BRIMSTONE VS Episode #203 "Hotel California" Written by Phil Gee TEASER EXT. WOODED AREA - NIGHT The screen is filled with TREES. We are in a richly wooded area, somewhere in Northern California. We PAN DOWN from the trees to discover a BARREN WINDING ROAD that heads through the night into nowhere. Off in the distance, we SEE a SMALL ALL NIGHT DINER. EXT. DOUBLE R DINER - NIGHT A GAUDY NEON SIGN flashes the eternal message: "DOUBLE R DINER: BEST COFFEE IN TOWN OPEN 24 HOURS" INT. DOUBLE R DINER - NIGHT The place is half full. The usual expectations of an all night diner. JUKE BOX at one end. A COOK dressed in a white apron is busy at the GRILL. TWO WAITRESSES are making conversation with REGULAR CUSTOMERS. A typical, quiet night in this typically quiet small town. EXT. DOUBLE R DINER - NIGHT A BLUE BMW roars up to the diner, WHITE SNAKE MUSIC BLASTING from the speakers. The DRIVER parks the car, but doesn't kill the engine or the music. He continues to rev the motor, and cranks up the volume. INT. DOUBLE R DINER - NIGHT The Customers can't help but hear all the noise that is going on outside. COOK Another damn Yankee, I bet... EXT. DOUBLE R DINER - NIGHT The Driver (CHARLIE HART) is still jamming to the beat. In his late 20's, he looks like he just stepped out of a HAIR BAND VIDEO. Finally, the song comes to an end. Hart turns off the ignition, and gets out of the BMW. With a swagger, he makes his way into... INT. DOUBLE R DINER - NIGHT Hart KICKS THE DOOR OPEN, instantly getting the attention of everyone in the diner. An ELDERLY COUPLE sitting at the counter gather up their belongings and leave. Hart walks slowly down the center of the diner, making EYE CONTACT with almost everyone. He immediately gives off an uncomfortable vibe. The Cook stares at Hart, trying his best not to look intimidated. Hart finally reaches a booth of his liking, plops down, grabs a menu. The Cook looks to one of the Waitresses; it's okay, but be careful. Hesitantly, the Waitress goes over to Hart's table. WAITRESS Nice night, huh Mister? HART Night time is the right time... Hart looks at her NAME TAG, which reads "HI, I'M SHELLY" HART (cont'd) ...Shelly...for all kinds of fun... She shifts her weight, from one foot to another. WAITRESS/SHELLY We got a special right now...meat loaf, string beans...slice of cherry pie for desert... HART I think I'll start with some of the best coffee in the state of California. SHELLY Just in town... HART What? SHELLY The sign says it's the best coffee in town, not the state. HART Isn't the cutomer always right? Hart takes out a ZIPPO LIGHTER, starts to flick it on and off. COOK Hey, buddy, we don't want any trouble here. If you wanna order somethin', go ahead. Otherwise, leave Shelly alone. HART Shelly, my sweet. Am I bothering you? SHELLY ...You kind of make me feel...like it's getting hot in here... BEADS OF SWEAT are starting to roll off her brow. She's perspiring more then she should be, even under the circumstances. She wipes the sweat from her forehead, but it keeps on coming. Hart keeps playing with the Zippo. HART Are you sure you're okay? You look sick. The Cook has come around to Hart's table, spatula in hand. COOK Okay, pal. I think it's time you hit the road. Why don't you just get back into that fancy car o' yours, and beat it... Hart STARES at the Cook with great intensity. His EYES BEGIN TO GLOW RED! He's a DAMNED SOUL! The Cook sweats profusely. It appears as if SMOKE is floating through the air around Hart's table. HART Check out Michael Jackson. I just wanted a cuppa Joe. No reason to get all fired up. Hart rises slowly from his seat. The SMOKE gets thicker. Something strange is going on. He pockets the Zippo. Hart walks over to the COUNTER. He places his finger on the top. A FLAME begins to SMOLDER at his touch. He continues to run his finger down the length of the counter, fire flickering in its path. A second later, the entire counter top is engulfed in flames! The Customers, as well as the Staff, start to panic. They have to get out of the diner before it's too late, but Hart is between them and the door. Hart blocks the exit, turns to face them. HART I think you're about to have a fire sale... Hart raises his finger, and points to the ceiling. POOF! FLAMES ERUPT! He points to the grill. POOF! A GREASE FIRE spreads like lightning! Hart lets out a DEMONIC LAUGH, chilling