RAIN

A screenplay by

Ted von Heiland Jr.

	
		  
				     Email: tedvonheiland@gmail.com.com
		      www.myspace.com/tedvh	
A BLACK SCREEN.
The sound of POURING RAIN followed by: 
The sound of a STEADY HEARTBEAT. With every THUMP appears:
-- The profile of a man in the darkness as he painfully inhales.
-- Rain, pouring in through shattered skylights that span the ceiling.
-- The man exhales in sloppy exhaustion.
-- Large Oriental statues, weapons and artifacts, strewn about in disarray, sprinkled with shattered glass and splintered wood.
-- The man's brow wrinkles as he forces air into his lungs once again. 
-- Lifeless bodies, mangled and twisted, painful to look at. 
-- The man cringes as he coughs up a mouthful of blood. 
INT. MUSEUM -- NIGHT
A large and cavernous space supported by massive pillars.  
The man, JACK OLDEN, 28, is pinned to one of the chambers large columns. His head hangs low, hands clasping the spear that impales below his chest. From the looks of things he should be dead, instead, he speaks: 
OLDEN
(exhausted)
Look, kid, this has to stop...
An 8-year-old BOY stand's in the center of the room, untouched by the chaos that surrounds him. His face covered in shadow. Silent and unmoving.
Olden wipes the blood and drool from his chin. 
OLDEN
I just wanna help—

BOY
Help me?
The boy steps forward so that his mouth peeks out of the shadows.
OLDEN
Yes, I--
BOY
The others thought they could, but look at them now.
OLDEN
I'm not like all the others.
BOY
You can't help me, Jack.
OLDEN
I can. I know I--
BOY
Liar!
The boy's depthless eyes grow cold and intense.
BOY
You think you know what I'm going through!?
Olden slams against the pillar. His eyes go bloodshot, face twisting in pain.
BOY
You think you know my pain!?
Blood oozes out between Olden's clenched teeth. The spear digs deeper into his chest. His knuckles whiten as he tries desperately to keep it at bay.
BOY
You can't help me.
OLDEN
I can! I know I can! Listen--
BOY
No one can!
The spear goes deeper as Olden groans in agony.
BOY
(whispers)
You can't stop me either.
INT. OLDEN'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Streetlights shine through the window blinds painting white lines across the dim background. 
Jack Olden wakes up, sweat soaked and breathing heavily. It's the same Jack, only now he's 38. His face looks weathered, chiseled, rugged and if you look deeper into his eyes, you can see that this man has been to hell and back. 
OLDEN (V.O.)
Another dream...
His breathing slows. He touches his shirtless chest: nothing there; only the scar from an old bullet wound and the silver cross that dangles from his neck.
OLDEN (V.O.)
Every night, another dream...
He kisses the cross absently as if caught in a trance.
OLDEN (V.O.)
If not this, then the ones about... the ones about...
And wipes the imaginary blood from his scruffy chin.
OLDEN (V.O.)
Damn it Jack, get a grip. It was just a dream. Nothing more, just a dream... You couldn't help it. It wasn't your fault. There was nothing you could -- Damn it! Stick to what you know...
He looks over at TESS, 31, the attractive pregnant woman lying beside him.
OLDEN (V.O.)
To what you can see.
She wakes.
OLDEN (V.O.)
The things that matter most.
TESS
(sleepily)
Jack? You okay baby?
OLDEN
(distant)
It's nothin'. Just a dream.
TESS
Sounded more like a nightmare.
She puts her hand on his shoulder soothingly and pecks at his cheek.
OLDEN (V.O.)
Like I said, the things that matter most.
TESS
You sure you okay?
OLDEN
Probably somethin' I ate.
TESS
(playfully)
The lasagna was that bad, huh!?
OLDEN
Course not...
His lips curl into a smile for a second. 
OLDEN
The dessert. Definitely the dessert!
She kisses him on the cheek again.
TESS
Oh, baby, I'm so glad you're getting reassigned...
He tries to sound convincing. 

OLDEN
Yeah...
But fails. Misserably. 
OLDEN
...me too...
She doesn't buy it. 
TESS
Oh, come on, Jack. It won't be that bad --  
OLDEN
(cynical)
Yeah, yeah, of course it wont! You're right, I can see it right now: Me, sittin' behind a desk, pushing pencils around like some jack-ass. Yeah, a real hero--
TESS
How the hell can you say that, Jack!?
OLDEN
Forget it, Tess, it was a joke, alright-- 
TESS
You know how hard is was for me!?
OLDEN
Look, I'm sorry--
TESS
Every night, wondering - hoping and praying that you'd make it home. And you, knowing that I had just--  
OLDEN
Oh, and it wasn't hard for me!? Maybe if you weren’t so busy fucking around during the first trimester, you wouldn't have lost our--
His own words hit him like a freight train. 
OLDEN (V.O.)
Damn it, Jack...  
She tries to hold back her tears but he can see the hurt in her eyes and he looks away.
OLDEN (V.O.)
Fucked-up again...  
A cell phone rings on the nightstand. 
OLDEN
(to phone)
Olden... yeah, well... why!?... wadda ya mean you can't tell me!? Fine, I'm on my way.
Olden's face turns to stone as he hangs-up. 
OLDEN
(without looking at Tess)
I have to go.
TESS
You promised, Jack. You said things would be different--
OLDEN
I know, Tess, I know. I'm sorry.
Olden rushes out of bed without looking back. 
She sits there and stares at their wedding picture on the nightstand. The clock next to it reads: 11:40 P.M.
Tess looks up at the sound of the shutting door.
TESS
(whispers)
I love you...
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
OLDEN (V.O.)
That's the fucked-up thing about love. No matter how bad things get, you always try to stick it out... 
EXT. A STREET IN SEATTLE -- DAY
SUPER: "EARLIER."
The rain soaked street is packed with unmoving cars. There's a pileup at the intersection. Pedestrians line the sidewalks going about their business. 
Amidst the sea of people is a man in a black hoody, DANIEL LODIN, a typical, scrawny 18-year-old with a distinguishing scar above his left eyebrow. He walks with his head down, hands in pockets, face hidden uder his hood.
A black 7 series Beamer sits in traffic. Its windows, tinted blacker than midnight.
INT. BEAMER 
JOE PHISH, early 60's, sits in the drivers seat, dressed to the nines.
Riding shotgun is a hot young ASIAN CHICK, 17. She watches curiously as the man does a line of coke off a silver cigarette case.
EXT. CROSSWALK 
Daniel just stands there, watching the red palm on the "don't walk" as it flashes on and off. 
INT. BEAMER 
The Chick looks repulsed by the man's bloodshot eyes. 
PHISH
Wanna hit?
She shakes her head. 
PHISH
Don't be such a fuckin' square. 
He tries to touch her chin. She looks away, avoiding his hand. He doesn't take rejection too well. He grabs her wrist firmly.
ASIAN CHICK
You're hurting me!
PHISH
Don't disrespect me like this, you little slut. You're a goddamn replaceable whore and don't you forget it! Now take a fuckin' hit.
EXT. CROSSWALK
Daniel steps into the moat of unmoving cars.
INT. BEAMER
She hits him on the face with the palm of her hand. Bad move. He hits her back and grabs her by the hair.
ASIAN CHICK
(crying)
Please! stop--
PHISH
I try to hook you up, and this is the fuckin' thanks I get!? Huh!?
He ruthlessly smacks her around. 
PHISH
I buy you shit! Take you out! This is how you fuckin' thank me!?
ASIAN CHICK
I’m sorry!
He shoves her back in her seat. Composes himself.
EXT. STREET
Daniel briskly weaves his way between the cars.
INT. BEAMER
PHISH
(composed)
You gonna' be a good girl?
She nods. He wipes the tears from her eyes and hands her the coke.
PHISH
Make daddy proud.
EXT. STREET
Daniel bumps right into the drivers side of a black, limo tinted, Bimmer.
INT. BEAMER 
The old man looks around and sees Daniel, stepping back and staring blankly at him through the drivers side window.
Phish rolls the window down. 
OLD MAN
This car's worth more than your mother you punk-ass, piece of shit!
Daniel sees the battered Asian Chick.
OLD MAN
Get the fuck outta' here! 
Daniel doesn't respond. He just stands there staring - clearly disturbed at the sight of the beaten girl.
OLD MAN
Move!
Daniel's breathing gets deeper. The look in his eyes starts to grow intense.
The Asian Chick stirs in her seat.
OLD MAN
You won't fuckin' move!?
Blood, trickles down the old man's nose, but he's too angry to notice as he stuffs his hand under his coat.
OLD MAN
I'll make you fuckin' move.
Daniel's breathing gets even faster. The look in his eyes gets even more intense.
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
O.S. A gunshot. The sound of shattering glass. The frightened screams of the Asian Chick. Pummeling. Screams.  The sound of a neck snapping. Then: 
Silence. Nothing but blackness.
O.S. The sound of a MATCH as it strikes the book.
EXT. A STREET IN SEATTLE -- DAY
A burning match, guided by a bloody, quivering hand, touches the tip of a cigarette and sets it ablaze. 
The blood-soaked young man takes a long, deep drag. He tries to catch his breath. Tries to stop shaking. 
The traffic starts to move. People stare but no one dares approach. The streetlights come on, turning the wet pavement into a twisted mirror of black.
The intensity in Daniel's eyes fade as a tear rolls down his face.
He doesn't hear the sirens blaring in the distance.
INT. A LAVISH HOUSE -- NIGHT (flashback)
A dark hallway.
An 8-year-old Daniel, stares at a bedroom door that is slightly ajar. 
Light shines out through the crack over a broken toy lying at the Boys feet.
O.S. The sound of screeching tires leaving the driveway.
He peeks in and sees a woman, JESSICA, 30's, curled-up in the corner crying. She looks like hell, bruised and beaten. Things are scattered all over the room.
The door creaks. She looks up and sees him.
JESSICA
Daniel?
(composes herself)
Come to mommy, sweetie...
The boy walks towards her. He starts to tear up but makes no sound.

JESSICA
Shhh... Its okay, sweetie. Everything's okay... 
Daniel's face says it isn't. She touches him gently. A deep scar on her wrist peeks out from under her sleeve. 
JESSICA
...Sometimes your fath-- I mean, Jason, takes too much medicine and -- Oh, Daniel, you mustn’t hate him! 
She holds his trembling body close.
JESSICA
Promise me baby... I would never let anything bad happen to you. You understand me? Ever.
Daniel stares at the shattered picture frame on the floor: Jason has his arm around his mother. A young, happy looking couple standing in front of a black, 7 series BMW.
COP 1 (O.S.)
On the ground! Now!
EXT. A STREET IN SEATTLE -- NIGHT (back to scene)
Police cruisers have barricaded the street and Daniel is surrounded by a group of angry, uniformed COPS; their weapons drawn, ready to kill.
COP 2
Get down asshole! You heard the man!
COP 1
Face down! Palms up! Don't move!
Daniel solemnly cooperates. The thousand-yard stare still dominates his eyes.
A third cop, MARX, 25, checks on the mangled body that is sprawled on the ground.
MARX
Holly shit! 
The old mans face looks like Halloween. Teeth caved in, eyes swollen shut, neck bent at a painful angle. The silk tie pulled tight around his neck like a hangman's noose.
COP 2
Paramedics are on their way!
MARX
He's fuckin dead! Oh, God, he's fuckin dead!
COP 2
Calm down! Control the suspect!
Cop 1 cuffs Daniel and Cop 2 reads him his rights. Marx provides cover while slowly walking towards the Bimmer. 
He looks in through the shattered window and sees the Asian Chick curled up on the floor. She's staring blankly into space, rocking back and forth, muttering something under her breath. Blood streming from her nose and mouth.
MARX
Shit! We've got a live one!
EXT. A STREET IN SEATTLE -- LATER
Two Paramedics load a body bag into the back of an ambulance. Another two are setting the Asian Chick on a gurney.
An unmarked police sedan arrives on the scene.
Cop 1 is chewing Marx out on the side lines. Daniel sits in the back seat of the cruiser next to them.
Two plain-clothes cops step out of the unmarked sedan.
The first is JULIE SCOTT, late 20's, an attractive, "all business" looking female with that, self-assured, and confident demeanor.
The other is an older, gray haired man. AL RAMIREZ, mid 50's. Powerful, broad shouldered and built like an ox. A deep scar runs vertically across his granite-like face. This guy looks sharp in his conservative suit. 

RAMIREZ
Well, well, well, what do we have here!?
Julie studies the scene intently. She watches the paramedics load the Asian Chick into the ambulance.
RAMIREZ
(to Cop 2)
I see you all started the party without us?
COP 2
'Matter of fact we did. Seems like someone had a bad case of road-rage. 
Julie sees Marx and Cop 1 going at it.
JULIE
What's with them?
COP 2
(laughs)
Who, the rookie? Well, let's just say he got a little too exited! First hommicide and all!
RAMIREZ
Goddamn Rookies! Gotta' love em!
Ramirez looks at the mass of blood and glass on the pavement. 
COP 2
Somethin's real strange about this one, captain. Don't seem to make no damn sense--
RAMIREZ
Why don't you and the rookie take the suspect back to the precinct.
COP 2
But the-- 
RAMIREZ
Leave the friggin' detective work to us. 
RAMIREZ(CONT’d)			
Let us figure out what does and doesn't "make sense". Understand!?
COP 2
Yes sir. Captain!
RAMIREZ
Now, get the fuck outta here.
Cop 2 heads for Marx and the cruiser.
RAMIREZ
(under his breath)
Goddamn pussies.
JULIE
A little moody today Al? I mean, "captain"!? Jesus, you barely been promoted a week, and already you're getting cranky as he--
RAMIREZ
Shut the hell up, Scott.
JULIE
Sorry! 
It starts to drizzle.
Ramirez and Julie walk towards the Beamer. They look in and see white powder scattered all over the plush interior.
Ramirez puts a cigarette in the corner of his mouth.
RAMIREZ
Gonna be a long friggin' night.
JULIE
Jack still on leave?
RAMIREZ
He's got about a week to go.
(lights the smoke)
Why?
JULIE
Nothing.
RAMIREZ
Miss him already huh?
JULIE
It isn't like that, Al--
Ramirez grins, devilishly. 
JULIE
It isn't like that, anymore!
(flatly)
He's my partner, Al.
RAMIREZ
I'm just messin' with ya' Scott.  Don't get your panties all wet. Besides, he'll be back before you know it. I know Jack, known him longer than you have. He lives for this shit!
She looks longingly towards the horizon.
JULIE
I know...
INT.  CRUISER -- NIGHT
Daniel sits in the back seat with his head down. Cop 2 drives while Marx grills Daniel from the passenger seat.
MARX
Sick fuck!
COP 2
Calm the fuck down Marx. Damn.
Daniel looks up and glares at Marx.
MARX
(to Daniel)
What!? You got a problem asshole!?
COP 2
Let it go Marx. Let it go--
MARX
This prick's grillin' me and shit!
Daniel just sits there. Glaring into Marx's eyes. Daring him to say something.
Marx slams his fist on the metal cage. Daniel doesn't flinch. 
MARX
Ah, you're just a fucking pussy after all--
Blood streams down Marx' nose. 
MARX
Sonovabitch!
COP 2
You all right?
MARX
Shit! Ah, my heads killing me.
COP 2
I told you to calm the fuck down! Now sit tight and shut up.
MARX
Alright! Alright! Jesus... 
Marx stuffs a tissue up his nose. He sees Daniel through the rear-view. Daniel has his head down and stares at the floor.
A motorcycle speeds past the cruiser engulfing it in a blanket of rain water.
Daniel looks up at the rain-soaked window.
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET -- DAY (flashback)
A mud-soaked, 8-year-old, Daniel is running down a rainy suburban street.
2 boys on a red scooter zoom past him, splashing him with muddy water. 
He slips and eats it hard. The scooter skids to a halt and the boys burst-out laughing.
Daniel struggles to get up. BOY 2 pins him down. BOY 1 tries to grab the backpack.
BOY 1
Let go, freak!
Daniel doesn't let go. He glares at them teary-eyed. Boy 2 tries to pry his hands loose.
BOY 2
You stupid faggit, let go!
Boy 2 kicks Daniel in the gut and the backpack comes loose. They bolt as Daniel lies there with his eyes shut, curled-up and breathing heavily.
O.S. The sound of the scooter speeding off in the distance.
Daniel's breathing gets faster, faster. Then: 
His eyes open and his breathing stops.
O.S. A loud honk followed by the sound of tires skidding across the wet pavement. The whining of the scooter ends with bloodcurdling crash.
COP 2 (O.S.)
Rise n' shine asshole!
INT. CRUISER – NIGHT (back to scene)
Daniel wakes up and sees Cop 2 looking at him from the front of the cruiser. The clock on the dash reads 6:05 p.m.
COP 2
Hope you don't mind spending the night!?
EXT. POLICE STATION -- NIGHT
Rain shreds the pavement like bullets from the starless sky.
SUPER: "PRESENT".
A black Chevy Stingray pulls into the parking lot. A "for sale" sign can be seen hanging in its rear window.

