THE STAGE 32 LOGLINES

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DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
By Cole Johnson

GENRE: Thriller / Suspense, Crime
LOGLINE:

A young, desirous Atlanta police officer is sent undercover to a small town in Alabama where he is tasked  to infiltrate and take-down a gang of high-profile thieves - but he is faced with the dilemma to complete his mission or indulge in the alluring life presented to him. 

SYNOPSIS:

SHAWN DIAMOND is a young Atlanta cop who joined the force for lack of better direction, but his itch for something new is becoming unbearable. One night, after dealing with a minor altercation, Shawn and his partner, OFFICER GUSTER, get a call to check on a "suspicious activity" complaint. The two arrive to a remote mansion where they walk through the portentous dwelling of sin and witness the mass suicide of wealthy, satanic occultists.

After the incident, Shawn is called to meet with the head of the Atlanta Police Department: CHIEF RAEL. It is suggested to him that he gets far away from the daunting tragedy he just witnessed before it spills into the media. Chief Rael presents the opportunity of an undercover operation to Shawn, who accepts with little hesitation. Chief Rael arranges a briefing between Shawn and FBI AGENT FRANK NESS, which occurs the following morning. Frank informs Shawn of his mission, which is to infiltrate DONOVAN GAMBINO and his Italianate family of thieves through the means of seducing Gambino's niece: ANNABELLA VITALI. Frank tells Shawn that the FBI was recently tipped that the gang's next score will take place in Rainbow City Alabama. Shawn immediately takes on the alias of JACK BRIDGER and he and his dog, OSCAR, embark on their mission towards Rainbow City.

Upon arriving at the town's hotel, Jack searches through the gang's files which elicits the event of a bank robbery committed by Gambino and his crew. CHRISTIANO, the family's merciless crowd-controller, TITO, the tech-savvy eye in the sky, and Annabella, the adept and astoundingly beautiful larcenist, all work hastily to carry out their respective tasks. Meanwhile, Gambino inspires fear into an uncooperative employee, ultimately shooting him point blank. Jack ceases his delving and enters a local tavern where he is stunned to see Annabella sitting at the bar. He makes his move and they hit it off. The two share a night of elation, a feeling in which neither have experienced in a very long time, and unexpected vulnerability. Ultimately, Jack gains her trust and is invited by Gambino to meet in regards to the next score he has planned, but not without the cost of developing feelings for Annabella. After the night of passion, Jack finds himself face-to-face with Gambino. The two chat in a local cafe where Gambino informs Jack that they are to rob a jewelry store in town, AWAX'S JEWELRY, that contains an invaluable stash of illegal diamonds. The undertone of the conversation is hostile, but the two part ways with a solidified plan to rob AWAX'S. Back in his hotel room, the magnitude of the situation topples upon Jack, and he is faced with the dilemma of staying true to his mission or following his desires toward Annabella and riches. After contemplating, he calls Frank.

The morning of the heist, Jack meets with Gambino and the crew at a warehouse where they are assigned animal masks to disguise themselves. Gambino gives Jack the mask of a pig. Annabella now pays little attention to him and is in a state of anguish for reasons unbeknownst to Jack. The robbery follows and the crew carries out their respective jobs. Jack is ordered to stay close to Gambino and they work to convince AWAX to open his safe containing the illegal diamonds. Meanwhile, Christiano gets in an altercation with a customer and begins to beat him in an uncontrollable rage. Gambino finally "persuades" AWAX into showing his hand and snatches the diamonds. He quickly notices, however, the situation involving Christiano, and goes to handle it, but not before handing Jack the diamonds in a reason disclosed at the cafe. Jack suggested they leave behind some of the illegal diamonds to shift the heat of the robbery towards AWAX. Gambino complied. Now, Jack sits with a handful of diamonds, contemplating his next move. He decides to pocket some of the jewels rather than leave a few behind. Christiano and Annabella have all ready left the store and are waiting in the getaway van with Tito. Jack is met by Gambino at the exit of the jewelry shop, hands over the diamonds, and exits. Gambino follows close behind. As Jack approaches the getaway van, he hears two violent cracks from behind him and lead shoots through his chest. Gambino belts a maniacal laugh and opens the van, revealing Annabella looking at him teary-eyed. The van takes off and Jack is left in a pool of blood and diamonds. Sirens from police cars on standby draw closer as Jack takes his final breaths.

A phone conversation between Gambino and Annabella is revealed that takes place while Gambino and Jack meet at the cafe. Annabella despondently tells her Uncle that she is sitting in Jack's hotel room and has discovered a brief case containing files on them. He is a cop. Gambino, now outside of the cafe, becomes enraged and informs Annabella that Jack will die. Annabella does not protest, and exits the hotel room heartbroken.

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