the people in the diner. He closes his eyes, and concentrates. BLAM!! Flames erupt everywhere! EXT. DOUBLE R DINER - NIGHT Hart exits the diner, as flames begin to lick the door. He walks over to one side of the building, and traces an outline of a HEART on the wall. Inches behind his fingertip, FLAMES jet out from the surface. With a satisfied look, Hart turns away from his signature and heads for the BMW. He gets in, cranks the engine on. He selects another White Snake CD, plugs it into the deck, and blasts it to 11. Dropping into gear, he PEELS OUT in a cloud of gravel and dust. He gets back on the road, and vanishes into the night. The Double R Diner suddenly EXPLODES! There's no hope for the people inside. They're done for. ACT ONE EXT. WOODED AREA - FILTERED - NIGHT We are near the same Wooded Area where the TEASER took place. The winding road lazily stretches out ahead of us. A PONTIAC PHOENIX comes into frame. It's crusing ten miles under the speed limit. INT. PONTIAC PHOENIX - FILTERED - NIGHT At the wheel is STONE. Snuggled close to his side is ROSALYN. They are smiling, laughing, very much in love. THE EAGLES hum softly on the radio. WHITE FLASH INT. RENTAL CAR - NIGHT Stone is alone, looking grim. He's on the same stretch of highway, miles from nowhere, wondering if he's on a fool's mission. WHITE FLASH INT. PONTIAC PHOENIX - FILTERED - NIGHT Stone and Rosalyn, sneaking a kiss or two between heartbeats. WHITE FLASH INT. RENTAL CAR - NIGHT Stone stares out the windshield at the road ahead. White line fever. WHITE FLASH INT. PONTIAC PHOENIX - FILTERED - NIGHT Stone can SEE the Double R Diner off in the distance. The neon sign is NOT PRESENT. STONE You hungry? ROSALYN No. Tired. Let's stop at the next hotel, okay? STONE Sure. Maybe we can stop here on the way back. Bet they have great coffee. Always do in these small towns. EXT. WOODED AREA - FILTERED - NIGHT The Pontiac Phoenix drives past the Double R Diner, taking Stone and Rosalyn into the town ahead of them. WHITE FLASH EXT. WOODED AREA - NIGHT Stone's rental car is passing the remains of the Double R Diner. Just the foundation and a few beams are left standing. The rest of the structure is in ashes. CAUTION TAPE surrounds the scene. Stone slows down, takes a long glance. INT. RENTAL CAR - NIGHT A look of sadness crosses his face. The diner obviously had a significance to him. EXT. WOODED AREA - NIGHT From HIGH ABOVE, we SEE Stone's car heading towards... EXT. MAIN STREET INTERSECTION - NEWTOWN, CA - NIGHT Smalltown, U.S.A. Population: 2,500. Area: 3.1 square miles. This place makes Mayberry look like Metropolis. On one side of the Main Street is a CITY HALL, a BANK, and a VIDEO STORE. The Video Store is bigger then the Bank. The other side has a GROCERY STORE, DRUGSTORE, and even a 7-11. Everything is closed, except for the 7-11. The TRAFFIC SIGNAL at the INTERSECTION is flashing yellow. There's no one around. Not even a car in the 7-11 parking lot. Stone's rental car creeps through the Intersection. He slows as he passes under the flashing light, then continues down the road. INT. RENTAL CAR - NIGHT Stone smiles to himself, having noticed the 7-11. STONE 7-11. Unbelievable. EXT. DIAMOND HOTEL - NIGHT A three story Mom and Pop place, a mile from the middle of town. Almost looks like Norman Bates should work here. Two other cars are in the parking lot. Stone pulls up to the entrance. He shuts the motor off, gets out, closes the door. He goes to the trunk, opens it. Grabbing his ONE SUITCASE, Stone closes the trunk and makes his way towards... INT. DIAMOND HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT Decor as shabby as you'd expect, although it has an air of grace about it. Almost like a shrine to days gone by. The ENTRANCE DOOR STICKS as Stone tries to open it. He knocks, but gets no answer. Finally, he puts his shoulder into it, and it FLIES OPEN. It takes the same effort to close it. Stone walks to the FRONT DESK, and sees the... DESK CLERK who is sitting on a box marked "FRAGILE". He's 40-ish, balding, overweight. He pays no attention to Stone. He's absorbed in a book. Stone puts down his suitcase, leans on the counter. Desk Clerk hasn't noticed that a paying customer is present. STONE You know that door sticks? Desk Clerk grunts. Stone stretches his neck to see what Desk Clerk is reading. The title of the book is "BROTHER