Episode 18

FADE IN:

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE -- FRIDAY MORNING

A shot of a large, desolate field.

CUT TO:

EXT. RURAL ROAD -- MORNING

An empty stretch of road.

CUT TO:

EXT. DERELICT CHURCH -- MORNING

A long-abandoned church stands alone in the middle of nowhere. Behind it is parked Janet’s car.

CUT TO:

INT. DERELICT CHURCH -- MORNING

JEREMY stands in the pulpit as JANET walks among the pews.

JEREMY

(yells)

Hellfire and damnation!

JANET

This place is absolutely dreadful. It’s so filthy.

JEREMY

Yes, and that is precisely why it is so perfect for our plans, Mother. We, spawned of the pit, crawl forth to wreak revenge most swift and terrible upon those who have wronged us! None shall be spared!

JANET

Oh, do stop it. You’re giving me a headache.

JEREMY

(jauntily)

Our headaches are nearly over, Mother. Once we have our hands on Ms. Yvonne Temple, the way will be cleared for our plans to proceed. In more ways than we expected, in fact.

JANET

Whatever are you talking about, Jeremy?

JEREMY

During my surveillance last night, I discovered that Yvonne and the local sheriff are lovers.

JANET

The sheriff? That sounds like trouble. If he’s directly involved, the police will be swarming!

JEREMY

I see it differently. The loss of his beloved will do more to hinder the Sheriff’s investigation, I should think. A man can’t think clearly if he’s frantic over his woman. He’ll make mistakes that we can exploit. Remember, we have the advantage -- our heads will be clear. Our opponents, however, will be beside themselves.

JANET

You may be right. From what I’ve seen of him, this sheriff strikes me as a simpleton.

JEREMY

What would you expect?

JANET

Then we’re ready.

JEREMY

Yes, we strike tomorrow night!

CUT TO:

INT. SHERIFF STATION -- LOBBY -- MORNING

ABIGAIL enters, wearing a tight-fitting dress and sunglasses. Several DEPUTIES are having their morning coffee as she saunters across the room, and they check her out and whistle. LYNDON comes down the hall and, seeing her, stops in his tracks. He is dumbfounded. Abigail looks at him through her shades, then goes to her desk with a haughty flourish, sits down, and removes her sunglasses. Lyndon blushes and retreats. GALE enters the building, wearing brown pants and a flannel shirt. He does a double-take when he sees Abigail.

GALE

Good morning, Abigail.

ABIGAIL

Good morning, Agent Gale. The sheriff is in.

GALE

Thank you.

DUKE enters the building.

DUKE

Martin, what are you doing here? I’d have expected you to stay in bed today. It is Friday the 13^th, remember. And besides, it’s not as if you have anything to do.

GALE

I am to advise you on your investigation, Wynton. You know that.

DUKE

I really don’t think that will be necessary.

SHERIFF comes down the hall.

DUKE

(to Gale)

Why don’t you go fishing, or whatever it is one does in the country.

SHERIFF

Morning, Martin. Good to see you. Agent Duke. Martin, I was coming up Forestview Drive this morning, and I just happened to look up and there was the biggest, blackest crow I’ve ever seen. It was sitting on top of a lightpole, and then it took off into the air.

GALE

Fantastic.

DUKE

What is this, the Audubon Society? I don’t believe you people! There’s too much work to be done to be standing around talking about birds! The public is counting on us to bring a murderer to justice, and you talk about birds?

GALE

(to Sheriff)

Tempus fugit.

SHERIFF

(catches the hint)

Agent Duke, you’re absolutely right. Don’t let us stand in the way of your investigation another minute. Listen, Martin, I know this spot on Route 82 where the fishing is just incredible this time of year. I’ll tell you what, I’ll get my rod and we’ll both head out.

Gale and Sheriff go into Sheriff’s office. Duke shakes his head in disgust, then looks at the deputies.

DUKE

What are you all standing around for? Get to work!

CUT TO:

INT. SHERIFF STATION -- SHERIFF’S OFFICE -- MORNING

GALE and SHERIFF enter and close the door.

SHERIFF

What have you got?

GALE

Last night I had a visitor.

SHERIFF

Another vision?

GALE

No, she was as human as you and me. Jean Bellew, Megan’s cousin.

SHERIFF

Right. Why?

GALE

She told me someone has been following her, watching her since she arrived in town. Someone who came to the house yesterday morning to profess his love.

SHERIFF

Who?

GALE

James Clapsaddle.

SHERIFF

Bradley said he followed Megan around for a while. But why would he suddenly go for Jean?

GALE

Perhaps it’s nothing more than the physical resemblance between the two cousins. It is rather pronounced.

SHERIFF

Right. Then, do you think he’s our man?

GALE

I don’t know. But there’s a pattern.

CUT TO:

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL -- MORNING

CUT TO:

INT. HIGH SCHOOL RESTROOM -- MORNING

NICHOLAS is washing his hands as DUANE enters.

