EXT. SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
A dark silhouette of a man on a winter’s night stands behind
a lamp post. THE OBSERVER, late 20’s to early 30’s, awaits
something, or someone. He wears all black, from his leather
motorcycle jacket to his pants and boots.
He lights up a cigarette. He cracks a wicked smile.
INT. APARTMENT ABOVE THE INSURANCE OFFICE - NIGHT
A young college student, DANI DUPREE aged 18, puts on makeup
in front of her bathroom mirror.
DANI (V.O.)
Listen to me, poet. I am the muse
and I sing of a man.
SHE SMILES admiringly at herself. She plays with her curly
red locks. She realizes something and reaches for her cell
phone for the time.
She looks to the mirror in shock ... and then smiles again.
EXT. SIDEWALK OUTSIDE THE INSURANCE OFFICE - NIGHT
A side door near the multi-insurance front door busts open.
She steps out and fumbles for keys in her small purse.
She is dressed warm and has her head covered but dressed to
make sure she looks classy and attractive.
She locks the door and then turns around curiously.
Across the street from her stands the Observer. No cars pass
by. All is silent.
She stands there frozen and no breath in the winter air.
He smiles that same wicked smile to say hello and then steps
forward and then across the street right towards her.
She lets out a breath and then runs down the sidewalk.
She runs faster and faster and turns her head to see.
He is far behind but with a sick smirk and eyes on her.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
A Night of Fear and Friendship
EXT. WOMEN’S DORMITORY - NIGHT
Dani catches her breath by a tree near the women’s dormitory.
She looks behind her one final time. No one is there.
A random car drives by.
There is no sign of the Observer just an empty cross section
with no traffic.
Dani breathes in and out. She makes it quick to the
dormitory entrance.
INT. WOMEN’S DORMITORY - NIGHT
BEA, a gorgeous, dark haired young woman exercises in the
hall by the entrance. Dani steps right in front of her.
BEA
Uh. Excuse me.
DANI
Sorry.
BEA
Could you be careful? I was in the
middle of a set here.
DANI
I said I was sorry. Why are you
exercising here anyway?
Dani hunches over and covers her face. Bea finally takes
notice and walks up to her.
BEA
The door hit my arm ... and hard.
CANDACE, a pretty, blonde mid-Western girl marches down the
corridor with a roll of name tag stickers. She stops.
BEA
Dani?
DANI
Just keep exercising. Don’t mind
me.
Candace runs to her friend and gives her a deep embrace.
CANDACE
Bea, don’t worry about it.
BEA
Dani. What’s wrong?
CANDACE
Just help inside the t.v. room,
okay?
Bea just shrugs and heads down the long hallway.
CANDACE
What happened?
Dani takes a moment to catch her breath. She looks straight
at Candace in horror.
DANI
There was this guy. I was leaving
my apartment building and he came
out of nowhere.
CANDACE
Did he ... do something to you?
DANI
No.
Candace looks out a large window into the parking lot. THE
PARKING LOT IS EMPTY. Candace stands, glaring out. Dani
stands right beside her.
DANI
I just ran. Then I made it all the
way over here.
CANDACE
Let’s call the cops.
DANI
He didn’t follow me. And he didn’t
follow me here.
CANDACE
There’s just a bunch of frat guys
out there. Listen. If it’s this
bad ... just call somebody.
DANI
Just let me stay here tonight with
you, okay?
CANDACE
Oh, all right. I don’t mind.
You’re sleeping on a velvet love
seat though.
DANI
You don’t have anything firmer than
that? My lower back wouldn’t like
it ... not when I have all this
stress.
CANDACE
Okay, snorer. Sleep beside me.
Dani embraces her friend.
DANI
No cops, please.
CANDACE
No. With something like this, we
have to do something. It’ll be for
the best.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Nighttime Reassurance and Romantic Revelations
INT. WOMEN’S DORMITORY/HALLWAY - NIGHT
A Policeman finishes up his conversation with Dani and
finishes his report. He shakes her hand but she shakes his
limp and unsure.
He steps outside.
CANDACE
So?
DANI
Well, I guess I have some kind of
reassurance. He said he’d drive
all the way to my apartment and
check it out.
CANDACE
Well, now we don’t need to worry,
do we? He’ll find him wandering
around and put him in jail.
Dani sighs in relief and thinks to herself.
CANDACE
Hey.
DANI
What?
CANDACE
You know what’ll cheer you up?
DANI
No! Did you actually ...
CANDACE
Yes. He was very interested. And
he has a thing for cute, little
gingers like you.
DANI
Red seems to be a major fetish for
men, I see. I think I’ll head to
that downtown salon or something.
You think black would be better on
me? It might bring out my
character a bit more.
CANDACE
Relax. He’s awesome. Believe me.
Dani BREATHES out in a quiet frustration.
DANI
Are we actually thinking about the
same guy?
CANDACE
Yes.
The both of them hug one another in bursting enthusiasm.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Late Night Connections
INT. WOMEN’S DORMITORY/KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dani sits at a small table inside the dormitory kitchen,
admiring and hanging on every word of a one, JASON FRANKS, a
young college student like her.
He sits opposite her, staring into her eyes not forcefully
but confident.
DANI
Well, you got one heck of a future.
JASON
So?
DANI
I don’t know why mom and dad spent
all this money to send me here and
I don’t have anything to match that
... Mr. C.E.O..
JASON
People don’t want to know this
stuff. It’s all out there though.
It’s nothing really.
DANI
Stop it. Don’t give me nothing.
JASON
Whoa! Take it easy.
DANI
I do like it when people are just
honest. I bet that’s all just
talent while yours truly’s got to
work out everything to get
somewhere in life.
Jason focuses on her again. She cannot help but to gaze at
his eyes just once more.
JASON
You’re okay by me.
DANI
That’s what everyone says after
they meet me. Why?
JASON
I wanted to talk to you for so
long. You’re a lot better than
okay.
DANI
Am I just living in some alternate
reality or something? Or is this
just one big joke?
JASON
What?
DANI
Listen. I bet you have a ton of
choices out there ... other than
me. Right?
JASON
So what if I do? I always go for
what I want. Always.
Dani cannot help but like that. She gives him an “are you
sure” look.
DANI
Well ... that’s really nice.
JASON
Nice?
DANI
I mean that is really, really good
... as in very good. You know?
Dani glances at the kitchen clock as it TICKS mildly away.
DANI
Oh no! And that’s really late.
JASON
How are you getting home?
She thinks a bit.
DANI
No. Don’t bother. I’ll stay with
Candace.
JASON
Hey. Why not?
DANI
I told you. It’s a long way back
... and we got someone to worry
about. Remember?
JASON
You let that bother you? I’m
telling you that guy’s a loser.
DANI
You sure? He looked pretty mean
... and he had this wicked smile
like he was ...
JASON
Knock it off. Okay? I’ll walk you
right home and you’ll be perfectly
safe with me by your side.
Dani thinks ... for just a bit.
DANI
Fine. You better do a great job
though, Mr. Jason Franks.
Jason stands up and she warmly hugs him. He looks at her and
winces. She still hugs him warmly and then looks up at him
with that same admiring gaze.
JASON
C’mon. We’ll brave this together.
CANDACE (O.C.)
Ahem. Excuse me, lady and
gentleman. Am I intruding?
Jason lifts his eyes to Candace standing in the hallway.
CANDACE
As you can see, I have the magic
touch when it comes to matchmaking.
DANI
Yeah. We’ll see.
CANDACE
Oh! We’ll see, huh?
JASON
I’m walking her back downtown.
CANDACE
You see that? He’s got it all and
is a pure gent. Say thank you,
Danielle.
Dani SIGHS. She, reluctant and meek, stands.
DANI
‘Night’s not over, Candace
Williamson.
Jason extends his elbow. Dani curves her arm through.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Night of Shadows
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
The night is dark but the constellations give a powerful
glow. The moon is full.
Jason and Dani walk side by side on a brick walkway through
trees. Jason looks around a bit as if trying to find a
location. Dani notices.
DANI
You said this goes back to Main
Street.
JASON
It does.
DANI
It’s just that it’s ... forget it.
JASON
Take it easy, okay?
Dani SIGHS again but easier so as not to get on her new,
potential beau’s nerves.
DANI
Fine.
The two walk on a bit. Then, Jason stops mid-step. Dani
keeps walking.
DANI
What is it?
JASON
Come here.
DANI
Sure but what for?
JASON
Come here, I said.
Dani wonders a whole lot for a brief amount of time.
DANI
Okay, sir. I’m coming.
Jason walks toward an old, monstrous oak. He stands there.
Dani stops where she is.
DANI
Jason?
JASON
Come.
Dani stands right in front of him and looks at him face to
face. Jason gives her an odd, cold stare.
DANI
Jason. What ...
JASON
I want you to look at me. Right
into my eyes.
She is stunned.
DANI
No. Take me home, like you said
you would.
JASON
Not until you do what I asked.
Dani does so, but not taking him seriously. He grasps her
arms and pulls her towards him.
JASON
Look at me.
DANI
No.
JASON
I wanted ... you ... for so long,
and now I hear ... no. After all
that back there?
Dani PULLS away, but Jason GRASPS her arm. He drags her
towards the oak and pushes her against it.
JASON
Any girl would’ve given in to me.
DANI
Jason. I still like you.
JASON
And you still will. Maybe even
more.
DANI
What are you doing?
She makes a step away, but he holds her neck to the tree. He
unzips his pants.
JASON
You’re actually complaining. For
sure, that’s the way you want it.
CLICK.
DANI (V.O.)
I am the muse and I sing of arms.
Jason lets Dani drop to the ground. He turns his head to
face the sound.
A shadowy figure ... the Observer ... walks step by step with
a stainless steel six gun drawn right at him.
JASON
Now, what is this?
The Observer approaches with his six gun drawn. Dani is on
the ground, breathless at the sight of it all.
JASON
Do you even know what you’re doing?
Jason LAUGHS.
JASON
Think about it.
The Observer AIMS.
JASON
Do you know who I am?
The Observer holds his breath.
JASON
DO. YOU. KNOW. WHO. I. AM?
Jason lets out a SCREAM into the night sky and then CHARGES.
The Observer FIRES.
Jason drops to the ground lifeless. The Observer walks up to
the body and FIRES again.
SMOKE fills the air.
SILENCE.
Dani lies where she is and backs away toward the tree as if
there was no other place for her to flee.
The Observer approaches her step by step. He holsters his
weapon inside his leather jacket.
DANI
Go away from me.
He stands over her.
THE OBSERVER
He was going to do something very,
very bad to you, my dear.
DANI
No. Leave me alone.
THE OBSERVER
The least thing you could do ... is
say thank you.
She covers her face in shame and faces the tree.
Dani faces the tree, embraces it, and just waits and waits.
She turns her head and ... he is gone.
POLICE SIRENS not far.
She stands up and wipes away her tears. She walks out to see
if he is still out there.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Unraveling Trauma
INT. CAMPUS POLICE STATION - NIGHT
Dani sits all alone in a detective’s office. She has a thick
blanket draped over her. A full mug of steaming, dark coffee
sits on top of the desk right in front of her.
The detective’s desk is another example of simplicity and
tidiness. A large AMERICAN FLAG hangs like a tapestry on the
wall behind the desk. Framed family photos and images of
numerous sporting events adorn almost every wall.
The office door SCREAMS open. Dani jumps a bit but she keeps
it down. DETECTIVE PUREFOY, early fifties, walks in.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Sorry, Danielle! Did I scare you?
She lets out a quiet SIGH, head hanging low, and looks away.
The Detective takes a seat next to her.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I just ...
DANI
Thank you so much. I appreciate
everything you’ve done.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Dani, please listen to me.
Dani takes a tissue and wipes her tears away.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’m sorry.
DANI
Good. What now?
Detective Purefoy sits and does not know what to say.
DANI
I just want to go home.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
You’ve been through a lot tonight.
I want to make sure you’re okay and
tell you how we have to deal with
this.
DANI
Oh Lord!
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
And we must. I’m not going to let
this go. I care more than you
know.
Dani GLARES at him to make sure.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I don’t lie. Please.
DANI
All right. What now? Aren’t we
done?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
That coffee is all yours. You can
treat yourself to a nice sandwich
or two, if you want.
DANI
I’m not hungry. Just ask your
questions, please.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
All right. How did you come to
know Jason Franks? Did you meet
him before?
DANI
I have ... I mean ... I had a class
with him. I had a nice chat with
him a week ago ... and that’s all I
know.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
And then he tried to ...
DANI
Yes. Who would have thought, huh?
Detective Purefoy reaches for a thick manila folder on his
desk. Dani cannot help but notice.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Then what happened after he walked
you home?
DANI
Didn’t you read what I wrote? I
can’t even think.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Please, Dani. Tell me what
happened right after the walk.
DANI
Danielle. You can call me
Danielle.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Okay. I will. What happened?
DANI
Jason let me drop to the ground in
front of that old oak. Then ...
that man ... walked up behind him
with this Wild West revolver and
aimed.
Detective Purefoy opens up the folder.
DANI
What’s in that?
Detective Purefoy holds the folder close.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
You reported to one of my officers
that you saw ... that man ... the
one with the revolver earlier
tonight.
DANI
I did.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’m so thankful you made it out
alive. I really am.
DANI
Stop it. Just stop. Tell me what
I need to know.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
That man ... who shot Jason ... is
very dangerous.
Dani eyes the folder. The FOLDER.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Do you really want to know who this
man is?
Dani gulps quietly and tries to gain control of her nerves.
DANI
Just show it to me.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
You’re a very brave girl, Danielle.
I thank you. I do.
He opens the folder and places several photos on his desk
facing her.
A PRINTED OUT PHOTO IMAGE of the Observer in a convenience
store wearing the same outfit he was wearing tonight.
A PRINTED OUT IMAGE of the Observer crossing an empty
turnpike amidst an empty field.
A PRINTED OUT IMAGE of the Observer in sunglasses.
She looks upon them, losing her breath.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Dani ... Danielle, I mean.
DANI
Yes.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Is it him?
DANI
Didn’t I say yes? That’s him.
Detective Purefoy looks at her with concern and then walks to
a small refrigerator at the corner of his office. He grabs a
bottled water.
Gently he hands it to her. She pulls it away angrily from
him. He puts his hand on her shoulder.
DANI
Please, don’t.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’m sorry, but I’m not some bastard
that you think I am, okay?
DANI
I can get pretty pissed sometimes.
I’m sorry.
He gives her a warm hug. She is patient with him.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
It’s the least I can do.
