EXT. TEMECULA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GRIDIRON - AFTERNOON
Whistle BLOWS. Bears PRACTICE. On the line.
Football HIKED back to BILLY, 17, All-American "boy next door."
The team COLLIDES with one another as cleats DIG IN. SHAWN,
17, RACES down the line, STUMBLES.
Billy LAUNCHES a perfect spin. Shawn DIVES and completes a
ROLLING CATCH. He stands, show-boating.
COACH EMILIO, 50s, baseball hat and a track suit holds his
hands to his mouth.
COACH EMILIO
Save that shit for when there's
an audience!
Shawn motions to sparsely populated bleachers, then TROTS back.
KIM, 17, a "bubble gum" aesthetic about her, shoots a smile of
adoration at Billy and he fires it right back.
Billy waves and the football BUMPS against Billy's helmet.
SHAWN
Eyes on the field!
BILLY
You wouldn't have to dive if you
ran a little faster!
SHAWN
Sometimes I don't know if coach
loves us or hates us.
Diet cola can CRACKS, FIZZES open. VICTOR, 40s, sits a few
rows up, DRINKS. He sports a polo shirt with "SCOUT" blazed
across it. SCRIBBLE. His gaze returns the field.
Whistle BLOWS.
COACH EMILIO
End zone to end zone bear crawls!
Then hit the showers.
BILLY
He definitely hates us.
Many MOANS and GROANS as the team dutifully follows orders.
2.
EXT. TEMECULA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL EXIT
Billy BUMPS fists with Shawn. They part ways. Kim stands at
the fence. She smiles as he reaches in to hug her.
BILLY
You feel cold.
KIM
I am.
Billy REMOVES his letterman jacket, puts in on Kim. She pulls
out a folded piece of paper and inserts it to the inner pocket.
BILLY
What was that?
KIM
Read it later. Your eyes only.
BILLY
You can just text me.
KIM
I'm an old soul.
PECK on the cheek, an EMBRACE. They walk.
EXT. INNER NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - SUNSET
A street of affluent houses circle a park. Kim and Billy sit
together atop an expansive JUNGLE GYM.
Kim rests her head on Billy's shoulder.
CHIME. Billy pulls out his phone. Opens it.
KIM
What is it?
PROSPECT APP. Billy presses the button. HIGH PROTEIN SNACK.
Billy sets the phone down.
BILLY
Football app. It's nothing.
A 2001, mint FORD EXPEDITION stops behind Kim and Billy.
KIM
Will you love me forever?
3.
BILLY
Babe, that's what homecoming means.
A front door OPENS. A man stands in the doorway.
BILLY
The sun sets and the Gargoyles
come out.
Kim lightly PUNCHES Billy in his arm.
KIM
Hey, that's my dad!
Billy chuckles and climbs down then extends his hand to Kim.
She takes it and climbs down.
Kim removes his jacket, Billy takes it, pulls it over himself.
Kim kisses Billy as he readjusts his hair.
KIM
Your eyes only.
Kim debarks from Billy's grasp and goes to her house. Her
father GLARES at Billy. They enter, CLOSE the door behind them.
Streetlights IGNITE. Billy heads home.
Billy pulls the note out, UNFOLDS it. STOPS, a wolflike grin.
Looks up to Kim's bedroom window, continues to walk backward.
Billy BUMPS into the Expedition, turns around STARTLED.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Panic in the Night
INT. 2001 FORD EXPEDITION
Light from a cell phone reveals a shadow in the driver's seat.
BILLY
Sorry man.
EXT. INNER NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Billy looks at the Driver.
BILLY
It's not scratched or anything.
No movement. Billy walks past the car, eyes on the driver.
As he continues to walk he glances back. He shakes his head.
4.
Driver's door OPENS. A foot STEPS onto pavement.
EXT. WILLIAM AND SUSANNE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
A single street lamp casts long shadows.
INT. WILLIAM AND SUSANNE'S HOUSE
The warm glow of table lamps bathe a contemporary living room.
A grandfather clock TICKS and TOCKS. GONG.
2nd GONG - Spotless leather furniture.
3rd GONG - High end entertainment system.
4th GONG - 20 year old Naval Academy football memorabilia.
5th GONG - Family photos: Billy and his parents.
6th GONG - A single plate of food on a dining room table.
7th GONG - SUSANNE 40s, dressed to the nines, drinks coffee.
8th GONG - WILLIAM, 40s, silk shirt and a tie, reads.
9th GONG - The book SLAMS shut.
WILLIAM
Where the hell is he?
SUSANNE
I'm telling you - it's that girl!
William pulls out his cell phone and dials.
WILLIAM
Hi there Frank, it's Bill. Did
my son stay for dinner?
Susanne's phone RINGS. Startled she looks at it.
SUSANNE
It's Billy.
William nods.
WILLIAM
He's calling his mother right
now, thank you for your time Frank.
Susanne answers.
5.
SUSANNE
We are worried sick a...
Heavy BREATHING from the phone. Susanne's face contorts.
William leans in, his face matching Susanne. Shakes her head.
SUSANNE
Billy?
Heavy BREATHING.
BILLY (O.S.)
Mom!!! Hel...
THUD. SILENCE then WIMPERS.
INDISTINGUISHABLE
I told you not to say...
CLICK. Susanne GASPS, DROPS her phone, hands cover her mouth.
SUSANNE
William... oh my god, William...
William GRABS his coat from the rack. Rushes toward the door.
WILLIAM
Ping me his last known location
then call the police!
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Race Against Time
INT. WILLIAM'S TRUCK
Door SHUTS. William pulls the seat belt over himself and CLICKS
it. Phone ALERT.
William STARTS the truck. Looks at his phone.
WILLIAM
Twelve miles?
EXT. AUBERRY PLACE COMMUNITY GATES
William's truck PULLS out of the community and onto the surface
streets.
EXT. STREETLIGHT
The truck slows down but never stops for the red light.
6.
INT. WILLIAM'S TRUCK
William looks everywhere as he drives.
GPS
Turn right on Temecula Parkway,
continue for 8 miles.
EXT. HIGHWAY 79
William's truck RACES past along the lonely highway.
INT. WILLIAM'S TRUCK
William looks ahead as he sees police headlights.
WILLIAM
Come on...come on...
EXT. GAS STATION - MOMENTS LATER
Police lights and sirens are everywhere. William's truck SLIDES
to a halt. William CLIMBS out of his truck, SLAMS the door
behind him and stands in awe.
An abandoned service station.
INT. WESLEY'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Wesley, 40s, intensely trained body, covered by a single sheet.
Ceiling fan slowly rotates above him. Clock: 4:29am. Wesley's
head shifts and he JOLTS awake.
Clock: 4:30am. Alarm SCREECHES. Wesley GLARES at it.
INT. GYM
Wesley approaches the desk, PRESSES check in buttons.
RECEPTIONIST
Watches could be set by you.
Wesley grins.
Footsteps POUND as Wesley runs a treadmill.
Slow BREATHES with slow focused pull ups.
7.
Two arm hammer rows.
Dumb-bell rows.
A CLANG and a BANG bench presses.
Cable Fly.
A GRUNT with each Box Jump.
INT. GYM LOCKER ROOM - LATER
An unlocked locker. WATER SPRAYS.
Steam rolls out of a single shower.
With closed eyes hot water PELTS, ROLLS off of Wesley's body.
INT. GYM HALLWAY
Wesley wears a suit and comes to a stop before a portrait.
"In Loving Memory of Lindsay Hunter, Forever in our Hearts."
Wesley stares. Tears WELLING in his eyes.
RECEPTIONIST
We miss her very much.
WESLEY
Me too.
INT. JASON'S BEDROOM - MORNING
A morning sun caresses a tidy and neat room with walls plastered
with posters of video games, football and muscle cars.
6am phone alarm BLARES. JASON, 17, high school athlete leaps
out of bed.
On his desk is a set of wireless earbuds and a rainbow bracelet.
Opens the "Prospect" App on his phone. "50 Push Ups." Jason
GROANS, puts the ear buds in his ear and presses play on his
music. "Roses for Mama" by C.W. McCall PLAYS.
Lindsay's photo is on Jason's wall. He presses his fingers to
his lips then his fingers to the photo. Puts on the bracelet.
Jason CRACKS his neck, STRETCH: arms: legs, a breath. He FALLS
face first. CATCHES himself and starts PUSH UPS.
8.
A pan SIZZLES.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Breakfast Conversations and Desperate Pleas
INT. WESLEY'S KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Sausage COOKS in a pan and are removed by tongs.
Two eggs CRACK into a bowl and a whisk BEATS them. Eggs are
poured into the pan and the sausage grease cooks them.
Jason wears blue jeans and a form fitting cotton T-shirt. He
OPENS the refrigerator, grabs cheese, throws it on the eggs.
A moving reflection on the wall catches Jason's eye. VROOM
then a STOP. Car door OPENS. Jason looks out the window.
INT./EXT. WESLEY'S KITCHEN TO DRIVEWAY
Wesley gets out of his car. SHUTS the door.
INT. WESLEY'S DINING ROOM
Breakfast HITS the table just as the front door OPENS. Three
plates at the table. Two have food.
The music FADES as Jason disengages his ear buds. Wesley grabs
his tablet. Sits at the table.
JASON
Hey.
Jason grabs his orange juice and drinks as he sits.
WESLEY
You remembered.
JASON
I remember everything.
Wesley drinks some coffee.
WESLEY
Her favorite sausage.
Wesley gaze doesn't falter as Jason OBLITERATES his food.
Plate SCRAPING, Jason looks up.
JASON
Team meeting.
Jason DOWNS his orange juice as Wesley starts to methodically
eat. Jason GRABS his backpack and HUGS Wesley.
9.
JASON
Have a good day.
Jason heads toward the door.
WESLEY
Um, it's her birthday. Make sure
you say hello.
Jason stops and looks back at Wesley.
JASON
Don't forget to make dinner.
Jason LEAVES. Wesley takes BITE and then SIPS his coffee.
DALE (V.O.)
That bitch!
INT. WESLEY'S INVESTIGATION OFFICE - AFTERNOON
A classic aesthetic paints the office. DALE, 50s, thin hair,
overweight and unkempt, sits in Wesley's chair.
Dale FRISBEES a set of photos across the desk. One falls to
the ground.
Wesley kneels down to pick it up.
WESLEY
I had to rent a boat to get these
photos.
DALE
The check cleared - the fuck do
you care?
Wesley looks at the photo: a topless woman sunbathes on a boat.
DALE
What does he have that I don't?!
Wesley POURS two drinks. Slides one to Dale. He catches it.
WESLEY
A yacht?
DALE
Oh, go fuck yourself!
Dale downs the whiskey. Wesley holds up his glass.
10.
WESLEY
To your sudden lack of alimony.
INT. WESLEY'S INVESTIGATION OFFICE - LATER
Alone, Wesley POURS a drink. Presses play on an answer machine.
MACHINE
You have one saved message.
Wesley SITS. The chair CREAKS as it faces the window. Sip.
LINDSAY (O.S.)
Hey, I know I said I'd be able to
pick up Jason, but I had a walk
in client and we really need the
money. Maybe we should consider
letting Jason get his driver's
license. See you in a couple
hours - love you!
BEEP. Drink.
SUSANNE (O.S.)
Mr. Hunter I presume?
Wesley COUGHS as he rises and turns. Sets the glass down.
WESLEY
My apologies, my mind was somewhere
else. I didn't hear you enter.
Susanne notes the liquor. Susanne HMM-HOS and side eyes.
SUSANNE
Libations? This early?
WESLEY
All things considered... yeah.
SUSANNE
Mr. Hunter, you came highly
recommended...
Susanne sits opposite of Wesley.
SUSANNE
My family needs highly recommended.
WESLEY
The heir to the Merit empire has
been all over the news.
11.
Wesley sits in his chair and takes a DRINK.
SUSANNE
Large amounts of media coverage
are an artifact of the affluent.
He's been missing for three weeks.
Susanne SOBS. Wesley takes hold of a tissue. He walks around
his desk and hands it to Susanne who dabs her eyes.
WESLEY
Look. Missing person cases tend
to be very expensive and rarely
have happy endings.
SUSANNE
I have a check for a hundred
thousand dollars, Mr. Hunter.
WESLEY
You're desperate and making
irrational decisions.
Susanne looks at the pink letters on Wesley's desk.
SUSANNE
Those pink slips suggests you're
desperate and making a bad one.
Wesley studies the stone expression on Susanne's face.
Bell RINGS.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
After School Plans and Playful Banter
EXT. ELSINORE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
A fierce Tiger painted on the wall. Student mill about. BEN,
17, wide-eyed, reads an issue of "Muscle and Chrome" addressed
to his dad: Garret Ponder.
Ben turns the page sideways.
BEN
O-o-o-o-o-oh.
ELIZABETH (O.S.)
The school banned porn.
Ben looks up. ELIZABETH, 17, brown hair, dark eyes, Tiger's
Rock shirt.
BEN
You can't ban an imagination!
12.
TUCKER, 17, bright red hair, freckles, wears a prominent cross
of a proud Irish Celt, sets his food down and sits next to
Ben. OPENS the carton of chocolate milk, DRINKS.
Jason and CHRIS, 17, dark skin, black hair, like Jason he
wears a football letterman jacket, arrive at the same time.
JASON
What's everyone doing after school?
CHRIS
Meeting some girls, hopefully.
TUCKER
Urban exploration.
ELIZABETH
Where at?
BEN
The old Military School.
JASON
How come I didn't hear about this?
TUCKER
We didn't think you'd be
interested.
ELIZABETH
In meeting the girls, or...?
Everyone QUIETS; grins on their faces.
Multiple phone ALERTS. The boys all look.
CHRIS
Snack time.
Ben pulls out energy bars, PASSES them out. The boys start to
open them.
ELIZABETH
It's like a cult...
Tucker takes a large bite.
CHRIS
No it's not. Ask Tucker, you
can't be in more than one cult at
a time.
13.
TUCKER
(A full mouth.)
I'm not in a cult.
CHRIS
(Mocking Tucker.)
I'm naugh in a culd!
BEN
Stop being a dick!
JASON
It's my mom's birthday anyway.
I'm going to have dinner with my
dad.
ELIZABETH
How is your dad?
BEN
Knowing his dad? Drunk as fuck!
Genres:
["Teen Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Tension at Rick's Corner Equation
EXT. RICK'S CORNER EQUATION - DAY
Last door in a corner strip mall. Prominent sign: CASH ONLY.
INT. RICK'S CORNER EQUATION
At the bar sits a semi-coherent drunk. MICHELLE HARRIS, 30s,
hair tied back, little makeup, wears a power suit of a woman
detective.
Michelle surveys the room. Locks eyes with the bartender.
MICHELLE
Don't let him drive.
The bartender, more bust than brains, nods. Michelle focuses
her gaze on Wesley who sits alone at a corner table.
Michelle takes the long walk among single tables, pool tables
and a shuffle board. She stops between a jukebox and Wesley.
Oblivious, Wesley nurses a whiskey checking his phone as his
leg shakes.
MICHELLE
Wes?
His leg stops. Wesley puts his drink down. Looks up as he
stands. Shake hands or hug. Awkward. They hug.
14.
WESLEY
It's been too long.
Drink in hand, Wesley leans against the wall.
MICHELLE
I respected your need to leave.
A smirk runs across Wesley's face as Michelle sits at the table.
WESLEY
I didn't.
MICHELLE
How is Jason?
WESLEY
If the rumors are believed, more
than I can handle.
Michelle can't figure it out, TAPS her fingers.
MICHELLE
Did you take the case?
WESLEY
It's every parents worst nightmare.
Wesley SIPS and sits.
MICHELLE
We can't help them anymore.
WESLEY
So, you sent her down river with
an address? Knowing everything?
