INT. FITTS HOUSE - RICKY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Ricky enters, wet from the pouring rain, and crosses to his
bureau, pulling the wad of CASH out of his pocket as he goes.

                    COLONEL (O.C.)
          Where'd you get that?

Ricky turns, startled.

His POV: The Colonel steps out of the shadows.

Ricky takes a step back.

                    RICKY
          From my job.

                     COLONEL

          Don't lie to me.
              (beat)
          I saw you with him.

                    RICKY
              (incredulous)
          You were watching me?

                    COLONEL
          What did he make you do?

                    RICKY
              (laughs)
          Dad, you don't really think... me and Mr.
          Burnham?

                     COLONEL
              (furious)
          Don't you laugh at me!
              (then)

                     (MORE)
                                                    (CONTINUED)

                                                            84.
CONTINUED:
                    COLONEL (CONT'D)
          I will not sit back and watch my only son
          become a cocksucker!

                    RICKY
          Jesus, what is with you--

The Colonel BACKHANDS Ricky so hard it sends the boy
sprawling.

                    COLONEL

          I swear to God, I will throw you out of
          this house and never look at you again.

                    RICKY
              (taken aback)
          You mean that?

                    COLONEL
          Damn straight I do. I'd rather you were
          dead than be a fucking faggot.

A beat. Ricky suddenly smiles. He gets up.

                    RICKY
          You're right. I suck dick for money.

                     COLONEL
          Boy--


                    RICKY
          Two thousand dollars. I'm that good.

                     COLONEL
          Get out.

                    RICKY
          And you should see me fuck. I'm the best
          piece of ass in three states.

                    COLONEL
              (explodes)
          Get out!! I don't ever want to see you
          again!!

Ricky eyes the Colonel. He's finally discovered a way to
break free from his father, and he can't believe it was this
simple.


                    RICKY
          What a sad old man you are.

                    COLONEL
              (a whisper)
          Get out.