INT. STINGRAY 
Olden shuts her off, reaches into the glove box and pulls out a silver hipflask. Some papers fall out of the glove box and onto the floor. 
He picks them up and looks at them intently. The heading reads: "Petition for Reassignment". 
OLDEN
(cynical)
Yeah, I can't wait... 
He takes a hefty swig from the flask and throws the papers behind his seat.
OLDEN
Like a real, jack-ass... 
He puts the flask back in the glove box. As he looks up he sees a picture of his pregnant wife on the cars visor. 
OLDEN (V.O.)
I'm sorry, Tess... 
He flips the visor up and exits the car.
INT. POLICE STATION/LOBBY
A typical police station at this time of night.
Julie sits on a bench, waiting. She checks her watch, it's 12:15.
A rain soaked Jack Olden bursts through the double doors. 
JULIE
Jack! 
She gets up to meet him.
JULIE
Sorry I had to call you-- Wow, you look like shit. Rough night!?
OLDEN
Yeah, I guess you could say that.  

OLDEN(CONT’D)
What the hell's all this about and why the fuck couldn't you tell me over the phone!? 
JULIE
Sorry, but Al said--
Ramirez walks towards them. 
RAMIREZ
We're looking at a goddamn homicide here Jack!
Ramirez hands some photos to Olden.
RAMIREZ
Nasty shit. Real brutal.
Olden looks over the photos of the mangled corpse.
OLDEN
No shit.
RAMIREZ
Know who that is?
OLDEN
(sarcastic)
Well, he obviously ain't no ladies man. At least not any more! Nice suit though. Shit, Real nice. 
(to Julie)
I don't know, but he seems like your type, Jule's! Heard you like'd them, mature types? 
JULIE
(flatly)
Sorry, he's a little too dead for my taste--
RAMIREZ
Jesus friggin' Christ! The man's Joe Phish.
OLDEN
Tony Chen's Joe Phish?
RAMIREZ
Yup. The one and only.
OLDEN
Damn. Triads are gonna have a fit.
JULIE
Who's Tony Che-- 
RAMIREZ
Jesus Christ, Scott!
OLDEN
He runs China Town. 
RAMIREZ
Lets just say me and him go waaay back. Chen's gonna want blood after he find's out someone took-out his friggin' lawyer. He's a cruel, vindictive sonofabitch, or so I've heard. If rumors are true, then Phish was "more" than just a "lawyer" to Chen.
JULIE
What are you trying to say?
RAMIREZ
Goddamn it, Scott, figure it out!
OLDEN
Anyone with him at the time of the murder?
RAMIREZ
Some Chinese broad. She's still in severe shock. Won't be any goddamn use to us. Least not for a while.
INTERCUT: Ramirez and Julie questioning the deranged, Asian Chick, at her hospital bed. M.O.S.
JULIE
Damn it Al, she was underage for Christ sakes!

RAMIREZ
Whoa, ease the hell up Scott!  He's dead, right!?  What the hell, more do you want?  Far as I'm concerned, the sonovabitch got what he friggin' deserved. 
(softly, now)
Hey, I know you hate old fucks that beat-up on underage girls, coz of your old-man and all, but the pricks dead, Scott. So ease the hell up, alright?
JULIE
Alright, alright.
RAMIREZ
Everybody has their vices, Scott. 
Ramirez looks at her smugly. 
RAMIREZ
What's yours?
JULIE
I don't think that's any of your  god damn business.
RAMIREZ
That's what I love about you Scott.  Lot's of fire!
She looks at him with fire in her eyes. 
JULIE
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.
OLDEN
Hey, lovebirds!? Can we get back to the subject here!?
JULIE
Sorry, Jack-- 
OLDEN
Cause of death?

RAMIREZ
Shit, seems obvious enough. His neck was snapped in half--
JULIE
Actually, we won't know the exact cause of death till the autopsy's been completed.
RAMIREZ
Well thank you detective Scott, thank you for your goddamn input! But last I checked, his neck looked pretty friggin' broken to me!?
OLDEN
And the suspect?
JULIE
He's in holding. We're still in the process of doing a background check.  We don't know his name and he had no I.D. We'll have to wait for a fingerprint match.
OLDEN
Well maybe if you ask him nicely he'll at least tell you his name?
RAMIREZ
That's just the goddamn thing Jack.  The sonovabitch wont talk. He didn't ask for an attorney, didn't request a phone call, he just sits there and stairs at the goddamn floor! Maybe he's a friggin' mute, I don't know. No motive. No drugs in his system. Nothin'! Makes no goddamn sense--
OLDEN
Look, Al, Juie, this is all very intriguing, but what the hell does all this have to do with me? 
Ramirez looks over at Julie and nods. She hand's another set of photos to Olden.
RAMIREZ
Look familiar?
Olden looks over the photos: Daniel's mug shots. 
OLDEN
Don't know, should he?
RAMIREZ
Well I would hope so detective. He wrote your name down.
Ramirez hand's Olden a piece of paper with the words "Officer Jack Olden" scribbled on it.
JULIE
Asked him if there was anyone he was willing to talk to and that's what he wrote down.
RAMIREZ
We know this might be hard for you Jack...
Olden focuses on Daniel's young and innocent eyes.
OLDEN (V.O.)
Damn. Life sure has a funny way of biting you in the ass.
EXT. CITY STREETS – NIGHT (flashback)
A GUY in a ski mask runs down a crowded city street. He clutches a brown paper bag in his left hand, a Glock in his right. He pummels through pedestrians like a bat out of hell.
A younger detective Jack Olden rushes after him.
OLDEN
(to the crowd)
Police! Out of the way! Move!
The Guy heads into a long, narrow alley. Bolts down without thinking twice and reaches the end. The dead-end of a brick wall!
OLDEN
Give it up asshole!
Olden stalks towards him. Gun drawn.
OLDEN
You got no place to go! Just drop the gun and put your hands behind your head!
The guy's like a rat in a cage. He swings around in desperation and:
BAM! Olden shoots him in the gut. The guy flies against the brick wall and hits the ground like a ton of bricks.
Olden heads towards the guy's crumpled form. The Guy's still alive, but it doesn't look like he's gonna make it as a patch of blood spreads over his stomach. 
OLDEN
You should've listened, asshole. You should've fuckin' listened! Now your dead.
Olden kicks the gun away then picks it up. The words "replica" are engraved down it's side. A toy. A harmless toy.
The guy pulls his mask off. He's just a kid. A 17-year-old kid. 
A look of horror crosses Olden's face.
GUY
(coughs up some blood)
I'm sorry...
OLDEN
Shit! Hang in there. We'll get you doctor. Shit! Hang in there!
Olden digs for his cell phone.
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
Let it go Jack!
Ramirez walks up to Olden and the kid. It starts to rain.
RAMIREZ
You did what you had to do.
OLDEN
I thought it was real Al! I swear, I thought he was gonna shoot me! Oh God, I shot a kid.
GUY
I'm so-so-sorry...
RAMIREZ
It's too late, Jack. He's too far gone.
Ramirez draws his Berretta and plants a bullet on the guy's forehead! Olden can't believe his eyes.
RAMIREZ
You were in "hot pursuit"! You did what you had to do. You were chasing an "armed" suspect and whether the gun was real or not isn't the issue. He fucked up, and now he's dead.  Lesson number one: Don't ever second guess yourself, detective.
Ramirez picks the paper bag off the ground and tosses it at Olden. 
OLDEN
(looks in the bag)
A couple of hundred bucks!?
RAMIREZ
He made his choice. 
Ramirez lights a smoke. 
RAMIREZ
Let's go! Let the grunts take care of cleaning this shit up.
Ramirez walks away.
Olden looks at the face of the young Guy. Barely 18. Young and innocent eyes.
OLDEN (V.O.)
They say time heals all wounds. You force yourself to forget. 
OLDEN (V.O)
Convince yourself you're over it... Next thing you know it's been five years. Five long years and just when you think your conscience is finally clear...
INT. POLICE STATION/LOBBY – NIGHT (back to scene)
Olden is still staring into the eyes of Daniel's mug-shots.
OLDEN (V.O.)
Your demons come back to haunt you.
RAMIREZ
You gonna be okay?
Olden's jaw tightens.
OLDEN
Whatever. That was a long time ago. You wanna make him talk!? Give me five minutes! I'll make him fucking talk!
COP 2 (O.S.)
Yo, captain!
Ramirez, Olden and Julie look up and see Cop 2 running towards them.
COP 2
Situation in the holding cells! 
Olden draws his snub-nosed magnum and takes the lead.  They dash across the lobby and into a long corridor.
Olden reaches the corner. He looks around the corner with his gun, scanning hallway.
OLDEN
Clear!
Proceeds. The others follow, guns drawn. They reach the stairwell and Olden rushes down, always gun first, always checking.
They reach the third and last flight of steps and exit into: 
INT. HOLDING CELLS 
The lights are out. Olden grabs his penlight and puts it up against his gun. The others do the same.
Julie clicks the light switch
JULIE
Powers out.
OLDEN
No. Not the power.
Olden shines a light on the ceiling
OLDEN
The lights.
The florescent bulbs have been shattered off their frames.
OLDEN
Someone blew out the lights!
All the cells are locked and empty except for one.
They walk slowly towards the open cell. The sound of broken glass crunches under their feet with each step they take.
OLDEN
(peers in)
Shit...
Marx is sprawled on the ground, very dead. His face is a bloody, twisted mess and judging by the white of his eyes, it was painful. A bloody night-stick lies on the bunk. His standard issue Berretta, still sits in its holster.
RAMIREZ
Jeeesus...
OLDEN
(to Julie)
Watch the body!
Olden bolts.
JULIE
Jack!? Damn it!
Julie rushes after him. 
COP 2
Damn! He was supposed to be watching the monitors for me while I--
RAMIREZ
Well he's dead now. Goddamn rookies. Goddamn shame.
INT. STAIRWELL 
Olden is running up a different set of stairs. The door below slams open.
JULIE (O.S.)
Jack!
INT. HOLDING CELLS 
Ramirez reaches down to check Marx's pulse.
INT. HALLWAY
Olden's running towards the emergency exit.
INT. HOLDING CELLS 
Ramirez touches the body. It starts spazzing and coughin-up blood.
RAMIREZ
(jumps back)
Jesus! 
INT. HALLWAY 
Olden busts through the door and out to the:
EXT. ALLEY 
The rain drills the pavement, dumpsters and trash cans. 
Olden looks down one end. Nothing. Looks down the other. Bingo. Sees a man in a black hoody, walking towards the street.
Olden rushes towards him.
OLDEN
Stop! Freeze!
He grabs the man from behind and slams him against the wall. Olden spins him around and shoves the magnum into the face of a terrified CRACKHEAD. The guy looks like he's gonna piss his pants.
OLDEN
Shit! You see anyone come by!?
The bum points his trembling hand towards the street. Olden runs for it.
CRACKHEAD
(dazed)
F-f-fuck you man! You want a piece of me! I know my fuckin rights! 
EXT. STREET 
Nothing there. Just the rain and some light traffic.
A bus drives away in the distance.
OLDEN
Shit!
Olden kicks a trash can over in frustration, then heads back to the alley.
EXT. ALLEY 
Olden is greeted by the angry Crackhead. This guy is fucking nuts.
CRACKHEAD
Hey, fuck you, man!
(spits)
You fuckin' pigs think you own the goddamn place!
Olden ignores him and walks away, gun at his side.
CRACKHEAD
Hey! I'm talkin' to you!
The Crackhead shoves Olden from behind. Bad move. Olden swings around and hits him upside the head with the butt of his magnum! The bum drops.
Olden kicks him in the gut several times.
OLDEN
You piece of shit, lowlife! You wanna piece of me!? Huh!? 
Olden spits on him and walks away, leaving the Crackhead groaning in agony.
Olden reaches the door and is met by Julie.
JULIE
(breathless)
What the fuck was that!?
OLDEN
What!? You wanna book him for assault?
She stares at him, speechless.
OLDEN
Didn't think so.
Olden heads inside leaving Julie frustrated and alone.
EXT. CHINATOWN/STREET -- NIGHT
The street is deserted. The only signs of life come from the flickering neon sign of the "4 Dragons Inn".
INT. 4 DRAGONS/LOUNGE
A swanky private lounge for the top dogs of China town.
TONY CHEN, 55, sits at the head of a dimly lit table, surrounded by several of his goons.
There is an effeminate and graceful air about Chen. But it's that cruel glint in his eyes that catches everyone's attention.
One of the goons, CHEANG, hands Chen a faxed copy of Daniel's mug shots. Chen grips it in his hand; his eyes, blazing with vengeance.
There is a bloody bandage over where Cheang's left ear used to be.
The following conversation takes place in Chinese with English subtitles.
CHEANG
Arrangements have been made Master Chen. Our people will be on the look out for the boy.
Chen puts the fax down, gets up and slithers behind Cheang.
CHEANG
We have sent copies to all our other connections throughout the neighboring cities. We will gather as much information about him as we can--
MASTER CHEN
My heart is heavy, Cheang! So, so heavy. I have lost my Joseph.
CHEANG
I am sorry for your pain, Master--
Chen rubs Cheang's shoulders soothingly, caressingly.
MASTER CHEN
My pain? Oh, but Cheang, you couldn't possibly know my pain?
Chen's hands move up Cheang's neck. Cheang looks fearful and uneasy.
MASTER CHEN
I miss him Cheang. All these years he has been by my side. Ahhh the pain!
Chen grinds his hands into Cheang's ears, smothering the bloody bandage over and over. Cheang cries out in sheer agony.
MASTER CHEN
Know my pain, Cheang!
Chen's loving every minute of it, closing his eyes in ecstasy as his hands rub Cheang harder and harder.
MASTER CHEN
Know my pain...
Chen smiles, takes a deep breath, then lets go of Cheang's ears and runs his fingers through the man's hair, soothingly.
MASTER CHEN
Do not fail me Cheang. I will not be as merciful the second time around...
He kisses Cheangs sweaty brow and smiles.
MASTER CHEN
Unless you want to know what your other ear tastes like?
CHEANG
Yes, yes Master Chen. I shall not fail.
Chen takes a seat and gives him a firm nod. Cheang doesn't waste any time. He gets up, bows, and heads for the door.
Chen glares into the eyes of Daniel's mug shot then crumples into a ball.
EXT. FREEWAY -- NIGHT
A lone bus travels South across the rainy freeway.
INT. BUS -- NIGHT
It's practicaly empty.
Daniel sits alone with his head leaning on the window and his eyes closed.
OFFICER OLDEN (O.S.)
Hey kid!?

