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The Storytellers We open on an outside view of the Bloomberg Institution (A mental hospital) We start off across the street from it, and slowly progress toward it. As we near it we glide upward and pass rows of barred windows. We continue gliding upward and suddenly come to a stop at window. There is a woman staring out. We zoom right up to the glass, but her hair is covering her face. She has long, dark hair that looks as if it hasn't been brushed in months. She sits at the window, motionless. We see her breath fogging up the window. Suddenly, she thrusts her head forward and shatters the glass. Upon impact, we fade out: Fade in: (1 year earlier) 1Int-(Morning) Dr. Elijah Brooks sits in his new office with one of the patients at the Bloomberg institution. He sits in his chair looking at the patient in front of him. Dr. Brooks So? Patient So? Dr. Brooks Would you like to talk about anything? Anything at all? Patient Who are you? Dr. Brooks My name is Elijah Brooks. I'm a new therapist here. I- Patient Where's Mary? Dr. Brooks Mary? I'm not sure who you're- Patient My doctor! Mary! Where is Mary! Dr. Brooks Oh, Dr. Howard. Patient Mary! She said I could call her Mary! Dr. Brooks OK, that's fine. Ahh, Dr. How-…I mean Mary, is no longer here at Bloomberg. She took a position at another institution. That's why they hired me. Patient I don't want you! Where's Mary? What did you do to Mary!? I want Mary! Dr. Brooks Well, I understand you probably were fond of her. From what I understand she was an excellent therapist. But, I- Patient What do you know? You don't know anything about Mary! Dr. Brooks Ok, alright. It's alright. I understand if you're not comfortable confiding in me right now. That's perfectly understandable. The patient jolts up from his feet. Patient Shut up! I hate you! What did you do to Mary! We cut to a shot of a hospital administrator waiting outside of Dr. Brooks' office. He listens through the door, seeming concerned. We cut back inside the office. The patient is upset. Dr. Brooks seems tense. Dr, Brooks Listen to me. I haven't done anything to Dr. Howard. Patient Mary! Dr. Brooks Mary, yes, Mary. I haven't done anything to Mary. Mary is fine. She no longer works here. Didn't anyone inform you of that? Patient Shut up! You're a liar! I hate you! The patient snatches a pen off of Dr. Brooks' desk and holds it in his hand like a knife. He leaps upon Dr. Brooks attempting to stab him in the neck. Upon hearing the struggle, the hospital administrator, Eddie, comes rushing into the office. Eddie grabs the patient's arm and pulls the pen from his grip. He then wrestles the patient to the floor. Eddie and the patient are both breathing heavily, out of breath. Dr. Brooks gets up from his chair and rubs his neck. The patient lays on the floor while Eddie keeps his knee on his back. He hollers out into the hall: Eddie Can I get a hand in here, please! (Looks up at Dr. Brooks) You alright Doc? Dr. Brooks Yeah, I'm alright. Two other hospital administrators come into the office. The three of them lift the patient to his feet and begin to escort him out. Just before he vanishes from view, he hollers: Patient I want Mary! Dr. Brooks watches them escort the patient out. He rubs his neck again. He smiles in disbelief and plops down in his chair. Dr. Brooks Not a good first day. Not at all. Cut To: 2Int- (Morning) Dr. Brooks is walking through the halls of Bloomberg. He nods at other doctors he passes in the halls. We hear footsteps behind him. Another doctor, Dr. Calhoun, enters the frame. She comes up beside Dr. Brooks Dr. Calhoun I heard about your encounter this morning. Dr. Brooks turns and sees her strolling beside him. Dr. Brooks Really? Am I that popular already? Dr. Calhoun smiles. Dr. Calhoun Afraid so. I'm Alicia Calhoun. (Extends her hand to Dr. Brooks) Dr. Brooks (Shaking Dr. Calhoun's hand) Hi, I'm Elijah Brooks. It's a pleasure. Dr. Calhoun I hope your experience earlier won't scare you off. Somebody should have warned you ahead of time. He was extremely attached to Dr. Howard. Dr. Brooks You mean Mary. Dr. Calhoun Yeah, Mary. She never actually said it, but I think she left because of him. I think he got a little to attached to her, and it may have made her uneasy. But that's just my take on it. Dr. Brooks It makes sense. Dr. Calhoun Anyway, he's like a turtle in a shell now. He won't speak to anybody. I think he feels betrayed by Mary in a way. Dr. Brooks Well, I imagine he would. That's the downside of this profession. We listen and offer help and become a support system for these patients. They become reliant upon us. Once we're no longer treating them, they definitely feel betrayed. And it's understandable. They make themselves vulnerable by confiding in us. They end up feeling taken advantage of. Dr. Calhoun That's true. But I don't think you'll be having too many more encounters with him. Dr. Brooks Oh? What makes you so sure? Dr. Calhoun Well, just between you and me, I happen to know that they'll be assigning you to a specific patient right away. Dr. Brooks One patient? Dr. Calhoun One in specific. She's to be your top priority. Dr. Brooks And how do you know this, may I ask? Dr. Calhoun This is like a school, Dr. Brooks. Word gets around fast. Dr. Brooks Well, do you know who the patient is? Dr. Calhoun Yes, I know who she is. But, I won't spoil the surprise for you. Calhoun smiles at Brooks and makes a turn down a side hall. Brooks stands in the middle of the hall and watches her go. Cut To: 3Int- (Afternoon) Brooks sits in the office of the administrative director (The boss), Mr. Lynwood. Mr. Lynwood I was extremely disturbed to hear of the incident in your office today. I hope you won't reconsider your position here. Dr. Brooks Oh, no sir. It comes with the job. Mr. Lynwood Well, you'll no longer be dealing with him. I am appointing you to treat another patient, exclusively. For now anyway. A 15 year old girl named Denise Franklin. Mr. Lynwood hands Brooks a folder with info about Denise. Brooks opens it and looks through it. Lynwood continues: She is a new arrival. Only been here a month. She was convicted of killing both of her grandparents. Her grandmother was strangled to death with a rope. Her grandfather's body turned up in a lake. He had been poisoned. The thing about it is, she claimed her 13 year old brother Benny was the one who killed them. But Benny is mentally challenged. Denise claims he is faking. Dr. Brooks Faking? Mr. Lynwood Yes, Faking. You see, Benny wasn't born that way. Shortly after his 12th birthday, he stole his father's truck and went out riding. He slammed into a tree. He suffered a head injury, that caused a slight amount of brain damage. So, he isn't a vegetable. He's just slow witted now. Anyhow, Denise claims it's all an act. At her trial, the judge ruled she was in need of therapy, and she was sent here for treatment. Dr. Brooks And I'll be treating her? Mr. Lynwood Yes, immediately. She's new, as I stated. I think it would be good for you to treat her, being as you are new as well. Dr. Brooks Oh,…OK. Makes sense. I guess. Mr. Lynwood Anyhow, you'll begin with the treatment tomorrow. Dr. Brooks OK. Mr. Lynwood In the meantime, feel free to wander around the hospital. Get familiar with it. Dr. Brooks Yes, sir. I think I'll do that. Cut To: 4INT-(Shot in slow motion) Dr. Brooks wanders through the halls of the Bloomberg Institution. We switch to his point of view. We see a small area with patients sitting in chairs watching a television. We hear a loud scream off camera. The camera slowly turns to the right just in time to see a patient running from two hospital administrators. They run off down a side hallway. We continue moving forward and enter a hall containing patients' individual rooms. Each door has a small window on it. We look to the left and see into a room with a middle aged man sitting on the floor with his back to us. We look to the right and look in at another man who is sitting on his mattress Indian style with his hands cupping his ears rocking back and forth. We move forward to the next room, and as soon as the window on the door comes into view, we return from slow to regular motion, and an old woman suddenly jolts up into the window with a loud shriek. Cut to: 5INT-(Night) We are in Dr. Brooks' condo. He is in the kitchen making a sandwich while talking on the phone. He takes out a bag of turkey lunch meat and a whole tomato. Dr. Brooks …Ahh, it wasn't the best first day I could have asked for. (Pauses) …Well, largely because the first patient I saw tried to stab me with an ink pen. (Pauses) …Well, apparently because I wasn't Mary. (Pauses)…Mary is Dr. Mary Howard. The doctor who I was hired to replace. Apparently she was popular. So, anyway, the patient refused to let me treat him. He wanted Mary. (Pauses)…Yeah, I guess so. I should only hope to become that popular. We'll see how tomorrow goes. I'm supposed to start exclusive treatment with a teenage girl. (Pauses)…Yeah, apparently she…killed, or should I say was convicted of…killing her grandparents. (Pauses) …Yeah, but get this. She claims that it wasn't her who murdered her parents, but her mentally challenged younger brother! (Pauses)…I'm serious! So, needless to say tomorrow should be an interesting day. I'll let you know how it turns out. (Pauses)…OK, mom. (Pauses) Love you too. Cut to: 6INT-(Morning) Dr. Brooks sits in his office with a pad and pen in hand. He looks up at the ceiling as he waits patiently. He looks over and sees a pen lying on the table. He stares at it for a moment and then gets to his feet. He walks over and picks it up and puts it in his pocket. Dr. Brooks Not going through that again. He returns to his chair and resumes waiting. Moments later, there is a knock at the door. It's open! The door slowly opens and an administrator pops his head in. Administrator I got Denise Franklin here, Doc. Dr. Brooks stands up. Dr. Brooks Great, bring her on in. The administrator steps inside the office to make room for Denise who stands still looking inside the office. She is motionless. Administrator Come on in. She slowly enters the office. She seems timid. Dr. Brooks stares at her. She returns his stare. Dr. Brooks (To the administrator) We're fine. Thank you. The administrator nods and exits the office. Dr. Brooks smiles warmly at Denise. She stares at him blankly. He motions for her to come closer. Please, come have a seat over here. (Extends his hand) I'm Dr. Elijah Brooks. Denise (Slowly raises her hand to shake Dr. Brooks') I know. Dr. Brooks Oh. Alright. Well, have a seat Denise. Denise takes a seat opposite Dr. Brooks. They stare at each other again for a few seconds. Well, it's nice to finally put a face with the name. I've heard a little bit about you. Read a little in your file. But, how about you tell me a little about yourself. Denise Like what? Dr. Brooks Umm, anything you want. Maybe some interesting facts about yourself. Anything you want. What kinds of things do you like to do? You like to skate? Swim? Or… Denise No, I can't swim. I hate the water. I almost drowned once. Dr. Brooks Oh, alright. Well, what do you like to do then? Denise I…like to draw. Dr. Brooks Oh, you're an artist? That's great. What kind of things do you like to draw? Denise What kind of things? Dr. Brooks Yeah, you know. Do you like to draw people. Inanimate objects like fruit bowls, or… Denise Everything. I design masks too. Dr. Brooks Really? That's good. I'd love to see some of your work. That's good. So, have you ever considered being a professional artist? You know, selling your work for a living? Denise No. Dr. Brooks No? How come? Denise My drawings are personal. They're not for sale. Every last one has special meaning. Dr. Brooks OK, I can understand that. So, give me some examples of some of your drawings that mean something to you. Denise looks upward in reflection. Denise Well, I…drew a picture of my little brother. Benny. Dr. Brooks Yeah, Benny. I heard about him. So, besides the obvious fact that he's your brother and you love him, what makes the drawing so meaningful to you? Denise Benny…was pretty much my best friend, growing up. I don't exactly come from a loving family. My grandparents were…cruel, to say the least. They didn't allow us to be children. They ran their household like a boot camp. I guess that's the way things were done when they were children. I don't know. Dr. Brooks You said they ran their house like a boot camp? How so? Denise Well, for one there was the yelling. They rarely spoke to us in normal tones anytime our parents sent us to visit them. For every little mistake we made, they blew up about it. We spent the majority of our visits to their cabin on punishment in our rooms. Sometimes they would deny us food. And we were lucky to get off with just that. Dr. Brooks is jotting down things on his notepad. Dr. Brooks What other kinds of things went on? Denise Unimaginable punishments. And poor Benny got the worst of it. My grandfather (pauses trying to control her emotions)…my grandfather would lock Benny in the closet He would lock Benny in there all night. In the morning when Benny was let out, he would be a nervous wreck. So, from all we went through, we became each other's best friend. Dr. Brooks So, did you and your brother ever tell your parents what was going on? Denise Of course. Dr. Brooks And did they do anything? Denise No. My mother did believe us, but not my father. My father said that they were tough on him as a child, and it was good for us. He said we needed strict discipline. My mother didn't like what we told her, but she didn't know what to do about it. So, my father continued to send us up to the cabin. To spend summers. Weekends. Whenever. While we were up there, all Benny and I had was each other. We were scared to death. Dr. Brooks I see. So, you and Benny were extremely close. Like foot and sock? Denise Exactly. Dr. Brooks Ok. So, tell me something. Benny is your younger brother. You love him. You say he's all you had. You're his big sister, I imagine you've felt the need to protect him all his life, right? Denise Of course. Dr. Brooks So, why was this time an exception? Denise I don't understand. Dr. Brooks I'm referring to the murder charges. I'm not passing a judgment about whether I think you were responsible or not, but you were convicted. And yet you claimed your younger, mentally unstable brother was responsible for your grandparents' murders. Now, for the sake of argument, let's say Benny truly was responsible. And again I'm not passing judgment either way. But, let's say he's responsible. But you get charged for it. Why wouldn't you be willing to take the heat to protect your younger brother? Denise pauses and looks down at her fingers. Denise Because, I…I didn't want people to think that I had murdered my grandparents when I didn't! Dr. Brooks So, you would rather that people thought it was Benny? Denise That's the point! It was Benny! Dr. Brooks And you didn't mind if everyone knew that? Denise You don't get it! Dr. Brooks What is it I don't get? Denise First of all, I didn't do it. And I could have went to prison for nothing! But, nothing would have happened to Benny had he been accused of it. And that's why he made them think he wasn't right in the head. So he could get away with it. But they think I'm crazy! Dr. Brooks From what I understand, you believe Benny is faking his condition. Is that right? Denise Yes! No one believes me! That's the reason they sent me here! They think I'm crazy! Dr. Brooks What makes you think he's faking? Denise I don't think, I know! Dr. Brooks How do you know? Denise Because he's normal around me. But only me. Around everyone else,…he…he talks slow, stares off into space, lets food drop out of his mouth when he eats. It's an act! Dr. Brooks So, why would he go through all the trouble for? What does he have to gain from it? Denise He knew he could get away with murder! See, he tried to run away from home. He got my dad's keys and took his truck. He's only 13, and he had never driven before. Obviously. So, he ends up crashing into a pole or something. Anyway, the police show up. Then the ambulance. They took him to the hospital. He was unconscious. They called my parents and we went up to the hospital. We got there, and Benny was still unconscious. They told us that he had suffered some head trauma. They gave him a few stitches. A few days later, he was conscious and everything. The doctor said he seemed to be out of it. They thought maybe he had suffered serious brain damage. They did a uh…what do you call