Quiet Fire (1991) - full transcript

[chime]

[footsteps splashing on street]

[suspenseful music]

[intense music]

Ah.

[intense music]

[gunfire and intense music]

[tires squealing]

[intense music]

[fire blazing]

Hello there.



How are you?

Oh, hi there.

How are you?

It's so nice to see you again.

Nice to see you.

It's this way, isn't it?

Thank you.

[birds chirping]

My men were being shot
down one after another.

I set a booby trap
with my last bullet.

My shot was a direct hit as the
bullets ripped through my body.

My entire squadron lying
about me dead and dying.

But I had annihilated the enemy.

And I vowed then and
there to never let



another American boy be put
in the same no-win situation I

was.

Next time, I said to myself,
when we play, and play we will,

we play to win.

With your support, both
moral and financial,

Senator J. William Whelan
will make you proud,

once again, to be an American.

God bless you.

Excuse me.

[funky music]

Great speech, J.W. You
killed'em, you just killed'em.

Yeah, terrific.

Well, another day,
another $100,000 dollars.

Cut the bullshit Frank.

Our problem, is it solved?

Um--

Well?

Well, our contract is
engaged in a high speed pursuit

through downtown LA and--

well, the target
apparently eluded them.

And they were incinerated
when their vehicles

crashed and burned.

All of'em?

You could fuck up
a wet dream, Frank.

Yes, sir.

The clock is ticking.

Time is running out.

The election is on Tuesday.

Walt spills his guts, he can
not only screw up my Senate bid,

but he could send me to jail.

And I'd happily take you
down with me, capisce?

Yes, sir.

Now take care of him, now.

Got it?

Got it.

[birds chirping]

[ominous music]

[upbeat music]

Hey baby.

Listen, what do you say after
your workout, the two of us,

we'll go back to my place.

I'll pour you a
little carrot juice.

I'll even give you some of
my fresh homemade dessert.

Me.

Aaron, fuck off.

Come on baby.

I catch you checking
me out all the time.

[music and weights clanking]

You're such an asshole.

Hey, hey, hey,
hey, no, I'm not

going to take no for an answer.

Two suspensions aren't
enough for you Aaron?

Beat it.
Go do your work out.

Get out.
Beat it.

Thanks Jesse.

VOICE ON INTERCOM: Jesse
Palmer to the front desk.

Jesse Palmer to the
front desk, please.

Walt.

[music playing]

I don't believe it.

What's happening, Jess?

It's been a long time.

Longer than that, man.

How you been doing?

I've been getting by.

Damn.

Do you got a minute?

Well, sure ah-- come
on step into with office.

Come on.

Damn Walt it must be
at these five years.

What's the matter, you don't
like my face or something?

Hey man I'm into
the shit knee deep.

Besides, I never did care much
for that ugly mug of yours.

Oh, you could use
a face lift yourself.

You still got that long
list of lovelies or are

you sealed down and settled up?

Yeah, you know me.

I'm still living large
off that fat of the land.

Same old Walt.

Yeah, same old me.

Aho.

Oh, man.

I feel like hammered dog shit.

You don't look so hurt either.

You're kidding right?

Got to replace those
electrolytes, buddy, right?

What you been up to?

I'm in the auto body
repair business, Jess,

and the wholesale
distribution game.

Been doing pretty good.

Yeah, I seem to remember
you having some troubles,

a whole lot of trouble.

They never could
prove I busted

into that jewelry store, Jess.

Besides that was then
and-- and this is now.

Right buddy?

So ah-- you got a chop shop?

The best in LA.

It's a real sweet gig
when it's working.

I got some other shit too.

But ah-- I'm not sure you
want to know about it.

You don't have to
explain to me, man.

You're doing OK for yourself.

I make a living.

So, what can I do for you buddy?

You OK, bro?

[intense music]

Oh, Jesus Christ.

What the-- what the
hell happened Walt?

I had nowhere
else to go, Jess.

It's all right.

Just take it easy, man.

Just-- just take it easy.

You're next.

What are you
talking about man?

What do you mean?

It's on-- on the
disk, computer disk.

Come on, man,
talk--talk to me,man.

Talk to me.

Store.

Broads.

Store.

[suspenseful music]

RUSSO: Now wait a minute.

I want to get this
thing straight.

You're in the gym,
minding your own business.

That's right.

When all of a sudden
this buddy from yesterday

just happened to
drop in for a visit.

- Just to say hello.
- That's right.

Bullshit.

Oh, and by the
way, did I mention

I've been shot to death?

Look, I know it sounds
kind of weird but --

Come on, Jesse, give
us a break, would ya?

Who do you think we are,
a couple of fucking idiots.

I'm just telling
you what I know.

Sounds like bullshit to me.

You're going to take the
heat for your dead buddy.

Now wa--wait a minute.

Look at the wrap
sheet on this guy.

You name it.
He's done it.