EXT. SUBURBAN STREET – DAY (flashback)
An 8-year-old Daniel opens his eyes and sees a young, clean- cut Jack Olden, 28, in a policeman's uniform, kneeling over him. 
Daniel is curled-up on the wet sidewalk. There is a genuine look of concern in Officer Olden's eyes as he helps the mud-soaked boy on to his feet.
OFFICER OLDEN
You okay?
A couple of cruisers and an ambulance are on the scene. A mangled red scooter lies underneath a white 4x4. There's blood splattered everywhere.
OFFICER OLDEN
Broken bones? Aches and pains? 
Daniel doesn't respond. He just stares at Olden with wide-eyed innocence. He sees the silver cross around Olden's neck.
OFFICER OLDEN
I'm Jack, Jack Olden...
Olden offers his hand. The boy shakes it timidly then turns his attention to the paramedics. Daniel watches as they load two gurneys into the ambulance.
OFFICER OLDEN
Let's get you home, kid!
A man sits on the curb, hands cuffed behind his back. Looks ike he's had a few. A cop talks to him while another takes notes.
Olden takes Daniel to his cruiser.
OFFICER OLDEN
(shouts to the cops)
Hey! I'm takin' him home! 
EXT. LAVISH SUBURBAN HOUSE/DOORWAY -- LATER
Daniel's mother freaks out at the sight of her disheveled son. She wipes the dirt from his face and holds him in her arms in a way that only a mother could.
A faint smile crosses Olden's face.
JESSICA
Officer, thank you for bringing my baby home!
OFFICER OLDEN
Just glad I could help ma'am.
As she looks up into Olden's eyes, a puzzled look crosses her face. A split second look of recognition, as if their paths had crossed before.
Olden's radio CRACKLES to life.
RADIO
187... corner of Ninth and Main...All units please respond... 
Olden acts fast and heads for the cruiser.
Daniel watches as the cruiser speeds off. Siren, blaring. 
He closes his eyes.
BUS DRIVER (O.S.)
Lakewood!
INT. BUS – NIGHT (back to scene)
Daniel nearly jumps out of his seat as the bus' brakes come squealing to a halt. He gets up and makes his way to the door.
BUS DRIVER
You take it easy now. Lot of freaks out here this time of night!
DANIEL
Thanks.
Daniel hands the driver five-dollar-bill and steps out the door.
BUS DRIVER
(smile's)
Shiiiittt, you alright kid! Jus' made my night.
The door folds shut.
INT. POLICE STATION/OFFICE -- NIGHT
A dimly lit, conservative office.
Ramirez sits behind a large desk with his feet up as he smokes a cigar and talks on the phone.
RAMIREZ
(to phone)
I'm sorry, princess, but daddy's gotta work late tonight... 
A picture of his wife and kids are by his feet and numerous plaques are on the wall behind him.
RAMIREZ
I know I know... look after mommy for me, okay? I love you too sweety! Bye-by-- Hello, Susan?
Julie sits in front of his desk, talking on her phone as well. The clock on the wall reads 1:45.
RAMIREZ
yeah, well, you know how it is? The promotonion and all... Okay, good ni--
Ramirez solemnly, puts his phone down as Julie snaps hers shut. 
JULIE
Damn it! Still no match...
RAMIREZ
Well, those things tend to take a while. Ain't a goddamn thing we can do but wait...
Ramirez looks at the photo of his family and puts it to the side. 
RAMIREZ
I just don't friggin' get it.  He took the wallet and cell phone, but not his gun. Doesn't make any goddamn sense...
JULIE
Maybe he'll use it to call us?
RAMIREZ
Yeah, right!? He may be a friggin' mute, but I don't think he's that stupid.
JULIE
Well, why else would he take the phone?
RAMIREZ
Ahh, who the hell knows! Why'd the lights and cameras go to shit!?  Doesn't make any goddamn sense now does it? Shiiiit!  What I'd really like to know is, how in God's name was that prick of a kid able to single-handedly beat the shit out of an armed officer!? With his own friggin' baton!?
Olden stands in a dark corner of the room. He looks out the window, watching the rain pour down in the dark abyss that's outside.
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
Marx didn't even get to draw his gun! Goddamn shame. Last thing I need's a friggin dead rookie...
Olden starts to focus on his reflection on the window pane. The VOICES of Julie and Ramirez fade out and all we hear is the steady, soothing sound of the falling rain. 
Olden pulls the badge from his belt. He opens the wallet and turns to the picture of Tess. Touches it gently.
woman'S VOICE (O.S.)
(whispering softly)
It's gonna be okay Jack...
Olden looks up at the glass and sees a faint reflection of a gorgeous young woman, AMY, 25, standing behind him. She puts her finger to her full lips and smiles sweetly.
Her image quickly fades and Olden is left staring at nothing but his own reflection.
He yanks his wife's picture out of the wallet. 
Behind it is an old, creased, photo of a young Officer Olden with his arm around Amy. The woman in the window pane. She has a delicate gold chain with a heart shaped pendant around her neck and a 4-year-old girl in her arms.
AMY'S VOICE (O.S.)
It wasn't your fault...
A look of pain and guilt crosses Olden's face and he quickly replaces the picture. The VOICES of Julie and Ramirez come flooding back.
JULIE (O.S.)
How's he holding up?
RAMIREZ
Still critical. Sonovabitch might not make it. Miracle his skull wasn't crushed. Amount of blood on the floor and all. Jesus!
Olden clips the badge back to his belt.
OLDEN
I wanna see him.
RAMIREZ
Who, Marx?
OLDEN
No. Chen's lawyer. I wanna see the body.
INT. CONVENIENT STORE -- NIGHT
A typical "Stop n' Rob".
A middle-aged ASIAN GUY is sitting behind the counter, his eyes glued to a porno mag, oblivious to his surroundings.  There's an old, beat-up leather coat hanging from a peg on the wall behind him. 
A security monitor on the counter displays different angles of the store through its four-way split screen.
An electronic chime goes off and through the monitor is an image of Daniel entering the door.
The man doesn't move, doesn't look up, and doesn't give a shit. Daniel looks at him for a minute. Nothing.
Daniel starts browsing through the isles of junk-food and candy. He comes across a jerky display and reaches for a Slim Jim; studying it intently. 
O.S. The electronic chime goes off.
INT. A DIFFERENT CONVENIENT STORE – DAY (flashback)
A 13-year-old Daniel is at the counter paying for a couple of Slim Jims.
CLERK
That'll be three-fifty kid.
Daniel notices the 3 OLDER PUNKS watching him from outside the store. They look like they're up to no good. One of them  casually dribbles a basketball.
The CLERK sees them as well and senses that something's wrong. Daniel quickly pays and walks away.
CLERK
Hey, kid!
The clerk points to the back door with his eyes. 
EXT. A DIFFERENT CONVENIENT STORE 
Daniel rushes out the back door and into an alley. He stops in front of a corner and Looks back. Nothing there.
PUNK 1 (O.S.)
Heads up freak!
A basketball smacks Daniel square in the face and knocks him off his feet. 
PUNK 2
If it isn't Danny Boy!
PUNK 3
What's going on Danny Boy!?
PUNK 1
You weren't trying to ditch us were you freak?
Daniel doesn't look up. He just sits there, trying to hold back the tears.
PUNK 1
Oh oh! Wittle Danny is getting mad? What are you gonna do about it huh freak!?
Daniel starts breathing faster.
PUNK 2
You gonna go nuts like your mom did!
Daniel just sits there taking it, trying not to loose control, as they laugh at him. He's like a volcano about to explode.  
PUNK 1
Is that what you're gonna do? Get locked up in a nut house just like mommy!?
Daniel's breathing gets deeper. He digs his fists into the ground.
Punk 1 grabs a Slim Jim off the ground. 
PUNK 1
I think the little freak is hungry. 
Punk 2 and 3 position themselves behind Daniel. Punk one unwraps the Slim Jim and smashes it between the sole of his dirty shoe and the grimy pavement.
PUNK 1
You hungry freak!?
Punk 2 and 3 hold Daniel down as his clenched fists dig deeper into the pavement.
PUNK 1
Open wiiiide Danny Booooy!
Daniel's eyes grow intense. The concrete starts cracking underneath his fists.
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
THUG 1 (O.S.)
Gimme the cash bitch!
INT. CONVENIENT STORE – NIGHT (back to scene)
Two THUGS in ski masks have taken over the store. THUG 1 has a .38 pointed at the Asian guy, THUG 2, a 12-gauge pointed at the back of Daniel's head.
THUG 1
(to Asian Guy)
Yo I ain't playin! Open the goddamn drawer! Now!
ASIAN GUY
Please! Don't shoot! I open! Don't shoot!
THUG 2
(to Daniel)
On the floor motherfucker before I shoot your bitch-ass!
Daniel gets down. Their images can be seen through the security monitors' split screen.
THUG 2
That's right, hands behind your head! You're under arest, bitch!
The Asian guy opens the register and stuffs cash into a paper bag.
THUG 1
Yo, don't forget the safe! I know your Chinky-ass has got a safe up in here!
DANIEL
Please, don't do this--
THUG 2
Shut the fuck-up!
Thug 2 starts searching through Daniel's pockets.
THUG 1
Yo Ching-chong! Tell your girlfriend to shut the fuck-up before we blow his motherfuckin' head off!
Thug 2 finds a wallet. Opens it and sees a badge.
THUG 2
Shit! This motha' fucka's a Cop yo!
THUG 1
Oh hell nah!
Thug 2 shoves the 12-gauge into the back of Daniel's head. Daniel starts breathing faster.
The images on the security monitor start to get fuzzy.
THUG 2
You a little young to be a cop.
Flips through the wallet and sees Marx's I.D. Smirks and puts it in his shirt pocket.
DANIEL
Look man, please, you don't wanna do this--
THUG 2
(to Asian Guy)
Yo Bruce Lee! This motherfucker's still talkin!
(to Daniel)
What you gonna do bitch!? Huh!? What the fuck you gonna do!?
ASIAN GUY
Please! I don't want troble! 
Daniel looks over his shoulder. His eyes filled with fear and concern.
The images on the security monitor gets even fuzzier.

DANIEL
(to Asian guy)
Sir, you have to get out of here! 
His eyes start to grow intense. The security monitor and the ceiling lights start to flicker.
DANIEL
(to Asian guy)
You have to run!
THUG 2
I said shut the fuck up! Don't make me tell your ass again!
ASIAN GUY
Please! Just do what they say! I don't want trouble!
DANIEL
Please sir...
The security monitor hisses with white snow.
THUG 2
(chambers a round)
I told you to shut the fuck up!
DANIEL
Run!
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
Well, it looks pretty goddamn broken to me!
INT. MORGUE -- NIGHT
Olden, Julie, Ramirez and a MEDICAL EXAMINER are standing over Joe Phish's naked corpse. His face looks cleaner now, but still quite disturbing. His body's stitched and bruised all over. 
All wear gloves and masks except Ramirez - he's smoking a cigarette with a smug look on his face.
EXAMINER
That's because it is. But--
RAMIREZ
(looks at Julie)
So the bastard died of a broken neck.
EXAMINER
Well, yes and no. The severing of the third and fourth vertebrae indicate that this indeed was--
RAMIREZ
Whoa, Doc, whoa. 
JULIE
You'll have to excuse Captain Ramirez, Doctor. He didn't exactly go to Med School, if you know what I mean?
RAMIREZ
Well if I did, I would have been a friggin' Doctor and not your goddamn boss, now would I!? 
(to the Examiner)
Please, Doc, continue! Pay no attention to the mouthy broad. She just hasn't "had any", in awhile, if you know what I mean!
EXAMINER
Ooohkaaay then! Yes, his neck is broken. But technically, he started dying before that.
Silence as they exchange puzzled glances.
EXAMINER
Multiple lacerations on his major veins and arteries--
JULIE
Internal hemorrhage?
EXAMINER
Bingo! Internal hemorrhage. Except in this case, it's pretty extreme. His blood vessels, internal organs, just... well, burst.
RAMIREZ
I'll be damned...
EXAMINER
Never seen anything quite like it.  It's normal for some blood vessels to rupture when subjected to large amounts of pressure or stress... But the ones on the rest of his body are what I don't get...
He points to the bruises on the corpses inner thighs. There are fresh stitches running across them.
EXAMINER
...His femoral arteries show no signs of external trauma at all.
Ramirez jabs his finger on the stitches firmly, cigarette in hand. The filter touches the corpse's flesh.
EXAMINER (O.S.)
Same goes for his aorta. Something just made them "pop".
Olden looks down at the corpses face.
JULIE (O.S.)
But what?
The face Olden sees isn't that of Joe Phish. Instead he sees the face of the kid he shot in the gut 5 years ago! His eyes, still wide and innocent. The bullet wound, still fresh on his forehead.
EXAMINER (O.S.)
Wish I knew... I wish I knew...
Olden looks away, trying to fight it. Trying not to see what he just saw.
AMY'S VOICE (O.S.)
(whispering)
Jack...
Olden looks back down at the corpse. The face has changed once again. 
He now sees Amy's naked corpse. Her eyes are closed. Her face, peaceful. She still looks stunning despite the bullet hole on her forehead. 
Her eyes open and she looks right at Olden. Right into his guilt ridden eyes.
AMY
It wasn't your fault.
Olden blinks, and just like that, he finds himself staring at Joe Phish's face again. 
Olden storms out the door.
JULIE
Jack!? 
The door slams shut and Ramirez watches as Julie heads out after him.  
Ramirez puts the cigarette back in his mouth.
RAMIREZ
Well, at least you said it in English, Doc.
INT. CONVENIENT STORE -- NIGHT
The lights are out. The glass widows have all been shattered and the store is in shambles. The only light source comes from a flickering streetlight outside the store; a flickering heartbeat in tones of dark and light.
Daniel gets up off the ground, wild-eyed, breathing heavily. He's in a confused daze. Rubbing his head like he's got the world's worst headache. 
Through the smoke and darkness he sees Thug 1 sprawled on the ground. A halo of blood is splattered on the floor around his head. 
He sees the Asian Guy, half sitting against the wall behind the counter. Eyes opened wide in shock. His body, quivering and shaking as blood streams out from his nose, eyes and ears.
DANIEL
Why didn't you run?
Daniel rubs his head and winces in pain. 
DANIEL
I told you to run!?
The Asian Guy starts convulsing, violently. Arms and legs flailing and pounding on the vinyl floor.
Daniel starts digging into his hair as he grimaces in pain. 
DANIEL
Why didn't you run!?
Finally, the Asian Guy goes limp and Daniel catches his breath.
DANIEL
Why...? 
O.S. A painful moan.
Daniel looks towards the sound.
THUG 2 (O.S.)
Ah, fuck!...
And sees Thug 2 propped up against some busted shelves with his legs bent at painful angles and blood gurgling from his mouth.
THUG 2
Wh-what the fuck are you? 
Thug 2 pulls his ski mask off, exposing his bloody face. He sees his legs.
THUG 2
Oh God! Sh-shit! Shit!
The look in Daniel's eyes starts to change as he walks toward Thug 2.
THUG 2
Oh God, my fuckin' legs!
Daniel picks a wallet off the ground.
DANIEL
I told you not to do it.
THUG 2
F-fuck you! Fuck you, you freak!
Daniel's getting closer.
Thug 2 tries to reach for the 12-guage that's on the ground beside him. His face is filled with unrelenting fear.
INT. MORGUE/HALLWAY -- NIGHT
Olden's in the hallway, trying to clear his head. He leans against the wall and looks up at the clock. It's 2:45.
AMY'S VOICE (O.S.)
(whispering)
Find the boy... find the truth...
Olden pulls the hip flask out of his coat pocket.
JULIE (O.S.)
Jack!?
He looks up and sees Julie walking towards him. He stuffs the flask away.
JULIE
What's wrong?
OLDEN
Nothing.
JULIE
Bullshit, nothing! You look like you just saw a ghost?
OLDEN
Forget it. Just needed some air.
JULIE
You're a really bad liar, you know that, Jack?
OLDEN
Don't push it Julie. Now's not the time.
JULIE
Look, if there's anything you want to talk about, anything at all--
He looks at her for a moment, then shakes his head. 
JULIE
(changing the subject)
It just all seems so strange, you know?
OLDEN
What the fuck is so strange about needing some time alone!?
JULIE
Not you! I meant the murder, or, whatever you want to call it...
OLDEN
Yeah, no shit. And?
JULIE
It almost seems supernatural.
OLDEN
Oh come on Julie, not again. You don't still believe in that horse shit do you!?
JULIE
What else could it be, Jack? You saw the body. You saw what happened to Marx!? The monitors? The lights?
OLDEN
Oh, come on! We've been partners long enough for you to know that I don't believe in supernatural bullshit. 
JULIE
Well what the hell do you believe in Jack!? There's obviously got to be something judging by that cross you always wear around your neck?
OLDEN
I was told it's from my mother...