Jason is his age. Are you fucking
kidding me? I have to say no!
MICHELLE
Your dictionary tore that page
out. She's desperate Wes.
Michelle waves the bartender away as she approaches.
WESLEY
We happen to be at the opposite
end of a hundred grand desperate.
MICHELLE
I think I'll take that drink. I
chose the wrong career.
15.
WESLEY
If I do this, I'm going to need
your help.
Wesley takes a drink.
MICHELLE
It's an ongoing investigation
Wes.
WESLEY
All I'm asking is a personal
courtesy.
A LONG beat.
MICHELLE
I'll give you what I can... off
the record!
Wesley DOWNS his drink.
WESLEY
I don't deserve your kindness.
Michelle fingers press against her forehead. Wesley leaves.
MICHELLE
Do they make Cosmos?!
WESLEY
Ask my son!
Genres:
["Mystery","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
The Search for Billy
INT. WILLIAM AND SUSANNE'S HOUSE - LATER
KNOCKS at the front door. Heels CLACK across marble floors.
Susanne answers the door.
Wesley stands there as Susanne is shocked and relieved.
WESLEY
I'll need to see his room.
INT. BILLY'S BEDROOM
Soda cans litter the desk. Clothes thrown about. Susanne
stands at the door as Wesley steps throughout.
WESLEY
No maid service?
16.
SUSANNE
He had an embarrassing moment.
Ever since, the maids don't enter.
A leather bound book rests on a desk. Wesley OPENS it.
WESLEY
He read a lot?
SUSANNE
Billy reads every book his father
gets in the mail. Billy's a very
private child.
Wesley looks up at Susanne.
WESLEY
I'm about to invade all his
privacy.
Wesley FLIPS through the book and comes to a portrait of Kim.
He holds it up to Susanne.
SUSANNE
His girlfriend.
Wesley cocks his head a little sideways.
WESLEY
You're lucky parent.
A inquisitive regard folds across Susanne's face.
SUSANNE
I'll call my husband. Tell him
you're here.
Wesley TOSSES the book back to the desk. Meanders.
Wesley pulls out his phone and bumbles through the menu.
Flashlight ignites.
Peers under the bed. Nothing there.
Wesley sits in the office chair.
WESLEY
Give me something.
He leans back BUMPING the desk. Computer TURNS on. Desktop
background.
WESLEY
No password?
17.
Wesley opens the web browser. A few pages already open. "Sync
Prospect." Wesley CLICKS on that.
A notification: 23 Days since last check in.
CLICK! Another page.
Topless woman. Wesley CLICKS away and CHUCKLES. He looks at
the door.
WESLEY
An embarrassing moment...
INT. WILLIAM AND SUSANNE'S HOUSE
As Wesley enters William RUSHES to shake his hand.
WILLIAM
Thank you! When Suze said you
couldn't help. I don't even know.
WESLEY
I make no promises or guarantees.
Wesley looks at the High School football memorabilia in the
cabinets.
WESLEY
Like father, like son?
WILLIAM
He's the light of my life.
Wesley keeps a grin to himself.
WESLEY
What's that like?
WILLIAM
A son's magic is the ability to
compel a father to do better.
Text ALERT. Wesley and William reach for their phones.
WESLEY
It's not me.
WILLIAM
It's from Billy, Jesus Christ!
William shows the phone to Wesley.
18.
INT. ELSINORE HIGH SCHOOL LOCKER ROOM
Showers RUN. Wrapped in a towel, Jason walks down the row.
He stops at a locker and TURNS the combination. OPENS.
Jason grabs his phone and puts in his ear buds. Unlocks Phone.
Missed Call. Text to Voice Option.
Jason presses "Play and starts to put on his socks.
TEXT TO VOICE (O.S.)
Jason, don't hate me. I won't be
home till late. A high profile
case came in today. Also, I forgot
to turn on the slow cooker.
There's a fifty in my dresser.
Your mom would want you to treat
yourself. Love you.
Jason POUNDS the back of his head into the locker as Chris
walks by.
CHRIS
Bro, you okay?
JASON
I hate Tuesdays.
EXT. OPEN FIELD - NIGHT
Police descend from every direction. Dogs BARK as they drag
the officers by the leash.
A jacket in a pile of leaves. The dogs SNIFF.
A hand reaches down, grabs the jacket. TEMECULA VALLEY HIGH
SCHOOL Letterman.
They unfold the jacket. "Merit" embroidered across the back.
Wesley approaches the police line.
OFFICER
Are you on the case, Investigator?
The officer looks to Michelle and she waves.
Wesley ducks under the line.
It's a little bit of a trek to the scene but Wesley arrives.
19.
MICHELLE
All that's here is the jacket.
WESLEY
Might be good news.
MICHELLE
Where the hell is the kid?
WESLEY
A hundred thousand dollar question.
Genres:
["Mystery","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Desperation in Confinement
INT. THE MILLENNIUM ROOM
Yellow walls and tan carpet. Garish. Millennium Pop and Rock
icons litter the walls.
"Oops, I Did It Again," softly PLAYS through the walls.
Brightly colored furniture. A twin size bed with red and blue
colored bedding.
Chain links CLINK as an ankle in a manacle SHIFTS.
Billy shifts in his bed dressed in a pair of old food stained
gym shorts. He curls in the bed as his hands cover his ears.
BILLY
Make it stop...please.
LATCH OPENS. A cut out under the door. Food tray SLIDES in.
Spaghetti with meat sauce. No utensils.
Billy turns and sees the food. Stomach GROWLS. He crawls out
of bed and walks to the plate, chain DRAGGING.
He stares at the plate.
BILLY
Can I have a fork please.
UNKNOWN VOICE (O.S.)
Eat your food.
BILLY
I need a fork.
UNKNOWN VOICE (O.S.)
I'm not going to tell you again.
Billy CHOKES UP.
20.
BILLY
I have dirty hands... I don't
like being dirty.
Footsteps WALK AWAY. Billy SLAMS his fist into the door.
BILLY
Please!!!
Billy presses his back onto the door and SLIDES to a sitting
position.
He grabs the plate. His bare hand shakes hovering over the
food. He grabs a hand of noodles and sauce. BITES into it.
His face is smeared with sauce. It DRIPS all over him.
INT. KIM'S HOUSE
A bright and cheery kitchen. Wesley and Kim sit across. Wesley
writes in his note pad.
KIM
Billy was going to play video
games with Shawn - they always
hang.
WESLEY
Anything else?
KIM
We just made out in the park.
Wesley glances up from his notes.
WESLEY
Any competition?
KIM
Everyone knows that even if there
was, Billy would want what's best
for both of them.
A text ALERT.
WESLEY
I just sent you my number. I
don't care if it's midnight. You
think of something call me.
Kim nods her head in agreement as Wesley stands.
21.
KIM
Will you find him?
EXT. BACK PATIO
Smoke wafts through a porch light. Coach Emilio takes a DRAG
of a Maduro cigar.
COACH EMILIO
What can I tell you? Billy's a
good kid. A's across the board.
We've lost the last two games.
Poor kids.
WESLEY
Coaches can be confidants. Was
he going through anything?
COACH EMILIO
A teenager who's father bought
the team a brand new ...
everything. He was going through
things.
WESLEY
Can you tell me about Shawn?
COACH EMILIO
If you think he did anything,
you're barking up the wrong tree.
The two of them are as tight as a
rusty bolt. Any time there's not
practice you can find Shawn at
Roger's Ice Cream Parlor.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Desperate Pursuit
INT. ROGER'S ICE CREAM PARLOR
Bright lights. Shawn serves an ice cream cone to Wesley.
WESLEY
You and Billy close?
SHAWN
We always hang out. He wanted to
work here actually, but his dad
would never allow him to be a
member of the working class.
He'd have to commit Hara-kiri,
you feel me?
WESLEY
Nothing unusual?
22.
SHAWN
Rich kids are weird, but not Billy.
I was watching a show about how
important the first 48 hours are
in a case like this. He's been
gone for three weeks. I mean,
can you actually find him?
Wesley looks at his ice cream and then back to Shawn.
WESLEY
Life ain't always beautiful kid,
ya feel me?
Wesley leaves.
EXT. ROGER'S ICE CREAM PARLOR
Wesley takes a bite out of the ice cream as he crosses the
parking lot.
EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE
Wesley drives down a long dirt driveway to a house surrounded
by acres of nothing.
His car comes to a stop in front of the house. Wesley climbs
out of his car.
He approaches the house. Metal FOOTSTEPS. Wesley looks down.
A drawbridge before the front porch. Easy twenty foot drop.
INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE
Teacup to Victor's lips as he SIPS and sits across from Wesley.
VICTOR
I am uncertain how exactly I can
be of service to the investigation.
WESLEY
Billy's been gone for 23 days. I
have no leads. I'm trying to pin
down his final movements before
he went missing. It's the pieces
of the puzzle I have to assemble.
VICTOR
Puzzles are a fine way to pass a
rainy day.
23.
Wesley studies Victor.
WESLEY
You observe High School athletes
often?
VICTOR
More often than I'd like, Mr.
Hunter.
WESLEY
Anything unusual catch your eye?
VICTOR
High school drama. All pretty
routine.
Wesley looks Victor up and down.
WESLEY
You have a sixth sense for spotting
talent and not.
Victor smirks.
VICTOR
Talented athletes are everything
I am not. Diamonds in the rough
with futures worth investing in.
WESLEY
Sounds like your not a fan.
Victor CHUCKLES the comment aside.
VICTOR
Fans purchase tickets, Mr. Hunter.
I am wined and dined. I give out
SWAG, and as much as I loathe it,
I do find comfort that athletics
may be the final bastion where
meritocracy reigns supreme. Still,
I've outgrown small town football
victories.
WESLEY
Outgrown or pushed away.
A twinkle of rage in Victor's eye.
VICTOR
I believe I speak for the both of
us when I say we come from a more
(MORE)
24.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
rugged age. Where you had to be
good enough to wear the jersey's
and play on that... fresh cut
grass.
WESLEY
I'm pretty sure my son's good
enough to play on his team. God
knows I can't afford college.
VICTOR
Does he have the Prospect App?
It gives him a direct link to the
recruiters and great work out and
nutrition information.
WESLEY
There's an app for everything. I
won't take anymore of your time
Mr. Campus.
VICTOR
I trust you can let yourself out.
Wesley heads for the front door. A bookshelf. Military Academy
Year Book - 2001. He takes note.
Genres:
["Mystery","Drama","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Tension and Laughter: A Tale of Two Rooms
INT. THE MILLENNIUM ROOM
Car door SHUTS. Engine ROARS. Billy rises as headlights flood
the window curtains.
The chain drags as he rushes the window and POUNDS.
BILLY
I'm in here!
BANG BANG BANG!
BILLY
Turn around!
The door OPENS. Billy turns to gaze upon a menacing Victor.
Cattle-prod in hand.
VICTOR
It's time to practice Billy.
Billy's defiant. Electric CRACKLE. Billy's eyes fill with
dread.
25.
EXT. ABANDONED ELSINORE NAVAL ACADEMY - LATER
An expansive Spanish style 1920s building with a turnaround
drive way. Broken down water fountain in the front. Claimed
by time.
BANG BANG BANG
INT. ABANDONED ELSINORE NAVAL ACADEMY
Flashlights stream in as the wooden plank TUMBLES to the ground.
Ben, Chris, Tucker and Jason enter.
The lights illuminate the room revealing crumbling walls. A
broken down GRAND PIANO's final resting place in the corner.
At the piano Tucker presses a key. COMICALLY out of tune.
TUCKER
John legend would be so angry.
Jason looks around and then at Chris.
JASON
Girls?
Chris shines the light on Jason who covers his eyes.
CHRIS
Who said they were alive, bruh?
BEN
Tucker, did you bring your Ouija
Board?
TUCKER
Text Messages from Hell are a bad
idea.
Phones ALERT. The boys reach in their pockets.
BEN
Who had Jason looking for girls
on their Bingo cards anyway?
Jason doesn't walk in.
JASON
I don't like it here.
26.
CHRIS
Are you scared? Do you need a
diaper, or a binki so you can
sucky sucky?
Laughter ERUPTS.
Metallic KNOCKS make the boys JUMP. They all scan with their
flashlights.
TUCKER
The app said it's time to get
something to eat.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
A Night of Reflection
INT. THE DINER - LATER
The boys sit at a table with a pile of nachos, milk shakes and
burgers and fries in front of them. The place is PACKED.
BEN
Have you made up your mind?
BEN
I don't think I'm going to go.
All the boys stare.
TUCKER
You can't skip homecoming.
CHRIS
If you're weird about it you don't
have to take a date, but you have
to go.
Jason shakes his head and sips his milk shake.
BEN
You're the team captain!
JASON
Guys, it's been a rough year.
Then, Liz got weird. I have to
make sure my dad's okay.
CHRIS
He's suppose to make sure you're
ok. Spoiler alert!
JASON
Look, I just need...
27.
MICHELLE (O.S.)
...to understand that you boys
have a curfew?
Michelle is at the boy's table. Coffee in hand.
JASON
Everyone and their mother cares
for who I'm taking to homecoming.
MICHELLE
Any special boys in mind?
THE BOYS
Oooooooh!
JASON
What is it with you people!?
Chris RUBS the top of Jason's head as he looks down.
CHRIS
We just want you to be happy.
TUCKER
Myself, I'm a Bible believing
Christian, so I don't want you to
go to hell, but you do you fam.
MICHELLE
Let me give you a ride home.
INT. MICHELLE'S CAR
The car drives. Uncomfortable silence.
MICHELLE
I want to let you know I get it.
JASON
Makes one of us.
MICHELLE
I've known Wes since before you
were born. He is that guy. He's
lucky to have you.
JASON
I should be lucky to have him.
MICHELLE
Aren't you?
28.
Jason stares off into the night and then remembers.
JASON
Can you take me somewhere?
MICHELLE
Not Las Vegas.
JASON
Just around the corner.
EXT. CEMETERY
Michelle gives Jason his space as he stands at a headstone.
"Lindsay Hunter 1983 - 2023 Loving Wife, Devoted Mother. 'Live
Your Truth'".
JASON
Happy birthday. I never got to
tell you. I probably didn't have
to. You were way more on it than
dad ever is. I miss you.
Jason fiddles with his bracelet.
Jason walks up to Michelle. Watery eyes, Michelle pulls him
in with an arm over his shoulder.
MICHELLE
Let's get you back home.
EXT. WESLEY'S HOUSE
Jason exits Michelle's car. CLOSES the door.
MICHELLE
If you need anything I'm a phone
call away.
JASON
Yes Ma'am.
Jason turns and heads toward the house.
INT. WESLEY'S HOUSE
Wesley sleeps on the couch, an empty bottle rests just below
his hand. The front door OPENS and Jason enters.
Jason shakes his head as he grabs the empty bottle.
29.
A blanket floats over and rests over Wesley. Jason takes his
cell phone and sets the alarm.
Jason walks to his bedroom.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Fractured Bonds
INT. JASON'S BEDROOM
Jason PEELS most of his clothing off as he walks to his bed.
He climbs in and CURLS under the covers. Closes his eyes.
EXT. TEMECULA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GRIDIRON
An illuminated field. AUSTIN, 17, longer hair, and a rugged
uniform leads the Titans onto the field.
Stands ERUPT as Shawn and the other Bears that the field.
Victor watches.
Austin catches a ball. Touchdown. Victor's head tilts.
Spectators CHEER as helmets CRASH together.
Austin runs the field agile as a cat.
Shawn catches the ball. Intense TACKLE at the sidelines.
Austin gets off his seat and helps him up as he takes the field.
Austin's eyes narrow as the crowd BOOS.
AUSTIN
Your town is crazy.
SHAWN
Tell me about it.
A final countdown. Austin barely stands. The ball is HIKED.
Austin BOLTS.
