
want you two involved, got it?!
(emphatic)
This is a case for specialists.
Which you are not.
HUNTER
So why didn't Ray -- Lieutenant
Lau — tell us, Captain?
CAPTAIN
I'm telling you both. This is
an area the Chief is nervous
as hell about. Something's build-
ing down there and he wants
it contained. Lau knows how to do
that. You don't and you won't,
that's an order.
HUNTER
No problem, Captain.
(to McCall)
I still owe you a dinner.
On her surprised look.
56&57 OMITTED
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - DAY
McCALL
Forget it, Hunter. Just
because you brushed your teeth
next to the guy for a year,
doesn't mean you know him.
HUNTER
We were damn close friends.
McCALL
Maybe Ray turned into a
political wussy. People
change.
HUNTER
Not that much.
Hunter looks into his rear-view mirror.
HUNTER'S POV
He sees a black LTD with tinted windows.
McCALL (V.O.)
It happens. The Captain
was real clear. "Stay out
of Lau's way." So forget
Chinese. Let's have some-
thing Italian... like
"calimari friti."
RESUME ON HUNTER AND McCALL
HUNTER
No matter what language, I
still hate squid.
At that moment, the RADIO CRACKLES on.
RADIO (V.O.)
Any units in the vicinity of
Pacific Pagoda...D.B.,
found, possible 187, please
respond Code Two.
CONTINUED
Hunter gives McCall a quick look.
HUNTER
For once, I'll take your
advice. Let's can Chinatown.
Hunter does a "U" turn and SLAMS the gas to the floor.
ANGLE - LTD
The LTD also turns and follows with discretion.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
************************************************************
ACT TWO
FADE IN
OMITTED
EXT. PACIFIC PAGODA - DAY
An Oriental pagoda with a panoramic view of the Pacific
in the b.g. A peaceful scene, except AN ORIENTAL MAN'S
BODY hangs by ropes from it — arms tied outstretched.
A huge banner hangs behind him with CHINESE CHARACTERS
spray-painted in RED. A number of OFFICERS are on a
ladder trying to cut him down, as others attend below.
a CORONER'S VAN and a group of SQUAD CARS are parked nearby
as Hunter and McCall pull up to the site, get out, walk over,
McCALL
Webster's already here. I'd
rather not stick around for
the I.D. before dinner.
And they both turn to leave, as another CAR pulls up at the
end of the lot, and it's Lau. Hunter and McCall, a little
tense now, see him as he gets out of his car and approaches
them.
LAU
(smiling)
You guys must get paid
a bundle for overtime.
McCALL
We were a few minutes away,
and they called "Any units
in the vicinity".
LAU
(smiles)
It's not a problem.
HUNTER
Well, I got a little problem.
Got a second?
LAU
(hesitates)
Oh, uh...Sure.
As they walk away;
HUNTER
Why'd you go to the Deputy Chief
and not me?
LAU
I tried, Rick, but I couldn't find
you. I've been up to my butt in this
stuff, so I asked the Deputy Chief
to have you ease off because it's
a delicate situation. Did it sound
like I complained? I didn't.
Hunter nods, then smiles after a beat. Behind them, the BODY
ON THE STRETCHER carried by two paramedics nears Lau.
PARAMEDIC
Lt. Lau? You want to look at him
before we ship him to the morgue?
Lau nods, and UNZIPS THE BODY BAG TOP.
CLOSE - BODY BAG INSIDE
It's the VIET from the back room argument at the Wang Choo
Restaurant, FACE a little bloodied.
LEE(V.O.)
Vietnamese. Male, about forty-
five.
WIDE - HUNTER
as he recognizes the face, his jaw sets.
HUNTER
If I'm not stepping on your
Toes, Ray, what's the man
wearing?
Lau unzips it halfway, to reveal a GREEN ARMY-TYPE SHIRT with
epaulets, but no insignia. Again a hit for Hunter.
HUNTER
This's the guy who was arguing with
that Chinese bigwig at the restaurant
just before the shooting.
McCALL
Guess he lost the argument.
LAU
Did you really get a good look at
him? Could you swear to that, Rick?
HUNTER
Tell me when.
LAU
Okay. I'll see if there's
any connection.
There's a short silence. Something bothers Hunter about Lau.
McCall breaks the moment.
McCALL
Time to settle your bet, Hunter.
Let's eat, I'm starving.
HUNTER
(to Lee)
Yeah. See you around.
Lau, nods as Hunter and McCall leave. Lau looks at them
and then over the edge to see:
OMITTED
CLOSE - BANNER
The large Chinese red CHARACTERS, the paint dripped like blood
down the cloth.
INT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT
A couple WORKERS are repairing part of the damage from
the recent firefight. Lau PACES back and forth, now very
agitated -- Chang is placid, sitting quietly at a nearby
table drinking his tea.
LAU
(very upset)
...why did you have to make
a public spectacle out of
this murder, Chang?
CHANG
It was a warning to all those
who would resist me.
LAU
Couldn't you have just phoned
them up, did you have to make
national TV news?
Chang smiles, sips his cup and speaks.
CHANG
The murder was private, but the
message was public.
LAU
You've made a terrible mistake
here, 'cause once those media
dogs have the scene, they're
never gonna let this thing go.
CHANG
All dogs tire of a scent that
brings them nothing...
(another sip)
But calm yourself, Lieutenant
Lau. This is only the beginning.
On Lau's shocked reaction, the door opens to admit Mongol,
who has brought a snakeskin briefcase with him.
CHANG
Ah, Mongol. Over here...
(takes briefcase)
This is something I would like
your assistance in, Lau.
Chang opens the briefcase, and removes a packet of PHOTOS.
CHANG
Perhaps you will find out
the whereabouts of these
men for me?
CLOSE - PHOTO
As Lau goes through the pile of twelve, and looks at the
faces, which are all VIETNAMESE -- a couple we recognize
from the first Wang Choo firefight.
LAU (V.O.)
And why, Chang? Why do you
want to find them?
CHANG (V.O.)
You don't need to know. Just
find them for me.
WIDE
LAU
(indicates Mongol)
Why don't you have him do this?
CHANG
You may go places where he may not.
(indicates photos)
Will you do this?
LAU
(hesitant)
I can't guarantee anything, but
I'll look into it.
CHANG
(confident smile)
I'm sure you will find them. It's
in your best interest.
Lau gets up to leave -- but Chang is not finished. Mongol
looks in impassively.
CHANG
But, Lieutenant, our business is
not yet done.
LAU
What else?