it? When they do like…an x-ray of the brain? Dr. Brooks A cat scan. Denise Yeah, a cat scan. They did a cat scan, and they didn't find anything. But, the doctors claim that it didn't necessarily mean that Benny didn't have some brain damage. They said it was possible for some damage to go undetected. So, they did a few more tests, and they really couldn't find anything. But, they just went ahead and assumed that something was really wrong with him. Even though there was nothing to prove it. He has everybody fooled! Dr. Brooks Everybody except you. Denise Yes! Because I'm the only one he acts normal around! I'm telling you, he's faking. And nobody could imagine him killing our grandparents, so I became the suspect. Now, Benny's free and I'm in here! Dr. Brooks So, you don't feel you need to be here? Denise No! Aren't you listening to me? I'm not crazy! Dr. Brooks Well, whoa, wait a minute. Now, who says this place is for crazy people? This is a place to receive treatment. Just from what you've told me about what your grandparents put you and your brother through, I think it's a good idea for you to be here. You have some deep issues there. Denise Yeah, but I wasn't sent here because of that! They sent me here, because they think I'm some crazed girl who killed her grandparents and blamed it on her retarded brother! But, there's nothing wrong with me! And there's nothing wrong with Benny either! Dr. Brook nods his head and is silent for a moment as he jots down more notes on his pad. Dr. Brooks So, what is your family up to now? Still grieving? Denise I don't know. My parents and Benny are staying at my grandparents cabin. My father's idea. Dr. Brooks nods his head and continues to write. Cut To: 7EXT-Dr. Brooks pulls up in his jeep outside of a cabin in the middle of the woods. He steps out and stares at the cabin before walking up and knocking on the door. After a few moments, Denise and Benny's father, Herald opens the door. He has a confused look on his face. Dr. Brooks Hello. Herald Can I help you with something? Dr. Brooks Yeah, umm, I apologize for just showing up here unannounced. My name is Dr. Brooks. I'm currently treating your daughter Denise at the Bloomberg Institution. Herald Oh? Dr. Brooks Yeah. Ahh, I was just wondering if I could come in and talk with you for a minute. I just wanted to meet with you and your wife, and son, in hopes that it might help in my sessions with Denise. Herald Yeah, alright. I mean you came all this way, and…how did you find us anyway? Dr. Brooks Well, Denise told me you guys were staying here. And then I obtained the address from the hospital. . Herald Oh, alright. Well,…come on in. We cut inside the house and see Dr. Brook stepping inside. We hear the mother's voice off camera. Silvia Who's at the door? Herald (Yelling into the kitchen) It's Denise' doctor! Come on in here! (To Dr. Brook) Here, have a seat, Dr. Brook. Dr. Brooks sits down on the couch. Herald sits on a couch opposite Dr. Brooks. Moments later, the mother, Silvia, walks in. Dr. Brooks stands up. Dr. Brooks Hello, ma'am. I'm Dr. Brook. I was just telling your husband that I'm currently treating your daughter Denise. I just wanted to come and meet with you. Hopefully I'll get a little more insight into Denise's background. Silvia Oh, alright. That's fine. Silvia takes a seat next to her husband, and Dr. Brooks returns to his seat. Dr. Brooks I'm new to the hospital. I was just recently hired. I was told that I would be treating Denise. Upon reading her file, I was…thrown back, slightly. Upon seeing what brought her to Bloomberg. I'm sure you can imagine why. Silvia Of course. Dr. Brooks I met with Denise. We talked some. She shared a few things with me. One thing, that she told me, is that she is not responsible for her grandparents' deaths. As I'm sure you're aware of, she places blame on her younger brother Benny. Herald We're aware. Dr. Brooks And I'm sure that you are also aware that she believes that there is actually nothing wrong with Benny. Herald Yes, we are. Dr. Brooks May I ask your opinion on the matter? Silvia Dr. Brooks, we are not comfortable with…choosing sides in this matter. We wouldn't dare dream of saying that we think either Denise or Benny killed their grandparents. We have no idea who did. Honestly, Denise tends to tell stories. Dr. Brooks So, you don't think either child had anything to do with it? Silvia Of course not! Why would a child have a reason to kill their grandparents? It's crazy talk! Dr. Brooks Well, according to Denise, there was good reason. I heard you say that Denise tends to tell stories. She claims that her grandparents were extremely cruel to her and Benny. Especially Benny. She claims that Benny is faking his condition, and- Herald That's ridiculous! Listen, my parents may not have been your typical grandparents. I mean, they come from the time period when children were to be seen and not heard. They believe in strict discipline. I don't see anything wrong with it. But, I know they weren't so terrible that my own children would want to actually kill them! Dr. Brooks So, do you have any idea why Denise might make that up? Silvia We don't have a clue. But she's made up stories in the past. Whether be to get attention, or get herself out of trouble. Maybe this time she's gone crazy and actually believes what she is saying. We don't know. All we can do is assume that she had a mental breakdown. But I assure you that neither child was responsible. And about Benny, that's- Benny walks into the frame. He stares blankly at Dr. Brooks. He has peanut butter and jelly smeared around his mouth. Benny Finish! I finished! Silvia hops up. She uses the apron tied around her waist to wipe off Benny's mouth. Silvia Oh, good! Was your sandwich good? Benny Yeah! (Looks at Dr. Brooks) Hi! Dr. Brooks Hello, Benny. How are you? Benny Good. (Pauses while staring at Dr. Brooks) Silvia Benny, this is Dr. Brooks. He's come to visit us. Benny Hi! Dr. Brooks Hello, again, Benny. Benny I ate a sandwich. Dr. Brooks Yeah, I heard. How about that. You like sandwiches? Benny Yeah! Dr. Brooks Yeah, me too. Sandwiches are good. What you'd have, peanut butter and jelly? Benny Yeah! P and J! Dr. Brooks P and J, huh? That's good. I like P and J too. Benny Yeah, me too! Dr. Brooks That's great. How old are you, Benny? Benny 13. Dr. Brooks Wow, a teenager! How about that. Benny I drew my sister! Dr. Brooks You drew Denise? Really? Can I see it? Benny turns and runs into the kitchen. Silvia He wants to be an artist like his big sister. Dr. Brooks Is that right? Benny comes running back into the living room. He happily displays his drawing. It is a distorted depiction of a girl, with unevenly shaped limbs. His grandmother stands behind him smiling proudly. Dr. Brooks Wow! Look at that! That's pretty good, Benny. You wanna be an artist like Denise, huh? Benny Yeah. Denise draws good pictures. Dr. Brooks Really? Do you miss Denise? Benny (Looking down in a sad manner) Yeah. Denise is gone. Dr. Brooks She's gone? Benny Yeah. Grandma and Grandpa too. Dr. Brooks You miss them? Benny Yeah. I miss grandma and grandpa. As Benny begins to look sadder, his parents are becoming concerned. Silvia Umm, we appreciate you coming by, Dr. Brooks. I don't think we should go any further right now. Herald Yeah, I agree. Maybe we can set an appointment to meet with you another time. Dr. Brooks stands up. Dr. Brooks OK, I would like that. Uhh, I guess I'll be in touch then. Thanks for taking time out to talk with me. Dr. Brooks is escorted to the door by the grandparents and Benny. Silvia Give our love to Denise, will you? Dr. Brooks I certainly will. (To Benny) You take care Benny, OK? Benny OK. We cut to the outside of the house. Dr. Brooks turns and walks to his car. The cabin door closes. Dr. Brooks gets into his car and starts the engine. He looks at the cabin and sees Benny in the window. Dr. Brooks waves to Benny. Benny grins and waves back. His expression is different than it was a moment ago. He has a sly grin. Dr. Brooks stares for a moment and then drives off. Cut to: 8INT-(Afternoon)Dr. Brooks sits at a table in a break room at the Institution. He has Denise's folder in front of him. He flips through the documents inside. Behind him we see Dr. Calhoun enter the break room. She comes and sits down next to Dr. Brooks. He looks up at her. Dr. Brooks Dr. Calhoun! Hello. Dr. Calhoun Hey. How's it coming? It getting interesting yet? Dr. Brooks You could say that. Dr. Calhoun So, what do you think? Dr. Brooks I'm not sure what to think right now. I've been reading her file like crazy. Trying to find some missing pieces to the puzzle. Dr. Calhoun So, do you buy her story? Dr. Brooks Not really. I ah,…I went to visit her brother and parents. Dr. Calhoun So, you saw the little brother? Dr. Brooks Yeah, I met little Benny. Dr. Calhoun And it didn't seem like he was faking to you? Dr. Brooks If he was acting, he needs to get himself an agent. I'll tell you that much. Dr. Calhoun So what about the parents? What did they say? Dr. Brooks . They don't think either one of the kids had anything to do with the grandparents murders. They think Denise is accusing Benny because she's a known liar. Dr. Calhoun Do you think so? Dr. Brooks I don't know. I believe that Denise isn't as close to young Benny as she claims. I think she may have panicked and try to pin the blame on him. Dr. Calhoun So she's the one? Dr. Brooks Well, I can't say she is for sure. But, right now that's what I'm leaning towards. Dr. Calhoun Well, if Benny truly is mentally unstable, then I would agree that Denise is probably the one. If he isn't, then…who knows. Dr. Brooks You know, I noticed something strange. Dr. Calhoun What? Dr. Brooks When I was leaving the cabin. I got in the car, and Benny was looking out the window at me. I waved at him. And he waved back. But, when he did it, he had this look on his face. I mean, the whole time we were all in the cabin, he had a glazed look in his eyes, he looked somewhat aloof. You know? But, when he waved at me in the window, it was a different expression. Almost a look like he knew something I didn't. Like an evil smirk or something. I don't know, maybe it's me. It was weird. Dr. Calhoun That is weird. What an odd family. Dr. Brooks I have a lot of pieces to put together before I can recommend whether Denise should remain here or be released to her parents. Dr. Calhoun Well, if you need to consult with another professional about it, I'm here. Dr. Brooks Thanks a lot. After dealing with this, I just may need some counseling myself! Dr. Calhoun laughs. She and Dr. Brooks stare at each other. Dr. Calhoun So, Dr. Elijah Brooks… Dr. Brooks Whoa, wait a minute! You just said my whole name! Dr. Calhoun So? Dr. Brooks Whenever somebody says your whole name, they usually have something heavy to lay on you. So what is it? Dr. Calhoun No, it's not like that at all. Dr. Brooks So, nothing heavy? Dr. Calhoun No! Not at all! Dr. Brooks Oh, alright then. Please, proceed. Dr. Calhoun I was just going to ask you…if there was a Mrs. Elijah Brooks at home. Dr. Brooks looks at Dr. Calhoun and smiles. Dr. Brooks Oh, is that all? Dr. Calhoun That's all. See, that's not heavy, right? Dr. Brooks No, not too bad. Well, no there is not a Mrs. Elijah Brooks at home. Dr. Calhoun Okay. So, I have another question. Dr. Brooks Alright, let's hear it. Dr. Calhoun If I'm being too forward, tell me. But, I was wondering…if you might be interested in sitting down to a meal together. Dr. Brooks smiles shyly. Dr. Brooks So, let me get this straight. You're asking me out? Dr. Calhoun No, I'm asking you in. We would eat at my place. Dr. Brooks Oh! So an eat in Date! So your asking me in? Dr. Calhoun You know what? Never mind! You are having way too much fun with this! Dr. Brooks No, no, no. I'm kidding with you. If you're serious, I would love to join you for dinner. Dr. Calhoun Ok. Dr. Brooks So, your place? Dr. Calhoun Umm-hmm. Dr. Brooks So, I assume you'll be doing the cooking. Dr. Calhoun That's right. Dr. Brooks So, how are the cooking skills? Any good? Dr. Calhoun Yes! I would have to have a lot of nerve to invite you over for dinner, knowing I couldn't cook good! Dr. Brooks Alright, just asking. Dr. Brooks shuffles the papers from Denise's file back into the folder. He looks at Dr. Calhoun. Well, I'm gonna go ahead back to my office. I have to meet with Denise in about a half hour. Maybe you should write down your home number so we can make the final arrangements for the dinner. Dr. Calhoun Sure. Dr. Calhoun grabs a paper napkin lying on the table and pulls a pen out of her jacket pocket. She writes down her information and slides it to Dr. Brooks. Dr. Brooks (Standing up) OK. So, if I don't see you around here for the rest of the day, then I'll definitely call you this evening. Dr. Calhoun Ok. See you later. Dr. Brooks See ya. (As he walks away he says to himself, but loud enough for Dr. Calhoun to hear: ) Whoever would have thought I'd get hit on my first week on the job! Incredible! Dr. Calhoun (Yelling after Dr. Brooks as he opens the break room door to exit) You're head is swelling, Elijah! Dr. Brooks (Turning around and looking at Dr. Calhoun) You heard that? Dr. Calhoun I sure did! Dr. Brooks smiles at Dr. Calhoun and then exits. He immediately re-opens the door and pops his head back in. Dr. Brooks And you called me Elijah, too! That's good! I like that! He again exits. Dr. Calhoun smiles and giggles. Cut To: 9INT- We see Dr. Brook's face. He is looking directly in front of him. Dr. Brooks So, guess who I paid a visit to? We cut back to see Dr. Brooks sitting across from Denise. Denise Who? Dr. Brooks Your family. Your parents. And Benny. Denise's reaction shows that she does not approve. She stares at Dr. Brooks with a confused look on her face. Denise Why? Why did you go there? Dr. Brooks I thought it would be good to meet them. I thought it might help me understand you a little better. Was that wrong? Denise What did you go there for? Dr. Brooks I just wanted to meet your family. Talk to them a little bit. As you know, I have 12 sessions with you, and then I have to either submit a recommendation for you to be released, or recommend that you stay for more treatment. Now, I imagine you want to get out of here, right? Denise Yes. Dr. Brooks Ok, that's what I assumed. So, for me to recommend that you be released to your parents custody, it's important that I meet them and see what kind of people they are. That's all. I meant no harm, Denise. Why does it bother you so much that I went to see them? Denise Just forget it. Dr. Brooks stares at Denise as she looks down at her fingers, which she is twirling nervously. Dr. Brooks So, tell me Denise. Are you close to your parents? Denise To my mom. I'm close to my mom. Dr. Brooks Just your mom. You don't get along with your Dad? Denise No. Dr. Brooks Why not? Denise Because, he took my grandparents side against me and Benny. When we told them for the first time, what our grandparents were doing to us, my mother was horrified. She was upset and wanted to do something to stop it. But, my dad was all for it. He thought it was good for us! I couldn't understand it. But, it's always been like that. Dr. Brooks Like what? Denise My mother has always had to defend us against my dad. She has always been the one on our side. Protecting us. She would go to any length to prevent anything from bothering me and Benny. My father on the other hand, was usually on the other side. Dr. Brooks So, you're telling me it was like…you, Benny, and your mother against…your father. Denise Against him and my grandparents. Like I said, he took their side over ours in a heartbeat. Dr. Brooks I see. So, are you at all sad that your grandparents were killed? Denise looks as if she is thinking hard about the question. She pauses a moment before answering. Denise It seems like I should be, but… Dr. Brooks But, you're not. Denise No, not really. It's hard to feel any love or sympathy for someone who never had any for you. You know what I mean? I mean, it's not easy to feel love for people who would beat you with a walking stick, because they thought the skirt you had on was too short. Dr. Brooks That actually happened? Denise lifts up her pants legs and reveals permanent scars and cuts. Denise According to my grandmother, it would keep me from wanting to show off my legs so much. Dr. Brook is shocked. He stares at Denise sympathetically. Dr. Brooks Wow. That's terrible. I'm sorry, Denise. Denise Don't be. But, now maybe you understand a little better why I'm not so sad about their deaths. I have these scars