DUANE

Man, what happened to you yesterday? Where’d you go?

NICHOLAS

Look, that woman was a nutcase. One minute she’s telling me about her and Chip, the next minute she’s all over me, wanting me to do it with her right there on the floor. I was freaked out, man. She was a real loony. I took off and hitched my way home.

DUANE

Damn!

NICHOLAS

What happened there, anyway?

DUANE

We didn’t find anything. The money was gone. Chip went crazy, man. He went ballistic on her.

NICHOLAS

What do you mean?

DUANE

I don’t want to talk about it.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY -- MORNING

NICHOLAS and DUANE emerge from the restroom.

NICHOLAS

Why? What happened?

DUANE

Nothing.

Nicholas sees PENNY down the hall.

NICHOLAS

Look, man, I’ll talk to you later.

Nicholas moves off, leaving Duane lost in thought. Down the hall, Nicholas catches up with Penny.

NICHOLAS

Hi.

Penny keeps walking with her head down.

NICHOLAS

Look, I want to talk to you. All right? Can I just talk to you?

Penny stops walking but does not look up.

NICHOLAS

Will you look at me, please?

Penny looks at him, then looks away.

PENNY

Look, I’m really pretty busy. I have to go to class. I have to...

NICHOLAS

Penny, this is crazy. I don’t know why we’re acting this way. We can talk it through, whatever it is. I don’t know, I’m in the dark. Will you come with me somewhere tonight? We’ll go out or something and talk. Okay?

PENNY

Okay.

NICHOLAS

Promise me.

PENNY

(quietly)

I promise.

CUT TO:

EXT. SHERIFF’S HOME -- MORNING

GALE and SHERIFF walk around the back of the house.

SHERIFF

I found something this morning. I want to see what you think.

Sheriff goes up to the living room window and points to a footprint in the rocky mud next to the house.

GALE

A footprint. It wasn’t washed away by last night’s rain.

SHERIFF

No, right up against the house here is shielded by the roof overhang.

GALE

I see. I would say it was made by a man of medium build. An expensive shoe, too. What’s this?

Gale leans in for a close look at the window sill.

SHERIFF

What’s what?

GALE

Water condensed on the window and ran down to form this tiny pool along the bottom, which caught some ashes. Your trespasser was smoking.

Gale steps back and looks around the ground, then makes widening arcs around the area.

GALE

Here!

Gale bends down behind a tree and picks up a cigarette butt with his tweezers. He and Sheriff walk through the trees in that direction and emerge by the roadside. They bend down and look at a tire track in the mud.

SHERIFF

Looks like he must have parked his car here, away from the house.

GALE

Agreed. But what was he after?

SHERIFF

I think someone’s following Yvonne. Whoever tried to kill her must be looking for another opportunity. She was over last night, and whoever it was was obviously watching us through the window. But why?

GALE

I think we should not rule out the possibility that someone is using Yvonne to get at someone else. Alan Cartwright, perhaps. Or you.

Sheriff squints.

CUT TO:

INT. OLIVERA MANSION -- MORNING

Track across the dining room from the burned-down candles along the wall to ANASTASIA’s hand, tied to the table leg. Pan down her unconscious form, still tied to the table, and down to the fireplace poker lying on the floor.

CUT TO:

INT. KIMMY’S APARTMENT -- MORNING

KIMMY is in bed. She stretches and smiles. ELLIOTT enters with a breakfast tray.

KIMMY

Oh, you shouldn’t have.

ELLIOTT

Good morning.

Elliott leans in to kiss her. Kimmy stops him and takes a drink of her orange juice, then kisses him, smiling.

KIMMY

Last night was fantastic.

ELLIOTT

I want you to know we’ve never made love like that before.

KIMMY

I’m sure. I could never forget something like that.

ELLIOTT

Honey, I’m glad your memory is gone if it means you’re happy. You’re so free and uninhibited now. I think it’s a blessing.

KIMMY

I’m a brand-new person. I want to make the most of it. And I think I’m getting off to a pretty good start.

They laugh. Suddenly, there is a pounding at the door. Elliott goes to the door. Kimmy, putting on her robe, follows him. Elliott opens the door and CHIP pushes past him into the room.

CHIP

Kimmy, am I glad you’re here.

Kimmy is shocked.

ELLIOTT

Chip! What are you doing here? When did you get out of prison?

CHIP

Still hanging around, Elliott? Some guys never give up. Listen, Kimmy, I’m in a little trouble, I could use--

ELLIOTT

So that’s your game. We’ve only one thing to say to you, friend. Get lost.

CHIP

Hey, I am not your friend. And I think you had better just butt out of family business, Mr. Junior Grease Monkey.

ELLIOTT

You’re a fine one to talk about family! A no-good half-brother who never wanted anything to do with Kimmy or Rosemary unless you needed money! If you’re in trouble, it’s probably because you escaped from jail! Well, you can just--

CHIP

I didn’t come here to argue with you, chowderhead! Get out of my way so I can talk to my sister, before you wind up with your face in your own butt!

