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And he suddenly gasps!
RUSSELL LASSARD'S eyes snap open and he sucks in air, his
body leaping forward, awake.
INT. SUV - DAY
Russ is in the passenger seat. His wife Clara is behind the
wheel.
She turns to him.
CLARA
Are you okay? Do you need your
pills?
Russ wipes his eyes.
RUSS
No. I'm fine. Where are we?
CLARA
Just left St. Louis. We're not
far.
Long moment. Russ seems confused. Heavy eyes.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The SUV blows past us. We stay. Look up at the sign they've
just passed.
Little Rock
220 miles
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. GAS STATION - AFTERNOON
Russ pumps gas as Clara approaches from the station. She
speaks with a slight southern accent.
CLARA
I got you a Coke.
RUSS
Thanks.
He finishes off. Clara climbs in the drivers side.
RUSS (cont'd)
I need to use the restroom.
CLARA
Okay.
He wanders away.
INT. GAS STATION RESTROOM - AFTERNOON
God vomited here. It's disgusting, not in the way most
sketchy gas station bathrooms are disgusting. It reeks.
Pours grey and filth across the screen.
Russ flips a switch and a florescent light flashes. He
stands before the sink and stares at his reflection in the
mirror. Pale. Blue eyes read grey like the walls. Frowns.
Tosses water on his face.
He stares in the mirror again. The lights snap off, then on
again. A low buzz, faint, in the background.
Russ closes his eyes. Rubs them with his hands.
The frightening figure of a TEENAGE GIRL, bloodied and
bruised, is seen standing right behind him.
Russ opens his eyes. Sees the girl in the mirror. Stares.
She... smiles. Blood drips from her lips...
Russ is motionless. Just stares.
And a moment later... she is gone.
Russ rubs his eyes again.
No sound but water dripping... leaking and moving in the
room.
INT. SUV - AFTERNOON
Russ blankly stares ahead.
A MINIVAN passes them; in the back seat a SIX YEAR OLD GIRL
presses her face out of the back window. Pulls back.
Smiles. Waves. Blows a kiss.
Russ catches it. Brings his hand to his lips.
The Minivan speeds ahead. The car and the child disappear in
the horizon.
CLARA
A cute thing.
Russ sighs.
CLARA (cont'd)
It will get better.
Russ nods. Russ turns away. Gazes out the passenger window.
EXT. HIGHWAY - AFTERNOON
An oil paint vanilla sky above shadowy rolling hills. Below,
an explosion of color from dense dogwoods that swallow their
surroundings.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DUSK
Gliding down from above... to GRAND BLUFFS towering above the
Arkansas river... past a clearing at the top... Then a thick
forest... past it... to a pretty, serene neighborhood of
white homes topped by dark grey shingles.
The Legend Appears:
Mayflower, Arkansas
EXT. HOME - DUSK
The SUV slows to a stop before a small but beautiful century
old home. But this place has been kept up. Nurtured by
loving owners.
Clara and Russ step from the car. They stand side by side as
they stare at the house.
CLARA
All right, Professor... who was it
said you can't go home again?
RUSS
Thomas Wolfe.
CLARA
Well... he was wrong.
Clara smiles.
INT. HOME - DUSK
Russ and Clara scan their new surroundings. BOXES fill empty
spaces... but for the most part the furniture is arranged,
and surprisingly clean.
Russ moves slowly through the house.
RUSS
Everything is here.
CLARA
Hmm?
RUSS
All of our things... the movers set
everything up.
CLARA
I was very specific.
RUSS
But everything. It's as--
CLARA
--As it should be, Russ.
She crosses to him and touches his arm.
CLARA (cont'd)
Don't fret. We're home.
Russ nods. She releases and heads to the kitchen.
Russ' eyes sweep the room once again. Hands glide to a box
that... is not sealed... but closed by folding the four sides
over each other.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. HOME - DAY
A Saturday. Russ slides a rake against the lawn, gathering
the amber and cherry maple leaves into a pile.
The neighborhood is teaming with PEOPLE doing the same.
Chatter is white noise. Lawn mowers mow. Children laugh.
People shout "how-yal" at each other. It is a beautiful day.
Russ actually smiles as he takes it all in. Not a bad place
for a place you never imagined you'd live.
He takes a step forward toward the driveway.
DOWN THE STREET-- a YOUNG WOMAN on a bike glides by. Her
head turns to Russ.
Russ smiles to her.
The young woman smiles back.
Russ loses the smile... when he spots...
IN A WINDOW ACROSS THE STREET--
a FIGURE, in black, peering out. Eyes white. No pupils.
Those eyes follow the Young Woman on the bike as she pedals
out of frame.
Russ feels dizzy. Loses his balance. Suddenly falls
forward, SLAMMING his head onto the driveway. Blood seeps.
He continues to stare at the strange figure across the
street. The figure... that in a moment... disappears.
Russ continues to bleed. The world starts to blur, as now
another FIGURE rushes forward from the distance. Eyelids
flutter as he tries to keep his eyes open; a battle he
quickly loses.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Blackness. The SOUND of rapid gunfire.
Russ opens his eyes and sees the plump, full face of DR. JIM
PRATHER hovers above him. Russ wonders for a moment where...
no, he's home. On his couch.
DR. PRATHER
He's awake.
Russ's eyes drift over to the--
TELEVISION-- soldiers in the desert. A news report from
Iraq. Bodies in the street.
Prather follows Russ's glance to the TV. Then back to Russ.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
Awful, now, isn't it?
Russ says nothing. Drags his eyes over Dr. Prather-- a stout
frame. Older. Sixties maybe. Soft features. Looks like a
grandfather. Except for the blood, Russ's blood, soaking,
still wet, on his white button down shirt.
Clara crosses into the room with a bag of ice and a towel.
She pushes out a heavy sigh.
CLARA
Oh, thank goodness, Russ! You
scared the wits out of me. Jim, do
we need to take him to the
hospital?
DR. PRATHER
I don't think so. His eyes are
fine. No concussion, I think. I
hope you don't mind, I took the
liberty of stitching you up myself
while you were sleeping. Took
quite a nasty fall, Russ.
RUSS
(confused)
I... I must have tripped on
something.
CLARA
Russ, you are so lucky that Jim
here saw you fall. You might have
bled to death!
DR. PRATHER
I don't think that was really a
concern. The ice, you should rest
that on his noggin.
RUSS
I'm sorry, who are you?
Clara sets the icepack on his head and tisks:
CLARA
Now, Russ. That's not polite.
DR. PRATHER
Quite okay, Clara. I'm Doctor Jim
Prather, Russ. Your neighbor...
and an old friend of Clara's
family.
CLARA
My daddy and Jim had a practice
together for years. Thick as
thieves the two of them were.
Russ tries to sit up. Head pounds. He groans and Dr.
Prather helps settle him back.
DR. PRATHER
I'd stay still for a little longer.
Some aspirin. Take two and call me
in the morning.
Russ is bewildered.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
That's a joke, Russ. Give it a few
more hours before you get up. I'm
serious about the aspirin, though.
Might need more than two.
Russ stares at Prather's blood soaked shirt.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
Don't worry. Looks worse than it
is.
Prather stands.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
Fact, I best go home and change.
Watch your step next time, Russ.
There's roots stickin' out all over
the yard. Clara, nice to have you
back.
CLARA
Thank you so much, Jim.
She plants a kiss on his cheek.
DR. PRATHER
(nodding)
Russ.
RUSS
Thank you.
DR. PRATHER
I'll come back and check on you
when you're in a less... prostrate
position.
Clara sees him out.
Russ reaches up and feels the bandage wrapped around his
head. Is stuck with the image of Dr. Prather, bloodied
shirt, hovering above.
He closes his eyes.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Russ's eyes slowly open. He is unsure for a moment where he
is. Slowly turns and sees Clara fast asleep beside him. He
takes in the silence. Then... starts to hear a faint, soft
voice from somewhere in the house. He draws the covers down
and glides out of bed. Heads for the bedroom door.
The sweet voice of a young child is louder now. He makes out
the words. A hundred year old child's folk song:
CHILD'S VOICE (O.C.)
(sing-song)
The man around the corner swore
he'd kill the cat on sight...
He loaded up his shotgun with nails
and dynamite...
Russ moves into the hallway
INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
Russ inches through the dark hallway. The voice... is louder
now.
CHILD'S VOICE (O.C.)
He waited and he waited for the cat
to come around... Ninety seven
pieces of the man is all they
found... But the cat came back the
very next day. The cat came back,
we thought he was a goner...
He approaches a bedroom. The light is on...
INT. CLARA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
His 16 year old daughter Samantha stands in the center of her
room. She is the figure from the bathroom, soaked in blood.
Samantha strokes a stuffed animal painting red into the fur.
She sings the song, apparently unaware of Russ's presence.
SAMANTHA
(still singing)
They tied a rope around its neck,
it must have weighed a pound. Now
they drag the river for a little
boy that's drowned. But the cat
came back the very next day...
RUSS
Princess?
Samantha stops petting the stuffed animal. Slowly turns.
She smiles.
SAMANTHA
Hi, daddy.
She stands and takes a step toward him.
SAMANTHA (cont'd)
I've missed you.
RUSS
I've missed you too.
Samantha sets the stuffed animal down.
She stands, slowly. Almost floats across the room to Russ.
Stares at him a moment.
SAMANTHA
You have to follow me.
RUSS
Follow you where?
Frowns. She points beyond him. He slowly turns.
Light blinds his eyes. He flinches. The SOUND of SHRIEKING
TIRES. A car horn BLARES!
SMASH TO BLACK.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Russ's eyes snap open. He is back in bed. As if nothing had
happened. Sweat pours down his face. He wipes it away and
lifts himself out of bed. The sun blares through an open
window.
INT. SHOWER - MORNING
Russ closes his eyes and lets the water crash against his
face. He sighs. Rubs the water out of his eyes.
He stands straight and grabs the soap. Draws it across his
body. Fingers a SCAR ON HIS CHEST. He remembers the crash.
The last memory he really has...
Russell Lassard closes his eyes.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. THE BLUFFS - MORNING
High above the river. A beautiful view. This morning... a
crime scene.
POLICE and DETECTIVES mill about the truck. A WHITE SHEET is
covering a body.
INT. CAR - MORNING
DETECTIVE WILLIAM REECE is feeling his age this morning as
the car he pilots drives up to the bluffs. He is in his
middle fifties. He lets out a sigh.
Stops the car and surveys the scene before him with tired
eyes.
DET. REECE
Christ...
He sighs again and then leans over and cracks open the glove
box.
INSIDE: a notebook, and a half drunk pint bottle of Jack
Daniels.
He grabs the notebook and slips through the pages. Scanning
them:
"August, 2004, rail yard, dead
girl, one shot. October, 2005,
riverbank, dead girl, one shot.
August, 2006, cotton field, dead
girl, one shot."
Reece plucks a pen from his shirt pocket and writes in the
notebook:
"September, 2007, bluffs, dead
girl, one shot."
He places the notebook back in the glove box and we now see
what the shot is that he has referred to.
He grabs the pint bottle. Reaches under the passenger seat
and produces a shot glass. Carefully pours himself a shot.
Downs it. Feels the burn. Coughs. Puts all away and steps
out of the car.
EXT. THE BLUFFS - MORNING
Det. Reece walks up next to a fellow DETECTIVE STEVE CARLIN,
already taking notes.
DET. CARLIN
Small town ain't supposed to get
used to this.
DET. REECE
Ain't no such thing anymore, Steve.
And it don't matter much. Anyone
gets used to this got dealings in a
darker place.
(beat)
Strangled?
Carlin nods. Bends down and lifts the sheet:
A beautiful young woman turning blue. Red marks across her
neck. Red blotches on her blue eyes.
DET. CARLIN
It's--
DET. REECE
--Paige Hopkins. Anybody tell her
family yet?
Carlin shakes his head.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
Damnit.
DET. CARLIN
Her bike's over there. Must-a been
up on the trail when it happened.
Reece stares down at the girl. His face is blank.
DET. REECE
I tell you I had a dream we caught
this som-bitch, Steve?
DET. CARLIN
Yeah?
DET. REECE
Shot the bastard dead.
DET. CARLIN
That so?
DET. REECE
Yep...
Reece covers the body and stands.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
Won the lottery too.
DET. CARLIN
How much?
DET. REECE
Ah, just a little scratcher ticket.
25 bucks.
(beat)
Fuckin' dreams.
EXT. CHURCH - LATE MORNING
Christ Army Southern Baptist. White steeple straight out of
the past. People funnel into the archway below the keystone
"Est. 1897".
Russ and Clara approach. He looks uncomfortable in a suit
and tie. She, relaxed in a pretty white cotton dress and
flowered hat.