Robbery, burglary, criminal
possession of stolen property.

Forgery, B&E.

Assault, carrying a concealed
weapon, grand theft auto.

That's a--

Man, I'm outta here, man.

Bullshit.

Get up.

Talk to me.

Wait, wai- what--what do
you guys want me to say?

That I killed him?

Yes, make our lives just
a little easier, would you?

And what's my
mama supposed to do?

Why would I want to kill Walt?
- Maybe he ripped you off.

He ripped off everybody else--
- He didn't rip me off.

He just got himself killed.

And he just came to
see you before he died?

And he did say
anything about anything?

No he didn't.

Don't

I don't know what's up.

Maybe he's telling the truth.

What do you think Overstreet?

I think we gotta let him go.

I say we book the sonofabitch.

On what charge?

Concealed weapon.

That weapon belonged to
Walt. You guys know that.

Tell that to somebody
who gives a shit.

Just tell us what you know.

All right, yeah.

He did say one thing.

What's that?

He said I'm next.

Your next?

What the fuck does that mean?

I-- I don't know.

Does that mean you're
going to get shot next?

I-- I just don't know.

Get the fuck outta here.

I'm going to need
some protection.

What?

Get the fuck out of my station
before I change my mind.

Get outta here.

Jesus.

Let's get a beer.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, OK, yeah,
OK, yeah, that's for me.

Do it.

Yabba dabba do, baby.

Agh.

Go on, give it to me.

I want it.

Oo, that looks so--

So ah dude was a
friend of yours, huh?

Yeah, saved my ass
in Nam more than once.

I was there about two months.

Laying sound asleep in my
bunk and then all of a sudden

all hell breaks loose.

Well.

BARTENDER: Another?

Yeah.

I wake up fast, right?

There's Chuck.

BARTENDER: Chuck?

Yeah, Victor Charlie, VC.

This little guy in
the black pajamas,

right, with a shiv
that you could carve

a Thanksgiving turkey with.

Yeah.

, Anyway, he comes up
next to my bunk, right?

He's next to my bunk,
man, he's coming up to me.

Walt, shit-- I'll tell you man,
the dude, man, he never slept.

Walt took him down.

Killed him?

With his own blade.

But anyway, I'm
there right, shaking

like like a fucking leaf, right?

Now Walt, he's cool, right?

And I'm looking at this
guy, I'm looking at this guy

like I know him.

Now, that's crazy, like-- like--

like I'm going to know
some fucking VC, right?

BARTENDER: So did you?

Walt, he turns to me.

He says, that's our barber, man.

Barber?

Yeah, in Saigon.

We all went to this one barber.

He was also a pimp.

He had a righteous
stable too, right?

I got my hair cut from him
about three days earlier.

I mean, this guy man, he had
a straight razor at my throat

I don't know how many times.

And the fucking guy was V C.

So Walt saved your life.

RADIO NEWS PERSON: Today
in the news, the President

announces a trade embargo.

Congress tries and
fails to pass the budget

for the third straight day.

And finally senatorial
candidate, J. William Whelan

gets ready to wind up his
senatorial campaign by calling

his opponent a wimp and
pledging to build up

the military so
he can play to win

any future overseas conflicts.

[click]

[keys clattering on table]

Bills.

[INTENSE MUSIC AND FIGHTING
SHOUTS]

Who are you guys?

[INTENSE MUSIC AND FIGHTING
SHOUTS]

[footsteps]

[gunfire]

[suspenseful music]

[club music]

A guy with a blue
sweatshirt, dome through here?

Get the fuck off of me, man.

Deke, get outta here.

[music playing]

[thump]

Listen, um, how would
you like to come with me

to New York on a business trip?

Three days, three nights,
nothing but the expensive best.

I'll sleep on it
and let you know.

Would you like for
me to tuck you in?

Todd, I have to be up at 6:00.

Oh, um, I hope you
enjoyed the concert.

Yeah, it was great.

I really love Spike
Jones Jr. Thanks.

I thought you would.

You're welcome.

Ah, I really had a great time.

Oh come on.

Can I just come in for a second?

Ah, no Todd, I have to--

Look, look, look, I
won't stay too long.

Just let me come
in for one second.

- Todd, no.
- Just one second.

- No, wait, Todd.
- Please one second.

- No.
- What the hell's going on here?

Who the hell are--

I'm her husband.
Who the hell are you, bud?

- Husband?
- Ah, what are you doing here?

What are you
doing with my wife?

You didn't tell
me you were married.

Married ah--

Just time to get on
your way, huh, buddy, huh?

Yeah, yeah.

- Tod, no wait-- come--
- OK man.

Come-- Hey.

Why'd you treat my
friend like that?

- You ought to thank me.
- Thank you?

That guy was an asshole.

For your information, that
guy was an investment banker.

See, what'd I tell you?

It's over Jesse.

It's been over for six months.

And I'd like it
to stay that way.