KIMMY

(screams)

Stop it! Stop it! Stop fighting!

Kimmy collapses in tears. Elliott kneels down and holds her.

ELLIOTT

Kimmy!

KIMMY

I remember. I remember! It’s all coming back. I hate it. I hate it!

She glares at Chip, who is confused.

KIMMY

I know who I am, and who you are, and it’s all your fault!

CHIP

What?

KIMMY

You bastard!

Kimmy gets up and seizes the top of her brass hatstand. She swings it around and smashes Chip in the head, knocking him backwards into her figurine collection, demolishing it.

CU -- CHIP lies unconscious.

CUT TO:

EXT. SHERIFF STATION -- FRIDAY AFTERNOON

CUT TO:

INT. JAIL -- AFTERNOON

DUKE enters the cellblock and walks over to the cell in which sits SALTARES.

SALTARES

You!

DUKE

Good day to you, Professor! It has been a long time, hasn’t it?

SALTARES

What do you want? Why are you here?

DUKE

I don’t think you quite understand the situation, Professor. Let me explain. I ask the questions. You answer them. Now, I am investigating a murder, and I want you to tell me if you know anything about it.

SALTARES

What murder?

DUKE

Come, come, Professor, you disappoint me. Remember, I know that your people have ways of knowing things, of peering through the darkness at things mere mortals cannot comprehend. Am I not right?

SALTARES

I will betray no more secrets to you or any man. Those days are done, and I’ve learned my lesson well.

Duke grabs Saltares by the shirt.

DUKE

Well, I’m going to teach you a new lesson! It’s called Do What I Say Or Face Dire Consequences. Understand?

SALTARES

I’m not afraid of you.

DUKE

I see. Perhaps you’ve forgotten, then, about... Andromeda.

Saltares begins gasping for breath, but his throat has closed up. He collapses to the floor, gagging and struggling. Duke grins, then bends down to him.

DUKE

Now, I want you to help me, and to obey me. Will you do that?

Saltares nods frantically. Duke snaps his fingers and Saltares inhales desperately, then starts coughing.

SALTARES

You are an evil man.

Duke laughs.

CUT TO:

EXT. MAPLE LODGE -- AFTERNOON

CUT TO:

INT. MAPLE LODGE -- MEETING ROOM -- AFTERNOON

GALE and SHERIFF are meeting with the MAPLE LODGE ELDERS, a group of old men led by KRIZMAN.

SHERIFF

Now, in light of everything that’s been going on the last couple of weeks, I’ve decided to really tighten security for the festival this year. Agent Gale and I have discussed it, and we both feel it would be in the town’s best interest for the festival to go ahead as planned.

KRIZMAN

We’re glad to hear it, Sheriff. And feel free to take whatever security measures you deem appropriate. We want everything to go smoothly, to help everyone take their minds off what’s been happening, if only for a little while.

SHERIFF

Also, I’m going to be assigning a deputy to each of the contestants in the Queen of Lights contest for the duration of the festival.

KRIZMAN

Oh? Why?

GALE

As you know, the victims of the recent murders have all been young women, and one of the killers is still at large.

KRIZMAN

I understand. Very well, gentlemen.

Krizman shakes hands with Sheriff, then with Gale.

KRIZMAN

Agent Gale, I want to say we all think very highly of you and your efforts in these matters that have been plaguing us.

GALE

Thank you.

KRIZMAN

And we have every faith in you for the days ahead.

Gale squints.

CUT TO:

INT. CHIP’S HOSPITAL ROOM -- AFTERNOON

CHIP lies in bed, his forehead wrapped in bandages. He is still unconscious. TERRENCE looks him over. ELLIOTT and a miserable-looking KIMMY stand in the background.

TERRENCE

He already had a wound on the back of his head. There’s a good bit of dried blood on his scalp and hair. Made by a blow from a blunt instrument of some kind.

ELLIOTT

Will he be all right?

TERRENCE

Oh, yes. He has a concussion, but he should be all right soon. I’ll run some further tests.

Terrence goes over to Kimmy.

TERRENCE

But I’m more worried about you, my dear. Your memories have all come back, haven’t they?

KIMMY

I was so happy...

Terrence gives her a hug.

TERRENCE

There, there. Try not to take it so hard.

Kimmy cries, then straightens up.

KIMMY

I -- I just want to be alone for a few minutes.

Kimmy exits.

ELLIOTT

What happened, Doc?

TERRENCE

From the way you described it, I would say it must have been the sudden shock of her brother turning up like that. Kimmy’s been through a lot of emotional trauma, and she’d built herself an amnesiac cocoon. But some problems are too much to hide from, and they just come bursting through.

ELLIOTT

I don’t know what we’re going to do.

TERRENCE

Just take it one day at a time. It’s all you can do.