as permanent reminders. Cut To: 10INT-(Afternoon) We see Benny and Silvia in the living room of the cabin. Silvia is tying Benny's sneakers. Herald walks into the living room. Herald Where you guys headed? Benny The lake! To see ducks! Herald To see the ducks, huh? Benny Yeah! Herald Don't go too close to the water. You know you can't swim. And you know what happens when people who can't swim go in the water, son? Benny They drown. Herald That's right. So- Benny Like grandpa. Herald stares at Benny for a moment. He is caught off guard. Silvia finishes tying up Benny's sneakers and stands up. She is looking at Benny as well. Herald Yeah. Like,…like grandpa. The three become silent, as if all are in deep thought. Then Silvia breaks the silence. Silvia You ready to go, Benny? Benny Yeah! Silvia Let's go! Benny emphatically runs to the front door with Silvia jogging right behind him. Benny pulls the door open and the two go out closing it behind them. We see Herald sitting there as if he is still thinking about his father. He sits for a few moments and then stands up. He stretches and then casually walks into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, he glances out the kitchen window that looks out onto the lake behind the cabin. We see out the window from Heralds point of view. We see Silvia and Benny walking and talking. We cut back inside and see Herald watching them with a suspicious look on his face. Cut to: 11INT-We see Dr. Brooks in his home with the cordless phone to his ear. We hear the phone ringing. We quick cut to: Dr. Calhoun's house. The phone is ringing. We see her jog to it and pick it up. Dr. Calhoun Hello? We hear Dr. Brooks' voice through Calhoun's phone. Dr. Brooks Hey, it's Elijah. How are you? Dr. Calhoun Elijah! I'm glad you called. Dr. Brooks Really? That's good to hear. Dr. Calhoun So, what's going on? What are you up to? Dr. Brooks Nothing at the moment. I was wondering if tonight was too soon for that dinner. Dr. Calhoun Tonight? No, not too soon at all. I have to make a quick run to the store though. Dr. Brooks Ok. You need me to pick up anything? Dr. Calhoun You could get some wine. Dr. Brooks Some wine, huh? (Chuckles) Dr. Calhoun What? What's wrong with wine? Dr. Brooks Nothing. But I see what you're doing. Dr. Calhoun What? What am I doing? Dr. Brooks You plan on getting me drunk, huh? Dr. Calhoun What!? Dr. Brooks So you can have your way with me! I know when I'm being set up! Dr. Calhoun (Giggling) You are something else! Dr. Brooks No, I'm kidding. I'll get the wine. No problem. Cut to: 12INT- We see Dr. Brooks and Dr. Calhoun in Dr. Calhoun's home. They are at the dining room table eating Lasagna and salad. Dr. Brooks This is pretty good. Dr. Calhoun I told you it would be. Dr. Brooks That you did. So, tell me something about you, Alicia. Dr. Calhoun What would you like to know about? Dr. Brooks I want to know about you. I mean, I know you on the surface. But I want to know you under the surface. I mean where did you grow up? What's your family like? Do you think I'm sexy? You know, that kind of thing. Dr. Calhoun (Giggling) Well, I grew up in New York City. Dr. Brooks Really? Which part? Dr. Calhoun In Queens. Hollis, Queens to be exact. Dr. Brooks Oh, alright. We got a New Yorker in the house! Dr. Calhoun That's right! Dr. Brooks So, what about your family? Brothers or sisters? Both? Dr. Calhoun Both. I have an older sister and two younger brothers. Dr. Brooks Oh, so you grew up in a full house, huh? Dr. Calhoun Yeah, pretty much. Dr. Brooks So, your family was kind of like the fake Cosby family, huh? Dr. Calhoun (Laughs) No we weren't! Dr. Brooks Who were you, Vanessa? They both laugh together. Dr. Calhoun continues. Dr. Calhoun No, I wasn't Vanessa. We weren't like the Cosby's. My mother and father weren't a lawyer and doctor. My mother was a school teacher and my father worked in a factory. So we didn't have any of the luxuries that the Cosby kids enjoyed. Dr. Brooks Yeah, I hear you. So, what was your childhood like? Dr. Calhoun I had a pretty good childhood. Even though we didn't have a whole lot, we made due. I think it made all of us humble, you know? We learned a vital lesson about not taking things for granted. It made us stronger, you know? Dr. Brooks Yeah. So, what about your sister and brothers? Did you all fight a lot? Dr. Calhoun Yeah, there was some fighting going on. But only with the older one of my two brothers, Derrick The younger one, Clarence, was always a quiet type. Derrick was the complete opposite. He wreaked havoc on me and my sister Samone. Dr. Brooks I like him already! What did he do? Dr. Calhoun He would come into our room in the middle of the night. He would come and pinch my nose so I couldn't breathe through it. Then I would involuntarily open mouth trying to breathe, and he would put drops of hot sauce on my tongue! I would feel my mouth burning and wake up just in time to see him running out of the room! Dr. Brooks keels over cracking up. He slaps his hand on the table as he continues to laugh hysterically. Dr. Brooks Man! That kid is a genius! I love him already! Dr. Calhoun It's not funny! I couldn't stand him! He was always doing things like that. Dr. Brooks What else? What other things did he do? I gotta know. Dr. Calhoun No, I'm not telling you anymore. You're laughing a little too hard over there! Dr. Brooks begins to laugh hysterically again. Dr. Calhoun just stares at him at first, and then she too begins to laugh. We cut to: Dr. Brooks and Dr. Calhoun in the living room sitting close on the couch. They are in the dark looking at slides through a projector. Dr. Calhoun Oh, this is at my aunt Mimi's wedding. That's me and Samone. We see a shot of the slide. It is a picture of two young girls in pretty dresses holding hands. Dr. Brooks Look at you! Looking all cute and innocent. Knowing you were a trouble maker! Dr. Calhoun I was not a trouble maker! I was just as cute innocent as I looked. She flips to the next slide. It's a picture of her standing next to two little boys and a woman. That's me, my brothers, and my mother. I remember Derrick had just gotten in trouble before this picture was taken. That's why he's not smiling! She flips to another slide. It is a picture of her and a boy much shorter than her. Dr. Brooks Who is that, your cousin or somebody? Dr. Calhoun No, that's actually my first boyfriend. Dr. Brooks Your first boyfriend? How old were you? Dr. Calhoun I was 13. Dr. Brooks 13! And that was your first boyfriend? Dr. Calhoun Yeah! What's wrong with him? Dr. Brooks How old was he, like 9? Dr. Calhoun No! He was 13 too! He was just a little short. Dr. Brooks It looks like he was just a little everything! Dr. Calhoun laughs. Dr. Calhoun Arnold was cute! He was my first love. Dr. Brooks Wait a minute! Arnold? Like Arnold from Different Strokes? The two laugh. Alright, alright, alright. That's enough of Arnold. I'm starting to get jealous. Show me the pictures of you in the bath tub. I know you have one, cause everybody has one. Let me see that! Dr. Calhoun You just wanna see me naked! Dr. Brooks So? What's wrong with that? Dr. Calhoun Oh, so you don't deny it? Dr. Brooks Not at all. I'm sure the feeling is mutual. Dr. Calhoun Oh, really? Dr. Brooks Come on, Alicia! We're adults, let's be honest. You're not that little girl anymore. I'm not Arnold! Alicia and Elijah stare at one another in silence. There is a sexual tension between them. Dr. Brooks leans forward and kisses Alicia. She appears apprehensive at first, but then begins to kiss him back. They get deeper into the kiss. Elijah leans in closer and accidentally leans on the control for the slide projector. The sound of the slide switching startles them both. They both jump back. They look up at the screen. It is a picture of Alicia's mother. She appears to have a look of disapproval on her face as if she is looking at them. Dr. Calhoun Well, that's not the first time my mother has caught me kissing! They laugh. Dr. Brooks She looks like she really just saw what we were doing! Your phone will probably ring in a few minutes! Dr. Calhoun It probably will! Sometimes she does show signs off psychic ability. It's weird. Dr. Brooks (Looking up at the slide) It's frightening is what it is! It looks like she is actually looking at us! I…I think I should go! Dr. Calhoun That might be a good idea. For tonight anyway. Elijah and Alicia get up and approach the front door. Dr. Brooks So, how soon can we do this again? Dr. Calhoun How about we get together again next weekend. Dr. Brooks Next weekend? You got yourself a date. Oh, and I just want to apologize. Dr. Calhoun For what? Dr. Brooks Well, when we were on the couch. And,…you know, we were kissing. And I just stopped. I didn't mean to be a tease or anything. Dr. Calhoun What! Dr. Brooks Well, I know you were expecting me to give myself to you, and I didn't mean to tease. You have to wine and dine me a little more before I give myself to you. Dr. Calhoun You are crazy! Dr. Brooks No, but seriously. I had a great time tonight. The food was delicious. Dr. Calhoun Thank you. Dr. Brooks And I enjoyed your slides too. Except for Arnold! I better not see Arnold again! Alicia laughs. And I really enjoyed that kiss too. You like the kiss? Dr. Calhoun Ummm, it was OK. Dr. Brooks It was OK!? Oh, I guess Arnold is better, right? Alicia laughs. Dr. Calhoun No, I'm kidding. The kiss was wonderful. I'd could go for it again. Dr. Brooks I'm standing right here. Alicia leans forward and kisses Dr. Brooks passionately. Dr. Calhoun Goodnight, Elijah. Dr. Brooks Goodnight, Alicia. Elijah opens the front door and exits. Cut To: 13INT-Dr. Brooks sits in his office. Denise sits across from him. Dr. Brooks stares at Denise silently. Denise feels uncomfortable. Denise Why are you staring at me? Dr. Brooks Well, I'm trying to look inside of you. I mean, I really feel like there is so much more that you aren't telling me. Denise About what? Dr. Brooks About you. And about your case. I mean for me to make a judgment of whether or not to send you home, I need to really know you, Denise. Denise Ok, so what do you need to know specifically. Dr. Brooks Well, I have a question to start. Denise What? Dr. Brooks Is it true that you can be…somewhat of a storyteller? Denise What? What are you talking about? Dr. Brooks You know, a storyteller. A liar, for lack of better terms. Denise looks at Dr. Brooks with the expression of a child who was caught being mischievous. She is silent for a moment before speaking. Denise Who told you that, my mother? Dr. Brooks Yeah, your mom told me that. How'd you know? Denise Call it a hunch. Dr. Brooks So….? Denise What? Dr. Brooks Well, is there any truth to that. Are you a storyteller? Again Denise stares silently for a moment. She looks down at her hands. She looks as if she is riddled with guilt. Denise I may have…made up a few things in the past. But that was before! I'm not making this up! Dr. Brooks Well, how do I know that? How does anyone know that? I mean think about it. You have a history of lying. You admitted it to me just now. So, can't you understand why it would be hard to give you the benefit of the doubt in this situation? Denise I know it sounds like I'm lying, but I'm not! I swear! I'm not a murderer! Dr. Brooks But, Benny is. Denise Yes, he is! Why is that so hard to believe? Coming from me or anybody else, why does that sound impossible? Dr. Brooks Well, let's touch on that a little deeper. You say you know for a fact that Benny killed your grandparents. Correct? Denise Yes! Dr. Brooks Ok. So, you're telling me you actually witnessed Benny killing them? Denise My grandmother, yeah! Dr. Brooks You saw him kill your grandmother? Denise Yes! Dr. Brooks But not your grandfather? Denise No. He was already dead in the lake. Dr. Brooks Ok, so….Ok, how about this. How about you just tell me about what exactly happened that evening. Fill me so I can get a better picture. Denise takes a deep breath. She rubs her forehead and then begins to speak. As she talks we cut to the evening she is describing. Denise I think it was around…8 or 9 p.m. We cut to an outside shot of the grandparents cabin at night. Denise (V.O.) I was out back… We cut to a shot of Denise out back. She is sitting on the ground with her back against a tree in a small forest. She has her head tilted looking upward. …in the woods. I was sitting up against a tree looking at the stars. When I heard a splash in the lake, which was only about 50 feet away from me. We see Denise looking through the darkness at the lake. She looks confused. I didn't know what it was. I imagined it was just a big fish or something. But, something didn't feel right. We see Denise slowly get up and begin to walk back towards the lake. She keeps her eyes focused as she moves through the dark forest. So, I got up and started to go back toward the lake. I remember thinking that the splash I heard was too big to be from a fish. So I walked all the way back over to the dock that extends over the lake. We see Denise standing on the dock looking into the lake. The lake is dark and she can see nothing. I looked into the lake but I didn't see anything at first. Then I saw what looked like a shirt. From Denise's P.O.V. we see a shirt right below the surface of the lake. I looked harder and saw pants. And then boots. Then I heard a scream from inside of the cabin. Off camera we hear a woman scream. Denise turns around rapidly. She begins to run toward the cabin. I knew it was my grandmother. So, I ran to the cabin. We see Denise open the cabin door and run in. I ran into the living room and saw it. We see Benny leaning over the back of the grandmother, who is on her knees. Benny is choking her with a rope. The grandmother is fighting for air. We see Denise's expression. She is horrified. Benny continues strangling. Denise runs over and tries to snatch the rope from Benny. She struggles with Benny, and meanwhile the grandmother is still choking. I tried to stop him! I couldn't! Benny is stronger than he looks! He kept on strangling her! I mean, she was cruel and I didn't like her. But I didn't want to kill her! We cut back to Dr. Brooks' office. Dr. Brooks is jotting in his notepad what he has just heard. Dr. Brooks So, that's how you remember it happening? Denise That's exactly how it happened! I'm not making this up! Dr. Brooks So, that's how your fingerprints were found on the rope? Denise Yes! The police didn't even bother to take Benny's fingerprints, because they think he'… Dr. Brooks Mentally challenged. Denise Yes. I know you don't believe me, but it's true. That's why I won't tell you what's really going on. It'll be a waste of time. Dr. Brooks What do you mean what's really going on? What you told me wasn't what's really going on? Denise Yeah, but there's more to it. Dr. Brooks There's more? Really? What more is there, Denise? Denise I'm not even going to bother. Dr. Brooks Why not? Denise You think that I'm lying to you. You're not taking me seriously. Dr. Brooks Denise, I'm not accusing you of lying. I apologize if I gave the impression that I believed you were a liar. I truly apologize. Now, really, please tell what more there is. Denise looks off to the side as if she is debating whether or not to tell Dr. Brooks anymore. She returns her stare to him. Denise I'll tell you. But, if you choose not to believe me, than so be it. I don't care anymore. I'm about to tell you something that I haven't told to anyone else. It's the truth, but you can take it how you choose. Dr. Brooks OK, fair enough. Denise Now, Benny truly is faking his condition. But it's not by his own choice. Dr. Brooks What do you mean? Whose choice is it. Denise My mother's. Dr. Brooks Your mother's? Your mother made Benny pretend to be- Denise Yes! It was her idea. Dr. Brooks What makes you think that? Denise I overheard them talking one day. Dr. Brooks What were they talking about? Denise I didn't hear the whole conversation. All I know, is that Benny said he didn't want to fake anymore or something. And then my mother told him to trust her. That nobody was going to hurt him anymore, or something. Anyway, the point is that my mother knows something. Dr. Brooks So, she told Benny to kill your grandparents? Denise I didn't say that. I don't know that for sure. All I do know is that my mother is aware that Benny is faking. She had something to do with it. Dr. Brooks is again jotting on his notepad. Denise continues. So, you don't believe me, do you? Dr. Brooks I haven't passed any judgment. I would need to learn some more about your family before I could pass any real