JULIE
Sorry, I didn't mean to--
OLDEN
Don't worry about it.
He clenches his fist. 
OLDEN
Never knew her anyway.
She looks down at the ground, embarrassed.
JULIE
Guess I'll leave you alone now.
She turns to walk away. 
OLDEN
When I was a kid...
She stops. 
OLDEN
... all I ever wanted to be was a cop.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING/HALLWAY – NIGHT (flashback)
Officer Olden walks towards an apartment door.
OLDEN (V.O.)
To help those that couldn't help themselves. 
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING/OFFICER OLDEN'S APARTMENT 
Officer Olden walks through the door.
OLDEN (V.O.)
You know? The whole "serve and protect" bullshit. The only problem is...
He strips off his shirt and body armor. The silver cross dangles over his white tank top.

OLDEN (V.O.)
I spent so much time trying to help everyone else...
MUFFLED NOISES are coming from inside the bedroom. He draws his gun and creeps towards the bedroom door. Checks the door knob. It's locked.  
OLDEN (V.O.)
I failed to save the ones that--
The MUFFLED NOISES get louder.
JULIE (V.O.)
Jack, you don't have to...
Olden kicks the door down and barges in, leveling his gun. What he sees stops him dead in his tracks: Amy and his 4 year old are bound and gagged at the foot of the bed.
He sees the the fear and terror in their eyes as they try to warn him. Amy's, heart-shaped pendant, glimmers in the darkness.
The last thing Olden sees is a man in a ski mask pointing a Berreta at him from across the room.
The man pulls the trigger. 
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
OLDEN (V.O.)
I should've died that night. The doc's said it was a damn, "miracle". I thought God was fucking with me... 
INT. MORGUE/HALLWAY – NIGHT (back to scene)
OLDEN
We never found out who it was. After awhile you just stop asking...Focused on my job, made detective. Al took me under his wing. And well, you know the rest...
She nods, noting the pain in his eyes. The pain he is trying so hard to hide. 
OLDEN
The man's a legend. He knows his shit. 
JULIE
So I've heard.
OLDEN
He got shot eight times. They said he wouldn't make it. Three weeks later he was back bustin' heads. "Bulletproof Ramirez", they called him. One bad motherfucker-- 
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
Let's go!
They look up and see Ramirez at the far end of the hall.
RAMIREZ
Homicide in Lakewood! 
EXT. A RUN-DOWN PARK -- NIGHT
Rain beats down on the rusty swing sets and jungle gym. 
INT. A RUN-DOWN PARK/RESTROOM 
The nastiest restroom you've ever seen.
Daniel washes his bloody hands in the sink. He looks at the dingy mirror and sees his blood splattered reflection. His eyes, filled with guilt and remorse.
He sticks his head under the faucet and tries to wash the blood away, running his hands over his face and hair. 
He looks back at the mirror and into his reflection. 
EXT. CEMETERY – DAY (flashback)
A 10-year-old Daniel stands in the rain, watching teary-eyed as his mother kneels and weeps over a casket.
PRIEST
...Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...
Daniel sees several deep scars on his mothers wrists.
An attractive lady, VANESSA, 20's, with a beauty mark over her lip, steps up beside Jessica. Her green eyes are filled with tears. 
She places her hand on his Mothers shoulder soothingly as she looks at Daniel with hate filled eyes.
Daniel quickly looks away.
INT. A RUN-DOWN PARK/RESTROOM – NIGHT (back to scene)
Daniel rubs the guilt from his eyes and dries his face with his shirt.
His face hardens as he looks in the mirror one last time.
He heads for the door.
EXT. CONVENIENT STORE -- NIGHT
The parking lot is blocked off by police tape and black and white's.  Their flashing lights bounce off the wet ashphalt in bursts of blue and red.
INT. CONVENIENT STORE 
The store is just as Daniel left it. The only difference is the portable lighting that's been installed to illuminate the crime scene.
Olden and Julie stand over the bodies of Thug 1 and the Asian Guy. Ramirez is in the background talking with a couple of Officers.
JULIE
Looks like a robbery gone wrong.
OLDEN
No shit...
Olden studies the bodies. The Asian Guys face is a haunted mixture of frozen agony and dried blood. His eyes wide, as if he'd seen the devil himself.
Thug 1's ski mask is caked on to his face. The whites of his eyeballs, visible through the eye slits of his mask.
OLDEN
Somethin's not right.
Olden crouches down next to Thug 1. He digs deep in his pocket and pulls out an old paper napkin. Julie hands him a pair of latex gloves and gives him a "look".
OLDEN
Thanks.
Olden puts the gloves on and pries the gun from Thug 1's stiff hand.
One of the OFFICERS sees what Olden's doing and walks toward him.
Olden checks the chamber. It's full.
OFFICER
Yup, not a single shot. We checked.  Hell, if you think that's odd, wait till you see the other guy.
The officer points to the far corner with his eyes.
OFFICER
Back there. By the shelves.
Olden and Julie slowly walk towards the shelves. Snacks and chips crunch under their feet with each step they take.
They see Thug 3, Half sitting, legs bent at painful angles with his head tilted all the way back and 12-guage crammed halfway down his throat.  Teeth missing, jaw dislocated by the shotgun's girth and throat stretched out.
Julie looks like she's about to hurl. 
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
It's a damn shame the sonovabitch is dead, Scott. 
Ramirez stands behind them.
RAMIREZ
You could have asked him for some pointers, seeing as how he got that thing all the way down his throat and all--
JULIE
I don't have to take this shit!
Julie's seen and heard enough. She storms out, clearly offended by the sexist comment.
RAMIREZ
(to Olden)
What!? Was it somethin' I said?
Olden shrugs.
RAMIREZ
Goddamn sensitive broads.
EXT. CONVENIENT STORE 
Julie stands outside, smoking a cigarette. Still upset over what went on inside.
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
Goddamn it, Scott! 
Ramirez walks right through the police tape that stretches over the shattered, glass wall.
RAMIREZ
You're rolling with the friggin' big boy's now, you know that!? Hey, if you can't handle a few tit n' ass jokes, if you aren't willing to be a team player, then I don't want you on my goddamn team!
Olden follows, stepping over the tape o another wall. 
RAMIREZ
This isn't "Sunday school" detective, so quit being so god damn sensitive. 
The fire in her eyes says she wants to fight it. To say something. To retort. But Ramirez's fire burns brighter.
RAMIREZ
Alright!? 

JULIE
Sorry - you're right, this isn't sunday school-- 
RAMIREZ
Shut the fuck up! Now, it's been a long friggin' night and we could all use some goddamn rest.
OLDEN
What about the case!?
RAMIREZ
What about it. I never said we were off the case. I just told you to go the fuck home. Spend some time with Tess. That is what you wanted isn't it? Let's let the boys at forensics do their job for now. 
(to Julie)
That goes for you to.
JULIE
But I'm still waiting for the print match!
RAMIREZ
You have a phone right!? Now get the hell out of here before I change my goddamn mind!
OLDEN
If you say so.
RAMIREZ
Damn right I say so!
LATER 
Olden and Julie walk towards their cars.
OLDEN
(awkwardly)
Don't mind Al. Sometimes he's just, well, you know... 

JULIE
Thanks, Jack. I guess I shouldn't be so "goddamn sensitive"... 
(hesitant)
Hey, you know... about us - I mean, about, what happened that night?
OLDEN
It shouldn't have happened, Jule's, and I'm sorry...
JULIE
Oh, yeah, sure--
OLDEN
It's just, you know, priorities...
JULIE
I know, I know, Tess is a great gal! I'm happy for you, Jack. Really...
OLDEN
There's someone out there for you, Jule's. Besides, I'm an asshole!
They laugh for a minute. 
They reach their cars in silence. Olden opens his door.
Julie looks back towards him and sees the "for sale" sign on his rear window.
JULIE
Getting a minivan!?
OLDEN
An SUV. Something with balls and some room for a car seat.
Olden gets in the car. 
JULIE
Hey, Jack!?
He looks up. 
JULIE
You believe in second chances?
OLDEN
There's no such thing, Jule's. Life isn’t that kind. 
He slams the door. 
OLDEN
Let me know when you hear anything.
She watches as he drives away, a look of longing in her eyes.
JULIE
(softly)
What is it, about the assholes? 
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
Don't get your hopes up Scott.
Ramirez walks up behind her.
RAMIREZ
The last thing you wanna do's get involved with a married man.
He puts a cigarette in his mouth. The wedding band on his hand glistens in the moonlight.
RAMIREZ
(smugly)
You'll only be setting yourself up for friggin' heartache.
Julie quickly gets in her car before he sees the pain in her eyes.
It starts to rain.
Ramirez light's his cigarette and smirks to himself as she speeds off. 
RAMIREZ
Goddamn sensitive broads...
EXT. BUS STOP -- NIGHT
Daniel is sitting at an empty bus stop trying to stay out of the driving rain. 
He's wearing the leather coat that was hanging behind the Asian Guy at the convenient store. He pulls it tightly as the cold, damp air sends a shiver up his spine.
A large, stray dog, stands underneath an over-hang across the street. It stares quietly at him.
Daniel reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cell phone.
The dog keeps staring, it's ears up and alert.
Daniel flips the phone open and clicks on the menu.
The dog growls.
Daniel scrolls through the list of phone numbers. Stops at the name, "Olden, Jack".
The dog barks.
Daniel looks up into the dogs eyes and it stops, lets out a yelp and cowers.
Daniel stuffs the phone away and stares out into the distant night.
VANESSA'S VOICE (O.S.)
You good for nothing little shit!
INT. VANESSA'S HOUSE – NIGHT (flashback)
A nice house with hip furniture and lots of scented candles.
Vanessa stands over a 13 year old Daniel. Her eyes, seething with hate as he clutches his bleeding hand.
DANIEL
He bit me! 
She slaps him across the face.  
VANESSA
Liar!
There is a dead dog in the corner of the room lying in its own shit and piss. 

VANESSA
You made him do it. I know how you are, you deceitful little shit. Your father knew that too! 
DANIEL
He's not my father!
She slaps him again.
A picture of Jason and Vanessa on the shelf.
VANESSA
He took you in, as if you were his own. You and that whore of a mother--
DANIEL
Don't say that! 
VANESSA
It's your fault he's gone. God knows how you drove him crazy. You drove your own mother crazy! 
DANIEL
Stop it
VANESSA
Why do you think she was sent away!? Why do you think she never called!? 'Cause she hates you! She know's it was you that took Jason away from us-- 
DANIEL
Liar! Don't talk about my mother like that!
The phone rings. Vanessa turns away and answers.
She walks over to the large, decorative candle sitting on top of the coffee table, phone in ear. 
Daniel stands there, fuming. Clenching his fists in anger. 
She snatches a book of matches.
Daniel starts breathing faster, deeper. He looks as though he's about to explode.
She lights the match and bends over the candle. Her face, just inches away as she brings the match closer to the wick.
Daniel's eyes grow intense.
KAY (O.S.)
Hey!?
EXT. BUS STOP – NIGHT (back to scene)
Daniel looks up at the face of a young girl, KAY, 16, sitting on the bench next to him. She's cute, in that self loathing, "punk-chick" sort of way. Blue hair, heavy eye-liner, the works. 
KAY
You got a light?
She holds up a clove. Daniel just stares at her, not knowing how to react. 
KAY
Helloooo? You're kind of creeping me out here!?
He pulls his matches, clumsily strikes one and offers it to her.
KAY
Thanks.
DANIEL
Sorry, didn't mean to creep you out. I thought I was alone.
KAY
Get that all the time. The stares I mean. Most people think I'm weird just coz' of the way I dress, the type of music I'm into, you know? People can be so fucking shallow.
DANIEL
I don't think you're weird. 
He looks at her spike-studded bracelet.
DANIEL
Uh, cool bracelet.
KAY
Thanks.
An awkward silence.
KAY
Hey, you want one?
DANIEL
Sure.
KAY
You ever smoked cloves before?
DANIEL
No.
KAY
They say, If you smoke too much of em, they'll make your lungs bleed. I think it's bull.
DANIEL
We all have to die someday.
KAY
Actually, we're already dying. You, me, everyone. Everyday that passes is one day closer to death.
DANIEL
That's one way to look at it, I guess. 
She lights a clove and hands it to him.
KAY
It starts from the day you're born. It's like; we're a bunch of walking zombies, wandering around, feeding on impulse, slowly rotting away, until we ultimately die...
They look into each others eyes and for a split second, there's a connection of sorts. An empathy between the socialy inept.
Daniel quickly looks away, embarrassed. He looks out at the over hang across the street where the large dog was standing but it isn't there.
She stuffs the pack of cloves in her ratty messenger bag and sadly looks away as well.
KAY
My name's Kay. You know? Like the letter, only, spelled out...
He looks back at her and smiles. 
INT. OLDEN'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
Olden walks through the door and flicks the light switch. His eyes are filled with exhaustion. 
He strips his coat, badge and gun - tosses them on the counter.
Something startles him. He looks down and sees a cat rubbing itself against his ankle. It purrs softly.
He pets it and scratches behind it's ears.
OLDEN
Stupid cat.
INT. OLDEN'S KITCHEN
Olden opens the fridge and chugs an open carton of milk. The cat purrs. 
OLDEN
Yeah, yeah, hold on.
Olden pours some milk into the cats dish, pets it again. 
OLDEN
Why couldn't you be a dog?
And walks away.