I know that.

Then what the hell
do you call this?

Jana, I'm in trouble.

Look, whatever trouble
you're in, I can't help you.

Do you understand
what I'm telling you?

Now you can just fly right outta
here the same way you blew in.

Just shut up.
Shut up listen.

Shut up.

What is it?

I need a place to stay.

Now, I can't explain it now.

But at least for tonight,
I need to stay here.

Look, I'm not getting
good vibes from this.

You rush in here like I
don't know what and expect

me to believe what
you're telling

me, which is nothing, Jesse.

It doesn't make sense.

Look, they had my
place covered, all right?

There was two men inside and
outside waiting to get me.

And I just took off.

I got nowhere else to go.

Look, I'm not crazy
about you being here.

In fact, I should throw
your butt out right now.

But there's one thing
I know about you Jesse.

You're not a liar.

You want to sleep on the
couch tonight, be my guest.

Thanks.

One night.

And then you're outta here.

I don't want you
scaring off any more

investment bankers, understood?

You'll get no trouble from me.

I'm going to bed.

The guy was an asshole.

Is it really that bad?

Hm.

I thought you were asleep.

I was.

Want to talk about it?

Did I ever tell you
about my friend Walt?

We were pals back in Vietnam.

You were in Vietnam?

We were there towards the end
when things were bad, real bad.

I mean, most of the grunts,
they wouldn't even go out.

I mean, hell, why
chance getting killed

when you know the war was going
to be over in a few weeks.

But us?

Whew, we were different.

It didn't matter to us.

We were what you call
the elite forces.

Elite forces?

You weren't like
the Green Beret's?

Yeah, only a
little more covert.

That's the word that
they used in Washington.

You know, we did
all the off-the-book

counter-surveillance
operations, you

know, counter-surveillance,
sabotage, you know,

all the dirty work.

Like what?

Let's just say I've
seen enough death

to last me three lifetimes.

And I never wanted
to see it again.

But Vietnam was
like 20 years ago.

You're home now.

You're safe.

They got Walt.

They?

Who's they?

Who knows.

Why would anyone want
to kill you, Jesse?

What happens now?

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't understand why
anyone would want to kill you.

You never had any enemies.

You know before
Walt dies he was--

he was trying to
tell me something.

What was it?

I'm not sure.

Hey, look, ah--
you can't be having

a modeling career with heavy
baggage under your eyes.

Don't you think you
should get some sleep?

Yeah, OK.

But you too.

I will.

The guy was
definitely an asshole.

Good night.

[music playing]

Because I want to get the kind
that has the CD they pull out.

Oh, I do too.

But see if I do that,
will it run in my car.

May I help you?

Mm.

VOICE ON TV: Some people
think that you might

be laying it on a bit thick.

Hey.

Look.

I don't want the fact that I
actually fought in the Vietnam

War, unlike my opponent,
that I led 71 combat missions

over Vietnam,
unlike my opponent,

or that I was wounded in
battle and left for dead,

again, unlike my
opponent to influence you

this coming Tuesday in any way.

No, you should vote for
me because of your kids.

Because only I can provide
them with a country that stands

tall in a fallen world,
a country that can't

be pushed around by
greed and avarice

and cowardice and dishonor.

That's why you should vote
for me, J. William Whelan

for United States Senate.

It's only America's
future at stake.

So what do you think?

About what?

Senator Whelan silly.

Oh, I think he's cute.

Yassmin Taylor, you
don't vote for a candidate

because he's cute.

Well, I do, girlfriend.

No wonder this country
is in such bad shape.

Well, are you
gonna vote for him?

Mm-hm.

And why?

I don't know, he has
something, a real--

A real cute smile.

Integrity.

And great hair.

Oh, you're a lost cause.

Oh, you gonna tell
me about your date

with Todd McMasters or what?

It was all right.

But he tried to feel me up.

God, it figures.

He's such a dildo, God.

Oh, and did he promise you a
trip to New York with all the

expensive best?

How'd you know?

Because he tried
that same old line

on April, Michelle, and yours
truly, thank you very much.

Hey, we ought to go and
check in at the agency

before it closes.

Oh, yeah, you know, the
John Paul's Swim Wear Show.

It should be fun.

Biggest show of the year.

Oh, and just think, all
those rich, eligible guys

that are going to be there.

Ow.

Oh, come on, silly.

[funky music]

Coming in.

Watch the gate.

Hey dude.
Yo.

Pull the gate.

[intense music]

Thanks.

Gentlemen, have a seat.

You do good work.

Right at this moment,
you and your partner

are the only ones on this
payroll doing good work.

One of the great things about
being a cop, you got a badge,

you got the power.

Yeah, it's so easy
to fuck with people.

- People like my opponent?
- Oh yeah.

You can dig dirt up on'em,
shut down their headquarters,

even cancel the security
for their appearances.

The one I like the
best is when the riot

breaks out at his last rally.