CUT TO:

EXT. THOMAS HOME -- AFTERNOON

JEAN is in the yard picking up sticks. JAMES walks by on the sidewalk and waves to her. Jean immediately drops the sticks and goes in the house. James walks up the driveway and peers into the empty garage through the windows set in the door. Satisfied, he goes up to the door and rings the bell. There is no answer. He smiles and rings the bell again. Finally, Jean comes to the door.

JEAN

James, please leave me alone.

JAMES

Look, Jean, I just wanted to apologize for the things I said yesterday. I had no right. I just got a little carried away. I miss Megan, that’s all. We meant a lot to each other. Can I come in, just for a minute? I just want to explain.

Jean opens the door and lets him in.

CUT TO:

INT. THOMAS HOME -- LIVING ROOM -- AFTERNOON

JEAN enters the room, followed by JAMES.

JAMES

You know, when I look at you, it’s like seeing Megan. I mean, I know you two look kind of alike, but it’s more than that. When I’m with you, I can almost feel her presence, too. It’s hard for me not to get emotional. And emotions are things it’s never been easy for me to handle.

James stands in the place where Megan’s body was found. Jean realizes it, but says nothing.

JAMES

So, I said some things I shouldn’t have said, and I’m sorry.

JEAN

I understand.

JAMES

(looking down at the floor)

Megan was a beautiful girl. And I always thought she had a pure soul. I really believed that. But it wasn’t true, after all.

JEAN

What do you mean?

JAMES

I thought she was special, someone who could see things the way they really are. But Megan was tainted, just like everyone else I’ve ever met.

James crosses to Jean and touches her hair.

JAMES

Everyone but you. When I look into your eyes, I can see that look of simple purity of soul. Like a frightened animal. Trembling. I was wrong about Megan. It was you all the time. You and I were meant for each other. I see that now.

James runs his hand along her face. Jean quakes with fear.

JAMES

I thought I was lost, but you are my redemption. You are the resurrection to Megan’s crucifixion.

Jean stares at him in terror. James leans in to kiss her. Suddenly, GALE and SHERIFF emerge from hiding and grab James.

SHERIFF

James Clapsaddle, I arrest you for the murder of Megan Thomas. You have the right to remain silent. Any--

JAMES

No! No! No!

James tries to get free, but Sheriff pins him and handcuffs him. James yells continuously. Jean buries her face in Gale’s chest. Gale puts his arm around her.

GALE

You did good work. It’s over.

Jean sobs.

CUT TO:

INT. CARTWRIGHT OFFICES -- FRIDAY EVENING

BRADLEY sits in Alan’s chair with his feet up on the desk.

BRADLEY

Now, this is the life! Leather chair, expense accounts, beautiful secretaries--

Bradley points to an imaginary person across the desk.

BRADLEY

Hey! I don’t want to hear about your kid’s operations. I told you not to make me look bad in front of a client. You’re fired. What’s that? You were only making a joke? Well, it looks like the joke is on you. Now get out!

Bradley laughs to himself, then puts his hand to his head, pretending it is a telephone.

BRADLEY

Yeah, I want you to buy IBM. We’re going to change the name to Bradley Thomas International. And while you’re at it, just go ahead and buy Japan.

ALBERT enters and smiles. Bradley stands up.

ALBERT

You’re a natural.

BRADLEY

Well, I was just trying it on for size.

ALBERT

It’s all right. So, how did you like your week of shadowing?

BRADLEY

Hey, it was a blast. I’m looking forward to getting out of school and getting a real job.

ALBERT

Well, you know, Bradley, in today’s world, you really can’t get a good job without a college education. Getting the kind of career you want takes a lot of study and hard work. But it pays off in the end.

BRADLEY

Yeah, well, I don’t know if college is exactly my bag. I mean, I don’t know if I could handle it.

ALBERT

You never know until you try. College isn’t like high school, Bradley. It’s a whole new ball game. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. I’ve seen your potential this week, and I think you’re selling yourself short.

BRADLEY

My old man says I shouldn’t get my hopes up.

ALBERT

Believe in yourself, Bradley. You can make things happen. Hey, why don’t you come over for dinner Sunday night? You and me.

BRADLEY

Okay. Sure.

ALBERT

Great. I’ll see you then.

BRADLEY

Thanks, Mr. Collins.

They shake hands. Bradley crosses the outer office as ALAN enters. The RECEPTIONIST sits at her desk.

BRADLEY

Good night, Mr. Cartwright. Thanks.

ALAN

Oh, good night, Bradley. Albert! I need to see you.

ALBERT

Right here, Alan.

Bradley raps on the receptionist’s desk as he exits. She smiles at him. Alan and Albert go into Alan’s office and close the door.

ALBERT

What can I do for you?

ALAN

Albert, I know that everyone is a bit anxious about my recent change in direction, and I know that we’re sailing into some rough waters, but I want to reassure you that things are under control. I do have a clear vision.

ALBERT

The problem is not vision, Alan, it’s planning. Our entire operation is in a tailspin. No one knows what to expect anymore.