OLDEN
Stupid cat... 
INT. OLDEN'S BEDROOM
Olden walks towards the sleeping form of his pregnant wife. He looks down on her and smiles as he gently brushes the hair off her face with his dirty fingers.
She stirs.
TESS
(sleepily)
Jack...
She snuggles her face on his hand and smiles, eyes closed.
TESS
You're home baby... 
OLDEN
I'll always make it home.
TESS
You need a shower...
Tess drifts back into sleep and Olden walks away.
INT. MOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT
Dark and dreary. One of those, cheap, "budget" joints.
Ramirez sits in bed, reading the paper. A gold chain around his neck disappears into his white tank top. There is a smug look on his face. The look of a man who is very pleased with himself.
A naked woman sits on the edge of the bed facing away from him. Her back glows in the lamplight as she pulls the covers around her naked body.
INT. OLDEN'S SHOWER -- NIGHT
Olden stands in the steaming shower leans his head and arm against the wall. The silver cross, dangles from his neck. He watches the water as it swirls down the drain.
AMY'S VOICE (O.S.)
It wasn't your fault... 
INT. OFFICER OLDEN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT (flashback)
Officer Olden sees a man in a ski mask pointing a Berreta right at him from across the room. The man pulls the trigger.
INT. OLDEN'S SHOWER – NIGHT (back to scene)
Olden snaps back to reality and claws at his chest. He grips the cross and kisses it absently.
INT. MOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT
Ramirez reaches for a pack of smokes on his night stand and puts a cigarette in his mouth. His wedding band is gleaming off the lamp light.
RAMIREZ
Pass me a light will ya?
The woman pulls the sheets tighter around herself, as if to cover her shame. It's Julie. She's on the verge of tears.  Eyes full of guilt.
JULIE
I can't do this anymore Al. This game, it’s just...
Ramirez doesn't respond. He just flips through the paper, cigarette dangling from his mouth.
JULIE
I--we, have to stop...
He raises an eyebrow, amused.
RAMIREZ
You're a big girl Scott. You know where the goddamn door is.
She looks at him, wounded, her eyes full of hurt and betrayal. He might as well have slapped her.  
He puts the paper down and looks at her flatly.
RAMIREZ
Now shut the fuck up and pass me the goddamn lighter.
Julie’s had about all she can take. She slaps the cigarette and the smirk clear off his face. 
Ramirez grabs her wrist in a vice-like grip and glares at her triumphantly.
BOOM! She responds by breaking his nose with her free hand.
ramirez
Aw, Christ!
Ramirez shoves his bloody nose between his hands as he winces in pain.	
ramirez
Jesus...
She gets up and dawns her clothes with the fury of a whirlwind.
ramirez
It was a Goddamn joke!
The look in her eyes could burn right through him. She snatches the lighter, hurls it at his head and storms out the door.
ramirez
Scott! Scott! It was a friggin’...
Ramirez wipes the blood from off his lips and snaps his nose back in place.
ramirez
Jesus friggin’ Christ!
(mumbles)
Goddamn, sensitive broads...
 
INT. OLDEN'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Olden and Tess lie in bed, asleep. 
His brow wrinkles and his head jerks to the side.
INT. OFFICER OLDEN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT (the dream)
Officer Olden opens his panic-filled eyes and starts gasping for air. He looks down at the bloody bullet hole on his chest.  The silver cross dangles next to it, glimmering in the darkness.
He sees the lifeless bodies of his wife and daughter sprawled at the foot of the bed and desperately crawls towards them, M.O.S.
He reaches her but it's too late. Her eyes stare blankly at him. A bullet hole on her forehead; the necklace no longer around her neck. She's gone. He rips the duc-tape off her mouth and pulls her lifeless body into his trembling arms and sobs.
TESS' VOICE (O.S.)
Jack!?
INT. OLDEN'S BEDROOM – NIGHT (back to scene)
Olden opens his eyes and sees Tess lying beside him. 
TESS
You okay!? 
She wipes the sweat from his brow and the tears from his eyes.
OLDEN
It's nothin'!
TESS
Hey, if you want to talk about it--
OLDEN
I know, I know. I'm fine!
She doesn't buy it. There's a look of anger in his eyes, but it isn't meant for her.
OLDEN
Look, Tess, I want you to know that no matter what happens, I'll always make it home. 
TESS
Where, where the hell is this coming from?
He just looks away. 
TESS
Are you still getting your transfer!?
He senses the pain in her eyes and dares not look her way. 
The phone rings.
OLDEN
(answers)
Olden... I'll be right there.
Olden get's out of bed.
OLDEN
I'm sorry. 
She buries her face in her hands as he walks away. 
EXT. BUS STOP -- NIGHT
Daniel stands at the edge of the curb, looking expectantly down the street. Kay sits on the bench smoking another clove.
KAY
Where're you heading anyway?
Daniel sits back down.
DANIEL
Puyallup. 
KAY
Oh!? Me to!
DANIEL
Really?
KAY
No, not really. Don't really know where I'm going - at least not yet.  Anywhere's cool I guess, as long as it's far away from here... I ran away...
DANIEL
Why!? 
KAY
Just had to get the hell away, you know? Away from all the "drama", the fighting. Things would've been different if my mom was still around.... Sorry, you probably think I'm like, some pathetic psycho with waaay too much baggage!
DANIEL
No, not at all. It isn't your fault.
KAY
That's what I keep telling myself. I guess we're all just victims of karma... So, what's your "story"?
DANIEL
What do you mean?
KAY
You know? Your "story".
DANIEL
It's, it's sort of complicated.
KAY
And mine isn't!?
DANIEL
It's just hard to talk about--
Their conversation is interrupted by the squealing brakes of a bus as it stops in front of them.
They head for the door. 
KAY
Hey, when you're ready to talk, let me know.
Daniel nods and they get on the bus. The door folds shut and it pulls away.
Seconds later, a black Lexus LS, parked down the street, comes to life and heads off in their direction.
INT. POLICE STATION/ARCHIVES -- NIGHT
Olden walks into the dark archive room and sees Julie, sitting in front of a computer, going through Daniel's history and files.
Ramirez stands in a corner, talking on the phone. 
OLDEN
(to Julie)
What've ya got?
JULIE
Daniel Lodin, age 19. Biological father, unknown. Grandparents, unknown. His mother, Jessica Lodin was married to a Jason Smith. Smith died in a car crash when Daniel was 10.  His mother, who has a history of severe depression, was found "unfit" to raise her child.  At age 12, Daniel was placed in the custody of his step-fathers sister, Vanessa Smith, a single, small-time fashion model.  Two years later she suffered some "personal injuries", and he was sent to a foster home where we was to remain until he either got adopted or turned 18. Aaand that's pretty much it, in a nutshell.
OLDEN
So, where to start?
JULIE
Well, his mother was admitted to Lake View Estates, on the outskirts of Olympia.
OLDEN
The nuthouse!?
JULIE
Institution.
OLDEN
Whatever. Institution!

JULIE
Smith lives at 2525 7th Street, in Puyallup.
OLDEN
And the foster home?
RAMIREZ
(joins them)
That was them. Said he left, two days ago.
OLDEN
They just let him leave?
Olden stares curiously at Ramirez’ bandaged nose.
RAMIREZ
Shit, he's eighteen... What!?
OLDEN
Nothin, nothin!
ramirez
Oh, you got jokes!?
 JULIE
Wait, there's more...
Julie pulls up several scanned newspaper articles on the computer.  They lean in closer so their reflections can be seen on the monitor.
The headings are as follows: "Three Teens Die in Back-Alley. Local Sheriffs left baffled"; "Mysterious Death's Involving Teens"; "Boy Survives Gruesome Fate of Peers".
JULIE
These all date back six years ago.
OLDEN
Happened somewhere in Kent, right?
JULIE
A thirteen year old boy, Daniel Lodin, was found unconscious at the scene.  He was admitted to a local hospital and treated for shock and minor bruises... 
julie (cont’d)
Sheriffs Department refuses to comment"... No suspects have been identified"...
RAMIREZ
I'll be goddamned...
OLDEN
We should split up. 
RAMIREZ
Right, Scott...
She glares at him and he looks away.
ramirez
(awkwardly)
Take Lake View, Jack, take on Puyallup. You find anything, call me, understand?
OLDEN
You gonna come with? 
RAMIREZ
Nah, nah, let's just say I'll be having some "Chinese" for brunch!
olden
That’s a good look for you, Al!
ramirez
Shut the fuck-up!
EXT. STREET -- NIGHT
The black sky turns gray as the sun rises behind the Pacific, North-Western, gloom. The streets come alive with weekend traffic.
INT. BUS -- DAY
Daniel sits by the isle, Kay, by the window, leaning on each other, fast asleep.
A BURLY SOB, gets up and heads for the front of the bus. His large duffle bag hits Daniel on the side of the head.
Daniel and Kay look up, startled.
BURLY SOB
(turns his head)
You got a problem, asshole!?
The look in Daniel's eyes say's he does.
DANIEL
No.
BURLY SOB
S'what I thought!
KAY
Hey, fuck you, you fat fuck! Why don't you watch where you're fucking going!
BURLY SOB
Why don't you put a sock in it you freaky bitch!
(heads for the door)
It ain't Holloween!
KAY
Fuck you, you prick!
He flicks her off as he steps out the door.
KAY
(to Daniel)
God! What a jerk! Ugh, I hate people like that! I can't believe you just let it slide!? You don't have to take that kind of shit from anyone.
The bus starts moving.
KAY
God, how can that not piss you off!?
Daniel looks away. 
DANIEL
I had to let it go. Bad things happen when I--
KAY
When you what!?
DANIEL
--get mad--forget it, you wouldn't understand.
KAY
Do you like, go all "postal" or something?
DANIEL
Forget it.
Kay looks into his eyes and sees she shouldn't push it. She looks away.
KAY
(changing the subject)
So, you think your aunt might know where she is? What are you gonna do when you find her?
DANIEL
Haven't really thought about it.  It's been so long. I know she's out there, I can feel it. I just wanna see her one last time...
The bus picks up speed. 
KAY
What if she's, you know, dead?
Daniel looks away.
INT. LAKEVIEW ESTATES/LOBBY -- DAY
Looks more like a Bed & Breakfast than a "nuthouse".
Julie walks in and is greeted by NURSE, standing behind the reception desk.
NURSE
Good morning and welcome to Lakeview Estates. How may I help you?
Julie shows her badge.
JULIE
'Morning, ma'am. My name is Detective Scott and I need to speak with Miss Lodin. 
NURSE
Why yes, yes, of course Detective. I'll have her meet you in the visiting room--
JULIE
I need to see her in private.
EXT. VANESSA'S HOUSE/DOORWAY -- DAY
Olden walks up to the door of the fancy, suburban house. 2525 7th St. He hits the doorbell. Nothing. Hits it again. Still nothing. He starts POUNDING on the door.
The door opens and he's is greeted by an old, irate HOUSE KEEPER.
HOUSE KEEPER
May I help you!?
Olden flashes his badge
OLDEN
I need to speak to Vanessa Smith.
HOUSE KEEPER
Well, good morning to you too officer!
OLDEN
That's Detective lady, get it right.
HOUSE KEEPER
Well then, right this way, "detective".
OLDEN
Please, call me Jack.

INT. LAKEVIEW ESTATES/HALLWAY -- DAY
The nurse leads Julie through a dark and dreary hallway. 
JULIE
Quite a contrast.

NURSE
Sorry, this area hasn't been renovated yet.
They reach room 204 and the nurse knocks.
NURSE
Miss Lodin? There's someone here to see you.
The nurse pulls out a ring of keys and unlocks the door.
INT. ROOM 204 
The room is just as depressing as the hallway.
Jessica sits on her bed and stares out the window.
NURSE
Miss Lodin--
JESSICA
Daniel!?
Jessica Lodin turns around smiling, eyes, filled with expectation.  Her face quickly goes blank as she sees Julie standing behind the Nurse. Her eyes fill with a deep sadness.
NURSE
-- This is Detective Scott. She's come to talk to you about...?
The nurse throws Julie a nervous glance. 
JULIE
About your son, Daniel Lodin.
NURSE
I'll leave you two alone now.
The nurse walks out and shuts the door.
JESSICA
It's been so long, detective, I--
JULIE
Please, call me Julie.
JESSICA
I'm sorry, Julie.  I just miss him soo much. Do you know what it's like to be told that you can't see your son? 
JULIE
No I don't.
JESSICA
He's a good boy, a very good boy... It's just that sometimes, when he-- You said you've come to talk to me about Daniel? Is he okay!? Do you know where he is?
JULIE
Actually, I was hoping you could tell me.
EXT. BUS STATION -- DAY
Daniel and Kay walk off the bus and into the main terminal.
INT. BUS STATION/TERMINAL -- DAY
KAY
Where to now?
Daniel leads Kay past the ticket booths and into a corner.
DANIEL
Kay, there's something I have to take care of.
KAY
Sounds good, let's go!
DANIEL
No. I have to go alone. I won't be long, I promise.
KAY
What!? Well, what the hell am I supposed to do!? This is bullshit!
DANIEL
I won't be long. I just don't want you to get hurt.
KAY
God! I don't fucking believe you! I can fuckin’ take care of myself!  Like, what the hell, I thought we were "cool"!? This sucks Daniel! This really sucks...
DANIEL
Remember when I told that bad things happen when I get mad? Well they do.
KAY
You know what, forget it! Just forget it.
DANIEL
Sorry, it's just something I have to do.
Daniel starts to walk away.
KAY
Hey!
She hands him her spike-studded bracelet.
KAY
Take it. For luck.
DANIEL
Thanks. I’ll be back in an hour.
KAY
Whatever, just hurry up!
EXT. STREET -- DAY
A minivan is about to Parallel Park along the curb in front of a Chinese Restaurant, but as it pulls up, a large sedan wedges its way into the vans spot.
The DRIVER of the minivan rolls his window down and starts honking his horn.
DRIVER
Hey asshole!?
The door of the sedan opens and Ramirez steps out.
Ramirez looks at the driver with those stone cold eyes. The driver quickly knows his place.
DRIVER
(under his breath)
Fuck!
The minivan speeds off. Ramirez slams his door and heads for the Chinese Restaurant.
INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT 
The air is filled with the hustle and bustle of dim-sum waitresses and patrons eating their meals.
Ramirez walks into the door and all goes silent. Everyone looks up and exchange nervous glances.
Ramirez makes his way through the crowd and pushes one of the waiters aside. The waiter cowers, as he bows and steps back. He doesn't dare look into Ramirez' eyes.
One of the waitresses scurries to the back of the restaurant and into:
INT. PRIVATE ROOM 
Cheang and several of his goons are sitting at a table, eating and talking loudly, when suddenly:
The waitress storms in and whispers something into Cheang's "good" ear. A look of alarm crosses Cheang's face as Ramirez steps into the private room.
INT. BUS STATION/TERMINAL -- DAY
Kay sits in a corner of the empty terminal, tapping her foot on the ground, anxiously checking her watch.
She gets up and heads to a vending machine, stuffs some quarters in and makes her selection. Nothing happens.
KAY
Oh, come on!
She pounds the button. Still nothing.

