The Things We Protect, Issue #3 EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - AFTERNOON Don walks over to his mailbox and takes some envelopes out of it. DON (muttering) Almost heaven... West Virgina... Blue ridge mountains, Shenandoah river... INT. APARTMENT - AFTERNOON Don enters his apartment. Don comes inside and starts to sort his mail. He throws some of it in the trash and stops on one. It reads, "Sentinel Securities benefits package". DON That was... Fast. Don takes out a pocket knife and opens the envelope up. A flyer reads "Health benefits". DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Let's see here... Contact your security manager for details. Oh boy. Don sighs. He walks into DON'S BEDROOM Don rummages around his desk. A tie sits on top of an employment packet. He looks through the names. DON (CONT’D) Don't let it be Kolton, don't let it be Kolton... He stops on a name: "Kolton Karl Kobel, Security Manager for Sentinel Securities". DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Motherfucker it's Kolton. He walks back into the kitchen, a packet in his hand. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Fucking Kolton Kobel. Jesus christ. He throws the packet on his desk. Don winces in pain as he dials the number. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Please don't ream me. The line rings. KOLTON KOBEL, (30) picks up the phone. KOLTON (O.S.) (phone) Kolton speaking. Don stays silent for a second. KOLTON (O.S.) (CONT’D) (phone) Hello? DON Uh, yeah- Sergeant Kobel? A chuckle from the other end of the line. KOLTON (O.S.) (phone) I'd recognize that voice anywhere. Fuck Up, how you doing? DON I'm good, uhm... Yeah, I'm great. Been a while hasn't it? KOLTON (O.S.) It has. It has indeed. Well, you didn't call me to say hello, now did you? DON No, Sergeant. KOLTON Just Kolton, Paulsen. How long you been out? DON Four years. If we're gonna go by that, then just Don. KOLTON You got it. DON You able to hook me up with a shrink? KOLTON (O.S.) (phone) Yeah, I can do that. Everything alright? Heard about the incident at the bank. Don opens his mouth to say something, then just goes silent. DON Just some things going on between my daughter and me among other things. KOLTON Daughter? Is that so? DON Yeah, I got a kid now. KOLTON How old? DON 18- Got her enrolled in college as of recently. KOLTON Nice, what's she studying? DON Automotive Tech. KOLTON You're cursed to have a gearhead daughter too. Anyway. I'll see about referring you to a shrink and let you go from there. You doing anything tonight? Don chuckles. DON What, you fucking hittin' on me now? Don's eyes widen as he realizes what he's just said. Kolton laughs at this. KOLTON No, no, nothing like that. Was wondering if you and your kid wanted dinner on me. DON Sure, yeah I ain't gonna knock that. KOLTON I'll send you an address. DON Thanks Ser- Kolton. KOLTON Best of luck, Don. Don hangs up and takes a sigh of relief. He leans back in his chair. DON Who was that dude? Don sits there. His phone vibrates. An address on the text message along with a time. 5123 Saguaro Way Scottsdale, AZ 82553 7PM DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) I see you're doing better for yourself, Kobel. Don stands up and changes out into a new pair of jeans, a brown leather jacket, and a pair of running shoes. The front door opens. ASH Dad, I'm home! Don steps out to. APARTMENT LIVING ROOM DON Hey. Ash looks at Don. She sighs, rolls her eyes, and looks over at Don. ASH What, dad? DON Friend from the old days invited us to dinner, we should go. Ash just sighs. ASH Is this one of your weird Army friends like Uncle Nick? Don shrugs. DON I actually don't know how he is these days. He's in Scottsdale though. ASH What's that supposed to mean? DON Well, he's either doing well off for himself or made some shitty financial decisions at some point. Ash sets her schoolwork on the counter top. ASH Well, it wouldn't hurt for us to get to know people out here I guess. DON You want anything to eat? She shakes her head. ASH Ate at school already. Don nods at this. DON Well, uh- Just be ready at seven and we'll do that. Gotta take you out to the range while I still can too. ASH What is it with you and the range suddenly? Don gives her a grin. DON Mom never wanted me show you how. Ash shrugs at that. ASH Are you sure, dad? I don't know... DON Yeah, yeah we can do that. ASH I don't want to end up shooting myself or you. I see you carry your gun a lot but I never really thought it was that interesting. Don scoffs and chuckles. DON Sweetie- Don walks over to the blinds and closes them. He turns on a light. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) My dad taught me to shoot when I was six. Started off with a .22 long rifle meant for birds and shit. I didn't really shoot anything like an M4 until I joined the Army. It was fun though. C'mon. He walks over to the couch and takes his Colt Defender out of his waistband. He takes the magazine out and pulls the slide back. The round comes out and he catches it as it does. ASH Hey, that was pretty cool! Ash gives a look of excitement. DON Don't do that. Actually, if you do learn to do it, learn this shit first. He locks the slide back. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Before I get into specifics. He motions to his trigger finger which stays off the trigger. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire and these fucking things are always loaded, no fucking matter what. They tell you it's empty? He sends the slide forward and locks it back again. He faces the opened magwell to her. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) You check. He sticks a finger in the magwell. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) You make for god damn certain that there's not some extra round that happened to be hiding in there because the next thing you need is someone to get hurt or killed because of your own stupidity. Ash nods at this. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Second. The gun should always be pointed in a safe direction. You never ever fucking point this in a direction where someone might be. There's exceptions to this rule as you might imagine. If you know the damn thing's clear, if you checked it enough times to say it's clear, you can dry fire practice with it. Don sends the slide forward. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Goes into rule three as well. He points the gun at the TV. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) What am I pointing the gun at? ASH The TV, why? Don shakes his head. DON What's behind the TV, Ash? Ash cocks her head at this. ASH A wall, dad. Where are you going with this? DON Behind that TV and behind the wall is the apartment complex across the way. This is a 230 gram .45 round. It'll drop off, but it's going to go through shit until it stops, probably on some dry wall if this thing went off. What, or who do you think is gonna get hit by that? Ash gives a look of confusion. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Keep the barrel in a safe direction and always know what you're shooting and what's behind it. Sweetie, I'm sorry if I'm being a dick about all this. ASH No, I'm listening dad. This is the most you've talked to me an awhile, I really like this. DON Alright then, lastly. If you do start carrying. Don't you ever fucking lose your gun. Always be cognizant about where the hell it is on your person. ASH Cognizant, that's new word you've never used. DON Just, know where your shit is. Whatever it takes, don't lose control of your gun, Ash. Had a guy- Dunno if I told you this story. Don takes a deep breath. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) We were clearing a room and he lost control of his handgun. I heard a scream, I took him out. He got ganged up on by two guys who shot him with his own service weapon. Whatever you carry, you make sure you can comfortably hold and use it. ASH That was less graphic than most of the stories you told with mom. Don looks away, then back. DON Well, mom always wanted to hear about the bad shit that I did and the shit that happened. He shows her his handgun. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Make sure you hold it correctly. It's a compact model so it shouldn't be too difficult. Hold it like this. He grips the handgun and aims it forward. Ash looks at how he holds it. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Your go now. He passes her the pistol. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) It's unloaded, but when you pull that trigger, it should be smooth. It's not like Point Break or Die Hard where you just pull the thing and it goes off. Slowly, so your shots stay on target. Ash holds it forward. ASH Like this? DON When you aim it, make sure your eye is on that front sight and lined up with what you're aimed at. Hang on. He walks by her. The gun points forward. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Muzzle control, Ash. ASH Sorry. She lowers the pistol. Don stands up and comes back out of the kitchen with a water bottle in his hand. He sets it on the counter. DON Aim at this for me, will ya? She raises the handgun and aims it at Don. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Easy, cowboy. Watch where that thing gets pointed. Or I'll fucking beat you to death with it. Ash carries a look of fear and lowers the gun. ASH S-Sorry! DON Just- Fucking be careful. ASH Alright. Don walks behind her. DON Now... Aim for the bottle. Click. CUT TO: The clock on the microwave reads "6:00". DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Good job, Ash. We'll head out to the range the next chance I get. The two step out to INT. FORD MUSTANG - NIGHT The two get in and Don starts the car. Ash closes the door next to her. ASH Hey dad? Don takes a quick glance over. DON Yeah, what's up? ASH Who's this guy we're gonna be meeting anyway? What's he like? DON He was the guy that got me out of a really shitty group of people and how I met Nick. She nods. ASH Is he as cool as Nick? DON I think they're on the same playing field, quite honestly. Guy's name's Kolton Kobel. I knew him as Staff Sergeant Kobel back in 2010. Guy was solid but my god was he fucking terrifying. I got into a fight once and he was more pissed that I took a few punches before throwing a few rather than just fighting in the moment. Don chuckles. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Yeah, he's how I got out of the 82nd and into a less shitty unit. I got him to thank for it. ASH What happened? DON Life, nothing you can do about that. He's a good guy, but god damn does he scare me. ASH What do you mean? DON The stories I've heard about the dude are wild. Half of them at least can't be true. I've heard shit like he summons dragons and I've heard slightly more realistic shit like how he tortured one of his guys for working with the Taliban. Don just shrugs. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) It's all in the fuckin' air. The two pull up to a gated community. EXT. SECURITY CHECKPOINT - NIGHT ELLIS, (21) sits inside the air conditioned guard house. He stands at 5"8, a tan Filipino with his black hair in a part. A 9mm handgun sits in its holster. A laptop sits visible in the window. Ellis yawns and opens the window as Don pulls up. Don lowers his window. ELLIS How you doing sir? Who you here to see tonight? DON Kobel, uh, Kolton Kobel. ELLIS Alright, let's see here. He opens up a computer and checks. Ellis looks back. ELLIS (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Mr. Paulsen? Don nods. ELLIS (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Come on in. Your daughter in there? DON Excuse me? ELLIS Oh, I go to school with an Ash- ASH Hi! She peers behind Don and waves. ELLIS Hey Ash, see you in class tomorrow! You have a good night, Mr. Paulsen. INT. FORD MUSTANG - NIGHT DON He seems like a nice guy. Ash nods. ASH Kinda weird though. Doesn't talk to a lot of people. DON I was the same way. Ash shrugs. ASH He likes to help people in class. Pretty good about that. They look at the houses around them. The neighborhood is upscale with proper lawns. Fancy cars line the driveways. Ash looks around. ASH (CONT’D) (CONT’D) You sure we're in the right neighborhood? Don just looks around. DON Fuck if I know... Now, 5322. They pull up to EXT. KOBEL RESIDENCE - NIGHT Don checks the time. It reads, "6:40". DON We're good. KOLTON KOBEL, (30) steps out and greets the two. He wears a polo shirt and jeans. KOLTON Hey, Don! Don waves at him and gives a nervous grin. Don looks over to face Kolton but keeps Ash in his line of sight. DON Hey, Kobel. KOLTON How've you been, buddy? Come on in. He looks at Ash. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) And what's your name sweetheart? ASH Ash, Ash Paulsen. Ash positions herself behind Don. DON Sweetheart- Don chuckles. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) He might be a scary motherfucker, but he doesn't bite. KOLTON The wife bites harder, honestly. Don's eyes widen. DON What? Kolton laughs at this. KOLTON Nothing. The two walk inside to INT. KOBEL RESIDENCE - NIGHT The house is nice and well-put together. Family photos sit next to the door. Don takes a quick glance at them. KOLTON Well, welcome to my place. Make yourself at home, you two. IRMELIN "IRMA" KOBEL, (18) walks in. She wears a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and some white socks. IRMA Hello! Ash appears from behind Don and waves at her. Ash waves at Irma. ASH Hi. Don takes his other arm and gently nudges her. DON Come on, now. You gotta at least force yourself to be social. Don and Ash take their shoes off. KOLTON You don't have to- Don and Ash look at each other. ASH Force of habit. Kolton just shrugs. KOLTON Oh well then. The two go into DINING ROOM The table is set and chicken alfredo pasta sits in a bowl in front of the group. Don and Ash take their seats across the from Irma and Kolton. KOLTON (CONT’D) How long's it been, Paulsen? Don sighs. DON Fuck, uh... You helped me get out of the eighty second in '09 and 2010... About a decade. Don watches them put food on their plates. KOLTON Yeah, I got out around that time. Got a job with the company. Good stuff. You? DON Stayed in, changed my MOS to 68 Whiskey and was a reservist for a bit. KOLTON Everyone loves doc, huh? Ash begins getting herself some food. DON Depends on what they want out of it. KOLTON I guess that never changes. Don starts to make get himself some pasta. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) How about you, Ash? Donny here tells me you're going to college. ASH Uh, yeah. Automotive tech. Irma perks up at this. IRMA What is your dream car? Don eats and watches this. Ash smiles. ASH V8 Dodge Viper. Can't go wrong with a girl like that. Irma shrugs. IRMA BMW. Ash laughs at this. ASH Those expensive overpriced pieces of shit? Please. Don nudges Ash with his elbow and clears his throat. Kolton chuckles at this. DON (muttering) Ash, be nice... Kolton looks at Don and stifles a laugh. IRMA American cars are unrefined, like you. ASH I'll show your ass uncivilized! Don grabs Ash's arm. Kolton cocks his head and watches this. Irma giggles at this. ASH (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Tell me what you drive then for someone with that much knowledge! IRMA Nissan 240SX. ASH Oh, was daddy not able to buy you that BMW you've always wanted? DON (muttering) Holy. fuck. Kolton laughs at this. IRMA What do you drive? Ash's eyes turn to that of fear. DON She drives the Honda Civic her dad bought her. ASH I-I mean, yeah- I do. IRMA So much for that Dodge Viper then. Ash tries to come up with something to say. ASH Fuck, you win. The group laughs as Ash looks down in embarrassment. IRMA Come on, I'll show you the car. Ash chuckles at this. ASH Fine, fine, you win. I'll take a look with you. The two step out. Don looks at Kolton. DON Hey, I'm really fuckin' sorry. KOLTON Don't sweat it man, that's how the gear heads talk. DON It is? Kolton nods. KOLTON 'Course. How else do you make it in a shitshow of an industry like that? DON Fair one. KOLTON I get how it goes by the way. Don cocks an eyebrow at him. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Glad you reached out, man. Don gives him a grin and checks behind him. DON Dude, cut the gay shit. Kolton chuckles at this. KOLTON Good to see you haven't changed. DON Only thing that's changed is my age. What about you? Kolton nods. KOLTON Aside from the obvious and getting married? Kolton grins. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Met a nice lady and we agreed to adopt us a daughter. Sweet little angel. DON Oh, you say that shit now. KOLTON No, really. Kolton's face grows bright. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) She was the best thing to ever happened to me. DON I'll admit, I wasn't too thrilled, it was Jackie's idea. Kolton looks at Don's finger. A ring still sits there. KOLTON How are you and the wife? Don looks down at it. His eyes look down. DON She left a month ago. KOLTON Ah jeez, bro- I didn't know. Don shakes his head. DON Yeah. KOLTON You'll find someone. DON At my age? KOLTON You will. They always find you in the strangest of ways. Don just shrugs. DON I guess. KOLTON Anyway. I'm surprised a guy like you would reenlist. 