RUSS
I can't believe you're making me do
this.
She swats his arm.
CLARA
Hush! I hope no one heard that.
Look, you don't go to services on
Sunday, might as well not talk to
anyone all week. It's required.
Russ smiles. Eyes sweep over the other Parishioners as they
enter. Notices EYES on him. Random. An OLDER WOMAN, a
YOUNGER MAN... glances... momentary stares.
Makes him itch.
INT. CHURCH - MORNING (LATER)
Air conditioning, a sin; lining the pews, a packed crowd.
Men sweat, ladies glisten and a balding, older PASTOR smiles
from the alter.
He speaks in a loud, booming voice that requires no audio
enhancement; they can hear him in the next county.
PASTOR
Good morning, brothers and sisters.
Mutters of "good morning" back.
The Pastor begins to pace. His tone is condescending. His
eyes, condemning, narrowed, sweeping the seats; sinners, all
of them.
PASTOR (cont'd)
Glad you could all make it. For
our message this morning... is
wickedness. And I do know how you
all like... wickedness.
Instantly shamed, the Flock nod.
Russ shifts uncomfortably. Beside him, Clara is nodding.
The flamboyant Pastor continues. The sermon punctuated by
"Amen!" from the Flock.
PASTOR (cont'd)
I know. Your eyes betray you. But
you're thinking it. Everywhere you
go. Joe Bean's Market. The 76 gas
station. The lie-brary.
(dramatic pause)
I see... the magazines they sell.
The books they burnish. The booze
they ballyhoo--
(dramatic pause)
Out there in the world... there is
sin and fornication. Blood... and
fear. And we must do everything we
can to protect this town from the
sins of the outside world!
(beat)
For he hath judged the great whore,
which did corrupt the earth with
her fornication! And hath avenged
the blood of his servants at her
hand!
Russ is sweating hard. Looks across the aisle and two rows
up... he spots Dr. Prather.
Feeling the eyes on him... Dr. Prather... slowly turns his
head. And smiles back.
Russ averts his eyes.
INT. SUV - MORNING (DRIVING)
Russ and Clara drive together in silence. After a few
moments...
CLARA
It was a powerful sermon, don't ya
think?
RUSS
Well, I was frightened. So it
appears to have achieved its goal.
CLARA
Did you take anything from it?
RUSS
You know I don't buy into that
stuff, Clara.
More silence.
CLARA
Well, I think it had great meaning.
Peace and gentleness. Love and
forgiveness. Those are the ways to
live.
RUSS
I suppose.
Another beat of silence.
RUSS (cont'd)
Your friend Dr. Prather. He was
there today alone.
CLARA
Of course.
RUSS
Is he married?
CLARA
He was. His wife Haley passed on,
what, five years ago. Cancer.
Very sad. She was a nice woman.
Russ furrows his brow. Yet another beat of silence.
CLARA (cont'd)
How are you feeling? Maybe you
should think about taking one more
semester off.
RUSS
I need to get back to work. It'll
do me good.
Clara's eyes are unsure.
EXT. HOUSE - AFTERNOON
A car glides into frame, coming to a stop outside a pretty A
frame house.
Detectives Reece and Carlin emerge and head to the front
door.
EXT. HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS
Reece presses the doorbell. A few moments later, a middle
aged man, JIM HOPKINS appears. His face, resigned to bad
news.
DET. REECE
Jim. Sorry to trouble you this
evening. But we have some bad
news.
JIM HOPKINS
It's Paige, isn't it?
DET. REECE
I'm afraid so.
Jim Hopkins nods.
DET. CARLIN
We'll need you to come with us down
to Little Rock to identify the
body.
JIM HOPKINS
Okay. Can I... may I meet you
there. I'll have to tell the wife.
DET. REECE
Tell her what?
JIM HOPKINS
That Paige's been murdered.
DET. REECE
But I didn't say that.
JIM HOPKINS
But that's why you're here, right?
I mean, what else are you here for,
Bill? Jesus Christ.
DET. CARLIN
Settle down, Jim.
JIM HOPKINS
No! I won't settle down!
Goddamnit, Steve, this ain't
supposed to happen!
DET. CARLIN
We'll see you downtown in a bit,
Jim. Bill, lets go.
Reece stares at Jim Hopkins a moment. Turns away and follows
Carlin to the car.
DET. REECE
That ain't right, Steve.
DET. CARLIN
He's in shock. Let it be.
They get back in the car.
INT. DETECTIVE'S CAR - NIGHT (DRIVING)
Carlin is behind the wheel. Reece shotgun. Reece sighs.
Rubs his eyes.
DET. CARLIN
You okay, Bill?
DET. REECE
Yeah, I suppose.
(beat)
Mama's not doin' too good.
Silence.
DET. CARLIN
Not good, huh?
DET. REECE
Nah. Could be just a matter of
days. She just sleeps most of the
time. I get home and sit at her
bed and talk to her. She just
listens. Can't muster the strength
to talk, I suppose.
Silence.
DET. CARLIN
Sorry about that, Bill.
DET. REECE
Shoot. That's life, I guess. We
all gotta go sometime.
Silence.
DET. CARLIN
I suppose.
EXT. REECE'S HOME - NIGHT
The Detective's car slows to a stop outside a small house on
another tree lined street.
INT. DETECTIVE'S CAR - NIGHT
DET. REECE
Thanks for the ride, Steve.
DET. CARLIN
I'll see you tomorrow.
Detective Reece gets out of the car. Carlin watches as he
heads to the front door. Cracks open a cell phone and dials.
DET. CARLIN (cont'd)
(into phone)
Hey... its Steve Carlin. We need
to talk.
(beat)
Because I can't do this again.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAWN
The SUV slows to the front of the school. Only one or two
other cars parked. Fog settles low. Russ gets out of the
passenger side. Clara rolls down the window.
CLARA
When do you want me to pick you up?
RUSS
I'll take a taxi.
CLARA
I don't mind.
RUSS
I know.
He leans over and plants a quick kiss on her cheek. Pulls
away and heads to the front door of the school. Clara
watches him.
EXT. MAYFLOWER HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
A crowd of students flush forward. Chatting and yelling.
They break like a wave, split apart to leave one young woman,
long, blond-haired 17 year old CAMERYN BECK standing,
clutching her books to her chest.
She looks up at the banner:
Welcome Class of '11
She uneasily steps forward. A look of sadness on her face.
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
Russ stands at the front of an empty classroom. His right
hand is shaking. He settles it with his left. Makes a fist.
Then slowly releases. He settles his breathing. Nerve ends
on fire.
The bell rings.
Moments later STUDENTS stream into the room. Most casting
unfamiliar eyes over their new teacher. Russ tries his best
to smile and nod to each of them. Keeps his hands in his
pockets.
The students settle into the desks. Russ scans the room.
The young faces stare back at him.
Russ glances down at an attendance list:
RUSS
Amy Anderson...
Each student responds "Here" as he continues down the list.
Until...
RUSS (cont'd)
Paige Hopkins.
Silence. An empty desk.
RUSS (cont'd)
Paige Hopkins?
A young woman by the name of SALLY raises her hand.
SALLY
Sir?
RUSS
Yes?
SALLY
Paige is... not here. Anymore.
Russ's eyes narrow.
INT. LIBRARY - LATER
FINGERS glide across a row of yearbooks. Stop. Pluck one
from the shelf.
AT A DESK--
The yearbook slaps to the wood and the same set of hands
crack it open, flipping through the pages until it settles on
a bank of photos, color. Fingers drift... to one.
"Paige Hopkins"
Russ stares at the photo.
FLASH TO--
The Young Woman riding the bike down the street before his
yard. Moments before he collapsed on the driveway.
He watches her glide along.
So do the white eyes tucked away behind the window across the
street.
FLASH BACK TO
Russ closes the yearbook. Face pales.
INT. SCHOOL BATHROOM
Russ unloads his breakfast into a toilet. He chokes.
After a moment he steadies himself, leaves the stall and
makes it to the sink. Splashes cold water on his face.
Begins to relax again. Flops to the floor.
VOICE (O.S.)
You okay, pal?
Russ wipes his face. Looks up to see STEVE SHULLER, a man
about his age, paunchy, beard, tweed jacket.
RUSS
I'm fine.
Shuller helps him to his feet. Russ is anything but steady.
SHULLER
You're the new guy, eh? From
Chicago? 19th Century Lit?
RUSS
Russ Lassard.
SHULLER
Steven Shuller. History. A
pleasure.
(beat)
Classes been cancelled. We got the
day off, Russ. Wanna get some
lunch?
(beat)
Seeing as you've lost yours.
Russ nods.
RUSS
Sure.
FADE TO BLACK.
A WEDDING RING SPINS on oak. After a few moments... a hand
slaps it flat. Fingers raise it to its side again and twist,
sending the thing spinning again. And again, thwaps it flat.
INT. "THE FADED ROSE" - DAY
Small little Cajun place. Dark. Russ sits alone at a table.
Shuller is over at the bar, ordering a couple scotches.
Russ stares at the wedding ring a moment. And the engraving
inside: "TO RUSS, MY FOREVER. LOVE, CLARA"
He sets it back on his finger.
Shuller returns, walks with a very noticeable limp. Steve
places the drink in front of Russ. Takes a seat.
SHULLER
Liquid lunch, then.
Russ doesn't protest. Takes a sip.
RUSS
The student who was killed--
SHULLER
--Paige Hopkins.
RUSS
She was in my class.
SHULLER
Mine too. Cute girl. Developed
early so she was a hit with the
boys. Very popular.
Russ cringes a little. Quickly shakes it off.
RUSS
I saw her. The first weekend after
I moved here. She was riding her
bike past my house.
(beat)
Do you know what happened?
Shuller nods. Drinks.
SHULLER
No one's told you yet, huh?
RUSS
Apparently not.
Shuller sighs. The room is eerily quiet.
SHULLER
The Monster. That's what they call
it.
Eyes in the room dart over, barely noticeable. Someone has
uttered unmentionable words. Shuller, it seems, could care
less.
RUSS
The Monster...
SHULLER
More like serial killer. Course,
we ain't used to such things in a
small town like this. Least... not
when it started.
RUSS
This has happened before?
SHULLER
Five years ago. Found the body of
a girl down by the railyards.
Strangled. That was the first one.
It has since become a very extended
encore performance. Always the
same way--
FLASH TO--
A YOUNG WOMAN lies partially covered under a sheet in a
field. RED MARKS on her neck.
FLASH BACK TO SCENE--
SHULLER (cont'd)
...always the same targets. Young
women.
Shuller stops and scans the room. Eyes that had been
watching him quickly find other focus.
Shuller smiles.
RUSS
Has anyone contacted the FBI? A
serial killer? Why have I never
heard of--
SHULLER
--Things don't work like that in
Mayflower, Russ. We are not your
average community. Just you wait.
You'll see.
(beat)
This town has secrets, Russ.
RUSS
Yeah? And what are those?
Shuller gulps down the last of his drink and leans back.
Scans the room one more time and says, maybe a little too
loudly...
SHULLER
Damned if I know. Won't nobody
tell me. No matter how many times
I ask.
Shuller: a Cheshire smile stretches his face.
INT. "THE FADED ROSE" - LATER
Now five or six empty glasses before each man.
RUSS
I think I may be drunk.
Shuller nods.
SHULLER
Russ, that is a distinct
possibility.
THE FRONT DOOR-- of the Faded Rose opens and Clara appears.
CLARA
Russell?
Russ turns back to see his wife.
RUSS
Clara! Come join us!
CLARA
Shame on you! I've been worried
sick.
RUSS
Clara, this is Steven Shuller. He
teaches history and scotch. On the
rocks.
SHULLER
(tipping an invisible hat)
Ma'am.
CLARA
(to Russ)
You're drunk.
RUSS
That is a distinct possibility.
CLARA
(stern)
Come home with me right now.
RUSS
Clara, sit. Have a drink with us.
We're just--
CLARA
--Now!
Silence. Russ stares at her. Then slowly nods.
RUSS
Steve... thanks for the company.
SHULLER
See you tomorrow.
Clara leads a slightly stumbling Russ outside.
EXT. "THE FADED ROSE" - PARKING LOT - EVENING
Clara continues to lead Russ toward their SUV.
CLARA
I heard what happened, the girl,
and I was worried for you and I was
waiting and--
RUSS
I'm sorry.
CLARA
You can't carry on this way. It's
not right for a teacher. You have
to be a good example. This isn't
Chicago.
RUSS
What does that mean?
CLARA
Exactly what I said!
She stops. Turns to him. Kisses his cheek and settles her
hand on his shoulder.
CLARA (cont'd)
I worry. I'm sorry. I can't live
without you. Now more than ever.
You understand that, don't you?