ALAN

I know, I know. It’s not easy to put into words. Look, Albert, in the strictest confidence, I’m not entirely sure of where I’m going. It’s like having a map without any placenames. Janet suggested that she and I take some time off, take a vacation, and sort it all out.

ALBERT

Well, I think that’s a very sound idea.

ALAN

I haven’t decided. There are some loose ends I want to tie up first.

Alan looks at the old photo of Yvonne on his desk.

CUT TO:

EXT. SHERIFF STATION -- EVENING

CUT TO:

INT. SHERIFF STATION -- INTERROGATION ROOM -- EVENING

JAMES, handcuffed, sits in a chair in the middle of the room. He has his head down. GALE and SHERIFF stand nearby. DUKE enters.

DUKE

What the hell’s going on here?

SHERIFF

I’ve arrested James Clapsaddle here for the murder of Megan Thomas.

DUKE

You did what? I warned you about stepping on my toes, Sheriff, and I meant what I said! This case is still in its initial stages! What on earth possessed you to make an arrest?

GALE

The suspect displayed knowledge of details of the case that were never revealed to the general public. But then, we can ask him. How about it, James? Why did you tell Jean that Megan had been crucified?

JAMES

Megan was tainted. She corrupted me! I thought she was a lamb, but she was a serpent. She mesmerized me with those eyes, all the time she was wrapping her coils around my neck. She had to be sacrificed. It was the only way to restore purity. Only her blood could make me clean.

Gale and Sheriff exchange glances.

GALE

Why don’t you tell us what happened, James?

JAMES

I thought I knew her. I thought I loved her. The first time I saw her, it was like I recognized her. I had dreamed of her all my life, and then there she was, as real as can be. And she seemed so pure and good. She was worth a thousand of the little sluts running around school. I wouldn’t have anything to do with them. But she was different. She was so beautiful. But something was wrong. She wouldn’t return my love. She didn’t understand that it was meant to be. But maybe it wasn’t, after all. So maybe she was right.

GALE

Tell us what happened two weeks ago.

JAMES

I thought I felt the time was drawing near, destiny was working, and the time had come to lay my cards on the table. We went to dinner and I bared my heart to her, but it was too much for her. She ran off, confused and scared. I knew I had to act fast. The next day, a Saturday, we went for a walk in the woods. There’s paths, you see, and it’s a nice place to walk and talk. Very private. I thought we could be more harmonious there, but it was a mistake. There were devils there, too. They were crawling around inside her. I could see it in the way she walked. The way her hips moved and the mist from her breath curled up around her face. I couldn’t control it. I had to possess her. She was mine! I took her. I took what she had and I was corrupted! I was tainted! It was horrible, and I couldn’t stop! I had to hit her again and again and again. She wouldn’t stop screaming. The devils were tearing her up inside. Then it was over. But I had preserved it, on tape, for her trial.

SHERIFF

Trial?

Gale motions to Sheriff to be quiet.

JAMES

I felt dirty. The devils had gotten to me through her. Megan was lost to them, she was their bride now. But I could still cleanse myself. There was only one way. Sunday. Megan was alone at home. She let me in. I tried to explain what was going on. But she tried to run away. I had to stop her. I couldn’t let her get away from me. The devils invaded her again, but I resisted. I tried to beat them out of her, but I knew she had to be sacrificed. In the basement were the tools I needed. I spread her arms on the wooden floor and drove the spikes through her arms with the mallet, and the blood was everywhere. I couldn’t see. I couldn’t think. It was all pure action. Then, as the devils were driven out, I made her my bride in death, and I was purified. With her blood I cleansed the house, to save those who dwell within. And I was rewarded, for Megan was returned to me, purified. Her hair was the sign of this. It had been the color of blood. It is now the color of sunlight.

SHERIFF

I think I’ve heard enough.

Gale looks at Sheriff, then at James. Duke glares at both men and storms out.

CUT TO:

INT. LIGHTHOUSE -- EVENING

The woman singer is on stage, singing dreamily, with her backup band. Numerous people dance on the dance floor while others sit around at tables and at the bar. The atmosphere is dark and moody, and cigarette smoke hangs heavy in the air. NICHOLAS and PENNY sit in a booth. Penny watches the people dancing.

NICHOLAS

I’ve missed you. Look, I don’t even know what we’re fighting about. I understand it’s not about Jean. You said so. But I don’t know what it is about. I can’t go on like this.

PENNY

Oh, Nicholas, I love you. Don’t ever doubt that.

NICHOLAS

What does that mean?

PENNY

Everything seems to be happening so fast. I don’t want to lose control. All my life, people have been making up my mind for me. Other people have been deciding what direction my life will go in, and not me. That has to change. I have to make my own decisions.

NICHOLAS

You don’t want to marry me.

PENNY

I do. But not right away. I’m not sure. That’s what it is. I have to be sure. I have to make that decision on my own. And I need to be alone. We both do, after all that’s happened. We need to get some distance and take a good look at ourselves.