SAM". STONE Good book? Desk Clerk nods, continues reading. Stone drums his fingers on the counter. STONE Who's Sam? DESK CLERK (nose still in book) WAS Sam...Sam Kinison. Comedian. Actor. Best selling comedy album "Louder Then Hell". Died in a car crash in 1992. Where YOU been? STONE South of the border... Desk Clerk is still engrossed in the book. STONE I'd like a room please. (beat) You DO rent rooms, don't you? DESK CLERK (not looking up) ...Yup... STONE Maybe I'll just go someplace else... Stone reaches to pick up his bag. At the prospect of losing business, Desk Clerk puts his book down. DESK CLERK ...Sorry...Mom and Dad would kill me if I let a walk-in slip away... Stone lets go of his suitcase. Desk Clerk pulls out the REGISTRATION BOOK. DESK CLERK Just fill out the next block, please. The thick registration book is dusty, yellow, stained. It looks like it's been there for years. Almost down to the last page. Stone fills it out. Desk Clerk checks the information. DESK CLERK Welcome to the Diamond Hotel, Mr. Stone. First floor okay? Every room's the same. STONE Is 318 available? It's my lucky number. Desk Clerk turns around to the back wall, searching through all the KEY HOOKS, trying to find the right one. While Desk Clerk's attention is diverted, Stone takes the registration book and starts to flip through the pages. CLOSE ON REGISTRATION BOOK The pages turn back in a blur. Finally, they stop. Stone runs his finger down the LIST OF NAMES until he finds the one he's looking for: STONE, MR. AND MRS. CLOSE ON STONE The memories wash over him like a tidal wave. He closes his eyes for a second, then shuts the book. DESK CLERK Here ya go...318. Stone swallows hard, then takes the key. STONE Thanks. DESK CLERK Don't get too many strangers in these parts. Small town like this, everybody knows everybody else's business. Hard not to. STONE I've been here before. Never thought I'd pass this way again. Stone grabs his suitcase, heads for the elevator. DESK CLERK Come down early. We got coffee and donuts every morning. Free with your room. STONE (over his shoulder) I'm a late riser... Stone reaches the elevator, pushes the CALL BUTTON. It opens immediately. Head down, Stone enters. INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT Still lost in thought, Stone lets the doors close. He doesn't even push the button for the third floor. MALE VOICE Going my way? Stone looks up, surprised, then pissed. Dressed in a BELL BOY SUIT is THE DEVIL. DEVIL Third floor, sir? Stone moans, then rolls his eyes. This is the last thing he expected. The Devil pushes the proper button, and the elevator begins to move. The Devil raises a copy of the same book Desk Clerk was reading. He begins to turn the pages, laughing out loud every few seconds. STONE Who IS that guy, anyway? Why are YOU so interested in him? DEVIL My dear Zeke...Sam was my most cherished Mortal from this century. One of my best works. He was a preacher. Bible thumpin' Southern Baptist. I changed all that. He became just about the most daring, dangerous comedian the world's ever seen. Really changed the way people thought of Him. Now, all they've got down here is The Man Show... STONE He's dead...? DEVIL ...Yes, poor bastard. Died just after getting married. For the third time. Three strikes... you know the score. Sam has a special place down below. That's probably why you never ran into him. The elevator doors open. Stone and The Devil walk out onto the... THIRD FLOOR DEVIL He's sort of my own Kato Katlin. STONE Kato? From "The Green Hornet"? DEVIL I'm sorry. Sometimes I DO forget those missing moments from your life. One night I really need to sit you down in front of a TV and get you back up to speed. I'm sure you'd love "Miami Vice". Stone doesn't comment. They walk in silence for a beat. DEVIL (counting room numbers) ...316...317...318. Ahh, here it is. They stop. Stone searches for the key in his pocket. DEVIL October 1981. The first time you and Roz ever took a real vacation. Two heavenly weeks in California. How'd you end up in THIS dive? Stone finally gets the door opened. He stands in the entrance, trying to keep The Devil from coming in. DEVIL Reliving all those memories, driving up and down the coast with your beloved? Why torture yourself, Zeke? And how'd you get the money to rent a car? $36.27 doesn't exactly rate the wheels you're