Russ nods.
CLARA (cont'd)
Lets go home.
INT. HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Russ stands at the sink drinking a large glass of water.
Clara stuffs some garbage into a pail.
CLARA
Russell.
RUSS
Hmm?
CLARA
Will you take out this garbage
please?
He sets down the glass. Waits a moment. Squints his eyes.
CLARA (cont'd)
Russell?
RUSS
Yes, Clara. I will.
EXT. HOME - NIGHT
Along side the house, Russ carries the trash to the plastic
containers tucked back in the shadows.
Rustling. He stops. Waits.
More sound... coming from the dark. From behind one of the
containers.
He inches forward. Crunch... the sound of biting. Russ
glances over his shoulder. Then back. Another step.
A hiss...
Russ takes a step back as... a RACCOON scampers from behind
the container.
Russ relaxes. Of course.
RUSS
Shoo. Get out of here.
The raccoon ignores him. Stares at him. Russ suddenly feels
unsettled.
RUSS (cont'd)
Get lost!
The raccoon hisses again.... AND IS SUDDENLY SNAPPED UP by a
hand that darts out from behind the trash containers. A
squeal and SNAP! The animal is silent.
Russ drops the trash bag and STUMBLES backward tripping over
himself.
WHOOSH!!!-- Something flashes past him.
Russ catches his breath and slowly stands. Moves to the
front of the house and stares... at the home across the
street.
Dr. Prather's home. A light is on in a downstairs window.
Russ squints his eyes. Catches flashes of a shadow through
the window. Hears the CLANKING of metal.
Then, just as suddenly, the light shuts off.
Russ is washed in moonlight. It is eerily still.
INT. HOME - NIGHT
Russ closes the front door behind him. Clara is standing at
the top of the stairs.
CLARA
Is everything all right?
RUSS
Losing my fuckin' mind, Clara.
Other than that, its peaches.
Russ moves out of frame as Clara stares down. Eyes track his
every movement.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Russ reads "Porphyria's Lover" to his class. Paces the room,
a text in his hands.
RUSS
The rain set early in tonight...
the sullen wind was soon awake...
It tore the elm tops down for
spite... And did it's worst to vex
the lake...
Russ pauses and stares at the CLASS. They look back at him.
Every eye on him. The attention, rapt, is a little
unsettling.
All eyes but one set; set at the center of the room... young
Cameryn Beck is staring at her desk. A notepad. Scribbling.
Of what, we yet cannot see.
Russ continues.
RUSS (cont'd)
Which done, she rose, and from her
form... withdrew the dripping cloak
and shawl... And laid her soiled
gloves by, untied her hat and let
the damp hair fall...
Russ pauses again. At a once empty desk in the back, now a
blood soaked Samantha sits. She smiles.
Russ blinks. Begins to pace the room. Continues.
AS HE IS SPEAKING: we begin to see what Cameryn is scribbling
in her notebook. A picture of a woman in a pretty floral
dress. Behind her, taking shape with each stroke of
Cameryn's pencil, a man... reaching out to the lady before
him.
RUSS (cont'd)
She put my arm about her waist...
And made her smooth white shoulder
bare... And all her yellow hair
displaced... And, stooping, made my
cheek lie there. And spread, o'er
all, her yellow hair...
AS HE IS SPEAKING: The bloodied figure of Samantha slowly
stands from her desk.
Russ glances up as she continues to smile and move unnoticed
down the aisle, approaching the center of the classroom.
RUSS (cont'd)
...Porphyria worshiped me: surprise
made my heart swell, and still it
grew... while I debated what to do.
That moment she was mine, mine,
fair... Perfectly pure and good...
Samantha, a trail of blood left from her seat, now stands
behind young Cameryn Beck.
The picture in her notebook is almost complete. We see the
man now in the drawing is not reaching out for the woman.
But strangling her.
AS HE IS SPEAKING: Samantha draws together Cameryn's long
blonde hair in her hands. Twists slowly into a thick rope.
Cameryn continues to scribble. The specter unnoticed still.
RUSS (cont'd)
...I found a thing to do... and all
her hair... in one long yellow
string I wound... Three times her
little throat around... And
strangled her... No pain felt she--
I am quite sure she felt no pain...
He looks up...
Samantha... smiles. Blood runs from her mouth... staining
Cameryn's hair.
Russ drops the book. It SLAMS onto the floor with a
thunderous boom.
The class is silent. Cameryn Beck looks up from her drawing.
She is clean.
Samantha is gone.
RUSS (cont'd)
I'm sorry.
A moment of silence. Then, Russ flinches as the BELL
suddenly SCREAMS OUT and the Students rise. Filter out.
All... but one.
A YOUNG MAN lingers behind. He drags his feet toward Russ,
eyeing the room suspiciously.
RUSS (cont'd)
Can I help you, Peter?
Peter slowly reaches into his pocket... and pulls out... A
folded PIECE OF PAPER. Without saying a word, he rushes out
of the room.
Russ watches him go. Looks down at the piece of paper.
Unfolds it. Stares at the words, scribbled hastily:
Get out
Russ folds the paper up. Puts it in the waste basket.
Muscles in his face tighten.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON
A flood of STUDENTS fill the front, strangely quiet. Moving
silently in various directions. The end of the school day
though you'd hardly know it.
RUSS exits the front doors and waits at the curb. His eyes
scan the Students; register the lack of chatter. His eyes
then lock on one car, about a hundred yards across the lot.
CAMERYN BECK is crying and arguing with SOMEONE in a car.
Russ cannot see who.
After a moment... the person in the car gets out. It is Dr.
Prather.
Cameryn shakes her head. Dr. Prather shouts something to her
and points at the car.
She protests. He insists. She relents. Gets in the car.
Russ watches it all.
INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING
The house is dark. Russ moves slowly through the silence,
the creak of the wood paneled floor squeak faint as he
searches out the lone light coming from the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN - EVENING
Clara sits at the kitchen table nursing a cup of tea and
flipping through an old scrapbook.
Russ approaches and Clara looks up to him.
CLARA
Well hello. Was today a better
day?
He says nothing.
Clara twirls a lock of her hair and looks down at the
scrapbook.
RUSS
What's this?
CLARA
I found it on the shelf.
She turns the page and points to a picture: Clara as a child
with her parents on a white sand beach.
CLARA (cont'd)
This one here... it's a trip we
took down to Gulf Shores. They
call that the "Redneck Riviera". I
was about four years old, I'm
guessin'.
He glances at the picture: Clara the child running on the
beach, in motion, the left leg kicked back. A smile frozen
on her face. Russ matches the smile.
CLARA (cont'd)
They look so young, don't they?
RUSS
They do.
CLARA
You never think about your parents
not being there when you're that
little. Later I worried about it
all the time. Did I ever tell you
what I used to do?
RUSS
What?
CLARA
From about the age of fifteen... I
used to do the math in my head. I
would say to myself, I am 15 and my
daddy is 37. So, if he lives to be
97, that's 60 years and... I'll
be... 75. 75 before I lose them.
Before I have to say goodbye.
That's what I used to do. For
years.
(beat)
Later, I would read the obituary
page and minus the age of the dead
person against my parents.
A moment. Her smile fades away.
RUSS
(softly)
Why would you do that?
CLARA
To know how much time I had left
with them.
Russ stands close. Rests a hand on her shoulder.
CLARA (cont'd)
I wonder... if Samantha did that
about us.
A long, silent moment.
CLARA (cont'd)
Look at me, now. This is so
foolish, of course.
She closes the picture album and stands. Smiles again.
CLARA (cont'd)
I'll make you dinner. I bet you're
hungry.
She stands and crosses to the refrigerator.
Russ opens the scrapbook and flips through a few pages. Back
to the photograph of Clara as a child. Raises a finger to
her face and caresses the paper. Sees his daughter's eyes.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
A rumble of distant thunder rattles Russ from sleep.
He waits a moment under covers as light begins to flash from
without.
Russ slowly climbs out of bed. He crosses to the BATHROOM
and pours himself a glass of water. Thunder CRASHES outside.
He crosses back into the bedroom. To a window. He looks
out.
A FLASH OF LIGHTNING reveals... something. A shadow, maybe.
Russ is not afraid for some reason. He is drawn to it.
INT. STAIRWAY - NIGHT
Russ slowly descends as the storm picks up intensity beyond
the walls. He is at once frightened and yet thrilled by the
noise and darkness.
He reaches the bottom of the stairs. Turns toward the front
door.
EXT. HOME - NIGHT
Waves of rain wash over Russ as he leaves the house-- drawn,
it feels, by the amazing storm. He moves to the street, now
drenched. Looks up at the sky.
This is God's version of shock and awe: lightning pops behind
clouds like bombs blasting, each one booming and crackling.
A stunning light show.
He lowers his eyes from the sky... to the street.
Freezes. Thirty yards before him-- a scary silhouette. A
figure washed in darkness, stands with arms at its side. The
entire figure remains in shadow. Only the white glow of eyes
are visible. Then... teeth. And under the thunder... a
growl.
Russ is paralyzed by fear. His eyes remain locked on the
Creature.
Suddenly the Creature darts left-- moves with lightning
speed. A flash; it's gone.
Russ stands there, still frozen. After a moment the feeling
returns to his body. He slowly backs up. Turns.
In a flash, the Creature appears again. Across the street.
It growls. Slowly backs up. Russ squints, tries, but can't
make out any of its features.
Again, the figure whips away. Disappears into storm doors at
the house directly across the street. Prather's house. He
hears the thing knock through things in the basement.
Russ breathes. One that makes it seem like he's been holding
it forever. Now the breaths come sharp and deep. He stares
at the house. All is now silent.
Russ begins to panic. Turns and races back inside his home.
Forgets to close the front door.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Russ rifles through a drawer. Finds a bottle of pills.
Downs six of them. Grabs a half empty bottle of vodka and
chases them down. Breathing slowly becomes shallow again.
Thunder crashes. Sounds of a heartbeat.
The power snaps off. Dead. Darkness shaded only by
moonlight and the occasional flash of lightning.
Russ sucks in sharp breaths every few seconds. We see him
only in flashes as he moves slowly through the kitchen.
Thunder crashes. Sounds of a heartbeat.
Lightning flash. Something is in here with him...
RUSS
Please... let this be... a
nightmare.
Mostly blind, Russ moves forward, heeling out with his hands.
Anticipating with every second... something else before him.
Sharper breaths.
Thunder crashes. Sounds of a heartbeat.
He feels around the counters for something. A weapon. A
knife. He finds... a spatula.
Lightning flash. For a moment the Creature is before him.
Every muscle in his body tightens. He falls back, slamming
against the vodka bottle and sending it CRASHING to the
ground.
The power returns. Light returns.
The kitchen is empty. Russ is on the ground beside the
broken bottle. Spatula in hand. He exhales. Closes his
eyes.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING
Russ shoots awake. Wonders for a moment where he is.
Wonders if it was another dream. Another hallucination.
He slowly climbs out of bed. Crosses to the bathroom.
INT. STAIRWAY - MORNING
Russ moves slowly down the stairs. Catches the scent of
something in the air.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Notices the source of the smell. A fire in the fireplace.
RUSS
Clara?
CLARA (O.S.)
I'm in the kitchen!
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Russ takes a seat at the table as Clara cooks breakfast.
RUSS
Why are you running a fire?
CLARA
It's cold this morning. I could
barely sleep last night. That's
the climate here. Hot in the day,
freezing at night.
(beat)
How'd you sleep?
Russ rubs his eyes.
RUSS
Nightmare.
EXT. HOME - MORNING
Dressed for work, Russ closes the front door, briefcase in
hand. A taxi is waiting out front.
He hurries to it... but keeps his eyes locked on... the house
across the street.
EXT. WOODS - MORNING
An OLD MAN walks his dog along a path through the woods. His
dog begins to bark at something just past the lane. Pulls
its owner toward it.
The Old Man tugs at the leash but relents when he spots...
the hand... of a young woman.
As he steps closer... we see her face. It is Cameryn Beck.
Lifeless. Eyes open. Red marks on her neck.
OLD MAN
Christ. Why me?
He tugs his dog away from the body and continues down the
path.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - MORNING
Detectives Reece and Carlin stand to the side of the
Principal's desk as Russ enters the room.
PRINCIPAL
Hey, Russ. Have a seat. This is
Detective Bill Reece and Detective
Steve Carlin. Old hunting buddies
of mine. They're just askin'
everybody a few questions.
RUSS
Okay.
DET. REECE
Did you ever meet Paige Hopkins?
RUSS
She was supposed to be in my class.
DET. REECE
Before that at all?
Russ shakes his head.
PRINCIPAL
Russ is new here. Just started
this week.
DET. REECE
I figured. Welcome. Where'd you
come to us from?