judgment. Denise Be careful, Doc. Don't dig too deep. Denise and Dr. Brooks stare at each other. There is an odd tension in the air. Cut to: 14INT-We see a detective in his office. It is Detective Mike Hardy. He is calmly doing paperwork. Suddenly there is a knock at his office door. Hardy It's open! The door swings open and there is an officer standing there. Officer Hey, Mike, somebody here to talk to ya. Hardy Yeah? Who? The officer steps to the side and Elijah comes into view. He waves at Hardy. Hardy stares at Elijah for a moment. Hardy What can I do for you? Elijah takes a step forward inside of Hardy's office. Elijah My name is Elijah Brooks. I'm currently treating a young girl named Denise Franklin. I understand that you investigated the murder of her grandparents. I was just hoping maybe I could speak with you for a minute or two. Hardy organizes the papers on his desk into a folder and then closes it. Hardy Come on in. Elijah moves closer inside Hardy's office. Hardy nods at the officer standing at the door. The officer nods back and then closes Hardy's door. Have a seat. Elijah steps forward and takes a seat in front of Hardy's desk. So, what exactly do you want to talk to me about? Elijah Well, as I said, I'm treating Denise Franklin over at the Bloomberg Institution. I- Hardy So, is she crazy or what? Elijah Uhh, well, we don't really use the word crazy. It- Hardy Well, you know what I mean. Hardy reaches in a drawer on the side of his desk. He pulls out a wrapped up sub sandwich. He plops it down on his desk and unwraps it. He grabs a half of it and takes a sloppy bite. His lips and cheek are smeared with mayonnaise. Elijah Well,…no I don't believe that she is mentally disturbed. Not at all. But, I wanted to ask you something. Was there a substantial amount of evidence against Denise? Were there any other suspects? Hardy Nah, she was our main suspect. Elijah Why is that? Hardy Because for one, she had a strong motive. I'm sure you already know that her grandparents were some mean S.O.B.'s. She hated them. And her fingerprints were all over the rope. So, you got the motive, and the fingerprints. It was enough to build a case. Elijah So, Denise's fingerprints were the only ones on the rope? Hardy is anxiously eating his sandwich. He takes a few moments to chew the food in his mouth before he answers. Hardy Yup. Elijah What about the grandfather. I understand he was poisoned and thrown in the lake. Hardy Actually, he was poisoned and then drowned. Elijah He was drowned? Hardy Yeah. The coroner said the old man was breathing while he was in the water. So, the old man ate the poison, and then somehow he was brought out to the lake and then drowned. Elijah's face gets stern for a moment. He is thinking deeply. Elijah So, wait a minute. Denise was the only suspect for the grandfather's murder as well? Hardy Yeah. Apparently, the grandfather was on some kind of medication. We found that the poison was switched with his medicine. Denise helped him take his medication earlier in the evening. Elijah But, wait. Wait a minute. Denise couldn't have drowned him. Hardy Why not? Elijah She can't swim! She would have drowned right with him! Hardy I don't know about that. Elijah Tell me, Detective, why wasn't her brother investigated? He was the only other person there. Why wasn't he a suspect? Hardy Are you kidding me? He's retarded! That kid can barely tie his own shoe! You think he's capable of a double homicide? Come on! Elijah looks off to the side. He seems to be frustrated. He gets to his feet. Elijah Thank you, detective Hardy. Elijah turns and exits Hardy's office. We see Hardy resume with his sloppy sandwich. Cut to: 15INT-We see Alicia sitting at a table in a restaurant. She is sitting alone. She looks from side to side anxiously as if expecting something or someone. A waiter approaches the table. Alicia looks up at him. Waiter Would you like to go ahead and order now? Dr. Calhoun Um,…no. Not yet. I'm waiting for someone. Waiter Ok, no problem. I'll come back. Dr. Calhoun Thanks. The waiter walks off. Alicia continues to look around anxiously. A few moments later we see someone coming up behind her. It is Elijah. He comes up directly behind her. He places his hands over her eyes. Speaking in an exaggeratedly deep voice, Dr. Brooks says: Dr. Brooks You know who this is, don't you? Alicia smiles. Dr. Brooks does not do a good job of disguising his voice. Dr. Calhoun It better be who I think it is! Dr. Brooks (Still in the disguised voice) Who exactly do you think it is? Dr. Calhoun My boyfriend. Arnold! Dr. Brooks takes his hands off of her eyes. He steps forward so Alicia can see him. In his normal voice: Dr. Brooks Who!? Alicia laughs out loud. Did you say Arnold? Is that what you said? Alicia is still laughing. She stands up. Dr. Calhoun I'm kidding! Of course, I knew it was you! Alicia wraps her arms around Elijah and he hugs her back. They hold each other for a few moments before letting go. They look at each other a moment and then sit down. Dr. Brooks You sure you're waiting for me? Dr. Calhoun Yes! Who else? Dr. Brooks Maybe your boyfriend, I don't know. Dr. Calhoun My boyfriend? Dr. Brooks Yeah. Dr. Calhoun I thought you were my boyfriend? Dr. Brooks You thought I was your boyfriend? Dr. Calhoun Yeah. Dr. Brooks How did I get so lucky as to be the boyfriend of the beautiful Alicia Calhoun? Dr. Calhoun Because you kissed me. Dr. Brooks So, because I kissed you, I get to be your boyfriend. Dr. Calhoun That's right. We kissed, so that means you have to love me now. Dr. Brooks I have to love you? Dr. Calhoun Umm-hmm. And propose to me. Dr. Brooks Are you kidding me? Dr. Calhoun giggles. Dr. Calhoun Yeah, I'm kidding. For now. They stare at each other for a moment. The waiter suddenly appears and breaks their stares. They both look up at him. Waiter Are you guys ready to order now? Dr. Calhoun Actually, we haven't even looked at the menu. Waiter Well, can I get your drinks for you? Dr. Calhoun Umm, I'll have…a…lemonade. Waiter Ok. (Looking at Dr. Brooks) And for you, sir? Dr. Brooks I'll have an iced tea. Waiter Ok, I'll be right back with your drinks. The waiter walks off. Alicia picks up her menu. Elijah follows her lead and picks up his own. They both look through their menus casually as they continue their conversation. Dr. Calhoun So, you chose this place. What's good? Dr. Brooks Actually, this is my first time coming here. I've wanted to come for awhile, but never got around to it. Dr. Calhoun Oh, isn't that special! Dr. Brooks Isn't what special? Dr. Calhoun We're experiencing new things together. That's special. Dr. Brooks So, do you think we'll be experiencing more new things in the future? Dr. Calhoun I hope so. I look forward to it. Dr. Brooks So, am I your boyfriend for real? Or was all of that a joke? Dr. Calhoun I don't know how it works now a days. I mean, back in school it was a lot simpler. You got a yes or no confirmation about the status of your relationship. Dr. Brooks Exactly. You asked somebody to go with you. They either said yes or no. You knew exactly where you stood. Dr. Calhoun It was so much easier. I remember boys used to give me notes. They would say do you like me? And then underneath it would say- Dr. Brooks Check yes or no! Dr. Calhoun Yeah! That's it! You must have written a few of those notes in your day, huh? Dr. Brooks A few!? I was famous for them. I had like 10 of them pre-written in my notebook. When I saw a girl I liked, I would just tear one out of my notebook and ask somebody to give it to her! Dr. Calhoun Yeah, how come the boy was always scared to deliver it himself? Dr. Brooks Because, just in case you check "no". He could deny that he asked somebody to give it to you. Believe me, I've done it myself. Alicia laughs. Dr. Calhoun You mean somebody actually checked "no" to you? Dr. Brooks Yeah, believe it or not. Dr. Calhoun I can't believe that at all. Dr. Brooks It's true. I wasn't always as fine as I am now. I had to blossom! Alicia laughs again. Dr. Calhoun I should have known I was giving you an invitation to be vain. Dr. Brooks I bet you got a lot of those notes back in school, didn't you? Dr. Calhoun I got a few. But, I was hardly flattered. Dr. Brooks Uh-oh. That must mean you used to get love letters from Steve Urkels! Alicia laughs. Dr. Calhoun Basically! It was horrible! The waiter reappears at the table. Waiter Are you guys ready to order? Alicia and Elijah look at one another. Dr. Calhoun Actually,…I'm still looking. Dr. Brooks Yeah, I need a few more minutes, too. Waiter Alright. I'll give you a few more minutes. The waiter walks off looking perturbed. Dr. Calhoun He didn't look too happy. Dr. Brooks He'll be alright. Dr. Calhoun So, let's talk about you now. On our first date I talked about myself, end even showed you some slides on my projector. Now it's your time to tell me about you. So, let's hear it. Dr. Brooks Alright. Well, I was born in Korea. Dr. Calhoun Korea!? Dr. Brooks No, I'm just kidding. Dr. Calhoun Come on, be serious! Dr. Brooks Alright, alright. Seriously, I was born in Chicago. Dr. Calhoun Were you really? Dr. Brooks Yeah, I really was. I lived in Chicago until I was about…11 or 12. Then my mother and father split up. So, me, my younger brother, and my mother moved to Washington, D.C. We stayed with my aunt and cousins for awhile, then we got our own apartment. So, I grew up in D.C., and ended up going to college right there at Howard. Dr. Calhoun Ok. That's cool. So, what's up with your younger brother? What does he do? Dr. Brooks Corey is an entrepreneur. He owns a little restaurant in D.C. Dr. Calhoun Really? That's good. How's the food? Dr. Brooks The food is great. It's a popular spot in D.C. He gets a lot of celebrities that stop through. Dr. Calhoun Really? Wow, you gotta take me there sometime. Dr. Brooks Would you really like to go? Dr. Calhoun Yeah! Dr. Brooks Cause I was actually planning on going home to visit sometime soon. You could actually come along if you wanted to. Dr. Calhoun I would love to! I've never been to D.C. before. That sounds like fun. Dr. Brooks Now, I'll just warn you ahead of time. My mother is going to automatically assume you are my girlfriend when I introduce you to her. Just be aware. Dr. Calhoun That's Ok, I am your girlfriend! Dr. Brooks Do you really consider yourself to be my girlfriend or what? Dr. Calhoun I don't know. You still haven't written me a note so I can check "yes" or "no"! The two laugh. The waiter reappears again. He still looks perturbed. Waiter Have you decided yet? Alicia and Elijah look at one another. Dr. Calhoun Um, you can go first, Elijah. Dr. Brooks Oh, no. Ladies first. By all means. Dr. Calhoun That's kind of you, but I insist. Dr. Brooks I think you're insisting because you still don't know what you want! Dr. Calhoun Well, neither do you! Dr. Brooks That's where you're wrong. (Looking up at the waiter) I'll have the chicken Alfredo, please. The waiter jots it down and then looks at Alicia. She is caught off guard. Dr. Calhoun Umm,..I… Dr. Brooks Sir, she still doesn't know what she wants. While I was reading the menu, she was too busy bumping her gums. You'll have to excuse her. Dr. Calhoun Elijah! Waiter (To Alicia) So you need more time? Dr. Calhoun Uhh, yes, please. I'm sorry. I promise I'll be ready when you come back this time. Dr. Brooks (To the waiter) Don't count on it. Dr. Calhoun I will! The waiter says nothing and walks off. Alicia looks at Elijah in disbelief. He is smiling. I can't believe you said that! Dr. Brooks You shouldn't have been talking so much! Dr. Calhoun (smiling) Yeah right! Shut up! Cut to: 16INT-Elijah sits on the couch in his house. He is on the phone. He is reclined back on the couch. He has the remote in his hand and he flips through channels as he talks. Dr. Brooks Hey, ma! How are you? (Pause) Good, good. (Pause) I'm great. Everything is well here. (Pause) How's who? (Pause) Oh, Denise! My patient, yeah. Well, it's getting interesting like I told you it probably would. She's telling me a lot of interesting things. (Pause) Well, about her whole case. I mean, you remember I told you she was accused of murdering her grandparents. And you remember I told you she claimed it was her younger brother. (Pause) That's right, he's mentally challenged. And she claims he's faking. Well, she told me that her mother put him up to it. (Pause) Yeah! She said the mother told the brother to pretend something is wrong with him. (Pause) She said she overheard them talking. She said the mother said that the grandparents wouldn't abuse the brother anymore or something. (Pause) Yeah. It's crazy. It's like an onion. The more you peel away, the more it stinks! (Pause) Yeah. So, anyway how's Corey? (Pause) Yeah? Business good? (Pause) That's good. Anyhow, I have a little surprise. (Pause) No, I'm not getting married! But your in the ballpark. (Pause) Well, you remember I told you I was coming to visit within the next month or so? (Pause) No, I'm still coming. But I'm bringing someone with me. (Pause) A co-worker. She's a therapist at Bloomberg. (Pause) Yeah, I said she. I'm bringing a girl home. Her name is Alicia. (Pause) Well, yeah we've been dating a little bit. (Pause) No, we're not that serious. We're not engaged or anything. (Pause) No, not at all. (Pause) Well, yeah, I like her. (Pause) Yeah, she's beautiful. You'll like her. But, just don't put any pressure on us. (Pause) You know what I mean, ma. Ever since I graduated from Howard, you've been trying to marry me off. (Pause) You have! That's all I hear! When am I going to find a nice girl and settle down. When am I going to give you some grandkids. (Pause) Well, don't put me and Alicia on the spot when we get there. Don't make her uncomfortable, like you make me sometimes! (Pause) Yeah, you do! (chuckles softly) Anyhow, I was just calling to let you know that. (Pause) Ok, ma. Love you. (Pause) Tell Corey I said I'll talk to him later. (Pause) Ok, ma. Bye. Elijah sits on the couch flipping through the channels. We hear a noise outside. Elijah mutes the television to listen better. We hear the noise again. It sounds as if someone is doing something on the side. Elijah looks to the side at the window. Through the curtain, we can see the silhouette of a person. Elijah sits up in his chair. He gets to his feet. He watches at the figure disappears from view. He rushes to the hall closet. He opens it and begins to search through it. He finds the baseball bat he was looking for and closes the closet. He jogs into the kitchen and comes to the back door. The house is pitch black. We see Elijah look through the glass on the backdoor. From his point of view, we see a figure dressed in all black out side. Their face is hidden behind a colorful mask. The figure approaches the back steps. Elijah moves to the side to hide from the prowler. The mysterious figure comes all the way up to the back door and looks inside. Elijah makes a move. He swings the bat at the door window, shattering it and nearly hitting the mysterious prowler. The prowler immediately turns and runs down the steps and around toward the front of the house. Elijah opens the backdoor and runs out after the prowler. He comes around to the front of the house and sees that the prowler has disappeared. He looks up and down the street. He sees nothing. He turns and walks back toward his house. Cut To: 17INT-Dr. Brooks sits in his office across from Denise. Dr. Brooks So, last time we were talking about your mother and Benny. You were telling me that you overheard your mother and Benny talking. You said they were talking about how… Benny didn't want to pretend anymore, but your mother persuaded him to. Now, you said Benny acts normal around you. So, obviously he's not keeping it a secret from you. But, does your mother know that you know about Benny faking? Denise Yeah, she knows. Dr. Brooks Ok. So, mom knows. But your father doesn't know? Or does he? Denise No, he doesn't know. He doesn't know anything about any of it. Dr. Brooks Ok. So, it's a little secret between mom and the kids. Is that it? Denise Yeah, something like that. Dr. Brooks Well, you did say that you and Benny are closer to your mom. So, I guess that makes sense. So, dad is under the impression that Benny's condition is real? Denise Yeah. Benny is very convincing. But he can turn it off just as quickly as it turns it on. Dr. Brooks You know, I did notice something about Benny when I went to the cabin. The whole time we were all in the house, I was completely convinced that he was for real. Then, after I left out and got in my car I saw Benny in the window. His