sportin', sport. STONE Cashed in a favor. Sam owed me one. DEVIL Sweet. STONE And I think you owe me one, too. When I was a cop in New York, I got four weeks paid vacation a year. The least you can do is give me a long weekend. DEVIL No rest for the wicked, Mr. Stone. Not while there's the Devil's work to be done. STONE I'm not wicked, I'm dead. Stone slams the door right in The Devil's face. INT. STONE'S ROOM - NIGHT Stone puts his suitcase down, flicks on the lights. He lets the room's tone sink deeply into him. The term "Mother Hubbard" isn't an overstatement. He heads for the NIGHT STAND by the BED. From his trench coat pocket, he pulls out a SNOW GLOBE. He shakes it, then places it delicately on the top of the night stand. He walks slowly around the room, not knowing what exactly to do, or why he's even here at all. He turns back and looks at the bed. WHITE FLASH Rosalyn is wrapped up beautifully amid the sheets, sleeping soundly. The face of an Angel. WHITE FLASH Stone shakes his head. She's not there anymore. A bit disturbed, Stone takes his coat off and throws it across a chair. With a weakened look on his face, he collapses onto the bed, pulls a pillow to his chest. From the opposite side of the room, we MOVE IN SLOWLY towards Stone. We continue to move in, until we are over top of him. Then, we PASS THROUGH THE WINDOW BESIDE THE BED, and we are suddenly... OUTSIDE THE DIAMOND HOTEL We can SEE the ROAD in the distance. All is silent. Then, we HEAR the high tech ENGINE of a BMW, a fraction of a second before it ZOOMS in and out of frame, nothing but a BIG BLUE STREAK. ACT TWO INT. STONE'S ROOM - FILTERED - NIGHT There is no one to be seen. We HEAR the shower running in the bathroom. We MOVE through the room, until we come to the open bathroom door. Now, we start to HEAR VOICES. As we get further into the bathroom, we SEE that several CANDLES are lit, and placed in various locations - the vanity sink, the toilet tank, etc. A very romantic interlude. Finally, we STOP at the shower. In the dim light, we can just make out TWO SHAPES through the shower curtain. They are intertwined, embraced in the throes of passion. WHITE FLASH INT. STONE'S ROOM - NIGHT Suddenly, Stone is JOLTED AWAKE from the dream he was having. He sits a moment, gathering himself. After getting it together, he looks at his WATCH. It reads: 3:37. INT. DIAMOND HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT Stone steps off the elevator, heads for the... FRONT DESK Desk Clerk is right where we left him. He's still reading, but hasn't progressed very far. STONE Is the coffee ready yet? Desk Clerk looks at Stone, surprised. DESK CLERK You're a little TOO early, Mr. Stone. I haven't even gone to pick up the donuts yet. STONE Any place open where I can get some? DESK CLERK The 7-11, just down the road a bit. STONE I passed it on the way here. You sure it's open? DESK CLERK Never closes. Just like us. STONE But some things never work, no matter what time it is... Stone starts to exit the Lobby. DESK CLERK (calling to Stone) Hey, you mind picking up a couple three boxes of glazed donuts while you're there? Just say that you're gettin' 'em for me. I got credit, so don't worry about payin'. Stone has to PULL HARD on the door to get it open. EXT. 7-11 - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT In front of the store is the blue BMW. The stereo is blasting RATT. INT. 7-11 - NIGHT Charlie Hart is doing some late night shopping. He has his hands full of BOTTLES OF WHISKEY and an assortment of SNACKS. He takes them to the CASHIER, who is an ELDERLY GENTLEMAN, and sets them down. HART What's the damage, Pops? ELDERLY GENTLEMAN You got any I.D., son? HART You serious, Pops? Elderly Gentleman points to a SIGN on the wall behind him: "WE I.D. EVERYBODY" ELDERLY GENTLEMAN No I.D., no Old Harpers, youngster. HART You're really a trip, Pops. But, let me clue you in on a little secret; I wasn't planning on paying for them anyway... Hart's eyes begin to GLOW again! It startles Elderly Gentleman. He backs away from Hart. Hart belts out an evil laugh, and STARES at the CASH REGISTER. It EXPLODES into FLAMES! He then turns and glances at a ROW OF CANNED FOOD. BOOM!! IT'S TOASTED!! He pulls out a PISTOL, and shoots up everything he's not setting fire to!! EXT. 7-11 - NIGHT Stone pulls up in his rental car. After shuting off the engine, he