CHANG
There are two police sergeants who
have behaved badly and who are
greatly annoying me. They went
so far as to arrest Mongol.
(leans closer)
This upset Mongol very much.
(his point)
I would prefer not to have any
more conflicts with these "meigworen'
(Chinese for: gringos)
LAU
Hunter and McCall are off this
case.
CHANG
Fine.
Lau gets up again, but Chang is still not finished.
CHANG
There is one last thing I want
from you, Lau. I believe you
know what that is...
LAU
I can't touch him now. It's
too dangerous.
CHANG
I want that witness, Lieutenant.
Without him, there can be no
transaction.
(his point)
And your loss would be tragic
indeed. You understand?
LAU
I understand.
And Lau exits the Wang Choo, as Mongol looks on. Chang
speaks to his massive henchman.
CHANG
I don't trust Americans.
(turns to Mongol)
If Hunter and McCall are off the
case are you satisfied now?
MONGOL
No. That man owes me a debt. I
will collect.
CHANG
Not now, Mongol. I want you only
to observe them for the time being.
But if they get in my way again...
(sips his tea)
Then you may have them. A humble
gift from me...
Mongol bows ever so slightly in deference to the Chinese warlord.
MONGOL
(in Chinese)
Death to the barbarians.
INT. POLICE STATION – DAY
OMITTED
CLOSE - BANNER FRAMED DY PAGODA
Same shot frozen of banner - without the body. Shuffle to:
CLOSE - NEXT PHOTO
It's a SHOT OF THE VICTIM at Pacific Pagoda. The Viet is grim in
deathface.
HUNTER(V.O.)
I wasn't sure till now, but I
know that face, I mean, I know
who he is.
WIDE
Hunter's at a desk in the squad room picking through a pile of
PHOTOGRAPHS from the Pacific Pagoda spectacle.
McCALL
(puzzled)
Who is he?
HUNTER
Remember General Luc Nyugen
Nhim?
(pronounced "Look
Nyoojen Nim )
McCALL
It's been over ten years since
he's made the headlines. That
was the guy they called the
"People's General". Wasn't he
the last bigshot out of Saigon?
HUNTER
Flying his own helicopter as I
remember.
McCALL
Ride 'em cowboy.
The Captain approaches.
CAPTAIN
Hunter. McCall. Could I see
you a minute?
The Captain sits. He looks at his two sergeants for a pause,
thinking.
CAPTAIN
I want to believe you two aren't
crazy. So you tell me what happened.
McCALL
What do you mean, Captain?
CAPTAIN
I just got a report from the Asian
Task Force that you were at the
scene of their investigation up at
the Pacific Pagoda.
HUNTER
From the Asian Task Force? Don't
you mean from Lt. Lau?
CAPTAIN
No, from Sergeant Kwong.
McCALL
Hunter owed me a Chinese dinner,
so we were near Chinatown. It
was an "any units in the vicinity"
call and we were just a few min-
utes away.
HUNTER
We left as soon as we saw Lt.
Lau, okay?
CAPTAIN
Don't you know any other places
to eat than Chinatown?
HUNTER
I don't even like Chinese food.
CAPTAIN
So it was just an accident, right?
You've got no quarrel with Lt. Lau?
HUNTER
Nothing except coming to you
instead of me.
CAPTAIN
We're all under pressure, Hunter
So bottom line, no more strange
coincidences, right?
HUNTER
Right?
OMITTED
EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY
Hunter and McCall exit, headed for his car at the curb. Hunter
glances up the street, smiles and gets in, as McCall climbs in.
POV - HUNTER - THE STREET
Down the way is the BLACK LTD, with tinted windows, waiting,
like Darth Vader -- silent and deadly.
WIDE
Hunter's car STARTS, PULLS AWAY. A beat later the LTD follows.
OMITTED
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - DAY
McCall sees that Hunter is checking something out in the
rear-view mirror. She starts to turn as she speaks.
(Note: action moves from left to right on screen)
MCCALL
We got a tail?
HUNTER
Don't look back. Yeah, we got a
tail.
McCALL
Hunter...the Captain said no more
"strange coincidences."
HUNTER
This is no coincidence. This's
a tail. Hold on.
As Hunter SLAMS THE GAS TO HIS CAR...
EXT. STREET - DAY
Hunter's car barrels off, SQUEALING TIRES, and disappears
around the corner. The LTD accelerates to follow.
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - DAY
McCall looks back at the LTD. Her body language shows that
Hunter's driving is making her nervous.
McCALL
Hunter, why're we running from
them? Pull over and find out
what's goin' down.
HUNTER
Who says they'll stop if I pull
over. We gotta guarantee they'll
stop.
McCALL
Yeah? How do we do that, Hunter?
HUNTER
Just hold on McCall, I'll show ya.
(speeds up)
Let's see what this babe'll do.
(guns it faster)
C'mon Detroit!
Hunter roars around the corner out of sight and onto:
EXT. DOWNTOWN CROSS STREET 79
As the LTD THUNDERS around the corner -- and SCREECHES TO A
HALT, as Hunter's car is sitting crossways, blocking the street.
Racing from hiding places behind parked cars on each side of
the street. Hunter and McCall reach either side of the LTD
with their guns directed at the occupants. Mongol's in the
driver's seat. With the car's window down. Hunter shoves his H&K
automatic into Mongol's face.
HUNTER
Say "cheese".
Mongol just stares malevolently at Hunter. Mongol's partner
looks furtively for some opening to take action -- McCall moves
the gun close to his face.
McCALL
Don't even think about it.
Mongol is trying to stare Hunter down. Hunter smiles.
HUNTER
Both of you -- out of the car...
nice and slow.
They do so, but are slow to respond.
McCALL
C'mon! You know the routine! Hands
on the car! Legs spread!
Reluctantly, the two do it, as Hunter and McCall frisk them.
HUNTER
Made bail already, huh, whalebait?
McCALL
Well your boss's gonna be real
thrilled with the tab you're
runnin' 'cause you're under
arrest again. Reckless driving...
HUNTER
And disturbing my peace.
(leans in close)
But I might even let you off with
a warning, if you tell me why
you're tailing us.
Mongol just stares at him. If looks could kill...and Hunter
finds Mongol's shoulder holster and gun, as McCall comes up
with the same on her captive.
McCALL
(shakes head)
Camera theft, reckless driving,
disturbing the peace and carrying
concealed weapons?
HUNTER
You're a regular scofflaw, aren't
you, whalebait?
Mongol continues his silent steam.