She winces a bit but then snaps back to the present. He
takes his seat beside her again.
DANI
So, who is this guy?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
He’s a bad man that kills people
for money. That’s what I’ve pieced
together here.
Dani looks away to think. The Detective is curious to know
her thoughts.
DANI
He did save my life.
The Detective pulls away the photos and keeps them inside the
folder. He keeps his eye on Dani.
DANI
Why did he?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I understand. He could have wasted
you, but something else happened.
The answer does not give any satisfaction. He shrugs.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I dunno. Every case I get into, I
ask myself questions. Like this
one. Why did he save Danielle
Dupree? Why didn’t he just kill
...
He looks to her but she impulsively looks away. KNOCK on the
office door.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
‘Door’s open. Come in, please.
Candace, cautious, opens the door.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
A Tense Exchange at Syracuse’s Auto Shop
EXT. GARAGE - DAY
SYRACUSE’S AUTO SHOP it says in large, colorful letters.
The four garage doors open simultaneously from the auto shop.
A MECHANIC, swarthy and suit covered in dirt and grime, POPS
the hood of a luxury sedan.
THE MECHANIC
Good morning, sunshine.
The Observer emerges from one of the bays where an American
muscle car is being worked on.
THE OBSERVER
I’m not your sunshine.
The Mechanic chuckles to himself.
THE MECHANIC
What are we up to today?
THE OBSERVER
Well ... none of your business.
THE MECHANIC
You make me laugh.
THE OBSERVER
Oh! ‘Want me to drop by Liquor
Mart and buy a bottle or two?
THE MECHANIC
Get lost. Don’t let Manuel, Jimmy,
or Pete see you around here during
the day. They get all nervous if
you’re not a patron.
The Observer just walks off the lot.
THE MECHANIC
And another thing. When you come
back don’t enter through front
gate. It’s back alley door first,
then main office.
The Observer dismisses what was said with a wave of his hand
and keeps walking. The Mechanic scoffs and focuses back on
the car he was working on.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Silent Observations
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS QUAD - DAY
The Observer walks amidst a steady rush of college students
moving to and from class.
He walks with his head facing forward with no one noticing
him or who he is. He keeps his hands inside his jacket
pockets and keeps walking somewhere.
The crowd of students disperses little by little until there
are only a few left on the quad.
The Observer keeps walking down towards the library.
INT. UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - DAY
The Observer enters the bright and cozy atmosphere of the
library’s first level.
It is not loud inside but there are groups of friends at
various tables throughout just chatting it up and anything
but studying their open textbooks.
The Observer sits at an empty table.
A YOUNG STUDENT who looks just like Dani sits down at a table
opposite. The Observer turns his head.
He looks at his cell phone, concerned, and then stands up.
The Young Student keeps studying as he passes right by her.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Tension in the Parking Lot
EXT. CAMPUS PARKING LOT - DAY
The Observer moves through a full parking lot. A campus
police car drives past him.
He cracks a smile and keeps walking. His cell VIBRATES.
THE OBSERVER
Yeah what?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
What happened?
The Observer sighs a bit but then keeps walking through the
parking lot.
THE OBSERVER
You heard about it on the news.
That’s what happened.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Hey. Everybody is on my tail about
this.
THE OBSERVER
Why don’t you just ease your burden
and tell them it’s me?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
You think you can just walk away?
They want me because I sent you.
You should honestly surrender to
the local P.D. Because now it’s
coming.
The Observer stops and finds a lone bench by a tree. He
looks around him for any passerby.
THE OBSERVER
‘Got some better advice than give
up?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Look. I don’t even want to know
what crossed your mind when you did
what you did. You were supposed to
...
THE OBSERVER
Okay, okay. Don’t give me one of
your lectures again.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
I trusted you.
THE OBSERVER
All right. This is the part where
you tell me how everything goes
down.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Listen to me for once.
The police car passes again and then out the parking lot
exit. The Observer winces.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Whatever happens now I wish you
luck.
(MORE)
THE BROKER (O.S.) (CONT'D)
You gotta manage this on your own
terms because I can’t help.
The Observer stews a bit.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
‘Got anything to say about that?
THE OBSERVER
So, you’re not going to send me an
Uber or Lyft out of town, at least?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
If I have anything to tell you
about anybody’s moves ... I’ll do
my best. One last bit ...
THE OBSERVER
Yeah?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
They’re looking for you and that
girl you saved as we speak.
The Observer thinks for a while.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
I can hear that silence all around
you.
The Observer hangs up. He looks out blank.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Isolation and Ominous Warnings
INT. DANI’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
The L.E.D. is on. LOCAL NEWS.
Everything could be much neater in her apartment living room.
Books lie together with old takeout food containers on the
coffee table. Reports and several notebooks lie on the couch
in disarray.
The windows are wide open. The drapes blow back with the
occasional breeze.
Just then the phone RINGS in the kitchen. A door CREEPS
open. SLOW but LIGHT footsteps somewhere in the apartment.
The phone RINGS again. Then a THIRD ring. It goes
immediately to a pre-recorded message.
DANI (O.S.)
Thank you for calling! This is
Danielle Dupree, otherwise known as
Dani. Leave a message after the
beep, please.
Dani steps forward slow in worn, unwashed pajamas to the
threshold in between kitchen and living room.
She waits.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (O.S.)
Danielle?
She lets out a quiet sigh.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (O.S.)
It’s me, Detective Purefoy. I’m
just wondering how you’re doing,
okay?
She looks down to the floor. He is still on the line.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (O.S.)
I’m not going to give any more
boring speeches. I just want to
know you’re all right. You know?
I don’t want you to deal with this
alone.
Dani makes a slight cough.
DANI
Thank you. I appreciate it. I’m
still not answering.
TRAFFIC is busy outside. Crowds are MOVING through the
street towards the bars and restaurants outside her window.
She turns around and starts walking to her windows.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (O.S.)
Call me when you can. I know this
is the third call I’ve made today.
And you’re probably annoyed by now.
I get it. Just call me, please.
She keeps walking to the window.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (O.S.)
There’s some news on that guy. He
was reported walking around the
campus ... and throughout town.
He is still on the line just breathing.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (O.S.)
You don’t want to be alone in this.
That’s all I want to say. Good
night. Take care.
He ends the call.
She turns her head over her shoulder and then looks out into
the night and the sprawling nightlife.
Then, she ruminates on something.
THE OBSERVER (V.O.)
He was going to do something ...
very, very bad to you, my dear. At
least say ...
She SHUTS the windows.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Confrontation in the Night
EXT. COLLEGE TOWN - NIGHT
Dani steps out on the street amidst the throng of fellow
college students enjoying a Saturday evening.
She is dressed warm and in jeans. No hat. She just lets her
red locks wave in the cold air.
She stops mid-step.
From her point-of-view there is a large group of young men
and women together drinking at a packed bar. They joke and
fraternize so happily.
She looks on so longingly. Then, she looks down to the
pavement. Cars pass by.
DANI
Where are you?
She snaps out of it and puts on a terrible and determined
look on her face.
DANI
I’ll find you.
She continues walking along the busy sidewalk.
As she continues the crowd thins more and more until she is
almost alone except for the occasional pedestrian or couple.
Where she is all the businesses are closed except for one
across the street.
MYTHIC’S CLASSIC ARCADE AND BILLIARDS BAR it reads.
She looks all around and finally gets a hold of herself.
DANI
What are you doing, Dani?
She laughs a bit knowing she is okay. Then ...
From the arcade and billiards a small group of young men exit
the front door.
Dani turns her head perchance.
The Observer walks out in a confident stride and makes one
last drag out of a nearly spent cigarette. He breathes out
and tosses the cigarette.
He notices her.
She notices him, though still.
He fixes his glance just on her.
She is the one to cross the street this time. He keeps his
eyes focused on her and cracks a smirk as she gets closer and
closer to him.
He CRUSHES his cigarette under his boot.
Dani stands before him looking him in the eye. He does the
same very confident smirk as her animosity grows.
THE OBSERVER
Hello ... Dani.
Her ferocious GAZE is powerful to him though.
THE OBSERVER
So? How’ve you been?
He cracks a smile.
DANI
Dani’s a name for friends.
She raises her arm, but he grasps it quick.
DANI
Let go of me.
He holds her arm firm.
DANI
I said let go of me.
He shakes his head.
DANI
Let go of me!
Her arm is hers again. She nurses it lightly and then SLAPS
the Observer across the face.
He stands there firmly fixed to where he is.
Three men approach the two.
MAN 1
How are you guys? I saw you two
over here.
Man 2 and Man 3 hang back to observe.
Dani is just a little shocked but she says nothing.
MAN 1
What’s up?
THE OBSERVER
Don’t worry. We’ll get it sorted
out.
Dani cannot believe her ears.
MAN 1
You okay over there?
Dani winces a bit and then ...
DANI
Yeah.
MAN 1
I mean that looked like it hurt.
The Observer smirks and looks to Dani. Dani cannot handle
this at all, but ... clears her throat.
DANI
Yeah. He’s been a jerk all day.
And here you are taking his side.
THE OBSERVER
Thank you. I’ll be fine. Like I
said, she and I will most certainly
be handling this.
MAN 1
Modern women! That’s who they are.
THE OBSERVER
You only got one here. Everything
will be fine, gentlemen.
Man 1 gathers the others and walks away. The Observer and
Dani just wait until they blend in with the crowd.
The Observer now stern once more looks upon her. She does
not know what to do.
THE OBSERVER
Thanks. I did not expect that from
you of all people.
She backs away and reaches for something in her jacket.
THE OBSERVER
Think of what these guys could’ve
done if you told them.
The Observer laughs to himself.
DANI
Yeah.
THE OBSERVER
Just imagine ...
DANI
What if I call them back?
THE OBSERVER
Sure.
DANI
What if ... I call the cops?
THE OBSERVER
Even better.
She takes out her phone from a jacket pocket.
INSERT: She shuffles through her list of contacts. PUREFOY.
BACK TO SCENE
THE OBSERVER
Do it.
Dani paces around and readies to press the screen.
THE OBSERVER
Call him. Do whatever you like.
Dani does not know what to do.
DANI
Don’t you know you’re being hunted
by the cops?
THE OBSERVER
Oh yeah!
DANI
One phone call and you’ll be gone.
I can do it.
THE OBSERVER
I know that too. I just want to
remind you of one thing.
She places her index finger near Purefoy’s name. She just
stops and thinks.
DANI
I ...
THE OBSERVER
I mean. Look at me. Am I ... that
guy?
Dani paces around more as she looks at her phone. She drops
it to the sidewalk.
THE OBSERVER
I blew away that rapist date of
yours. And here you are. Safe and
sound.
She sits on the curb. He offers his hand to let her stand.
She looks away.
THE OBSERVER
Let me walk you home. It’s a long
way back.
She rises up and looks for her phone. She quickly places it
into her jacket.
THE OBSERVER
How about this? Let me buy you a
drink at least.
DANI
No. Just go away. All right? I
don’t ever want to see you again.
She stands up and walks to a tree firmly aged.
THE OBSERVER
You came all this way just to tell
me to go away, huh?
Dani leans against a tree on the sidewalk.
DANI
I can’t believe I got caught up in
this. Why? How do you get caught
up in anything like this?
The Observer merely shrugs.
DANI
And here I am ... with you of all
people.
She moves away from the tree and then walks up to him, bold
and daring. The Observer smiles.
DANI
I owe you a debt of gratitude, good
sir. And now ... I just want to
live my life. Okay?
The Observer makes a cool grimace.
DANI
Thank you! Is that what you wanted
to hear? Thank you so much for
protecting my honor and all that.
Thank you again.
Dani breathes in and out. Then, she turns around and boldly
steps away as if to walk far away like nothing happened.
THE OBSERVER
Hey. Wait.
She stops mid-step. She does not turn around.
THE OBSERVER
There’s something you and I did not
foresee.
Reluctant she finally turns around.
THE OBSERVER
Jason’s people are looking for me
... and you.
Dani is frozen where she is.
THE OBSERVER
‘You okay? We are in big trouble
you and I. We ... or I seemed to
have killed a very prominent member
of high society.
Dani thinks to herself in horror.
DANI
What do you mean? Someone wants
revenge for what you did? And they
think I was a part of it?
THE OBSERVER
You are. And you’re right about
the first part. Someone wants to
kill us both.
DANI
So, what now?
THE OBSERVER
I dunno. The ball is in our court.
The Observer again offers his hand. She backs away.
DANI
I can call that detective. He’ll
...
THE OBSERVER
That guy couldn’t help himself or
you for that matter. He chases a
list of leads every day ... yours
included.
His hand is still out there for her. She pulls away from it
and grasps her hair.
DANI
Just take me home.
The Observer recoils a bit and gives her a long look. She is
even stunned by what she just said.
THE OBSERVER
Take you home you said. ‘You sure?
DANI
No way. I don’t want you to do
that.
THE OBSERVER
Maybe I can watch you as you walk
back to your little apartment.
It is Dani’s turn to recoil.
DANI
Watch me, huh?
THE OBSERVER
Yeah. I’m very good at what I do.
‘Bad people out tonight. ‘Bad
people everywhere. Right?
He smiles at her. She gives him a back a look of disgust.
THE OBSERVER
I’ll help you out with these
people. Then ... I’ll be gone.
DANI
Do I look that crazy to you?
THE OBSERVER
If you can walk up to little old
me, the very senseless way you did,
and walk away like you will ...
you’ll be in good hands.
She holds her breath fixing her eyes on him.
DANI
Just go away already.
The Observer DANGLES his car keys.
THE OBSERVER
As a token gesture to show the
goodness of my heart ...
DANI
Knock it off.
THE OBSERVER
I promise ... it’ll be short and
sweet and won’t hurt one bit. You
might even find it a bit relaxing.
DANI
I’ll take my chances.
THE OBSERVER
You don’t know what’s in between
here and over there where your
apartment is.
She regards what he said in horror.
THE OBSERVER
It won’t take long. Bring your
phone if you want.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
A Night of Tension
INT./EXT. EUROPEAN SPORTS CAR/COLLEGE DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
The Observer speeds through traffic weaving and overtaking.
Dani perchance glances at him. He gives her a curious side
glance as she studies him. She turns away very quickly.
He makes a screeching U-turn.
He sets the car in park just in front of her apartment
building. She immediately exits and SLAMS the door.
The passenger door window LOWERS.
THE OBSERVER
A word of advice ... miss.
As she works the front grill to her apartment building she
does not turn around just giving her back.