starts to get out of the vehicle. BOOM!!! The FRONT GLASS EXPLODES!! FLAMES EVERYWHERE!! Stone scrambles back into the safety of his car. As he watches in shock, he is even more surprised when a lone figure (Hart) walks calmly out of the inferno. Stone steps from the car, calls to him. STONE Hey! You okay? Hart keeps walking to the BMW, his back to Stone. Now, the cop inside Stone takes over. If this guy isn't hurt, then chances are he's the perp. Stone runs after him. STONE Hey, buddy! I asked if you were alright... Hart stops at the BMW, then turns around. Upon seeing Stone, his face lights up. HART Detective Stone...my, my, what a small world... It takes Stone a second, and then it hits him: HE KNOWS THIS GUY! Fast as lightning, Stone draws his gun. STONE Hold it right there! Hart spies a locked cabinet of PROPANE TANKS at the opposite end of the 7-11. He closes his eyes, concentrates on them. BOOM!! They launch into the sky like rockets! The force of the blast knocks Stone on his rear. The flames are so intense, Stone has to back away quickly. He scrambles on his hands and feet to a safe distance. He gets up, looks around... Hart is nowhere to be found. The BMW is gone. EXT. 7-11 - LATER The local VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. is just finishing up their job. We SEE a BODY BAG being hauled from the remains of the 7-11. Stone is leaning up against his rental car, which survived without a scratch. A man, the LOCAL SHERIFF, is talking to him. His name is SALVATORE VALIS. Another DEPUTY - ANDY - is poking around the scene. Both Officers look like they got dressed in the dark. VALIS What business you have in Newtown? STONE Wanted to get away for a few days. Stone badges him. STONE (cont'd) I'm outta L.A. Thought I'd drive up the coast for a few days. Clear my head. Valis begins to write in a notebook. His RADIO goes off. Valis talks back briefly. He has a heavy BRONX ACCENT. STONE You sure don't sound like a local. From the Bronx? VALIS Born and raised. Moved here about six years ago. Couldn't take the stress anymore. Being a cop in New York plays hell on a marriage. STONE I know. I was stationed at the 15th for a while, until I made the move out west. VALIS No kiddin'? Another Yankee fan. Nice to meet you. My name is Salvatore Valis. Folks around here call me Sal. Valis extends his hand. Stone shakes it. STONE Sal. Ezekiel Stone. Call me Zeke. VALIS Cold hand... STONE ...Warm heart... VALIS Sure is a small world. STONE Smaller than you think. I know the guy who did this job. Valis raises his eyebrows. He didn't expect to hear this. STONE I saw him leaving just as everything went up. Fire musta got close enough to the propane tanks, caused them to explode. Don't know how he made it out alive. Positive I.D., though. No doubt. VALIS What's the name? STONE Charlie Hart. I busted him five times in New York. He got a twenty year stretch in Attica for arson. Dope, robbery, assault...this guy's a headbanger. He musta got paroled, made his way out here. Looks like he hasn't aged a day. VALIS The mellow lifestyle must agree with you, too. Seems like the move turned back your odometer fifteen years. STONE Believe me, a warm climate helps more then you'd imagine. VALIS You think you can come down to the station, maybe help me get a little more background on this guy? STONE Sure, no problem. INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - NIGHT The place is bathed in darkness. We HEAR a DOOR OPEN, then the LIGHTS go on. It's a cramped compartment, to say the least. Pictures of the NYC SKYLINE decorate the walls. On top of a file cabinet is a replica of THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. A YANKEE CAP hangs from a HAT RACK. Valis, a little embarrassed by having a visitor see his mess, tries to straighten up a bit. VALIS Sorry, the maid's on vacation. STONE Mine too. Valis offers Stone a chair. Stone pulls it up to the desk, sits. Valis turns on his COMPUTER. He sits down, gets comfortable. STONE Salvatore Valis. Italian mother? VALIS And Greek father. The best of both worlds. His computer perks up. Valis begins to tap the keyboard. VALIS You say he was in Attica? STONE Yeah. Probably went in around the end of '82. Valis gets busy. He's done this before. Stone looks on, still amazed at how much time and technology has passed him by. Valis notices his