OMITTED
EXT. DOWNTOWN CROSS STREET - DAY
Camera is close on the flashing cherry lights of a black-and
white, as the angle widens to include Mongol and his associate
being loaded into the squad car. Hunter waves to Mongol, speaks.
HUNTER
(smiling)
Take care. We'll have to do this
again sometime.
He shuts the door. The black-and-white drives off, past
the Toyota van containing the two Vietnamese men, who get out
and walk up to Hunter and McCall.
VIET #3
(very polite)
Excuse me. Are you Sergeant
Hunter and Sergeant McCall?
McCALL
Yes.
VIET #3
I work for a man of great importance
from Saigon who would very much
like to talk to you.
Hunter looks at the Viet, then at McCall, who shakes her head.
HUNTER
I think you should talk with
Lieutenant Raymond Lau, he's
your man.
VIET #3
This important person will not
speak with Lieutenant Lau. He
wish to speak to you. It is a
private matter.
Hunter looks again at McCall, who rolls her eyes.
OMITTED
EXT. ORIENTAL TEA HOUSE - DAY
Establishing shot. A lush, serene garden surrounds the Far
Eastern-style tea house, as a couple VIET GUARDS in suits and
dark glasses watch the area.
INT. TEA HOUSE - CLOSE - HUA BAC NHIM
a distinguished-looking, older Vietnamese man.
NHIM
I have heard that you are not
our enemy as Lt. Raymond Lau is.
Hunter and McCall are sitting across from Nhim who is seated
in-a carved wooden chair.
HUNTER
Asian Affairs is a whole different ball
game. We're not even on their roster.
NHIM
None the less, your actions
with Chang's people speak
otherwise.
McCALL
So the bigshot's name is Chang?
Would that be Chang's Rest-
aurant Supply?
NHIM
(nods)
I need your assistance. The
leader of our community has
been missing since yesterday.
Perhaps you've heard of him?
General Luc Nyugen Nhim.
(a beat)
He is my son.
Hunter and McCall exchange a look, uncomfortable.
She speaks after a beat.
McCALL
(awkward)
I'm sorry, if we're the first
to tell you, but...your
son...is dead.
Nhim's usual mask of reserve crumbles -- his grief breaks
through, his eyes tear up -- his worst fear confirmed at
this moment. He slowly stands, under control, looks out into
the garden, an island of peace in a world of turmoil.
NHIM
Thank you for your honesty.
My man will see you out.
Nhim nods to his assistant near the door.
McCALL
Sir, excuse me, but we can still
help you. I know nothing can
be done for your son, but we can
help each other nail the people
who killed him. Can you tell
us how Chang was involved with your
son?
NHIM
The matter has nothing to do with
police now. We must handle it
in our own way.
HUNTER
Sir, this isn't Saigon. This
is Los Angeles.
NHIM
You're mistaken, Sgt. Hunter.
This is Chinatown.
Nhim turns and exits.
OMITTED
EXT. ORIENTAL TEA HOUSE - DAY
Hunter and McCall walk under Nhim's guards' gaze, across
a red oriental bridge. McCall shakes her head pensively
McCALL
God, how I hate delivering that
kind of news.
HUNTER
If you didn't there'd be something
wrong with you, McCall.
They exit through an adjoining garden.
OMITTED
EXT. NHIM'S ESTATE - DAY
Hunter and McCall go to Hunter's car, get in and drive off.
EXT. STREET NEAR NHIM'S ESTATE - DAY
As Hunter's car drives toward an intersection, a PICK-UP truck
can be seen on an intersecting street, starting its engine.
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - DAY
As he drives along he turns to McCall.
HUNTER
If I were Nhim, I'd be getting
ready to go to war...and it looks
like he is.
McCALL
Yeah, I'd like to find out if
Mr. Nhim has permits for all that
firepower he had on display.
HUNTER
Better do it quick, McCall --
Something's going on here and it
doesn't smell right. I got a
feeling like the one I had just
before Khe Sanh.
McCALL
(dryly)
Didn't we lose that one?
Suddenly Hunter and McCall react to something rushing in from
their left. Hunter, reflexively, starts to turn the wheel away,
but...
EXT. SURBURBAN STREET
the LARGE PICK-UP TRUCK SURGES OUT, and RAMS the side of Hunter's
car.
INT. HUNTER'S CAR
Hunter and McCall are momentarily stunned as two more cars charge
into view and SCREECH to a halt.
CHINESE GANG MEMBERS
scramble out of the cars and the truck and drag Hunter and McCall
out of their car. Hunter struggles with three gang members
who succeed in taking away his weapon. Two others subdue McCall.
Now Mongol appears from the passenger side of one of the cars.
CLOSE - MONGOL
As he approaches, he flashes a RAGGED SMILE, stained red by
the betel nut he favors for chewing -- as inviting as a
Great White with pyorrhea.
MONGOL
Say "cheese".
He takes Hunter and McCall's guns from his assistants, empties
them, then throws the bullets and pistols into a nearby
muddy puddle, created by a lawn sprinkler.
CLOSE - HUNTER
Staring intently at Mongol.
HUNTER
Cheese.
MONGOL
Enraged, Mongol slams Hunter in the gut with a punch like
a mule kick.
OMITTED 1C
McCALL
struggles helplessly with her captors during Hunter's fight.
She manages to SCREAM, but her CAPTOR clamps his hand over her
mouth.
WIDER 1C
Mongol brutally beats Hunter, then gestures to his men to
pick up Hunter, who has fallen to the ground. They do so.
MONGOL
What did Mr. Luc want from
you?
HUNTER
(bleary-eyed)
Tickets to the policeman's ball.
Mongol punches him again. Hunter doubles over in pain.
McCall has become very distressed.
McCALL
For God's sake, stop being a
hero!
(to Mongol)
The old man was looking for
his son. He didn't know your
boss had iced him. That's it.
As soon as we told him the General
was dead, we were out the door.
Mongol looks at him for a beat, nods, then leans in close
to Hunter.
MONGOL
I've been told killing cops
is not wise. But if I see
your face again, I'm going to
forget that good advice. Nee
dong bu dong? ("Do you understand?"
in Chinese)
Mongol HITS him again, but the other Chinese let him go.
After shoving McCall to the ground, they dash to their
cars and SPEED off.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
***********************************************************
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE - DAY
It's hot -- the air conditioning has gone out, and the Captain
sits fanning himself with a newspaper. Across from him stand
Hunter, in pain, and McCall.
HUNTER
When we left your office we
were tailed by some thugs from
that funeral in Chinatown.
CAPTAIN
And they forced you to arrest
them?!