THE OBSERVER
Watch everything. Do you
understand? Everything. And
everyone.
The passenger window buzzes up. He SPEEDS off.
She finally turns around and rests against the front grill
out of exhaustion and the dread of disbelief.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Lecture of Heroes
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - DAY
Dani looks pleasant today and walks with a different stride,
more energy and certitude. She carries just a binder and one
textbook. She walks toward a large lecture hall with
students coming in and out.
The Observer emerges from the crowd not far behind her.
THE OBSERVER
Dani.
Dani stops and then slowly turns around. No one is there but
other students walking to class.
She continues on to the lecture hall’s front doors.
She turns around once more just to check and then enters into
the lecture hall.
INT. LECTURE HALL - DAY
Dani takes a seat right in the middle of a long row.
Students file in one after another populating the entire
lecture hall very quickly.
The students take out their laptops and open them. Dani too
sets up and opens her thick notebook.
A self-involved PROFESSOR, in his late 50’s, walks down the
main aisle towards the podium, head held high.
The large projector screen lights up.
INSERT: MYTHOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDINGS IN THE WORLD
BACK TO SCENE
Dani flips through her very busy notebook filled with never
ending notes. She stops and reflects a little.
INSERT: HERO in ornate lettering.
BACK TO SCENE
Dani writes something.
INSERT: WHO ARE YOU?
BACK TO SCENE
PROFESSOR (O.C.)
Wake up, everyone! Remember your
midterm essays will be due next
week make sure to hand them to any
one of my teaching assistants ...
Dani writes something else and looks up to listen to the
lecture. The Professor works the slides with a remote
control and continues on in a high brow tone.
PROFESSOR (O.C.)
What is the hero? What does he do?
Now if you give me stuff you see in
movies, I’ll lower your
participation score.
STUDENT (O.C.)
They fight good.
PROFESSOR (O.C.)
Ah! You’re brilliant. A villain
can fight well too. All right.
Start thinking for once, people.
As Dani focuses more and more and writes as if entranced.
STUDENT 2 (O.C.)
How about ...
PROFESSOR
Yes? Speak up loud, please.
Dani looks around to see who is speaking.
STUDENT 2
... self-sacrifice.
PROFESSOR
Someone is actually thinking out
there. There’s some hope for you,
me, and this world for once.
Dani smiles and keeps writing.
INSERT: Under WHO IS HE? She writes: Is he sacrificing
himself? For me? For what? No. I believe it.
BACK TO SCENE
Eyes are studying her but from a distance ... one young man.
Proud and from landed background by his clean cut look.
STEVEN McCONELL.
She keeps listening and writing alternatively, oblivious.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Unseen Connections
EXT. LECTURE HALL - DAY
Steven stands by a tree just outside the hall. He paces
around in a circle on his cell phone. RINGING.
He cancels the call.
Dani walks out hugging both her books. She looks every which
way and then passes right by Steven.
Steven smirks.
STEVEN
You are the authority. Whatever
you wish, it will be. Just make it
so.
Dani keeps walking now through a thick crowd of students.
STEVEN
Right ... Jason?
Steven nods to someone. A HOODED YOUTH, in a thick hoody and
jogging pants, stands near him.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
The Stalker in the Shadows
EXT. QUIET PART OF THE CAMPUS - DAY
The Hooded Youth separates from the crowd and watches Dani as
she goes to another classroom though she has to ascend a lone
staircase to get there.
He hides behind a series of trees in between buildings.
The staircase ascends more and more towards a lone building
isolated from the campus.
The Hooded Youth courses through the grove of trees, though
creeping step-by-step.
He pulls out a foldable knife and FLICKS it open.
Dani keeps ascending all alone towards the building.
The Hooded Youth approaches, footsteps silent.
His knife FLASHES even in the grove. He now nears the rails
just several feet from her and closes in.
STUDENTS start descending the stairway all of a sudden.
The Hooded Youth backs off and heads down to the campus
again. He folds his blade and hides it in a pants pocket.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Fatal Confrontation in the Bathroom
INT./EXT. MEN’S BATHROOM/LECTURE HALL - DAY
The Hooded Youth heads inside to relieve himself in the
vacant men’s bathroom. He chooses the middle urinal.
DOOR OPENS. STEPS inside the bathroom. DOOR SHUTS.
The Hooded Youth zips up and turns around.
THE OBSERVER
Hello there.
The Observer flashes another foldable knife though a darker
steel. The Hooded Youth FLIPS open his.
The Observer makes a firm stance with his knife, but the
Hooded Youth comes on and makes an aggressive slash.
The Observer evades each slash and finally JAMS his blade
into the Hooded Youth’s chest ... again and again.
The Hooded Youth CRASHES down.
The Observer looks at the Hooded Youth on the floor.
The Hooded Youth REACHES for his blade somewhere. The
Observer kicks far away.
The Observer cracks a terribly wicked smile and gives the
final blow.
Genres:
["Thriller","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Messy Encounter
EXT. DANI’S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
The street is busy with people. Traffic is slow.
Dani is in her waitress outfit, nice white dress shirt, a
neat, plaid tie in a tight, Windsor knot and a noticeably
messy set of black trousers.
She approaches the front grill to her apartment.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (O.C.)
Dani? I mean Danielle.
She freezes up a bit.
DANI
Sorry. You took me by surprise
there.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’m sorry. What happened to your
uniform?
DANI
One wrong move and the pasta sauce
fell all over me. Do you see?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Do you think you’ll make it?
DANI
Maybe, but my work pants will smell
like meat, tomatoes, and stinky,
white truffles if I don’t wash them
soon enough.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
How are you? Have you been out
taking a walk or two?
DANI
Not really, but I guess I’m feeling
better. I’ll be okay.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I don’t want to assume, but it
looks like you’re handling things
real well. Right?
She takes a deep breath and out. She is sort of doubtful.
DANI
I think so. Thank you. What’s up?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Would you mind if I go upstairs to
your apartment? It will be just a
quick talk.
Dani wonders a bit and then nods.
Genres:
["Mystery","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Coffee and Confessions
INT. DANI'S APARTMENT - DAY
Purefoy looks around her living room casually as he calmly
sits on her couch.
Everything is back in order, unlike before.
DANI (O.C.)
Thank you so much. I appreciate
you visiting me.
She is in the kitchen fixing something up.
Purefoy waits. She comes out with two mugs of steaming hot
coffee. She hands one to him.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
‘Just curious. How do you manage
to pay rent?
DANI
I kind of don’t. Mom and dad are
helping out with that. They didn’t
want me to stay on campus and get
corrupted. So, they’ve been extra
generous.
She grabs a chair, sits, and sips her coffee. Purefoy sips a
little and then begins.
DANI
So? What’s new?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Did you by any chance hear about
that murder on campus?
DANI
You mean that ... stabbing ...
three days ago?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Yes. That one.
She takes a deep breath and out.
DANI
All kinds of terrible things are
happening one after the other.
It’s like it’s all part of the
scenery.
Detective Purefoy gives her a grim look.
DANI
Sorry. You’re assuming it’s our
guy again?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
It is. C’mon. We’re so close.
DANI
What’s your plan?
Detective Purefoy studies her. She gulps and then reaches
for her mug on the coffee table.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Plan? I’ll do every damned thing I
can. That’s the plan.
DANI
Okay. Sure. Why not?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Dani. I mean Danielle.
Her attention is undivided.
DANI
You can call me Dani now. It’s
fine.
He smiles comforted by that. She starts to sip her coffee.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’m going to kill this guy.
She burns her tongue just as she makes a small sip. The mug
CRASHES to pieces on the floor.
DANI
There I go again.
Purefoy stands up. Dani races into her kitchen and grabs a
bunch of kitchen towels. She throws them to the floor.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
That’ll work.
DANI
That’s all I have. Where did all
the coffee go?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
It’s on my brand new loafers my
wife just bought me for my
birthday.
Dani, thoughtless, grabs another towel from the floor and
wipes his shoes. Purefoy is amazed.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Dani?
She stops and laughs to herself.
DANI
I didn’t want you thinking I was
rude. Now you think I’m a dummy.
I scored high on my S.A.T’s and all
those crazy tests, now attending an
Ivy League university, and here I
am dropping the coffee mug all over
a detective’s shoes.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I meant don’t worry about it, Dani.
She stands up.
DANI
Yeah right.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Hey. You’ve got a good ally here.
DANI
I think so, but what’s the actual
game plan? Are you anywhere near
arresting this guy?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
This guy has been playing the same
hand every time ... wandering in
and out of campus. He’ll end up
making a mistake like these bad
guys always do. I know it.
DANI
Kitchen towels won’t do it. I
guess I’ll grab the mop now.
She looks inside the kitchen and immediately grabs one.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’ll head out. Please call me, for
anything you need.
Purefoy extends his hand and she shakes it meekly.
He stares into her eyes. She struggles a bit but makes sure
to return it.
DANI
You got it. Thank you!
She reflects for a moment as he turns away.
DANI
Hey. He saved my life, didn’t he?
Purefoy freezes but is firm.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I know. He did.
Dani lets out in a breath.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
But you don’t know something that I
do. He stalks people ...
(MORE)
DETECTIVE PUREFOY (CONT’D)
a young woman specifically. I’ll
make sure he gets nowhere near you.
She gives a look of concern and then keeps mopping. Purefoy
studies her a bit and waves bye as he goes down her staircase
to the front door.
DANI
Well, back to business.
She continues to mop the floor.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Power Struggle at Dusk
EXT. COLLEGE TOWN - DAY
The sun is about to set, but there is just enough light left.
Steven hangs out in front of the popular bar now with barely
a patron inside. Music BLARES though.
THE HAND, early forties, marches up to him.
THE HAND
And what’s in here?
STEVEN
It’s only the best place to hang
out in town. I thought we’d have a
drink or two before we get this
thing going.
THE HAND
Oh yeah?
STEVEN
My dad and Jason’s wanted you to
work with us. I mean it’s just a
drink to kick off the new venture.
THE HAND
How is that fake license of yours?
Let me see it.
STEVEN
This bar doesn’t card. What’s up,
my friend?
THE HAND
Friend ... I’m not your friend.
Steven does not know what to say.
THE HAND
I’m supposed to do a job. How
about a simple walk through town?
‘Like friends! I do want to get
this started soon.
A police car drives by. The Hand HUFFS a bit. Steven
straightens up his back and his collar.
STEVEN
All right.
THE HAND
Follow me. Just walk.
The Hand walks on past Steven. Steven cannot believe this.
STEVEN
What are you ...
The Hand grabs Steven by the shoulder and has him walk with
him side-by-side.
THE HAND
When your fathers worked out that
plea deal for me I was eternally
grateful. And I promised them ...
Steven pulls away. The Hand just smiles.
STEVEN
Knock it off.
THE HAND
I ... promised your dad, the
amazing defense attorney that he
is, I’d be careful. Jason’s
father, the district attorney of
some rotting ghetto, recommended
me.
Steve listens ... somewhat.
THE HAND
Experience leads and I got lots of
it. ‘Take charge while you know
nothing ... what’s the point?
STEVEN
So, how do I acquire said
experience?
The Hand looks him over.
THE HAND
I don’t drink ... not with you ...
and I don’t share anything not in
some hip, college town bar about
what I do. All I do is say I’ll do
it and I do.
The Hand keeps his hands in his jacket pockets.
STEVEN
No.
THE HAND
The kid says no. What can you do
for me? Do you want to give me a
hand?
STEVEN
I know where she lives and I know
where she works.
THE HAND
A lonely, murdering stalker would
know the same thing. He found out
already, I bet.
Steven thinks for a moment.
STEVEN
You know I can always hire the
right people.
THE HAND
Oh yeah! That didn’t go too well,
did it? That juvenile delinquent
bled all over the place, I bet.
Steve has no more to say.
THE HAND
And for your information I got my
own crew. I don’t show up to work
and do it all myself. Just do your
college thing.
STEVEN
I’m not watching. I want in.
THE HAND
I see. You hired a juvy thug off
the street, and he botched it up
... all while the other guy was
watching.
Steven tries to stare down the Hand. The Hand cracks a
smile. Steven cannot stand it.
THE HAND
How bad do you actually want this?
STEVEN
Dammit. Quit it already.
THE HAND
You poor thing! How bad? Really.
STEVEN
I make my own opportunities.
People pass by. The Hand makes a SHHH sign.
THE HAND
Young man, you will listen to me.
You make the same moves ... then
you get what you got.
STEVEN
You give him to me. Do you hear
me? When are you doing this?
THE HAND
You learn. Then you learn to earn
it. You’re on some kind of college
team sport, right? You want in?
You work. And before you do, let
someone teach.
Steven stands there.
THE HAND
That’s the thing. And I’ll do that
for you. Do you understand me?
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Night Encounters
EXT. COLLEGE TOWN - NIGHT
Dani walks alone in her waitress uniform through the busy
college town sidewalk.
She continues on, unusually aware of what is around her.
Up ahead at a corner, a man waiting just like the Observer,
leather jacket and dark clothing, has his back to her.
She approaches but steps back a bit. It was not him. The
man crosses the street oblivious to her.
A PARKED PATROL CAR across the street. Its lights are
flashing. An Officer handcuffs a young man.
She stops to take a look.
THE OBSERVER (O.C.)
Hey.
She HOLDS HER BREATH. The Observer is dressed much
differently. He wears a leather hipster and brighter
clothing tonight.
THE OBSERVER
Sorry!
DANI
What the ...
THE OBSERVER
You okay?
DANI
It gets on my nerves when a person
says that behind me.
The Observer chuckles a bit. She keeps on walking.
They cross the street side-by-side. She breaks off just a
bit and heads to a small park.
The Observer stops and walks up to her. She shakes her head
in frustration.
DANI
Listen. This Purefoy guy is
hellbent on finding you.
THE OBSERVER
Uh oh! If he finds me, it’s game
over, I guess.
DANI
I’m just saying. At least say
thank you.
THE OBSERVER
Why thank you!
DANI
Aren’t you just a little worried
you have someone watching you?
THE OBSERVER
This park is perfect. Drug dealers
and buyers do their bit. I’d fit
in. You? Just think of the worst
thought you can, and nobody will
notice.
Dani looks around her.
DANI
I have to go. Do you actually have
something news-breaking for me or
what?
THE OBSERVER
Hang around and you’ll find out for
yourself.
Dani avoids eye contact but she is listening.
DANI
Was that you who did that in the
school bathroom?
THE OBSERVER
Would you rather blame me for that?
She scratches the back of her head and moves past him.
THE OBSERVER
Well, excuse me.
