8.
YARD TIME – men pacing, some playing basketball, others huddled in small groups. Shane stays by himself, always at the edge, watching.
A BIG INMATE (30s, ex-Marine by his tattoos) approaches.
BIG INMATE
You're the one that shot that kid, right?
Shane turns slowly. Meets his gaze.
SHANE ALEXANDER
What's it to you?
BIG INMATE
Just wonderin' how a soldier ends up a murderer.
A dozen nearby inmates look up, interested. Shane's eyes narrow.
SHANE ALEXANDER
You ever clear a room, Marine?
BIG INMATE
Yeah.
SHANE ALEXANDER
You ever hesitate?
Silence.
SHANE ALEXANDER (CONT'D)
Neither did I.
The big inmate holds his gaze. Then gives a small nod. Not approval. Not friendship. Just understanding.
17.
INT. USDB – VISITATION ROOM – DAY
SHANE ALEXANDER
I already told my story.
MIKE CHISHOLM
No.
(firm)
You answered questions.
(beat)
You never told your damn story.
He lets that sink in.
MIKE CHISHOLM (CONT'D)
I read the record. I see a soldier stickin' to a script. Someone holdin' back.
Shane exhales sharply, looks away.
SHANE ALEXANDER
There's nothin' to fix.
MIKE CHISHOLM
Bullshit.
The word hits hard, clean.
MIKE CHISHOLM (CONT'D)
You don't get forty-three years at Leavenworth for nothin'.
(leans in)
You're still protectin' someone.
EXT. KISELJAK – SOUTHERN CHECKPOINT/MARKET APPROACH – EARLY
Shane's gaze drifts beyond the stalls to the RIDGE LINE overlooking town. He scans.
A FIGURE half-hidden behind scrub. Then another, ten meters over.
Shane's body tightens. He adjusts his rifle, brings it up just slightly. He keys his radio.
SHANE ALEXANDER
Three-One, this is Three-One-Bravo. Got movement on the ridge. Two figures, ten meters apart. Stopped when I saw 'em.
LAUGHLIN (V.O.)
(radio)
Copy, Bravo. Confirm type?
SHANE ALEXANDER
Can't. No weapons visible. Not movin'.
He keeps his eyes locked on the ridge.
The figures slowly shift backward. Fade into the trees.
The sounds of the market swell around him. But the air feels thicker.
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