McCALL
They were driving recklessly and
carrying concealed heat. Speaking
of which, it's gotta be over 100
in here...
CAPTAIN
The A.C.'s out, Sergeant. But
business as usual it seems with
you two.
The telephone buzzes. The Captain picks it up.
CAPTAIN
What is it?...
Hunter starts to take off his coat, nursing intensly sore ribs,
it's a very slow process.
HUNTER
I'm cookin' in this thing.
As the Captain listens, he remembers something. Irritated
with himself and the heat, he checks his desk calendar.
CAPTAIN
I forgot all about that. I can't
see him now. Apologize and assure
him that the Neighborhood Watch
program's very important to me.
Then reschedule him for next week.
Any signs of the Deputy Chief?...
Alright.
He hangs up and turns back to Hunter and notes his lack
of a jacket.
CAPTAIN
Hunter, put your jacket back on.
The Deputy Chief's goin' to be
here any minute and the dress
code says nothing about heat.
(pressing on)
So where did the Vietnamese come
in?
Irritated, Hunter is putting his jacket back on. He winces
with pain a couple of times as he does so.
McCALL
They said their boss wanted to
talk. Hunter tried to steer 'em
to Lau, but they weren't buying
it.
HUNTER
Said it was a private matter.
At that, an OFFICER enters, carrying a large cardboard box.
On the side, an illustration of a FAN.
CAPTAIN
Put it down over here.
The officer does, opening the box for the Captain and pulling
out the fan inside over the dialogue.
McCALL
Wouldn't you agree, Captain,
it'd be very bad police work
if we hadn't gone along?
(hot, frustrated)
We're just trying to find out
what the hell's going on.
HUNTER
And we think we've figured some
of it out.
Uncomfortable, Hunter hands the Captain two photographs. The
officer plugs in the fan -- tries it, nothing.
CAPTAIN
So, who's this?
OMITTED
CLOSE - PHOTOS
It's General Nhim -- before (Vietnamese press conference) and
after (Pacific Pagoda "picnic").
McCALL(V.O.)
General Luc Nyugen Nhim, leader
of the L.A. Vietnamese community.
He's the man found dead at the
Pacific Pagoda. It was the General's
father who wanted to see us.
BACK TO SCENE
HUNTER
And when word gets out the General's
dead, there's gonna be Chinese
blood flowing in the streets.
CAPTAIN
Are you now an authority on
Chinatown, Sergeant?
Hunter's grim, overheated and tired -- he shoots a glance
at the fan on the desk, as the officer still struggles to get
it going.
HUNTER
Three cracked ribs tell me we're
involved, like it or not. They
damn near killed me.
McCALL
And before we fry in our own
oil in here. Captain, I think
we deserve a clue to what this's
all about, okay?
Now the officer has the instruction booklet out, paging through
for an answer. The Captain gestures to them to sit.
CAPTAIN
Chang was the second biggest
man in the Chinese underworld.
Now he's the biggest. Five days
ago Lau set up a sting for Chang
and his boss.
(shakes head)
Something went wrong. We lost
one of our own men, and every-
thing we had on videotape.
McCALL
Who screwed it up?
CAPTAIN
Chang. Thought his boss was
pulling a "switch" on him.
So Chang shot him on the spot.
(Murphy's law hurts)
And then he shot our undercover
man, who was working as Chang's
flunky. It was a mess. But Lau
pulled it out of the fire.
HUNTER
How?
CAPTAIN
Got us a class A witness to the
murders...one of Chang's lieutenants.
Just one problem...
McCALL
He won't talk.
HUNTER
Probably has no life insurance.
The Captain grabs the instruction book away from the hapless
officer. Hunter leans across to fiddle with the controls.
McCall tries to trace the plug for the fan.
CAPTAIN
We're all gonna die if this
fan doesn't work...
(gives up on booklet)
Lau's persuaded me and the
Chief if we go his way, he'll
get Chang's man to talk. That's
why it's so urgent that
nothing goes wrong.
For a second, the fan's blades turn -- but stop again. The
three of them are trying feverishly to get it going.
CAPTAIN
And that's why I'm telling you
the whole story. So you get it
this time and stay out of this.
HUNTER
Got it. But Lau and I were
close friends. I wanna tell him
the details of our talk with
Nhim's father. In person, okay?
At that moment, McCall switches the plug around, and the fan
roars on at "full speed" -- scattering pages around the office,
The room is filled with relief from the heat.
McCALL
A woman's touch...
CAPTAIN
Fine. You do that, Hunter. But
if I hear one word from Lau you
did anything more than that...
The telephone BUZZES and the Captain picks it up.
CAPTAIN
What?...
(a little flustered)
Have him come in.
A beat after the Captain leans over to pick up some of the pape
the door opens and the DEPUTY CHIEF steps through the door.
The Ca^rairi reacts.
CAPTAIN
Come on in, sir. We were just
finishing some paperwork.
Unamused, the DEPUTY CHIEF surveys the mess, Hunter and
McCall make their leave.
INT. POLICE STATION – DAY
Hunter and McCall are walking through their squad room.
McCALL
Hunter, did you play with hornets'
nests when you were a kid?
HUNTER
(surprised)
Didn't everybody?
Hunter looks forward, smiles, McCall follows his look and sees:
POV - SERGEANT KWONG
At the booking desk, flanked by a uniformed OFFICER and
a beautiful CHINESE GIRL being charged.
HUNTER (V.O.)
Just the guy I want to see...
Hunter has a plan and he proceeds, with McCall at his arm.
As Hunter passes Bernie's desk, who's embroiled in a debate
about trivia with another officer. Hunter slickly lifts a
LARGE MANILA ENVELOPE from the "Out File" and tucks it
under his arm.
McCALL
What's that for?
HUNTER
Always have a Plan B. Just follow
my lead, partner.
Hunter smiles as they turn into a stairwell.
OMITTED
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
SERGEANT KWONG, looks up from the booking desk as Hunter
and McCall approach.
HUNTER
Got a minute, Sergeant Kwong?
It's important.
Kwong nods to the officer and walks with Hunter and McCall to
the "information" desk nearby.
KWONG
What's up, Hunter?
HUNTER
Is Lt. Lau upstairs?
KWONG
No.
HUNTER
Where is he?
KWONG
Sorry, I can't tell you.
HUNTER
(impatient, shows
envelope)
These wire photos just came from
Washington. Deputy Chief says
it's top priority. And you're
wasting my time. So where is he?
KWONG
I don't know.
HUNTER
Kwong, don't give me that. You
know where he is when he's
changing his socks.