expression changed. He looked… Denise Normal! He looked normal, didn't he? Dr. Brooks Yeah, he did. Denise What do you think I'm trying to tell you? He is normal! He wanted you to see that! Dr. Brooks Why would he want me to see that? Denise I…I don't know. But you saw it for yourself! Don't ignore that! You saw it! He let you see it! Dr. Brooks I'm exactly sure what I saw. But, it was strange. Denise You have to believe what I'm telling you! What you saw in the window was the real Benny. He put on his act in the house, but that was the real him in the window. Don't you get it? Dr. Brooks I'm not sure I do get it. Tell me Denise, what do I need to do to get it? What am I missing? Denise You need to disregard what you heard about me in the past! Dr. Brooks About being a storyteller. Denise Yes! I admitted that I have told my share of lies in the past, but not this time! Give me the benefit of the doubt! Isn't that what you're here to do? Dr. Brooks Ok, Denise. I tell you what. I'm going to treat this case as if I know what you're saying is the absolute truth. I'm going to do what I can to try and get proof of what you are saying. I can't promise you anything, but I'm willing to try. Does that sound fair? Denise Fair enough. Dr. Brooks Ok. Cut To: 18INT-Dr. Brooks is in his kitchen at home. He is pouring a glass of juice while he talks on the phone to Alicia. Dr. Brooks So, can I assume that you miss me? Quick cut to: Alicia at home in her bed with the phone to her ear. Dr. Calhoun Yeah, you could assume that. Could I assume the same? Cut back to: Dr. Brooks Oh, yeah. You could definitely assume that. I'm sorry I didn't catch up to you today. After my session with Denise, I didn't really hang around for too long. I brought my paper work home with me. Cut back to: Dr. Calhoun Oh? So, you plan on doing it later? In your boxers perhaps? Cut back to: Dr. Brooks laughs. Dr. Brooks Only if you come and help me. Quick cut to: Dr. Calhoun What would I be wearing? Quick cut to: Dr. Brooks You could wear my boxers! Quick cut to: Dr. Calhoun So, then what would you be wearing? Quick cut to: Dr. Brooks My beautiful skin! Quick cut to: Alicia laughs. Dr. Calhoun You're crazy! Cut to: Dr. Brooks Anyway. I spoke to my mother. I told her that you will be joining me next weekend when I go home. Dr. Calhoun Oh, alright. So everything is fine? She doesn't mind? Dr. Brooks No, not at all. She's delighted. Dr. Calhoun Really? Dr. Brooks Yeah. I think she marvels at the possibility of you and I getting married in the future. Dr. Calhoun Oh, really? Dr. Brooks Yeah. But, don't you start getting any ideas. Dr. Calhoun What are you talking about? What ideas? Dr. Brooks You know what I'm talking about. I heard the way you said "Oh, really?" Dr. Calhoun How did I say it? Dr. Brooks (imitating Alicia) "Oh, really?" Alicia giggles. Dr. Calhoun I didn't mean anything at all it by it. Dr. Brooks Yeah, right. Dr. Calhoun So, how did your session go today? Dr. Brooks takes a sip of the juice he poured for himself. Dr. Brooks It went OK. As OK as it could go, I guess. Dr. Calhoun Any new interesting pieces of information? Dr. Brooks No, not much. I tell you something though. I think I'm beginning to believe her. Dr. Calhoun About the brother? Dr. Brooks Yeah. And the mother. I mean, I told you about how Benny looked in the window as I was leaving. And from what Denise says, the mother is very protective of her children. So, if Benny was being abused by the grandparents, it doesn't seem too off the wall that she would come up with any solution she could to stop it. So, she tells Benny after his accident, to pretend to be…you know, slow. That doesn't sound too crazy. It's not something you hear about everyday, but it is very possible. Dr. Calhoun So, you buy her story now? Dr. Brooks I'm beginning to. I told her I would look into it more. See if I can't put together some proof of what she is saying. Dr. Calhoun Who are you, Matlock now? Dr. Brooks No. But, I need to know more about this girl and her family before I can give a recommendation either way. You know? Dr. Calhoun Yeah, I guess that makes sense. I have to hand it to you. You really put yourself into your work. I admire that. Dr. Brooks Thank you. I try to be admirable whenever possible. Dr. Calhoun Oh my God! You cannot take a compliment! Dr. Brooks I'm kidding, Alicia! Relax, alright? I'm kidding. I appreciate the compliment. Seriously. Dr. Calhoun I'm quite sure you do, Elijah. You appreciate it a little too much! Elijah Hey, did I tell you about the other night? Alicia What happened the other night? Elijah Somebody tried to break in my house. Alicia Are you serious? Elijah Yeah! I was in the living room, and I saw a shadow creeping past the window going around back. So, I got up and got my bat and went to the back door. They came right up to the backdoor and looked through the glass. They had on a…colorful mask. It was weird. Anyway, I swung the bat at the glass and broke it, and they ran off. Alicia I can't believe that! Did you call the police or anything? Elijah Nah. They didn't actually break in or anything so,…you know. Alicia Yeah. Elijah . But, listen, I'm going to give Denise's parents a call. Try to schedule a time to go back up to the cabin and talk with them. I'll talk back to you later, alright? Dr. Calhoun Alright then. See you later. Dr. Brooks Bye. He presses the button on the cordless phone ending the call. Elijah looks at the phone in his hand for a moment. He smiles and shakes his head. He begins to look around on the counter top. Where in the world did I put that number at? Cut To: 19INT-We see Herald sitting on the couch with Benny. They are watching t.v. together. Benny laughs at something he sees on television. Herald looks down at Benny and smiles. Suddenly, we hear a knock at the door. Herald gets to his feet. From the kitchen we hear Silvia's voice: Silvia Is that Dr. Brooks already? Herald goes to the front window and pulls the curtains to the side. From his point of view we see Elijah's vehicle parked out front. Herald (Yelling into the Kitchen) Yeah, it's him! Herald goes to the front door, unlocks it, and opens it. We see Dr. Brooks. Dr. Brooks Mr. Franklin, how are you? Herald I'm good, Doc. Come in. Herald steps to the side and Elijah enters. Herald closes the door behind him. Silvia comes out of the kitchen. She smiles upon seeing Elijah. Silvia Hello, Dr. Brooks. Nice to see you again. Dr. Brooks You too. Thank you for allowing me to come back. I appreciate it. Silvia No problem. Can I get you something to drink? Dr. Brooks Uhh, a nice glass of ice water would be great. Thanks. As Silvia turns to go into the kitchen, the phone rings. Herald picks it up. Elijah looks over at the couch and sees Benny sitting there watching television. He approaches him, while Herald talks on the phone in the background. Dr. Brooks Hey, Benny! What's up, buddy? Benny turns his attention from the t.v. to Elijah. He smiles faintly. Benny Hi. Dr. Brooks You remember me? Dr. Brooks? Remember I came before? Benny Yeah. Dr. Brooks Yeah. So, how you been, Benny? Benny] Good. Dr. Brooks Good. I'm glad you're doing OK. Behind Elijah we see Silvia returning with a glass of ice water. Elijah turns around. Oh, thank you. Silvia You're welcome. We see Herald on the phone. Herald …Alright, I'll be right down there. Herald hangs up the phone. Silvia What's wrong? Herald Ahh, these idiots don't know what they're doing. They've got the blueprints all mixed up. I gotta go down there and supervise. Herald grabs a set of keys off of the coffee table. Sorry I couldn't stick around, Doc. I gotta go to work for a while. Maybe, I'll catch you another time. Dr. Brooks Alright, I look forward to it. Herald approaches Silvia. He kisses her. Herald Be back as soon as I can. Silvia Ok, be careful. Herald approaches Benny and rubs the top of his head in a fast motion. Herald See ya later, Ben. Take care of mom, alright? Benny OK. Herald turns and walks out of the front door. Elijah turns to Silvia. Dr. Brooks What is it your husband does? Silvia He's a project supervisor. He works for a construction company. He's in charge of supervising certain projects. Apparently there's some confusion that he has to go straighten out. Dr. Brooks Oh, OK. Benny walks up to Elijah. Benny Denise drew me! Elijah Yeah, I remember hearing about that. Benny You wanna see? Elijah Yeah, let me take a look at it. Benny turns and runs down the hallway. He gets to the end of it and turns around. Benny Come on! Elijah It's in there? Benny Yeah! Elijah Oh, alright then. Elijah walks toward Benny with Silvia close behind him. They follow Benny inside a bedroom. Benny points to a portrait of him on the wall. Benny See? It's me! Elijah Yeah, that's you. Looks just like you. Benny Cause it's me! Elijah Yeah, that's right. It is. Elijah glances over at another wall. It has many decorated masks on it. Elijah looks over all of them. Benny sees Elijah looking and runs over. Benny Denise made these too! You can put them on! Benny grabs the closest one to him and puts it on. See! Elijah Yeah, that's cool! Elijah looks back up at the wall. He glances over all of the masks. He spots the one that the prowler outside his back door was wearing. He is in shock for a moment. We see Benny take off the mask and put it back on the hook in the wall. Silvia steps in front of Elijah, as if trying to take his attention off of the masks on the wall. Silvia Would you like to go and sit out back on the deck? Dr. Brooks Sure. Sounds good. Silvia motions to Benny. He runs past them out of the room and into the kitchen. Silvia and Elijah follow. Cut to: Benny bursting out of the back door. He hops off the deck onto the ground. Silvia and Elijah come out moments later. They sit down in chairs on the deck. They watch Benny as he picks up a stick and acts as if he is sword fighting. Dr. Brooks He has a good bit of energy. Silvia You got that right. Dr. Brooks Has he always been that way? Silvia Yeah, pretty much. Dr. Brooks Is there anything about him now that was different before…his accident? Silvia looks at Elijah for a moment and then looks back at Benny. Silvia Well, of course. I mean his mind doesn't function the way it used to. His thought process is much slower. (Looking at Elijah) Why do you ask? Dr. Brooks I apologize if I made you uncomfortable in any way. I only ask because I'm just trying to establish your thoughts on Benny and his condition. Silvia My thoughts on Benny and…oh, I get it. This is about what Denise said. About Benny faking. Dr. Brooks Yeah, it is. I'm a little torn. I don't know what to believe. I mean, I see Benny, and I believe that his condition is real. But, then I talk with Denise, and she tells me otherwise. Silvia What is she telling you that would make you doubt Benny's condition? Dr. Brooks Well, just recently she told me something about you. Silvia About me? What about me? Dr. Brooks Well, she told me that Benny is faking because you told him to. Silvia What!? Because I told him to? Are you serious? Dr. Brooks Indeed I am. Silvia Why in the world would I do something like that, Dr. Brooks? Dr. Brooks Well, according to Denise, you were trying to protect him. Silvia From what? Dr. Brooks From their grandparents. The abusive grandparents. They were abusive, weren't they? Silvia looks at Benny again. From her point of view, we see Benny still sword fighting. We come back to Silvia and Dr. Brooks. She looks back at Elijah. Silvia Yeah. They were. Dr. Brooks According to Denise they were especially abusive to Benny. She says that she and Benny told you and your husband about the abuse, but no action was taken. And the abuse continued. Silvia looks away. She is becoming emotional. I…I'm sorry, Mrs. Franklin. I didn't mean to- Silvia I wanted to do something! God knows I did! Herald…he thought it was nothing! He thought it was just tough love! Locking a child in a closet! Denying a child food! That's not love! Tough or otherwise! Dr. Brooks I agree. You 're absolutely right. So, would you agree that it's motive enough for a concerned parent to convince a child to pretend they had brain damage? You know, in hopes that it could bring an end to the abuse? Silvia I…Maybe another mother, but not me! I did not tell my son to pretend something was wrong with him! Quite frankly I'm shocked to hear that Denise would tell you such things! Dr. Brooks What reason do you think Denise has to make that up? Silvia I don't know! Just like I don't know why she made up any other things she told me in the past. Dr. Brooks Out of curiosity, Mrs. Franklin, what lies has she told you in the past? Silvia takes a deep breath. She pauses for a moment. Silvia Once, I couldn't find my favorite pair of earrings. They weren't in my jewelry box where I always keep them. So, I asked everyone in the house if they had seen them anywhere. Everyone, including Denise, told me they hadn't seen them. I came to accept that they were just gone. I concluded it was by my own fault somehow. The next night I was in the living room watching television with my husband. The children were in bed sleep. Supposed to be anyway. I got up to get…something out of my room, I can't remember what. Anyhow, I turn on my bedroom light and see Denise by my dresser. She was trying to sneak and put the earrings back into the jewelry box. Dr. Brooks So, she had them? Silvia Yes she did. She blatantly lied to me. That wasn't the first or the last time. So, maybe you should think twice before you believe these stories she's telling you. Dr. Brooks I'll keep that in mind. So, is there any question in your mind about Benny's honesty? Silvia What do you mean? Dr. Brooks I mean do you trust Benny to be honest with you at all times? I don't mean now. I mean in the past. Has he ever given you any reason to question his honesty? Silvia No. Not to my recollection. Dr. Brooks So you don't think Benny could be fooling you? You don't think it's at all possible? Silvia No! I know my son! I…Dr. Brooks, why is it you're so interested in my son? What do you hope to gain by all these questions about Benny? Are you trying to take the blame off of Denise by putting it on Benny? Are you her doctor or her lawyer? Dr. Brooks looks down for a moment. He picks his head back up. He nods. Dr. Brooks I completely understand where you're coming from. I'm Denise's doctor, but here I am asking all these questions about Benny. The only reason I'm asking questions about Benny, is not because I'm trying to place the blame on him. I'm not saying he is guilty of murdering the grandparents. But, he had as much reason as Denise to hate them. To despise them with all of his being. In fact, he had more reason than Denise, because he was the main target! Now, I have to make a decision. I have to decide whether I believe that Denise is mentally stable. I have to say whether I think she is fit to return to society without being a danger to it. If she can return to your custody without being a danger to you. It will help me to know if she even was ever a danger in the first place. Therefore, for my own peace of mind, I would like to know if she is actually guilty of the crime she was accused of. To do that, I need to feel confident that there is no way it could have been any one else. With Benny having motive, and the possibility that he could possibly be using a false condition as a defense, I- Silvia jolts up to her feet. Silvia Dr. Brooks, I think I've answered all of your question that I care to. I don't mean to be rude, but I would appreciate it if you left. Elijah gets to his feet. He looks out at Benny and then back at Silvia. Dr. Brooks OK. I can respect that. I'm deeply sorry if I offended you. I promise you it wasn't my intention at all. Silvia I'm sure it wasn't. Dr. Brooks looks out at Benny again. Dr. Brooks Is it alright if I just go and say good bye to Benny? Silvia It's fine. As long as you don't ask him any questions, it's fine. Dr. Brooks No, no questions. You have my word. Elijah begins to walk down the steps and out into the grassy area where Benny is still sword fighting with the stick. Benny stops upon seeing Elijah approaching. Elijah comes right up to Benny. Dr. Brooks Alright, Benny, I'll see you later. Benny Bye! Elijah leans over and looks Benny square in the eyes. In a quiet voice he says: Dr. Brooks I know. Benny looks confused. Benny Huh? Dr. Brooks I know. Denise told me all about it. I know you're faking. You're not fooling me. Give it up. Benny continues to look at Elijah in a confused manner. In the background we hear Silvia clear her throat loudly. She is trying to get Elijah's