RUSS
Chicago.
DET. REECE
Chicago? Big City Man. Must be
quite a change of pace. We don't
even got one professional sports
team.
(beat)
What's that on your head, Russ?
Russ reaches up and feels the stitches.
RUSS
I fell. On my driveway.
Detective Reece raises an eyebrow. A silent moment.
DET. REECE
Well, since you're a recent arrival
we won't trouble you too much.
Paige was a good girl, of course.
But she did like to consort with
boys.
RUSS
Well, she's a teenager.
DET. REECE
And they talk. And teachers hear
things. You ever hear anything?
RUSS
About what?
DET. REECE
(to Carlin)
They speak a different language up
there in Chicago?
RUSS
Look, I don't know what to tell
you. I never met the girl. But if
I hear anything... I'll let you
know.
Reece's eyes narrow. Sweep across Russ. He picks up a file
in his hand and scans it.
DET. REECE
Says here you were recently in the
hospital.
RUSS
I'm sorry. I thought this was
about Paige Hopkins.
DET. CARLIN
Easy now, son.
RUSS
Are we done?
DET. REECE
Sure, Russ.
Russ turns and leaves. His hand... suddenly trembling.
Reece looks to Carlin.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
Not by a longshot, I reckon.
Carlin rubs his eyes. Shakes his head.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY
Russ heads from the front office into the main artery of the
building where STUDENTS are gathered in groups. Some
sobbing.
In fact, it appears EVERYONE in the school is packed into the
hallway, murmuring. Crying.
Detectives Reece and Carlin suddenly brush past Russ,
hurriedly making toward the exit.
Russ is confused. GRABS a passing STUDENT by the arm.
RUSS
What's happened?
The Student looks at Russ with terror in her eyes. Too
frightened to say anything.
Russ releases her. She races away.
He spots Steven Shuller near the entrance to the auditorium.
He is consoling a FEMALE STUDENT. She is crying.
He gives her a hug. Holds her tight. His hand patting her
lower back... sweeping a little too far down.
They break and exchange a few more words... then she waves
and wanders away.
Russ furrows his brow. Crosses to Shuller.
RUSS (cont'd)
What the hell is going on?
SHULLER
Struck again. Another student.
RUSS
Who?
SHULLER
Cameryn Beck. Think she's in your
class. Least... she was.
The name hits Russ like a tornado. He sees her face. He
sees her being strangled in his classroom.
Shuller (cont'd)
Wanna go get a drink?
RUSS
It's nine o'clock in the morning.
SHULLER
Noon somewhere, pal.
Shaken. Confused... Russ walks away.
Shuller (cont'd)
(calling out)
You wanna talk... you know where to
find me.
EXT. HOME - NIGHT
Russ stands at his front door, turned away, gazing across the
street. A single light from the ground level window into the
basement.
Every muscle in his body begins to tighten. He is
transfixed.
Suddenly, the light is extinguished.
INT. HOME - NIGHT
Russ keys his way into the house and hears the television on.
He follows the sound into the--
LIVING ROOM
Clara is sitting on the couch, sobbing softly, watching a TV
News report on the latest murder.
Russ stands in the entrance and watches too.
RUSS
Awful, isn't it?
Clara is startled. She grabs the remote and shuts off the
television.
CLARA
You're home.
Russ nods. Clara wipes the tears from her eyes and tries to
smile.
CLARA (cont'd)
Well, I'll start making you dinner
then.
She stands and crosses into the kitchen.
After a moment, Russ follows her.
KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Clara starts opening cabinets. Russ stands in the entrance
again.
RUSS
You're crying.
CLARA
Don't be silly.
Russ steps toward her.
RUSS
It's okay.
Clara stops. Puts her hands down. The tears start to well
in her eyes. She keeps her back to him.
CLARA
Those parents. They must be so
sad. Their babies were taken from
them.
Russ moves closer. Lays his hand on her shoulder.
CLARA (cont'd)
I just can't help it.
He turns her around and holds her close. He closes his eyes
and holds her, matching his breathing to her heartbeat.
RUSS
How well do you really know Doctor
Prather?
Her face... suddenly changes. Clara stays pressed against
Russ.
CLARA
Why?
RUSS
There's something wrong. Something
at his house that might--
CLARA
--might what?
Russ exhales. Wrong time.
RUSS
Never mind.
He closes his eyes. She... does not.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Russ is asleep. So too, it appears, is Clara. Her head
slowly turns to Russ. After a moment, she quietly slides out
of bed.
The room is bathed in moonlight. Clara crosses to the
window. At Dr. Prather's house.
She nods. Crosses to a dresser, each step silent.
She gently opens the top drawer, sliding away some
clothing... to reveal: a KNIFE. Long. Sharp. She takes it
by the handle.
A beam of light strikes the blade and flashes her face; it is
much different than we have been used to. It is without
emotion. Almost like she is in a trance.
Clara crosses to Russ's side of the bed. He is deep in
sleep. Totally unaware as she slowly brings the blade to his
neck.
Clara's knuckles whiten as she grips the knife handle
tighter.
The blade touches Russ's neck. He startles and she quickly
withdraws the knife, scurrying back to the dresser.
RUSS
(barely awake)
Clara?
She shuts the dresser drawer, trading the knife for...
CLARA
Socks. My feet were cold. Go back
to sleep.
He grumbles and shuts his eyes again.
CLARA (cont'd)
(almost a whisper)
I can't live without you.
INT. HOME - MORNING
Russ grabs his briefcase and heads to the door. Clara calls
out.
CLARA (O.S.)
Have a good day.
Russ says nothing. Moves quickly outside where the TAXI is
waiting, as usual, for his ride to work.
INT. TAXI - MORNING (DRIVING)
Russ looks more unsettled than usual. At a stoplight, he
glances over and sees DR. PRATHER in his own car, one length
ahead on the right.
Nerve endings start to fire. Make a decision quickly, Russ.
RUSS
Do me a favor. See that blue Honda
up there?
TAXI DIVER
Yeah?
RUSS
I want to go where its going.
The taxi driver shrugs. The light changes.
EXT. DRUG STORE - MORNING
Dr. Prather's blue Honda stops at a small Mom and Pop drug
store. He climbs out and heads inside.
Slowing to a stop and still tailing, Russ's taxi slows into a
space a couple hundred feet away.
INT. TAXI - MORNING
The Taxi Driver leans back.
TAXI DIVER
What now?
RUSS
Just wait.
TAXI DIVER
I reckon this is gonna cost you a
fortune we keep this up.
Russ reaches into his wallet and pulls out a hundred dollar
bill.
RUSS
Here's your tip. I'll pay the fare
on top, okay?
TAXI DIVER
(snatching the money, his
lucky day)
Yes, sir.
EXT. DRUG STORE - MOMENTS LATER
Dr. Jim Prather emerges from the Drug Store and climbs back
in his car.
The Taxi Driver fires his engines and the slow stalk
continues.
EXT. INTERSTATE 40 - LATE MORNING
Dr. Prather's blue Honda streaks along I-80 heading to the
Little Rock skyline.
The taxi follows, not far behind.
EXT. RIVERFRONT DISTRICT - LATE MORNING
Dr. Prather's car pulls down a dirt frontage road heading
toward what appears to be a semi-industrial cluster of
buildings off the Arkansas River.
Seconds later, the taxi slows to a stop at the entrance of
the frontage road.
INT. TAXI - LATE MORNING
Russ dishes out a few more bills to the driver.
RUSS
Thanks.
Russ climbs out.
EXT. FRONTAGE ROAD - LATE MORNING
Russ stands as the taxi takes off. He peers down the road...
and after a moment, starts walking.
EXT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - MINUTES LATER
A fairly nondescript white building a hundred yards from the
river. Two stories, few windows. A metal front door with
key-card security lock on the front.
And it looks abandoned.
Dr. Prather's car is parked just by the entrance. Russ moves
slowly toward the building... his nerve endings firing again.
Sweat collects on his brow and he brushes it away with his
hand.
INT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - DR. PRATHER'S OFFICE - LATE
MORNING
A contrast to the outside, the office is oak paneled, with
pictures of loved ones, articles and diplomas framed on the
wall.
Along one side, a bank of labeled and marked file cabinets.
Dr. Prather takes a seat behind a cherrywood desk.
INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE BUREAU - SAME
Detective Carlin looks troubled. Scans his surroundings to
make sure no one is close enough to hear him. He picks up
the receiver on his phone. Dials.
EXT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - SIDE
Back outside, Russ edges along the side of the building, his
legs almost moving involuntarily now.
He peers down the side, to the river beyond. Stays close to
the building as he moves forward.
INT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - DR. PRATHER'S OFFICE - LATE
MORNING
Dr. Prather's phone blares out. He calmly picks it up.
DR. PRATHER
Doctor James Prather.
INTERCUT WITH DETECTIVE CARLIN--
DET. CARLIN
(hushed)
Jim... it's Steve. Jim... we can't
keep doin' this.
Dr. Prather's eyes narrow.
DR. PRATHER
Yes. We can. And that's the last
I want to hear about it.
DET. CARLIN
Well, I can't--
DR. PRATHER
You can and you will, Steve.
(beat)
It is... unfortunate, I agree. But
there are always means to an end.
And we are not yet at the end, as
much as I wish we were.
EXT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - BACK
Russ bends the corner and begins to make out a voice. It is
Dr. Prather's. He slides along the back... to a window.
Bridling his breath he bends slowly forward and peers inside.
RUSS SEES-- Dr. Prather sitting at a desk. Six FILE CABINETS
four rows high line the opposite wall. A large MIRROR on the
eastern wall.
He spots Dr. Prather on a phone. Hears...
DR. PRATHER
It is very important that you
continue to act as if you know
nothing. Do you understand?
(beat)
Good.
Russ takes another step forward and SLIPS on a patch of wet
grass. He CATCHES himself but makes just enough noise to...
Dr. Prather's voice fades. He holds the phone down and...
Russ whips back away from the window just as Prather turns to
look out!
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
(into phone)
I have to go.
Dr. Prather hangs up and stands... crossing to the window...
Russ squeezes himself flat against the building...
Dr. Prather is just inches away from him... looking out...
Russ stops breathing and closes his eyes...
Dr. Prather unlatches the window and slides it aside...
Russ inches to his side...
Dr. Prather sticks his head out the window... turns right...
then...
...left. There is no one there.
Dr. Prather closes the window.
EXT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - SIDE
Russ kneels on the ground... having slid slowly away... just
in time.
After a moment, Russ makes it back to his feet. He HEARS
rustling... clanging from inside the building. A door
shutting. Locking. He slides again toward the front of the
building.
EXT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - FRONT
Russ peers around the front... enough to see Dr. Prather
emerge from the front door. Get into his car. Drive away.
Russ exhales hard. Wipes his eyes. Considers... the window.
EXT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - BACK
Russ stands before the window that Prather opened. Notices
the good doctor never returned the lock to its position.
He steels himself... and opens it.
INT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - DR. PRATHER'S OFFICE - MOMENTS
LATER
Russ moves slowly, tentatively through the office. Almost
afraid to touch anything. It lasts a second because quickly
he moves to the desk... unsure of anything. He pushes aside
BILLS and other MEANINGLESS SCRAPS... looking for any clue
to.... well, to what he isn't quite sure.
But there must be something here.
He keeps digging. Then... HE SEES: notes... scribbles.
Names. Memos.
Nothing.
Russ turns his attention to the bank of FILE CABINETS. Scans
the TYPED CARDS marking each drawer. His eyes LOCK ON ONE,
that reads:
"The Promethean Order"
Russ's lips mouth the words.
Just then... CLICK... the SOUND OF A LOCK TURNING.
Russ quickly stuffs the folder back in the drawer. HEARS...
footsteps...
Russ moves to the window... not wanting to wait to see who
might appear...
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - MORNING
A taxi deposits Russ in front of the school.
INT. MAYFLOWER LIBRARY - AFTERNOON
Russ approaches the YOUNG LIBRARIAN at the front desk.
RUSS
Good morning, young lady. I was
wondering where you keep the
microfiche.
YOUNG LIBRARIAN
Excuse me? You want a book on
small fish?
Just then an OLDER LIBRARIAN appears.
OLDER LIBRARIAN
It's like Google, dear. For older
people.
(shakes her head)
Kids. Right this way, Mister
Lassard.
INT. LIBRARY - BACK OFFICE - AFTERNOON
A single projector against a back wall. BANKS of file
cabinets take up the rest of the room, each marked by month
and year.
RUSS
How recent are they?
OLDER LIBRARIAN
I think they stopped processing in
2006. All went electronic at that
point.
RUSS
Thank you.
OLDER LIBRARIAN
Hope it still works. Ain't nobody
used it in a long time.