Kwong shrugs. McCall has picked up the desk phone and dialed
a number. During McCall's conversation, Kwong starts to
squirm uncomfortably.
McCALL
(into phone)
Yeah. Give me the Deputy
Chief...well, you'll just have
to interrupt him...I guarantee
this is more important.
It's a problem down here with the
Asian Task Force. There's
a Sergeant K ----
Kwong grabs the receiver, hanging the phone up.
KWONG
(angry)
He's at the Wang Choo Restaurant...
Chinatown.
And Kwong leaves to rejoin his prisoner at the booking desk.
INT. McCALL'S CAR - NIGHT
McCall's at the wheel, as she and Hunter make their way
through Chinatown.
HUNTER
Something's wrong McCall, all
wrong.
McCALL
(nods, makes a flat
statement)
You mean the pitch the Captain
gave us about Lau and his witness.
(looks at Hunter)
Doesn't add up for me either.
HUNTER
If it was as simple as the Captain
made it sound, Lau woulda told me
about it.
McCALL
And where's your old friend Raymond
right now? At the Wang Choo —
Chang's turf.
HUNTER
And we had to twist his sergeant's
arm to find that out.
McCALL
Come out and say it, Hunter, there's
nobody here but me.
Hunter takes out his H & K — checks the clip and slams it
back in.
HUNTER
I hate crooked cops.
INT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT - DAY
A hand reaches to pick up a cup of tea as...
LAU (V.O.)
I'm ready to make the deal.
CHANG (V.O.)
You've been delaying, Lieutenant.
The CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal Chang putting down his cup,
sitting across the table from Lau. They are in the back of
the restaurant. The restaurant is closed, chairs on tables,
Painter's and plasterers' IMPLEMENTS are in the b.g. —
repair work from the shootout.
LAU
I have to know there's no
possible way you could double-
cross me.
CHANG
(slow burn)
Those are harsh words.
(harsh)
Get the prisoner out. When he's
in your possession, call me. Then,
we complete the deal. You'll
feel absolutely safe. Don't worry
about it.
LAU
I want guarantees, not assurances.
Chang's eyes narrow in self-righteous anger, but his voice
remains quiet.
CHANG
I don't think you are in any
position to demand anything. I
warn you now...don't count on my
patience.
(with disdain)
But you would not understand that...
You are an American.
EXT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT – DAY
Hunter's car is just parked outside across the street.
INT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT - ON ONE OF CHANG'S MEN
One of Chang's men runs into the room.
CHANG'S MAN
Those two police Sergeants are
headed here right now!
Mongol and a number of Chang's men rush toward the door.
CHANG (V.O.)
Don't let them see that Lt. Lau
is here! Stop them!
(in Chinese)
Kill them!
(to Lau)
I want that witness!
Chang then disappears in the confusion.
EXT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT - DAY
Hunter and McCall are crossing the street as Mongol and his
men pour out of the restaurant. Mongol takes a SHOT at Hunter
and McCall. Hunter dives behind a car and returns FIRE.
McCall runs toward another car separating herself from Hunter.
ON HUNTER
Pinned down by fire.
ON McCALL
She moves to find a safer place. Comes around the back of the
car she is using as a shield and Mongol is there. Before
she can raise her gun in defense, Mongol chops her across the
neck. She falls to the pavement, unconscious.
WIDE
Hunter reacts with horror!
HUNTER
McCall!!
The gang members move to get a better angle on Hunter. He
has to dash to the corner of the restaurant that leads to an
alley. Bullets BLISTER the corner, keeping Hunter pinned down,
as Mongol picks McCall up and carries her into the restaurant.
CLOSE - PEDESTAL
the backside drops down revealing a crawlway to some
SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGEWAY. Mongol with McCall starts inside.
WIDE - TERRACE
As Mongol disappears inside, the backside panel closes up
again, and Lau drops down onto the terrace floor (from where
he had jumped up at Mongol's approach).
EXT. ALLEY
With their guns blazing, the Chinese are maneuvering on the
street to a point where they can fire straight down the alley
at Hunter. In seconds, he'll have no cover.
OMITTED
HUNTER
goes to reload again. But he's out of ammo!
INT. LAU'S CAR - NIGHT
Camera tight on Lau, who's totally focused on the street,
driving.
HUNTER (O.S.)
Get us out of here, then pull
into the nearest alley.
ANGLE WIDENS to include Hunter, who's got his H&K up and
pointed at Lau -- it's cocked and all business. Lau looks
over, is startled.
LAU
Whoa now, Rick. This is Raymond
here, okay?
HUNTER
Raymond Who, scumball?
Lau pulls the car into an alley and parks. Lau is not far
from a bullet and he knows it -- his answers are short,
fast and choppy -- persuasion his intent and hope of survival.
LAU
Settle down, Hunter. I know how
this must look, but you don't know
the story here...
HUNTER
(cutting him off)
I'm not taking any more crap from
you! They got McCall. What the
hell's goin on!
LAU
I know they've got McCall, but
she's still alive. I saw her with
Mongol and I know where she is.
HUNTER
Where!
LAU
In the tunnels under the Wang Choo.
HUNTER
(starts to get out)
All right. Show me the way in.
LAU
Rick wait, I gotta talk to Sergeant
Kwong first!
Hunter blocks Lau's hand with his gun.
HUNTER
Kwong was the only one that knew
we were going to the Wang Choo
tonight. What's his cut, Lau?
What’s your cut?
LAU
You gotta listen to me, Rick!
Chang murdered his boss, and killed
one of my men.
(worst pain)
But there was a witness, and the
day I busted him, Chang kidnapped
Kim — that's why I couldn't tell
you anything!
HUNTER
(shocked)
Your daughter?!
LAU
Yes. Kim, and they're probably
holding her and McCall in the same
place. Now let me make this call,
'cause all hell's gonna break loose
down here any second, and thank God
for that, it's our one chance to
get Kim and McCall.
(into mike)
This is Lt. Lau. Patch me through
to Sergeant Kwong in Asian immediately.
This is a Code 3 emergency.
RADIO (V.O.)
(filtered)
Stand by.
Hunter is agitated, but now not centered on Lau as a target.
The radio CRACKLES.
RADIO (V.O.)
Lieutenant Lau?
LAU
(picks up microphone)
Kwong?
RADIO (V.O.)
We can't locate him, Lieutenant,
LAU
(losing cool)
Well, find him!
RADIO (V.O.)
All units, multiple shots being
fired at Ord and Hill. Possibly
gang related. Code Three.
HUNTER
That's Chinatown.
LAU
What that is is Chang's Phase
Two! That's why I can't move
from here till I talk to Kwong!
