INT. E BLOCK - DAY. and he walks onto the Mile with a bundle wrapped in a dish

...and he walks onto the Mile with a bundle wrapped in a dish

towel. Brutal glances up from the desk, sniffing the air.

PAUL

No, it's not for you.

Paul continues down the Mile. Whatever he's carrying, the

smell of it brings Del to his bars. Even Mr.Jingles comes

skittering out of his cigar box, sniffing.

DEL

Oh. Oh my.

Paul arrives at Coffey's cell. Coffey's on his bunk facing

the wall. His head comes around, drawn by the aroma. He sits

up, wipes the tears leaking from his eyes, looks at Paul.

COFFEY

I'm smelling me some cornbread.

Paul speaks softly so the others can't hear:

PAUL

It's from my missus. She wanted to

thank you.

Coffey nods thoughtfully, absorbing this notion. Then:

COFFEY

Thank me for what?

PAUL

You know. For helping me.

COFFEY

Helping you with what?

Paul motions discreetly to his crotch.

COFFEY

Ohhh.

(beat)

Was your missus pleased?

PAUL

Several times.

Paul hands him the bundle through the bars. Coffey takes it,

uncovers the cornbread reverently, gazes back up.

COFFEY

This all for me?

Paul nods. Across the way, Del is pressing his face longingly

through the bars while Mr. Jingles crawls on his shoulder.

DEL

Oh my. John, I can smell it from

here. I surely can.

COFFEY

(looks to Paul)

Can I give some to Del?

PAUL

It's yours, John. You do with it

as you please.

John carefully scoops a big chunk of cornbread out with his

enormous hand, holds it through the bars to Paul.

COFFEY

Here's for Del and Mr. Jingles

then.

BILLY

Hey! What about me? I'm'a get some

too, ain't I

Coffey looks to Paul--do I have to?

PAUL

It's yours, John. As you please.

COFFEY

Well. Fine. I think I'll keep the

rest, then.

He smiles like a big kid, digging in with his fingers. Paul

crosses the Mile to Del's cell, hands him his share.

PAUL

Courtesy of the gentleman across

the way.

DEL

Oh, John. So very fine of you. So

very kind. Mr. Jingles t'ank you.

COFFEY

(mouth full)

...wel'cm...

BILLY

Hey! What about me? Don't you hold

out on me, ya big dummy nigger!

Paul's temper flares--he steps to Billy's cell.

PAUL

You'll keep a civil tongue on my

block.

Beat. Billy spits in Paul's face and follows it up with a big

grin--what are you gonna do about that? Paul is seething as

he wipes the spit off, but keeps his temper where it belongs.

PAUL

You get that one for free. But

that's the last one.

Paul walks away. Billy laughs, hollering after him:

BILLY

That's it? Just that little bitty

one? Guess I'll have to pay out

for the rest, huh?

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