A ball flies through the air. Austin CATCHES it. Cleats
DIGGING. Austin spins dodging one tackle attempt. Then
another.
Hearts POUNDING. Austin runs as fast as he can. Seconds from
the end zone.
Victor watches.
Almost there.
SLAM! Austin is SACKED two yards from the line. The student
rolls off of Austin and the Bears all gather and CELEBRATE.
30.
Austin gets to his knees and PULLS off his helmet. Deep breaths
and he squeezes the helmet and throws it with cries of
frustration.
EXT. LONELY ROAD - LATER
Austin carries a gym bag and now wears a metal T-shirt and
ripped blue jeans. Thick glasses.
A dog RAVISHES a fence. Austin falls back into the street.
Headlights turn off. ECHO of a car door OPENING and CLOSING.
Austin stands, DUSTS himself off.
Austin walks by the car. A 2001 Ford Expedition. Twigs SNAP.
AUSTIN
Hello?
Austin starts to walk faster. FOOTSTEPS run. Austin tries to
RUN.
A figure in black from the shadows SLAMS Austin's shin with a
baton. Austin falls with a CRY, glasses TUMBLE away. Austin
tries to crawl. HIT, SCREAMS.
Blurred vision a dark figure puts a white cloth over his mouth.
BLACKNESS.
INT. WESLEY'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING
4:29am. Eyes open WIDE.
4:30am. Phone alarm SCREECHES.
INT. GYM
Wesley runs on the treadmill.
Pull ups.
Dead-lifts.
A POUNDING punching bag.
Wesley VIES into a swimming pool.
LAP.
31.
LAP.
LAP.
The sudden SHOCK of an ice bath.
INT. WESLEY'S HOUSE - LATER
Front door OPENS and Wesley is greeted by a quiet house.
Wesley moves into the kitchen. No Jason.
Outside Jason's bedroom Wesley KNOCKS. Silence. Wesley CREEK
the door open. Empty. Wesley tilts his head taking it in.
Attached garage door opens and Wesley observes just a motorbike.
Wesley observes Wesley's Letterman Jacket on the hall tree as
he pulls out his phone. No missed calls or text messages.
Fridge OPENS. Wesley shakes his head and closes it.
A note on the microwave: "Heat for 90 seconds. Love you Dad."
Buttons PRESS. BEEP BEEP BEEP. The microwave HUMS.
Wesley sits at the dining room table. Two empty plates. BITES
his food. DRINKS some coffee. Fingers TAP.
STAPLE.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Chaos and Concern: The Missing Player Investigation
EXT. STREET - MORNING
Billy's missing posters STAPLES to a post. Michelle PULLS up
behind Wesley.
MICHELLE
Wes!
He turns to face her.
MICHELLE
You're going to want to get in.
Wesley shows the posters.
WESLEY
I'm working.
MICHELLE
There were 20,145 missing person
cases in California yesterday.
32.
WESLEY
And?
MICHELLE
Today there's 46.
Wesley stares at Michelle.
INT. MICHELLE'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Wesley BUCKLES his seat belt as the car moves forward.
WESLEY
What do we know?
MICHELLE
Male, 17, football.
WESLEY
Runaway ruled out?
MICHELLE
Too many parallels. I just need
our help to make sure we don't
scare them into thinking there's
a serial killer loose.
WESLEY
We don't have a body. Is there a
serial killer?
MICHELLE
Play it cool.
WESLEY
I live for playing it cool.
EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - LATER
Section 8 housing. Michelle KNOCKS on a door. A cat SCREAMS,
boxes FUMBLE. In a moment the latch UNLOCKS.
BRUCE, 40, addled, stained wife-beater and boxer shorts,
clenches a bottle of SPICED RUM as he opens the door.
BRUCE
Yeah?
MICHELLE
I'm special investigator Wolf.
I'm the lead investigator to your
son's disappearance.
33.
BRUCE
Uh-huh.
Michelle motions back to Wesley.
MICHELLE
This is detective Wesley Hunter.
Bruce DRINKS from the bottle.
BRUCE
Uh-HUH...
JASMINE (O.S.)
God-Damn-IT! Let them in!
BRUCE
Oh, yeah, of course.
Bruce steps aside. Michelle enters followed by Wesley.
INT. APARTMENT
A white cat on a book shelf WHIPS it's tail.
A tabby on the table looks and then returns to napping
A calico rubs against Wesley's leg with a PUR.
WESLEY
You have cats.
BRUCE
I like to think of it as they
have me. Have you found my little
bastard yet. The trouble he
causes. All he cares about it
football.
Jasmine returns to the kitchen. Refrigerator door OPENS.
34.
JASMINE
Bruce!!!! It's empty! Empty
creamer! What am I going to do?
BRUCE
Just take it black like you take
everything else!
MICHELLE
We actually can't afford to come
back.
BRUCE
All things considered I think I
deserve the way God cursed me.
Wesley SNEEZES.
WESLEY
Sorry, I'm mildly allergic to
cats.
A HARD SNEEZE forces Wesley to turn toward a bookshelf. A cat
lays on top of a year book: Elsinore Naval Academy.
MICHELLE
Do you need to step outside?
Wesley WIPES his nose.
WESLEY
You went to the Naval academy.
BRUCE
I did!
WESLEY
My parents were going to enroll
me my freshman year but it closed.
Bruce CHUCKLES.
BRUCE
Probably for the better.
Wesley PULLS out pink allergy pills.
WESLEY
Water?
JASMINE (O.S.)
It's in here!
35.
Wesley enters a disaster of a kitchen. Jasmine grabs a dirty
glass. FILLS it with water. Hands it to Wesley.
WESLEY
No filter?
JASMINE
The apartment complex takes care
of that. You know? Bruce calls
it cheating on him, but he was
fine with it when he was high.
Wesley rolls his eyes.
WESLEY
What's a little legionaries
disease?
Wesley pops the pills, swallows the water, returns to the living
room.
MICHELLE
Given the circumstances, we can't
rule out foul play.
JASMINE
Foul play?
Jasmine storms in from the kitchen.
JASMINE
You mean like in football? Austin
was on the football team!
Wesley retrieves a card from his pocket.
BRUCE
So, you haven't found him yet?
MICHELLE
We're working around the clock.
WESLEY
I have both our numbers on this
one. If you hear anything back
by the next time we make contact,
call us right away.
Bruce takes the card.
Genres:
["Mystery","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Tensions and Weekend Plans
EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX
Wesley and Michelle are walking toward the car.
36.
WESLEY
I don't care what you think -
MICHELLE
That was insane?
They reach the car and Michelle heads to the driver's side.
The door OPENS as Wesley looks back.
WESLEY
Still...?
SCHOOL BELL RINGS.
EXT. ELSINORE HIGH SCHOOL QUAD - DAY
Jason eats lunch with Ben, Chris, Tucker and Elizabeth. MARK,
17, skinny, black hair, thick black glasses, fashionably dressed
with a prominent star of David NECKLACE, wraps his hands around
Jason's eyes.
MARK
Guess who?
Elizabeth rolls her eyes as Jason smiles.
JASON
I don't know.
TUCKER
No one else has fingers that bony!
Mark playfully punches Tucker in the arm.
TUCKER
Jesus, I'm gonna need a shot!
How much is PrEp?
MARK
What's PrEp?
Elizabeth shakes her head, everyone else LAUGHS as Mark sits
beside Jason.
CHRIS
You might be the only one here
who actually needs to know that.
Mark rests his head on Jason's shoulder.
MARK
Sooo, coming to the matinee Sunday?
37.
JASON
Coming to the game next Friday?
Mark sits up straight.
MARK
Ugh, football?
BEN
You know, it's the football games
that subsidize the arts programs.
Mark sits up, GRABS one of Jason's chips.
MARK
Football and Economics? How do
you guys even enjoy your lunch?
Elizabeth gathers her stuff with a HUFF.
ELIZABETH
Some of us don't.
She stands up and walks away. Everyone looks as she leaves.
CHRIS
Was it something we said?
Mark SHRUGS. Returns attention to Jason.
MARK
Dance afterwards?
Mark puts the chip in his mouth. CRUNCH.
Jason looks as his food. Bag RUFFLES as he grabs chips.
Mark Rolls his eyes and sits back.
BEN
Hey, what's it like to be the
only one that cares about
something?
CHRIS
Seriously! For Christ's sake,
Jesus Freak over here was the
first one to notice it!
TUCKER
One, don't take the Lord's name
in vein.
38.
CHRIS
Didn't you just do that!?
Tucker punches Chris in the arm.
TUCKER
I'm going to go to confession
later. Two, I'm not a Jesus Freak.
JASON
We get it!
Tucker looks at Mark as he motions to Jason.
TUCKER
And three, we don't get him either.
Mark side eyes Jason.
JASON
It's just. You know? It's hard.
MARK
Well, can you figure it out by
homecoming? I have the cutest
outfit!
Genres:
["Drama","Teen"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Fractured Connections
INT. RICK'S CORNER EQUATION - EVENING
Billiard triangle BREAKS, SCATTERS ROLLING balls.
Wesley and Michelle sit at a table comparing notes.
MICHELLE
You really like this place? It's
a dive!
WESLEY
Cheap and unassuming. Probably
not going to run into any women
that want to ruin my life.
MICHELLE
Lindsay didn't ruin your life.
Wesley focus remains on his note pad.
MICHELLE
Did you know your son doesn't
know if he's going to homecoming
or not?
Cue stick SLAMS into the CUE ball. Colored ball SINKS.
39.
WESLEY
Of course he's going. It's
important to him.
MICHELLE
He doesn't know who to take.
WESLEY
Any girl he asks will say yes.
Cue stick SLAMS into cue ball. Colored BOUNCES off a corner.
MICHELLE
You're still in denial?
WESLEY
Are we working on a case or talking
about my son's sex life?
Wesley DOWNS his drink.
Cue stick SLAMS the cue ball and SINKS a COMBO stripe.
Wesley stands with his glass.
MICHELLE
You've had enough.
WESLEY
I have a designated driver.
INT. WESLEY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Jason sits at a game of solitaire, goes through the deck. No
play.
Headlights BEAM through the windows. No play.
Jason THROWS cards down. SLAMS his fist into the table.
A car door OPENS, then shuts. A gate CREAKS and CLANGS.
Front door OPENS then SHUTS. Feet STUMBLE. Jason puts his
head between his hands.
Wesley leans against the front door. Takes off his jacket and
puts it on the hall tree.
Jason shakes his head.
JASON
Her birthday, and still not even?
40.
Wesley nods to himself and STUMBLES into the dining room,
CATCHES himself with a chair.
WESLEY
Jas...
Wesley PLOPS into the chair.
WESLEY
That's the reason I drank. Sorry.
JASON
What's going to be the reason
tomorrow? How about a reason to
stay sober. The homecoming game?
Jason stands and heads toward his bedroom.
WESLEY
Are you going to homecoming?
Jason STOPS dead in his tracks. Rubs his bracelet. His back
turned he glances at Wesley.
JASON
I don't know.
WESLEY
You really should ask a girl and
go. Something normal would do
you real good.
JASON
You think normal is in our cards?
Wesley notices the cards scattered across the table.
WESLEY
Don't go to bed angry.
Jason turns, enters his bedroom but looks back.
JASON
Make sure you make it to yours.
Door CLOSES. LOCKS.
Wesley approaches his bar set. OPENS decanter.
WESLEY
"Let's have children" she said.
POURS a drink into a glass.
41.
WESLEY
"It'll be fun," she said.
Wesley looks at his reflection in the mirror. Holds up a toast.
WESLEY
Cheers.
A drink and a cough. He looks at a bottle that glares back.
Wesley stumbles and leans against Jason's door.
WESLEY
I messed up.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Contrasting Paths
INT. JASON'S BEDROOM
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. No response.
WESLEY (O.S.)
I'm...sorry...
Jason's window is open and his bed is empty.
INT. WESLEY'S HOUSE
Wesley EXHALES.
WESLEY
I'll do better.
EXT. LONELY ROAD - NIGHT
Jason walks along, Eva by Orgy PLAYS in his ears.
Jason grabs a rock, hurls it through the air.
Jason continues on as headlights of a car turn onto the road.
A text ALERT. Jason grabs his phone. The car creeps closer.
Jason fumbles the phone.
Almost catches it, almost catches it. An untied shoelace,
Jason FALLS to the ground with an UMPHF.
Jason reaches out and grabs his phone. Not broken. DISMISS
the PROSPECT APP NOTIFICATION.
He turns over and ties his shoe. The car gets closer.
42.
Jason stands and DUSTS himself off.
The car passes.
INT. MARK'S BEDROOM
Curtains BLOW through open windows of a bedroom that is musical
theater central. "Phantom of the Opera," "Les Miserables,"
and "Mary Martin's Peter Pan," posters decorate the walls.
Mark's bed is overflowing with stuffed animals and plush velvet
pillows on top of silk sheets.
Mark wears designer silk pajamas topped off with an ascot.
Before a mirror he reads a monologue.
MARK
Am I immortal? To have drained
half the elixir of immortality is
to be but, half immortal. My
forever is thus "trunk-a-tid,"
and null.
Mark looks down at his script.
MARK
"Trunk-a-tid," is that even a
word?
Mark pulls out his cell phone and sits at his desk chair with
his legs under him in the seat.
MARK
What is the definition of "Trunk-
a-tid?"
PHONE
I don't understand your question.
MARK
What is the definition of
T.R.U.N.C.A...
Out of the corner of his eye Mark sees a moment in his mirror
outside the window.
Still sitting, Mark faces the window.
PHONE
In mathematics and computer
science, truncation is limiting
the number of digits right of the
decimal point.
43.
Mark ignores the window and stands refocuses on his performance.
MARK
To have drained half the elixir
of immortality is to be but half
immortal. My forever is thus
turn...
Bushes RUSTLE. Mark quickly turns.
MARK
HELLO?!
Mark slowly steps toward the window. Curtains FLOW.
Bedroom door behind Mark OPENS. He SHRIEKS. GLORIA, 45, Short
black hair, peaks in.
MARK
Jesus, fuck??? Mom!
GLORIA
What's wrong?
MARK
Knock! What if I was like, you
know, doing stuff?!
Gloria rolls her eyes and CHUCKLES.
GLORIA
I'd thank God I finally had a
normal son.
Mark blushes.
MARK
I thought I saw someone outside.
GLORIA
There's cats everywhere in this
neighborhood.
MARK
It's probably just a big... cat...
Mark shakes his head trying to get back into his head space.
GLORIA
Do you need anything?
Script in hand, Mark approaches his mother.
44.
MARK
How do you pronounce this?
Mark points at the word, looks at the window.
GLORIA
Truncated.
Gloria notices his attention is torn.
GLORIA
You look like you need a warm
glass of chocolate milk.
Mark quickly readjusts his composure.
MARK
I would love that!!!!
Gloria pinches Mark's cheek and smiles as she leaves.
Mark rolls his eyes, rubs his cheek. Mark returns his attention
to the mirror. Takes a breath.
Bushes RUSTLE. Mark turns around.
Mark SHUFFLES to the window. Peers out.
Arms reach up and PULL Mark outside.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Chocolate Milk and Dirty Pajamas
EXT. MARK'S HOUSE
Bushes SHAKE as MUMBLES fill the air.
A hand over Mark's mouth, Wide-eyed and struggling Mark is
easily overpowered.
A mouth WHISPERS into his ear.
JASON
Guess who?
Mark stops struggling. Terror turns to frustration.
An elbow SLAMS into Jason's ribs. Jason lets go of Mark as he
laughs.
Mark stands and KICKS leaves onto Jason.
MARK
What is the matter with you?
Serial killers are real!
45.
JASON
So you leave your window open?
MARK
It gets hot!
GLORIA (O.S.)
Jason?