The Older Librarian leaves, shutting the office door behind
her.
INT. LIBRARY - BACK OFFICE - LATER
The light is out. Only the glow from the projector,
splashing light and black lines across Russ's face.
Russ is scanning through old copies of the "Arkansas Democrat
Gazette" - Dated September, 2002. Suddenly, he stops. Finds
what he's looking for. A small article with a picture.
Police... in a field standing over a covered body.
He reads out loud part of the article.
RUSS
Found at 8:02 this morning by the
land's owner, a Mister Ray Carlin.
The body was positively identified
as a young woman in her teens. An
autopsy later confirmed the cause
of death as strangulation...
Russ thinks a moment.
RUSS (cont'd)
Positively identified?
MONTAGE: Russ digging through files, finding the tape,
scanning through. Finding another article, from the
following year.
RUSS (cont'd)
(reading)
...positively identified as a young
woman in her teens...
(beat, to himself)
Positively identified as who?
SAMANTHA (O.S.)
They won't tell you their names.
Russ slowly turns back. Sees the image of his bloodied dead
daughter Samantha standing in the center of the room.
RUSS
Why not?
SAMANTHA
The Promethean Order.
And then suddenly, once again... Russ blinks... and she is
gone.
INT. LIBRARY - COMPUTER LAB - LATER
Russ sits at a computer and begins to type.
ON THE SCREEN--
Russ types in: "THE PROMETHEAN ORDER"
"Search Finds No Matches".
RUSS
(softly, to himself)
Shit.
Quietly, the Older Librarian has moved up behind him.
OLDER LIBRARIAN
Promethean.
Russ flinches and spins back.
RUSS
You scared me.
OLDER LIBRARIAN
Sorry. I didn't mean to frighten
you. Or snoop into what you were
doing. You looked frustrated so I
thought maybe I could help.
(beat)
I majored in mythology in college.
RUSS
Mine is a little rusty. The
Promeathean Order. Do you know
what that is?
The Librarian shakes her head.
OLDER LIBRARIAN
Not exactly. Prometheus was a
Titan who they say created man from
clay. He mocked the gods...
Especially Zeus... by introducing
fire to mankind. He saved them
from the cold, dark world.
Russ's eyes narrow.
The Librarian crosses to a shelf. Her fingers dance across
the bindings until she finds the one she wants. Slides it
out. Brings it to Russ.
OLDER LIBRARIAN (cont'd)
Read this. It explains everything.
RUSS
Thank you.
Russ takes the book. Gathers his things and nods at the
Older Librarian.
OLDER LIBRARIAN
He paid for it, you know.
RUSS
Who?
OLDER LIBRARIAN
Prometheus. He was too confident.
Too proud of what he had done.
Zeus made him pay. He made mankind
pay too.
Russ nods.
The Older Librarian wanders away. Russ heads to the exit.
Suddenly... the Younger Librarian slides in front of him,
blocking his way.
RUSS
Excuse me, I--
YOUNG LIBRARIAN
(hushed)
Don't go down this road.
The Young Librarian wears fear. She looks all directions to
see if anyone can see her speaking to Russ.
RUSS
What are you talking about?
YOUNG LIBRARIAN
Just...
SOMEONE ELSE enters the library.
YOUNG LIBRARIAN (cont'd)
...leave it be.
The Young Librarian moves away. Back to her post. Russ
watches as she makes it seem this conversation... never
happened.
INT. "THE FADED ROSE" - AFTERNOON
Russ approaches Steven Shuller... parked at his favorite
table, surrounded by empty vodka tonics.
SHULLER
Hey, pal. Grab a seat. We're
watering away our misery.
RUSS
Did you find out what happened?
Shuller NODS GRAVELY.
SHULLER
Cameryn was walkin' back home from
the movie theater the other night.
Alone. They say the killer grabbed
her about a block from home.
Strangled.
RUSS
The killer... they think its the
same one from the bluffs? The
Monster?
SHULLER
Yeah, right. The monster... I
would say so. Perhaps psycho
killers are a common occurrence in
Chicago, pal. But down here...
well... lets just say if they find
this sonofabitch he's more likely
to be hangin' from a tree with a
pitchfork up his ass then standing
in a suit and tie before the judge.
Shuller slowly stands and limps over to the bar to collect
two more drinks. Limps back. Takes a seat.
SHULLER (cont'd)
You okay, pal? You don't look so
good.
RUSS
I never do.
Russ downs his drink.
RUSS (cont'd)
You say this town has secrets,
right?
SHULLER
Yep.
RUSS
I think I've found one. Maybe.
(hushed)
Have you ever heard of something
called "The Promethean Order"?
Shuller racks his brain.
SHULLER
Nope. Can't say I have.
RUSS
I don't know how yet but I think it
has ties to the murders that happen
here every year. And there's
something else. Something strange.
On each report...
I can't find any record of the
murdered girls names.
(beat)
Do you remember any of them?
SHULLER
Well... uhhh...
(thinking)
Shoot... that was awhile ago. I...
Sorry. I can't think of 'em.
Russ stares out at the door. Scans the room. Eyes
occasionally dart his way. Then away.
SHULLER (cont'd)
Can I ask you a question?
Russ nods.
SHULLER (cont'd)
What's with the taxi? You own a
car, right?
RUSS
Yes.
SHULLER
So how come you take a taxi
everywhere?
Russ takes a drink. Speaks softly.
RUSS
My daughter Samantha was killed in
a car crash. Last year.
SHULLER
Jesus... I'm sorry, Russ.
RUSS
I really wanted a boy, you know.
When we first found out. But we
got a girl. And that first moment
I held her in my arms... she had me
wrapped around her finger. All
she'd have to do is look at me...
and my heart would melt.
(beat)
You know, you spend the first few
years of their lives keeping them
close, protecting them from every
evil in the world. And then they
grow up...
hit the teenage years and want to
push away from you so quickly.
Shuller nods. Takes a drink. So does Russ.
RUSS (cont'd)
We were driving back from a dance.
I picked her up at school. She
was... wearing this... little
bubblegum dress. She begged me to
drive, you know, she had just got
her license. I said no... but she
looked at me... You know, just
like when she was a little kid.
But this time... this time I
wouldn't give in.
(beat, remembering)
We came to this intersection and
this guy in another car... drunk...
blew right through the light. Hit
right on the passenger side. Right
where Samantha was sitting. Our
car was destroyed... except for the
driver's seat.
(beat)
You see, if I had just given in...
Samantha would have lived.
SHULLER
And you would have died.
RUSS
It's the choice I would make every
time. But life doesn't let you
have the chance to make the same
mistake again. So you live with
it. You never get behind the
wheel... ever again.
His voice fades.
INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE BUREAU - NIGHT
Detective Carlin is scanning some papers when Detective Reece
appears, a big smile on his face.
DET. REECE
You ain't gonna believe this.
DET. CARLIN
Do tell.
DET. REECE
I did some checkin' on the new guy,
our Mister Russell Lassard. Turns
out after he checked out of the
hospital for his injuries... he
checked in to a place called
"Hartgrove".
DET. CARLIN
The mental hospital.
DET. REECE
Right, the one outside
Fayetteville. He was there six
months! How 'bout them tomatoes
And guess who his new best friend
is in town. Seen hangin' out at
the Faded Rose? One Steven
Shuller.
Carlin nods.
DET. CARLIN
I'll be damned, then.
DET. REECE
Think its time to pay Mister
Chicago a visit.
Carlin nods.
DET. CARLIN
Bill?
DET. REECE
Yeah.
DET. CARLIN
Maybe... there are some other
directions we should be lookin'.
DET. REECE
Steve? What in the hell are you
talkin' about?
DET. CARLIN
Maybe...
Carlin's voice fades.
DET. REECE
Maybe what?
DET. CARLIN
Nothin'.
(beat)
How's ya Mama doin'?
DET. REECE
Not good. Won't be long, I'm
afraid.
Carlin nods. His face dark.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The television is on. Clara is watching the end of some
reality show. Russ sits in a chair engrossed in the story of
Prometheus.
After a moment, Clara stands. Shuts off the TV and crosses
to Russ, leaning in and kissing his cheek.
CLARA
I'm going to bed. You followin'?
RUSS
(not taking his eyes off
the page)
In a minute.
Clara cocks her head and stares at Russ.
CLARA
Whatcha reading?
Russ looks up at Clara.
RUSS
A book I got at the library today.
Greek Mythology. The story of
Prometheus.
It's fleeting... but we catch a flash of concern on Clara's
face.
CLARA
Since when do you care about...
myth-- mythology?
Russ furrows his brow.
RUSS
Is everything okay, Clara?
Clara quickly loses the frown she's wearing and turns it to a
smile.
CLARA
You can stay up if you want.
But...
She turns and swings her hips.
CLARA (cont'd)
...you're missin' out.
Russ watches her go. His eyes squint. Wonders if he's
missing something.
The thought is fleeting; his attention soon returns to the
book.
WE TAKE A PEEK-- at what Russ is reading. Text on the left.
A picture on the right. A box adorned with jewels. It is
open and demons are rushing from it. The caption below
reads:
"Pandora's Box"
Russ closes the book. Stands. Crosses to the front hallway.
To the window. Brushes aside the drapes. Stares at Dr.
Prather's house. Dark save...
...a light in the basement...
RUSS (V.O.)
I need your help.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
History classroom. Maps of great wars line the walls.
Shuller is behind his desk. Feet up. Russ paces.
SHULLER
Shoot, pal.
RUSS
If you believed... something. But
you were pretty sure no one else
would believe. How would you go
about... making them believe?
SHULLER
I'm a history teacher, Russ.
Theology is down the hall on the
right. I believe Miss Ganor
teaches that class.
RUSS
I'm serious.
SHULLER
I have no doubt you are. But its a
bit abstract, don'tcha think?
(beat)
What is it you believe?
RUSS
I can't tell you that.
SHULLER
That's not the best way to start
getting people to believe you.
RUSS
I've... seen something very
strange. And it might be... it
might involve... what's been going
on.
SHULLER
The murders?
Russ nods.
Shuller sighs. Sucks out something from between his teeth.
Groans.
SHULLER (cont'd)
Well... like I said... I'm a
history teacher. I believe in
facts. Toil in them daily. It's
where Miss Ganor and I part ways.
There is faith... which is blind
belief. And fact. Which, unlike
faith has one clear distinguishing
quality.
Russ looks up. Nods.
RUSS
Proof.
Shuller makes his hand a gun. Shoots it and, with a click of
his tongue, winks.
EXT. CHURCH - MORNING
Mid-sermon. The Pastor paces. Sweat drips from his brow.
He SCRATCHES at his face as he speaks.
PASTOR
We are afraid. A being holds
hostage us all. It is sad. For
that which brings us great terror
is itself... lost.
The Pastor SCRATCHES at his face again and his neck; an
insatiable itch.
PASTOR (cont'd)
To be human is a blissfully sorry
existence. To be human is to be
trapped between poles of prophecy
and peril.
(dramatic pause)
And those forces of Heaven and Hell
fight for us long after our Earthly
demise. Tearing at us. Our
memories belong only to the victor.
Our souls the hard fought spoils...
of evil... or everlasting glory.
(pause)
When all we seek is peace.
The Pastor closes his eyes.
Blood begins to drip from his ear.
He COLLAPSES to the GASPS of the Flock, several of which rush
to help him.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. HOME - DAY
A KNOCK at the door. Russ opens it.
DET. REECE
Afternoon, Russ. How's Mayflower
treating you?
Russ nods.
RUSS
Just fine, thank you.
DET. REECE
Hope you remember us, I'm Detective
Reece, this is Detective Carlin.
Mind if we come in? Or do we need
to show you our warrant?
Russ swallows hard.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
I'm just kidding, Russ. We don't
have a warrant.
(beat)
Should we?
RUSS
Come in.
Russ leads the Detectives to the--
LIVING ROOM
RUSS (cont'd)
How can I help you guys?
Det. Carlin takes a seat on the couch. Reece stays standing,
peeking around corners.
DET. REECE
You and I have something in common,
Russ.
RUSS
What's that?
DET. REECE
Neither of us was born here in
Mayflower. I was reared down in
Polk county in the town of Cove
'bout a spit from the Louisiana
border. Moved here about five
years ago when my Mama got sick...
see she had family here.
(beat)
Anyhow, I remember how tough it was
to be the new fella in town.
RUSS
I haven't had too many problems.
DET. REECE
Point is, I sympathize with you.
A silent moment.
RUSS
Excuse me, but is there a reason
you're here today?
Reece smiles.
DET. REECE
Son, I don't ever go nowhere
without a reason.