DANI
I gotta go, sir.
THE OBSERVER
Sir? Awww. That’s cute.
He grabs at her but she pulls away.
THE OBSERVER
You can be as mean as you want.
DANI
Say what’s on your mind and go away
from me already.
THE OBSERVER
You’re a college student. That
hoody punk was looking to stab you.
I made sure he didn’t. You know?
DANI
I ... I got to go.
THE OBSERVER
Don’t forget. Watch your back.
Watch everything and everyone. And
... I got to go too.
DANI
Make sure it’s not on campus.
The Observer winces a bit and then smirks.
DANI
And where are you going?
THE OBSERVER
Well ... I might have something to
take care of for a few days.
Dani looks at his midsection as if looking for his weapons.
THE OBSERVER
That’s right. I have a few things
to do.
DANI
Sure. I’ll be careful ... bye.
THE OBSERVER
You got that detective on the cell.
He’ll do anything for you. If you
need help, which I think you do
24/7, you make that call.
DANI
Will ...
THE OBSERVER
Yes?
DANI
‘Don’t you have more business here?
The Observer cannot believe his ears.
THE OBSERVER
I might, but keep in mind they are
still after you and me.
She puts on a hard exterior just to cover up. He smirks.
DANI
Well, that’s your problem. You’re
wandering around ... you might get
caught. I warned you.
THE OBSERVER
Thanks so much ... miss! Remember
what I said. Watch. Everything.
He turns around and walks through the park and disappears
through an alley.
Dani observes. Then she takes a quick look at her wrist
watch. She breathes deep and out and just stands there.
EXT. SYRACUSE'S GARAGE - DAY
The Observer walks through the open gates to the busy garage.
The Mechanic gestures to him as he cleans his greasy hands
with a towel. He points to something.
The Observer stops in his tracks and turns around.
A WHITE VAN coasts slowly down the road. Then, it SPEEDS off
far, all by itself.
The Observer thinks for a bit and then races inside.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Night at Di Santis
INT. DI SANTIS RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Dani enters a very bustling restaurant. Bea is the hostess
and acknowledges Dani.
BEA
And where have you been?
DANI
I’m right on time, Bea.
BEA
More like way too early. Brian
always needs a ton of help in the
back though. Consider yourself
officially recruited.
DANI
Well, that’s what I’m here for
while you stand here and smile at
everyone.
BEA
It’s still work.
Dani passes through the busy bar and through the dining room.
Talking drowns out her hearing.
Steven sits at a booth she just passed. The Hand comes in
right after him. He looks at Steven and lets out a big sigh.
He finally sits down.
STEVEN
We’re just in time. That’s pretty
good, Mr. Hand.
THE HAND
Just follow my lead and take notes.
Steven maintains a silent laugh.
STEVEN
And how are your people?
The Hand takes a moment.
THE HAND
After tonight ... we don’t need to
worry about our obsessive stalker.
Dani finally enters the kitchen.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Tension at Syracuse's Garage
INT./EXT. SYRACUSE’S GARAGE - NIGHT
The Observer grabs a set of keys from a full rack of them
outside the office wall. He races to a freshly waxed Porsche
Carrera. He admires it.
He opens a garage door by hand.
He looks out and checks for anyone or anything. The Mechanic
is outside by the gate; he is impatient.
He quickly gets back to the Porsche and STARTS it up.
The Mechanic immediately opens the gate to his lot.
The Observer accelerates a bit and brakes just at the gate.
THE MECHANIC
So? You’ve blown your cover or
something? That van came here
three times before you came back.
The Observer does not look at him. He stares out to the
empty, silent road.
THE MECHANIC
And what happens if they all show
up to the gates of my respectable
business?
THE OBSERVER
Tell them everything you know. Why
not?
THE MECHANIC
You better pay me good. I’m done
being hospitable, bro. I’m not
your concierge.
THE OBSERVER
I am not asking for anything
special from you of all people.
I’ll come back, collect my things
on Monday ... and then I’ll be
gone.
THE MECHANIC
The sooner you leave the better for
us all.
THE OBSERVER
Yeah. Sure. Thanks for
everything, I guess. Oh! I was
going to forget.
The Observer hands him a thick envelope. The Mechanic takes
it and shoves it into his pocket.
The Observer accelerates off the lot and onto the road. He
SPEEDS off into the night.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Tension on the Highway
INT./EXT. PORSCHE/HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The Observer accelerates hard on the lone highway.
There is a smaller town up ahead in the distance.
Though something catches the Observer’s eye in the rear view
mirror. FLASHING set of headlights.
The Observer slows down at a red light. He checks his two
pistols concealed in his jacket.
That white van brakes beside him. A goateed driver, SAMMY
SCUDO, late forties, with a neat crew cut peeks out from the
driver’s window.
SAMMY SCUDO
Nice Porsche!
The Observer keeps his attention forward.
SAMMY SCUDO
Hey. I said nice Porsche!
The stop light flashes GREEN.
The Observer drives on. A BAR is not far away. The Observer
drives his Porsche towards it.
Genres:
["Thriller","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Confrontation at Chuck's Bar
EXT. CHUCK’S BAR AND BILLIARDS - NIGHT
The Porsche parks. The white van drives in right after and
parks at a distant corner of the parking lot.
Three RIDERS ride in on Japanese sport motorcycles just
behind the white van.
The Observer exits his vehicle not evening glancing at Sammy
and the three Riders who are kick-standing their bikes.
Sammy and the three gather together a bit. The Observer does
not even notice and enters into the bar.
INT. CHUCK'S BAR AND BILLIARDS - NIGHT
The bar is empty but a juke box at a far wall plays old but
earthy classics.
The entire core is dedicated to pool tables.
A large bar stands before a many shelved collection of liquor
and liqueurs. A large mirror hangs beside the collection.
THE BARTENDER, an older gentleman, tall and stocky, stands
behind the counter drying beer glasses.
The Observer approaches and admires the collection of
alcohol. He takes a seat.
THE BARTENDER
How are we?
THE OBSERVER
‘Don’t know how we are. Ask me
what I want instead.
THE BARTENDER
I’ll give you Pennsylvania’s best.
THE OBSERVER
Don’t. Your best single malt
whiskey on the rocks, pretty
please.
The Bartender huffs and looks for a bottle. Sammy Scudo
enters the bar with the Riders.
The Observer broods somewhat and then looks into the mirror
at himself.
The Riders take some pool sticks and set up the balls on a
distant pool table.
Sammy sits right next to the Observer.
SAMMY SCUDO
Hey! How are you doing?
The Observer looks on.
SAMMY SCUDO
You new in town?
The Observer gets his glass on the rocks. He still does not
respond. The Bartender stands there concerned.
SAMMY SCUDO
Hey. Get me a beer. Make it
quick. I’m in a hurry.
Sammy focuses on the Observer again.
SAMMY SCUDO
What’s your name?
The Observer looks on still.
SAMMY SCUDO
I asked you what’s your name.
THE OBSERVER
Who cares?
THE BARTENDER
What are your friends drinking,
Sam?
SAMMY SCUDO
I dunno. Ask ‘em yourself. Can’t
you see I’m having a serious
discussion with my new pal here?
Sammy looks on the Observer again.
SAMMY SCUDO
What’s your story?
THE OBSERVER
I’m just visiting for a while.
That’s it.
The Bartender passes Sammy an open bottle of beer. Sammy is
about to drink it and then SLAMS it on the bar counter.
The Observer is unmoved but turns to face him this time.
THE OBSERVER
What’s up?
SAMMY SCUDO
Listen. I got a job just for you.
THE OBSERVER
Is it legal?
Sammy Scuto wraps his arm around the Observer’s shoulder.
SAMMY SCUDO
Listen to me, okay? There are
these kids on that campus down
there that are paying big money to
kill some guy who stuck his nose in
their business.
The Observer takes Sammy’s arm off him firm but not overly
aggressive. Then, the Observer looks away and takes a sip of
his whiskey.
THE OBSERVER
I’m not qualified.
SAMMY SCUDO
This guy killed a lawyer’s son, but
I’m not afraid. Who is this guy,
huh? Some freak. One shot’ll do
it.
Sammy takes a big swig and slams the bottle down on the
counter top again.
SAMMY SCUDO
What do you think a guy like that
could do to me?
The Observer keeps his gaze away.
Sammy waits for an answer and just laughs. The Riders BREAK
the group of pool balls in the far corner.
SAMMY SCUDO
I’ll kill this guy.
Sammy eyes the Observer up and down.
THE OBSERVER
Maybe you should think that over.
SAMMY SCUDO
No way, man.
THE OBSERVER
And what would you do to that guy?
SAMMY SCUDO
I’d ask him to come and find out.
I’d even tell him to step outside
and have a talk with him.
Sammy breaks into a beckoning LAUGHTER. He then WHISTLES to
his Riders and steps away from the bar.
The Riders throw their sticks on the pool table and head out
with Sammy. They all leave together.
THE BARTENDER
This guy means it. Don’t ...
The Observer stares at himself in the bar mirror.
THE OBSERVER
Careful. I’ll be right back.
The Observer walks to the exit and takes off his jacket. He
hangs it on a coat rack. One holster hangs on his right and
another on his left side.
He opens the door to the parking lot.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Observer's Reckoning
EXT. CHUCK'S BAR AND BILLIARDS - NIGHT
The Observer marches out, determined and bold, towards a
CLAPPING Sammy and his three Riders.
SAMMY SCUDO
Well, well. Nice to meet you.
What was your name again?
THE OBSERVER
First, I want to introduce you to
Faith and Charity.
SAMMY SCUDO
And here’s my Python.
Sammy reaches for a pistol grip under his left arm.
Without a blink the Observer FIRES a shot with his dark
pistol, Charity.
Sammy CRASHES to the ground. The three Riders look on at the
scene stunned.
Each struggle for their piece in their clothing. The
Observer FANS his pistol in a continuous blaze clearing the
three Riders in order from left to right.
They fall to the ground one after the other.
SILENCE. There is the squeal of a very distant SIREN. The
Observer is alone with a SMOKING pistol.
MOANS of pain. Sammy drags himself on the gravel. He can
move himself ... only with his arms and hands.
He grabs for his pistol not far. SHOT. It flies away.
Sammy turns over on his back.
THE OBSERVER
You didn’t think it over.
SAMMY SCUDO
You’re girlfriend is going to
receive a visit tonight. You might
want to get there soon.
The Observer AIMS his pistol point-blank at Sammy’s face. He
COCKS the hammer. SHOT.
He holsters his pistol Charity.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Tension at Di Santis
INT. DI SANTIS RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Dani takes out her notepad and pen. One of the busboys
narrowly runs into her. She steps aside in time.
She steps unaware towards Steve and the Hand while they are
both sitting in the booth.
DANI
Good evening, everyone. I’m Dani.
The Hand studies her.
DANI
And I’m your one and only server
tonight.
Steve gives her his most charming, come on look.
STEVEN
I know you.
DANI
You do? Don’t I have a class with
you on Mondays?
STEVEN
No. I don’t go to school much
anymore.
DANI
Well, I guess I don’t know you
then.
The Hand looks away.
STEVEN
Hold on. I’ve seen you in that
literature class.
DANI
There’s literally a few hundred
people in there. I never really
notice anybody. Sorry!
STEVEN
We noticed you though.
She looks to her notepad and gets her pen ready.
STEVEN
We just wanted to say hi.
DANI
Well, hello. That’s nice. I mean
it. So, gents? What will it be?
Or do you need a minute?
Steven glances at his menu.
DANI
Do you go to school here too?
The Steve smirks to the Hand.
THE HAND
I’m not a good student but I’m a
better teacher.
DANI
Okay. Good to know.
THE HAND
I’ll have tonight’s bowl of soup.
Whatever it is. Bread too.
The Observer walks down the busy aisle, almost invisible to
passing patrons, and sits at the booth opposite them.
The Hand perchance looks right at him. The Observer,
however, looks out as if meditating.
STEVEN
You know what? I’ll have this
right here. How do you pronounce
that?
DANI
Salsiccia.
STEVEN
Hmmmm. Sounds good. What does it
mean?
DANI
Sausage.
He laughs. The Hand does not.
STEVEN
It’d be perfect.
Dani stops writing for a moment.
DANI
Sure. Is that all? I recommend
the chef’s pasta tonight to go with
it.
STEVEN
Do you recommend sausage? Or
salsiccia, I mean.
DANI
Maybe. If that’s what you like.
The cook recommends ...
STEVEN
Answer my question, please. Do you
like that ... salsiccia, Dani?
DANI
There’s nothing wrong with it, I
guess.
STEVEN
I’d like to know exactly how long
they are.
The Hand just looks on as Steven laughs.
STEVEN
I just wanted to know if you’d ...
enjoy it ... with us.
The stops for a moment but looks down on her notepad.
DANI
Do you just want that? I mean
there’s ...
The Observer COUGHS.
THE OBSERVER
Miss.
Dani turns around.
THE OBSERVER
I ...
DANI
Don’t worry ... sir. I’ll get to
you after I’m done with these
gentlemen here.
THE OBSERVER
No, no. Get to me whenever. You
might want the manager here after
what this bastard said to you.
The Observer GLARES over to them. Then he finally catches
sight of the Hand. The Hand makes a short smile and then
ends it with a sure, terribly cold stare.
The Observer calm, stares right back.
DANI
Hey. I’m honestly not going to put
up with this. So, if you want to
just keep it up, I’ll ask the
manager to escort you out.
Steven smiles and then still amused looks upon the Observer.
The Observer makes a calm glance to him.
STEVEN
‘Can’t do anything about this, can
you? Sorry! My name is Steven
McConell. You are?
THE OBSERVER
You’ve done the best you could
tonight. What else do you got?
Steven smiles again and then looks upon the Hand for his
validation. The Hand is not giving any tonight ... and now
he stands up.
STEVEN
Hey, Guy! We were just getting
started, my friend. C’mon. ‘Got
anything else in your little set
up?
THE HAND
Get up.
STEVEN
What the heck are you doing? It
was my treat tonight.
The Hand keeps moving through the aisle. Steven stands up
and follows the Hand.
THE HAND
Sorry, miss! I’ll drop by another
time.
The Hand eyes the Observer.
THE HAND
And you too ... very soon, I hope.
STEVEN
It was truly nice meeting you.
‘Catch you later ... Dani!
Steven offers his hand to Danielle. She just stares at it.
Steven eyes the Observer before huffing to himself. The
Observer does not care and focuses on Dani only.
DANI
Hello, sir. What will it be?