The radio CRACKLES again.
RADIO (V.O.)
This is Sergeant Kwong. Lieutenant
Lau?
LAU
(picks up mike)
Chang's making his move in Little
Saigon. Activate Plans A and B
Now!
(not looking at
Hunter)
Then I want you in front of the
Wang Choo, got it?!
KWONG (V.O.)
Yes Sir! I'm on it now! Out!
Lau gets out of the car, moving fast.
Hunter jumps out of the car and quickly joins Lau. And
they both rush from the car, back around to the trunk.
EXT. LAU'S CAR - TRUNK AREA – NIGHT
Lau unlocks and throws open his trunk lid to reveal:
POV - TRUNK INTERIOR
A small cache of weaponry — includes AN UZI SUBMACHINE
GUN, A MASSIVE RIOT GUN, BOXES OF CARTRIDGES AND AMMO CLIPS.
WIDE - HUNTER AND LAU
Lau reaches in and grabs the Uzi. Hunter reaches in for
the riot gun — as the scene plays, they're checking their
gun, inserting ammo clips, checking bolt action and stuffing
their pockets with extra cartridges and clips. AS THEY
WORK:
LAU
(talking a mile
a minute)
Chang's men just launched Phase
Two, the round-up of all of Nhim's
lieutenants, about twelve men...
(checks bolt)
To do what Al Capone did on St.
Valentine's day. Kill 'em all.
HUNTER
(loading up)
Your units can handle that.
My job's to find McCall.
Hunter loads his gun.
LAU
When Kwong and our SWAT teams get
here Chang'll be spread so thin
there'll be only a skeleton guard
left on Kim and McCall.
(looks up)
They'll be signaling any second.
O.S. GUNFIRE, as SIRENS resound from all around them. The
WAH-WAH HORNS give an eerie feeling to the scene. They are
ready now.
LAU
(looks up)
Damn! Where's the signal!?
At that moment, a FLARE SHOOTS into the sky from a couple
blocks away, and the scene is thrown into sharp relief.
LAU
That's it!
HUNTER
Let's do it!
And Lau and Hunter race down the alleyway into the darkness.
O.S. GUNFIRE and SIRENS continue.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
*************************************************************
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
OMITTED
INT. TUNNEL ROOM - NIGHT
Over black, the sound of LOUD VOICES in Chinese. As the
room begins to come into focus, we see:
CLOSE - McCALL
As she comes to, now being tied up by a CHINESE GUARD.
She's groggy, sees:
OMITTED
CLOSE - CHINESE GUARD
His face leers into hers, as he speaks sharply to her.
WIDE - ROOM
McCall is half-tied, realizes her predicament and SLAMS
HER LEG UP HARD INTO THE GUARD'S CROTCH! He SCREAMS OUT
and stumbles backwards. McCall wheels, seeing a ten year old
girl, KIM LAU, near the door, sitting in a chair. McCall
runs to her, as another GUARD sprints to intercept!
McCall turns abruptly and KICKS THE GUN FROM THE GUARD'S
HAND and GIVES HIM A SHARP CHOP TO THE THROAT, dropping
him to the ground. She grabs the girl's hand.
McCALL
C'mon! Let's get out of here!
McCall opens the door, and suddenly A GUN IS JAMMED RIGHT
INTO HER CHEST. She stops cold.
CLOSE - GUARD #3
as he backs them into the tunnel room. His compatriots get
themselves back together.
As a large VAN with the sign "Ti Truong Fresh Seafood" on
its side (in English and Vietnamese) pulls up, stops.
A VIET VENDOR gets out, opens the double side-panel doors
and takes out a BIG WOODEN BOX.
Without warning, the black LTD SCREECHES ALONGSIDE TO A
HALT, as the DOORS FLY OPEN and out comes Mongol and his
men — who GRAB THE VIET VENDOR -- SPILLING THE BOX FULL
ALL OVER THE STREET. The Viet struggles valiently as his
WIFE jumps out of the passenger side of the van and SCREAMS,
He is finally subdued, then roughly thrown into the LTD.
O.S. the sound of SIRENS -- as Mongol pauses, then leaps
the LTD and they're gone.
OMITTED
EXT. ALLEYWAY - NIGHT
Keeping an eye out for Chang's men, Hunter and Lau reach
the outside of the wall to the back terrace of the Wang
Choo Restaurant. GUNSHOTS can be heard in the background.
Lau climbs cat-like up to a trash dumpster against the wall
of the terrace. He sneaks over the wall.
LAU'S POV - THE TERRACE
is deserted except for the LARGE DRAGON STATUE on a pedestal
WIDER
Lau nods to Hunter, then slips over the wall. Hunter
is next onto the dumpster and over the wall.
ON THE TERRACE
now, Lau warily moves over to the dragon statue with Hunter
right behind.
CLOSE - LAU
goes over to the dragon mouth and pulls the LEVER hidden
within.
BACK OF THE PEDESTAL
drops again. Hunter peers inside.
HUNTER'S POV
It's jet-black inside, a few STEPS are dimly descending
the gloom below.
WIDE
Hunter looks unhappily at the hole then turns to Lau.
LAU
I'll go first.
HUNTER
After you.
Lau climbs down and Hunter follows him. Camera moves to
doorway.
THE DOORWAY TO THE TERRACE
is open a crack, but now closes, giving the impression
that someone has been watching Hunter and Lee for some
time.
INT. TUNNEL ROOM - NIGHT
The two guards are still arguing in Chinese, nearby is
KIM, tied to a chair, softly sobbing, McCall,
also tied, moves her back a little closer to Kim -- the
first guard has his back to them.
McCALL
(whispers)
What's your name?
KIM
Kim...Kim Lau.
The second guard notices the exchange, turns around and shouts.
GUARD #2
Quiet!
McCALL
This's kidnapping you know!
You can get the death penalty
for that!
The Chinese guard grabs a rag and roughly gags McCall.
Kim starts to cry.
INT. TUNNEL
It's dark as hell. About fifty feet in the distance a
lone low-wattage light reveals a fork in the tunnel.
Hunter and Lau's silhouettes slip into view.
They continue on, taking the right fork, to see:
POV - THE TUNNEL
a short distance away two doorways open onto the tunnel.
The second one is closed, showing light coming from the
other side.
OMITTED
INT. TUNNEL ROOM - NIGHT
McCall sits tied-and-gagged in her chair next to Kim. Near
with guns across their laps are the two GUARDS -- one stares
at his captives, while the other reads a Chinese newspaper.