INT. MARK'S BEDROOM
Gloria holds the chocolate milk as Mark CLIMBS in through the
window. See's himself in the mirror, dirty pajamas.
Mark POUTS.
MARK
My pajamas!
GLORIA
I can get the stains out.
MARK
They're dry clean only!
Gloria turns to Jason.
GLORIA
Does your father know you're here?
JASON
It's possible to be too drunk to
know much of anything at any time.
GLORIA
You need a glass of chocolate
milk.
Mark's mouth gapes in betrayal as his mother hands Jason the
glass through the window.
JASON
Thank you ma'am.
Jason takes a drink and Mark's eyes narrow.
GLORIA
Would you like to stay the night?
MARK
My pajamas are dirty!
Jason smiles.
46.
JASON
I don't even have pajamas.
GLORIA
I'll go get the spare blankets.
Gloria leaves as Mark peers down at Jason.
JASON
Warm chocolate milk?
MARK
That's MY chocolate milk, Mister!
Jason takes another drink.
JASON
If you open the front door I'll
let you lick it off my lips.
Mark glares.
MARK
Crawl through the window.
Mark walks away. Jason grins ear to ear, takes another drink.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Seeking Comfort in the Night
INT. MARK'S BEDROOM - LATER
Mark's pajamas land in a hamper. He hurries to bed, wrapping
himself inside his bedding.
MARK
Ok!
Jason enters the room dressed in his T-shirt and boxer-briefs.
He carries a pillow, and climbs to the ground with the blankets.
MARK
The window's still open.
JASON
You get hot.
MARK
My pajamas are dirty.
JASON
Go close the window.
MARK
But I'm not wearing my pajamas!
47.
Jason rolls his eyes and stands. Mark watches Jason as he
rises.
Jason CLOSES the window. He glances back to Mark.
JASON
Ta-da!
Jason crawls back down to the blankets and pillow.
Mark leans over the edge of his bed.
MARK
Are you comfortable?
JASON
Comfortable enough.
Mark turns and lays on his back. Both face the ceiling.
MARK
Why were you out walking so late?
JASON
I had a mind to clear.
MARK
You wanna talk about it?
JASON
No.
Jason turns on his side facing away from Mark.
Mark's bed rustles as he faces away from Jason.
Mark closes his eyes.
JASON
Ever since my mom died.
Mark opens his eyes.
MARK
I could never imagine...
Jason's eyes water as he talks.
JASON
Neither could we. It was like my
mom knew everything and when she
was taken from us we had to be
the one's to figure it out.
(MORE)
48.
JASON (CONT'D)
I had to figure me out...have to.
My dad is too broken to pay
attention, and too drunk...
whatever.
MARK
Do you want a hug?
JASON
No.
Jason makes himself more comfortable, shrugs it off.
MARK
You have happy memories though,
right?
JASON
Like what?
MARK
Like, dad's play catch.
JASON
Compared to every other memory,
what's the importance of those?
Mark swallows hard. His eyes wander.
MARK
I love my mom, so it's not about
that. She's amazing, but, is she
pretending or does she actually
know how to shave a face? How do
you raise a kid to enter the world
of men when you know nothing about
that? Sometimes, I just wish.
How different would I be, ya know?
JASON
You're just fine Mark.
Mark lips tremble.
MARK
Sometimes, I don't feel like it.
A long pause.
JASON
Do you need a hug?
Mark nods in his blankets.
49.
MARK
Yeah...
Jason gets off the floor. Mark squirms as Jason lifts the
blanket to Mark's bed - crawls in behind him.
JASON
It's ok.
Jason wraps his arm around Mark. They lay there.
MARK
Jason?
JASON
Yeah?
MARK
I'm going to get hot if you don't
open the window.
Jason smirks.
Genres:
["Drama","Friendship"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Breaking Free
INT. THE MILLENNIUM ROOM
The manacle DIGS into Billy's ankle as he SCREAMS and Austin
pulls the CLANGING chain.
Billy BASHES his head against the wall. Austin stops and casts
the chain aside.
Austin turns and with a limp from his leg walks over and sizes
up the door.
He steps back and then HURDLES himself into the door. SLAM.
The hinges barely move.
SLAM. No use.
BILLY
We can't escape.
Austin throws himself at the door again.
AUSTIN
You were by yourself. Now there's
two of us. Come on, he won't be
gone forever.
Austin kicks at the door.
BILLY
I don't want to practice again.
50.
Austin SLAMS into the door.
AUSTIN
What?
BILLY
He's so mean.
Austin kneels by Billy. Puts his hand on his shoulder.
AUSTIN
I know your scared. If I can get
into the rest of the house then I
can probably find the key.
BILLY
You should be more scared than
you are.
AUSTIN
On my side of the tracks there's
a lot of scary shadows.
Austin's look of hope rubs off on Billy.
BILLY
What do you need?
Austin helps Billy to his feet. They both size up the door
and RUSH to it.
Last second: Billy FLINCHES back to his bed and Austin hits
the door alone.
Austin turns and rests his back on the locked door. He starts
to choke up.
AUSTIN
We have to fight Billy.
BILLY
I can't.
AUSTIN
Yes you can!
Austin walks up to Billy and pulls him off the bed onto his
feet. Austin stares into Billy's soul.
BILLY
WE can.
Billy nods in agreement. With abated breath the two ready
themselves.
51.
AUSTIN
One.
BILLY
Two.
AUSTIN AND BILLY
Three!
They charge the door, SLAM!
The hinges SHAKE loose.
BILLY
It's working!
They back up and then charge again. SLAM! Looser.
AUSTIN
One more time!
The two back up as far as they can. They look at one another
and SCREAM as they charge forward.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Desperate Escape
INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE
The hall outside the Millennium Room. The door to the room
BURSTS open and Billy and Austin fall into the hall.
A desperate LAUGHTER escapes them both.
They stand and head down the hallway. CLANG. Billy stops.
Austin looks back at him.
BILLY
Don't leave me.
AUSTIN
I have to find the key.
BILLY
No, please.
AUSTIN
I'm not going anywhere. Just
stay here.
Austin runs into the kitchen. OPENS one cabinet. Then the
other. Then another. No keys.
One by one, Austin RAMBLES through a silverware drawer, utensil
drawer miscellaneous holder drawer. No keys.
52.
In the living room is a secretary desk. Austin tries to open
it: LOCKED.
Austin finds a toolbox and opens it. He pulls out a hammer.
The hammer CRACKS into the secretary dresser. BAM, BAM, BREAK.
Wood splinters out.
Austin walks up to Billy with a hacksaw. Austin kneels down
and starts to saw away at the chain.
BACK and FORTH the blade slides along the chain.
BILLY
Is it working?!
AUSTIN
I think...
The hacksaw BREAKS.
BILLY
Come on!
AUSTIN
Let me try something else.
Austin leaves and Billy tugs at the chain. He WRESTLES with
it, pulling with all his strength.
BILLY
PLEASE!!!
Austin returns with a metal file.
Austin kneels down and sets the file atop where the saw had
been cutting. He takes the hammer and BEATS the file down.
BANG! BANG! BANG! The chain BREAKS apart.
Bill's eyes widen as they pull the chain off.
Austin pulls Billy up and they head to the front door. Grabbing
the nob and turning a dead bolt lock keeps them inside.
AUSTIN
No!
EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE
A chair SHATTERS through a window on the porch. The boys climb
out and onto the porch.
53.
They smile at one another as they make their way to the front
porch exit.
The drawbridge is up. Hearts sink.
Billy WIMPERS as Austin looks over the edge in confusion.
AUSTIN
Fuck what? Who has a moat???
BILLY
I knew it...
ALERT.
VICTOR (O.S.)
And exactly what are you boys
doing outside?
Billy freezes.
Austin turns and behind Billy is a doorbell camera.
BILLY
...no...
VICTOR (O.S.)
It's past your curfew boys.
Billy STEPS back unable to breath. Austin watches as liquid
runs down Billy's leg.
Gears ENGAGE. Drawbridge lowers.
Austin grabs Billy's arm, tries to run. Billy doesn't budge
and Austin loses his grip.
AUSTIN
Come on!
Billy shakes his head and backs up to the window. Austin locks
eyes with Billy one more time. Looks at the door cam.
VICTOR (O.S.)
Good luck.
Austin BOLTS across the drawbridge.
EXT. VICTOR'S PROPERTY
Austin runs. He passes a tree. BEEP. A game camera.
54.
INT./EXT. VICTOR'S FORD EXPEDITION
Victor watches Ben and his father GARRET, 40s, shaved head and
fit, work in their garage on their 1973 Jenssen Interceptor
from a distance.
Garret motions to Ben.
GARRET
I'm too old to be getting down
their.
Ben smiles and lays on the mechanic dolly and ROLLS under the
car, tool in hand.
Victor smiles. His phone alerts. He opens it up.
Cam 1 - Austin races past the camera.
Victor STARTS his expedition.
EXT. VICTOR'S PROPERTY
Austin limps over a fallen tree as he continues.
INT. VICTOR'S FORD EXPEDITION
Victor turns down a gravel road. He drives.
EXT. VICTOR'S PROPERTY
Austin TRIPS. His head SLAMS against a rock. A MOAN of pain
escapes.
Austin takes a moment to catch his breath. He crawls to his
feet and STUMBLES past the shrubbery to approaching lights.
EXT. GRAVEL ROAD
Austin stumbles onto the street. He can't stand anymore. He
falls to the ground.
A white Ford Expedition comes to a stop. The car door opens
and a woman gets out.
WOMAN
Oh my God, are you okay? What
happened?
The woman kneels down. Austin looks up at her.
55.
WOMAN
What are you doing out here?
AUSTIN
Please...help...
The woman pulls out her cell phone. Tries to dial 911. "No
Signal."
WOMAN
I hate living out here! Can you
stand?
The woman tries to help Austin up. She's not strong enough.
Another set of headlights illuminate the scene. The car door
OPENS.
MAN
Is everything ok?
WOMAN
I don't know. I can't get him
up.
The man helps the woman lift Austin up who can barely stand.
MAN
Let's take him to my car.
They help Austin to a white ford expedition.
WOMAN
I love these cars, don't you?
Especially living out in the
sticks!
The man opens the passenger seat and they set Austin in.
MAN
I'll take it from here.
WOMAN
Bless your heart!
The woman leaves and the man gets into the driver's seat of
the car.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Tension and Terror
INT. VICTOR'S FORD EXPEDITION
Victor looks at Austin. Austin, weak, doesn't know what he's
looking at.
56.
Victor puts the car in gear and drives.
INT. THE MILLENNIUM ROOM - LATER
Wood CRACKS as Victor walks atop the knocked down door, Austin
over his shoulder.
Billy sits in the back corner of his bed head in his knees.
Victor carelessly drops Austin to the ground.
BILLY
Austin!
Victor kicks Austin in the ribs, but Austin doesn't stir.
Billy jerks in fear.
Victor reaches down and caresses the side of Billy's head.
VICTOR
You didn't run. You are a good
boy, but you are a team, and a
team who plays together...
Billy SCREAMS as Victor wraps a bundle of his hair in his fist.
VICTOR
...pays together!
Austin stirs. Victor reels his foot back.
BILLY
Please no.
VICTOR
You care about this gutter rat?
Because - believe me, the two of
you only have one thing in common.
BILLY
We're just kids!
Victor pulls Billy's hair and makes him look up into his eyes.
VICTOR
Just a kid? I'm going to teach
you just how strong you actually
are.
Victor throws Billy's head back as he releases his hair.
57.
INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE
Victor lifts the millennium room door back into place. BOARD
by BOARD the door is reattached.
Victor steps back and admires his work.
EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX
KNOCKS. Bruce opens. A panic.
BRUCE
I called as soon as I found it.
Bruce stands aside and lets Michelle and Wesley in.
INT. APARTMENT
Jasmine looms over a box sealed by an obnoxious amount of tape.
WESLEY
Not expecting a package?
BRUCE
Packages come from somewhere!
Bruce upends the box: "AUSTIN" emblazoned by black sharpie.
Michelle dead eyes Wesley.
MICHELLE
Like the Letterman?
WESLEY
The jacket was meant to be found.
They know where you live.
JASMINE
Dust for prints!
BRUCE
Yeah! Dust for prints!
WESLEY
There won't be any.
BRUCE
How do you know?
Wesley hands Michelle his phone and she takes it confused.
Wesley FLICKS open a pocket knife.
58.
WESLEY
I'm about to interfere with an
official investigation. I need
you to record it.
MICHELLE
Those are illegal.
WESLEY
Time and place Michelle. Time
and place.
Wesley raises his hand ready to stab.
BRUCE
Wait...no...no...that movie, what
if it's his head!
JASMINE
It can't be his head. We'd be
able to smell it.
BRUCE
Not if it was fresh!
Wesley and Michelle trade glances. Craziest shit they've heard.
Wesley STABS the seam - TEARS it back.
MICHELLE
I can have you arrested for that.
WESLEY
Not sure I look too good in
handcuffs.
Wesley PEELS the box back. Michelle photographs each item
stained with time.
Shoulder Pads.
Hip Pads.
Knee Pads.
Protective cup. A piece of paper falls from inside.
WESLEY
How old are these?
BRUCE
They're mine. He really wanted
to play. It was the only way we
could afford it.
59.
Bruce bends over and picks up the paper. His face goes ghost
white as he reads it.
Bruce rushes to the bathroom. SLAMS and LOCKS the door.
Michelle reads the paper to herself - dread. Faucet RUNS.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Shattered Lives
INT. APARTMENT BATHROOM
Bruce washes his face, gazes into a reflection that trembles.
INT. APARTMENT
Wesley, note in hand, Jasmine behind him.
WESLEY
What does that mean?
JASMINE
I need coffee!
Jasmine enters kitchen. Wesley studies: "He wants to kiss
it." Drawers OPEN. Utensils CLANG.
JASMINE
Why don't we ever have any cream!
Bathroom door BURSTS open. Bruce enters the bedroom down the
hall. Jasmine storms toward the bedroom.
JASMINE
You were suppose to get cream!
Jasmine presses between Wesley and Michelle and pushes past
them.
JASMINE
BRUCE!
Jasmine reaches the bedroom door.
BANG! Muzzle-flash.
Jasmine SCREAMS. Her cup SHATTERS on the ground. Michelle
whips out her pistol and rushes toward the bedroom, Wesley at
her heels.
INT. APARTMENT BEDROOM
Bruce on the floor. Blood SPLATTERED about. Wesley backs up.
60.
INT. APARTMENT BATHROOM
Wesley stands at the open door looking at the mirror.
Lipstick written across: "If you find him - I'm sorry."
INT. APARTMENT KITCHEN
Wesley grabs a dirty glass. Opens spiced rum. Pours a glass.
Drinks. Michelle enters.
MICHELLE
Back up is on the...
Wesley pours another glass.
MICHELLE
Are you drinking their rum?
WESLEY
He's not gonna drink it.
Wesley holds the glass to Michelle and after a pause she take
it.
WESLEY
This is insane. He couldn't tell
us why he was offing himself before
he did it? We were right here!
INT. VICTOR'S GARAGE - MORNING
The light is dim. Billy and Austin stand back to back. Billy
just in his shorts, Austin in an old Military School football
jersey.
Barbell's CLANG and BANG as the boys each hold one in their
hands, both weighted down. Both barbells are clipped to a
rope in the center and lead up to a pulley they bend around.
The ropes then descend and wrap around the neck of the boys.
If Austin loses his strength and starts to lower his weights
they will choke Billy and lift him to his tip toes. The same
is vice-versa.
Sweat beads roll down Austin's face further dampening the jersey
clinging to his frame.
The rope around his neck tightens and Austin GASPS.
Sweat glistens off Billy's struggling body, but lifts his
barbell loosening the tension off Austin.
61.
Victor paces back and forth WHIPPING the cattle prod.