THE OBSERVER
Drop it. Okay?
Dani catches her breath a bit.
DANI
Bastards.
The Observer is stunned for just a moment.
DANI
Who were they?
THE OBSERVER
Let’s talk outside ... when you
have the chance. Believe me I’ll
wait.
DANI
Ummm. Can’t. ‘Closing late.
THE OBSERVER
No problem. I can wait. You owe
me.
DANI
Like what?
THE OBSERVER
Take a hint.
He gestures over his shoulder and taps his empty plate. Dani
looks curiously over to the kitchen.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Uninvited Tensions
INT. DI SANTIS RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Much later, Dani moves down the aisle of a now empty
restaurant. She stops by the booth where the Observer was.
A MESSY PLATE full of bread crumbs and tomato sauce and an
empty SOUP BOWL.
She muses over it a bit but then grabs it.
BEA
Hey, Dani!
Dani gets somewhat startled.
DANI
What is it this time? Do the bus
boys need more help? I’ve got
enough to do here.
BEA
Did you forget? Candace is
inviting us over tonight.
DANI
I forgot all about it. Sorry.
Tell Candace I can’t.
BEA
It’ll be fun. Think about it.
DANI
No. Didn’t you see that rush
before closing time? I’m dead
tired. Tell Candace I’ll just go
back home.
BEA
Listen. I’m sorry Steve was rude
to you. He’s actually a real cool
guy. Get to know him. He’ll be
there.
DANI
If that’s how he makes friends, he
might not be that cool after all.
BEA
You don’t know him, Dani. Listen
to me. He was just like Jason ...
Dani, in a hurry, needs to move past her with a dirty plate
but just stops where she is.
BEA
Dani?
DANI
Bea. Did they know each other?
BEA
Dani? I ...
DANI
Excuse me, Bea. I can’t waste
time. I need to bring this to the
kitchen like now.
Bea stands fixed the ground as Dani turns her back.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Crossroads of Independence
EXT. DI SANTIS RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Most of the lights go out in the restaurant except for a few.
Dani finds her way out. She wraps her scarf around her neck
and puts up her coat collar.
She looks around. The traffic is only a lone car moving fast
down main street. And it is gone.
She catches sight of someone.
The Observer waits on a far corner. He motions her over.
She makes a step and then just stops. She stares out to him.
He remains firm and waves her over again.
A random POLICE CAR drives past her.
She looks behind her to where her apartment is though it is
far away. She takes a firm look to the Observer.
He stops waving her over and just waits.
DANI (V.O.)
Now, follow me, poet. I sing to
you more ...
She boldly walks down the sidewalk.
DANI (V.O.)
... of a man who desired this muse
and would do anything for that
which he wanted most.
She approaches him but averts her gaze and then moves a step
past him.
THE OBSERVER
Good.
DANI
We got to stop this.
THE OBSERVER
Fine, but you’ll ...
DANI
No. I’ve had enough. Can you just
let me handle these things on my
own already?
THE OBSERVER
Do you sleep while you work?
DANI
What?
THE OBSERVER
Those two guys were watching you.
And testing you. Could you figure
that out?
DANI
I’m tired. And they were just
messing around with me. It’s not
like it hurt me though.
THE OBSERVER
They would’ve done worse and kept
that up all night until you’d’ve
lost your mind.
Dani thinks.
THE OBSERVER
You’re not stupid. You knew what
was going on. And you were just
standing there taking it.
DANI
Okay. I didn’t know what to do.
Do you understand me? What could I
do?
The Observer waits for her to calm down.
DANI
All right. We do what we did last
time. Just drive me home ever so
kindly.
THE OBSERVER
They saw you ... and they saw me.
And chances are they know where you
live and they certainly know where
you work.
DANI
I’m freezing out here. Drive me
home ... and that will be it.
THE OBSERVER
You will, if ... you ... don’t make
a decision.
Dani looks back and tries her best.
DANI
I don’t get it.
THE OBSERVER
You do. What’s it going to be?
Dani focuses her attention away from the Observer.
THE OBSERVER
Is it to the apartment ... where
they could be waiting for you? Or
...
She refuses to look at the Observer.
THE OBSERVER
Or ... will you let me help you?
She turns around slow and walks up to him.
DANI
And how are you helping me this
time?
THE OBSERVER
Follow me ... or not.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
A Night of Uncertainty
EXT. LONG, EMPTY SIDEWALK - NIGHT
Dani stays behind a bit. The Observer looks over his
shoulder, curious.
DANI
I followed you. Now ...
THE OBSERVER
You need a place to hide out for a
bit.
DANI
I have a test next week. And I
have a research paper due.
THE OBSERVER
I said a bit.
DANI
Like an hour or two?
THE OBSERVER
How about a night?
DANI
And what’s this night for?
THE OBSERVER
A person in your situation needs to
confuse your enemy and take time to
plan.
DANI
Can you say all that again? What’s
the plan?
THE OBSERVER
First, keep walking. Then, we get
you situated. Keep up.
The Observer is just walking but he seems to move faster and
now further ahead than she does. She hurries along right
after him.
Genres:
["Thriller","Suspense"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
The Threshold of Uncertainty
EXT. SYRACUSE'S GARAGE - NIGHT
The Observer walks to the locked gate and pulls out a key.
He turns around. Dani is not far and with slow but sure
steps approaches him.
DANI
So, this is ... the safe house. Am
I correct?
The Observer opens the lock on the gate and opens it just a
bit for Dani to pass through.
THE OBSERVER
I thought you were freezing.
She moves through. He LOCKS the gate. She stands back as he
marches towards the main office door.
Dani scans the lot of the garage. Cars cover the lot around
her. There is only a path to the office.
The office door hangs wide open. He hangs out in between the
shadow and a florescent light above the entrance.
THE OBSERVER
Do you want to do this?
Dani breathes deep and in.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Tension in the Shadows
INT. SYRACUSE'S GARAGE - NIGHT
It’s pitch dark inside.
Only a few of the main garage’s ceiling lights turn on. Each
shines dim.
She stops for a moment to catch sight of where she is. A
main counter and a handful of foldable chairs inside.
THE OBSERVER (O.C.)
Where are you?
She moves forward again and finds a half-open door into the
main garage from the office.
She opens it wide into the main garage.
LIGHTS come on ... all of them one after the other.
THE OBSERVER (O.C.)
Well! How about that?
She breathes easier. He emerges from the corner of the
garage and sighs.
THE OBSERVER
The panel to the lights is near the
water heater closet here.
She catches her breath.
The Observer walks over to a small lunch table with only a
couple of chairs on either side.
He opens a box of pizza to take a look but takes a bottle of
water instead.
THE OBSERVER
Hungry? There’s pizza, but it’s
cold. You can take all you want.
He sits down. She walks over to the table ... still unsure.
THE OBSERVER
Have a seat.
Then she just stops. He gestures to the only seat left.
DANI
Thank you.
THE OBSERVER
The pizza is okay. You’re welcome
... miss.
DANI
I mean ... you saved my life more
than twice already. Maybe even a
third time.
THE OBSERVER
‘Just reading the lay of the land.
I’m not some hero.
He smirks and then breaks into an unwarranted laugh. She
makes it her duty to study him.
THE OBSERVER
Make it quick and choose one. I
might eat everything in a minute.
He opens up the pizza box. She takes a small slice and grabs
a loose napkin on the table.
She takes a bite. The Observer takes out his pistols and
just lets them drop to the table. He loosens his waist belt
which acts as a bandoleer for Colt .45 ammunition.
THE OBSERVER
These are my tools.
Dani keeps a cold silence as she fixes her gaze upon his
firearms. The Observer puts his hand over them both.
THE OBSERVER
The bright one is Faith. The dark
one is Charity.
She gulps down and wipes her mouth.
DANI
You think you’ll be using those
again?
THE OBSERVER
When and if I need to.
DANI
Why? Why did you shoot him?
Jason, I mean. Nobody would have
known.
The Observer struggles a bit. He searches for the words but
then stops to contain himself.
THE OBSERVER
I promise to tell you ... not now
though.
Dani wants more.
THE OBSERVER
Get some rest. It’s late.
He looks just above him. She notices. There is a short
staircase to a small room just above the main garage. The
door to the room has a set of open blinds.
THE OBSERVER
It’s okay. It’s nice and clean.
She just nods and then takes another bite of her slice. He
scours her with his eyes.
She looks around and takes a small bite. Her eyes meet,
perchance, with the Observer who is still keeping a sharp eye
on her.
THE OBSERVER
And I’ll be a perfect gentleman.
DANI
I’ll check it out. There’s a light
inside, right?
THE OBSERVER
‘Everything you need.
She walks up the staircase to the room. She tests the knob
and enters in.
INT. SYRACUSE'S GARAGE/MAIN GARAGE - NIGHT
Much later, the Observer sits and unloads each pistol using
the spring ejector under the barrel. Bored, he organizes his
unspent ammo on the table.
He waits. THE GARAGE CLOCK ticks away. It reads 2:00 a.m..
He stands up abruptly and then marches up the stairs, step-by-
step, to the secret bedroom door.
The Observer holds his breath and then looks in.
INTERCUT: Dani is wide awake, but only lying down on the
small bed. She knows he is there but refuses to turn around.
BACK TO SCENE
The Observer goes back down, step-by-step.
INTERCUT: Dani breathes a little easier but closes her eyes.
BACK TO SCENE
The Observer sits back down and stares out.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Independence in the Garage
INT. SYRACUSE'S GARAGE - DAY
DRILLING. HAMMERING. Mechanics TALKING.
Dani opens up the upstairs bedroom door to the main garage.
The Mechanic is just below her lighting up a cigarette. She
descends the staircase as he catches sight of her.
DANI
Where did he go?
THE MECHANIC
Who?
Dani takes just a little time to get it.
DANI
I don’t know.
The Mechanic clears his throat.
THE MECHANIC
It’s getting mighty loud and busy
here. I could give you a ride to
town ... that is, if you want it.
Do you live far?
DANI
I’ll be fine by myself. Don’t
worry about me.
The Mechanic shrugs and gets back to work under an open hood
of a luxury car.
THE MECHANIC
It’s a long way back to college.
DANI
I made it this far, haven’t I?
I’ll make it back.
Dani marches out through the garage.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Lessons in Patience
EXT. ABANDONED PARKING LOT - DAY
The Hand stands firm as a luxury car drives in.
It parks right in front of him. The Hand stands unmoved at
who is coming to him.
STEVEN
I took notes. I don’t know what I
learned though.
The Hand looks on.
THE HAND
‘Lesson’s not over.
STEVEN
Cut it out, okay? What happened
last night?
THE HAND
Didn’t you see him? Our guy came
in to protect his girlfriend.
Well, he’s tougher than I thought.
STEVEN
Your people were all over the news
last night at some country bar.
Our guy shot them up like pigs.
The Hand grabs Steven by the collar ... and pulls him close.
STEVEN
I was expecting a result ... Hand.
The Hand brings him closer to look him in eyes.
STEVEN
You answer to my dad and Jason’s.
THE HAND
I called both of them last night by
the way. ‘Told them everything and
I mean everything ...
The Hand pats him like and adult to a child and lets him go.
Steve straightens himself out and finally smiles big.
THE HAND
I’m still on the payroll. And I am
not done, young man. There are so
many more moves to make ... even if
you only one piece left on the
board.
STEVEN
Such as? They both saw you and me,
like you said.
THE HAND
You’re honestly asking me what I’d
do? I asked you to be quiet and
watch ... not test her nerves.
Steven waits there but blocking out the criticisms. The Hand
LAUGHS to himself at the sight.
THE HAND
You don’t show, and I definitely
don’t show or share what I’m
thinking. You stay hidden and work
from there ... but as the situation
presents itself you move along with
it.
STEVEN
I want something substantial.
Right now.
THE HAND
Follow who’s creating the problem.
Get it? That’s the person that
goes first. Then ...
STEVEN
Take the spoils.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Defiance in the Warehouse District
EXT. WAREHOUSE DISTRICT - DAY
The Observer paces outside an abandoned warehouse. Semis
with trailers DRIVE past on the single lane road.
He stops where he is almost ready to blow up with impatience.
His cell RINGS. He answers.
THE OBSERVER
What’s the news?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Listen up. This is what I got.
Another trailer ROARS past with its brakes SQUEALING.
THE OBSERVER
Speak a little louder.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Where are you?
A semi truck releases its AIR BRAKE.
THE OBSERVER
If you can hear that, you know.
What is it?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Someone hired a one Guy Harris,
a.k.a. the Hand. He did some jobs
for me and other people a few years
back. He is a very close friend of
Jason’s dad, a local district
attorney.
THE OBSERVER
Guy Harris, huh? I’ve heard of
him.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Everybody knows him. Now, how’s
that detective doing?
THE OBSERVER
He’s probably sitting in his campus
office staring at a computer. I’m
not worried about him in the
slightest.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Listen to me. All I can do is get
someone to give you a ride out of
there. That’s it.
THE OBSERVER
Don’t bother.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
That noose is tightening all around
you ... and her.
THE OBSERVER
And you did hear about what
happened to Sammy Scudo and his
goons, right?
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Congratulations! The Hand has
sworn to kill you after you killed
his second in command. Got that?
Take that ride out of town. Now.
THE OBSERVER
No.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
Nobody beats the Hand. He’s done
everything and he’s still around.
Another semi with a trailer DRIVES past.
THE BROKER (O.S.)
And what do you think about that?
THE OBSERVER
I think I told you what I’d do.
Bye. And see you later.
The Observer walks away.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Silent Threats
EXT. COLLEGE TOWN - DAY
Dani strides through the part of town usually loud and
bustling and now silent. A car STROLLS along the road.
She stops to look behind her. NOBODY.
She crosses a street and once on the next corner. She
perchance turns to face ... someone.
The Observer stands near a lamp post ... and smiles.
Dani winces a bit to see if that was real. He LAUGHS.
She smiles back. He nods, looks away, and walks on
elsewhere. A crowd of young people past by him.
EXT. DANI'S APARTMENT - DAY
Dani walks up to her apartment door and then something in her
just sinks. She walks up to the metal grill to her front
door step-by-step with as much courage as she can muster.
INSERT: DIE DANI!
BACK TO SCENE
It is painted in red all over her front door.
She reaches for her cell ... but calmly.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Determined Confrontation
EXT. DANI’S APARTMENT - DAY
A few hours have passed. A squad car is parked at the curb.
Dani stands different now, not hopeless nor defenseless.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’m glad you called, Dani. You
made the right decision.
DANI
Yeah.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
We got him now.