KAY
Damn-it! Just give me my fucking soda!
She kicks the machine. An old couple stares at her and shake their heads as they walk bye.
KAY
If you have something to say, say it to my face you judgmental old fucks! 
The couple walk away, appalled as Kay flicks them off. 
A can of soda plops out of the vending machine.
KAY
'Bout fucking time. 
She's about to open the can when she sees someone walking towards her from across the terminal. A suspicious looking CHINESE GUY, 30's, dressed in black. He waives at her and smiles.
CHINESE GUY #1
Excuse me, miss!?
She sees another CHINESE GUY from the corner of her eye walking towards her from the other side of the terminal.
CHINESE GUY #1
I need to speak to your friend. It's important.
KAY
Why!?
She holds the can of soda behind her back and shakes it vigorously. The other Chinese guy's getting closer.
CHINESE GUY #1
I'm a friend of his mothers.
KAY
(suspiciously)
You're a friend of Adam's mother?

CHINESE GUY #1
Yes, a friend of the family. We go way back!
KAY
His name's Daniel!
She holds the can up to the guy's face and pulls the tab, sending soda gushing into his eyes as she kicks him in he nuts!
The Chinese Guy goes to his knees and yells something to his buddy who is already running after Kay.
Kay runs for it, pushing magazine stands over in an attempt to slow down her assailants. 
Chinese Guy #2 works his way around the toppled media stands with ease while Chinese Guy #1 struggles to keep up, clutching his junk with one hand and holding a cell phone to his ears with another.
Kay sees an "Emergency Exit" and runs for it.
EXT. BUS STATION/ALLEY 
Kay rushes through the exit door and right into a narrow, back-alley. She sees the street at the other end. The "light at the end of the tunnel". She runs with all she's got. She's almost there when:
A black Lexus LS pulls up, blocking her way.
KAY
Shit!
She turns around to run back from where she came but sees Chinese Guy #2 explode out through the exit door.
She's trapped. Before she has time to react, a third Chinese Guy, (who jumped out of the Lexus) cracks her in the back of the head. She goes limp and falls to the ground like a rag-doll. Her ratty messenger bag hits a puddle beside her.
The third Chinese Guy picks the dazed girl up and stuffs her in the back seat of the Lexus. 
Chinese Guy #2 grabs her bag off the ground and hands it to Chinese Guy #1. Chinese Guy #1 barks some orders to #2 and #3 as he looks at the bag and smirks.
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
INT. VANESSA'S HOUSE -- DAY
The atmosphere in this house is the complete opposite of what it once was. Even in the daytime this place looks like a tomb. 
HOUSE KEEPER
(whispering)
Miss Vanessa isn't well. Hasn't been since the accident.
She leads Olden through the foyer and to the entrance of the living room.
They see Vanessa sitting in a large, leather chair, facing the curtain covered sliding door, still as corpse. 
She sits in such a way that only her profile faces the direction of Olden and the house keeper. Dark glasses over her eyes and dog lying quietly at her feet. 
VANESSA
(without turning her head)
Take the rest of the day off.
HOUSE KEEPER
(hesitant)
If you insist.
The house keeper glances at Olden and he sees the anxiety in her eyes as she leaves.
VANESSA
And you are!?

OLDEN
Detective Olden, Jack Olden.
VANESSA
Why are you here Detective?
Olden pulls Daniel's Mug Shots from his coat pocket. Holds them out for her to see.
OLDEN
Look lady I'll make this quick. I need to ask you about your--
Olden catches himself, noting her dark glasses, and walks closer.
VANESSA
I am not completely blind detective!
As Olden reaches Vanessa's chair, she turns to face him. 
The other half of her face emerges from the shadows. A scarred mass of burnt flesh that isn't even close to anything that resembles a face. The beauty mark's gone and patches of hair are missing from that side of her head.
The dog's ears perk up. It senses something and looks up at the sliding door.
Vanessa takes the mug shot's from Olden.
OLDEN
We need to know where he is. 
Her brow tightens as she looks at Daniel's mug shots.
OLDEN
Look, you're the only other lead we have aside from his mother so if you know anything, anything at all...
The dog growls at the sliding door.
OLDEN
Your cooperation will be deeply appreciated--
She rips the photos in half.
VANESSA
He did this to me! 
The dog bares its teeth.
OLDEN
What!? How--
VANESSA
He's a devil!
Olden doesn’t buy it.
VANESSA
Pure evil and hate! 
OLDEN
Look, I'm sorry about your face, all right-- 
VANESSA
(doesn't hear him)
This was my life! Look at me!
The dog starts barking like crazy.
OLDEN
Ma'am, please!
VANESSA
No! Fuck you! Fuck you and fuck him! I don't want anything to do with this!
OLDEN
Four people are already dead! We need to find him before more people get hurt! The kid's dangerous!
VANESSA
She throws the photos at Olden
VANESSA
Don't you think I know that! After what he's done to me!
The dog lets out a loud yelp.
Vanessa pauses to clear her throat.
VANESSA
Don't you think I
(coughs)
know what that son of bitch is like? 
The dog starts to shrivel back and cower.
OLDEN
Miss Smith, please, I believe we can still help him--
VANESSA
I hope he--
(cough, cough)
burns in hell for what he did to me!
Blood starts streaming down hers nose and she starts coughing, uncontrollably.
The dog dashes out of the living room with its tail between its legs. 
Olden looks at the sliding door, walks up to it and yanks the curtain aside. 
Light floods into the room, blinding him for a second. His eyes adjust and he sees Daniel, standing in the back yard, about twenty feet away. 
Their eyes meet and Daniel is scarred.
Vanessa starts coughing up blood.
Daniel runs for the fence.
Olden tries to open the sliding door. It's locked.
OLDEN
Shit!
He steps back, grabs a chair and sends it flying through the glass as he smashes through what's left.
Vanessa slumps over, dead. Her dark glasses fall to the floor.
EXT. VANESSA'S BACKYARD 
Olden bolts across the back yard and jumps over the fence and lands into:
EXT. HOUSE 2/BACK YARD 
Olden hits the ground ad sees Daniel clearing the gate on the side of the house. Olden follows, dodging the lawn furniture in his way.
OLDEN
Shitshitshit!
EXT. STREET 
Daniel runs across the street and right through suburban traffic. Olden tries to keep up as several cars hit their brakes and honk at him.
DRIVERS
Watch it ass hole!
You crazy fuck!
Olden could care less.
Daniel reaches the front lawn of a third house and jumps the side fence.
EXT. HOUSE 3 
Daniel lands, inches away from two angry Rotweilers. They bark at him, all teeth and drool, pulling their chains to the limit. One almost gets a nip at him as he heads for the back yards dividing wall.
Olden hits the ground and is greeted by the two angry Rot's. One sinks its teeth into his arm.
OLDEN
Fuck!
Olden slugs it on the head and it lets go. He clutches his bloody fore-arm as he heads for the wall.

EXT. HOUSE 4
Olden lands in the middle of a "back-yard barbecue". The residents are still flustered by the first person that jumped the wall and rushed through them.
OLDEN
Police! Move!
Olden heads for the open patio door and into:
INT. HOUSE 4 
Olden plows through some more disgruntled tenants, ignoring their angry protests.
OLDEN
Move! Move! Move!
He runs through the living room and out through the open front door.
EXT. HOUSE 4/FRONT LAWN 
Olden runs across the lawn and into a busy four-lane street. He looks around but all he sees is traffic speeding in all directions.
OLDEN
Fuck! 
Olden stands at the curb, clutching his bleeding arm and catching his breath. He sees a parking lot across the street and spots and old, crappy, Buick. 
INT. BUICK 
Daniel frantically tries to hot-wire the car.  
DANIEL
Come on! Come on!
A large foot smashes through the window and knocks Daniel on the side of the head.
OLDEN (O.S.)
Heads-up, asshole!

EXT. PARKING LOT
In one fluid motion, Olden rips him out through the window and slams him face first on the ground.
OLDEN
End of the line, kid!
Olden pins him down. 
Daniel looks over his shoulder and sees the silver cross around Olden's neck. 
DANIEL
You gotta' help me!
OLDEN
That's why I'm taking you in.
DANIEL
You don't understand!  You've helped me before! Please, I just want to see her-- 
Olden reaches for his cuffs.
OLDEN
Save it for the shrink, kid!
DANIEL
Please!
Daniel's eyes grow intense. 
DANIEL
I need see her one last time! 
He spins around, and with an un-natural strength, hurls Olden towards the side of the crappy Buick! Its windows shatter and its side to caves-in and Olden smacks the ground like a rag doll.
Daniel runs blindly towards the busy intersection. Cars crash into each other, honking and skidding, trying to avoid him.
A semi carrying a rig of fuel heads right for Daniel. The driver honks his horn and slams on his brakes, but it's too late. Daniel braces himself as the hulking behemoth comes crashing towards him.
A bus pulls up in front of Daniel and the semi, blocking the impact from view.
The tail end of the rig jumps a few feet into the air as the semi explodes, taking several vehicles with it. The SHOCKWAVE blows the windows off the bus and everything around it.  
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
EXT. PARKING LOT -- LATER
Olden opens his eyes and he slowly, painfully, picks himself up off the ground, clutching his ribs in pain.
He snatches his magnum up from a puddle and hobbles towards the intersection. He sees the flaming aftermath of the explosion.
The sound of sirens fill the air as the rain thunders down.
Olden eyes fill with dejection.
AMY'S VOICE (O.S.)
Find the boy, Jack... Find the truth... 
OLDEN (V.O.)
What the hell's goin' on, kid!? 
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
RAMIREZ' VOICE (O.S.)
Well, well, well!
INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT/PRIVATE ROOM -- DAY
Ramirez stands in front of Cheang and six of his goons. His voice is filled with a mocking, over-exaggerated, friendly, bravado.
RAMIREZ
Goddamn, you boys look like shit!  Ugly son's of bitches! So, how've you been Cheang!? Still hanging on to Tony's cock, as usual?
CHEANG
Fuck you Ramirez.
RAMIREZ
Now, now, is that any way to greet an old friend? You're hurting my feelings Cheang! Hurting my goddamn feelings.
Ramirez grabs one of the goons by the back of his coat collar and yanks him out of his chair.
RAMIREZ
Thanks.
The other goons stand up; but not Cheang, he sits where he's at, trying his best to remain cool. Trying his best not to loose face.
RAMIREZ
Don't mind if I join you, do you?
Ramirez plops down and the goon shrivels back into the corner. The others exchange worried glances and avoid looking at Ramirez. They obviously fear him. Obviously don't want to piss him off.
RAMIREZ
Well goddamn! That's what I'm friggin' talkin' about!
Ramirez grabs the large bowl of kimchi sitting at the center of the table.
RAMIREZ
Kimchi, at a Chinese restaurant!? You surprize me Cheang! You goddam, suprize me! Didn't know your Chinky-ass liked Korean.
Ramirez picks up a set of chopsticks and starts shoveling Kimchi in his mouth.
RAMIREZ
Jesus Christ, this is a lot of friggin' kimchi! It's supposed to be a goddamn side-dish Cheang! A goddamn side-dish!
 Cheang makes a pathetic attempt to show some balls.
CHEANG
I hate it! It stinks! It's only here because Lee's part Korean.
Lee,(the goon Ramirez pulled out of his chair), looks at the ground.
CHEANG
I hate it! It smells! 
RAMIREZ
Whoah, now, now, Cheang! If it's one thing Koreans know a lot about, it's  the goddamn food! Electronics?  Ehh, maybe. But you "Chinks" got that shit covered with your friggin', "slave-labor" bitches and all. Cars!? Forget it!  Pieces of shit you couldn't sell to a faggot even if you threw in a free sack of rubber dicks!
Ramirez lets out a boisterous laugh and pounds his fist on the table several times. 
RAMIREZ
But their food!? God damn, now that, that, is friggin' magic my friend! Motherfuckin' magic!
CHEANG
Enough! Enough bullshit Ramirez! What the fuck do you want!?
Cheang looks as though he means business but Ramirez just laughs. 
RAMIREZ
Oh, Cheang, what a bad-ass you've become! 
ramirez
Lookee here? Bad-ass Cheang!  You surprise me Cheang! You goddamn surprise me.
Ramirez puts his chopsticks down. 
RAMIREZ
You wanna know what I want? 
Wipes his mouth and looks right into Cheangs eyes. The tone of his voice could cut steel.
RAMIREZ
Where's the kid?
Suddenly, Cheang looks uneasy. 
CHEANG
What are you talking about!?
RAMIREZ
Don't make me ask you again, Cheang.  You know who I'm friggin' talking about. The kid. The goddamn kid. I know how Chen works. I know the rules.
Cheang fidgets in his seat. Ramirez just grills him with those eyes of his. 
CHEANG
You, you don't understand! He'll kill me! 
RAMIREZ
(leans in closer)
That's nothing compared to what I'll do to you.
CHEANG
Please! I have a family! M-Master Chen will take it out on my family!
RAMIREZ
I told you not to make me ask you again.
Ramirez pop's Cheang in the nose. Cheang's head snaps back as blood gushes over his lips. 
The other goons just stand there, helplessly watching as Cheang winces in pain.
RAMIREZ
Ready to talk? 
Cheang looks down at his plate and cringes. He knows what's coming.  Ramirez pop's him again, this time harder, splitting Cheangs lips open. 
CHEANG
(crying)
P-please... I have a daughter...
Ramirez gets up, grabs a hand full of kimchi and smothers it into Cheang's face, holding Cheang's head between his left hand and right forearm. Cheang screams as the red, spicy, juices seep into his eyes.
RAMIREZ
Don't make this any harder than it already is, Cheang!
Cheang keeps screaming as Ramirez tightens his grip.
RAMIREZ
Stings, doesn't it!? I can do this just as long as you can, goddamn it! Now where's the kid!
Cheang tries to break free but it's no use. Finally he clamps his mouth shut and he starts to twitch and squirm as blood gushes out between his lips.
RAMIREZ
Whadda you know Cheang!?
Cheang swallows and starts to choke. Ramirez just tightens his grip.
RAMIREZ
Tell me goddamn it! 
Cheang stops squirming and goes limp.
RAMIREZ
Jesus Christ...
Ramirez let's go and Cheang falls into his plate, face first, dead.