Russ feels the Detectives eyes burning into him. His heart
beats fast. He tries to bridal his nerves and locks his jaw.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
I'm sorry, Russ. I don't mean to
cause you any alarm. I just want
to ask you some questions about
where you were last Friday night.
Russ's eyes narrow.
RUSS
I was here. I was home.
DET. REECE
As any good husband would be, I had
no doubt. And you can--
Clara enters the room with a tray of iced tea and interrupts.
CLARA
--of course he can, Detective. I
was here with him.
Carlin stands as the lady enters.
CLARA (cont'd)
Iced tea, fellas? It has been so
unseasonably hot. Unless you'd like
something a bit more stiff.
DET. REECE
Thank you, ma'am. I don't drink
but on rare occasions.
(beat, to Russ)
Frankly, not rare enough.
They each take a glass.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
You are friends with Mister
Shuller, is that so? You know his
whereabouts that night?
RUSS
No. I don't know how I--
DET. REECE
How well do you know Mister
Shuller?
RUSS
We're casual friends. It's a new
job. He's a fellow teacher.
DET. CARLIN
We're quite aware of his
employment.
DET. REECE
What Detective Carlin here means to
say is that Mister Shuller is well
known to the community. He came to
us from Conway High.
DET. CARLIN
Got kicked out for tryin' to make
it with a student. Only reason he
found employment here in town
'cause his late Uncle was quite the
contributor to the Mayflower
football team.
DET. REECE
Go Eagles.
DET. CARLIN
(quickly)
Go Eagles.
DET. REECE
Were you aware of that, Russ? I'm
told you and he often spend time
together down at the Faded Rose.
He likes 'em young, Russ. How do
you figure on something like that?
Words jam in his mouth. Finally--
RUSS
I think you should both leave now.
Reece frowns. Then... slowly smiles.
DET. REECE
Of course.
Reece and Carlin start for the door. Clara opens it. Just
before he steps out, Reece turns back to Russ.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
One last question, Russ.
Russ is silent.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
Do you believe in monsters?
RUSS
I wouldn't know what you mean by
that.
Reece nods.
DET. REECE
Yeah. Me neither. When I was
growin' up in Cove I met this gypsy
lady tol' me "True evil never shows
its face. It just hides in the
heart."
(beat)
You have a nice day.
The door closes. Russ turns to Clara.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS - AFTERNOON
Russ and Shuller walk together along a campus sidewalk near
the athletic field where the future Arkansas Razorbacks
football players slam into each other. A whistle blows.
SHULLER
What did they want?
RUSS
They wanted to know where I was the
night Cameryn Beck was murdered.
Shuller sighs.
SHULLER
Goddamn local bumpkins. Just like
them to single out the new guy in
town.
(beat)
What else they ask you? They ask
about me?
Russ's eyes narrow.
RUSS
Matter of fact they did.
Shuller's eyes widen. He plays it off.
SHULLER
That so? Figures. Us hanging
around each other all the time.
(beat)
Suppose they told you about the
Conway incident.
Russ nods.
SHULLER (cont'd)
Wasn't what you think, Russ. I
gave the girl a ride home. Name
was Cindy Miller. She had a crush
on me, I know what yer thinkin',
right, a crush. But it's true.
She was all pushin' up on me and
when I stopped the car an' tol' her
to walk out she got upset. Told
her parents I touched her in her
privates. It wasn't true.
Shuller stops.
SHULLER (cont'd)
It wasn't true, Russ.
RUSS
Okay.
They continue walking.
SHULLER
Far as the girls that were
killed... I ain't got the strength
nor the sobriety to touch myself
anymore... let alone some young
thing.
(beat)
There is one problem, however.
Russ stops suddenly. Pivots to Shuller who also stops and
wears a look of concern.
SHULLER (cont'd)
I saw her that night.
RUSS
Who?
SHULLER
Cameryn Beck. I was at the
theater. I was just going to see a
movie by myself. I saw her there
and she said hello to me. That was
it. I never saw her again that
night.
Shuller stares off into the sky for a moment.
SHULLER (cont'd)
I suppose you think I should tell
them about it.
RUSS
I'm not sure why you wouldn't. If
it would help them.
Shuller keeps staring off. Starts to look a little nervous.
SHULLER
You think they're gonna come talk
to me?
RUSS
I think they want to know what
really happened.
Shuller sticks his hands in his pockets.
SHULLER
They ain't interested in the truth.
Never have been.
Russ stares at Shuller.
RUSS
What is the truth?
Shuller keeps his gaze in the sky. Slowly looks down at
Russ.
SHULLER
Thought that was what you were
gonna figure out.
INT. KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON
Clara is soaking dishes in the sink and humming a hymnal
softly to herself.
RUSS
What is that?
Clara smiles.
CLARA
"All Things Bright and Beautiful".
RUSS
I like it.
She dries a dish.
RUSS (cont'd)
I was thinking... you should invite
Doctor Prather over for dinner
tonight.
CLARA
Jim? Why?
RUSS
I never did get to thank him for
taking care of me the other day.
Clara sets down the dish and dries her hands.
CLARA
That's sweet of you. You sure?
Russ nods slowly.
RUSS
I am.
(looks her in the eyes)
I can cook steaks out on the grill.
CLARA
You don't need to cook, Russ. I
always take care of you.
He smiles to her. Nods.
INT. HOME - NIGHT
Russ swings the front door open. Dr. Prather is there,
dressed in a nice white linen shirt, khaki slacks. He
carries a bottle of wine.
DR. PRATHER
Evening, Russ. Good to see you
again. And... I mean that.
RUSS
Well, Jim... I believe you.
Dr. Prather... smiles.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
They are all seated at the dining room table. Clara carries
in the steaks, setting the plates before the men.
She takes her seat. There is a moment of silence as they all
cut into their food.
Russ eyes the clock: 9:42
DR. PRATHER
How's your new job treating you,
Russ?
RUSS
Well, Jim. Two of my students have
been murdered since I started.
So... not as well as I'd hoped.
CLARA
Such terrible dinner talk, then.
DR. PRATHER
Yes, I agree. Terrible, just
terrible.
He takes a bite.
RUSS
You don't seem all that bothered.
DR. PRATHER
On the contrary, Russ. I am very
bothered. But I trust these
horrible crimes will be over soon.
And things will return to normal.
That's the way it should be in this
town.
(beat)
You see, I was born here in
Mayflower. Raised here.
Nothin' changed here, Russ. Been
here sixty-three years and besides
the cars... this is still the same
town I first arrived in naked and
screaming.
(beat)
Until the last few years, that is.
CLARA
Can we please change the
conversation?
DR. PRATHER
It's a special place. Like nowhere
else in the world. And we like it
that way.
Russ just stares at Dr. Prather. He smiles back.
There is a moment of uncomfortable silence.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
How have you been feelin', Russ?
After your fall? I'd like you to
come down to my office for a check
up.
RUSS
No need. I feel fine.
DR. PRATHER
Well, of course, its your choice.
However I'd like to make sure its
not a sign of something... more
serious.
A moment.
RUSS
I'll keep that in mind.
Silence. Prather smiles again. Takes another bite.
Just then... Russ's cell phone blares out. In his pocket; he
snaps it up.
RUSS (cont'd)
(into phone)
Russell Lassard.
Russ muffles the RECORDED MESSAGE that says: "This is your
automated wake up call for, nine forty-five... p-m."
RUSS (cont'd)
(into phone)
Yes, Wilbur. Uh-huh. Just hold
on.
Russ sets the phone down.
CLARA
Who's callin' you so late?
RUSS
Principal Winston.
CLARA
School business at this time of
night?
RUSS
Apparently someone is sick and I
might have to pick up a few classes
tomorrow. Let me find out, excuse
me, just keep eating, I'll be just
a minute.
He stands...
DR. PRATHER
Of course, Russ. Take your time.
We'll be... right here.
...and leaves the room.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Russ looks back. Makes sure he's out of sight. Reaches into
his pocket. Pulls out... a disposable camera.
Creeps slowly for the front door. Gently opens it. Gently
shuts it.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Russ stops. Stares at the house across the street.
The house... smiles back.
Russ raises his disposable camera and takes a picture... then
moves forward. Slowly at first. Then... faster to
EXT. PRATHER'S HOME - CONTINUOUS
Russ knocks. Waits. No answer.
Russ wraps his hand around the doorknob. Twists.
It opens.
INT. PRATHER'S HOME - CONTINUOUS
Russ moves quickly, snapping off shots of anything he sees.
Documenting. He moves from room to room. Knowing... where
he will find the proof he is looking for. He searches around
for the entrance... finding it in--
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Heart pounds. Sweats. Russ touches the knob on the door
that leads to the basement. Slowly turns it. Steels
himself... and heads down.
It's dark. More than dark; foreboding. Russ steps
carefully... feeling the wall... hoping for a light.
He comes upon one. Flips it. Descends.
INT. BASEMENT - CONTINUOUS
More sterile you would expect. A medical type table at one
end. Rows of white boxes at the other. In the center... A
CAGE.
And behind that cage... the Creature... crumpled on the
ground. Silent.
Russ slowly approaches the cage. He is shaking with fear.
Digs the camera out of his pocket. Takes sight and levels it
at the Creature.
In a flash it springs forward, crashing against the cage.
Teeth showing. It lashes out with it's arm.
Russ steps backward. Breathing quick. Terror scratching at
his brain. It's all he can do to raise the camera and...
CLICK.
The flash stuns the Creature. It falls back. Russ takes the
opportunity to race back up the stairs.
It's haunting white EYES follow his every movement.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Russ tucks the camera away and heads back to his house.
INT. HOME - NIGHT
He, again, gently opens, enters and shuts the front door.
Straightens himself out. Heads casually back into-
INT. DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Russ smiles.
RUSS
Sorry about that.
He stops. Dr. Prather is gone.
RUSS (cont'd)
Where did he go?
CLARA
Some emergency. Said he had to run
home.
Blood drains from Russ's face.
CLARA (cont'd)
Are you okay?
RUSS
No.
CLARA
What's wrong?
Russ takes out the camera.
RUSS
We have to talk.
INT. KITCHEN - LATER
Both are sitting at the kitchen table. Clara looks stunned--
he's clearly spilled his guts.
RUSS
Say something.
CLARA
I don't know what to say.
RUSS
It's true. Every word of it. You
have to believe me. I have a
picture!
CLARA
This... this is not fixing us,
Russ! After the other night... I
thought... we were finally
beginning to heal. Then... you
start in with this? Monsters
across the street? Breaking into
people's homes?
RUSS
Jim Prather is behind these
murders. He's hiding something.
Clara stands. Explodes.
CLARA
Jim Prather is a great man! He has
done more for us, more for this
community than anyone!
RUSS
And what exactly would that be?
Clara stands. Shakes her head as she crosses to the sink,
filling a teapot with water and carrying it over to the
stove.
RUSS (cont'd)
What are you doing?
CLARA
(coldly detached, like we
saw in the bedroom scenes
ago)
Making some tea.
She FIRES up the stove-- blue flame licking the bottom of the
teapot.
RUSS
You have to believe me. This isn't
in my head, Clara. This is all...
very... real.
Clara glances over at Russ. Her eyes narrowed. She slides
open a drawer. A bottle of PILLS. Removes two. Drops them
in a teacup.
The teapot starts to hiss...
Clara keeps her back to him...
RUSS (cont'd)
Clara?
The teapot hisses louder...
RUSS (cont'd)
(louder now)
Clara?
CLARA
A moment.
Clara removes the teapot from the burner. Pours his cup; the
pills dissolve before our eyes.
She pours her own. Clean. Picks up the cups and crosses to
the table, taking a seat beside him.
Russ takes a sip.
RUSS
I need you. I need you to believe
me.
CLARA
I know you do.
Clara is frighteningly cool right now.
CLARA (cont'd)
I need you too. I always have.
Russ takes another sip. Starts to feel dizzy again. Eyes
roll back in his head as he falls to the ground. Head,
SLAMMING against the ground.
BLACKOUT.
FLASHES OF LIGHT--
A car horn continues to blare. Twisted metal tosses plumes
of smoke against the cold night.
RUSS
Wake up, princess. Please...
Russ reaches out. Blurry bodies move behind him.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Oh, God. Is anyone alive?
ANOTHER FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Call 9-1-1.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
I can't get the girl. The door's
all smashed in!
ANOTHER MALE VOICE (O.S.)
Pull him out! Get him back! The
things gonna go!
Hands grab him. Pull him away.
FADE TO BLACK.
EVERYTHING IS BLURRY--
Bright but unrecognizable. Slowly the picture comes into
focus and we realize we are in--
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Russ blinks. His head is bandaged.
Dr. Prather sits in a chair across the room.
DR. PRATHER
Hello, Russ.
Russ stares at Prather. Eyes shoot around the room.