DANI
You what?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I don’t. He’s getting closer and
closer though. We’ll get him.
DANI
Wait. This is not ... him. This
is somebody else.
Purefoy looks at her, incensed at what she just said.
DANI
I get you’re helping me, but it
can’t be him. You think he would
paint he would kill me on my front
door after all the chances he had?
She looks into his eyes more determined than ever before.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Who else do you think, huh? After
what you experienced? Tell me why
at least?
She thinks as he studies her deeply. She looks at him this
time but calm and polite, though very firm.
DANI
I haven’t seen this pistol guy for
the past four weeks. That’s a
whole month of not stalking yours
truly. Right?
He thinks too and scratches his scalp.
DANI
Just think ... please. If this guy
wanted to ... he’d walk up to me
and ask me out.
Purefoy quietly chuckles to himself.
DANI
I’m serious. He wouldn’t paint
this garbage on my doorstep. And if
he was a real psycho ... he’d put a
bullet in me sooner.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Then, who did this, Dani? You
think someone was just messing
around? Look at it.
Dani draws back a little, just a little. She is about to
come up with something brilliant. He studies her still.
DANI
Wait a minute. This is more than a
hunch, detective.
He just waits for that analysis of hers.
DANI
Jason had friends. I know he was a
part of some exclusive ...
fraternity ... society whatever.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Okay now. Hold on.
DANI
No. You got to listen to me for
once.
He just puts his hands inside his pockets.
DANI
They must want me dead ... whoever
painted this garbage.
Purefoy scratches his scalp again but stares out.
DANI
Their friend is dead ... and they
think I started it all.
He breathes in and then OUT.
DANI
That’s much, much worse than some
creep that saved my life ... and my
dignity. Right?
His eyes meets hers very quickly. She blinks and catches
herself. He still focuses his gaze on her.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Dani.
He extends his hand to her. She backs up and looks upon it.
PUREFOY
Dani?
DANI
No. I want you to think about what
I said.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Dani, please.
She folds her arms and waits for some acknowledgement.
DANI
We actually got him now? Or are we
going to look for the real bad
guys?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Enough.
DANI
I’m not waiting here for your
thoughts. Did you hear that at
least?
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I did. I most certainly did. Just
imagine though, if you’re right.
DANI
So? I am.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Honestly? It just doesn’t add up
like that.
DANI
You have to know. It can’t all be
that unbelievable. There must be
stuff happening all the time that
everyone doesn’t see ...
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Yes, Dani. There’s so much
happening in pretty places and in
pretty neighborhoods. I know that
already. ‘Bad people everywhere.
DANI
Yes. Everywhere. Thank you. Now
...
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
I’ll take a look ... and even talk
to the right people. I’m going to
do a good job for you. I promise.
Dani does not budge. He looks her in the eye again.
DANI
Thank you for actually hearing me
out. And keep me updated.
DETECTIVE PUREFOY
Call. Whenever you need me. Call.
This will end. I promise you.
He walks off to his police car.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A Moment of Hesitation
INT./EXT. DANI’S APARTMENT - DAY
A Painter gathers his supplies after working on Dani’s front
door and metal grill.
Above, Dani opens one of her windows. She looks down.
The Painter waves goodbye and walks to his truck.
She looks out and waves kindly but starts to wonder.
THE SUN SETS.
She looks out to the sun as it sets. She grabs the locking
handle to the window pulling it in slightly.
She holds her breath, abrupt and stunned.
INTERCUT: The Observer walks across the empty street to her
apartment front door.
BACK TO SCENE
She closes her window and marches through her living room to
the stair case.
KNOCKING on the front door at the foot of the staircase.
Dani descends the stairs one step at a time.
Slow, heavy KNOCKING and then silence.
Dani stands right next to the door. THE LOCKS. She puts her
hand to one of the locks but she holds back.
Two more KNOCKS.
She rests her head against the door ... and then faces
forward to meet this head on.
She OPENS each lock. She OPENS the door.
The Observer stands before her. She stands before him,
helpless and unsure.
He closes the door and walks up to her. Dani faces him. He
holds her close and kisses her.
Genres:
["Thriller","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Shadows of Trust
INT. DANI’S APARTMENT/KITCHEN - NIGHT
A teapot SCREAMS over a stove.
Dani sits silent in her shock but cracks a demure smile in
the presence of the Observer.
He sits opposite her at the small kitchen table. He cannot
avert his gaze of her.
She stands up and puts on an oven mitt to grab the teapot.
She lifts it and pours herself a cup of tea.
She pours him one too.
THE OBSERVER
Where’s my beer?
DANI
No. No beer. Take a sip.
He looks at the tea cup and takes a careful sip.
THE OBSERVER
And?
DANI
Take another sip, please.
Dani takes a bold sip and watches him. He does. She exhales
and looks into his eyes.
DANI
What now?
THE OBSERVER
Nothing.
She smiles as he looks over her. He caresses her hand. She
firmly takes it into hers.
DANI
I remember asking you something.
Do you remember?
Now she looks him in the eye, focused and sure. She GRIPS
his hand.
THE OBSERVER
Yes.
DANI
Why?
He looks away and gathers himself for it.
THE OBSERVER
You were alone ... with ... him. I
was still around ... and I knew. I
knew he wouldn’t just walk you
home.
Dani GRIPS his hand.
DANI
You could see that, huh? And I
couldn’t.
THE OBSERVER
He’s a rich, young man. People
like him can do anything they want.
‘Something about him ... as I
watched you two. It’s like he ...
Dani lets go of the Observer and stands up. She faces away.
DANI
Don’t stop.
THE OBSERVER
... I just saw it in him. The way
he walked. Then, I closed in.
DANI
And?
THE OBSERVER
I didn’t want that to happen. Not
to you. He deserved what he got.
He stands up but approaches her careful and concerned. She
still looks away.
DANI
I know. He did.
He touches her shoulder but she turns around to face him.
THE OBSERVER
Sorry. I thought you’d warm up to
me just a little bit.
DANI
It’s not that. You’d think that
things wouldn’t turn out that way.
A handsome, successful man would
just make you yours and he’d become
your husband. You’d live your
life.
The Observer shakes his head.
DANI
Are you listening?
He looks away. She looks right at him.
DANI
Then, you find out he is a monster.
And you’d think all the monsters
that look like monsters would be
just that. Monsters.
She gives an undeniable glare with both eyes. He looks
straight at her, motionless.
DANI
I remember the way you looked at me
that night. It’s still etched in
my mind.
She gives a mocking version of his lustful gaze.
DANI
Along with everything you’ve said
to me. I can’t forget a thing.
THE OBSERVER
I didn’t hurt you.
DANI
And now you are here.
Congratulations! You’re the one.
He steps to her careful and then embraces her tight. She,
cautious, does return the embrace.
DANI
Are you going to disappear again?
I mean ...
THE OBSERVER
Who’s going to watch over you at
night, if I don’t?
She looks into his eyes. He cracks a smile.
DANI
No one will. It’s all right. I’m
sure Steve and his pal have to rest
just for one night.
THE OBSERVER
No evil man rests. I’ll have to
find out what they do next.
DANI
I thought you were something else.
I’m ...
THE OBSERVER
I don’t need anybody’s apology. I
did need you to notice one thing.
Dani eases her embrace and waits for it.
THE OBSERVER
What do you see?
SILENCE.
DANI
My savior ... but what do you see?
THE OBSERVER
What do you think I see?
The Observer cannot tolerate it. He cannot say it. He holds
her close to him.
DANI
Who are you?
THE OBSERVER
You have me. You know I won’t ever
hurt you. You have to know.
DANI
I think so.
She holds his face.
DANI
No. I know it ... but what now?
THE OBSERVER
Things are unfolding as we speak.
DANI
Did you see them paint it? It was
in blood red letters all over my
front door.
THE OBSERVER
They were ready for you and ready
for you to see it, but you dodged
them. You hear me, Dani? I’ll
strike them this time. What do you
say if I kill them all ... and
soon?
DANI
Hold on.
The Observer studies her as she tries to consume it all.
DANI
What do you think they’re doing
now?
THE OBSERVER
They meant what they said. And
they’ll do it.
Dani backs away and tries to take to take it all in. She
cannot. Not one bit.
THE OBSERVER
I’ll die before they get their
hands on you. Do you hear me?
The Observer pulls her to him and embraces her.
THE OBSERVER
I’ll stay awake all night. I’ll
watch everything for you.
DANI
All right. I trust you now. Do
you see where I am? How I live?
Promise me.
THE OBSERVER
Yes.
DANI
Promise me.
THE OBSERVER
I will.
DANI
And you will get the love ... the
love you’ve wanted from me. Only
if you learn ... got it?
The Observer looks away to think on what she has just said.
THE OBSERVER
And what’s to learn?
Dani cracks a smile.
DANI
So? Will you stay?
THE OBSERVER
You rest. I’ll keep watch.
INT. DANI'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Dani walks to her bedroom. She leaves the door open. A dim,
warm light turns on inside.
The Observer turns out the lights in her living room. He
stands away from the windows and stands in the shadows.
The windows are clear and reveal a view of the street below.
The Observer waits patient.
Dani lies down on her bed. She sits up and turns to her
bedroom doorway. It is dark and a figure moves within it.
Th Observer walks over to her bed, sits down, and embraces
her. They kiss and hold each other in a deep embrace.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Reflections of Commitment
INT. DANI’S APARTMENT/BEDROOM - NIGHT
Dani wakes. He is not there beside her.
The Observer looks at himself in her mirror. Dani joins him.
Dani positions herself in front of him and gazes into the
mirror as he does.
She looks with a smile and then it fades.
THE OBSERVER
Dani.
She cannot control it.
DANI
What have we done?
THE OBSERVER
It’s all right. This is a stand
against the whole world.
DANI
What are we going to do?
THE OBSERVER
What can we do? All we do is
survive. And I’ll make sure we
both will.
Dani takes a moment to understand it all.
DANI
Is this how it begins? Or ends?
She looks into the mirror but not with the vanity of before.
She looks deeper and with a never before seen intent.
DANI
You’ve promised your life. I
promise my love forever no matter
what happens to us. Do you
understand?
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Token of Love and Ominous Watchfulness
MONTAGE - INT./EXT. DANI’S. BEDROOM/SECRET EXIT/ALLEY - NIGHT
-- Dani takes the Observer’s E.D.C. knife and CUTS a portion
of her red hair.
DANI (V.O.)
And the muse promised her love to
the wanderer of the night for his
pledge of his own life.
-- She braids the hair into a long, tight lock.
-- The Observer takes it into his hand.
-- He lets it hang from the chest pocket of his leather
jacket. He caresses it as if reverencing it.
-- She guides him downstairs through the insurance office.
-- She opens a secret backdoor to the alley. He embraces
her.
-- He walks down the dark alley.
-- THE DAWN on the horizon.
INT./EXT. THE HAND’S WHITE VAN/THE ALLEY - NIGHT
The Hand watches without any reaction in the driver’s seat.
THE HAND
I’d like to meet you, brother. And
I hope one day very soon.
He STARTS up the van. HEADLIGHTS on.
The van drives down the alley and BRAKES at a corner.
The Observer stops ... and turns around as the van clears a
corner to a side street and out of sight.
Genres:
["Thriller","Romance","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Navigating Friendships
EXT. CAMPUS QUAD - DAY
Dani, now with slightly shorter hair, hurries through a crowd
of students going opposite her.
She navigates sure but humble through it all. Candace and
Bea wait by a tree. Dani slows down.
DANI
Hey, girls.
Candace looks upon her friend with a steady concern on her
face. Dani stands firm.
Bea approaches her.
DANI
Did Steve show up to that get
together, Bea?
BEA
He had to cancel. ‘Said he was
hanging out with an important
friend of his.
Dani thinks a bit but looks on.
CANDACE
Dani.
Candace appears behind Bea.
CANDACE
Can we have a talk?
DANI
Can it wait? I have ...
Candace huffs a bit.
CANDACE
It’s fine. Go to your class, my
dear. We’re going to talk very
soon.
Dani smiles at her friend.
DANI
Why not say it here?
Candace looks to Bea and Bea to Candace.
CANDACE
We’ll see you later ... Dani.
Candace and Bea walk together and enter into the endless
stream of students going to class.
Dani’s eyes follow them until they disappear into the crowd
of moving students.
DANI
We’ll make it. I know it.
She focuses again and keeps on walking to class.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Secluded Connections
EXT. SECLUDED VERANDA ON CAMPUS - DAY
Dani sits down and exhales as she puts down her books and
notebook. She notices something ... someone.
The Observer walks towards her.
DANI
You think that’s wise?
He steps towards her, cautious.
DANI
You don’t know who’s watching.
He sits by her.
THE OBSERVER
Well, I’m here ... out in the open.
She thinks a little.
DANI
So ... everything is okay, I guess.
The Observer turns around. Dani notices someone. A Student
walks oblivious to them along a walkway. He makes a curious
glance and then looks forward moving faster.
The two laugh ... and now the two look to one another.
DANI
What are we going to do with one
another?
THE OBSERVER
I have an idea.
Dani gets ready for it.
DANI
Go ahead.
THE OBSERVER
What are we supposed to do? Let’s
make this thing official. We can’t
just hide. Why not do something
fun for once?
DANI
Well, well. I’d like to see.
‘Sure you’re not heading out of
town for the weekend?
THE OBSERVER
Not this time.
DANI
Make sure ... no one sees this.
Except for the both of us.
He thinks for a moment and nods. He reaches for her hand,
and, just a bit hesitant, she takes his hand into hers.
DANI
And when others see. It will be
like we were never meant to be.
THE OBSERVER
Then no will see it ever.
He hugs her deeply, but she looks out in a silent dread as
she caresses him.
Genres:
["Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
The Chase in the City
EXT. BUSY SIDEWALK - DAY
The Observer wears a baseball cap and a pair of cheap, thrift
store sunglasses. He walks among the crowd.
He notices something at the corner of his eye but speeds up
his pace.
Purefoy is on the other side of the street talking to a duo
of policemen having a good laugh with them.
The Observer makes a quick glance as he passes by on the
opposite street and looks forward. Purefoy, by chance, turns
his head and even notices the Observer.
He wonders a little and then re-focuses his attention on the
policemen around him.
EXT. ALLEY WAY - DAY
The Observer runs into an alley and scans everything around
him just to be certain.
No one and not even a passing car are in sight.
SILENCE. The Observer looks all around him. He starts to
run through the length of the empty alley.
THE OBSERVER
I’m here. Catch me.