attention. Elijah turns and looks at her. Silvia gives him a stern look. Elijah nods at her. He turns back to Benny, and in a louder voice that Silvia can hear says: Alright Benny. See ya, Buddy! Elijah gives Benny a look and then turns and walks back toward the deck. He stops and looks at Silvia. Elijah I have just one more question. Did Denise do a lot of swimming out here in the lake? Silvia Never. She can't swim. Now please go. Elijah nods and walks away. Cut To: 20INT-We see Elijah and Alicia inside Elijah's vehicle. Elijah drives while Alicia eats strawberries from a plastic container. She takes one out of the container and extends it to Elijah. He looks down at it. Dr. Brooks What are you doing? Dr. Calhoun I'm sharing my strawberries with you. You don't want one? Dr. Brooks I can't eat it like that. Dr. Calhoun Why not? Dr. Brooks I don't want to eat it like that. Dr. Calhoun So, how do you want to eat it then? Dr. Brooks You're supposed to hold it between your lips. Then I lean over and take it from you with my lips. Don't you know anything about romance? Dr. Calhoun Oh, excuse me! I wasn't aware that this was a romantic car trip. Dr. Brooks Well, it is. So, come on. Let's go. Feed me my strawberry! Alicia laughs. She does as Elijah said and wedges a strawberry in between her lips. She leans over toward Elijah. He leans toward her and with his own lips, takes the strawberry from Alicia. They kiss in the process. Alicia giggles as she moves back over into her seat. Elijah smiles. He chews it up happily. That's how you eat a strawberry. Cut To: 21Ext- We see the outside of Elijah's car as it speeds down the highway. We are high above it looking down on it. We quick cut to: Elijah's car pulling up in a driveway. He parks it. After a few moments he and Alicia step out of it. They stand in the driveway stretching. They both approach the front door. Elijah grabs Alicia's arm and pulls her close to him. Elijah Alright, are you ready for this? Alicia Yeah. It's not that serious, is it? Elijah Just remember what I said. She's probably going to try and put us on the spot. Asking questions about us and our relationship. Don't fall into her traps. Whatever she asks you, give yes or no answers. Don't go into detail. She'll try to turn your words around on you. Alicia Are you serious? Elijah Can't you see the anxiety on my face? She's obsessed with me getting married. Alicia Ok, so let's just get married then. Elijah Hey! Behave yourself. Don't walk in here with that crazy talk! Alicia laughs. They approach the front door. We quick cut to: INT-Elijah's mother, Mrs. Brooks inside the house in the living room. She places a magazine on the coffee table. We zoom in and see it is a magazine about bride's dresses. We hear the doorbell ring. Mrs. Brooks smiles and jogs to the front door. She pulls it open. Over her shoulder we see Elijah and Alicia. Mrs. Brooks You got here quick! Elijah Yeah, we made good time. How you doin', ma? Elijah steps forward into the house and hugs his mother. Mrs. Brooks I'm good, I'm good. I'm glad you came. Elijah lets go of his mother, and turns to look at Alicia. Elijah Ma, this is Alicia. Alicia, this is my mother Angie. Alicia Hi! Nice to meet you, finally! Mrs. Brooks Yeah! I was just about to say that! Mrs. Brooks steps forward and hugs Alicia. She let's her go and looks her up and down. What a pretty young lady! Alicia Thank you! Mrs. Brooks reaches down and lifts up Alicia's left hand. She looks at her fingers and then returns the hand to Alicia's side. Alicia looks confused. Elijah Ma, what are you doing? Mrs. Brooks I was checking for a ring. Hoping maybe you had a surprise for me. Alicia laughs. Elijah Come on, ma. We just got here. Don't start in on us already. Mrs. Brooks Ok, I'm sorry. Excuse me, then. Come on over here and sit down. The three make their way into the living room. Mrs. Brooks takes a seat in a recliner while Alicia and Elijah sit on the sofa. Elijah glances down at the coffee table and sees the magazine. He looks up at his mother. She sees that he has noticed the magazine. Alicia is busy pulling off her coat. She does not notice what they are doing. Elijah holds up the magazine and puts a look of disbelief on his face. Mrs. Brooks shrugs her shoulder and mouths the word "What?". Alicia is finished pulling off her coat. Elijah quickly tucks the magazine underneath the sofa before Alicia can see it. Alicia You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Brooks. Mrs. Brooks Thank you, but call me Angie. Alicia Angie? Alright, then. Mrs. Brooks So, how are things at the hospital? Elijah and Alicia look at one another. Elijah makes a hand gesture for Alicia to answer the question. Alicia Things are okay, for me. Same old, same old mostly. But not for your son. He's treating a girl who has to be the most controversial patient at Bloomberg. Mrs. Brooks So I've heard! How's the treatment coming with her? Elijah It gets a little more interesting every day. I went back up to the cabin to see the parents and the brother. Mrs. Brooks Really? How was that? Elijah It was…odd. Like everything else about this girl and her family. Mrs. Brooks What happened? Elijah Well, I really only got a chance to talk to the mother. A few minutes after I got there, the father got called to work. So, I went out to the deck out back with the mother, Silvia, and spoke with her. Mrs. Brooks What about the brother? Where was he? Elijah He was right there in front of us playing in the woods. Anyhow, I tried to ask questions that were blunt, but not too offensive. Apparently, I failed at that. Mrs. Brooks Why? What happened? Elijah She got a little…peeved, and asked me to leave. Mrs. Brooks What in the world did you say to her? Elijah I think I hit a nerve when I kept suggesting that Benny was faking. I informed her that Denise said it was her who told Benny to pretend something was wrong with him. She really didn't like that. So, needless to say it didn't go as well as I had hoped. Mrs. Brooks So, if you had to make your decision today based on what you know, would you have her sent home or remain at the institution? Elijah scratches his chin in deep thought. Mrs. Brooks is staring at him anticipating his response. Elijah looks to his side at Alicia. She is waiting as well. Elijah I have to say…I do believe her. I would send her home. Mrs. Brooks Really? Elijah Yeah. I was skeptical of her at first. I really was. But, the more I talk to her the more I get the feeling that one: she's sane, and two: she didn't kill her grandparents. Alicia So, if not her then who do you think did it? Elijah That I don't know. It could be Benny. It could be Silvia. They could both be involved. I don't know. That's where I am now. Trying to figure out what really is going on. Mrs. Brooks Well, if you believe that the girl is sane, isn't that all that matters? I mean isn't that all you're supposed to be determining? Elijah It's the main part of it, yeah. But, I have to determine whether she should be released into her parents custody. If it turns out Silvia or Benny is the actual culprit, I'd be sending Denise to live with a murderer. You understand? Mrs. Brooks nods her head. Cut to: 22INT-We see Denise in the recreation area at the Bloomberg Institution. She is sitting in a chair at a small desk. She is drawing with colored pencils. We close in on the picture and see she has drawn a model of the cabin in which are parents are staying. She draws quietly, seeming to be intensely focused. An administrator comes up behind her and leans over her shoulder looking at her drawing. Administrator That's a lovely drawing, Denise. Is that your home? Denise (sounding stand off-ish) No. Bloomberg is my home now. The administrator seems unaware of how to respond. She finally finds the words. Administrator Oh…well. So,…whose home is that your drawing then? Denise It's my grandparents cabin. Used to be. Now my parents own it. Administrator Oh, OK. They must be enjoying it. It looks beautiful. Denise Not for much longer. Administrator Why not? Denise My father is finally going to sell it to his construction company. They're gonna knock it down and build something else. Administrator How do you know that? Denise I heard my father talking about it on the phone. A few months before I came here. He's gonna make a lot of money off it. They're going to pay him a lot just for the property and land. Then he's going to get a commission from his job on top of that. Administrator Really? He doesn't want to hold onto the cabin? For memories sake or… Denise No. He's been wanting to sell that cabin since before my grandparents were killed. He offered them a lot of money to sell it to him, but they refused. He tried and tried, but they wouldn't budge. For awhile, he and my grandparents weren't on good terms because of it. Actually, they never got to make up. You know, cause my grandparents were killed. The administrator looks at Denise with a look of confusion. She seems to be making a mental note of what Denise has just told her. She nods her head at Denise, who resumes drawing. The administrator walks off. 23EXT-We see Denise's father Herald. He is at a construction site. He is walking beside another man. The man is his boss, Richard. Richard So, everything is a go? Herald Definitely. When you do think you would want to begin construction? Richard I'll have to get back to you about the specifics. But definitely within the next few months. So, Silvia is okay with everything? Herald exhales loudly. Herald I haven't…exactly talked to her about it yet. Richard What? Why the hell not? Herald Look, I just haven't gotten around to it. Don't worry about it. Richard Don't worry about it? You're going to sell that cabin without talking with your wife about it first? Herald Look, she has nothing to do with it! I inherited that cabin. ME! She has no say in what I do with it. So, like I said, don't worry. Everything is fine. Richard Ok, Herald. You're the man. I'll call you about getting the paper work together. Herald Sounds good. The two men shake hands and Richard walks off ahead. We close in on Herald. He stands watching Richard walk off. He has an indescribable look on his face. 24INT-We see Elijah and Alicia in Mrs. Brook's living room. They are cuddled up together on the couch watching television. Mrs. Brooks comes on screen. She stares at the two of them on the couch. She smiles and continues to stare. Elijah is becoming agitated. He rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh. Elijah Come on, mom. Mrs. Brooks What? I just think you two are cute. All cuddled up together. That's cute! Alicia giggles. Elijah You don't have to stare at us like we're chimps at the zoo. Mrs. Brooks Alright, alright. I'm going to bed anyway. I'll see you in the morning. (To Alicia) Don't let him keep you up all night. He can sit on the couch watching t.v. 'til 4 in the morning! You get tired, you go to sleep. The guest bedroom is down the hall on the right, okay? Alicia Okay. Thank you Angie. Mrs. Brooks See you in the morning. Elijah Good night, mom. Mrs. Brooks walks out of the living room and off camera. Elijah and Alicia look at each other. Alicia giggles. Alicia Your mother is funny. Elijah Yeah, she's funny alright. Did you hear her? Talking about the guest bedroom? Like you hadn't already planned on sleeping on the pull out couch with me. Alicia What? Sleep on the pull out couch with you? Elijah Yeah! Come on, don't act surprised. Don't look startled! Alicia laughs. Alicia So, you just assumed that I planned on sleeping with you? Elijah Where else? What, in the guest bedroom? Don't be ridiculous! Alicia No, you don't be ridiculous! I am sleeping in the guest bedroom for your information. Elijah Ok, we'll see. Alicia We sure will. Elijah grabs the remote and begins flicking through channels. He comes to a channel and Alicia puts her hand out to stop him from changing the channel. Hey, Good Times is on! Let's watch it. Elijah You watch Good Times reruns too? Alicia Yeah! You do? Elijah Yeah! Alicia I love it. J.J. is so crazy! Elijah What's funny is, that J.J. was an odd looking fellow, but he was still smooth with the ladies. I never understood that. Alicia I know! They silently watch the show for a moment. Then Elijah speaks up again. Elijah Look at Michael. He swore he was so smart. I couldn't stand him! Alicia Oh, My God! Look at J.J.'s shirt! Elijah What in the world is wrong with that kid? His shirt looks like a curtain! The two laugh. Fade out: Fade in: It is the next morning and Elijah and Alicia are asleep on the couch with the television still on. Mrs. Brooks enters the living room. Mrs. Brooks Elijah! Rise and shine! Mrs. Brooks goes to the window and opens the blinds and lets in some sunlight. Elijah and Alicia are slowly waking up. They both are squinting from the glare of the sunlight. Elijah Mom, what in the world are you doing? Mrs. Brooks I'm opening the blinds. Rise and shine. Elijah What time is it? Mrs. Brooks It's 8:30. Are you hungry Alicia? Alicia I sure am. Mrs. Brooks Good. Why don't you come help me cook breakfast. We can get acquainted. Alicia Alright. I'll be in there in one second. Mrs. Brooks walks from the window toward the kitchen. She stops in front of Elijah, who has his eyes closed again, and pushes his head. Mrs. Brooks Wake up, boy. Elijah Why? Am I late for something? I don't understand! Mrs. Brooks walks off into the kitchen. On the couch, we see Alicia and Elijah both yawning and stretching. Elijah looks over at Alicia. I told you. Alicia You told me what? Elijah I told you that were going to sleep with me. I don't know why you tried to act like you weren't. Alicia Whatever! I fell asleep on accident! Elijah Tell it to the judge, sweetie. We know the real deal! Alicia Shut up! Alicia grabs Elijah and they begin to wrestle playfully. From in the kitchen we hear Mrs. Brooks: Mrs. Brooks Don't knock anything over playing around in there! Elijah and Alicia stop wrestling immediately. Elijah hollers into the kitchen: Elijah It's Alicia! I told her to stop playing! Alicia What!? You're playing around too! Elijah (hollering into the kitchen) You see, mom? She's always playing around! That's why we're not engaged. She plays too much! Alicia grabs Elijah and begins to wrestle with him again. You see! She's doing it again! Alicia let's go of Elijah. She gets to her feet and walks backward into the kitchen while keeping her eyes on Elijah. Elijah stretches out on the couch and closes his eyes. From the kitchen we hear Mrs. Brooks' voice: Mrs. Brooks Get up! Elijah sits up quickly. Elijah Why? In the kitchen we hear Alicia laughing. Cut to: 25INT- Elijah, Alicia, and Mrs. Brooks walk inside of a small restaurant. It is Elijah's brother Corey's restaurant. The three walk inside and are greeted by a server. Server Hello. Welcome to 'Let's Eat'. Will it be just you three? Elijah Yeah, just us. Server Okay, let me show you to your table. The server turns and begins walking with the three following her. The server leads them to a table. They sit down. The server places menus in front of them. When she places the menu in front of Elijah, she stops and stares at him for a moment. Do I know you from somewhere? Mrs. Brooks speaks up before Elijah has a chance to. Mrs. Brooks No, he just looks like his brother Corey. That's who you're thinking of. Server You're Corey's brother? Elijah Ye- Mrs. Brooks That's what I said. Server Oh. Well, you must be their mother. Mrs. Brooks That's right. Server Well, you must be proud. You have two very handsome sons. Alicia throws the server a look. The server is staring at Elijah and doesn't notice. Mrs. Brooks speaks up. Mrs. Brooks Uhh,..ma'am? The server turns her head suddenly as if she was startled. Server Yes? Mrs. Brooks Is my other…handsome son around? Server Oh, yeah. He's in the back You want me to get him? Mrs. Brooks (nods her head) Please. The server looks at Elijah once more and then walks off. Alicia looks upset. Alicia Did you see the way she was staring at him? Mrs. Brooks Mm-hmm. Elijah looks confused. Elijah Who? Alicia and Mrs. Brooks (in unison) You! Elijah Me? How was she looking at me? Mrs. Brooks Like she wanted to sop you up with a buiscuit! Elijah What!? Alicia You saw her! Mrs. Brooks (to Alicia) You saw her too! Alicia Huh? Mrs. Brooks You sat there and watched that girl stare at your man with those bedroom eyes. Why didn't you say something? Alicia (searching for words) I…I Mrs. Brooks The world is full of little loose girls like her running around. What are you gonna do when you two get married? Still sit back and let it go on? Some little