Paulsen Arc


     INT. OFFICE - AFTERNOON

     DONOVAN PAULSEN, (30) sits there. He wears a suit. Sweat
     drips down the side of his face. Don's eyes have bags in
     them. His suit fits perfect on him and is well maintained.

     RICHARD WHITE, (mid-40s) flips through Don's resume.

     ANTHONY, (mid-20s) sits there and looks at a laptop.

                          WHITE
               So, what brings you out to Phoenix,
               Mr. Paulsen?

     Don's face changes from to fear to a smile.

                          DON
               I needed a change in scenery.

     Don shoots a forced grin.

     White just gives Don a nod.

                          WHITE
               I see.

     White takes a moment to look through his resume some more. He
     looks back up at Don.

     White glances at Don's wedding ring and continues to look at
     his resume. Don's eyes carry concern.

                          WHITE (CONT’D)
               One second please, Mister Paulsen.

     White steps out of the room.

     Don's hand begins to shake. He balls it up into a fist then
     looks at his wedding ring.

                          DON
                    (muttering)
               I'm good, I'm good.

     His eyes widen as he takes it off.

     The two walk back in.

                          WHITE
               The hero of Houston. Consider
               yourself hired, Mr. Paulsen.

     Don's face changes from nervousness to that of shock.

                          DON
               I think you have me mistaken for
               someone else.

     White chuckles at this. His face is bright.

                          WHITE
               'Course not! You are what this
               country needs, a man of action!
               C'mere.

                          DON
               D-Does this mean I'm hired?

                          WHITE
               One condition.

     Don's eyes widen.

                          WHITE (CONT’D)
               Get a photo with me.

     White passes his phone to Anthony.

     Don stands up and shakes White's hand.

                          DON
               Thank you, sir.

     Don carries an uneasy smile. White motions for him to look to
     the camera as he shakes his hand.

                          WHITE
               Welcome to Sentinel Securities, Mr.
               Paulsen.

     A flash from the camera goes to


     INT. RESTROOM - DAY

     Don pukes into a toilet. His hands shake as he holds the
     seat.

     Tears well down his eyes.

                          DON
                    (thinking)
               I'm not a hero, I'm not a hero...
               I'm not a fucking hero.

     Tears run down his eyes. Snot goes down his nose as he grips
     the toilet seat.

     Don struggles to control his breathing and begins cleaning up
     his nose with toilet paper.

     He stands up, flushes the toilet and walks out of the stall.

     Don's hands shake.

     DAWN PAULSEN, (34) stands there.

                          DON (CONT’D)
               This is the men's restroom you
               know.

     She checks her phone.

                          DAWN
               It's steak Saturday, you know.