He waits in SILENCE.
An engine STARTS somewhere, not too far nor too near.
He waits ... and waits. The engine WHIR is closer.
THE WHITE VAN turns into the alley way. He runs.
DANI (V.O.)
Poet, listen and repeat these
words. I have not ended these
verses of mine to you. Write them
down. Sing them as I have.
He dashes down the alley and turns into the busier sidewalk
alive with crowds of people.
The van SCREECHES to a halt.
EXT. CITY SIDEWALK - DAY
The Observer dashes through nearly avoiding run ins with
pedestrians unaware.
A PATROL CAR by chance stops right in front of him as he
tries to cross over to the next block.
The Policemen exit the vehicle but just stare at him.
The Observer stands where he is and dashes off back into the
alley way again.
Genres:
["Thriller","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Dead End Escape
EXT. ALLEY WAY - NIGHT
The Observer heads down a new stretch of alley way. He runs
to an abrupt stop.
A sign reads DEAD END though dressed in graffiti. The van
pulls up right behind him.
The sliding passenger door OPENS.
THE HAND
I have not had the pleasure ...
The Observer reaches for ...
The Hand pulls out a large .44 Magnum revolver. Another
HENCHMAN exits the vehicle.
THE HAND
Make it quiet, friend. Okay?
The Henchman lumbers over to the Observer and reaches into
his inner jacket pocket and ... fumbles.
The Observer FLASHES his stainless steel pistol and FIRES.
The Hand COCKS his revolver, but the Observer FIRES twice
into the van. The Hand SHUTS the van door as it REVS and
SCREECHES off.
The Henchman DROPS at the Observer’s feet. He DASHES off.
Though ... he looks for any way to escape, to climb, to find
a door into any of the businesses, and just run.
The PATROL CAR enters the alley way.
The Observer still GRIPS his revolver in plain sight.
A WORKER from the one of the businesses opens the employee’s
back door with a load of collapsed, cardboard boxes.
The Observer dashes through and SHOVES the Worker aside.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Chase and Consequence
INT. CAFE - DAY
The Observer hurries through a populated cafe full of
students with their laptops and books.
He holsters his revolver and then pushes his way through the
patrons all lined up and dashes out the door.
Everyone watches but are contained and cannot react soon
enough. They keep watching as he runs away.
EXT. PARK - DAY
He runs as fast as he can through the empty park.
He makes a quick glance behind him.
The Hand’s van PARKS along the busy street.
The Observer looks forward again. SILENCE. No one is around
and the way out is almost there.
The Observer reaches the alley but at that he DRAWS his
revolver. BANG.
The Observer drops to his knees gripping his chest.
The Hand COCKS his revolver once more as it smokes. He takes
AIM at the Observer who falls on to the pavement.
The Hand looks up ... and takes off.
Another PATROL CAR attempts to park on Main Street.
The Observer gets up knee by knee, struggling and panting.
A Policeman gets out of his car and rushes to where the park
meets the alley.
He manages to draw his Glock and scans everything in front of
him. NOBODY.
EXT. SIDEWALK/PARK - NIGHT
Dani is again in her work clothes after finishing up shift at
the restaurant.
She passes by the park. A handful of policemen stand around
discussing with one another near the yellow tape.
She takes a concerned glance over the scene and walks on.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Confrontation at Dani's Doorstep
EXT. DANI'S APARTMENT - DAY
She pulls out her keys from her pocket. It’s not there.
DANI
Where did I ...
Candace walks up behind her.
CANDACE
Dani.
Dani tries to contain how startled she is.
CANDACE
I’m sorry ... but I have to talk to
you. Now.
Steven is there behind Candace.
DANI
Why is he here?
CANDACE
I have to talk to you.
DANI
The hell you do. What do you have
to say?
STEVEN
Hey! We know what you’re up to.
DANI
What do you know?
STEVEN
Oh please! Just come with us.
DANI
And what? Shoot myself in the
head?
STEVEN
Listen, Dani. You are in a world
of hurt and you don’t want to make
this more painful than it is.
DANI
‘Don’t know what you’re talking
about.
STEVEN
Prolonging this is just going to
make it hurt much worse.
DANI
I still don’t what you’re talking
about.
Steven takes it just for a moment and then breaks into a
quick laugh just to cope.
DANI
I’m glad you showed up instead of
painting on my door. That’s a
little bit better than running
away.
CANDACE
Steve, let me do this.
DANI
Go ahead, my dear.
CANDACE
No. Listen for once. What are you
doing with this guy?
Dani looks off somewhere and tries to fight thinking. She
then looks straight at Candace and smiles.
CANDACE
We will go to the police and talk
to that detective ... that is if
you won’t.
DANI
And what happens after that?
Steven seethes with rage but paces around a bit.
DANI
I’m going nowhere ...
Dani gives Steven a firm, hard stare. He stares back while
his sense of humor fades away.
DANI
... and I am not saying one word to
anyone.
CANDACE
You’re my friend. I love you very
much. I won’t let this happen to
you. I’ll do everything in my
power to save you from him.
DANI
You should’ve saved me from Jason.
Remember him ... Steve?
Steve grabs at her. Candace stands in the way. Dani backs
away towards her front door.
Her eyes scan the surroundings. There is no one except for
the passing car.
STEVEN
He won’t be coming back.
Dani braces herself against the door. Candace makes sure to
stand firm in between the two of them.
STEVEN
And that’s basically it.
CANDACE
Steve. Be careful.
He steps past Candace, mildly shoving her to the side.
STEVEN
Knock it off already.
Dani stands defiant, fists clenched.
DANI
I hate all of you.
CANDACE
Dani, listen.
STEVEN
Shut up. Now, you got a lot to
learn. I am going to only to offer
this just this once. Only once.
DANI
You know I was scared of ... him.
Now, I see I had no reason to be.
Steven cracks a smile.
STEVEN
Not smart at all. I gave you a
chance. You come with us.
The Hand’s white van parks just across the street. Dani’s
heart sinks a bit. Steve glances back at it.
DANI
Kill me right now ... like you’re
supposed to.
STEVEN
No, no, Dani. That’s not it.
He makes an exaggerated SIGH.
STEVEN
Come or I’ll tell that nosy
detective sniffing all over our
society house that you’re basically
an accomplice to a known criminal.
DANI
No.
STEVEN
A criminal who was supposed to
guard Jason ... Jason ... while he
was queening you. It could have
been easy. All you needed to do
was take it. Then, you’d be handed
the keys to a kingdom.
Dani cannot deal with this and sinks to her knees. Candace
places her hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Dani PUSHES
her away.
STEVEN
I’m not waiting.
He looks over to Jake and Bobby. Jake NODS in affirmation.
Bobby waves over the Hand as he walks from his van.
STEVEN
Make it easy. This is what we’re
doing. Okay?
He makes a gesture to the Hand. The Hand just stares at him
and then right at Dani.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Confrontation in the Dark
EXT. ABANDONED FIELD - NIGHT
Refuse and uncollected trash dot the field. A TRANSIENT TENT
is not far.
Under a propped up busted and torn mattress and bed frame,
there is the sound of CRAWLING and a final EXHALE.
The Observer hides himself and rests for just a moment. He
reaches for his cell phone somewhere in his jacket. He HOLDS
down a button and then drops it.
HOODED TRANSIENT storms out of his tent. His face reveals he
has had experience with meth, but he is still strong.
HOODED TRANSIENT
Who has entered into my domain?
The Hooded Transient marches out toward the mattress and
pulls out an already unsheathed box opener.
The Observer SHOOTS into the sky.
The Hooded Transient stops where he is. The Observer POINTS
his revolver right at him this time.
HOODED TRANSIENT
All right. It’s cool. You’re my
guest.
He backs away and back into his tent.
The Observer UNCOCKS his revolver.
He lies down but keeps his revolver close to him.
THE OBSERVER
I swear, Dani. Wherever you are
... I will find you. I will save
us.
He collapses into exhaustion.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
A Cautious Encounter
EXT. ABANDONED FIELD - DAY
The Observer wakes up but apprehensive once he realizes where
he is. The Transient’s Tent is nowhere to be seen.
THE BROKER, a middle aged man in a grey winter overcoat over
an unimpressive, average suit, approaches.
The Observer arms himself.
THE BROKER
I appreciate the communication.
How are you?
THE OBSERVER
‘Better than I look. ‘Got anything
on your mind now?
THE BROKER
Let’s get out of here first. Then,
I’ll let you have it.
The Observer holsters his revolver. The Broker gives him a
quick study and then takes a scan all around him.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Highway Isolation
MONTAGE - INT./EXT. THE BROKER’S S.U.V./LONG HIGHWAY - DAY
-- The Observer goes in and out of consciousness in the back
passenger seat.
-- The Broker drives, calm as if nothing was wrong.
-- A random police car OVERTAKES the S.U.V. and speeds down
the road.
-- The Observer looks down.
-- His revolver holsters are on the floor. He calls out.
THE OBSERVER
Dani.
THE BROKER
Let’s get you treated first, and
then we’ll have a nice, long chat
about her.
-- The Observer’s fatigue overtakes him. He closes his eyes.
-- The S.U.V. travels alone along the highway.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
THE OBSERVER’S DREAM
THE OBSERVER’S DREAM - INT. DANI’S BEDROOM - DAY
-- The Observer wakes up in a shaded corner. He is not the
same. He wears a drab sweater and loose fitting jeans.
-- He looks all around him in confusion. He stands finally
though unsure and hesitant.
-- He moves just out of the shadows. Dani, her back to him,
sits at a vanity table and mirror.
Her hair flamboyantly curly and long. She wears a
magnificent robe. SHE SMILES TO HERSELF IN THE MIRROR.
-- Jason, wearing a flashy business suit tightens his neck
tie. Dani, anxious, stands up and checks his suit. They
both kiss.
JASON
I’m off to work, babe.
DANI
‘Mind getting me something after
your day is done?
JASON
Maybe ... if I can make time.
DANI
C’mon. Something special. Okay?
JASON
Okay ... but ...
DANI
Of course. I know how to honor my
man.
-- He kisses her again and then leaves the room. DOOR
CLOSES. She sits and faces her vanity mirror again, her back
to the Observer.
-- The Observer, meek and unsure, walks step-by-step to her.
Unaware of him, she by chance turns around.
DANI
Oh!
-- The Observer is defenseless before her.
DANI
I didn’t see you there.
-- The Observer stands before her. She bears a huge smile
for him as he loses his breath.
DANI
It’s okay. No! It’s perfectly
fine.
-- The Observer struggles for the right words to say.
DANI
Yes?
THE OBSERVER
Dani.
DANI
It’s all right. Everything is
okay.
-- He relaxes and breathes out in relief.
DANI
Good. I’m going to be very honest
with you. Things aren’t so bad
here.
THE OBSERVER
Remember, Dani? Don’t you remember
why? Why I’m here?
DANI
I think so. I remember. You
wanted to protect me ...
-- The Observer looks away.
DANI
Or was it something else? I think
we both know what it is. It’s all
right, but ...
-- She makes a wicked smile and turns her back to him. She
sits down in front her vanity mirror.
DANI
I won’t be needing you ... ever
again for whatever it is you
wanted.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Tension and Resolve
INT. EMPTY BUSINESS - DAY
The Observer OPENS his eyes.
The Observer lies on his back on top of a new sleeping bag.
He stares up at CEILING FANS and then to his holsters, belt,
and revolvers on a foldable picnic table.
The Broker sits not far at the foldable picnic table. He
peeks out behind a wall through clear display windows as he
dials a number on his cell.
THE BROKER
Hello ... it’s me.
The Observer sits up but tenderly touches the bandage on his
chest. The Broker, curious, looks to him.
THE BROKER
Well, I’m returning your call.
The Observer gestures for some smokes with his hand. The
Broker firmly shows him WAIT.
THE BROKER
Of course, I’d call back. What do
you think?
The Observer, with every bit of his strength stands, though
using the wall as support.
THE BROKER
You know I don’t know. I’m not
lying. I’m not telling you where I
am. You understand.
The Broker makes the QUIET SIGN to the Observer who turns his
head to face him. The Broker patiently listens to the person
on the other end.
THE BROKER
You go ahead and look for me. I
told you for the last time ... I
have no idea where he is. Right.
Pay me, I’ll do my best to ...
The Observer walks over but stops. He grips the bandage over
his wound. The Broker eyes him with a bit of caution but
focuses on the call.
THE BROKER
Okay. What now?
(pause)
Oh! I’ve been in this situation
many times.
(huffs quietly)
Well, ask your people to take care
of it. I’m assuming they have.
The Broker looks at the cell phone and then tosses it away on
the table.
THE BROKER
Lie down already.
The Observer searches the table and reaches for an open box
of cigarettes. He takes one and reaches deep into his pocket
for an old, greasy lighter.
THE BROKER
I’m not going to explain a thing to
you. We’re leaving ... that is ...
if ...
The Observer exhales SMOKE.
THE OBSERVER
I think you know me well enough.
THE BROKER
Yeah. I don’t like knowing you one
bit.
THE OBSERVER
Just tell me what I need to know.
THE BROKER
I make it my life’s mission to go
anywhere and everywhere without
anyone noticing and you put me in
this situation.
The Observer LAUGHS.
THE BROKER
Look at you.
THE OBSERVER
We’re all involved. And let me
guess ... the guy on the other line
wanted an update on my well-being.
THE BROKER
I don’t want to run with some big
shot attorney breathing down my
neck for what you did ... but I’m
not paying you one more cent for
anything from here on.
THE OBSERVER
Do you see me complaining about the
money? I want to get them all.
THE BROKER
Before I tell you what your moves
are on this ... I’m telling you I
can’t help you with anything.
THE OBSERVER
Sure. I wasn’t asking.
THE BROKER
Steven’s father wants you dead.
Jason’s father wants you dead. It
would be so very easy to just wash
my hands right now. However ...
The Observer gives his undivided attention.
THE BROKER
Thank you! I get never-ending jobs
for people like you ... but
sometimes they should not be seen
to the end. Watching in the dark
wasn’t worth it. Was it?
The Observer is intrigued.
THE BROKER
They’re punishing me for what you
did. I need to pay them back ...
unofficially, of course.
The Observer’s eyes brighten.
THE BROKER
There’s a friend of Dani’s. She
should know everything. Don’t
overdo it.
THE OBSERVER
So, where did they take her?
THE BROKER
I don’t know, dammit. Weren’t you
listening?
The Observer looks to his GUNS on the table.
THE BROKER
What I do understand is that they
took her not too far away. And
someone says you’re going to be the
guest of honor, if you do make that
effort to find her.