NICHOLAS

I need you. When you’re not around, I get mixed up in so much bad stuff. I can’t help it. I just can’t seem to see which way to go unless you’re there lighting up the right way.

PENNY

We both have to be strong now, or we’ll never have the strength to last. Nicholas, this means more to me than anything in the world. That’s why I have to be sure. I have to know we can live on our own before we can really live together.

NICHOLAS

But--

JEAN approaches the booth in tears.

JEAN

I’m sorry to interrupt you guys. I’m really sorry. I don’t want to cause any trouble. But I really don’t want to be alone right now. Please, I just need a friend. Someone I can trust. Please...

Penny stands up.

PENNY

It’s okay, Blue Jean. Go ahead.

NICHOLAS

Penny...

PENNY

Nicholas, Jean needs you right now. And you need to be with her. Stay with her. If you truly love me, stay with her.

Penny exits. Jean collapses into Nicholas’s arms and cries. Nicholas holds her, staring off into the darkness.

CUT TO:

INT. KENT’S HOME -- KITCHEN -- EVENING

ROSEMARY is on the phone in the kitchen. She is stunned. She hangs up the phone and goes to the refrigerator. She takes out a plate of éclairs and sits down at the kitchen table. She begins eating. KENT and RAMONA enter the room.

KENT

Who was on the phone? What’s wrong?

ROSEMARY

It was Dad. He said James has been arrested. They say he killed that poor girl. Two weeks ago. They think James did it. He’s in jail.

KENT

Oh, no.

RAMONA

I don’t believe it.

KENT

She’s not going to get away with this.

Kent goes to the door and puts on his coat.

RAMONA

Who? Where are you going?

KENT

Don’t you get it? It’s a frame-up. There’s something I have to do.

RAMONA

What? Kent, don’t do anything crazy.

KENT

I’ve got to do something.

RAMONA

Let me go with you.

KENT

No, it’s too dangerous.

Kent kisses Ramona and exits the house. Ramona watches him go, worried.

CUT TO:

INT. SHERIFF STATION -- LOBBY -- FRIDAY NIGHT

SHERIFF is pouring himself a cup of coffee. GALE comes out of Sheriff’s office.

GALE

Franklin is on his way.

SHERIFF

I can’t believe what’s been going on here. This is getting to be too much. All that talk about devils and purification. He’s totally crazy. He’s just a kid. How can someone get so warped?

GALE

I don’t know.

SHERIFF

Those devils he kept talking about. Do you think it was Llewellyn or something like that?

GALE

Actually, no. I’m beginning to think the cases are unrelated. But we may never know for certain. What is the evil inside people that drives them to such heinous crimes? For some it may be an outside agent acting through them. Or it may just be their own twisted soul lashing out.

DUKE comes out of the conference room.

DUKE

Well, feeling pretty proud of yourself, eh, Martin?

GALE

I did what was necessary to solve the case.

DUKE

And may I remind you that it was my case! You were to report every aspect of it directly to me. If you had any suspects, you should have reported it to me! You had no authorization to act on your own!

GALE

We are operating within Sheriff Armstrong’s jurisdiction. I was assisting him in an unofficial capacity.

DUKE

It was my case, Martin! If an arrest was going to be made, I should have been there!

GALE

You demonstrated very clearly that you had no appreciation of the delicate nature of the situation. I gave you every opportunity to cooperate in an open manner, and you rejected my every attempt. If we had turned the operation over to you, the opportunity would have been lost.

DUKE

But you were there to save the day. Never fear, Special Agent Martin Gale is here! You’ve always thought you could take matters into your own hands and make them work out, haven’t you? I thought you’d learned your lesson. The whole thing can blow up in your face and people get hurt! Or killed!

GALE

You’re out of line.

DUKE

You are the one overstepping himself, my friend! The case was mine! It was your duty as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assist me, not try to lead me down blind alleys with some crap about Satanist kidnappings! You did everything you could to stall and sidetrack my investigation so you could grab the glory for yourself. Well, it never worked before, Martin, and you’re not the first to try, believe me. I will see that you pay the price!

GALE

I am willing to take responsibility for my actions. Unlike you. You have always blamed everyone else for your own shortcomings.

DUKE

Oh, now that’s rich. This time, Martin, you will be held accountable. I’m going to see to it you don’t get off scot free again, like you did after you...

GALE

If you have something to say, say it.

Duke suppresses his rage, then chuckles.

DUKE

Oh, you’re very, very good.

Duke grimaces and walks away. Sheriff smiles and holds out his hand to Gale, who shakes it grimly.

CUT TO:

EXT. TWINSBURG INN -- NIGHT

CUT TO:

INT. TWINSBURG INN SUITE -- NIGHT

KENT lets himself into the dark room with the stolen key. He turns on the light and looks around. He finds a briefcase on the table and goes over to it. He takes out his pocketknife and jimmies open the briefcase. In it he finds the cassette. Using his knife, he destroys the tape, slicing it up into pieces.