RAMIREZ
Goddamn it Cheang! You goddamn pussy.
Ramirez lifts Cheangs head off his plate. Yup, he's dead.
RAMIREZ
Swallowed your own friggin' tongue fer' Christ sakes.
Ramirez wipes his hands on Cheang's coat.
RAMIREZ
Goddamn shame...
The goons are taken aback. 
One of them grabs Ramirez' shoulder. Bad move. Ramirez twists the goons hand in a painful lock and snaps his wrist. Before the goon can finish screaming, Ramirez kicks his teeth in and he drops.
Another goon pulls out a switchblade and stabs Ramirez in the shoulder. Ramirez doesn't even flinch. Before the goon can pull the knife back out, Ramirez breaks his elbow and snaps his neck all the way around. It happens so fast it almost seems unreal. 
Ramirez pulls the blade out of his shoulder and jams it into the throat of the goon coming up behind him. The goon falls to his knees, gasping.  Ramirez snaps his neck, putting him out of his misery.
Ramirez turns around and casually heads for the door. As he  puts a cigarette in his mouth, another goon steps in his way. Fire in his eyes.
RAMIREZ
You hungry!? Eat a dick!
Ramirez knocks him the fuck out. Only two goons left. Ramirez dares them with his eyes. One of them shoves his hand in his coat but the other one gives him a worried look and he stops. Ramirez heads for the door. 
RAMIREZ
Goddamn pussies.
Lights his cigarette and walks out. 
INT. BUS STATION/TERMINAL -- DAY
Daniel runs to the spot where he last left Kay. He looks around and scans the corners but she isn't there.
DANIEL
Kay!?
Not a soul in sight. Then he sees Kay's ratty messenger bag, sitting on top of a bench. A note sticks out of it's front pocket. 
He snatches the note. The numbers "253-468-5131" and the words "use the payphone" are written on it. He sees the payphone next to the bench.
Daniel puts the phone to his ear and dials. His eyes full of worry and anticipation.
It rings once, twice, a third time, then:
VOICE
(over the phone)
If you want to see your little friend again, you need to listen, and you need to listen good! 
INT. VANESSA'S HOUSE -- DAY
The living room has turned into a bustling crime scene.
Olden sits on a stool with his shirt off. His forearm’s wrapped up and an old MEDIC, 70's, tends to his ribs. 
MEDIC
I must say, you took quite the beating! Looks like you'll be out of commission for a while son.
Paramedics wheel a gurney out of the room.
OLDEN
I've had worse.
MEDIC
Oh, and I'm sure you have. I was just a like you once. Young and cocky, ready to take on the world! "Balls of steel", I called it!
OLDEN
You a cop?
MEDIC
Nope. Marine Corp, 183rd! Loved the Corp! Loved every damn minute of it. Everyday I put that uniform on, looked in the mirror and said to myself, "Doesn't get any better than this!" 
OLDEN
And?
MEDIC
Met a gal', fell "in love". Had some kids. Pretty soon you wake up and start asking yourself if it's still all worth it. Then one day, a field exercise, live rounds. BOOM!  Wrong place at the wrong time. Almost didn't make it. I lay in that hospital bed and all I could think about was my wife and my kids. Shiiiit, it isn’t often that life gives you a second chance, if you know what I mean?
Olden looks at the medic as though he's weighing the old mans words. 
MEDIC
I wasn't about to piss that chance away, No sir!  Life might not be so kind next time around. 
But Olden decides to fight it and look away. 
MEDIC
So, here I am...
The medic glances at Olden's wedding band.
MEDIC
Any kids?
OLDEN
One on the way.
MEDIC
Ah, the first one, huh? Yup, that one's always special!
Olden glares at him. The old man sees the pain in Olden's eyes and realizes he's opened an old wound.
MEDIC
So-- 
OLDEN
You believe in second chances Doc?
MEDIC
Sorry' bout yer loss son--
OLDEN
It don't bring people back.
The medic continues in silence. 
Olden's phone rings and he answers.
OLDEN
Olden.
Silence on the other end.
OLDEN
Who the fuck is this!?
DANIEL'S VOICE
(over the phone)
You gotta help me! 
Olden's all ears. After a few second he hangs up and starts to walk away.
MEDIC
Now wait a minute son! Let's finish patching you up.
Olden dons his shirt and coat and heads for the door.
INT. CAB -- DAY
Daniel sits in the back of the cab as the freeway speeds by outside the rain splattered window.  The CABBIE eye's him from the rearview.
CABBIE
Place is closed you know? Ain't been open in about two years since the fire.
Daniel stares out the window. 
CABBIE
Suit yerself...
INT. LAKEVIEW ESTATES/ROOM 204 -- DAY
Julie walks up and stands next to Jessica, who's staring blankly out the window.
JULIE
This might be hard for you to hear, but you need to know that he's directly involved with several deaths. 
JESSICA
But he would never--
JULIE
I wish I could tell you otherwise.  It isn't too late. Yet-- 
JESSICA
He's not a bad person.
JULIE
I believe you.

JESSICA
It's just that sometimes, when he-- Do you have any children, detective?
Julie looks away. 
JULIE
I, I almost had, almost did but... It, it wouldn’t have been, professional...
JESSICA
I'm sorry... 
Julie's cell phone beeps and she answers.
JULIE
(to phone)
This is Scott.
OLDEN'S VOICE
(over the phone)
Julie, its Jack.
INT. OLDEN'S STINGRAY -- DAY
Olden drives with his phone to his ear. 
OLDEN
Listen, I know where he is...
INT. LAKEVIEW ESTATES/ROOM 204 -- DAY
JULIE
Jack? Where the hell are you?... What do you mean he told you to-- Had her? Her who!?...  But what if Chen—Jack, wait! Jack!? Damn it!
Julie pockets her phone in frustration. 
JESSICA
Was that about?--
JULIE
Do you know the Tacoma Museum?
JESSICA
I used to take him there when he was little--
JULIE
Do you know it well!?
JESSICA
Why yes I--
JULIE
Good, let's go. 
JESSICA
But I don't think they'll let me leave.
JULIE
I'll take care of it.
EXT. TACOMA STREETS -- DAY
The cab drives down a rainy hill, towards a large, three story building. 
Its blackened exterior is enshrouded with scaffolding and a web of wood and metal wrapped around its flame licked walls.  Its windows boarded up haphazardly with pieces of rotten wood.
The cab barely stops when Daniel jumps out of the door.
CABBIE
Hey! You gonna pay fer' this!? 
Daniel sprints up the steep steps and heads for the large double doors underneath the half burnt sign that reads: "Tacoma Museum". A banner hangs under the sign with the words "CLOSED FOR RENOVATION".
EXT. CHINESE RESTAURANT -- DAY
Ramirez walks out of the Chinese Restaurant and onto the rainy side walk. He pulls out his phone, hits the speed dial and puts it against his ear.
JULIE'S VOICE
(over the phone)
This is Scott.
RAMIREZ
So what have you got Scott?
JULIE
Al, it's Jack-- 
EXT./INT. OLDENS STINGRAY -- DAY
Olden's Stingray weaves in and out of traffic. The cars in front of him begin to slow down. 

OLDEN
Shit! Come on! Come on!
His phone rings and he answers.
OLDEN
Olde--
RAMIREZ' VOICE
(over the phone)
Goddamn it Jack, what the hell are you doing! You were supposed to contact me as soon as you got the info about the kid! That museum is Chen's territory! Do not proceed without back up, you hear me detective!? Do not proceed without--
Olden hangs up and tosses the phone behind his seat.
EXT. CHINESE RESTAURANT -- DAY
RAMIREZ
(to his phone)
Jack!? Jack!? Goddamn it!
He hangs-up and punches another set of numbers.
OPERATOR'S VOICE
(over the phone)
Tacoma Police Department. How may I direct your call?
RAMIREZ
This is Captain Ramirez, Seattle P.D. I need to speak to Lieutenant Jones, of SWAT. He knows who I am. Now goddamn it!  
OPERATORS VOICE
Yes sir, I'll transfer you right away.
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/MAIN HALLWAY -- DAY
Daniel runs down the dark tunnel that is the main hallway. An empty cavern of scorched brick and shadows. He sees a large archway at the end with curved grand staircases on each end that disappear into the darkness above.
Daniel runs through the archway and into:
INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER 
A large, copious space supported by massive, concrete pillars.  A skylight spans the width of the room's tall ceiling sending a dim light filtering through over the numerous half open crates and the scaffolding on the room below.  
Daniel walks cautiously into the room and he sees a massive statue at the far end of the chamber. A colossal, partially finished, Buddha wrapped in a net of scaffolding. It sits atop a giant, stone platform and is almost a tall as the room itself. A giant sentinel of metal, stone and wood.
Daniel walks closer and his footsteps echo in the half-lit darkness. 
MASTER CHEN (O.S.)
So I see you have made it young Daniel.
He sees the old man, Tony Chen, standing at the foot of the giant monolith. A large, wooven basket at his side.
MASTER CHEN
You! The one who has caused me so much pain!
DANIEL
Where's Kay!? 
MASTER CHEN
Silence! Do you realize the pain I have had to endure!?
Chen's goons step out from the shadows. A dozen armed men in black suits and guns. 
MASTER CHEN
For that I will make you suffer a thousand times more! You will pray for a quick death as a means to free yourself from the pain I am about to inflict on you!
DANIEL
Where the hell is she!?
Chens shadow stretches across the Buddha behind him.
MASTER CHEN
An eye for an eye. A lover for a lover.
Chen reaches into the basket and pulls out a severed head with blue hair. 
MASTER CHEN
Trust me young Daniel. Your fate will be a thousand times worse. You will feel the wrath of a demon! 
Chen bursts out into a diabolical laugh as his shadow quickly takes on a life of its own , turning into a demonic form.
Daniel eye's fill with anger and hell fire.
DANIEL
Noooooooooo!
INT. TACOMA POLICE DEPARTMENT/BREAK ROOM -- DAY
A small group of cops lounge around swapping jokes while sipping coffee.
A militant looking man, JONES, 40, storms trough door.
JONES
Lock and load people lets go!
The cops look up from where they're sitting.
JONES
Did I stutter!? Move! Move! Move!
They nearly fall out of their seats as they jump up and rush out the room without thinking twice.
EXT. FREEWAY -- DAY
Ramirez' sedan barrels down the rainy freeway, siren blaring.  Cars move out of his way as he cuts through the rain like a knife through butter.
INT. OLDEN'S STINGRAY -- DAY
Olden looks up at his visor and sees the photo of his pregnant wife. He looks into her eyes for a second.
OLDEN
Just gotta set things right Tess. 
He flips it over.
EXT. TACOMA EXIT -- DAY
Olden's Stingray speeds off on the Tacoma exit.
INT. TACOMA POLICE DEPARTMENT/ARMORY -- DAY
The SWAT team dons their tac-gear - vests, helmets, MP-5's, the works.
JONES
All right ladies! Let's gear up and go! 
Jones hands each member a copy of Daniel's mug shot as they run out the door.
INT. GARAGE
The team rushes out the door and pile into their urban assault vehicles as Jones ushers them in.
JONES
Go! Go! Go!
Jones slams the door of the lead vehicle and jumps in the passenger side.
They burn rubber and rush out onto the street.
EXT. TACOMA STREETS -- DAY
Olden's Stingray jumps the hill and comes barreling down the rain-slicked road. He hits a rock, tire blows and he looses control and smashes into a lamp post.
He stumbles out, rattled.
OLDEN
Shit!
He sees the banged-up rear-end and the bent axle.
OLDEN
So much for re-sale.
He looks down the street and sees the museum.
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/MAIN HALLWAY 
The large door creeks open, sending a blade of light cutting across the darkness of the main hallway. Olden creeps in, draws his magnum and lets his eyes adjust to the darkness. 
EXT. FREEWAY -- DAY
Julie's car passes a sign that reads: "Tacoma, 15 miles."
INT. JULIE'S CAR -- DAY
Julie is on the phone. It rings on the other end but no one answers.
JULIE
Damn it.
She hangs up and Jessica looks at her anxiously.
JULIE
We're almost there.
EXT. FREEWAY -- DAY
Ramirez' sedan passes a sign that reads: "Tacoma, next 3 exits."
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/CENTRAL CHAMBER -- DAY
Olden emerges from under the archway and sees the shattered crates with their contents spread all over the floor: Ancient weapons, statues and artifacts.
He makes his way through the rubble and over the mangled bodies of Chinese goons. 
OLDEN
Jesus...
Pigeons crow up on the scaffolding. 
Olden closes in on the giant statue and sees Daniel, hunched over, sitting at the foot of the great Buddha. Daniel clutches something in his lap: The head of a dear friend. 
The exploded torso of what was once Jason Chen, lies next to him.
OLDEN
End of the line, kid!
Daniel doesn't look up. He just sits there, gazing into oblivion. 
DANIEL
She was the only one that didn't think I was a freak...
(to the head)
I got 'em, Kay! I got 'em good!
Olden level's his gun but his eyes look unsure.
OLDEN
It doesn't have to be like this.
EXT. TACOMA STREETS -- DAY
A convoy of SWAT vehicles makes it's way down the streets of downtown Tacoma.
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/CENTRAL CHAMBER -- DAY
OLDEN
It isn't too late!
Daniel starts laughing. He looks up: something in his eyes says he's lost it.  
OLDEN
We can still get you some help!
DANIEL
You could've ended this, Jack. 
OLDEN
I don't know what you're talking about! But I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to get you some help.
EXT. TACOMA EXIT -- DAY
Ramirez' sedan wails onto the Tacoma exit.
INT. LEAD SWAT VEHICLE -- DAY
Jones looks ahead, steadfast.
JONES
(over his shoulder)
Lock and load people! Lock and load!
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/CENTRAL CHAMBER -- DAY
Daniel puts the head down and gets on his feet.
DANIEL
I just wanna--
A look of pain crosses his face and he stops. 
DANIEL
I just wanna see her--
Daniel struggles against the pain in his head.
DANIEL
We're running out of time!
He claws into his hair as his eyes grow intense and he cries out in pain. 
DANIEL
Make it stop! End it! It's the only way!
EXT. TACOMA STREETS -- DAY
Ramirez' sedan clears the hill and skids to a stop in front of the Tacoma Museum. 
The SWAT storm in as he steps out of his car.
EXT./INT. JULIE'S CAR -- DAY
Julie gets on the Tacoma exit.

