Logline
Paul, a man of the state, employed by the Special Intelligence Service, uncovers devastating details about his superiors during a routine operation on behalf of the state. He becomes a target for removal. Can Paul survive and ensure the safety of his wife against men trained like him who are ordered to take him down.
Film Synopsis
Two cars force another car off the road at night, which flips and bursts into flames.
A Priest stands in front of a small Diaz, women sit crying.
The story unfolds in the old world tobacco-stained legal offices of Paul Nichols lawyer, Albert Siefert.
The Coroner declared that Paul Nichols died in a car crash using a few sparse pieces of DNA evidence found by forensics, blood, and skin near the frame of the driver’s seat, in the burnt-out wreck that consumed his body. His funeral was a simple service with just close family. After the service, Martina had accompanied Siefert to his office.
Siefert, carrying out Paul’s last wishes hands Martina a letter. Paul’s letter addressed to Martina reveals his secret life and the dangers he faced. In the letter, Paul explains that if he dies, his death should not be taken as an accident but a meticulously planned assassination by members of the Secret Intelligence Service. He warns Martina not to investigate due to the dangers she might face if she tries to learn the truth.
Siefert runs Martina through the value of the family estate which shocks Martina. Siefert describes the large sums of money that Paul received.
Siefert passes over a thicker envelope containing a manuscript. Martina asks Siefert to read his copy, she may have questions. She drives home to read the manuscript. Martina arrives home. Seeing the old Land Rover that Paul was restoring in the garage she breaks down in tears.
As Martina delves deeper into Paul's past, she discovers the true extent of his involvement in covert operations, including his missions in Afghanistan and his work with international intelligence agencies. The manuscript that Paul left behind details his life, his love for Martina, how he arranged their first meeting and even the events leading up to his car crash.
The scene moves back in time to Paul before his car crash as he reminisces and writes about his early life, his time in the SAS, and his transition to the SIS. He details his rigorous training, covert operations, and the mental and physical toll on his life in the service. His regular meetings with Siefert to leave updated letters and manuscripts.
Paul, at a meeting with his boss and the SIS minister, is assigned a high-risk mission to dismantle a drug operation involving powerful political figures and international cartels. He assembled a team, including private detectives Jenkins and Arthur, to gather intelligence and execute the mission.
Paul uses various tactics to infiltrate the drug operation, including posing as an art collector to gain the trust of Christina, who unknowingly leads him to her uncle, Franco, a key player in the drug ring. He also uncovers connections to high-ranking officials, including the SIS minister.
Paul successfully eliminates key figures in the drug ring some quietly, some in gun battles, and others by infiltrating buildings and blowing up drug manufacturing equipment. During a covert operation, he uncovers the extent of the political corruption recovering notebooks, diaries and hard drives. He tells how he decides to confront the SIS minister, leading to a high-stakes encounter that results in the minister's death. However, Paul is subsequently targeted for removal by his agency for knowing too much sensitive information. Two teams are sent to remove him for good.
Paul is involved in a car chase during which the assassination team using two cars force him off the road. His car carrying phosphorus and incendiary grenades spins off the road flipping before exploding in an intense fireball, leaving the assassination team to believe him dead.
Miraculously, he was thrown from his car and although severely burned, he survives. With his enemies believing him dead, he escapes to Australia using false identification, where he receives medical treatment before relocating to Monaco to shock and surprise Martina and Christina by turning up at their Monaco abode, with bandaged burnt legs but alive.
Screenplay
For the Screenplay, please contact gary@garypaulstephenson.com