VICTOR
I'm asking a lot of you two. I
know that, but I'm not asking the
impossible? Just a little
scrimmage between shirts and skins?
Billy's rope tightens around his neck, hoists him to his tip-
toes. Austin's veins bulge as his barbell lowers.
BILLY
Au...Stin...
Billy CHOKES. Austin emits a fierce YELL lifting the barbell.
Billy's rope slacks and he finds solid ground. Both boys teeter
on the brink.
Victor circles the boys. Victor stops eye to eye with Austin.
VICTOR
You'll thank me for this one day.
Austin SPITS in Victor's face, barbell tips, Billy struggles.
AUSTIN
I hate you!
Victor SEETHES. Victor walks to Billy. Wiping the spit from
his face Victor rubs it into Billy's chest.
Victor FLICKS the sweat off his fingertips.
VICTOR
Billy doesn't hate me, do you?
Billy doesn't meet Victor's gaze.
VICTOR
Yeah... smart.
Victor smiles as he returns to face Austin.
VICTOR
I'm not looking to earn your love,
or to earn anything from you.
Victor presses the cattle prod under Austin's chin.
VICTOR
But respect? You can beat respect
into someone.
62.
Victor stabs the cattle prod past Austin and into Billy's back.
Electricity CRACKLES as Billy SCREAMS.
Billy's barbell falls to his thighs. Austin is almost pulled
into the air. He STRUGGLES.
TEXT ALERT as a tablet lights up. Victor's attention is to
the tablet.
Austin starts to lose his strength and his barbell starts to
lower.
Billy regains his composure and pulls his up. The pressure
release from Austin and both find common ground.
AUSTIN
Please don't let go.
BILLY
We're going to die.
AUSTIN
Don't say that!
Billy MOANS in despair.
Austin re-adjusts his grip.
Victor smiles as he looks at the tablet and rushes back to the
two.
VICTOR
We made the front page!
Victor turns the tablet over to reveal a news article: "Tragic
Development in Missing Boys' Case." Victor reads the article:
VICTOR
Star athlete Billy Merit from
Temecula Valley High...
Victor walks over to Billy, who struggles.
VICTOR
Star athlete? You have quite the
reputation!
Billy struggles with his grip. Victor returns to the article.
VICTOR
Three weeks after the disappearance
of Merrit, another boy, Austin
Trout has gone missing after his
(MORE)
63.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
team suffered a close defeat at
the hands of Temescal Canyon.
Victor sets the tablet away from his gaze.
VICTOR
That's the problem with these
online articles. Everyone's more
concerned with SEO than journalism!
Victor walks in front of Austin.
VICTOR
Bruce Trout, forty years old, and
father of the second missing teen
has apparently committed suicide!
Victor stares in the eyes of Austin as he watches his world
fall apart. His heart SKIPS and he WHIMPERS.
Victor leans into Austin and puts his arm on his shoulder.
VICTOR
I didn't expect your old man to
go and do that. Wasn't in the
play-book. You have my deepest
condolences.
Austin's eyes water.
VICTOR
Life's so unpredictable! Like a
good game really. You win some,
and you know all about losing
some. Your old man made his move.
Be proud of how wild it was.
Victor examines Austin's struggles with a smirk on his face.
AUSTIN
You're lying.
Austin's grip on the barbell falters. A tear rolls down his
face has he grits his teeth.
VICTOR
That's the denial stage of grief
Austin. It's hard for some in
your position to imagine life as
a chessboard, but it is. Your old
man just checked out.
(MORE)
64.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Rightfully, you can assume a lot
of horrible things I have done.
Things I will do, but Austin,
It's really important to know
this about me: I will never lie
to you.
Austin's knees buckle and the barbell lowers but he manages to
hold it up.
AUSTIN
He wasn't just a move in your
fucking game!
Victor SMACKS Austin. The barbell tips, Billy struggles.
VICTOR
Everyone is a move in my fucking
game! His piece started moving a
long time ago. If you want to
keep breathing you'll keep moving
your piece!
Austin's shoulders slump and his barbell dips. Billy's neck
tightens.
BILLY
Don't...no... Austin... don't...
VICTOR
Your heart is not the first to
break because someone you love
lived in a world too cruel for
them. There are no heroes. Just
players and pawns and I am your
dungeon master.
Austin drops his barbell and it swings choking Billy. Billy
holds...and holds...and holds... and, let's go.
Victor watches as both boys are pulled just off the ground.
Each reach up to try and pull the rope away from their neck.
They squirm dancing in the air.
Austin passes out first and moments later so does Billy.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Morning Tensions
EXT. ROADSIDE - MORNING
Jason walks as Wesley pulls up beside him, windows' down.
65.
WESLEY
Get in!
Jason stares at his dad, points to his headphones, mouths "I
can't hear you."
Wesley tilts his head in irritation. The car ROARS as it leaps
forward and cuts Jason off.
Jason pulls out his ear phones.
JASON
Are you drunk? Don't answer that.
WESLEY
Get in the car.
JASON
I'm walking to school with Mark.
WESLEY
We'll give him a ride too.
JASON
That's the last thing I want.
Jason walks around the car. Wesley gets out and grabs Jason.
WESLEY
I'm not asking.
Jason sizes Wesley up and down and there's no winning.
JASON
You're going to be on your best
behavior.
WESLEY
I'm a Goddamn angel!
Jason throws his pack in the car, pulls out his phone.
EXT. MARK'S HOUSE
Mark is facing Gloria on the front porch as Wesley pulls up in
the car.
Gloria reaches out and squeezes Mark's cheek. Mark swats her
hand away.
MARK
He's right there! He's gonna
think I wear blush!
66.
Gloria decides to caress Mark's cheek.
GLORIA
You're so grown up!
MARK
Not grown up enough...
Gloria looks over Mark's shoulder.
GLORIA
Who's that man?
Mark turns around to see Jason standing outside the passenger
door. His father at the driver's seat looking at Mark and his
watch.
Gloria walks up with Mark to the car. Jason takes Mark's bag,
and holds the door open for him.
GLORIA
You're such a gentleman!
JASON
I try real hard.
MARK
I have no idea what she see's in
you.
Mark climbs in the back seat. Jason takes his bag to the trunk.
Gloria peers in the passenger window.
GLORIA
I'm Gloria. Mark's mother.
WESLEY
Hello Gloria, I'm Wes. Jason's
super responsible father. I solve
crimes for a living, and get kids
to school on time. Scout's honor.
GLORIA
I hear your quite the aficionado
of the Whiskey.
WESLEY
Borderline zealot actually.
Gloria looks at Jason as he climbs in the car.
GLORIA
Not that bad of a sense of humor.
67.
Jason smiles.
WESLEY
I have a bad sense of humor?
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Morning Drop-Off Antics
INT. WESLEY'S CAR
The Car STARTS, PUT IN GEAR.
Mark buckles his seat belt.
MARK
Bye Mommy.
Gloria waves as Wesley rolls up window.
WESLEY
Mommy?
Jason looks at his dad.
JASON
Best behavior.
EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT
The car pull in and goes to a parking spot.
INT. WESLEY'S CAR
Wesley puts the car in park and takes out the keys. He holds
them out to Jason.
JASON
What are you doing?
WESLEY
Your mother wanted this a long
time ago. Two rules, do you hear
me?
JASON
What?
WESLEY
I know where you are at all times.
Always wear your seatbelt.
MARK
Those aren't just your rules Mr.
Hunter.
68.
Wesley goes to respond.
JASON
Best behavior.
WESLEY
No more walking. If you want to
give your friends a ride, that's
okay too.
JASON
What's wrong?
Jason takes the keys as Michelle's car pulls up..
WESLEY
You know I can't talk about ongoing
investigations.
Wesley gets out and enters Michelle's car and that car leaves.
Jason opens the door for Mark. Mark climbs out and the two of
them grab their bags from that back of the car.
MARK
I feel like I got to experience
genuine progress in you and your
father's relationship.
Trunk SLAMS shut.
Girls GIGGLE as Jason and Mark walk by. Jason looks up and
they divert their eyes.
Mark reaches to hold Jason's hand. A light brush. Jason jerks
his hand to rub his neck as he CHUCKLES.
MARK
Practice tonight?
JASON
Every night. Dress rehearsals?
MARK
Yep. Hangout after?
JASON
Will you need to check with your
Mommy?
Mark punches Jason's arm as they stop at the crossroads.
MARK
No!
69.
JASON
Then it's a date.
Jason smiles as Mark closes his eyes and waits for a kiss.
Beat.
Mark opens his eyes and Jason is walking away. Those same
girls LAUGH. As Mark gives them the middle finger.
MARK
We're going to have to work on
that.
Dry erase marker SQUEAKS.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Classroom Tensions
INT. CLASSROOM
Mr. HAHN, mid 40s, French, Indo-Chinese, drop dead professional
appearance and a serious demeanor, writes on a white board.
In he classroom Jason, Ben and Elizabeth sit in a triangle.
MR.HAHN
I know that no one cares, but for
eons, mythology was the backbone
of ours - and others'
civilizations.
Mr. Hahn's lecture fades into the background as a finger TAPS
Jason's shoulder.
Jason faces Ben.
BEN
Everyone's talking.
JASON
Talking? Mankind's first
invention? You don't say!
BEN
Did you make out with Mark in the
Quad?
Elizabeth shakes her head and rolls her eyes. Jason returns
to his notes.
MR.HAHN
Stories like the Odyssey or the
poems of Euripides...
70.
JASON
(A little too loud.)
Euripides sucks.
Pen drop SILENCE. Mr. Hahn looks back at Jason with a Vulcan
eyebrow; Jason just as shocked as Mr. Hahn.
MR.HAHN
(Removing glasses.)
Perhaps, Mr. Hunter, your epic
poetry is better?
Jason looks around the classroom for a distraction. Everyone
stares at him, shocked and in awe.
JASON
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I
don't like being the center of
attention.
MR.HAHN
That's odd, because, everywhere I
turn, all I hear are whispers in
the hall. Little happy whispers
about you. What pearl of wisdom
do your peers expect from you?
BEN
Pearl of love is more like it.
Everyone but Elizabeth "Ooooohs" and "Ahhhhhs." Jason turns
beet red and glares at Ben.
JASON
Stop it!
BEN
Dude, everyone knows and no one
cares. We just want you to be
happy.
Elizabeth folds up her things, gets out of her desk and STORMS
out.
Ben is immediately regretful.
Jason looks at Mr. Hahn silently asking permission. Mr. Hahn
nods and Jason follows suit leaving his things behind.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Confrontation and Reflection
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALL
Elizabeth rushes down the hall. Jason runs after her.
71.
JASON
Hey!
Elizabeth comes to a stop and Jason catches up to her. He
reaches out and touches her shoulder.
Elizabeth SWATS him away.
ELIZABETH
Don't touch me!
JASON
Liz!
ELIZABETH
You never kissed me in front of
anyone!
JASON
I didn't kiss him.
ELIZABETH
But you wanted to?
JASON
That isn't fair. You can't
encourage me to be myself and
hate me for it at the same time.
ELIZABETH
I love you. I could never hate
you. But, my dad did work overtime
to afford my dress. Now what?
You do you, be yourself. I don't
want to be what you don't want,
but I did lose my boyfriend and
it seems like... given the
circumstances, I'm not allowed to
feel anything about that, so, can
you please just leave me alone?
Jason swallows hard as he nods. Bell RINGS
INT. CLASSROOM
Jason fights his way past students who are leaving the class.
Ben is still at his seat.
BEN
I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking.
Ben leaves as Jason starts to pack his things. Mr. Hahn starts
to erase the board.
72.
MR.HAHN
You got this, right?
Jason nods as Mr. Hahn continues to erase.
JASON
Fuck!
Mr. Hahn stops. He studies Jason.
MR.HAHN
At least you chose a word with an
interesting history to yell out.
JASON
What else could I say? Nothing
makes any sense.
MR.HAHN
I'm not really good at this kind
of stuff, but none of us really
know anything. In this go around
you've chosen unique extra
curricular activities. Follow
through on those and that will
tell us what kind of man you're
going to grow up to be, monsieur.
But I feel compelled to tell you:
that happiness Ben and your peers
want for you: no stone, nor
diamond, or precious metal in all
the Earth is worth that.
Jason is taken back.
JASON
I thought you weren't that kind
of teacher?
MR.HAHN
Go get something to eat.
JASON
Merci beaucoup, Gandalf.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Rehearsal Reflections
INT. OUTSIDE MR. HAHN'S CLASS
Ben is waiting for Jason as he walks out.
The two walk down the hall.
BEN
So, he said yes?
73.
Jason rolls his eyes. Ben smiles ear to ear in disbelief.
INT. THEATER - LATER
Mark is center stage, other classmates.
Mr. Hahn is in the main aisle half way up the seating.
MR. HAHN
Alright. Let's just run through
it one more time.
Places taken.
MR. HAHN
Kill 'em!
Lights go dark. Single spotlight IGNITES. Mark STEPS into
the light. Despair is on his face.
MARK
Are there no other choices.
A light comes up illuminating Clarence.
CLARENCE
Oh no, Mr. Bailey. Don't say
that. There are always choices.
Public theater entrance UNLATCHES and light streams in. Mr.
Hahn GLARES back. Jason sneaks in. Mark glances up and grins.
A seat CREAKS loudly as Jason folds it down. Mr. Hahn glares
back. Jason waves. Hahn returns his attention to the stage.
MR. HAHN
Is he your cheerleader? Why'd we
stop?
Everyone GIGGLES. Mark (acting) glances back.
MARK
Leave me, specter of the night.
I have no future.
CLARENCE
Oh, Mr. George, I am no specter.
Not a creature of night but a
creature of light and I am here
to tell you of a future most
bright.
A light comes up and two children actors play.
74.
CLARENCE
We can start with your past but I
can promise you that won't last.
What brought you here to this
single moment of fear. Or...
A light comes up on an old man and woman.
CLARENCE
Or, we can widen the ape-ture and
look to your future, so long as
it is but a thought of shadow as
you plunge into the depths below.
Mark BUSTS out laughing. Mr. Hahn EXASPERATES.
MARK
What is an "Ape-ture?"
MR. HAHN
Okay, that's it for me. Tomorrow
night off, starting next week
dress rehearsals - all week long.
Everyone breaks apart as Mark pulls out a script.
MARK
Truncated and knull...
MR. HAHN
You've been off-book for weeks
Mark. What are you reading.
MARK
It's from a monologue book, Wenzy,
The Mortal Immortal by...
MR. HAHN
...Mary Shelly. Good choice.
Jason approaches.
JASON
You were great!
Mark leaps off the stage, rushes up to Jason, they EMBRACE.
MARK
Hanging out with you, I'm missing
out on my Mom's home made La-zag-
na!
75.
MR. HAHN
It looks like you made your mind
up about something, Mr. Hunter.
Jason smiles back at Mr. Hahn.
JASON
You're not that kind of teacher!
Mr. Hahn finishes packing his attaché.
MR. HAHN
It interests me. Things are so
different no. I was your age
when Matthew Shepard was chained
to a fence and left for dead.
You live in a privileged world,
standing on the shoulder's of
giants who came before you. Be
happy.
JASON
Who's Matthew Shepard?
Mr. Hahn rolls his eyes, shakes his head and walks toward the
door.
MR. HAHN
I guess it doesn't matter.
Mr. Hahn LEAVES.
JASON
Did we hit a nerve?
MARK
On Mr. Hahn? Not possible.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Reflections on Growth and Faith
INT. CHRIS' HOUSE - LATER
A Craftsman with a flair for Victorian decorations. Deep colors
and throw rugs. A dedicated space for yoga and medicine balls.
VICTOR
What motivated you to such a unique
training set up?
CHRIS
My dad always says mind first,
then the body will follow.
Chris' dad smiles as his son talks.