JANET (O.S.)

And what do we have here?

Kent is startled. JANET and JEREMY have entered the room behind him.

JANET

It looks like my lover has come back to me.

Kent panics and charges at them with his pocketknife. Jeremy trips him and Kent falls, banging his head on the dresser. He is knocked out on the floor.

JEREMY

These boys are proving to be a nuisance.

JANET

What do we do with him now?

JEREMY

We take him along with us. He may yet prove useful. And we can have some sport with him, as well.

JANET

Oh, I’d like that. Very much.

They both laugh.

CUT TO:

EXT. SHERIFF STATION -- NIGHT

CUT TO:

INT. SHERIFF STATION -- CONFERENCE ROOM -- NIGHT

FOSGILL is seated at the table, listening to a tape over the headphones. GALE and SHERIFF stand nearby. Fosgill takes off the headphones.

FOSGILL

That’s quite a confession you have there, Martin. Sensational stuff. Reminds me of the Fienberg case in Utah. Remember the Feinberg case?

GALE

I do.

FOSGILL

No, Utah.

DUKE enters.

FOSGILL

Wynton! Come on in. Good to see you.

DUKE

Franklin, I want to make a formal complaint.

FOSGILL

Hold on one second.

Fosgill takes his hearing aid out of his pocket and puts it back on.

FOSGILL

Count yourself a lucky man, Wynton! You too, Sheriff! We are standing in the presence of greatness! I knew the first time I saw Martin that he would be the best damn Special Agent I had ever seen or would ever see! This is a man impossible to keep down! Even when everything is stacked against him, he still gets his man in record time! The Bureau needs more men like him, and if he wants to take the occasional magic carpet ride, we can learn to live with it! Vive la différence!

DUKE

(winces)

Franklin…

FOSGILL

Hold on, Wynton! Martin, it gives me great pleasure to reinstate you into the Federal Bureau of Investigation! As the man on television says, let’s make a deal! We’ll overlook this whole incident if you promise me to limit your reports to things that happen here on earth, even if you’re out carrying moonbeams home in a jar!

GALE

Understood, Franklin!

Gale and Fosgill shake hands. Fosgill returns Gale’s badge, then holds up a gun with both hands.

FOSGILL

Brand new issue, more accurate and efficient! Smith and Wesson ten millimeter model ten-seventy-six! All stainless steel! It’s a beautiful weapon, Martin, and it’s all yours!

GALE

Thank you, Franklin!

Duke shakes Gale’s hand.

DUKE

(softly)

Congratulations, Martin. Enjoy the moment. I’ll be watching you.

Duke exits.

FOSGILL

Better dust off your own black suit, Martin! Got a case you might be interested in, over in Peoria! We can leave tonight!

GALE

Franklin, I think I’m going to cash in some of my vacation time, effective immediately.

FOSGILL

Good idea, Martin! R&R after cracking two big cases sounds like smart thinking! Come back refreshed and renewed! Take as much time as you need, buddy, you’ve earned it!

GALE

Thank you, Franklin.

FOSGILL

Sheriff!

SHERIFF

Good night!

Fosgill exits. Sheriff pats Gale on the back.

SHERIFF

Come on, I’ll buy you a drink.

CUT TO:

EXT. DERELICT CHURCH -- NIGHT

CUT TO:

INT. DERELICT CHURCH -- NIGHT

KENT is tied up, spread-eagle, and suspended by his wrists so that he is in a standing position. He is shirtless. JANET and JEREMY stand in front of him. Kent is groggy.

JEREMY

You know, you really shouldn’t have wasted your time. I mean, really, we have much bigger fish to fry than a pair of troublesome lads like you and your associate. However, we just can’t afford to have you getting in our way. And if James gives us any more trouble, he’ll be joining you.

KENT

(to Janet)

You’re evil...

JANET

Oh, you little fool.

Janet gives Kent a lusty kiss, then laughs at him.

JANET

Don’t take it personally, darling. You were never more than a pawn in our game. But you were reckless, so we had to take you off the board. You understand, surely.

KENT

You’ll pay for this.

Janet runs her fingernails down Kent’s bare chest and abdomen. Jeremy circles around behind Kent.

JANET

I don’t think so. Sleep tight.

Jeremy gags Kent, then he and Janet exit. Kent struggles, to no avail.

CUT TO:

EXT. LIGHTHOUSE -- NIGHT

CUT TO:

INT. LIGHTHOUSE -- NIGHT

SHERIFF, YVONNE, DANI, and GALE, wearing his dark suit and tie, enter and sit down at a table. There is a basket of peanuts on the table and they begin munching as a WAITRESS takes their order. The band finishes their number and takes a break.

DANI

Martin, I’m so happy for you. What a relief.

GALE

I have been extraordinarily fortunate.

YVONNE

It seems you’re an extraordinary man.