hoochie flirting with your husband? Right in front of you? Elijah Whoa, whoa, slow down. Husband? Mrs. Brooks That's right! When you two do get married, you can't- Elijah Whoa, whoa, who's getting married? We're not gonna get married! Alicia We're not? Elijah Why are you- What do you mean 'we're not?', why are you acting surprised? Alicia Well, it's just the way you said it. Like…never ever. Like…not even possible. Mrs. Brooks You see there? The girl is trying to tell you something. Alicia I am? Mrs. Brooks Of course! Anybody can see! She wants to get married. Elijah (looking at Alicia) You do? Alicia (looking at Mrs. Brooks) I do? Behind the three we see Corey come up. Corey Hey, what's going on over here. What are we talking about? Mrs. Brooks These two getting married. Corey has a surprised look on his face. He smiles. Corey You're getting married? Congratulations, man! Elijah No, I'm- Corey That's why you came down here! To tell me? Corey walks around the table and hugs Elijah. I'm so happy for you, man! Elijah No, Corey, listen- Corey (to Alicia) And you! My new sister in law! Corey hugs Alicia tightly. Alicia Thank you, but- Corey Welcome to the family, sis! Elijah She's not- Corey (to Mrs. Brooks) And mama! Can you believe it! Your son getting married? My brother? I can't believe it! Corey hugs Mrs. Brooks. Elijah (raising his voice) Corey! Corey stops and looks at Elijah. We're not getting married. Corey looks confused. Corey What? What are you talking about? Ma just said- Elijah It's not true. She's trying to persuade us to get married. But we're not. Corey Wait a minute. So you're not getting married? Elijah No. Corey (To Alicia) You neither? Alicia No. Corey So, why the hell am I running around hugging everybody? CUT TO: 26EXT-Elijah, Alicia, Corey and Mrs. Brooks are all out in front of Mrs. Brooks' home. Elijah and Alicia are saying goodbye. We see Alicia hug Mrs. Brooks. Alicia Thank you so much for letting us stay with you, Mrs. Brooks. Mrs. Brooks Uh-Angie. Call me Angie. Alicia That's right. Angie. Thank you, Angie. Mrs. Brooks Anytime. Elijah walks over to Mrs. Brooks. Elijah Yeah, thanks again, Angie. We appreciate it. Mrs. Brooks Don't you start calling me Angie. Elijah I'm just playing, ma. Elijah hugs her. He turns to Corey. Elijah Alright, man, I'll see you soon. Corey Alright. Elijah Keep that restaurant going. I'm proud of you. Corey Thank you, thank you. Alicia turns to Corey. Alicia It was nice meeting you, Corey Corey Yeah, you too, Alicia. And listen, if you two do ever get married, please let me know. Alicia laughs. Alicia Okay. Elijah Alright, we're on our way. I call both of you when I get home. Mrs. Brooks Alright, drive safe. Elijah We will. Mrs. Brooks Love you. Elijah I love you too, ma. (Walking past Corey and pushing the side of his head playfully) You stay out of trouble. Corey Hey, man! Elijah and Alicia get into the car and pull off. Quick cut to: INT- We see Elijah and Alicia sitting inside the car. Alicia That was fun. I enjoyed meeting your family. Elijah Yeah. Now it's back to the weekly routine, huh? Alicia Yeah. So, what's been happening with Denise lately? Elijah Oh, yeah. I haven't told you yet. Alicia Told me what? Elijah This thing is getting deeper and deeper. Alicia What happened? Elijah Well, you remember I told you somebody was trying to break into my house? And they had a colorful mask on? Alicia Uih-huh. Elijah And you remember me telling you that I went over to the cabin to see Denise's parents? Alicia Uh-huh. Elijah Well, the mask that the person who tried to break in my house was wearing… Alicia Yeah… Elijah It was on the wall in the cabin. Alicia looks at Elijah. She is shocked. Alicia Are you serious? Elijah I couldn't joke about it. Alicia Are you sure it was the same mask? Elijah I'm positive. It was a custom designed mask. Alicia Well,…where did it come from? Elijah The wall was full of masks. Denise designs them. Alicia So, Denise made that mask? Elijah Yeah. Alicia So, who was outside of your house that night? Elijah I don't know. But what I do know is that it's somebody who's living in that cabin. Alicia Well, what do you know about the mother and father? Elijah Not much. Alicia You know we can look them up. You know, check out their backgrounds on the internet. Elijah You know how to do that? Alicia Yeah. We can get to it as soon as we get back. Elijah Good. Maybe it'll help make sense of all of this madness. Cut To: 27EXT-We see the car pull up in front of Alicia's house. It is raining hard. Elijah and Alicia hop out the car and run inside. Cut To: INT-We see Elijah and Alicia walk into the living room. Elijah plops down on the couch while Alicia takes a seat in front of the computer. She begins typing. Elijah lays back on the couch breathing heavily. Elijah It's raining cats and dogs out there. Literally. I think I got hit in the head by a cocker spaniel or something. Alicia laughs. Alicia Hey, come over here. Elijah gets up and walks over to Alicia at the computer. He leans over her shoulder looking at the computer screen. What's the mother's name? Elijah Silvia Franklin. Alicia types it in, Won't you get like…a thousand Silvia Franklin? Alicia No. We're searching for Silvia Franklin' living in this city. Once we find her, then we can find information about her. They watch the screen patiently waiting for the information to come up. We got two Silvia Franklin. This one is deceased, so obviously it's the other one. Alicia begins typing and retrieving information. Here it is. Silvia Robbins. Her maiden name is Robbins. Born in Louisville, Kentucky. Look at this. She was expelled from her high school. Elijah What? Does it go into detail. Alicia Apparently she was charged with aggravated assault. It says she choked another student. Elijah I can't believe that! She doesn't even seem like the violent type. Alicia Well, you never can be too sure. Elijah looks at Alicia closely. Elijah You're starting to make me nervous. Alicia Come on. Be serious and focus. Elijah Alright. Try the father now. Look him up. Alicia clicks the mouse and hit's a few keys. Alicia What's his name? Elijah Herald Franklin. Alicia Types it in. Again, the two wait patiently for the info to come up on the screen. Alicia Alright. Only one Herald Franklin.( clicks the mouse) It says he was also born in Louisville, Kentucky. Elijah Look! Do you see that? Alicia What? Where are reading at? Elijah (Pointing at the screen) Down here. He was adopted. Those weren't his biological parents! Alicia What are you thinking? Elijah I'm thinking there's a lot this family is hiding. Something isn't right. I'm gonna find out what. Cut To: 28EXT-We see Herald at a construction site looking at a blue print with a worker. Herald I don't know who told you guys that, but it's wrong. If this thing isn't built right, I'm gonna catch hell. And if I catch hell, then you guys are gonna catch hell from me. Got it? Herald's cell phone rings. He snatches it off of his hip and begins to walk off. Yeah, who's this? We hear Elijah's voice through the phone: Elijah Hello, is this Herald? Herald Yeah. Who's asking? Elijah This is Denise's therapist, Dr. Elijah Brooks. I came to the cabin and met you and your wife and son. Herald Oh, yeah, yeah. How'd you get this number? Elijah It was on file at the hospital. Herald Oh. So, what is it you want, Doc? Elijah I was hoping that I could meet up with you. Just for a few minutes. You know, last time you had to go to work. So, we didn't get a chance to speak. I was hoping we could get together. Herald Uhh, alright. Listen, I'm taking my lunch break in about 20 minutes. You know where Tony's deli is? Elijah Yeah, I know where that is. Herald Alright, well you can meet me there in about a half an hour. That okay by you, Doc? Elijah Great. I'll see you there. Herald Alright. See ya. Herald puts his phone back on his hip and continues walking. Cut To: 29INT- We see Elijah sitting at a table in Tony's deli. He is drinking something from a cup. He sits alone waiting patiently. We hear footsteps and Elijah looks up. It is Herald. Elijah stands up to greet him. Elijah Herald, good to see you. Herald Yeah, you too, Doc. The two sit down. Elijah Are you…gonna go order a sandwich or something? Herald Uhh, no. I was, but…I'm not feeling so hungry now. Elijah Oh, alright. Well, I'm glad you came anyway. Herald So, what did you want to talk to me about, Doc? Elijah Well, about your family. Not just Denise, but you and your wife. And Benny too. Herald begins to look slightly uncomfortable. He readjusts himself in his chair. Herald What do we have to do with anything? Elijah Well, you see, that's what I was hoping to find out. Herald What are we talking about here? What exactly are you getting at? Elijah I'm going to be blunt. I'm convinced that Denise is innocent of what she's been accused of. What I think now, is that someone else at that cabin is involved. Herald What? You're telling me you think me or my wife or Benny killed my parents? Elijah Your adoptive parents, yes. Herald has a bewildered look on his face. Herald My adoptive parents? Elijah Yeah. Herald What the hell is that supposed to mean? Elijah You were adopted weren't you? Herald Yeah, so what does that have to do with anything? Elijah I don't know. Listen. Someone was tip toeing outside of my house one night. They had on a colorfully decorated mask. Very beautiful mask. Denise had informed me during one of our sessions that along with drawing, she also designed masks. Herald Yeah, so? Elijah Wait, let me finish. Now, when I came to visit you and your family at the cabin, I saw something that struck me as odd. Herald What? Elijah Well, Benny asked me to come into one of the bedrooms to see the portrait Denise drew of him. I glanced to the side and saw a wall full of masks. Colorfully decorated masks. And guess what? Herald I know where this is going. Elijah You do? Herald Yeah. You thought you saw the mask that the burglar was wearing, right? Elijah No, I know I saw the mask that the burglar was wearing. No mistake about it. Herald Doc, that's crazy. You must've been mistaken. There's a lot of masks on that wall. You could have easily gotten confused. Elijah No, Herald, you're not listening. I know what I saw. The same mask that person outside my back door had on is on the wall in your cabin. Herald That's' crazy! Elijah I agree, it is crazy! But it's true! Herald Alright, listen. I tell you what. What have you got planned for tomorrow night? Elijah Tomorrow night? Nothing. Why? Herald Why don't you come out to the cabin tomorrow night for dinner. You, me, and my wife can all talk. You can get a second look at the masks on the wall, and we'll clear this up. What do you say? Elijah looks as if he is seriously thinking about it. Elijah Alright. Herald Sound good? Elijah I'll be there. Herald Say about, 8? Elijah I'll be there. Herald Alright. I'm gonna go now. I got some business to take care before I go back to work. I'll see you tomorrow night. Elijah Alright, Herald. Herald gets to his feet and casually walks out of Tony's Deli. Elijah sits at the table seeming to be in deep thought. Cut To: 30INT-Elijah sits in his office with Denise. He stares off blankly in the distance. Denise looks impatient. Denise Are we talking about anything today? Elijah snaps out of it and turns his attention toward Denise. Elijah I'm sorry. I'm just…confused. Denise About what? Elijah Your family! I… Denise What about them? What's going on? Elijah Listen, I'm not supposed to tell you this. But, I'm going to recommend that you be sent home. Denise You are? Elijah Yeah, but listen. Something isn't right over there. Denise What are you talking about? Elijah Listen. You know those masks you decorated? Denise Yeah, what about them? Elijah I got a chance to see them at the cabin. I recognized one of them. Denise How? Elijah There was somebody creeping around outside my house one night. And they were wearing one of your masks. Denise Are you kidding me? Elijah Not in the least bit. This is what I'm trying to tell you. I think whoever that was outside my house is living in that cabin. I think they were about to try and send me a message. Denise What message? Elijah Maybe to mind my business. Stop asking questions. I think there's something going on that I'm not supposed to find out about. Anyhow, I think it's about your grandparents murders. I definitely don't think that you did it. But somebody in that cabin knows something about who did. Denise I told you. Elijah Huh? Denise I told you. Elijah You told me what, Denise? Denise I told you not to dig too deep. I knew it. I like you, Dr. Brooks. I really do. I didn't want anything to happen… Elijah You didn't want anything to happen like what? What are you talking about? Denise Nothing. Just please, leave my family alone. Please. Elijah Denise, if you know something, you have to tell me. Denise Look, just please, leave them alone. Don't dig any further. Please. Elijah Look, I don't have much choice. I have to get some closure on this issue once and for all. I've been invited to the cabin for dinner tonight. Denise What!? You're not going are you? Elijah Yeah, I am. I've got a lot of unanswered questions. Denise Dr. Brooks, please- Elijah Listen, Denise. I don't know what all is going on with your family, but I plan on finding out tonight. Denise (to herself) You'll find out alright. Elijah looks at Denise sharply. Cut To: 31INT-Elijah and Alicia are sitting in the break room at the Institution. Alicia So you're still going? Even though she was warning you not to? Elijah I have to. I mean I'm recommending that she be released because I honestly believe that she is innocent. And if she's innocent, that means the murderer is free. And I truly think the murderer is in that cabin. Alicia What are you going to say? Elijah I'm going to be blunt. I'm just going to get right to it. I'm going to confront all of them about the mask situation and ask them to explain that to me. I just…whatever it is that they're hiding, I want them to be straight forward with me. Alicia What do you think they're hiding? Elijah The truth! About how the grandparents were killed. And why. You don't just kill family members like that for no reason. They know what happened. Now I want to know. Alicia You know, Elijah, before I told you I admired you for how dedicated you were to this case. But,…I'm not so sure I feel that way anymore. Elijah Why? What are you talking about? Alicia What if the murderer really is one of them like you suspect. And one of them was outside of your house that night. Elijah Yeah… Alicia You don't think you'd be putting yourself in danger? I mean, Denise even warned you not to go. Elijah What Denise doesn't realize is that it's for her own good. If somebody in that family is the murderer, I can't allow her to be released into their custody. I can't send her to live with a murderer. I have to know. Do you understand? Alicia nods. She bends over and places her face in the palms of her hands. She lets out a sigh. Alicia I'm just…a little nervous, that's all. I don't want to see anything happen to you. Elijah Look, I tell you what. I'll have my cell phone. Call me at 8:30 to check up. If I don't answer it at all, then be worried. Call the police. And here… Elijah picks up a pen off the coffee table and snatches up a scrap piece of paper. He jots something down. This is the cabin address. Okay? You feel better about it? Alicia A little. Just be careful. Elijah and Alicia embrace. Cut To: 32INT-We see the cabin. We hear the sound of a car engine getting closer. Elijah's car comes into view as it pulls up in front of the cabin. We cut to Elijah inside of the car. He stares at the cabin for a moment seeming a little nervous. He takes a deep breath and opens his door and gets out. We stay in the car and close in on the passenger seat. Elijah has forgotten his cell phone. We cut to Elijah approaching the front door. He knocks three times. After a few moments the door swings open. It is Herald. Herald Dr. Brooks. Right on time. Come on in. Elijah Thank you. We cut to a shot from inside the house as Elijah enters and Herald closes the door behind him. Herald Benny and Silvia are in the room back there. I think she's trying to help Benny find his other sneaker. Elijah Oh, alright. Herald So, doc, can I ask you something? Elijah What's that? Herald Why is it that you're so interested in my family? I mean you're Denise's doctor, but you seem to be spending a lot of your time worrying about us. Don't you think? Elijah Well, you're absolutely right. But, what you have to understand is that you