Six point swing in the polls.

Which means I'm
now leading by 12

points, which is why there's 10
grand bonus in that envelope.

I take care of my people.

Your generosity exceeds
yourself, Senator.

Oh, yeah.

And that's just the beginning.

Once the Senator, Mr. Whelan,
assumes the senatorial post--

And we become
heads of security.

Then we're all looking
at some real money.

Seven figures?

Maybe eight.

Anything on the front burner?

Oh, yeah.

[door opening]

Open it.

Let me present the Viper.

The latest is on the
shoulder mount, heat seeking

surface, surface missile.

See that car?

[explosion]

[intense music]

It can destroy a
tank at 1,000 yards.

Africa, Middle
East, South America,

we could sell a
million of those units

next year provided
I win the Senate

seat and all the
connections that go with it.

So what do you want from us?

A man named Jesse Palmer.

Now that Walt's been terminated,
he's the only loose cannon.

How's that?

Jesse Palmer was
Walt's pal in Nam.

I was their commanding officer.

Jesse is an expert
in counterinsurgency,

not to be taken lightly.

What Walt knows, there's
every reason that Jesse now

knows the same thing.

What makes you think
that Jesse knows for sure?

He's got to know.

Why else would he have gone
to see him before he died?

Well, I wish you would
have told us that sooner.

For Christ's sakes, we had
the sonofabitch in custody.

So I've been told.

I understand you got some
local talent on the case.

I do.

But I've been
greatly disappointed.

It's really quite simple.

We find Jesse.

We kill him.

We all get rich or we don't.

He squeals, we all go to jail.

Capisce?

[traffic noises and music]

Ah, Kim?

Kim Martina?

Listen, pig.

I'm clean.

How come you guys are
always hassling me?

Look, you want to check it out?

See?

Clean OK?

Clean OK?

I'm not a cop.

Well, you're not a customer.

What do you want?

I met you through Walt.

Walt?

Walt?

Walt. Do you know where he is?

Because if I ever see him
again, I'm gonna kill him.

He sold me a 635 CSI Beamer.

What he didn't tell me was he
put a '78 Buick engine in it.

It blew up.
It blew up in my face.

I could have died.

He's dead.

Bummer.

That's a bummer.

Look, whoever um--

whoever did Walt is
trying to do me to.

Trying real hard.

What'd you say your name was?

Ah, Jesse, Jesse Palmer.

Walt, he was a friend of mine.

Why-- why are people
trying to kill you?

That's what I
need to find out.

Walt was always into
some weird trip or another,

you know, even in Nam.

You name it, Walt
had a piece of it.

Whores, black
market, freaky drugs.

He told me once that
he wired the officers

offices after dark and then
shook'em down for ah blackmail.

I really liked him.

Can you ah--

can you tell me anything?

Not really.

I mean, if you want to know
what actually killed Walt,

I don't know.

A 1,000 things could have
killed Walt, you know?

He didn't have many friends.

Well, whatever it was it--

it must be something
we both had in common.

So you figure it out.

Um, do you--

do you know where
his chop shop is?

Nope.

Did um-- did Walt
have a piece of this?

Oh, hell no.

It's a cool place.

Thanks.

Just trying to keep the
dream alive and pay the rent.

Yeah, well ah--

anyway, thanks.

Truly.

You be cool, Jess.

[music playing]

[traffic noises]

[suspenseful music]

- Mr. Palmer?
- What?

Mr. Palmer, you've
had several phone

calls today, including
two from that policeman,

Detective Russo.

Later, later.

[beeping of intercom]

HEATHER (ON
INTERCOM): Mr. Palmer,

there are two gentlemen
here to see you.

Do-- do they
have appointments?

No they don't.

They say they want to
sign up for a personalized

exercise program.

Heather, what's
wrong with your voice?

Ah, laryngitis I suppose.

They say you came
highly recommended.

And apparently they're on a
very tight schedule, Mr. Palmer.

Mr. Palmer?

Mr. Palmer.

Mr. Palmer?

[intense music]

[tires squealing]

[intense music]

[phone rings]

Fairway Station.

JESSE PALMER: Hey,
look, ah-- listen um--

I need to talk to somebody.

There's a couple of guys
that are trying to kill me.

Can you state the
reason for your call, sir?

I just told you,
there's a couple of guys

that are trying to kill me.

POLICE WOMAN (ON PHONE):
Are you damaged in any way?

No.

But I--I need to talk
to somebody, anybody.

Is anybody you'd care
to speak to specifically?

JESSE PALMER: What are
you stupid or something?

I just said there's a couple
of guys trying to kill me.

I'll have to put you
on hold a moment please.

JESSE PALMER: No,
don't put me on hold.

Wait a minute.

Sir?

Look, ah-- there's a
Detective Russo there.

Let me talk to him, please.

What was that name again?

Detective Russo?

