House-of-Cards-Pilot-Script

2.Francis looks up at us. The sound of CAR ALARM FADES.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the camera)There are two kinds of pain. Goodpain - the sort of pain thatmotivates, that makes you strong.Then there’s bad pain - uselesspain, the sort of pain that’s onlysuffering. I welcome the former.I have no patience for the latter.With cool-headed deliberateness, Francis calmly places a handaround the dog’s neck and begins to put it out of its misery.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the camera)Moments like this require someonelike me. Someone who will act.Who will do what no one else hasthe courage to do. The unpleasantthing. The necessary thing.The Dog’s muffled whimpers cease. Francis looks down.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the dog)There. No more pain.He lets go. The sound of the CAR ALARM RISES again.Francis stands as Steve approaches. The shook-up neighbors,JACK and BARBARA WARTON, follow several yards behind.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(aside, to Steve)We need to leave in ten minutes.STEVECar’s ready.Francis turns his attention to the couple. He gentlyapproaches them with endless sympathy in his eyes.FRANCISIt was a hit and run.JACK(to his wife)He must’ve jumped over the gateagain...Barbara wells up. Francis lays a hand on her shoulder.