can learn a lot about a person from getting to know the people who are closest to them. That's all I'm trying to do. Herald No, that's not all you're trying to do. Elijah Pardon? Herald That's not what you're trying to do. It seems to me like you're trying to play detective. At the deli yesterday, it sounded like you were trying to place blame on someone in my family for creeping around outside your house. Elijah Well, that's why I came tonight. Hopefully I can be proven wrong. Herald grins and nods his head. He glances down at the floor. From his point of view we see a sneaker. He reaches down and picks it up. Herald Here's that sneaker she's looking for. Hey, doc, would you mind taking this back in there to her. I gotta go check on dinner. Herald extends the sneaker toward Elijah. Elijah hesitates for a moment and then accepts the sneaker. Elijah No problem. Herald and Elijah stare at each other for a moment and then Herald walks off into the kitchen. Elijah turns and begins to walk down the hallway. He reaches the door and looks inside. He sees Benny. Benny smiles. Benny Hi! Elijah takes a step inside the room. Elijah Hey, buddy. I got your sneaker. Benny Thanks! Elijah takes a few more steps inside the room. Elijah Hey, Benny, where's your m- From Elijah's p.ov., we see a masked Silvia jump out suddenly from behind the door. She smashes a lamp over Elijah's head. As he blacks out, we fade out: Fade in: From Elijah's p.o.v., we see Herald and Silvia both standing in front of him wearing colorful masks. Herald is wearing the one that the burglar had on. Herald This look familiar? You know, you almost broke the mask when you swung that bat. Probably would have broken my nose too. We switch to a regular shot and see that Elijah is tied up in a chair. The side of his head where Silvia hit him with the lamp is badly bruised. Silvia You couldn't control your curiosity, could you? You had to keep pushing the issue. Why couldn't you just walk away? Elijah Because I needed to know. I still need to know. Herald Know what? Elijah You know what. Who killed them? Herald My parents? You want to know who killed my parents? Elijah That's right. Herald Who the hell do you think you are? That I should tell you anything? Besides, what would it matter now. You won't be around to tell anybody else. Elijah So, that's it. You're just gonna kill me? Just like that? Herald Why not? Elijah If you won't tell me anything and I don't know anything, why do you need me dead? I don't know anything! What are you worried about? Silvia We're not worried about anything. Not anymore. You'll be out of the way. No more harassing questions. No more annoying visits. Nothing. Elijah I wasn't aware that I was so unwelcome here. Herald Yeah, well we'll show you just how unwelcome you are. We quick cut to: INT-Alicia is at home in her living room. She looks impatient. She looks at her watch. She leans over and snatches up the cordless phone off of the base. She dials a number. Quick cut to: INT- Inside Elijah's car we see his cell phone light up and start ringing. We watch the phone as it continues to ring. We quick cut back to: Alicia still waiting for Elijah to answer his phone. She is getting frustrated. Alicia (to herself) Come on. What are you doing? Cut back to: INT-Elijah tied in the chair staring at the Robbin's family. They have all removed their masks now. Elijah So, what about Benny? Silvia Hey! You don't talk about my son! You hear me! You leave Benny out of this! Herald Take it easy, honey. It's alright. Don't let him get to you. But, speaking of Benny, maybe I should go in his room and check on him. Elijah What, you didn't want Benny to see you kill me? Silvia snaps. She lashes out and punches Elijah in the face. Silvia I told you not to say his name! Herald It's alright, honey. I'm gonna go check on him. You watch the doc here. Oh, if he tries anything… Herald walks into the kitchen and quickly returns with a large kitchen knife. He hands it to Silvia. You cut him. You cut him good. Silvia nods and extends the knife toward Elijah. Herald turns and walks off down the hallway. Silvia is breathing abnormally. She is still upset. Elijah I'm sorry, Silvia. I didn't mean to offend you. Silvia I'll bet you didn't. You never do mean to be offensive. What kind of therapist doesn't know how to talk to people? Elijah You're right. I should have known better. Denise told me about how you're kind of… Silvia Kind of what? Elijah whispers something that is barely audible. Silvia leans over slightly. Silvia What? Elijah repeats the inaudible statement. Silvia leans in even closer. She is within a foot of Elijah's face. He begins to whisper again, and Silvia is slowly coming closer to him. In an instant Elijah lunges forward and head-butts Silvia. The blow is staggering and and Silvia falls unconscious. Elijah looks to the side to see if Herald is coming. He sees the coast is clear. He looks down by Silvia and sees the knife she had lying on the floor. Elijah hops in his chair closer to the knife. He tilts the chair and makes his fall to the floor, with his back to the knife. Cut to: INT- Alicia is dialing on her phone. Alicia Hello? This is going to sound insane, but I may need some officers sent to a cabin. Cut To: INT-Elijah has grabbed the knife with his hands behind his back. He turns the blade toward the rope. He begins to scratch the knife against the rope. He is in a panic. He continues to cut at the rope. He is cutting furiously. We zoom in on his hands and see that he's sawed through one of the ropes. He continues sawing through another. Cut To: INT- Alicia is still on the phone with 911. Alicia Listen, he told me that if he didn't answer his phone then call the police because something is wrong. I've called it, and he didn't answer. Something must be wrong. (Pauses) Alright, I'll call it again. Hold on. Alicia clicks over onto the other line and dials Elijah's cell number again. Cut To: INT-Inside Elijah's car we see the phone light up and start ringing. Cut back to: INT- Alicia waiting on the phone. She gives up and clicks back over to 911. Alicia He's still not answering. Something is wrong! Just send a car over there. Please! (Pauses) Alright, the address is…. Cut To: INT-Elijah is making progress with the knife. He saws through another piece of rope. He starts to wiggle his hands. He hears a voice off camera. It is Herald. Elijah realizes he is coming and wiggles harder. He hears Herald's footsteps. He continues wiggling. He finally frees his hands. He pulls the rope from around him and hops up to his feet. He runs toward the kitchen. Just then Herald enters the living room and sees him. Herald Hey! Elijah continues running and goes out the back door. Herald begins to pursue but then sees Silvia lying on the floor. He stops and jogs over to check on her. Honey? Silvia, talk to me, honey. Are you alright? Silvia is beginning to come to, but she is still not moving. Stay here, honey. I'm gonna get him. Okay? Stay here. Herald runs to the hall closet. He reaches up on the closet shelf and grabs out a weapon. It is piece of 4x4 wood with 4 long sharp nails sticking outward. He runs out the back door after Elijah with the weapon in hand. We stay in the living room and see a figure coming down the hallway. It's Benny. Cut To: EXT-Elijah is running through the woods behind the cabin. He is breathing heavily. He spots a large tree and hides behind it. He sticks his head off to the side slightly and peeks out at the cabin. He sees Herald walking furiously with his weapon in hand. Elijah pulls his head back behind the tree. He looks down at the knife in his hand. He clutches it tightly. We hear Herald hollering out: Herald Come on, doc! Stop making this harder than it needs to be! Stop being a coward! Herald continues to walk through the woods madly. He is getting closer to the tree Elijah is hiding behind. You hurt my wife! You know that? You hurt her! Now I'm gonna hurt you, doc! That's how it works! Elijah can tell that Herald is getting close. He looks as if he is getting ready to make his move. Herald gets within 3 feet of the tree, and Elijah leaps out. He thrusts the knife into Herald's shoulder. Herald lets out a scream. He uses his other arm and swings the wood at Elijah's leg. All three nails pierce Elijah's leg. He yelps in pain. Both men pull their weapons out of the other and take a step back. Elijah is limping. He rubs his injured leg while Herald holds a hand over the stab wound on his shoulder. Elijah I'm not gonna let you kill me, Herald. Herald You don't have a choice, doc! Both men have their weapons extended. They move around one another in circles. Elijah You do! You don't have to do this. Herald Yes I do! Elijah Why? For what? Herald My children! To protect my children! Elijah From who? Herald From you! And other people like you! You don't fool with a man's family! Cut To: INT-Alicia and an officer riding in a squad car. Officer I really hope this isn't all for nothing. Alicia I hope it is all for nothing. Cut To: EXT-Herald and Elijah are still circling around each other. Elijah Listen, Herald, I'm not out to destroy your family. I'm really not! Herald You shut up! You're a liar! That's exactly what you're trying to do. I won't let you do that, doc. It ends here. It ends right here! Herald lunges forward and swings the wood at Elijah. Elijah jumps back and dodges it. Herald swings it again, and Elijah again jumps back and dodges it. Cut To: EXT- The squad car flying down the road. Cut To: EXT- Elijah and Herald are still facing off. Herald Why are you doing this, doc? Elijah Me? What am I doing? You're doing this! Herald No! You're making me do this! You couldn't stay away from my family! Elijah Herald- Herald I love my family, doc. More than I love myself. Anything that harms or interferes with my family… Elijah What about your parents? Herald What? Elijah What about your parents? They harmed your children. Herald Yeah, well they're not around to do that anymore, are they? Elijah So, you killed them? You killed your parents? Herald I did what I had to do for my family. You got that? I did what I had to. And now because of you I have to do it again. Elijah Herald- Herald attempts to rush at Elijah. He cocks his arm back ready to swing his weapon forward. Elijah grabs his arms before he can bring it forward. With his other hand, Elijah jabs the knife into Herald's heart. Elijah takes a few steps backward. Herald slowly lets his weapon drop from his hand. He is in shock. He looks down at the knife in his chest. He is breathing shallowly. He extends his hands toward Elijah as if asking for help. Herald suddenly drops to his knees. He pauses on his knees for a moment, and then falls to the side. He lays there motionless. Elijah stares at him for a moment. He turns his attention toward the cabin and the begins to limp toward it. Cut To: EXT- We see the squad car pull up in front of the cabin. Alicia and the officer hop out and run up to the front door. The officer knocks first, and then tries the doorknob. It's open, and he and Alicia run inside. Cut To: EXT- Elijah is still limping toward the cabin. He is now by the edge of the lake. He stops for a moment to take a breath. As he starts to walk again he hears rustling in the tree directly above him. He glances up. From his point of view we see a masked figure leap from a branch on top of him. The figure knocks him into the lake. We see under the water as the masked figure attempts to drown Elijah. They struggle under the water. Cut To: INT- Inside the cabin Alicia and the officer are looking through the house. Officer Hello? Is anyone here? Alicia walks down the hall. She looks into a bedroom. From her point of view we see that it's empty. As she turns around, Benny is right there staring at her. She jumps. Alicia Oh, my God! You scared me. The officer jogs over to where they are standing. Officer Hey, kid, where is everybody? Benny points his finger towards the back of the cabin. Alicia and the officer take off running towards the back door. Cut To: INT- Under the water, Elijah continues to struggle with the masked figure. They are both strangling one another. Cut To: EXT- Alicia and the officer come busting out of the back door. Their eyes search the dark woods. Alicia looks at the lake. She sees the splashing. Alicia Over there! Look! The officer sees it and they both go running toward the lake. They reach it and both leap in. We go under the water with them as they both grab the arms of the masked figure. They pull the masked figure off of Elijah, and he swims to the surface. We come to the top of the water as Elijah emerges, gasping for air. Seconds later Alicia and the officer emerge holding the masked figure. They all swim to the edge and drag themselves out. The masked figure lies flat, coughing behind their mask. Alicia, Elijah, and the officer look down at the figure. Elijah reaches down and pulls off the mask. It is Silvia. She begins to cry. We fade out: 33INT-Fade in: Subtitle reads (6 months later) Alicia and Elijah are riding in the car. They smile at each other. Alicia I can't wait to see your mother and Corey. They're gonna be so excited when we tell them. Elijah Yeah. Maybe my mother can finally relax. Her son is finally getting married. They smile at one another again. Alicia leans over and kisses Elijah. Alicia So, what stop do we have to make first? Elijah Well, Denise and Benny are staying with an aunt and uncle now. I wanted to go by and check on them. Alicia Oh. Isn't that odd? Elijah What? Alicia That everybody thought Denise crazy, when it was actually her mother who needed therapy? Elijah Yeah. Well, she's getting the help she needs at Bloomberg now. Alicia I still don't get it. I mean was it Herald or Silvia who killed the grandparents? Elijah Well, Herald kind of confessed to me that night. He basically told me he was protecting his children. And get this, I found out he was selling that cabin for a lot of money. So, he had enough of a motive. Alicia I guess so. EXT-We cut to an outside shot of the car as it speeds down the street. It slows down and pulls into the driveway of a nice sized home. We see Alicia and Elijah get out of the car and approach the front door. After a few moments, the door swings open. A man stands there. It is the kids' Uncle Gordon. Elijah Hi, I'm Dr. Brooks. We spoke over the phone. Gordon Yes, Dr. Brooks. Hello. I'm Gordon. Elijah Good to meet you. This is my fiance' Alicia. Gordon Alicia, its' nice to meet you. Alicia You too. Gordon Come on in. INT-We see inside the house as Elijah and Alicia step inside. Gordon closes the door behind them. Gordon's wife Claire comes into the room. Claire Well, hello. Gordon Honey, this is Dr. Brooks and his wife-to-be Alicia. Claire I'm so glad you came by. It's nice to meet you. Dr. Brooks So, how are they coming along? Claire Great! Benny really missed Denise. They're so happy to be back together again. Gordon Of course they're a little upset about…you know, their parents and all. But, they're handling it well. Claire It's such a shame. Elijah So, where are they now? Claire They're out back in the pool. Alicia Oh, you have a pool? Elijah (seeming confused) Whoa, wait a minute. They're in the pool? Gordon Yeah. Elijah How? That's not possible. Claire Why not? Elijah Because. Denise can't swim. And of course Benny can't swim because…you know, his condition. Gordon What condition? Elijah looks bewildered. Cut To: EXT- We see Elijah come out the patio door to the side of the pool followed by Alicia, Claire and Gordon. From their point of view we see Denise and Benny swimming happily in the pool. They see they are being watched and both begin to wave. Benny (speaking and acting normally) What's up Dr. Brooks? Why don't you come in! The water's fine! Dr. Brooks is in shock. Benny and Denise look at Elijah slyly. They both grin wickedly. We cut to: 34EXT-We return to the very first scene outside of the Bloomberg Institution. We slowly zoom toward it. As we reach it we begin to glide upward. We pass rows of windows. We stop at a window and zoom in on it. We go inside the room. We see Silvia sitting in a chair at a small table. She sits rocking back and forth slowly. She hears birds chirping outside her window. She slowly gets to her feet and approaches the window. We go back outside of the window. We see her smile slightly. It quickly vanishes. She lowers her head slightly. Her hair drops in front of her face. Suddenly she thrusts her head forward and shatters the glass. Upon impact we fade out: Roll credits. The End
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