68 Whiskey. DON Remember Cho? Kolton looks down. KOLTON 'Course I remember Cho. Best IT guy we had. DON Well, the dude had it easy. While my ass was out doing patrols, he'd be inside in an air conditioned medical tent treating to the already treated. Kolton nods at this. KOLTON Yeah, he never really had any crazy stories with regards to being in the Army. DON Completely unrelated though. What do you think of Matthews? Kolton gives a chuckle and shrugs. KOLTON Officially or unoffically? DON Should you even be telling me anything unofficially? I just got here and we haven't talked in almost a decade. KOLTON I trust you. Anyway. Officially, (sarcastic) Great employee, always shows up on time, blah, blah, blah... He takes a sigh. DON Unofficially though? KOLTON Unofficially, the dude is a loose cannon. Military experience or not, the guy is cagey. I don't know what that insane sister of yours sees in him, but I sure don't see it. Don nods. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) I know he's under you though, what's got you so worried about him? Don looks away around him for a moment. DON He's a great guy... And he seems to care about his team. It's uh... It's a shame what happened to Chavez. Kolton gives a look of confusion. KOLTON Paulsen. Man to man, what are you not telling me? DON I'm not telling you that he should be avoided and I'm not telling you that I'm in some trouble with him. Kolton nods at this. KOLTON Can't talk about it can you? DON No. KOLTON How can I help? Don looks around him, then takes out his phone. He types something into his phone. "Being watched, Matthews involved. Watch yourself." Kolton nods at this. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Well Don, it's been an interesting night, Paulsen. Kolton takes out a pen and one of his business cards. He writes something on the back of it. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Well, if you need a good lawyer here's a good number to call. The two stand up. DON Need help cleaning things up? KOLTON Ah don't worry about it, I'll make the daughter do it. Don chuckles. DON Jesus christ man, you haven't changed. The two walk over to each other and Kolton pulls Don in close. KOLTON (whispering) If what you're telling me is the truth, this is the number of a guy who knows how to deal with these things is on that card. DON (whispering) He's gonna kill my Ashley, I can't. KOLTON (whispering) Then call that number. Kolton pulls back. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Anyway, you and your daughter have yourself a good night Don, let's go see what they're up to! DON Yeah... Let's see. The two make their way to the garage and cut through a LAUNDRY ROOM The two cut through. Kolton opens the door into the GARAGE Ash pops out from under the car in a creeper seat. ASH FUCK OFF, EUROTRASH! BUY AMERICAN OR LEAVE. Ash puts a flashlight and a socket wrench in her pocket, then stands back up. IRMA At least the cars I get won't have blown head gaskets at thirty k! Don watches this, a look of existential horror in his eyes. DON I'm really sorry about this. Kolton laughs and watches. IRMA She's really nice, dad! Thanks for bringing her over Mr. Paulsen! Don does a double take. DON Wait, wait what? IRMA Your daughter's really nice, she figured out the problem in my transmission. Ash walks over. ASH Yeah, she needs that shit fixed or replaced. It's FUBAR. Don's eyes widen. DON Jesus. Don beckons Ash over. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Come on sweetheart, let's get going. EXT. KOBEL RESIDENCE - NIGHT DON Thanks for having us, Kolton. Don gives a warm smile. KOLTON Oh right, forgot one more thing. Kolton takes out his wallet and pulls out one more card. "Mika Wallace: Counselor specializing in PTSD Treatment" KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Call them, they'll give you an address, doc. They do some experimental treatment but it's all how you want to do it. Don nods at him. Kolton looks at Ash. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) And if Irma ever needs help, feel free to come by- Kolton reaches into his wallet and takes out a plastic card. KOLTON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Flash this at the guard when you come in. ASH Thanks Mr. Kobel. KOLTON Just Kolton, sweetie. You two drive safe now. DON Thanks. You too Kolton. Don gets in the car with Ash and drives off. CUT TO: INT. FORD MUSTANG - NIGHT The car goes down the freeway. DON Ash, what the hell is wrong with you? ASH That's how I listen to you talk to people! DON Ash, I'm a horrible role model! ASH You should have thought of that before you adopted me! Besides, it all worked out, right? DON Sweetie, it worked out this time! You swear at the wrong person like that, they could draw a nine on you. Don sighs and looks down. ASH Dad. DON Just next time baby, please. I know mom and I weren't around much and I'm trying to turn that shit around. ASH I get it, dad. There's more important things than me. DON Sweetie, it ain't that. That's why I taught you how to shoot and brought you with me for this dinner. Ash looks down. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) How can I make it up to you then? What can I do, baby girl? Ash mutters something. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) What? ASH It's stupid, dad. DON Fuck you. ASH Excuse me? Don takes a quick glance at her. DON You've heard my stories, the dumb shit I did before I met your mom. Fuck, you want me to get into that? ASH FINE! I want you to spend more time with me, dad! DON Alright. I'll do it. I promise I'll try and spend more time with you. ASH Swear on it. Swear you will, because you don't know what it's like. DON What? ASH To not have your parents, dad. Don looks down. DON Ash, I do. Ash looks over at him. Don's eyes look forward, but the drain in them is clear. ASH What do you... DON Car accident when I was eight, baby girl. Only your mom ever knew about it. Don continues to drive forward. ASH I'm... I'm sorry, dad. DON It's been a long time coming since then. Don shakes his head and sighs. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) I'll spend more time with you though, whatever it takes. Don reaches over and ruffles her hair. EXT. FREEWAY - NIGHT The Mustang drives off into the night. The time on the microwave reads 11:00. DON'S BEDROOM Don goes to sit down and takes a card out of his pocket. He looks at the counselor's card, then at the second one. It's a business card: "Kolton Kobel: Security Manager" A phone number, an e-mail, and a business address on the front of it. Don flips the card over. A phone number is scrawled in black pen. Don takes out his phone and calls it. The line rings for a moment. JAMES O'REILLY, (28) picks up the phone. JAMES Thank you for calling the cat girl tip line, O'Reilly speaking. Don massages his eyes and goes silent for a moment. JAMES (CONT’D) (CONT’D) (phone) Hello? Don just gives another look of annoyance. DON What? JAMES (phone) Oh hey, doc! I know that voice anywhere! The lamp next to Don is lit as he looks at a picture of Jackie, Don, and Ash. DON Kolton gave me this number, told me to call you. I got a problem. JAMES (phone) CIA niggers on your tail? DON Excuse me? James giggles at this. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) I got people after me, James. I need your help. JAMES (phone) Everyone has people after them, Don. Name your price. DON Can we talk about this when you look at what I'm dealing with? A knock at the door. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Stand by. Don sets his phone in his pocket. He steps out of the bedroom and comes back with another envelope in hand. He pours the contents of it out on his desk. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) How well can you check a location with just pictures? More pictures with Kolton, Irma, Don, and Ash are in them. All of them are crossed out with red x's. JAMES (O.S.) (phone) I can do a bit. I'll be there in the morning. DON You got it. I'll text you my address. JAMES (O.S.) (phone) Stay safe, doc. It's Don, Ash, and Jackie at some point. The three smile at the camera. DON (muttering) Is it possible to have this back? He taps the picture with his finger, reaches over and turns the lamp off. CUT TO BLACK. A light tap at the front door. Don gets up and takes a moment. The knock at the front door grows louder. JAMES (O.S.) DON! OPEN THE DOOR. IT'S THE MAIN CHARACTER OF THE MANGA! Don looks up in confusion at this. DON WHAT?! Don goes out to the LIVING ROOM Ash rubs her eyes. ASH Who the hell is that? DON One of my weird Army friends like Nick. Weirder than Nick, actually. Don opens the front door. James stands there in a trap cosplay. He holds a duffel bag behind him. Don looks at this in horror. DON (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Get in. JAMES Well, you are paying for my services.