Suddenly, a VOICE resounds from the tunnel outside (Lau's
voice plaintively in Chinese.)
CLOSE - GUARDS
as they scramble up, guns ready. They exchange a questioning
look, as one goes to the door -- ready for anything. Guard
calls out in Chinese.
CLOSE - DOOR
No answer.
CLOSE - GUARD #1
as he carefully opens the door and looks out to see:
OMITTED
INT. TUNNEL - GUARD'S POV
Lau's barely visible in the dim light, up the hall where the
tunnel forks -- his features blurred, he gestures with his
arm impatiently calling out to the guard in Chinese, then
in English:
LAU
One of you come on! Chang
needs you!
He repeats the command in Chinese, and then Lau disappears around
The corner.
OMITTED
GUARD # 1
doesn't like it. He turns to Guard #2, speaks in Chinese
As the second guard moves to the door, the first guard starts
out the door.
IN TUNNEL
The guard looks both ways, but it's dark. He's the only
thing visible, illuminated by the light of the room. He
starts down the hall toward the fork in the tunnel, with
his gun drawn.
OMITTED
HUNTER
is waiting, almost invisible in the darkness, just a few
feet behind where the door has opened.
GUARD #1
rounds the corner by the light and disappears. Suddenly
SOUNDS OF STRUGGLE can be heard.
GUARD #2
starts out from behind the door, raising his gun for action
He hears something, and spins around with his machine pistol
FIRING, but it's too late.
OMITTED
HUNTER
FIRES A BLAST from his riot gun, pumps and is ready for another.
OMITTED
OMITTED
INT. TUNNEL ROOM - NIGHT
Kim starts to cry. McCall looks with helpless concern at
the door -- as Hunter and Lau appear. Hunter goes to McCal
unties her. Kim cries out to her father.
KIM
Daddy! Help me...
Lau quickly unties her, then gives her a warm hug. Hunter
ungags McCall.
HUNTER
You okay?
McCALL
Much improved and glad to see
you, Hunter.
OMITTED
EXT. WANG CHOO TERRACE - NIGHT
Mongol and his men charge out the back door of the
restaurant and cross to the dragon's statue. Mongol
has death in his eyes.
INT. TUNNEL - NIGHT
Hunter, McCall, Lau and Kim cautiously make their
way toward the fork in the tunnel, where the single
light hangs when they hear FOOTSTEPS. Hunter and his
companions duck into the darkness of the left fork.
HUNTER
I'll draw 'em away. You
call it in.
Handing McCall his service revolver, Lau nods, then pulls
out an UZI from under his coat and clicks off the safety.
Hunter slips back across the lit area, to the right fork
of the tunnel, toward where McCall and Kim were held prisoner.
OMITTED
MONGOL AND HIS MEN
loom into a straight part of the tunnel where the dimly
lit junction in the tunnel becomes visible. All stop for
a second beneath another dim light. Hearing FOOTSTEPS, Mongol
peers into the darkness.
MONGOL'S VIEW
Hunter's form appears beneath the distant light, looking
down toward them. Hunter sees Mongol and company, then lets
go a riot gun BURST!
HUNTER
Clear out! They're coming!
He runs back down the right fork (the opposite tunnel
from where McCall, Lau and Kim are hidden).
ONE OF MONGOL'S MEN
has been slightly wounded by Hunter's riot gun blast. Mongol
SCOWLS and gestures the rest of his men on.
HUNTER
is putting as much distance behind him as possible.
LAU, McCALL
crouch in the darkness with Kim, guns ready.
MONGOL AND HIS MEN
reach the juncture in the tunnel, and peer around the right
fork. It's clear. They start down the passageway after Hunter.
LAU, McCALL AND KIM
steal around the corner as soon as Mongol and his men march
further down the passageway.
OMITTED
EXT. WANG CHOO RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Sergeant Ku pulls up in an unmarked car as Lau exits the
restaurant with Kim and McCall. Lau opens the door, puts
his daughter in, and speaks to Ku.
LAU
Take my daughter back to the
station.
KIM
Daddy don't go back!
Lau smiles and kisses his daughter.
LAU
I'll be okay, Kim. Don't worry.
He gestures to Kwong who drives off. Lau and McCall dart
back into restaurant.
INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
The Captain is on the phone and in an agitated state.
CAPTAIN
How long ago?!
(listens)
I'll be right there!
He hangs up the phone, grabs his jacket and storms out of
his office.
INT. POLICE SQUAD ROOM - NIGHT
The Captain shouts to his Secretary as he rushes into the
room.
CAPTAIN
Call the garage! I want my car
out front!
(to uniformed officer)
Johnson, come with me, we gotta
be in Chinatown in five minutes!
The Captain storms out with a uniformed policeman scrambling
after him as the secretary picks up the phone and punches out
a number.
OMITTED
INT. LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
Chang is sitting in the limo, smoking a cigarette and looking
very pleased with himself.
CHANG
This will be the "night of the
dragons".
ANGLE favoring Nhim. Hue Bac Nhim is sitting opposite Chang
with a blindfold on.
NHIM
Where am I?
Chang leans toward him, pulls off the blindfold.
WIDER
CHANG
At the gates of Hell.
NHIM
You do not need to do this to
us. We want peace.
CHANG
I will give you peace. My peace.
NHIM
Our people have known nothing but
war for a thousand years.
(an appeal)
We want no more war. We came
to this new land to leave war
behind us...
CHANG
Then you came to the wrong
place, you old fool.
NHIM
(new tack)
We will respect your strength.
(resigned)
You have taken my son. But there
will be no reprisals...
CHANG
That's very reassuring, but I will
sleep better knowing that none of
you will wake up tomorrow with a
change of mind.
NHIM
If you do this thing, the killing
will never stop.
(firm)
Not until every one of our people
is dead.
(reason)
For my son the war is finally over.
But for you, Chang, it will just begin.
There is something in Nhim's eyes that say he's right, and
is uneasy with that revelation.
CHANG
(impatient)
I have learned one thing about
your people, Nhim. Something I
learned from your son...
(the hatred)
It does no good to talk. All you
Viets only respect one thing...
(holds up gun)
The gun. So be it.
Chang, gestures to one of his men who drags Nhim out of the car
After a pause a SHOT is heard. Chang smiles with satisfaction
INT. TUNNEL - NIGHT
Rounding a corner. Hunter reaches a long straightaway in the
tunnel. In the distance a METAL LADDER UP THE WALL is lit
by a bulb hanging from the ceiling. He starts for it.
MONGOL
and his men cautiously arrive at the corner. Mongol spies
around it, then motions his men forward.