JESSE PALMER (ON
PHONE): Jesse Palmer.

Who?

JESSE PALMER (ON
PHONE): Jesse Palmer.

Oh, Jesse Palmer.

Look, I've been trying
to get in touch with you.

JESSE PALMER (ON PHONE):
Oh, hey, listen man,

look I'm in deep shit.

Man, I need your help.

RUSSO: No problem.

Just relax.

Now tell me everything.

I'm been stalked
by a couple of men

that are trying to kill me.

Any idea who they are?

JESSE PALMER (ON
PHONE): I don't know.

Every time I look up
I'm dodging bullets.

I need your protection, man.

What are you going
to do about it?

Listen, is there some
place we can meet, you know,

someplace we can go talk?

JESSE PALMER (ON PHONE): I--

I can't go home.

I don't know.

I-- I don't know.

Are you sure?

I don't know dammit.

I don't know.

OK, calm down now, Jesse.

Relax.

Take your time and think.

I got a place, yeah.

Shoot.

Ah, she lives--

I have a girlfriend.

She looks out in
Westwood, ah 3712 Galia,

apartment two, yeah, that--

that's it.

Perfect.

Now, we'll meet
you at her house.

Uh-huh.

Now, we may have a
line on these guys.

Yeah?

OK.

You go there and sit tight.

And we'll be there
by 8 o'clock sharp.

- Right.
- You got it?

Yeah, OK.

Thanks.

Good boy.

We got him.

[traffic noises]

Shit, I don't know.

What do you think?

I like this one the best.

It looks ah-- se-- senatorial.

Yeah?

Very much so.

[phone rings]

Yeah?

OVERSTREET (ON PHONE): Hey,
I got an address for ya.

You found him?

OVERSTREET (ON PHONE): Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah, 427 Galia Avenue,
Westwood, apartment two.

Got it.

Got a lead on Jesse.

Great, that's great.

I'm going to try again.

Only this time I want
you to go along to make

sure they get the job done.

Ah, um, I--

I'm-- I'm a political
consultant, not an assassin.

What's the difference?

YASSMIN: Oh, God.

Look at this guy.

No way.

Oh, look at this guy's doo.

That's my favorite.

That curl is
centuries years old.

[door bell rings]

Come on now.

Who is it?

[tv voices]

Jesus Christ Jesse.

What the hell is this?

Scare the shit out of Jana week?

You must be the
famous Jesse Palmer, mm.

What the hell are
you doing back here?

He has broad shoulders, mm.

Returning your car keys.

Well, give'em
to me and get out.

Sh.

Don't tell me to sh.

Is this a lover's quarrel?

This is my house.

And I can yell as
loud as I want to.

Well, kids, listen, I think
it's time for me to run.

Listen, it's been really fun.
And it's been real.

But I gotta run.

And Jesse it was a major
pleasure to meet you.

Mm.

Now, you two make
such a cute couple.

I envy you so.

Bye.

[tv voices]

Who's that?

JANA: It's my best friend.

And what is it to you?

Having a nice day?

Yeah.

More trouble?

Lots.

What happened?

It's real bad out there.

They try to kill you again?

Too close for comfort.

I don't know if I
can handle this, Jesse.

Why are they trying to kill you?

I don't know.

You're not holding
out on me, are you?

What are you talking about?

Because you always
used to do that.

What?

You, Jesse Palmer,
Mr. Strong silent type.

I didn't know you were in
Vietnam until last night.

Yeah, well, you know things--

Yeah, well, I thought
I loved you once.

But I didn't even know you were.

[tv voices]

Look, I want to help you Jesse.

But you have to let me in.

[tv voices]

OK.

TV ANNOUNCER: And on
the political front,

prospective candidate
Whelan and his pretty wife

Barbara attended their
award-winning garden.

The US senatorial
candidate hopeful--

I know that guy.

TV ANNOUNCER: Flowers in--

JESSE PALMER: He
was my CO in Nam.

Really?

TV ANNOUNCER: He
says that's what

he proposes to do as a job--
- What an asshole.

TV ANNOUNCER: If elected.
- Turn that thing off.

Oh, well, just
because you don't like--

Sh.

TV ANNOUNCER: Hand built. It
took an estimated 3 and 1/2

years to complete, but it is--

What is it?

I hope it's the cops.

I told'em to meet me here.

[shotgun blast]

[screaming]

[shotgun blasts]

[gunfire]

Agh.

[gunfire]

[screaming]

[intense music]

You all right?

You're OK.
You're OK.

Look at me.
Look-- look at me.

Look at me.
You're OK, all right?

You're OK.

Right?

All right?

Right now, we're going
to get out of here.

All right?

J. WILLIAM WHELAN: Good.

Yeah, good.

That's going to work just fine.

OK.

J. WILLIAM WHELAN:
Now, freeze it here.

And we'll put a
voiceover and some music.

Yeah, that'll be nice.

[knocking]

What?