RUSS
Where's my wife?
DR. PRATHER
Clara went to get some food. She's
been a mess.
RUSS
What happened?
DR. PRATHER
Apparently you blacked out at home.
Not good, these blackouts you've
been having. This is precisely why
I wanted you to come down here for
a check up.
Russ tries to lift his hand-- and discovers both arms are
tied down to his bed.
RUSS
What the hell is this?!
Prather stands. Crosses to the bed.
DR. PRATHER
For your protection, Russ.
RUSS
Untie me.
Prather frowns.
DR. PRATHER
I'm afraid not. Not just yet. I
need to tell me something. I need
you tell me about the
hallucinations you've been having.
RUSS
I haven't--
DR. PRATHER
--It's okay, Russ. I understand.
Russ jerks his leg, knocking Prather's hand away.
Dr. Prather nods and stands again.
RUSS
I know you have a... thing... some
sort of monster living in a cage in
your basement. It's killing people
and you're covering it up. Who is
it, Jim...
(beat)
What is it?
DR. PRATHER
Stop this, Russ. This is in your
mind.
RUSS
I know what I saw.
DR. PRATHER
What else have you seen, Russ?
Have you seen your daughter, too?
Russ says nothing.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
I am just trying to help you.
RUSS
(louder now)
What is "The Promethean Order"?
DR. PRATHER
(even louder)
You have already lost your
daughter. Now you are destroying
yourself and you are destroying
your marriage.
RUSS
That's none of your goddamn
business.
Dr. Prather slowly nods.
DR. PRATHER
Yes. I suppose.
Silence. Dr. Prather shakes his head. Crosses to a counter
and draws a liquid into a syringe.
RUSS
He suffered.
DR. PRATHER
(absently)
Who suffered, Russ?
RUSS
Prometheus. Zeus punished him by
imprisoning him on a mountain top.
And every day an eagle would fly to
the mountain and feast on
Prometheus' liver. But every night
the liver would grow back. The
whole thing would start again.
(beat)
I know who you really are.
Dr. Prather taps out the air and turns. Smiles. Crosses to
the bed.
RUSS (cont'd)
Are you going to kill me?
Dr. Prather locks eyes with Russ.
DR. PRATHER
Two things, Russ. First, that is
not a question one gets to ask if
one is really about to be killed.
Second, if you say you know who I
really am... then you would know...
that would be quite impossible.
He waits a moment... then JAMS the syringe into Russ's arm.
Russ starts to fade. Eyelids drop, then rise... he can see
Dr. Prather walk away... then... see his wife standing just
outside the door...
He struggles to stay conscious and makes out in flashes:
Clara talking to Prather.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
The new medication should work.
Calm him. But if he becomes
irrational... if he sees it
again... let me know.
CLARA
I will.
DR. PRATHER
For now... let him sleep. You did
the right thing.
Prather turns back. Looks to Russ. Shuts off the light and
closes the door.
Russ fights to stay awake. Looks in the corner. SEES:
Samantha. Bloodied. Sitting in a chair in the corner.
Smiling at him.
RUSS
(drugged)
Princess...
Samantha stands. Leaves a trail of blood across the floor as
she approaches her father. Leans over. Bloody lips kiss his
cheek.
Russ cannot fight anymore. He closes his eyes.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. HOME - NIGHT
Clara gently guides a dazed Russ to the front door.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
She helps him into bed. He stares up at her.
CLARA
Everything will be better, soon.
Russ gives an involuntary nod. She kisses his cheek.
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Russ and Clara sit across from each other at the table.
Clara watches her husband. Purses her lips; Russ looks
lobotomized. His actions are slow. His mouth hangs open. A
bowl of cereal before him.
CLARA
Do you like your cereal, Russ?
Russ just nods. Keeps eating his cereal. Milk drools from
the corner of his mouth.
INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Russ and Clara watch television. Russ suddenly stands.
Speaks in a slower, slurred voice.
RUSS
It's two pee em. I need to go...
take m-my pills.
Clara betrays her sadness. Fights it.
CLARA
Okay, baby.
Russ wanders from the room. Heads up the stairs.
Clara starts to cry. She picks up the phone. Dials.
INT. STAIRWAY - AFTERNOON
Russ slowly steps down the stairs.
He can HEAR Clara, from the kitchen, on the phone to someone.
Faint:
CLARA (O.S.)
...not what I wanted! He's not the
same. I'm not being irrational...
Russ finishes the stairs and heads for the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Russ shuffles into the kitchen.
CLARA
(into phone)
Look! I want you to--
She suddenly notices Russ.
CLARA (cont'd)
(into phone)
I'll have to call you back.
She hangs up. Russ looks at her blankly. Speaks monotone.
RUSS
Who were you talking to?
Clara shrugs. Cornered.
CLARA
I was...
(beat)
Wrong number.
Russ stares at her.
RUSS
I'm thinking... maybe I'll go for a
walk. If that's okay.
CLARA
That's... fine, Russ.
RUSS
I can't find my coat.
Clara lets out a nervous laugh. Or is that a sob?
CLARA
I'll get it for you.
She leaves the room.
Russ drops the zombie act. Quickly crosses to the phone and
hits "Redial". Checks the display on the phone:
"Dr. Jim Prather"
Russ sets the phone down as Clara walks back in carrying his
jacket.
EXT. STREET - LATER
Russ shuffles and does the whole act until he's sure he's far
enough from his home. Digs out a cell phone and dials.
INT. TAXI - LATER
Russ climbs in the back.
RUSS
Downtown. One hour photo.
INT. SAVON DRUGS - DAY
At the "One Hour Photo" counter. The CLERK hands over the
ENVELOPE OF PHOTOS.
EXT. STREET - LATER
Russ exits the store, pictures in hand. He shuffles through
them. To the last. The one he wants. Stares at it.
THE PICTURE-- a perfect shot of The Creature. Behind the
cage. Russ smiles.
It is the proof he needs.
EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON
Russ charges down the street now. Determined. Turns a
corner and makes a direct line for the...
EXT. MAYFLOWER POLICE DEPARTMENT - AFTERNOON
Russ heads inside.
INT. MAYFLOWER POLICE DEPARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
Russ approaches the front desk. A FEMALE OFFICER greets him.
Bright. Cheery. Way too cheery for a cop.
FEMALE OFFICER
Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to
the Mayflower Police Department.
How may I service you today?
RUSS
I need to talk to Detective Reece.
FEMALE OFFICER
And what is this regarding?
RUSS
I know who murdered all those kids.
Her face changes. She grabs a phone.
INT. MAYFLOWER POLICE DEPARTMENT - DAY
DETECTIVE REECE scratches off a lottery ticket.
The numbers match up... he has won.
$25.
DET. REECE
Suminabitch. Whoo-hoo.
He tucks the ticket away as an OFFICER leads Russ to the
Detective's desk.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
Mister Lassard.
RUSS
I have something to show you.
The Detective's eyes narrow.
INT. MAYFLOWER POLICE DEPARTMENT - LATER
Detective Reece holds a picture. One that Russ has given
him. The one with "The Monster". He stares at it and
sees... nothing.
THE PICTURE-- shows nothing... An empty basement.
Reece holds the picture up to Russ.
DET. REECE
What are you seein' in this that I
ain't?
RUSS
What?
Russ grabs the picture. Looks at it. Reece is right. The
photo is a mess of color that shows nothing.
RUSS (cont'd)
Wait a minute... this has to be the
wrong one. Hold on.
Russ pulls out the envelope of developed photos quickly--
other SHOTS OF DOCTOR PRATHER'S HOME. They suddenly SPILL to
the floor.
Russ drops to his knees and sweeps them up... looking for the
photo of the Creature.
RUSS (cont'd)
I know it's here!
DET. REECE
What's there, Russ?
RUSS
The picture of the monster.
DET. REECE
Seriously, Russ. Lets drop all
this pretense.
RUSS
Are you listening to me?!
DET. REECE
Sadly.
RUSS
I saw this thing with my own eyes!
DET. REECE
And I am assuming you had the good
Doctor's full permission to examine
his basement. Russ, I know you're
smarter than that.
RUSS
We don't have much time!
DET. REECE
We know Steven Shuller was at the
theater that night, Russ.
Russ draws in a sharp breath.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
From your reaction I'm guessin' you
knew that too. We got witnesses
that saw him there. But I still
got no one, other than your wife,
that can tell me where you were
that night.
(beat)
Where were you, Russ?
RUSS
I'm trying to help you!.
Russ stands and stares straight at the Detective.
DET. REECE
Troubles at home?
RUSS
What?
DET. REECE
Your wedding ring. Ain't on your
finger.
Russ looks at his left hand... sees he's right: the ring is
missing.
RUSS
I... must have taken it off. I do
that sometimes.
DET. REECE
God lives in the corners, Russ.
Russ nods.
RUSS
Thanks for your time.
Russ turns and blows out the door.
EXT. LASSARD HOME - EVENING
A taxi deposits a defeated Russ back before his home. He
steps slowly up to the front door clutching the photos.
He spots the SUV parked in the driveway; Clara no doubt
waiting frantically inside.
INT. LASSARD HOME - CONTINUOUS
Through the front door, Russ notices the home is eerily
quiet. It is dark. All the lights are out.
RUSS
Clara?
No answer. Russ crosses into--
KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
He scans the room. Nothing. Turns on the light.
Russ rubs his eyes. Accidentally drops the photos to the
floor.
He sits ground, placing his back against a cabinet, feet out,
looking exhausted. He picks up the photos one by one,
flipping through them again. Confused. Anxious.
Russ... begins to sob. It starts out slowly. Then harder.
He covers his face and the tears flow.
RUSS
Why...
Suddenly Samantha is sitting beside him. Bloodied. Torn.
Hands in her lap.
SAMANTHA
Please don't cry, daddy.
Russ slows down. Catches his breath. Turns to her.
RUSS
I miss you.
SAMANTHA
I miss you too.
Tears gather in his eyes once more. He slows his breathing.
RUSS
It should have been me.
Samantha slowly... nods.
RUSS (cont'd)
I wish it had been me.
Pause.
RUSS (cont'd)
(through the tears)
Do you remember when I taught you
how to ride your bike. We were
living on Skyler Street. In Lake
Forest. Do you remember that?
SAMANTHA
Yes.
RUSS
And you fell off your bike. And
you scraped up your knee. And you
were crying and crying. And I just
kept thinking... I want to ride
that bike for you.
SAMANTHA
But you couldn't.
RUSS
No. I couldn't. But I wanted too.
That's the hard thing. I wanted to
be the one that felt your pain for
you. I have always. There are so
many things I want.
(beat)
I want that moment back. I want
our moments back. There is nothing
I wouldn't do. To have you back.
(beat, looks at her)
Nothing.
Samantha smiles. Russ smiles back.
RUSS (cont'd)
But there's nothing I can do.
Long moment.
SAMANTHA
They don't believe you.
RUSS
No, princess. They don't believe
me.
They sit in silence a moment. Both staring straight ahead.
SAMANTHA
I believe you. I know there's a
monster. I've seen it.
Russ smiles.
RUSS
I appreciate that, baby. But
you're a figment of my imagination.
I still love you though.
SAMANTHA
The monster isn't in the basement.
RUSS
Where is the monster, baby?
She smiles. Blood stains her teeth.
SAMANTHA
You know where it is, daddy. And
you know what you have to do.
Russ stares at Samantha. Slowly nods.
RUSS
I miss you.
But she is gone. He is speaking to no one.
Russ stands. Doesn't move for a moment. Then, reaches into
a drawer... and withdraws... a large, BUTCHER KNIFE.
INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE BUREAU - NIGHT
Detective Reece slides on his coat and looks ready for the
end of the day when his phone RINGS.
He snaps it up.
DET. REECE
Reece.
His shoulders slump.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
That's like two blocks away! I'll
be right there.
EXT. LASSARD HOME - NIGHT
Russ stands in the driveway. Stares at the SUV. He slowly
reaches for the door.
INT. SUV - CONTINUOUS
Russ sets the knife on the passenger seat. Slides the key
into the ignition.
A FLASH OF MEMORY: the moment of impact as he starts the car.
His eyes close. Open again.
Russ takes hold of the wheel.
EXT. CRIME SCENE - NIGHT
Crime tape ropes off the scene at the edge of some woods.
This time the body is uncovered. A hand protrudes from some
shrubs.
Det. Reece rolls up in an unmarked car. Gets out. Crosses
to Detective Carlin who has arrived just minutes before.
DET. REECE
Another one?
Carlin looks grave. Shakes his head.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
What then?
Carlin leans down. His gloved hand takes hold of something.
A wallet. He opens it with one hand and shows it to Reece.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
Damnit.
