L.A. Confidential Page #7

EXLEY:

White's a mindless thug.

DUDLEY:

No, Edmund. He's a man who can

answer yes to those questions I

ask you from time to time.

The Chief interrupts with his own concern.

CHIEF:

I want to know who we give the

public in contrast? The

department needs role models.

Clean-cut, forthright men the

public can admire.

EXLEY:

I'll testify, sir. I'm not afraid

to do what's right.

CHIEF:

And I'll promote you. You'll be a

lieutenant immediately.

Exley seizes the moment, going over Dudley's head.

EXLEY:

Detective lieutenant.

The Chief and Dudley exchange a look. Neither approves.

CHIEF:

Ed, you're 30. Your father didn't

make lieutenant until he was 33.

EXLEY:

I know that, sir. I also know

that when he made lieutenant, it

was as a detective.

LOEW:

(interrupting)

Before we start polishing our

laurels, it would look better if

we had a corroborative witness.

DUDLEY:

That'll be hard to come by. The

men hate a turncoat.

EXLEY:

Jack Vincennes. He's the

technical advisor on 'Badge of

Honor,' sir. He lives for it.

That's the way to get him.

CHIEF:

All right, Ed.

(into desk

intercom)

Call Sergeant Vincennes.

As Exley starts out, Dudley pulls him aside, speaks low.

DUDLEY:

You'll reap the benefits, but are

you truly prepared to be despised

within the department?

EXLEY:

Yes, Dudley. I am.

DUDLEY:

So be it.

JACK VINCENNES:

Looking sharp, he strides down the hall, enters the...

CHIEF'S OFFICE

Round two. Centred on Jack. Exley is gone.

DUDLEY:

Sergeant, we'll get right to it.

Nine civilian witnesses have

identified you as hitting Ezekiel

Garcia.

LOEW:

But my office has a stellar

witness who will tell the grand

jury that you hit back only after

being hit.

JACK:

What do I have to do?

LOEW:

Testify against the three officers

who have already earned their

pensions. Our key witness will

testify roundly, but you can plead

ignorance to questions directed at

the other men.

CHIEF:

I'll guarantee you a slap on the

wrist. A brief suspension

followed by a temporary transfer

from Narcotics to Ad Vice.

(a beat)

When you transfer out of Vice,

you'll be back on the show.

JACK:

The show, sir?

CHIEF:

Badge of Honor, Vincennes. We

need to tone down your profile for

a bit.

The Chief just got Jack where he lives.

DUDLEY:

John, I doubt you've ever drawn a

stupid breath. Don't start now.

JACK:

Okay. I'll do it.

Smiles all around. Loew smiles at the two-way. A move

not lost on Jack who wonders who might be on the other

side.

CHIEF:

Dismissed, Vincennes.

Jack leaves. The Chief steps to the mirror, looks

through.

CHIEF:

So be it. Detective Lieutenant.

OTHER SIDE OF GLASS

Exley clenches his fist in victory. The Chief continues.

CHIEF:

Ace them at the grand jury

tomorrow, son. Wear the smart-

looking suit and ace them. And,

Ed? Lose the glasses.

INT. ROOM 114 (GRAND JURY WITNESS ROOM) - DAY

Glasses off, Exley waits, looks up as Jack enters.

JACK:

You're the key witness?

EXLEY:

That's right.

JACK:

I should've known. What's the

Chief throwing you?

EXLEY:

Throwing me?

JACK:

Yeah, Exley. What's the payoff?

EXLEY:

You're the payoff expert. I'm

just doing my duty.

JACK:

You're playing an angle, college

boy. You're getting something out

of this so you don't have to

hobnob with the f***ing rank and

file cops who'll hate your guts

for snitching. If they're making

you a detective, watch out. Some

Bureau guys are gonna burn in this

and you're gonna have to work with

friends of theirs.

EXLEY:

What about you?

JACK:

I'm snitching three old timers

who'll be fishing in Oregon next

week. Next to you I'm clean. And

smart.

At that, a CLERK steps in from the hallway.

CLERK:

Edmund J. Exley to chambers.

As Exley's about to go...

JACK:

Just remember, Bud White'll f***

you for this if it takes the rest

of his life. They already

suspended him. Just pray he cops

a deal and stays on the Department

because that is one civilian you

do not want on your case.

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