It's me, Frank, Mr. Whelan.

Come in.

Steve, would you mind?
- No problem.

Well?

We didn't do so good.

Jesse, Jesse.

The man's got nine
lives, I swear.

Flew over 50 sabotage
missions in Nam.

And he's still walking around.

All right, now it's
time to do things right.

I'm going to stop
fucking around.

[traffic noises]

[tv voices]

[coughing]

Excuse me.

I'd like to get a room.

[tv voices]

Yeah?

We need a-- we need
a room for the night.

You freaking?

To sleep?

How much for a room?

MOTEL CLERK: $20.

JESSE PALMER: 20?

[tv voices]

Hey, didn't I tell
your junkie ass to stop

fucking with my customers?

You old soo bread,
dirty dog, no bathing,

spam-eating mother fucker.

Get your skunk junkie
ass out of here.

[tv voices]

$20 in advance.

Sign it.

[tv voices]

[baby crying]

[tv voices]

Check out time is 12:00 noon.

Don't be late.

[tv voices]

[baby crying]

And what you looking
at Ms. Girlfriend?

Giving me the evil eye.

You're lucky I don't
climb across this counter

and set fire to
your natural ass.

You just think you hot shit.

Well, you ain't shit
to me, old skinny

mini, giraffe neck,
ashy leg, Bart

Simpson looking onion head.

[yelling]

[music playing]

Nice, real nice.

And one bed, how convenient.

I'll sleep in the chair.

You better believe you will.

At least we'll be safe here.

JANA: You hope.

Shit, I could have gone to New
York with Todd this weekend.

He's a loser.

And you're not?

I'm still alive, aren't I?

JANA: I don't like this.

I don't like this at all.

Earth to Jessie, do you read me?

Jesse David Palmer.
- Clyde.

JESSE PALMER: Excuse me?

Walt, he had an older
brother named Clyde.

Now maybe he knows something.

Imagine somebody
who knows something.

Hey look, it's not--

I didn't ask for this.

And neither did I.

I know you didn't.

If you want to leave,
I'll understand.

[music playing]

Jesse?

Yeah, baby?

Why does it always
have to be you?

You're just lucky, I guess.

You still want me to
sleep in the chair?

Absolutely.

Tough shit.

[music playing]

[funky music]

[door buzzer rings]

[funky music]

CLYDE: Jesse.

Come on in, man.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

No bother at all.

Can I get you anything,
some ah-- some soda, beer,

some sparkling fruit water.

No thanks.

Yeah, you sure now?

M--m-- make yourself
at home, man.

I've been trying to finish
a painting for a client.

But my head just
isn't into it today.

God, I haven't seen you in--

how long has it been?

About 10 years.

Sorry about your brother.

Yeah, me too.

Good old Walt. What'd
you want to ask me?

You sounded kind of
mysterious on the phone.

I was lucky you
were still listed.

You know anybody would
want to kill Walt?

Walt was in some
pretty shady doings.

And his temper,
well, you knew him.

So he had a lot of enemies.

Yeah, I'd say so.

Any one in particular?

Not that he told me about.

I hadn't seen him
that much lately.

Was he into anything
new recently, ah--

moving in on anyone's action?

M-- m-- maybe.

We talked on the phone
a couple of weeks ago.

He said he was going
to make a big score.

But he didn't give
me any details.

And I didn't ask.

Hey, I appreciate
your concern, Jesse.

But I'm sure the
cops can handle it.

I wouldn't be too sure.

What do you mean?

Just before your brother died,
he said he put something down

on computer disk.

Now what, I don't know.

But whatever it is,
it must be dynamite.

Now do you know what
or where that could be?

Jeez, no, I went
through all this stuff,

what was left of it.

The cops tossed his
place pretty good.

You know where
his chop shop is?

Yeah, 24th and Beaudry.

You tell the cops?

F-- hell no.

And believe me, they asked.

Good.

Man, thanks.

Good luck with that.

You going to attend
the funeral, aren't ya?

I don't think I can.

I understand.

I'll b-- be-- be seeing ya.

[funky music]

[HORN HONKING AND TRAFFIC
NOISES]

[eerie music]

[glass shattering]

[screaming]

[intense music]

[music with drums playing]

[tires squealing]

[music with drums playing]

[TIRES SQUEALING AND INTENSE
MUSIC]

You look pretty grim, Jesse.

Who died this time?

Clyde.

My cousin who stutters?

And he didn't have 1,000
people who wanted him dead.

What the hell's going on?

Look, everybody that
was cl--close to Walt,

they're being killed one by one.

You might be next.

Me?

Come on.

Look, if you know anything,
you got to let me know now.

Jesse, ahem, I
don't know anything.

And don't you go sending cops
around here to protect me, OK?

I never learned to trust cops.

You know what I mean?

Look, if you think of
anything, give me a buzz.

My number's on the
card, all right?

Relax man.

Just be careful.