THE OBSERVER
You know me. I’m not letting that
sit. I need some ammo and
something with some major power to
do this quick. A vest. ‘Maybe
something to surprise my hosts to
even my odds.
The Broker HUFFS quietly.
THE BROKER
I’ll step out for the evening.
I’ll find what you need and then
you do what you want.
The Observer makes an ironic smile.
The Broker stands up and searches around for his car keys
somewhere in his overcoat. He finds it and makes his way out
to the front door.
The Observer sees his jacket draped over a foldable chair.
DANI’S LOCK OF HAIR hanging from the chest and shining red.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Night of Terror
INT. WOMEN’S DORMITORY/CANDACE’S DORM - NIGHT
Candace GIGGLES outside. The door OPENS abrupt. CANDACE’S
BOYFRIEND, in his early twenties, easily towers over her.
He EMBRACES her close.
CANDACE
Wait. I need the light on.
Candace’s Boyfriend cannot wait and HUGS her closer and
closer. She reaches for the light.
The LIGHT comes on.
The Observer BLACK JACKS Candace’s Boyfriend over the head
again and again until he falls over.
Before Candace can let out a scream, the Observer PLACES his
hand over her mouth and shoves her to the wall.
THE OBSERVER
Hello, I never introduced myself to
Dani’s friend.
(slight huff)
Let’s make this quick. Tell me
where she is and I will not kill
you or lover boy here.
Candace calms down as if thinking, strategically that is.
THE OBSERVER
Easy now.
CANDACE
They took her to a forest not far.
It’s a hunting lodge. They’re
waiting for you.
The Observer is struck on the inside by that.
CANDACE
I could’ve told you this for free,
if only you introduced yourself and
said hello.
She LAUGHS.
CANDACE
Right?
The Observer BLACK JACKS her too. She drops to the floor.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Confrontation in the Dark
INT./EXT. HUNTING LODGE - NIGHT
The hunting lodge is newly constructed like a new suburban
home in the middle of the woods. Though everything is dark.
A wide, dirt path leads to it from the outside cutting
through a deep forest.
The motion LIGHTS attached to the LODGE come on.
The Hand trudges along the path towards the oaken front doors
of the lodge. He stops and takes a comfortable look behind
him with a confident smile.
He scans the forest and then just quits.
THE HAND
‘Hope to see you ... friend!
He checks his inner jacket and then walks into the lodge.
INT. HUNTING LODGE - NIGHT
Dani wakes up all alone in a corner of a dark room. She,
cautious and uncertain, stands up leg-by-leg.
She reaches all around her and finds nothing.
She finally feels the wall behind her with her fingertips.
She rests her whole hand against the wall to be certain. She
takes a breath in and out to calm herself down.
STEVEN (O.C.)
Dani.
He LAUGHS. She freezes but not in fear. She lashes out.
Just darkness.
DANI
What do you want?
DANI (V.O.)
“Where are you, savior?” the muse
cries.
She strikes out at a SHADOW before her. Her hit does not
land, but she tries again.
DANI (V.O.)
The muse will not last. Pray,
poet, the hero arrives.
This time she receives a PUNCH to her stomach. She falls to
her knees. A PUNCH strikes her jaw.
DANI
Why?
STEVEN (O.C.)
Because, Dani, we owe it to you.
DANI
It’s Jason again. Right?
A dark figure stands right in front of her.
STEVEN
You could have just given in. And
you wouldn’t be here.
She thinks a little.
STEVEN
That guy you’re with ... he was
supposed to watch as Jason made
you. Remember?
DANI
You know something? I think I want
you to keep it going. You want a
shot, you cowardly bastard you?
SILENCE.
DANI
You come in solid second to Jason.
C’mon. Show me what ...
The shadow of Steven creeps forward step-by-step and give her
a firm kick to her face.
STEVEN
Keep it coming. You’re lucky he
liked you so much. You threw it
all away though.
DANI
He’ll come for me. Do whatever you
want.
His transceiver BUZZES.
STEVEN
What do you want?
THE HAND (O.S.)
Hey. You still want in?
STEVEN
I wanted a result, Guy. Now, here
he is playing my game.
THE HAND (O.S.)
Then, you’re going to have to come
on out and see how he plays it.
Steven’s shadow opens the door to a dimly lighted corridor
outside. He stands like a specter in the doorway.
Dani nurses her face but defiant, rises to her feet.
STEVEN (O.C.)
Dani, my dear. You’ll be staying
here for a bit until I need you.
The figure leaves the room and SLAMS the door shut.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Footprints in the Snow
EXT. ROAD TO THE HUNTING LODGE - NIGHT
An ENGINE from a car on the road is running.
The Hand hides behind a tree one among many in the forest
surrounding the road. He covers his mouth with a scarf.
He gestures to a henchman in the shadows to move forward.
The Hand moves from cover with his pistol cocked.
A SEDAN on the road, HEADLIGHTS bright, hazard lights
BLINKING, is set at park with its engine still RUNNING.
The Hand takes his distance from it with his pistol pointed
right at it.
No driver. No passengers. No one. The Hand stops his
search and leers around him.
SNOW begins to fall. MUDDY FOOTPRINTS on the road leading
into the forest.
THE HAND
Wonderful. Welcome!
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Night Pursuit
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
HENCHMAN 2, stout and taller even than the Hand donning a
tactical balaclava, carries an M4 carbine.
He turns on the attached flashlight near the barrel.
FOOTPRINTS on the forest floor.
He follows them but just a little and then dashes behind a
tree. He SHUTS off his flashlight.
A shadow DASHES across his field of vision. The Hand’s
Henchman FIRES a burst into the woods.
He follows after his quarry. He STOMPS and KICKS through the
snow and underbrush.
THE OBSERVER (O.C.)
C’mon. Hold it. I was called in
to help out here.
The Observer, though shadow-like, dons a balaclava, wields a
ballistic shield not unlike a Roman scutum.
It reads SECURITY.
THE OBSERVER
Someone called in ... for security.
HENCHMAN 2
Guy ...
The Henchman SWITCHES on his flashlight and ILLUMINATES the
Observer though ... the Observer aims a pump action shotgun
right at him through the shield’s gun port. BOOM.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Chase in the Snow
EXT. THE ROAD/THE FOREST - NIGHT
The snow falls slow and graceful. The Hand snaps his head
back and then moves back slow through the trees toward the
hunting lodge.
He makes a quick run through the trees. BOOM.
The Observer PUMPS his shotgun, letting loose the spent
cartridge. He places the shield in front of him and aims his
tactical shotgun forward.
BOOM. The Hand dashes again between the trees. PUMP.
The Observer hides too and takes a second. He then marches
out, menacing and driven, through the forest.
SMALL CLEARING.
The Observer takes the chance and DASHES into the open.
GUNSHOT.
The Observer’s ballistic shield RATTLES in his grasp.
Another GUNSHOT. The Observer’s shield and shotgun fly out
of his hands into the snow and dirt.
He FIRES a couple of rounds with his dark pistol at the
fleeing Hand.
He stops just before he reaches the edge of the forest where
the hunting lodge property begins. He RELOADS.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Snowfall Showdown
EXT. THE HUNTING LODGE - NIGHT
The Hand emerges from behind a low brick wall without his
face covering. He aims his pistol.
THE HAND
Hey! Listen to me. What do you
want to do, huh?
The Observer has his hand near his side, but it shakes in
hesitation though.
THE HAND
If you make it through me ...
The Observer snaps out of it and focuses.
THE HAND
... I promise you’ll win. All eyes
are watching us.
The Observer looks all around him but then focuses all his
energy on the Hand. The Hand cracks a smile.
THE OBSERVER
Where is she?
THE HAND
‘Gotta earn that, my friend. And
this gun is aiming right at you.
The Observer CLAWS at his left holster and FIRES ... GUNSHOT
... right at the Hand though his revolver already aimed right
back at him.
The Observer flies off his feet into the gathering snow. He
GRINDS his teeth as if holding on to dear life.
The Hand lies on the ground and increasing snow, bearing a
terrible WOUND between his eyes.
The Observer reaches for his stomach and feels for anything
that would show him he was not doing okay. HIS FINGERTIPS
are clean.
The snow continues to FALL more. He picks up his dark pistol
with his right hand.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Guided Through the Snow
EXT. HUNTING LODGE/FOREST - NIGHT
He stands there alone at the entrance alone. The snow has
covered the ground white. The Hand’s body rests half-
consumed by the snow.
The snow continues to FALL slow and quiet. The Observer
keeps marching forward through it.
STEVEN (O.C.)
Here he is.
The Observer stops for a moment and then keeps marching.
STEVEN (O.C)
Yes. Come to us.
The road from the hunting lodge is clear except for the car
with its engine still running.
STEVEN (O.C.)
You will find me ... and her ...
like I know you will.
The Observer trudges on through the forest.
THE OBSERVER
Well, am I warm?
STEVEN (O.C.)
Keep coming. You’ll find us.
A LIGHT turns in not far ahead in a clearing.
STEVEN (O.C.)
No tricks. Do you hear me?
Genres:
["Thriller","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Shadows in the Snow
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - NIGHT
The Observer steps into the small clearing. Steve holds Dani
against him with a knife to her throat. The Observer keeps
moving forward.
STEVEN (O.C.)
That’s it. Don’t move any closer
to me, you degenerate. The Hand is
coming soon.
THE OBSERVER
He was the kind of tough I respect.
Now, it’s just you and I.
Steven breaks in LAUGHTER ... and then into tears. He laughs
some more.
STEVEN
This is the only way you get to
settle your scores with people.
Steal, murder, repeat.
The Observer looks to Dani. She to him.
STEVEN
So, you had to steal what Jason was
owed. I do not need to hear why.
I know. And she knows too.
The Observer steps closer.
THE OBSERVER
Shut up already. Just say what you
want.
Steven places his blade closer to Dani’s skin. He holds her
tighter and even closer to him.
STEVEN
And let it all out so soon? Nope.
The Observer’s right pistol hand TWITCHES.
STEVEN
Easy there! I want you to drop
your pistols. Now.
The snow FALLS again.
THE OBSERVER
What’s that going to do? One of
them will kill you tonight.
Steven makes a quiet LAUGH.
THE OBSERVER
Like it killed your best friend.
STEVEN
Drop them.
THE OBSERVER
Yeah, sure. Dani, are you okay?
STEVEN
What do you see, dammit? Don’t
waste time.
The Observer’s left hand reaches for his stainless steel
revolver at his left hip ... and tosses it to the ground.
Steven WINCES a bit.
Now, the Observer reaches for his dark revolver also with his
left. He finally tosses it to the ground.
Steven SHOVES Dani to the ground. He readies for a duel ...
with knives.
The Observer reaches into his jacket and wields his dark
tactical blade. He makes ready for the fight.
Steve LUNGES with the blade only to strike with his open left
hand. The Observer takes the blow but backs away.
Dani sits witnessing it all. The snowflakes FALL all around
her in slow, graceful flurries.
She lets more and more fall into her open PALM. She looks
and ... CRUSHES them all with all her might.
The Observer makes a WIDE slash but Steven evades it with a
smile. The Observer goes in for a lunge, but not before
Steven makes a leg sweep.
The Observer BUCKLES a bit but maintains his balance and
still leads with his blade. Steven and the Observer GRAPPLE
but the Observer CRASHES hard into the snow.
Steven recovers his leg and stands tall and proud.
STEVEN
The Hand must have said it to you
before he bought it. You won’t
win. This world belongs to
someone. No one tells us no that
doesn’t suffer.
The Observer catches his breath. HIS KNIFE not far on the
snow. Snow FALLS.
THE OBSERVER
He actually said something else.
Steven fixes his blade in a reverse grip.
STEVEN
You have not seen the worst of it
yet.
He GLANCES most curious to where Dani is. He grips his knife
tighter this time.
Dani AIMS the Observer’s stainless steel revolver.
STEVEN
You bitch. Do it and you betray
everything you know to be right.
Let’s see.
He turns his body to her and then CHARGES. She FIRES.
Steven freezes up in shock. His knife falls to the ground.
She MARCHES up to him and aims for his head.
GUNSHOT. Steven’s body CRASHES to the snow.
The Observer WIPES Steven’s guts and blood from his bullet
proof vest. He stands up.
He, haggard and breathing hard, walks up to Dani as she looks
upon Steven’s body. The Observer extends his hand.
She hands over his revolver. He holsters it and embraces
her. She holds him too.
DANI
What are we going to do?
The Observer at her with grave eyes.
THE OBSERVER
I remember what you said.
DANI
No.
THE OBSERVER
I must.
DANI
Please.
SIRENS in the distance.
THE OBSERVER
There’s no other way.
She holds him tight.
THE OBSERVER
Please, don’t.
DANI
What will I do?
THE OBSERVER
You’ll be strong and make sure
everyone in your life is good and
right.
He breaks away from her embrace and picks up his dark pistol.
He runs into the shadows of the forest.
The snow descends even harder now. She stands alone.
MONTAGE - INT./EXT. CLEARING/APARTMENT/CITY - DAY/NIGHT
-- Detective Purefoy exits a police vehicle. Policemen
emerge from other police vehicles.
-- Dani stands alone in the falling snow and falls to her
knees. Purefoy places a blanket over her.
PUREFOY
Dani.
DANI
He did save me.
-- He embraces her. She does the same, half-hearted though.
-- She returns to her apartment front door late at night
alone. Police LIGHTS are aglow before her face.
-- Early morning, she emerges alone through an empty sidewalk
towards college.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A New Chapter
EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY
Dani walks alone with her face healing amidst a light crowd
that dissipates as she moves through it.
She carries her books and notepad in her arms.
She stops mid-step and reveals a hideous scowl for someone.
Both Bea and Candace wait by a tall, old oak and STARE her
down. Dani keeps her GAZE focused on them as she walks.
DANI (V.O.)
So, now the muse is saved by the
guns of the wanderer.
She walks toward a lecture hall’s entrance. Both large doors
lie opened before her.
INT. LECTURE HALL - DAY
She sits down at a desk nearest the professor’s podium in the
empty hall. Other students start to pour in as she sits.
The projector PROJECTS: MYTHOLOGY I WRITTEN FINAL.
Several of the professor’s teaching assistants begin to hand
out a stapled set of sheets for a written exam.
She receives a test and writes her NAME.
DANI (V.O.)
And now I thank you for all the
things you recounted to me, poet.
For it shall remain in my heart,
and from this moment on, I shall
recount this story to myself and
never forget.