WIDER
Mongol and his men raise their guns, and FIRE at Hunter in
distance.
HUNTER
He spins and FIRES the riot gun four times!
ONE OF MONGOL'S MEN
Is hit in the leg. Mongol and his three remaining men help
him take refuge back around the corner.
HUNTER
bolts for the ladder and starts to climb.
MONGOL
ducks around the corner, FIRES a burst, then sees that
Hunter has fled. Suddenly a MACHINE GUN BURST erupts behind
them.
LAU (V.O.)
(bluffing)
This's SWAT! Give up! I'll
give you a count of five.
One!...Two...!
CONTINUED
Mongol scowls, and quickly rounds the corner. T he last
of Mongol's men, however, DROPS THEIR WEAPONS and raise their
lands. In a moment Lau appears with gun drawn. McCall
picks up the gang member's machine gun.
OMITTED
OMITTED
HUNTER
Climbs out of the trap door and finds himself in a LARGE
WAREHOUSE. From behind some crates and boxes he sees:
HUNTER'S POV
A LARGE VAN and a big group of Chang's men hold a number of
VIETNAMESE MEN captive. Chang spits out a command in Chinese
and three of his men start to screw SILENCERS onto their quns
MONGOL
reaches the bottom of the steps and starts to climb furiously
after Hunter.
OMITTED
HUNTER
sneaks away from the trapdoor to a point behind a stack of
boxes, giving him more cover. Keeping an eye on Chang's
men, he reloads his riotgun. Suddenly the SOUND of the
trapdoor closing attracts his attention.
HUNTER'S POV
Mongol is at the trapdoor, raising his machine gun toward
Hunter.
HUNTER
points his riot gun toward Mongol, beating him to the draw,
and FIRES!
MONGOL
is hit, and he reels back, knocking over a stack of boxes.
CHANG'S MEN
are suddenly drawn by the gunfire, and start to run toward
Hunter, FIRING!
THE VIETNAMESE HOSTAGES
dive for cover wherever they can find it.
WIDER
The cardboard boxes don't provide very much cover, they're
being torn to shreds. As Hunter scrambles back toward the
area of the trapdoor, it starts to open! Hunter points
his gun down, but Lau and McCall appear. They scramble
out of the hole and join Hunter in his quest for better
cover. Lau turns, releasing a BURST from his machine gun.
CHANG'S MEN
dive for cover.
HUNTER
McCall and Lau find cover behind some wooden crates. Lau
takes out his walkie-talkie and shouts into it.
LAU
This is Lt. Lau. We got Chang
and his prisoners in the warehouse
about a block west of Wang Choo
Restaurant. Heavy gunfire!
He joins Hunter and McCall in the gunfight by letting off
another BURST from his weapon.
WIDER
Hunter looks over to see that Chang has just run to one of
the cars parked near the van. Chang gets in and starts to
drive off. Hunter turns to McCall and Lau.
HUNTER
Chang's getting away! Cover me!
McCall and Lau fire a barrage at Chang's men as Hunter
sprints to cut off Chang's exit.
ONE OF CHANG'S MEN
FIRES at Hunter.
WIDER
Hunter dives for cover, letting off two SHOTS with his
riot gun at the shooter. Attempting to dodge Hunter's
fire, Chang's man knocks over a stack of boxes, and falls
to the ground. Chang's car is streaking for the door to
the warehouse as Hunter jumps in his path, aiming the riot gun
He FIRES!
OMITTED
CHANG'S CAR
is hit in the GRILL, the hood flies open! Another shot
SHATTERS THE WINDSHIELD. The last shot HITS THE FRONT TIRE.
The speeding car goes skidding out of control, spins and
SLAMS into the wall!
CHANG'S MEN
are still closing in on McCall and Lau, who are about to be
surrounded.
CHANG
is alive but stunned as he crawls out of the car.
WIDER
Suddenly a TEAM OF SWAT men pour into the warehouse through
one of the doors. Two men release a burst of FIRE at Chang’s
men. The COMMANDER raises his bullhorn.
SWAT COMMANDER
(through bullhorn)
Drop your weapons immediately!
CHANG'S MEN
see it's hopeless. They drop their weapons and raise their hands.
HUNTER
grabbing a FORTUNE COOKIE from an overturned box. Hunter goes
over to Chang and drags him out of the car, keeping his
H&K reading in one hand. He cracks open the cookie and
takes out the little paper slip and reads it.
HUNTER
Here's a fortune cookie for you,
Chang. You have the right to
remain silent...
THE VIETNAMESE CAPTIVES
look furtively from their hiding places, it's finally safe
to come out.
WIDER
Two officers take Chang into custody as McCall and Lau come
over to Hunter. The Captain appears at a nearby doorway.
As he enters he looks around at the ravaged warehouse in a
state of shock.
CAPTAIN
What the hell happened?
McCall
I think we just stopped
a gang war, Captain.
HUNTER
Yeah.
(to McCall)
Now that we got that out of
the way, what about that
Chinese dinner I owe you?
McCall laughs as Hunter returns her smile.
END OF ACT FOUR
FADE OUT
TAG
FADE IN
INT. LAU'S HOUSE - SUNDAY AFTERNOON
The interior is a strong mixture of Chinese decor
with a little Western influence. CHINESE MUSIC of
the classical "ch'ang" PLAYS SOFTLY in the b.g.
Camera WIDENS TO INCLUDE Hunter and McCall sitting
at the dinner table with Kim. The table is ornately
set with the Chinese porcelain and embroidered cloth,
and one old bottle of ketchup.
HUNTER
...so you're finally getting
that Chinese dinner. Home-
cooked no less!
From the kitchen door comes Lau, proudly carrying a large
serving TRAY, with a SILVER LID over it.
McCALL
To think I was about to settle
for pizza with the works.
KIM
That sounds good.
LAU
The specialty of the house!
(sets tray down)
My mother's own recipe from
the old country...
(lifts cloth)
An exotic adventure in taste.
Hunter grimaces at the unseen meal --McCall looks
enthralled. Lau then WHIPS OFF THE CLOTH to reveal;
CLOSE - TRAY
A HUGE PLATTER OF T-BONE STEAKS, FRENCH FRIES and GREEN
SALAD.
WIDE - ROOM
McCALL(V.O.)
(laughs)
What do you call it?
LAU(V.O.)
Kao niurou zao malingshu.
HUNTER
What does that mean?
LAU
Barbeque steak and fries.
McCALL
Hunter, You still owe me a
Chinese dinner.
FADE OUT
THE END
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