[intense music]

JANA: What'd do you find out?

They killed him.

I thought I told you
keep the curtains closed.

Who?

Clyde?

They tossed him out a window.

Jesus Christ, Jesse,
what the fuck is going on?

We gotta call the police.

Maybe they can help us.

No.

Why the hell not?

Because only the police
knew I was at your place.

And look what happened.

Is not your buddy.

What?

Walter James Tilton,
a Vietnam veteran

was awarded the Bronze Star.

He will buried tomorrow at
the Veterans Memorial park.

Services will be held at Praise
Water Mortuary Home, 11:00 A.M.

Bronze star.

What?

The Bronze Star.

Jesse, what is going on?

- I gotta go?
- Where?

To the funeral?

I can't let him
be buried alone.

Jesse, that's crazy.

These people, whoever they
are, will know that you--

you're going to show.

They'll expect you
to show They'll

know about your
stupid code of honor.

I gotta do something.

Walt wouldn't want you to
get blown away at his funeral.

Neither would I.

[music playing]

Closed.

closed, man.
The lights are out.

Can't you see?

[suspenseful music]

[ominous music]

[gunshot]

[intense music]

Jesse Palmer, please.

JESSE PALMER: All
right, let's stop.

Now, Kim said Walt had a key
hidden in the Bronze Star.

Now, if I'm not back
here in 10 minutes,

you get the hell outta here.

Jesse--

And don't look back.

Oh.

[suspenseful music]

[eerie music]

Go to 24th and Beaudry.

What's there?

Walt's chop shop.

Oh.

What makes you think the com--
computer disk would be there?

Because he was too
smart to stash it at home.

Cops already been there anyway.

You're doing it again.

Doing what?

Disappearing on me.

I'm sorry.

It was just like I'm back
in Nam all over again,

kill or be killed.

A silent enemy at every turn.

You don't even know why.

[ominous music]

You gonna be all
right in there?

Yeah, look, ah--

just stay put.

I'll be right back.

[suspenseful music]

[crash on barrel]

[intense music]

This key outta go somewhere.

[suspenseful music]

Where to?

Think.

Glove compartment.

[intense music]

Bingo.

How'd it go in there?

Ta-da.

All right.

Ah, shit.

Try it again.

All right.

Come on, baby, give.

Jackpot.

Oh, wow, this is dynamite.

Well, what to do with it.

Hey, I know a
reporter we can talk to.

Yeah, but can we trust him?

Sure we can.
I've known him for years.

He's like an uncle.

Wow.

This is a hot story.

It's a hot story.

There's no doubt about it.

If it's true.

True?

Of course it's true.

Baby girl, all
I've got right now

is the word of a petty criminal
against that of a United

States Congressman
and the leading

senatorial candidate at that.

Since when did the
word of a Congressman

count for anything, Uncle Mike?

You've got a point.

Mr. Miller?

[knocking]

MIKE MILLER: Yes Bridget.

I've got those forms
that you asked for.

Good.

BRIDGET: I'm still
checking the database

and I have the print for
you in about five minutes.

Very good.

Thank you very much.

Sure thing.

Look, now Walt, he may have
not been a model citizen.

But he wasn't a liar.

So what are you saying, Mike?

I need independent
verification.

It was a behind
the lines mission.

They choppered us
in at about 0500.

Now, the target, it was
a VC munitions dump.

I remember that.

And then there was ah--
this bunker in the brush.

And then we fanned out.

And we started in.

And that's when all
hell-- it broke loose.

There was bombs.
There was mortars.

The next thing I knew,
I woke up in a hospital

three months later.

So you don't know whether
Whelan got on that chopper

and left you there to
die or not, do you?

No, but it all makes sense.

The guy was a known opportunist.

He was totally into himself.

And he wanted that Silver Star
and fuck who had to die for him

to get it.

So you, Whelan, and Walt
are the only ones to survive?

Yes.

What was the name of the team?

Quiet Fire.

[suspenseful music]

[birds chirping]

[doorbell rings]

[violin music]

Thank you, Don.

[doorbell rings]

Mr. Whelan?

Mr. Whelan, I'm sorry I'm late.

Heavy traffic.

[phone rings]

Yes?

RUSSO (ON PHONE):
Whelan, it's Russo.

I see.

RUSSO (ON PHONE): I think
I got a lead for ya.

We've got something of interest.
J. WILLIAM WHELAN: Yeah?

RUSSO (ON PHONE): I'm
the girls apartment.

And I think she's in
some kind of event.

It's John Paul's Spring
Swimwear Sensation.

I think it's some
kind of fashion show.

She's got it circled
about 20 times.

What's the address?

RUSSO (ON PHONE): Fashion
Center, downtown LA.

Very good.

Frank, sometimes when you
want things done right,

you just got to do it yourself.

I want to introduce
you to Hector and Jax.

Oh.

How do you do?

Hector and Jax are
from out of town.