JULIE
Come on Jack. Please be okay.
EXT. TACOMA MUSEUM -- DAY
The SWAT team spills out of their vehicles and set up a perimeter.
Ramirez pops his trunk and grabs a mean looking sawn-off, shotgun and stuffs it with shells and slams the trunk.
JONES
(walks towards Ramirez)
We've secured the perimeter, captain. 
(shakes his hand)
I must say it's an honor to be working with the legendary Al Ramirez.
Jones sees the bloodstain on Ramirez' chest.
JONES
So they say you can't be killed?
RAMIREZ
Don't believe everything you hear, Jones. It's hot sauce.
Jones holds up a bullet-proof vest for Ramirez.
JONES
You can give my men orders from out here.
 Ramirez just walks away, shotgun on his shoulder.
RAMIREZ
Lieutenant, tell your boys to stay sharp! There's no tellin' how many of Chen's men are in there.
JONES
You goin' in!?
RAMIREZ
Goddamn right I am.
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/CENTRAL CHAMBER 
OLDEN
Look kid, I don't know how, but I can help you--
DANIEL
(screaming in pain)
Then make it stop! I can't take it anymore!
Daniel crashes to his knees and pounds his fists on the ground. The concrete beneath him shatters as several waves of energy burst out in different directions.
It happens so fast. Olden gets caught in the waves and is hurled through a large crate. He hits it so hard that it literally explodes.
EXT. TACOMA MUSEUM 
Julies car rushes down the hill and stops behind Ramirez' sedan.
INT. JULIE'S CAR 
JULIE
(to Jessica)
Whatever happens, stay here! 
Jessica nods. Julie pulls out her Beretta.
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/CENTRAL CHAMBER 
The dust settles and Olden struggles to pick himself up. Daniel just kneels there with his head in his hands, shaking from exhaustion. 
DANIEL
Please, Jack, just make it stop... I'm so tired... I just wanted to see her one last time...
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/MAIN HALLWAY 
SWAT crashes through the main door. The flashlights mounted on top of their guns cut through the darkness of the main hallway as Ramirez takes the lead.
RAMIREZ
Keep a look out for detective Olden.  Use flash-bangs if you have to, but no tear gas! Other than that, shoot to kill!
INT. TACOMA MUSEUM/CENTRAL CHAMBER 
DANIEL
End it. It's the only way. 
INT. MAIN HALLWAY 
Ramirez thunders towards the archway followed by some of the SWAT as the others storm up the staircases.
INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER
Olden raises his magnum and gets Daniel between his sights in a perfect head-shot. His finger nurses the trigger but his eyes are full of hesitation.
OLDEN
I can't, kid...
Daniel's looks up, his eyes full of hellfire.
DANIEL
Why!?
Olden is thrown towards the wooden scaffolding that wrap around a large pillar. The scaffolding shatters as Olden plunges through a long four-by-four. 
An explosion of blood gushes out of his mouth as the beam rips through his chest. He slumps over, lifelessly impaled, feet barely touching the ground.
DANIEL
You were supposed to be the one! The one who could end-- 
BOOM! The room fills with the blinding white light of a flash-bang. 
Daniel tries to shield his eyes but it's to late, he's been blinded by the light.

RAMIREZ (O.S.)
Jack!
Shotgun slugs rip through Daniel's flesh and sends him flying off his feet.
EXT. TACOMA MUSEUM 
Julie runs up the stairs towards the main door.
INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER 
The SWAT team comes flooding in from all directions.
SWAT #1
It's a fucking massacre in here!
Ramirez sees at Olden.
RAMIREZ
Shit! Get me goddamn medic!
Laughter fills the air as they turn and see Daniel getting on his feet.
SWAT #2
Holly shit! 
DANIEL
You're all gonna die.
SWAT #3
What the fuck!? 
The intensity in Daniel's eyes is tremendous.
SWAT #2
Waste the son of a bitch! 
RAMIREZ
Wait! Don't-- 
Everything goes slow motion.
The SWAT team plugs Daniel with all they've got. Bullets tear through Daniel's flesh as he arches his back and screams M.O.S. 
A deep sound emerges from where Daniel stands - Like a massive generator harnessing it's power. 
His eyes fill with hellfire and everything thunders into a frenzied montage:
-- A ball of white energy bursts from where Daniel stands.
-- The SWAT members fly back, guns spraying bullets into the air as blood bursts out of their mouths.
-- Ramirez jumps behind a large pillar, dodging the energy as it passes his way.
-- All the remaining scaffolding splinters into millions of pieces.
-- Outside: as Julies hand touches the large door, it explodes, knocking her off her feet.
-- Inside Julie's car: Jessica ducks down and covers her head, shielding herself from the shattering windows.
-- Back in the museum: Daniel's eyes fill with white intensity. 
-- Olden's eyes open as he gasps for air. His eyes are glowing with the same intensity as Daniel's and he sees a giant, shadow, with large horns and flaming eyes, standing behind the kid. It looks into Olden's eyes as it hurls a spear right at him.
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK
The "generator" explodes and the screen is filled with a deep, rumbling, upsurge and the sound of shattering glass. A sound that echoes for what seems to be an eternity until it fades to a silence. A silence so quiet you could hear a pin drop. 
Then:
The sound of pouring rain followed by: 
The sound of a steady heartbeat. With every THUMP appears:
-- The profile of Olden, in the darkness as he painfully inhales.
-- Rain, pouring in through large shattered skylights that span the ceiling.
-- Olden exhales in sloppy exhaustion.
-- Large Oriental statues, weapons and artifacts, strewn about in disarray, sprinkled with shattered glass and splintered wood.
-- Olden's brow wrinkles as he forces air into his lungs once again.
-- Lifeless bodies, lying mangled and twisted, painful to look at. 
-- Olden's face cringes as he coughs up a mouthfull of warm, sticky, blood. Vapors rise into the air like spirits from the past.
The rain softens to a drizzle and the sound of the heartbeat fades.
INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER 
Daniel stands at the foot of the giant Buddha, untouched by the chaos that surrounds him. His face covered in shadow. Smoke rises from his clothes up into the darkness.
EXT. TACOMA MUSEUM
A blanket of shattered glass covers the wet pavement. All the vehicles in front of the museum are scattered across the street. 
The passenger door of Julie's car gapes open, it's interior, empty.
Julie lies a few feet from what is left of the main door. Her hand is empty, her shoulder holster empty.
She stirs.
JULIE
(dazed)
Jack... 

INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER 
Daniel steps out from under the shadows. His hair and skin are pale as death, but it's his eyes that have changed the most; a ghostly white.
DANIEL
I'm tired, Jack... 
Daniel walks down the steps as Olden starts pulling himself off of the wooden beam. His flesh rips as he slides himself forward.
DANIEL
You should have ended it...
Daniel's eyes grow cold and intense. Olden SLAMS against the pillar, his head bounces with a thud. His eyes go blood-shot, face twisting in pain.
OLDEN
What the hell do you want from me!?
DANIEL
You're the one. You have it too. The demon--
OLDEN
What!? Why me!? 
Blood starts oozing out between Olden's clenched teeth as he screams in agony.
Daniel get's closer and Oldens eyes fill with fear.
DANIEL
Because we're the same-- 
JESSICA (O.S.)
Daniel!?
Daniel stops, dead in his tracks. He turns around and sees her, standing several feet away. 
Her gentle face, illuminated in the darkness, like and angel of mercy, calling out to her child. 
His face softens as the intensity leaves his eyes. He's totally disarmed.
JESSICA
Come to mommy, sweetie.
She walks towards him as he rushes for her, falling to his knees and clutching onto her legs as if his life depended on it. He's like a little 8-year-old again as tears stream down his face.
She kneels down, holding him tight and comforts him like only a mother could.
JESSICA
Shhhh. Mommy's here now...
She holds his trembling body in her arms as her eyes fill with a distant sadness. 
JESSICA
It's gonna be okay...
A tear rolls down her cheek as she closes her eyes and bites her lip.
JESSICA
...I promise...
She pulls him in, clutching him tighter as the sound of a gunshot explodes throughout the chamber.
His eyes jerk open, as if to ask "why"?
She eases him onto her lap as the Berretta fall to the ground. 
He tries to say something. 
JESSICA
Shhh... 
She puts her finger to his lips
JESSICA
It's okay sweety. Everything's going to be okay now...
She brushes his hair with her hand, soothingly. Her face, a knot of grief and guilt. 

JESSICA
You don't have to be in pain anymore.
Her teardrops wash the dirt off his face as the life fades from his eyes. 
DANIEL
I love you, mom...
She holds his lifeless body close, like the "Madonna", held the dead "Christ", in her arms. 
The rain thunders down through the shattered skylights as she wails like a banshee. 
Olden watches in disbelief. The cross around his neck, glistens in the darkness. 
OLDEN
Why!?
JESSICA
I brought him into this world--
OLDEN
I could've helped him. 

JESSICA
It was my cross to bear. I knew, from the moment I gave birth to him, that he would become one of us. Now his pain is gone. Now I can join him... You must stop the bloodline, Jack. You mustn’t pass it on.
OLDEN
What the hell are you talking about?
JESSICA
The world isn't ready for our kind.
She reaches into her shirt and pulls out a silver cross that dangles from a chain around her neck. It's the exact same cross as Olden's.
JESSICA
They told me it's from my mother. I never knew her though... Jack, you know what you have to do--
A bullet sings through Jessica's head and she slumps, lifelessly, over her son.
A dark figure walks up behind her; walking up from the shadows.
RAMIREZ (O.S.)
The bitch is wrong, Jack...
The figure steps out into the light. It's Ramirez; a berretta at his side. 
OLDEN
What the fuck are you doing!? 
Ramirez stops about twenty feet away from where Olden is hanging.
RAMIREZ
It doesn't matter if the world is "ready" for our kind or not.  That isn't the question. The question is, whether or not our kind is ready to take on the world. It's time for you to know the truth, Jack. Time for you to embrace what you really are.
OLDEN
What the fuck are you talking about Al!?
RAMIREZ
Quit being so goddamn blind, Jack!  Jesus, you still don't friggin' get it, do you!?  The kid, the goddamn kid, at least he fuckin' knew what he had. He just didn't know how to control it. But you!? I'm fuckin' disappointed in you, Jack! Fuckin' disappointed. 

ramirez (cont’d)
All these years I've spent, training you, molding you, hoping you would get a goddamn clue! It's not like I could just flat out tell ya', it doesn't work that way!
Olden grabs the beam and tries to pull himself through. 
RAMIREZ
It's something you have to find out on your own.  Why do you think you aren't dead yet?  Every power differs, depending on the demons inside. There are twelve demons, Jack! The boy was one, his mother, Chen, yup, me and him went waaaay back! And there's you... So whadda ya say, will you join me? Together, we can find the rest and--
OLDEN
Eat shit! 
RAMIREZ
I tried to show you the way, Jack. Give you the goddamn tools... You just wouldn't let those demons out, Jack! Thought Amy's death might let em out!?
Olden starts breathing faster.
RAMIREZ
Let out those demon's that have been lurking deep down inside. But you were just such a goddamn pussy about it! A goddamn pussy. So now you know. Make your choice, Jack. Will you join me and embrace your destiny!?
OLDEN
Fuck you Al!
RAMIREZ
I guess it's come to this then.
Ramirez reaches under his collar and rips off his gold chain.
RAMIREZ
It's a goddamn shame.
He holds it up for Olden to see the large gold cross that looks just like his and Jessica's. But it's what dangles next to it that catches Olden's eye. Amy's heart shaped pendant.
Olden's breathing gets even faster as his eyes grow more intense. 
RAMIREZ
Look familiar? Yeah, I bet it does! Can you feel those demons now!?
Olden smashes the wooden beam between his forearms and crashes to the ground.
RAMIREZ
Let it out, Jack! Let it all out, goddamn it!
Ramirez tosses the hand gun aside and grins, devilishly, bracing himself as Olden rushes towards him in a hellish rage. 
It all happens so fast. Ramirez blocks and counters Olden's attack in one fluid motion, hitting Olden square in the chest. The sound of the impact is so deep and powerful that it echoes inside the chambers dark walls. 
Ramirez hits Olden with the force of a wrecking ball and sends him crashing into a crate like a rag-doll. 
RAMIREZ
(laughing)
Goddamn Jack!
Olden struggles to get up as Ramirez taunts him.
RAMIREZ
Wo-hoa! Look out now! Jack's finally grown some friggin' balls! 
Olden shouts as he rushes Ramirez, this time, they exchange blows. No fancy, acrobatic, martial arts here.  
Just a series of brutal blocks and counters; two guy's, slugging it out, giving it all they've got. 
Ramirez is the obvious badass - the better fighter. He block's and countering with mechanical precision. 
Ramirez sends Olden down to his knees in an arm lock, followed by a blow to the face and a kick to the gut. 
Olden's crumbles to the ground in pain and exhaustion as blood spews out from his mouth.
RAMIREZ
Oh, Jack, don't pussy out on me now, goddamn it!
Olden tries to get up once again, but he's hurt and exhausted.
OLDEN
F-fuck you...
RAMIREZ
That's right, feel that anger, boy!? Feel's good doesn't it!? You could've been great, Jack. God damn, you could've been great!
Olden finally gets up and makes a pathetic attempt at rushing Ramirez one more time. 
Ramirez doesn’t even break a sweat as he hurls Olden across the room, crashing into one of the concrete pillars. 
The pillar crumbles into the impression of Olden's back as he hits the floor.
Ramirez walks towards Olden's crumpled form. 
RAMIREZ
Jesus Christ, Jack?
Olden is a bruised and bloody mess. He tries to get up, but even breathing is to much of a burden as he clenches his ribs in agony. 
RAMIREZ
I could have taught you more! Shown you the friggin' "way"!
Ramirez walks closer. Olden manages to get on one knee; his hand, just inches away from a broadsword.
RAMIREZ
It's just a goddamn shame. All these years, and you still haven't learned shit!
Ramirez bends down and grabs a katana up off the ground.
RAMIREZ
Well, I guess it's come down to this.
Ramirez plants himself in front of Olden.
RAMIREZ
You see, regular people, well, they can't kill ya'. 
Behind them, the large Buddha's face, glows from the dim light that shines through the ceiling.
RAMIREZ
'Course you probably know that by now.
The katana "sings" as Ramirez yanks it free from its scabbard. 
RAMIREZ
But I can. It ain’t about what I use or how I do it. It’s all about the aura, Jack! That power - that shit that comes from within!
Olden just kneels in submission, with his head down and eyes closed. 
RAMIREZ
It takes our kind. 
Ramirez heaves the blade above his head with both hands.
RAMIREZ
...to kill our kind.
OLDEN
You're wrong, Al!
Olden opens his eyes with a subtle furry.
OLDEN
I learned at least one thing.
Ramirez freezes in a moment of curious hesitation. In that moment, in that split second, Olden drives the broadsword through Ramirez' throat.
OLDEN
Never second-guess yourself.
The katana falls from Ramirez' hands as his eyes widen in sheer horror. 
Olden thrusts the sword through till the hilt. 
OLDEN
This is for Amy and my daughter you sonovabitch!
In one swift motion, Olden shoves the blade sideways, sending a geyser of arterial blood spray erupting out from Ramirez' collar as his body crashes to the ground and his head rolls off. 
The resounding clang of the fallen broadsword fills the room as Olden falls to his knees. 
Olden picks himself up one last time and limps towards Ramirez' headless corpse.
OLDEN
You're full of shit, Al.
Olden wipes the blood and drool from his mouth and spits on Ramirez. 
OLDEN
Far as I'm concerned, you're both wrong. I don't give a damn about anyone's "cause".
Olden walks towards the archway, leaving the large Buddha behind him. 
He sees his wallet, lying open on the ground with Tess's picture staring at him.
OLDEN (V.O.)
I told you, Tess... 
He picks it up and clips it back on his belt.
His shadow stretches across the ground behind him as he heads for the archway.
OLDEN (V.O.)
I'll always make it home...
The face on the Buddha glows in the dim light as Olden's shadow stretches still.
A staggering and dazed, Julie meets Olden at the mouth of the archway.
OLDEN (V.O.)
Always.
As they disappear underneath the darkness of the archway, Olden’s shadow takes on a life of its own, sprouting large horns and smoldering eyes.
FADE OUT:
THE END