The Black Impersonator: Real story based on Cedrick Ban

**Title: The Impersonator**

**INT. CITY BANK - DAY**

*The bustling bank is filled with customers. CEDRICK, a charismatic African-American man in his mid-30s, confidently walks up to the teller, SANDRA, who is in her 50s.*

**INT. BANK - CONTINUOUS**

**CEDRICK:** (smiling warmly) Good afternoon, ma'am. I need to withdraw $10,000 from my account, please.

*SANDRA checks her computer, her brow furrowing.*

**SANDRA:** I'm sorry, sir. It says here your account is showing zero balance.

*CEDRICK feigns surprise, maintaining his cool.*

**CEDRICK:** (casually) Must be a mistake. My name is Cedrick Washington. Could you double-check for me?

*SANDRA hesitates, then types in his name. Her eyes widen slightly as she realizes something.*

**SANDRA:** Oh, Mr. Washington! My apologies. Let me fix that for you right away.

*She counts out the cash with nervous efficiency.*

**SANDRA:** Here you go, sir. Have a good day.

*CEDRICK takes the money with a charming smile.*

**CEDRICK:** Thank you, Sandra. You're a lifesaver.

**EXT. CITY STREET - DAY**

*CEDRICK strolls out of the bank, counting the cash in his hand. His confidence is palpable.*

**INT. LUXURY CAR - MOMENTS LATER**

*CEDRICK drives away in his sleek car, a satisfied smirk on his face.*

**INT. HIGH-END RESTAURANT - NIGHT**

*CEDRICK confidently walks into an upscale restaurant, where he orders an extravagant meal and pays in cash, leaving an impressive tip.*

**INT. HOTEL LOBBY - LATER**

*CEDRICK checks into a luxurious hotel suite, making sure to flash cash for the attention of the staff.*

**INT. BANK - DAY**

*Several weeks later. CEDRICK approaches a different teller, JAMES, his demeanor just as confident.*

**CEDRICK:** (charmingly) Good afternoon. I need to withdraw $20,000 from my account.

*JAMES checks the computer, his expression turning serious.*

**JAMES:** I'm sorry, sir, but your account has been flagged for suspicious activity. I'll need to call my manager.

*CEDRICK's smile falters slightly, but he maintains his composure.*

**INT. BANK MANAGER'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER**

*CEDRICK sits across from MANAGER GRAYSON, a stern man in his 40s.*

**GRAYSON:** Mr. Washington, we've identified irregularities in your account. We suspect fraudulent transactions.

*CEDRICK's mind races, but he stays composed.*

**CEDRICK:** (smoothly) There must be a misunderstanding. I'm a legitimate customer.

**GRAYSON:** We'll need to investigate this thoroughly. Please come with me to the back office.

**INT. BANK BACK OFFICE - CONTINUOUS**

*In the secure back office, BANK SECURITY and POLICE OFFICERS join the discussion, the atmosphere tense.*

**POLICE OFFICER:** Mr. Washington, you're under arrest for suspicion of fraud and theft.

*CEDRICK's mask of confidence cracks slightly.*

**CEDRICK:** (desperately) Hold on, I can explain everything.

*The officers exchange skeptical looks.*

**POLICE OFFICER:** Save it for the station.

**INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT**

*Flashback - CEDRICK paces nervously in a dimly lit warehouse, speaking into a burner phone.*

**CEDRICK:** (urgently) The funds are in place. Release the hostages as agreed.

*There's a gruff acknowledgment from the other end of the line.*

**VOICE:** They better be right where you said.

*CEDRICK hangs up, relief flooding him. He moves toward the hostages, who are huddled in fear.*

**CEDRICK:** (to hostages) You're safe now. Help is coming.

**INT. POLICE STATION - DAY**

*CEDRICK sits in an interrogation room, his hands cuffed to the table. A DETECTIVE reviews his case file with a stern expression.*

**DETECTIVE:** You're claiming you were coerced into this?

**CEDRICK:** (firmly) That's right. I had no choice.

*The detective eyes him skeptically.*

**DETECTIVE:** We'll see what the evidence says.

**INT. COURTROOM - DAY**

*CEDRICK stands before a JUDGE, his demeanor defiant yet composed.*

**JUDGE:** Cedrick Washington, you're charged with multiple counts of fraud and theft. Despite your claims, the evidence is substantial. I sentence you to five years in state prison.

*CEDRICK nods, accepting his fate with a hint of defiance.*

**INT. PRISON CELL - LATER**

*CEDRICK sits alone in his small cell, staring out the window. His mind churns with thoughts of his next move.*

**FADE OUT.**

**EPILOGUE**

*In a dark corner of CEDRICK's prison cell, a small, folded piece of paper peeks out from under his mattress. On it, a cryptic message in barely legible handwriting reads: "The real game begins now."*

**FADE OUT.**

**THE END... for now.**

**CUE SEQUEL TEASER**