76.
CHRIS
In a lot of ways, this is our
sanctuary. A safe place where
books create the flexibility of
my thoughts and yoga mats for the
flexibility of my muscles.
VICTOR
Do you have good flexibility?
CHRIS
Out of all my friends I'm the
only one to brag about never
pulling a muscle.
EXT. BEN'S HOUSE
The garage door is open. The Interceptor is taking much of
Ben's time. Wrench CRANKS and a rubber belt comes loose.
Ben closes the hood and Victor is standing there.
BEN
Oh, hey, you're early, right?
VICTOR
On time is late Mr. Ponder.
BEN
My dad was just planning on being
here.
VICTOR
We've already met.
Ben smiles.
BEN
Oh, he didn't tell me.
INT. BEN'S HOUSE
Ben's mom brings in drinks and a snack. Ben washes his hands
of the grease.
VICTOR
You were wrenching that engine
pretty hard.
BEN
We've been working on it for years!
(MORE)
77.
BEN (CONT'D)
We're almost done. We're going
to use the interceptor for my
driving test!
VICTOR
You don't have a driver's license
yet?
BEN
I have a permit!
INT. ST. MARY'S OF ROME
A large catholic church. Tucker sits in a confessional. The
priest is in the other side.
PRIEST
Ten hail Mary's and one tackle in
the second quarter I can put my
money on.
TUCKER
Yes father.
Tucker exits the confessional. Victor sits in the pews.
VICTOR
A good catholic boy?
Tucker approaches the pews and stands on one set of seats in
front of Victor and sits on the back of the Pew in front of
him.
TUCKER
We're all sinners, right?
VICTOR
Some more than others, I suppose.
TUCKER
No sin is bigger than the other.
That's what Jesus is for.
VICTOR
John 3:16?
TUCKER
I'm partial to communion wine
myself. How else am I going to
prepare for college?
Victor grins.
78.
VICTOR
Rumor has it we're your second
choice?
TUCKER
It's nothing personal, but I want
to go to Notre Dame. Could you
imagine scoring for the same team
coached by Knute Rockne? Oh my
god, it makes me want to save
myself for marriage.
Victor laughs.
PRIEST
Whatever it takes!
Tucker motions to the priest's approval.
INT. CHRIS' HOUSE
VICTOR
Play time is important, but it's
in pursuit of our academia that
we do this. So much of academia
is about pushing boundaries and
making the uncomfortable...
comfortable. How would you push
your boundaries?
CHRIS
Have you ever read the Bhagavad
Gita?
VICTOR
I can't say that I have.
CHRIS
I think the word "Vagna" answers
your question. It's idea is to
do things without expectation of
payment, for the good of doing
it. That's how I live my life.
I do everything for the good that
will come out of it.
VICTOR
Your education is an investment.
CHRIS
And the sports scholarship is the
school's investment in me.
(MORE)
79.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
In return, the interest they get
in that relationship, that's the
hundred and twenty percent I give
to the Gridiron.
INT. BEN'S HOUSE
VICTOR
Let's say, by happenstance, tonight
you disappeared, what would you
hope your legacy will be?
BEN
We're suppose to answer questions
like that?
Victor nods. Ben looks to his mom.
BEN'S MOTHER
Go on honey, say whatever comes
to mind.
BEN
That I have family and friends
who would stop at nothing to find
me. And I hope that their love
for me shined through so the world
knows how much I loved them...
Yeah.
INT. ST. MARY'S OF ROME
VICTOR
What motivates you to do your
best?
Tucker thinks for a moment. The door to the confessional OPENS
and the priest walks out.
TUCKER
The Holy Spirit.
VICTOR
Oh, you're going to get religious
on me?
TUCKER
We're going to die one day, and I
thank God for every touchdown he
gives us, but both sides of the
(MORE)
80.
TUCKER (CONT'D)
game are praying for victory,
right? So even if we pray, we
still have to play are hardest
because who gets the answer yes
and who gets the answer no, while
it's part of God's plan, we have
to work for our rewards.
Something TWINKLES in Tucker's eyes. Victor is neutral.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Milkshake Rivalry and Identity Questions
INT. 24 HOUR DINER - NIGHT
Jason and Mark sit opposite draining a thick milk shake with
dual straws.
The straws stay in their mouth as they talk to one another.
JASON
No cheating!
MARK
I can't believe my mom let me
come out!
JASON
What do you ow ow ow.
Jason PULLS away as he holds his head. Mark stops sucking.
MARK
I win!
JASON
You have to have a brain to freeze!
Mark reaches over and hugs Jason.
MARK
We never come here! How good are
the hamburgers. Or Nachos?
JASON
It hurts so bad...
VICTOR (O.S.)
Jason Hunter?
Mark lets go as Jason looks up.
JASON
Yeah.
81.
VICTOR
My name is Victor. Your coach
arranged for us to meet.
JASON
Yeah.
Jason looks at Mark.
MARK
I'll go to the Jukebox. Put on
Phantom.
Mark SCOOTS out of the booth.
JASON
No one wants to hear that!
Mark turns and grins at Jason.
MARK
I mean, in terms of Webber, it's
that or Memory from cats, so pick
now...
JASON
...I don't know what that means.
MARK
Past the Point of No Return it
tis! ... tis it... it's it...
Mark walks to the jukebox.
Victor notices Jason's bracelet.
VICTOR
Are you gay Mr. Hunter?
JASON
You can ask me that?
Victor sits down across from Jason.
VICTOR
Oh, it's just that we do have a
certain diversity quota to meet.
Hoping to check another box.
JASON
Refused to answer.
It's hard for Victor to hide his amusement.
82.
VICTOR
I suppose things are different
after all.
Jason's eyes narrow.
JASON
Are we going to talk about football
or my homecoming date?
VICTOR
You have an impressive record,
Jason.
JASON
I'm only second best in terms of
passes completed.
VICTOR
That kid from T-canyon was a hell
of a player. I was watching him.
I've been watching a lot of people
on your team too Jason.
Jason looks at Victor.
JASON
We've had a pretty good year.
VICTOR
You've got a pretty good team.
You're lucky.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
A Fork in the Road
EXT. 24 HOUR DINER
A motorcycle pulls up outside.
INT. 24 HOUR DINER
Victor leans in, his gaze sharp and calculating.
VICTOR
But, luck runs out, doesn't it,
Jason? I'm here to offer you
something more than luck. A
guarantee.
Jason raises an eyebrow, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
JASON
What are you talking about?
83.
Victor smirks as a dark undertone develops.
VICTOR
I'm talking about securing your
future. The game is about to
change, Jason, and I want you on
the winning side. I've been
watching, assessing. You have the
potential to be a key player.
Jason shifts uncomfortably.
JASON
The only game I really play is
football.
Victor CHUCKLES.
VICTOR
Not a game, Jason. Destiny. There
are choices to be made, and you,
my friend, have a unique
opportunity to play your part.
JASON
If you're looking for an actor
it's the jukebox boy you want.
WESLEY
Every movement Jason.
The air is broken by Wesley.
WESLEY
You were suppose to text me your
every movement.
Jason looks at his dad sheepishly.
JASON
I told you where I was, what I
was doing.
Jason glances at Mark, who's returned from the Jukebox. Victor
stands and faces Wesley.
VICTOR
Mr. Hunter. How goes the
investigation?
Victor smiles.
WESLEY
It goes.
84.
Victor looks to Jason.
VICTOR
Think about what I said Jason.
Your future could be remarkable.
Victor exits leaving Jason, his father and Mark behind.
MARK
So like, a full scholarship?
Wesley looks at Mark, looks at Jason.
WESLEY
Let me guess, he's not walking
home.
Mark nods excitedly.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Struggles of a Father
INT. WESLEY'S HOUSE - LATER
Jason's already in the house. Wesley enters
JASON
What's the big deal?
Jason grabs the whiskey and opens it.
WESLEY
Hey! What are you doing?
Jason pours a glass and takes a drink. Jason COUGHS at the
burn.
JASON
Jesus, if it wasn't for me you
wouldn't eat half the time!
Dumbfounded, Wesley grabs the glass, then DRINKS.
WESLEY
Kids are going missing. Their
parents shooting themselves in
the head.
JASON
Please stop drinking.
WESLEY
I'm functional.
85.
JASON
Are you going to spike the punch
at homecoming tomorrow?
Wesley SLAMS the glass down on the counter.
WESLEY
Since when did the moral compass
glisten off the banks of a rainbow?
JASON
I'm starting to wish it was you
at that fucking club.
Jason's door SLAMS behind him. Wesley downs what's left in
the glass. His hand shakes as he again SLAMS the glass down.
WESLEY
Fuck!
EXT. WESLEY'S HOUSE
The motorcycle STARTS.
EXT. ROAD
Wesley rides the bike down the road.
INT. RICK'S
Wesley at the bar. The "bust before brains" bartender dries a
glass.
BARTENDER
Another?
WESLEY
Have I ever said no?
A drink POURS.
BARTENDER
Want some advice?
Wesley drinks.
MICHELLE (O.S.)
Have you met this cat?
Wesley doesn't turn.
86.
WESLEY
This time maybe.
MICHELLE
Do you know how much I care about
you? Eleven O'Clock care about
you.
WESLEY
My son's a faugh... a "modern
audience."
Michelle sharply exhales.
MICHELLE
At least you stopped yourself.
Michelle sits next to Wesley.
MICHELLE
Can I get mine with rocks?
The bartender puts some ice in a tumbler and pours.
BARTENDER
He's drinking doubles.
Michelle nods in agreement.
WESLEY
How the fuck do I do this without
Lindsay?
MICHELLE
You're a great dad Wes.
WESLEY
My son's been trying to come out
to me for over a year. Every
time he gets close I change the
subject. I'm a horrible dad.
MICHELLE
Horrible dad's don't get attempt
number 2s, or 3s...
WESLEY
Lindsay bought him that fucking
bracelet. She knew before he
did. He's a lot like his uncle.
Wesley goes to take another drink. Michelle puts her hand
over his glass.
87.
MICHELLE
Maybe you should call it for the
night.
WESLEY
Every morning I wake up. Four
twenty-nine. Sound familiar?
You woke me up with a phone call
at four-twenty-nine to tell me.
They just wanted to celebrate
their birthday. Her friends always
made me uncomfortable and we
couldn't afford a baby sitter
anyway.
Wesley pulls his drink away from Michelle.
MICHELLE
I got nothing in terms of advice.
Evil is real. That's why I'm a
cop. That's why you were.
WESLEY
If I was there I could have...
MICHELLE
...Left your son an orphan?
WESLEY
God damn-it Michelle.
Wesley drinks, Michelle pulls her badge out, tosses it on table.
MICHELLE
That's just a hunk of metal. For
most people it has the power to
freeze them in their tracks. It
protects me because society expects
it to, but there are places so
dangerous I'd never wear it.
Damn the consequences, your son
wears his bracelet everywhere he
goes with first hand knowledge of
how dangerous it could be. That's
a bravery he inherited.
WESLEY
Or stupidity.
BARTENDER
She's right.
Wesley stares at the bartender.
88.
WESLEY
She doesn't tip. So, really focus
on who's side your on.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Dance Preparations and Playful Banter
EXT. MARK'S HOUSE
Jason KNOCKS on the door. Gloria OPENS it and Jason smiles.
JASON
Is Mark ready.
GLORIA
Well, isn't he a lucky boy?
Jason blushes as Gloria ushers him in..
INT. MARK'S HOUSE
Jason waits in the living room. Mark enters dressed in a flashy
gray suit with sky blue dress shirt and a pink tie. Jason
smiles as Mark does a SPIN.
MARK
What do you think?
JASON
You always look so amazing.
MARK
Goodwill!
GLORIA
I told you he'd love it!
MARK
Look at the way she dresses, I
was super nervous!
Mark looks Jason up and down.
MARK
You look... normal.
JASON
I have a football game to win.
EXT. MARK'S HOUSE
Ben, Tucker and Chris piled in the back seat of the parked
car. Jason holds the door for Mark who climbs in.
89.
Jason gets in the driver's seat. Gloria waves good bye. Jason
STARTS the engine. Mark waves good bye to his mother.
GLORIA
I'll see you at the dance!
INT. JASON'S CAR
Jason looks at Mark.
JASON
She's coming to the dance?
MARK
She didn't want to miss my first
dance.
TUCKER
I talk to my therapist all the
time about setting up healthy
parental boundaries.
BEN
Have you guys kissed yet?
JASON
Stop it!
CHRIS
Inquiring minds want to know!
Chris pushes on the front seat.
JASON
He wouldn't even lick the chocolate
milk off my lips.
MARK
It was MY chocolate milk!
TUCKER
This is a weird story.
MARK
Maybe you should talk to your
therapist about it.
Everyone LAUGHS.
TUCKER
Not funny.
90.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Echoes of the Past
INT. FUNERAL PARLOR
An enlarged portrait of Bruce prominently displayed next to
the closed casket. Wesley sits in the back watching.
William enters the parlor and makes his way to the casket.
Wesley watches as William makes the sign of the cross.
When William sits down Wesley stands and sits in the row behind
him.
WESLEY
You knew Bruce?
William nods.
WILLIAM
First his son, now this.
William shutters as Wesley leans in.
WESLEY
How close were you?
WILLIAM
You grow apart the older you get.
When he saw my son in the paper
he called to ask if I could get
his son the same coverage. Then
he killed himself the next day.
The paper got a two for one.
WESLEY
What year did you graduate?
WILLIAM
Two-thousand. Most of the cadets
at that school went on to be great
men. Bruce's soul was too haunted.
WESLEY
By what?
WILLIAM
Pack's of bad decisions tend to
follow one another. But, I can't
say I haven't thought about it...
WESLEY
I don't see you as "the easy way
out" kind of guy.
91.
WILLIAM
Without our progeny, what is the
purpose of any of this?
WESLEY
The end of a line.
Something crosses Wesley's face.
INT. WESLEY'S INVESTIGATION OFFICE
Wesley SLAMS the two-thousand year book of the Military school
on his desk, OPENS the first page.
"In Loving Memory of Alan Wick: 1983 - 2000" A couple more
pages.
A football team. 2000 Champs!
Turns the page. Three Amigos. A younger William, Bruce and
Garret Ponder - Ben's dad.
Turns the page. "Best friends for Life." Victor Campus and
Alan Wick.
WESLEY
You have to be kidding me.
Wesley pulls out his cell, DIALS.
MICHELLE (O.S.)
Hello?
WESLEY
Hey Michelle, can you dig out a
twenty year old case file for me?
Alan Wick. Born 1983, died 2000.
I need to know if that's natural
or not.
Time passes as Wesley spins in his chair.
His phone RINGS. He scrambles to answer it.
WESLEY
Go ahead.
MICHELLE
Where did you dig this name up
at?
92.
WESLEY
Military School yearbook. Hit me
with it.
MICHELLE
Ruled a suicide. Are you ready
for the person's of interests?
WESLEY
As I'll ever be.
MICHELLE
William Merit, Bruce Trout, and a
one deputy Garret Ponder.
WESLEY
Where is his son right now?
MICHELLE
It's homecoming.
Wesley frowns in realization.
WESLEY
Fuck.
A Marching Band PLAYS.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Touchdowns and Transformations
EXT. ELSINORE HIGH FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT
Drums BEAT. Horns BLOW. A tiger does a cartwheel. The stands
ROAR to life as the Tigers take the field.
A team huddle.
TEAM
Break!
They all clap and line up. Jason ready for the ball. HIKE.
Jason catches the ball. Tucker breaks free. The ball is
thrown. DEFLECTION.
Mark CHEERS from the sidelines. Jason looks around. No Wesley.
Jason gets TACKLED. Coach Wilson rubs his head.
Titans have the ball. Shawn runs. TACKLE. Field goal. Good.
Crowd BOOS.