Oh?

Whereabouts?

Doesn't matter.

They're professionals, the
very best in their field.

Wow.

So what is it you guys do?

Hector and Jax kill people.

[intense music]

[dishes rattling]

I know this is bad timing.

But I've got a
fashion show to go to.

You're not serious?

- Yes, I am.
- Forget it.

Forget it?

Forget it.

Look, Jesse, I took you
in, got my place shot up,

missed out on interviews.

I'm driving around
in a rented vehicle

because you
destroyed my Mustang.

And on top of it, I'm--

I'm living in a hotel
that a blind cockroach

wouldn't set foot in.

It's an important show
for my career, Jesse.

And I'm not going to miss it.

TODD (ON PHONE):
OK, all right, good.

OK, I've gotta go.

[suspenseful music]

Spring Swimwear Sensation
oughta be a hell of a show.

So you're going to wait until
after the show to kill him,

aren't ya?

I don't think so.

[suspenseful music]

[all talking at once]

Ew, look at that.

Look.

Agh.

Agh.

It's so gross.

What is it?

What's wrong?

It's the biggest
bug I ever saw.

Jesus Christ.

I though you were
stabbed or something.

Well, just kill it will you?

It's just a bug.

[all talking at once]

[intense music]

Now, aren't you glad we came?

[gun shot]

[screaming]

[intense music and gunfire]

Shit.

[intense music]

[gunfire]

[tires squealing]

Whew, it's too
close for comfort.

[ominous music]

J. WILLIAM WHELAN: The
Middle East brokers are

being tough in negotiations.

Don't you two ever knock?

Well, is his contract canceled?

We missed him.

J. WILLIAM WHELAN: Not again.

Where is he now?

We don't know.

[music playing]

What am I paying you two?

We'll get him.

$150,000?

Do you know what I
could buy for $150,000?

A prime time spot on
the network affiliates.

What about Frank?

Terminated.

Congratulations.

And the girl, too.

Are you sure?

Pretty sure.

It's not the girl
I'm worried about.

[suspenseful music]

This Silver Star thing here,
means a lot to you, don't it?

Key to a dream.

So were you ah-- really enjoy
injured over there in Nam?

Hell, yes.

Busted up my leg
something terrible.

What happened?

Got drunk and fell
off my golf cart.

[phone rings]

Yeah?

SECURITY GUARD (ON
PHONE): There's a prowler

on closed circuit, Mr. Whelan.

He's here.

What?

Find him and kill him,
right now, right fucking now.

[intense music]

[engine stopping]

Did you hear that?

Yeah.

Sounds like the AC unit.

He's in the boiler room.

Shit.

Dammit.

[intense music]

[gunfire and [intense music]

Where did he go?

I don't know where
this thing goes?

Come on.

Got your back.

[intense music]

[STEAM HISSING AND WATER
DRIPPING]

[ominous music]

[gun shot]

[intense music]

Damn, the fucking
guy's a ghost.

[intense music]

[STEAM HISSING AND SUSPENSEFUL
MUSIC]

I got it.

Go get that sonofabitch.

[intense music]

[fight sounds]

[intense music]

It's you and me mother fucker.

Oh.

Ah.

[intense music and fight sounds]

Agh.

Agh.

[intense music]

[gunfire and intense music]

Ah.

Agh.

[intense music and fight sounds]

Agh.

Bitch.

[intense music]

[gun shots]

[intense music]

[gunshot]

Sh-- damn.

Oo, hm.

[intense music and gun shots]

Well, Jesse,
here we are again.

You're good.

I always said you were the
best grunt I ever commanded.

Now, if you'd just died
like you were supposed to,

I wouldn't have to do this.

[clicks from empty gun]

It's a Smith & Wesson.

And you've had your six.

[intense music]

[INTENSE MUSIC AND CHOPPER
RUNNING]

Give me the gun.

[INTENSE MUSIC AND CHOPPER
RUNNING]

[gunshots]

[INTENSE MUSIC AND CHOPPER
RUNNING]

[gunshots]

[INTENSE MUSIC AND CHOPPER
RUNNING]

Shit.

[INTENSE MUSIC AND CHOPPER
RUNNING]

Look's like you've
been left again, grunt.

[intense music]

[explosion]

[intense music]

[soft music]

[sirens and soft music]

[music - "quiet fire"] They
came and wanted to fight

like a bad dream in the night.

Losing his mind to fear.

Again, they came and
thought they had arrived

doing to thee on the life.

They trained to leave
nothing standing.

But there's a heat in the heart
for the love that we shared.

But the song is over.

So beware.

Ow.

Quiet Fire is coming
to the surface, baby.

Oo.

Quiet fire is coming
to the surface, baby.

If there's a rule and it's
been broken, oo, so broken,

just beware.

Oh.

Quiet fire is coming
to the surface, baby.

Quiet fire is coming
to the surface, baby.