SHERIFF

He sure is. You pulled yourself out of the fire with nothing but class all the way. I’ve never seen anything like it. Everything against him, and he still puts it all together at the last minute. And you sure told Duke where to get off. I was impressed.

YVONNE

My, Martin, you must be an amazing man for Bob to say that.

They laugh.

DANI

Have you decided what you’re going to do with your vacation time?

GALE

First things first, Dani. I can’t leave the matter of Llewellyn unfinished. That was my prime motivation in taking time off from the Bureau.

DANI

Sure. I don’t know what I was thinking.

YVONNE

Well, I’ve taken some working vacations myself, so I know how you feel. But at least you got a killer off the streets. I’m sure everyone will sleep a lot better now. Maybe things will get back to normal around here.

GALE

We can only hope. But I fear the most dangerous mission lies ahead.

YVONNE

Who is this Llewellyn you two are always talking about? I realize he was involved in the first couple murders somehow, but you never really explained it.

SHERIFF

It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later. Tonight.

YVONNE

Okay. But we may have other things on our mind then.

SHERIFF

We’ll take our chances.

Sheriff and Yvonne laugh. Dani looks at Gale longingly. Then, a red curtain draws closed across the stage and a spotlight comes on in the center.

GALE

Hold on.

KRIZMAN walks out into the spotlight, carrying a microphone on a stand.

KRIZMAN

Um, good evening, folks. I hope everybody’s having a lot of fun tonight, and I guess the band will be back in a couple of minutes. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you that the Maple Lodge’s annual Festival of Lights begins tomorrow morning at nine A.M. We’re going to have lots of fun and games for everybody, and door prizes, and the whole shebang, so I hope everybody’s planning to come on up sometime this weekend. Now, remember, tomorrow is also Valentine’s Day, and it’s a great place to bring that someone special for a really good time.

Everyone except Gale laughs, and Krizman is a bit flustered. Gale leans forward and stares at Krizman intently. Then, Krizman and the microphone fade away. Gale looks around, and he is suddenly sitting alone in the dark room. The spotlight begins pulsating and then explodes in a burst of white light. The LADY OF LIGHT appears on stage, radiating intensely.

LADY OF LIGHT

The time is at hand. Thy journey to the End of the World, to the Plain of Spirits, and the Forest Beyond must soon begin. There wilt thou find the Root of Good and the Root of Evil. Take heed. See beyond thine eyes. Look into the darkness. Thou art the chosen one, my love. Receive now thy baptism.

The Lady of Light disappears, and the ASTRONAUT appears in her place, waving its arms in slow motion. Gale looks on intently. The Astronaut then fades, and another figure appears, a human form made of electricity. Gale is surprised. The ELECTRICAL MAN extends one arm and shoots a bolt of lightning at Gale. The lightning envelops Gale for a moment, then fades. The Electrical Man fades away as Krizman reappears, and the two are briefly superimposed on one another. Then, the other people in the room reappear as well.

KRIZMAN

Thank you. And good luck.

Krizman leaves the stage. Gale squints.

GALE

It’s time.

FADE OUT

Special Agent Martin Gale, 34. FBI agent.

Sheriff Robert Armstrong, 36. Sheriff of Twinsburg.

Jean Bellew, 19. Megan’s lookalike cousin.

Bradley Thomas, 18. High school senior, Jean’s cousin.

Alan Cartwright, 50. Real estate developer, mall owner.

Penny Gardner, 17. High school senior.

Duane Cartwright, 18. High school senior, Alan’s son.

Lyle Terrence, 62. Local doctor.

Rosemary Clapsaddle, 40. Owns pastry shop/catering service.

Nicholas Grey, 17. High school senior.

Elliott Grey, 42. Owns bike shop, uncle of Nicholas.

Kent Clapsaddle, 16. High school sophomore, Rosemary’s son.

Abigail Voigt, 24. Sheriff’s secretary.

Dani Clapsaddle, 29. Rosemary’s sister-in-law.

Janet Flynn, 39. Twinsburg native returned from England.

James Clapsaddle, 18. High school senior, Rosemary’s brother.

Lyndon Pfiffer, 26. Deputy.

Gabriel Saltares, 44. College professor.

Albert Collins, 48. Lawyer.

Kimmy Clapsaddle, 38. Sister of Rosemary.

Lady of Light. Mystical being.

Franklin Fosgill, 52. FBI regional supervisor.

Yvonne Temple, 36. Environmentalist, mother of Duane.

Ramona Wingfeather, 18. Maple Lodge janitor, Native American.

Sergei Krizman, 68. Maple Lodge Elder.

Jeremy Flynn, 20. Criminal mastermind, son of Janet.

Chip Clapsaddle, 31. Ex-con, Rosemary’s half-brother.

Anastasia Olivera, 30. Wealthy and beautiful woman.

Wynton Duke, 48. FBI agent, Gale’s former partner.

Receptionist

Girl Singer

Waitress

Deputies

High School Students

Maple Lodge Elders

Townspeople

Astronaut

Electrical Man


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