INT. COURTROOM, LATER THAT DAY
JUDGE
Foreman, have you reached a verdict?
FOREMAN
We have your Honor.
JUDGE
The prisoner will rise and face the jury. What is your verdict?
FOREMAN
We find the defendant guilty on all counts.
The Devitt residents cheer.
Howard is shocked but he bears it stoically.
Dominique lowers her head. When she raises it again she looks back in search of Gail but he’s already left.
For the first time we see Ann and Peter tucked away in a corner, both of them are also very sad for Howard. Ann is crying. Peter puts his arm around her.
PETER
Come on old girl. There’s nothing we can do here.
They walk out. Rosie sees them and then feels bad about cheering about someone going to prison. She stands up and facing the cheering residents.
ROSIE
Hey! It’s as important to be a good winner as a good loser.
MR MITCHELL
You took the words right out my mouth Rosie.
INT. Peter & Ann’s OFFICE - DAY
Ann is looking at the front page of THE BANNER. The top of the page is devoted to EUROPE HEADED FOR WAR.
Howard’s story is a corner at the bottom. With a small photo of Howard being put into a prison van.
Ann lets a tear fall on the paper before she stops herself. Gail Wynand enters.
GAIL WYNAND
Hello. Wasn’t sure if I should knock...
Ann quickly wipes her face and stands up to greet him.
ANN
No, everybody just walks in. Hello. Mr. Wynand, isn’t it?
Gail notices that she’s been crying and sees the newspaper on the table.
GAIL WYNAND
I’m sorry. It never occurred to me that you regarded him as a friend.
ANN
Well ... we ... knew each other in college, that’s all.
GAIL WYNAND
Right... Well, I suppose I should get right to it - I’m selling The Banner and I have bought the plans, the site, and the ruins of Cortlandt Homes. I want Keating & Kirby to rebuild it. I know you will listen - and care about - the needs of the residents. We’ll be honoring their deposits.
Ann is left speechless.
Peter enters.
GAIL WYNAND
Mr Keating. I don’t think we’ve met properly.
PETER
How d’you do sir.
GAIL WYNAND
I was just telling your associate here that I’ve bought the plans and site of Cortlandt Homes. I would like you to rebuild it but make any adjustments you deem necessary for the residents.
PETER
That’s - that’s fantastic! Has Ann told you about our ideas?
GAIL WYNAND
No.
Peter brings him over to the drawing board.
PETER
We’ve used Howard’s design as a starting point but you can see...
GAIL WYNAND
You’re not serious? It looks like something from a fairytale.
ANN
Oh yes, Mr. Wynand, yes. It’s fantasy but it’s also very practical.
GAIL WYNAND
And the cost?
INT. WYNAND’S SITTING ROOM, DAY
Gail enters and Dominique gets up to leave.
GAIL WYNAND
You can’t go on avoiding me.
DOMINIQUE
We’re through Gail. I’m going to leave you. I can’t stay here, it’s like a mausoleum to the only greatness I’ve ever known ... but it’s so hard to leave it...
GAIL WYNAND
I don’t want you to leave.
DOMINIQUE
I don’t love you Gail.
GAIL WYNAND
Dominique lets stop playing. I’m tired of this game.
DOMINIQUE
I’m not playing. I don’t love you. I’ve never loved you.
GAIL WYNAND
I’m tired of this. It’s meaningless. But I’m not tired of you. To be honest I wish I was... You’re like a wound deep inside me, a wound inflicted by you but the pain is only eased by you, by having you close, by being with you.
DOMINIQUE
I love Roark.
GAIL WYNAND
You love Roark?
DOMINIQUE
Yes.
Gail goes quiet, looking down at the ground as if he’s been punched in the stomach.
DOMINIQUE
You needn’t worry. I haven’t broken any vows. I’d leave you before I did that.
GAIL WYNAND
But you love him?
DOMINIQUE
Yes.
GAIL WYNAND
And you would love him if he was here?
DOMINIQUE
With all my heart and soul.
GAIL WYNAND
Are you sure of that?
DOMINIQUE
He’s the reason I married you. I ran into your arms because I lacked the courage to - to stay in his.
GAIL WYNAND
I knew it. I ... I think I knew it... but ... but Dominique why would you run from a man you really loved? - Are you sure you loved him? Maybe you’re in love with the idea of him rather than the man himself?
DOMINIQUE
You don’t know me. You’ve never known me.
GAIL WYNAND
No... and I think that’s all I’ve ever wanted from you, Dominique. To really know you.
DOMINIQUE
Roark knows me.
GAIL WYNAND
Howard Roark doesn’t know which way is up.
DOMINIQUE
You worshiped him and now you deride his convictions just to excuse your cowardice. It’s contemptible. It’s so low, even for you Gail.
GAIL WYNAND
My denouncement of Howard was a shameful act of cowardice, it’s true. But I’m glad I did it because I now see just how wrong he and we were.
DOMINIQUE
I never thought your head would be so easily turned by a couple of chorus girls.
GAIL WYNAND
That’s not it and you know it.
Dominique doesn’t respond.
GAIL WYNAND
Dominique I feel like I’m finally starting to see life clearly. I finally get it. I used to believe so little existed that’s beautiful and great, when the truth it’s everywhere, you find it even in the filthiest corners. It grows, survives, thrives - inexplicably... It’s terrifying, the potential of it all...
DOMINIQUE
You haven’t found God, have you Gail?
GAIL WYNAND
No... - But I think maybe I’ve found me. ... Don’t let me lose you now.
Dominique walks away but she looks conflicted.
