Quotes

Dialogue

John Shooter: You stole my story. Mort Rainey: I'm sorry... I don't believe I know you. John Shooter: I know that. That doesn't matter. I know you, Mr. Rainey; that's what matters. You stole my story. Mort Rainey: You're mistaken. I don't read manuscr- John Shooter: You read this one already. You stole it. Mort Rainey: I can assure you that- John Shooter: I know you can; I know that. I don't wanna be assured. Mort Rainey: If you want to talk to someone about some grievance you may have, you can call my literary agent. John Shooter: This is between you and me. We don't need any outsiders, Mr. Rainey; it is strictly between you and me. Mort Rainey: All right. Look, Mr. Whoever-You-Are. I don't like being accused of plagiarism, if that is in fact what you're accusing me of. Chico, inside! John Shooter: I don't blame you for not likin' it, but you did it. Mort Rainey: You're gonna have to leave; I have nothing more to say. John Shooter: Yeah, I'll go. We'll talk more later. Mort Rainey: I'

Dialogue

Mort Rainey: What is happening to me? John Shooter: Oh, I think you know. I think you have a real good idea. Mort Rainey: You don't exist. John Shooter: Me? I exist, Mr. Rainey. I exist because... you made me. You thought me up. Gave me my name. Told me everything you wanted me to do. I did them things so you didn't have to. [Flashbacks show Mort killing Ken Karsch and Tom Greenleaf and setting fire to his ex-wife's house, wearing Shooter's hat] Didn't have the stomach to do it yourself, but you knew I did. Are we done yet? We got things all cleaned up around here? What's the real reason I come for? Mort Rainey: Fix the story. John Shooter: That's right. Mort Rainey: Fix the ending. Got to fix the ending. John Shooter: And how exactly do you suppose we ought to do that? [Shooter places his hat in Mort's hands as Amy's car pulls into the driveway]

Dialogue

Mort Rainey: Glad you're here, I could use the break. I've been working lunch. I'm on a roll. Sheriff Dave Newsome: Yeah. Listen, both you and I know what you did. Mort Rainey: Oh. Sheriff Dave Newsome: Maybe we don't have enough to put you away right now, but eventually... we're gonna find those bodies, we're gonna tie you to them. And you're goin' away. In the meantime I'd appreciate it if you didn't come into town anymore. Makes people uncomfortable. You can do your shopping in New London. [Mort is calm and unconcerned, giving no response] Did you hear what I said? Mort Rainey: Sure. No problem. [Sheriff Newsome starts to leave] You know, the only thing that matters is the ending. That's the most important part of the story, the ending. And this one... this one's very good. This one's perfect.