Reece's eyes scan the scene. He spots something. Kneels
down and removes a pen from his coat. Picks up the unseen
object with it.
DET. CARLIN
You find something, Bill?
DET. REECE
(sotto)
Yes.
A UNIFORMED OFFICER holding a cell phone calls out.
UNIFORMED OFFICER
Hey, Detective Carlin. You got a
call.
DET. CARLIN
Who is it?
UNIFORMED OFFICER
Jim Prather.
Carlin crosses to the officer.
EXT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - NIGHT
The SUV slides to a stop fifty yards from the darkened
waterfront building. Russ kills the engine. Steps outside.
There are no other cars in sight.
Russ slowly approaches the front door. Sees... it has been
propped open. Russ steps inside.
INT. WATERFRONT BUILDING - NIGHT
Russ moves forward, each step cautious. Fear flickers in his
eyes as he moves into a new set of light and shadow; beams
from the moon cutting frames of window across walls. An
eerie stillness.
HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Russ steps forward down a long hallway. Closed doors line
the right side wall. He stares at each as he passes. Keeps
moving until he hears... scratching...
Russ turns to the door. Reaches out to the knob opens it.
Blackness. Feels along the wall for the switch. Snaps it
on.
ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A chill races up his back. The room is medically sterile.
White upon white. A table in the center. And a body.
Naked.
Russ steps forward... Glances down at the face.
It is one he recognizes... the face of PAIGE HOPKINS.
Russ shudders as he examines her body, sewn together, wiped
clean, back to near perfection....
Russ hears the scratching again. Eyes sweep down Paige's
body... to a hand... and fingernails that are clawing at the
table.
He can barely let out a gasp when PAIGE'S EYES OPEN AND HER
HEAD TURNS TO RUSS!
Russ falls back... legs kicking. He quickly makes it to his
feet and bolts out of the room.
HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Russ races down one hall. Then another. His heart beating
so hard we can hear it. Down another... when he suddenly
stops.
Sees a light. In an office.
Dr. Prather's office...
Russ slowly steps toward the light.
DR. PRATHER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
It appears empty. At first. He moves farther in and notices
a stack of files on the center of Dr. Prather's desk. Russ
takes a step forward then stops. Turns left and sees...
CLARA... sitting in a chair in the corner. Tears moving down
her cheek.
Shock registers on Russ's face.
RUSS
Clara? What are you doing here?
What's going on?
She says nothing. Looks to the desk.
Russ moves slowly to it. To the file folder. He looks to
Clara. Then down to the folder. Opens it.
AN AUTOPSY PHOTO
The face, by now, is quite familiar. At the bottom it reads:
"Paige Hopkins, 2002"
Russ flips another page. This time, the same face, in a
different pose. At the bottom it reads: "Paige Hopkins,
2003"
He turns another page. Doesn't even seem to flinch when he
hears the voice...
DR. PRATHER (O.S.)
I hate suffering, Russ. Can't
stand it. It's why I became a
doctor.
Russ looks up. Dr. Prather stands in the doorway.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
I watched my wife suffer. Cancer
got so bad, she decided the only
way out was at the end of a .32
gauge shotgun in my basement.
There was nothing I could do back
then... but suffer myself. And I
hate it.
Russ flips another page. A new photo. Another familiar
face, frozen in death. At the bottom it reads: "Cameryn
Beck, 2003"
Dr. Prather steps forward.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
But after the Prometheus Order...
the expirements that showed us how
to conquer death... I promised I
would never let anyone suffer. If
I could help it.
(beat)
There is no monster in my basement,
Russell. And your daughter is
dead. You have imagined them both.
Russ flips to another folder. Another page. This time his
face tightens and tears fill his eyes. It is the body of
Samantha.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
The night of the crash... Samantha
had no chance. The damage too
great. There was nothing I could
do.
FLASH TO--
A car horn continues to blare. Twisted metal tosses plumes
of smoke against the cold night.
RUSS
Wake up, princess. Please...
Russ reaches out. Blurry bodies move behind him.
FLASH BACK TO--
Russ, flips another page. This one startles him even more.
Another autopsy photo. This one... is him.
DR. PRATHER
The doctors did their best... but
your injuries were too great. You
also died that night, Russ.
FLASH TO--
Doctors work frantically over Russ... who flatlines on a
hospital gurney.
FLASH BACK TO SCENE--
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
I brought you back. I have known
Clara since she was a child. And
her loss... was mine.
Clara sobs harder, covering her face.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
I brought you back and I brought
you here. I meant it when I said
to you that Mayflower was a very
special place. It is the town of
my childhood. A place I want to
never feel pain. That is our
secret.
(beat)
And there are those that know...
FLASH TO--
Suspicious eyes at "The Faded Rose" glance over Russ.
FLASH TO--
Suspicious eyes glance over Russ outside of the church.
FLASH BACK TO--
Russ. Still turning pages in the file. Tears dropping to
the desk.
DR. PRATHER
...and those who can never
remember.
FLASH TO--
An autopsy photo of The Pastor, dated 2004...
FLASH TO--
An autopsy photo of the Older Librarian, dated 2002...
FLASH TO--
An autopsy photo of... Steven Shuller. Dated 2003.
FLASH BACK TO SCENE--
Russ closes the folders. Slowly looks up to Dr. Prather.
DR. PRATHER
I have made it so this town could
not suffer death... until we
brought you here.
Russ suddenly understands.
RUSS
The monster...
Dr. Prather nods.
DR. PRATHER
...is you.
(beat)
Your beasts... a creation of that
very mysterious mind...
FLASH TO--
Samantha dripping in blood.
FLASH TO--
The Creature standing before Russ.
FLASH TO--
Russ... skin pale, eyes white, murdering Paige Hopkins.
FLASH BACK TO SCENE--
Dr. Prather nods.
DR. PRATHER
Something went wrong. Something I
cannot repair. But something I can
fix. I'm sure of it.
Russ looks to Clara.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
Yes. She knew. She did her best
to protect you.
FLASH TO--
Clara caries bloody clothing from the floor. Shoves it into
a fireplace and lights a match.
FLASH BACK TO SCENE--
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
You refuse to be at peace with
life. You are so angry and I don't
know why. Tell me, Russ. Why?
Russ says nothing. Grips the handle of the knife.
DR. PRATHER (cont'd)
We have been here before. Let me
finally help you.
(beat)
Because I don't know how much
longer I can try.
Dr. Prather reaches out.
RUSS
No!
He slashes out with the knife, catching Dr. Prather's arm.
Prather falls back and Russ races out of the office. Clara
chases after him.
EXT. WAREHOUSE BUILDING - NIGHT
Russ explodes out the front door and onto the dirt yard,
tripping and landing hard on the ground. He makes it to his
knees and holds his head. Fighting the truth...
Clara is quickly beside him.
CLARA
Russ! Please!
He looks up at her.
RUSS
You did this to me.
Clara slowly nods.
CLARA
You have to understand.
RUSS
Understand what?!
CLARA
I was not prepared! You're not
supposed to go through life
worrying every moment that the
people you love... will go away.
Clara reaches out. Touches Russ's face.
CLARA (cont'd)
Most people don't ever have to feel
that kind of pain. It wrecks your
body. Pulls at your soul. I was
not prepared for this. I lost
everything. Samantha. I lost you.
And it wasn't supposed to happen
that way, you see?
(beat)
You were not supposed to go before--
RUSS
--Before what?!
CLARA
(softly)
Before me.
A moment of silence.
CLARA (cont'd)
I've always told you, Russ. I
can't live without you. Samantha
was gone. I couldn't lose you
both. It was too soon.
Sirens are heard closing in fast.
RUSS
You don't know what you've done.
Russ makes it to his feet. Clara stands beside him as a car
skids to a stop 20 yards away. DETECTIVES REECE and CARLIN
quickly step out, both holding revolvers at the ready.
Russ stares into Clara's eyes. Clara stares back.
DET. CARLIN
Step away from her, Russ! Get on
the ground!
DET. REECE
You heard him, Russ! Drop the
knife.
Russ keeps staring at Clara. Grips the handle of the knife
even tighter.
RUSS
I'm not a monster.
DET. REECE
I found your wedding ring, Russ.
Your friend Shuller. I found your
ring at the scene. Your name is
engraved on it.
Russ keeps looking at Clara. Then down at his hand... where
the ring used to be.
RUSS
(softer)
I'm not a monster.
DET. CARLIN
There's plenty of time for that,
Russ. Just put down the knife.
Russ nods. Touches Clara's face. Smiles.
Her eyes go wide.
CLARA
(pleading softly)
No, Russ. We can fix it. We don't
have to keep starting over.
RUSS
You have to let me go.
CLARA
(louder now)
No...
DET. REECE
Get on the ground, Russ!
Russ nods again. Breathes. Turns to Reece and...
RAISES THE KNIFE AND CHARGES AT THE DETECTIVE!
Detective Reece FIRES!
The slug SLAMS into Russ's chest, right above the heart.
He spins and spills back to the ground, blood pumping from
the wound.
And Clara cries out:
CLARA
Russ!
On the ground: Russ gasps. Things... get hazy.
Russ stares blankly up. Closes his eyes.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Samantha stands on the edge of the road. Not a scratch on
her. The burning wreckage of the crash in the distance.
She looks troubled. Scans the horizon.
SAMANTHA
Daddy? Daddy, where are you?
FLASH BACK TO--
EXT. WAREHOUSE BUILDING - NIGHT
Dr. Prather appears at the front door.
Clara is crumpled on the ground.
Detective Reece slowly approaches Russ, lying in a pool of
blood. He looks shocked at what he's done.
DET. REECE
He came at me...
Reece looks over to Clara. Then to Dr. Prather.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
I didn't have a choice.
Dr. Prather nods. Glances over at Detective Carlin.
Detective Carlin sighs. Nods. RAISES HIS GUN AND FIRES,
BLOWING Detective Reece off his feet and to the ground. The
cop bleeds...
Clara SCREAMS.
DR. PRATHER
Stop, Clara. We'll try again.
RUSS--
His eyes flutter. He smiles. Exhales and lets go.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Samantha stands in her bubblegum pink dress, as before, not a
scratch, looking worried.
SAMANTHA
Daddy, where are you?!
Russ appears, feet before her. He is also clean, now.
Untouched. He crosses to her. Rests his hand on her head.
RUSS
I'm right here, princess.
SAMANTHA
Daddy? I want to go home.
RUSS
Okay, princess. We'll go home.
He leads her away, hand in hers. The darkness gives way to
light. The night, it seems, has become day.
FADE TO BLACK.
Silence. Then, OVER BLACK, the SOUND of a heartbeat.
EXT. STREET - DAY
A Young Woman rides her bike down a street. As she
passes... we recognize her... as Paige Hopkins.
She smiles... and keeps pedaling along.
FADE TO BLACK.
A heartbeat...
EXT. MAYFLOWER HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
A crowd of students flush forward. Chatting and yelling.
They break like a wave, split apart to leave one young woman,
Cameryn Beck standing, clutching her books to her chest.
She looks up at the banner:
Welcome Class of '12
She uneasily steps forward. A look of sadness on her face.
FADE TO BLACK.
A heartbeat...
INT. "THE FADED ROSE" - MORNING
In mostly darkness, the front door opens and pours light
across the screen.
A figure stands in the doorway, silhouetted. He pauses a
moment and steps forward.
INT. BAR
The figure introduces himself to light. Steven Shuller
coughs.
SHULLER
Scotch, on the rocks.
FADE TO BLACK.
A heartbeat.
INT. REECE'S HOME - NIGHT
The home is dark. The inside bathed in blue moonlight.
We PUSH IN to an open bedroom door. And a dark room. We
hear the voice of Detective Reece.
DET. REECE (O.S.)
How are you feelin', Mama. Do you
need anything? Can I get you some
soup?
As we PUSH IN CLOSER, we see Detective Reece sitting in a
chair by a bed.
DET. REECE (cont'd)
Well... you let me know if there's
anythin' you need.
WE NOW SEE THAT THE BED... IS EMPTY.
Detective Reece continues to speak... to a memory.
FADE TO BLACK.
A heartbeat.
FLASH TO--
And he suddenly gasps!
RUSSELL LASSARD'S eyes snap open and he sucks in air, his
body leaping forward, awake.
INT. SUV - DAY
Russ is in the passenger seat. His wife Clara is behind the
wheel.
She turns to him.
CLARA
Are you okay? Do you need your
pills?
Russ wipes his eyes.
RUSS
No. I'm fine. Where are we?
CLARA
Just left St. Louis. Not far.
Long moment. Russ seems confused. Heavy eyes.
Clara... smiles.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The SUV blows past us. We stay. Look up at the sign they've
just passed.
Little Rock
220 miles
FADE TO BLACK.
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