Jason throws: Tucker CATCHES, RUNS. Touchdown. ELECTRIFIED.
HIKE. Jason scans. No openings. A Titan breaks the line -
RUSHES.
Chris SLAMS into the Titan buying Jason enough time to launch
the ball.
The BUZZER sounds. A perfect spin through the air.
Tucker CATCHES and baubles, STUMBLES to the ground. Ben rushes
up just in time and CATCHES it.
Jason watches, bated breath.
A Titan DIVES at Ben, Ben leaps over him. Mid air COLLISION
with another Titan. Ben falls face first into the end zone.
Ben rolls over holding the football. Everyone erupts! The
team group celebrates. Jason looks around. No Wesley.
EXT. LOCKER ROOM
Jason is about to enter the locker room.
WESLEY
Jason!
Wesley runs up, Jason isn't having any of it.
JASON
You promised!
94.
WESLEY
There's a really serious
development in the case.
JASON
I'm glad it was worth the game
winning throw.
Jason turns around and heads toward the locker room.
WESLEY
Jason!
Jason faces his dad.
JASON
Dad... what this looks like is
exactly what it feels like. I'll
let you know when the punch is
spiked.
Jason enters the locker room. Wesley KICKS the wall.
INT. HOMECOMING - NIGHT
A DJ PLAYS music. Teenagers dance.
A ladle fills with punch, POURS into a glass. Mark drinks.
GLORIA
You're so Dapper!
Gloria pinches Mark's cheek.
MARK
Mom!
Ben, Chris, Tucker and their girlfriends laugh at Mark.
Wesley walks up to the punch bowl.
Gym door opens revealing Jason in a slick black suit, grasping
a single stem rose.
Jason and Mark lock eyes from across the gym.
Jason and Mark pass along their peers getting closer.
They both smile at one another and Jason raises the rose up.
Mark presses it to his nose. SMELLS. Euphoria.
95.
ANNOUNCER
Alright ladies and gentlemen -
it's time to crown your king and
queen.
Everyone gathers.
Wesley drinks.
GLORIA
How is it?
WESLEY
A little too virgin for my tastes.
ANNOUNCER
Your Homecoming King - Jason
Hunter!
CHEERS. Jason blushes, leaves Mark's side. Mark smiles as a
crown is placed on Jason's head.
ANNOUNCER
And the moment you've all been
waiting for. Your homecoming
QUEEN! Elizabeth Brody!
CHEERS as Wesley smiles Elizabeth walks up, the crown on her
head. "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Savage Garden starts to play
as Elizabeth takes Jason's hand.
They dance.
ELIZABETH
This is a little awkward.
JASON
Expected.
Jason steps on Elizabeth's foot.
ELIZABETH
Ow!
JASON
Sorry.
Elizabeth senses Jason's unease. She looks down at the rainbow
bracelet.
ELIZABETH
I owe you an apology.
96.
JASON
No, you don't.
ELIZABETH
It's not wasted on me how hard
this was for you too. How hard
it's going to be. I get it. You
want to be dancing with someone
else right now.
Jason looks over at Mark.
JASON
I'm ok with Tradition.
Elizabeth lets go of Jason.
Elizabeth walks up to Mark.
ELIZABETH
I hate everything about this.
Wesley watches as Elizabeth takes Mark's hand, leads him to
Jason who's mouth drops and eyes widen.
ELIZABETH
Screw tradition.
Mark walks into Jason's grasp as Elizabeth walks away. Students
ERUPT with PRAISE. Jason and Mark dance.
Wesley SEES his son, takes a drink.
GLORIA
They are so adorable!
Text ALERT. Ben pulls out his phone. Dad: Meet me in the
parking lot.
Out of the corner of his eye Wesley witnesses Ben exiting.
Genres:
["Drama","Teen","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Descent into Chaos
EXT. EHS PARKING LOT
Ben lopes into the parking lot and looks around. Spots his
dad's truck, engine ON, driver's door open, cab empty.
As Ben turns the corner Garret is tied up in the truck.
BEN
Dad!
Ben rushes to Garret's side, undoes a knot.
97.
Garret GROANS through a gag, wide eye worry. A hand with a
white cloth wraps around Ben's mouth and lifts back.
Ben FLAILS about, but Victor is too strong. Ben gets weak...and
weaker...and weaker.
Victor and Ben CRASH into the front fender of the truck as
Wesley throws his entire body at them.
Victor lets go of Ben who's too dizzy to stay standing.
Wesley has a tight grip on Victor but a Head-butt jars him.
Wesley releases Victor.
Victor pulls out the cattle prod and JAMS it into Wesley's
side. CRACKLE. Wesley drops to his knees. Victor PULLS Garret
out of the truck.
WESLEY
Oh, come on.
Wesley needs a moment. The truck PEELS out. Victor is gone.
EXT. GYM - LATER
Police lights color the walls of the gym.
INT. GYM
The dance is over. Police are everywhere. Garret is talking
to an officer.
GARRET
Put an APB out for my truck.
Garret walks up to Ben who sits next to Michelle, Chris and
Tucker.
GARRET
Are you ok?
BEN
I could'a took him.
Wesley paces back and forth looking at his phone. The Ping
App is "Searching." Michelle walks up.
MICHELLE
We got the address, there's a
raid in progress.
98.
WESLEY
I can't find my son.
MICHELLE
Where were you on homecoming?
WESLEY
Exactly what I'm afraid of.
Wesley looks at his phone as the trace PINGS. The look out.
Wesley, angry, storms out.
MICHELLE
Don't kill them!
EXT. PARKING LOT
Wesley gets on his bike. TURNS the key. IGNITION. KICK-STAND.
VROOM! VROOM! The bike takes off.
EXT. LOOK OUT - NIGHT
Jason and Mark sit together at the cliff's edge.
MARK
My mom would kill me if she knew
I was up here!
JASON
Knowing my parents, I'm pretty
sure I was conceived here.
Mark GIGGLES.
MARK
What did your mom look like?
Jason opens his cell, hands it to Mark.
JASON
That's her.
MARK
You have her eyes.
Jason places the crown on Mark's head. It SINKS to his ears.
MARK
My brain's not that big, besides...
Mark's gaze never wanes as he puts the crown on Jason's head.
99.
MARK
It looks better on you: Your
Majesty.
Jason is captivated. It DAWNS on him.
JASON
I've spent my whole life worried
about what other people think,
what my dad thinks, but you...
you're just you.
MARK
I never had a dad to get in the
way. My mom...
Mark looks around.
MARK
...Who would be mortified to know
I'm up here.
JASON
It's just the lookout. There's
restaurant and everything
MARK
This is where people go to... you
know.
Jason scoots closer to Mark.
JASON
Does that make you nervous?
Mark peers down.
MARK
Heights make me nervous.
JASON
What about lips?
Mark GIGGLES.
MARK
Never even been kissed...except
by my mom, and that doesn't count!
Jason smiles, leans in. Headlights PIERCE the night. Jason
and Mark separate.
A truck comes to a STOP. The door OPENS and Victor steps out.
100.
VICTOR
Here I was thinking that bracelet
meant "God's Promise."
MARK
Why is your football scout here?
VICTOR
I didn't even want you Jason, but
there's always room for a wild
card.
JASON
Not gonna lie: little creepy.
Victor closes the car door revealing the cattle prod in his
hand.
VICTOR
I'm going to have to ask you to
come with me.
JASON
I have to give Mark a ride home,
so I'm going to have to politely
decline.
Victor steps forward.
VICTOR
Hand him your keys. He's a grown
boy.
Jason stands and faces Victor, reaches into his pocket and
grabs his car keys. He holds them out to Mark.
MARK
I can't drive!
JASON
Lock yourself in the car.
Mark grabs the keys. Victor watches as he approaches the car.
VICTOR
Come willingly and we won't play
"Smear the Queer."
Mark OPENS the door and climbs in.
JASON
I dare you to call him that again.
Door LOCKS.
101.
VICTOR
It's in the acronym
Jason charges and SPEARS Victor against the truck. Victor
drops the Cattle-prod.
Victor puts Jason in a headlock. Jason PUNCHES Victor's ribs.
Victor lifts as he constricts his arm. SLAMS his elbow in
Jason's spine.
Mark watches.
Jason can't breath. The strength of his punches FADE. Jason
is barely conscious as Victor drops him to the ground.
Victor walks over to his Cattle-Prod and picks it up.
Mark watches.
Victor slams the cattle prod into Jason's back. Jason squirms
on the ground. Victor looks up and into the car at Mark.
VICTOR
You didn't come willingly.
Victor starts to march toward the car. Mark scrambles to the
other side afraid. Jason leaps and grabs Victor by the legs.
Victor jabs the cattle prod into Jason again and again. Mark
watches in horror.
Victor holds the cattle-prod over Jason. CRACKLE. Victor
rears back ready to shock Jason.
Mark jumps onto Victor's back and BITES Victor's neck. Victor
SCREAMS and drops the cattle-prod, TWISTING and TURNING.
Victor reaches back, grabs a fist full of hair. Mark SCREAMS,
starts to HIT Victor as hard as he can but ineffective.
Mark's glasses fall to the ground. CRACK as Victor steps on
them. Dusty shoes kick them toward Jason.
VICTOR
Get off of me you little fa...
Victor SLAMS his back into a boulder. Mark's legs loosen their
grip. Victor throws him over the edge. Mark falls.
Jason's heart shatters. He RUSHES Victor and TACKLES him.
Jason reaches back and PUNCHES Victor in the face. AGAIN.
AGAIN. AGAIN. Victor catches Jason's wrist by the bracelet.
102.
Victor holds his arm at bay and stretches for the cattle prod.
The bracelet SNAPS, rainbow beads SCATTER.
Jason's fist SLAMS into Victor's face. The CRACKLE of
electricity, cattle-prod to Jason's neck. Victor HOLDS it.
Victor rolls Jason off of him. Victor stands, SHOCKS Jason
again. AGAIN. AGAIN. Victor KICKS Jason in the ribs.
Victor WIPES the blood from his face, pulls a cloth from his
pocket. Jason stirs.
Lifted by his hair, a cloth covers mouth. MUFFLES. Collapse.
Victor stands over Jason.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
A Moment of Crisis
EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE
Police cars descend on the property. Officers charge the front
door.
KNOCKS and SLAMS. The front door CAVES in. Police POUR in
guns drawn. CLAMMER of an assault.
INT. THE MILLENNIUM ROOM
Plates with half eaten dinners. Billy and Austin aren't there.
EXT. HIGHWAY TO THE LOOKOUT - MOMENTS LATER
Wesley ZOOMS past a truck.
The bike turns a corner and ZOOMS by.
A straight path the bike rides down as it climbs in elevation.
A long curve with a steep cliff the bike banks around.
EXT. LOOK OUT
The bike pulls up. Wesley throws him helmet down, gets off.
Looks at the car. No one. He backs up and STEPS on a bead,
Looks down, rainbow colors scattered about.
The PING places Jason's phone over the edge. Wesley peers.
Wesley see's a boy on the ground not moving.
Wesley scales down the cliff. LEAPS a few feet up. Lands.
103.
WESLEY
Jason?
He turns Mark over. Disappointment. Shakes it off. Puts his
ear next to Mark's mouth.
Mark's head is bandaged. Monitors all about. Gloria stands
next to the doctor.
DOCTOR
Swelling of the brain has stopped.
There's some damage to his spine.
Only time will tell us anything
regarding that. His left elbow
is broken and his right ankle has
two torn ligaments. I don't have
a crystal ball. He's alive...
Gloria nods and stands by her son's side. The Doctor leaves
Wesley walks up.
A beat.
WESLEY
Mrs. Levitz?
Gloria abruptly turns, her arm FLYING. SMACK across Wesley's
face.
GLORIA
Miss Levitz! And, how dare you
speak to me like you know me!
Gloria points back.
104.
GLORIA
Look closely, there's a hole in
his fucking head! Because he
chose to love your son. A son
who was so scared of disappointing
you, he felt he needed to hide.
My son never had that fear and,
because of that, he didn't know
when he should be. He's most
certainly never going to be the
same sweet, innocent and loving
boy he was. Allow me to accept
that grief in private.
Wesley about faces and rushes past Ben, Tucker and Chris.
Chris and Tucker approach Gloria as Ben follows Wesley.
CHRIS
Miss Levitz?
Gloria turns to see her son's friends.
GLORIA
Oh, boys.
Gloria takes both of them in her arms. Tucker looks at Mark
as he pulls off his cross.
TUCKER
I know that you're not Catholic.
My father gave this to me at my
confirmation. It's suppose to
protect me. Can Mark borrow it?
Gloria approves and Tucker kisses his cross, wraps it around
Mark's wrist.
CHRIS
He didn't burst into flames!
Gloria chuckles.
GLORIA
You really are a bastard.
Tucker and Chris both laugh.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Storm of Guilt and Faith
INT. HOSPITAL HALL
Wesley turns a corner. Footsteps JOG.
BEN (O.S.)
Wes!
105.
Wesley stops, turns. Ben rounds the corner.
BEN
This is our fault. He should'a
taken me.
WESLEY
You don't negotiate with villains.
Wesley turns and Ben turns him back around. Wesley looks at
Ben's hand. Ben takes his hand off of Wesley.
BEN
If he would have taken me, you'd
know where Jason is.
Text ALERT. Wesley looks at his phone.
Lightning and THUNDER.
WESLEY
I know where Jason is.
INT. HOSPITAL CAFETERIA
A vending machine EATS money. B-3. A candy bar falls behind
glass. Chris bends down and grabs it, OPENS wrapper.
Chris takes a bite of the candy bar and stops at the entrance
when he hears Garret talking into his phone.
GARRET (O.S.)
Did you get the text? No backup,
just the long arm of the law.
It's going to be a hell of a class
reunion. I'll see you at the
academy.
INT. HOSPITAL CHAPEL
Lightning and THUNDER through the window. Tucker kneels with
tearful eyes. A priest puts his hand on Tucker's shoulder.
PRIEST
Hospitals are not places of great
joy.
TUCKER
Why does God make up so helpless?
PRIEST
What makes you think that?
106.
TUCKER
One of my friends was left for
dead and the other taken by a
psychopath who tried to take my
other best friend. I was the
only one with a protective cross,
and I just gave it away.
PRIEST
That's a hell of a cross to bare,
but, when he was nailed to a cross,
was our savior helpless?
TUCKER
He was the son of God!
PRIEST
Everyone seems to forget - they
are too.
CHRIS (O.S.)
They know where he is.
Tucker stands and turns to face Chris.
TUCKER
They're going to go get him.
CHRIS
What does it matter? Now's are
chance!
TUCKER
I have to turn the other cheek.
Tucker goes back to praying.
CHRIS
Mark is laying in a hospital bed.
Who the fuck knows what's happening
to Jason. We have to help.
TUCKER
Tell him what a Christian does,
father.
PRIEST
The Lord is honored that you take
his word to such regard.
The priest stands and puts his hand on Tucker's shoulder.
107.
PRIEST
He also turned Lot's wife into a
pillar of salt, so there's that.
Tucker locks eyes with the priest before he walks away.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Descent into Vengeance
INT. WESLEY'S INVESTIGATION OFFICE
Wesley bursts through the front door drenched. Office is
DESTROYED. Books are everywhere. Wesley opens his desk drawer
and grabs his fire arm lock box.
Opens the lock box, a missing gun. A note: "Bang Bang."
Wesley throws the lock box onto the desk. It wakes the computer
up. Jason's driver's license is on the keyboard. Wesley types
in Jason's driver's license number. Computer unlocks.
A video file is saved on the home screen. Wesley maneuvers
the mouse and CLICKS play.
INT. WESLEY'S OFFICE COMPUTER SCREEN
Victor SLAMS Jason's torso onto the desk. Jason's dress shirt
is ripped and his hands are tied behind his back, duct tape
around his mouth. Dried blood and a bruised face.
Victor forces Jason to his knees in front of the computer
screen, Victor sits in Wesley's chair. Victor talks to Wesley.
VICTOR
I have to hand it to your kid, he
inherited that desire to run
straight into danger clearly from
his old man! But, it was danger
he ran right into.
Victor rubs his hand on Jason's head like you would a dog.
VICTOR
I didn't want your son. I wanted
Benjamin Ponder. I wanted him
real bad. With Bruce gone, I'll
need a third player. X Marks the
spot.
Victor looks up to the map.
108.
INT. WESLEY'S INVESTIGATION OFFICE
Wesley stands and walks to his map on the wall. A large red X
is drawn over the location of the Military School, a bright
golden ticket tacked to the map.
VICTOR
I got you a ticket.
Wesley POURS himself a drink.
VICTOR
First sign of police and everyone
dies.
Wesley pulls the ticket off the board.
VICTOR
What's this? Looks like I'm not
the only one stuck in the past.
Lindsay's last voicemail starts to PLAY. Wesley turns his
attention back to the computer.
INT. WESLEY'S OFFICE COMPUTER SCREEN
Jason's eyes widen as he struggles, his mother's voice mail
playing.
LINDSAY (O.S.)
Maybe you can let him get his
driver's license...
Victor CHUCKLES as he looks at a SCREAMING beneath the gag.
VICTOR
That didn't age well.
Wesley watches. Jason FREAKING out and HELPLESS.
VICTOR
Do you know what true power is,
Mr. Hunter? Lack of consequence.
Being able to take from people
what they truly love with absolute
impunity. You really shouldn't
put such valuable things in such
easy places to find.
BEEP.
MACHINE
Message deleted.
109.
Jason whales into the duct tape as Wesley SHATTERS his glass
against the wall. He SHOVES the computer off the desk, it
CRASHES to the ground.
He RAGES toward the door opens it. Michelle stands firm.
MICHELLE
You're going where?
WESLEY
How long have you been standing
there?
Wesley tries to get past Michelle. She stops him.
MICHELLE
Long enough... he is innocent
until proven guilty by a jury of
his peers. You once believed
that.
WESLEY
I'll do my best to make sure
there's a trial, but the D.A. is
going to have their work cut out
for them finding a jury of his
peers.
Michelle studies Wesley, removes her sidearm and holds it out.
MICHELLE
Thirty minutes, then, I pull the
hammer. A personal courtesy.
Wesley nods and takes the gun.
MICHELLE
Wes, Vengeance is not justice.
VROOM VROOM of a motorcycle.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Confrontation in the Storm
EXT. WESLEY'S INVESTIGATION OFFICE
RAIN falls. Wesley rides into the wet darkness. Lightening
Flashes.
EXT. MILITARY SCHOOL
The bike pulls up. Wesley dismounts and runs up to the door.
He pulls out the gun. Headlights illuminate him.
William and Garret get out of a Mercedes.
110.
WESLEY
Any police and the kids die?
William holds up a golden ticket.
WILLIAM
You got a ticket too?
The door handle is LOCKED. They look at one another.
INT. MILITARY SCHOOL
The front door BURSTS inward as the three men slam into it.
They shine flashlights.
WILLIAM
I should have been a cop.
They shine their lights. Pictures are plastered everywhere.
GARRET
It's time to put old dogs down.
William and Garret walk ahead of Wesley.
Red spray paint on the ground: "Remember Alan Wick!!!"
INT. MILITARY SCHOOL COORIDOR
Pictures of Billy along the wall. At the end a video plays
with on a loop. Written words: "Sins of the father..."
INT. VIDEO SCREEN
Billy in the Millennium Room. Food all over him.
BILLY
Why are you doing this?
Billy collapses from a push up position.
BILLY
I can't do any more.
The Cattle Prod ZAPS Billy and he screams.
Austin and Billy being choked by the barbell's and the rope.
AUSTIN
You're a liar!
111.
William's eyes narrow as he continue walking. Garret and Wesley
watches the screen. The camera turns around. Victor waves.
GARRET
Victor, fucking, Campus.
A picture of Billy with the words: "Daddy, why'd you do it?"
William RIPS the picture off the wall.
EXT. MILITARY SCHOOL QUAD
Arrows are painted on the ground as they walk past the swimming
pool, now empty and bare.
WESLEY
A knack for theatrics.
WILLIAM
They're all like that. Makes me
sick.
It takes Wesley back a moment.
EXT. MILITARY SCHOOL LOCKER ROOM
The three men arrive to the locker room of the military school.
Alan Wick obituary pasted to the door. Garret TREMBLES.
GARRET
Tell me that's locked.
The door opens with a light press.
Wesley and William proceed. Garret shakes his head.
GARRET
I can't do this?
WILLIAM
Get your shit together!
GARRET
You know what...it's all coming
back. All of it.
WESLEY
What are you talking about?
A voice echoes from within.
112.
VICTOR (O.S.)
Speak the speech - I pray you, as
I pronounced it to you so
trippingly on the tongue!
BILLY (O.S.)
Leave us alone!
Wesley pulls out his gun.
WESLEY
Look, whatever the fuck happened,
figure your shit out. This ends
now.
Wesley MARCHES into the locker room.
INT. MILITARY SCHOOL'S DECREPIT LOCKER ROOM
Water SPRAYS, steam WAFTS through, the floor is flooded.
One foot in front of the other Wesley passes lockers. He
glances down each row. William and Garret follow. CRIES echo.
VICTOR (O.S.)
Hit him! Do it!
A wet IMPACT. A GROAN escapes whoever just HIT the floor.
Wesley, William and Garret turn the corner. Billy and Austin
stand over Jason. Billy holds a protective cup.
AUSTIN
I'm sorry!
Billy and Austin: abject terror. Jason: resigned desperation.
VICTOR (O.S.)
Kick him!
Austin shakes his head. An electric CRACKLE. Austin KICKS
Jason who holds his rib cage.
WILLIAM
Billy!
The boys looks out. William STORMS toward the showers.
Billy shakes his head. As William passes the lockers a Cattle
Prod jets out and ELECTROCUTES him in the chest.
William falls to one knee. Starts to stand.
113.
Another SHOCK, William falls face down unconscious.
VICTOR
Say it!
Billy shakes his head no. Victor JAMS the Cattle Prod to
William, HOLDS the button down. William convulses.
BILLY
Dad!
VICTOR
Say it!
Billy's lip starts quivering.
BILLY
Maybe he wants to kiss it.
Victor releases the button as he smiles.
VICTOR
There's a good boy.
Victor looks at Austin and motions with a nod. Austin grabs
Jason by his hair and pulls him to his knees.
VICTOR
Does this look familiar!?
Victor KICKS and STOMPS William's head. Billy moves toward
Victor but fear grips him.
BILLY
No!
Victor GLARES at Billy, IGNITES the cattle-prod. Austin
releases his grip and FLINCHES away. Billy DROPS cup and
shrinks against the shower wall.
BILLY
Austin...
The water hides Austin's tears. He recomposes himself. He
walks up to Billy kneels down, picks up the cup.
Wesley looks at Garret. He nods, ducks around a locker set.
Austin pulls Jason by his hair, Jason struggles as Austin
presses the cup to Jason's lips.
SMEARING it into Jason's face, Austin lets go and Jason falls.
114.
AUSTIN
I think he likes it.
Austin tosses the cup aside side. He looks at Victor.
VICTOR
We're now approaching the final
act boys. Rip off his clothes.
Austin looks down at Jason. He grabs his shirt and pulls it
off. His hand reaches for his pants and belt.
Jason, slowly looks out - locks eyes with his father. Austin
stops, shakes his head.
AUSTIN
You'll have to kill me.
VICTOR
I thought you had what it took.
Victor presses the Cattle Prod down into the water.
BANG.
Victor looks to Wesley who points the gun at the roof.
WESLEY
This ends now.
Victor tosses the Cattle prod to the side.
VICTOR
You are a wild card. You protect
villainy.
WESLEY
I protect children.
VICTOR
You think this is bad? This is a
reenactment. A rehearsed part of
what this piece of shit did to
me!
Victor steps over William and faces Wesley. Garret hides behind
the locker.
VICTOR
We just kissed. We just kissed
and we thought we were alone.
Victor points back to Austin.
115.
VICTOR
And unlike his father, my Alan
was INNOCENT! One day, I climbed
into a bathtub with a toaster and
tried to electrocute myself. For
a brief instant I felt the SURGE
and thought this was it. My pain
was over. But, then, the power
turned off. I knew then what I
had to do. It was an act of God!
WESLEY
It was a GFI switch.
William reaches out, WRAPS his arms around Victor's feet.
Garret CHARGES, TACKLES Victor. Garret strangles Victor.
Wesley aims, Victor REACHES out for the Cattle Prod.
Too dangerous to fire.
Jason DIVES for the Cattle Prod. Both him and Victor wrestle
over it.
Wesley starts toward the commotion. Jason puts his feet against
Victor's face. Tries to STOMP. Victor holds on. Austin helps
Jason pull.
Victor's finger stretches. PRESSES the button. Puts the prod
into the water. Everyone gets ZAPPED.
The sudden shock causes Wesley to FIRE the gun. The bullet
hits the shower tile right next to Jason, shrapnel flies into
Jason's face.
The gun SLIDES next to Victor. Victor reaches for it, but
Wesley manages to get there first. Victor runs. Wesley lifts
the gun. FIRES. HITS the doorframe.
Wesley gets up and chases.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Clash at the Pool
INT. MILITARY SCHOOL CORRIDOR
Victor races down the hall.
GUNSHOT. MISS.
GUNSHOT. HISS.
Victor BURSTS out the door, Wesley follows.
116.
EXT. MILITARY SCHOOL QUAD
Victor runs through the Quad. A bullet IMPACTS a column.
EXT. MILITARY SCHOOL SWIMMING POOL
Victor is running towards the empty swimming pool. Wesley
takes his time and aims.
BANG!
IMPACT into Victor's arm. Victor turns and falls into the
swimming pool.
Wesley at the edge of the pool, Wesley stands in the center.
VICTOR
Do you want to know what my
favorite part of all of this is?
Wesley PULLS the trigger. CLICK. Victor catches his breath
after flinching for a moment.
VICTOR
What an ice cold chill you just
gave me as the hand of death
releaseD his grip.
Wesley looks at the gun and after a moment tosses it aside.
The gun SKIDS to a stop.
WESLEY
No.
Wesley starts to undo the cuffs in his shirt.
WESLEY
It just means I'm going to have
to throw some rust remover in my
laundry to get your blood out of
my sight.
Wesley descends the steps of the swimming pool.
Wesley stands between Victor and the steps. Victor grins.
VICTOR
Your son told me you don't believe
in violence.
WESLEY
I'm a father first.
117.
Haymaker from Wesley SLAMS into Victor's face. He takes it
and fires back with a right hook that Wesley blocks.
Victor KICKS Wesley in the shin and then goes to uppercut him.
Wesley dodges away.
Wesley wraps his arm around Victor's neck and repeatedly PUNCHES
him in the gut,
They spin around and then Victor's head gets RAMMED into the
wall of the swimming pool.
Wesley grabs Victor by the shoulder and Victor BUSTS his fist
against Wesley's groin.
Victor BREAKS Wesley's nose against the pool wall.
Wesley gets a kick to the gut and Wesley DOUBLES OVER.
A hammer fist KNOCKS Jason in the back of the head crashing
Wesley to the floor.
VICTOR
Look at all my blood all over
your clothes!
Victor kicks Wesley while he's down.
STOMPS.
VICTOR
I don't want this. Please don't
make me kill you...
Wesley starts to rise, a kick to the ribs. Wesley rolls over.
A random brick in the swimming pool touches his hand. Wesley
gets to all fours.
Victor grabs him by the back of the head. As Victor throws a
punch Wesley raises the brick, Victor's fist CRACKS into it.
Victor YELLS and turns away. Wesley stands PUNCHES Victor,
AGAIN, and AGAIN, and AGAIN.
Victor falls to one knee SCREAMS in rage and as Wesley goes to
hit him again Victor lunges at Wesley forcing him to the ground.
Victor PUNCHES Wesley in the face, grabs him by his ears and
SLAMS his head into the ground.
Wesley's eyes roll to the back of his head. Victor stands.
Victor is exhausted and his eyes are fixed to the ground as he
begins to hike out of the deep end of the swimming pool.
118.
The full moon casts a long shadow as Victor walks up the steps.
He looks down into the pool and SPITS towards Wesley who starts
to regain consciousness.
Victor walks along the wall of the military school toward
Garret's truck.
Victor CLIMBS in, pulls out his keys. Puts them into the car
and they FALL to the floorboard. Victor grabs them and puts
them in the ignition, turns.
The headlights come on but the car does not fire over. A figure
stands in the light.
Ben, stands in the headlights holding the serpentine belt.
Victor chuckles as he gets out of the car. SHUTS door.
VICTOR
It was SO easy. You all just
downloaded the app. My app...
A chain DRAGS as Chris carries it out of the shadows into the
light. Victor locks eyes with him. Ben holds up remote, LOCKS
truck.
Tucker enters the light with a crowbar.
The boys circle.
BEN
You hurt Mark.
Ben rushes and wraps the belt around Victor's neck.
Chris wraps the chain around his fist and starts SLAMMING into
Victor's chest. Ben pushes Victor away and Chris LASHES the
chain against Victor's back.
Victor screams as Tucker motions the sign of the cross and
SLAPS the crowbar across Victor's face.
Shadows cast on the wall of the military school show Victor
being forced to his knees and Tucker bringing the killing blow
to his head. Blood SPLATTERS on the wall.
Blood SPLATTERS on the wall of the Military School.
Distant SIRENS get LOUDER.
Red and Blue flashing lights appear on the wall.
119.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Healing Bonds
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - AFTERNOON
Jason lays in the bed. Bandages cover his eyes. He's alone.
JASON
Hello?
Gloria walks from around the curtain.
GLORIA
You brave young man.
JASON
Miss Levitz... I can't see...
GLORIA
Let me get your father.
Gloria leaves the room. RUSHING FEET. Wesley ENTERS and hugs
Jason. Ben, Tucker, and Chris come from around the curtain.
JASON
Dad... My eyes.
WESLEY
They're going to be okay. They
just have scars. Do me a favor,
don't ever try to fight a raging
psychopath by yourself ever again.
JASON
I wasn't alone. God, I'm going
to need therapy.
TUCKER
I have a really good therapist.
Everyone looks at Tucker.
WESLEY
I think I can help a little with
that.
Wesley PULLS the curtain back. Mark is in his bed, awake,
badly bandaged up with casts around his leg and arm.
MARK
I'm just saying the sheet here
suck.
Jason stumbles getting out of bed. Wesley catches him. He
holds his son and guides him. Jason reaches out, hugs Mark.
120.
JASON
I thought you died.
MARK
You're so sweet. Who are you?
Jason pulls away. Everyone goes SILENT.
MARK
That's what I want to say, it
would probably be better for my
health!
Everyone Laughs. Jason and Mark hug.
JASON
I'm so glad I can't see that stupid
smile right now.
MARK
Can you hold up my chocolate milk?
Jason grabs the chocolate milk, uses his thumb to find Mark's
lips and puts the straw to them.
Wesley studies their interactions. Wesley walks out of the
hospital room as Ben, Chris, and Tucker surround Jason and
lift him into Mark's bed. Gloria follows Wesley.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Path to Healing
INT. HOSPITAL HALL
Wesley stops as speaks.
GLORIA
I owe you an apology.
WESLEY
I deserved every syllable.
GLORIA
Are you okay with them?
Wesley looks over Gloria's shoulder. Jason signs Mark's cast.
Chris takes pen. Wesley: raised brow, a SIGH.