expression. VALIS Something wrong? STONE (embarrassed) No...I just never cease to be amazed at how much law enforcement has changed over the last decade. What we used to beat our feet for, now it's on cable. VALIS I'm almost there... (beat) ... Attica prisoner release dates for the last five years. That's H-A-R-T? STONE Yeah. Valis taps it in. VALIS Charlie, or Charles? STONE Probably Charles. Try 'em both. Valis hits a few more keys. VALIS (while waiting) Stone...Stone...I might have met you once, now that I think about it. The computer BLEEPS. Valis looks puzzled. VALIS Nothing. No release in the last five years for a Charlie OR Charles. STONE You think he got moved to another pen? VALIS It would still show his transfer date as a reference point; length of incarceration. Valis scratches his chin, stumped. Stone feels a bit lost. He tries to make conversation. STONE What precinct were you in? VALIS I started out pounding the beat in Jersey City. Finally moved across the water to the 51st near the end of '83. STONE That's just about the time I left... VALIS Let me check the prisoner history data base. That's probably the best place to look for him. Valis searches for the proper screen. VALIS You mind getting me a cup of java? My coffee maker's broken. There's a machine down the hall. STONE A vending machine? VALIS Yeah. Just unplug it, then plug it back in. It'll drop a free one. Help yourself. Make mine double cream. STONE Sure thing. Stone exits the office. Valis keeps searching at the terminal for any clue. He talks softly to himself. VALIS Stone..Zeke Stone...where have I heard that name before...? The computer BEEPS again. Finally, success. Valis studies the screen. Seconds later, his eyes narrow, brow creases. What he sees doesn't make any sense to him. Valis leans back in his chair, runs his fingers through his hair. Suddenly, his eyes go WIDE. The name finally clicked. VALIS Detective Ezekiel Stone! DOWN THE HALL - COFFEE MACHINE Stone reaches behind the machine, pulls the plug out, waits a second, then puts it back into place. Sure enough, a cup DROPS DOWN into the holder, and begins to fill. Stone pushes the CREAM BUTTON twice. When the cup is full, he puts it on top of the machine. He reaches around to repeat the procedure, when he HEARS a loud CLICK! A REVOLVER HAS JUST BEEN COCKED! Suddenly, he feels the cold steel of a MUZZLE AT THE BACK OF HIS HEAD! Raising his hands slowly, he turns to see Valis pointing a four inch Smith right at his eyes. VALIS (beyond serious) I don't know who the hell you think you are, but you even blink and your dead. Stone stands frozen. Nothing he can do but obey. ACT THREE INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER Stone is spread across Valis' desk, while getting searched by the Sheriff. There is tension in Valis' face, and a look of desperation on Stone's. VALIS Well, my friend. I think I'll start with impersonating a dead cop to the list of charges I'm about to file. Valis takes Stone's GUN, tosses it on the desk. Next, he reaches into Stone's coat pocket and pulls out his badge. He holds onto it, while finishing the search. Satisfied that Stone has nothing else on him that poses a threat, he backs off. VALIS Sit down. Stone does as told. Valis looks at the badge. VALIS This is real. Where'd you get it? STONE I told you...I'm a cop. VALIS Ezekiel Stone is dead. I knew I'd heard that name before. I finally remembered why. A month after I came over from Jersey, Stone was shot point blank in the face. I went to his funeral. You never forget when a brother goes down in the line of duty. Stone shifts in his chair. Valis gets edgy, points his gun at him. VALIS Just stay still... STONE (exasperated) I know this is gonna sound unbelievable... hell, I don't even understand it myself half the time. But you're right. Ezekiel Stone DID die in 1983. Buried in the ground. Sent to his eternal resting place. And it didn't come with air conditioning. VALIS (not buying it) Tell me about it... STONE No matter what I say, you'll never believe it. What happened to me is something that goes beyond just being a cop. VALIS Let me tell YOU something, "Mr. Stone". The man you claimed to have seen at the fire is dead, too. Charlie Hart never got paroled from Attica. He was killed in a prison riot in 1987. Stone gets it right away; Hart is a Damned Soul. STONE Sal... VALIS (cutting him off) SHERIFF... STONE Sheriff, you got a bigger problem right now than you think. If you don't let me out of here and find this guy, your whole town is gonna go up in smoke. VALIS Send one dead man to stop another dead man. STONE I'm going to try and explain this as quick and realistically as possible. Let me stand up and take my coat off. Maybe if you see something, you'll start to understand. Valis looks hesitant, but finally nods YES. Stone slowly rises and slips out of his coat. Rolling up his sleeves, he exposes several TATTOOS on his arms. He lifts his shirt, revealing even MORE tattoos around his torso. After turning a circle, he lowers the shirt, eases back into his coat. He sits down and faces Valis. STONE I never asked for this job. It was put on my shoulders by someone you don't want to meet. VALIS What job? STONE I WAS killed in 1983. For my penance, I was sent to Hell, to suffer an eternity of damnation and brimstone. Time really has no measure there, but fifteen years later, there was what you'd call a massive jail break. 113 of the most dangerous, vile creatures escaped. I was sent to the Mortal world to return them to Hell. Each of these tattoos represents a damned soul that is running rampant on Earth right now. Hart is one of them. That's why he walked away from the explosion without even a scratch. He's got powers that you can't even imagine, Sheriff, and if you don't let me stop him... there's not going to be much of a town left for you to be Sheriff of. Valis pulls on his ear, thinking intently. VALIS So, you're some kind of "Avenging Angel"? STONE Not really, but that's probably the best way for you to think of it. Valis sits a moment. He almost looks like he believes Stone's story. VALIS You forgot the part where Top Dollar and Tin Tin threw you out of the window on Devil's Night! Valis bursts out laughing. VALIS Think I never seen tattoos like that on Cons when they come outta the joint? You tell me you're Eric Draven, and then I'm supposed to hand you the keys to Smallville. Ten to one, you and "Hart" are in this scam together. STONE (serious) There's only one way to stop him, and you've got to let me do it. Stone rises up from the seat. Valis cocks his gun, levels it at Stone. VALIS Sit your ass back down. STONE You have no idea what you're up against! Stone is still standing. Valis steps closer, gun locked on target. VALIS I'm gonna get some state boys up here and straighten this mess out. Until then, the best place for you is on ice. Stone shrugs. He realizes he's only got one option, and he has to play it just right. VALIS Let's go. Down the hall. Stone heads out of Valis' office, and walks into the... HALLWAY At gun point, Stone treads in front of Valis. STONE'S POV He's SEARCHING for anything he can use as a WEAPON. A few yards ahead, a BROOM leans against the wall. Not much choice, but it will have to do. CLOSE ON VALIS He's determined to get Stone into a cell. CLOSE ON STONE He shifts his eyes, then makes his move! Stone sprints to the broom, grabs it in a flash. He TURNS and starts to run towards Valis with it. Valis, already a little twitchy, immediately SQUEEZES OFF TWO ROUNDS!! BLAM! BLAM! They hit Stone in the chest and shoulder. Stone stops his attack. He's still a couple of feet away from Valis. Slowly, Stone drops the broom to the floor. THE SHOTS HAVE HAD NO EFFECT!! Stone stands there, as if to say "You see"? STONE Now do you believe me? Valis lowers his gun, stunned beyond words. VALIS (mumbling) ...I...How...It's... STONE I told you. I've got a mission that HAS to be done. I'd prefer to have you on my side, but either way, I've got to go. Now. Valis swallows, nods. He limply waves his gun. VALIS Go on... STONE I'll do this as fast as I can, and then I'm gone. Stone and Valis exchange looks. STONE So long, Sheriff. Stone turns, exits. VALIS (dully) ...Sal... EXT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - NIGHT Stone walks out the door. After a few steps, he realizes he's forgotten his gun and badge. STONE My gun...my badge. He turns around, heads back to the entrance. Valis opens the door before Stone reaches it. In his hands are the gun and badge. VALIS Here. You're gonna need these. Stone takes them, starts to put them away. As he is pocketing the badge, Valis looks hard into his eyes. VALIS Everybody at Stone's funeral...at YOUR funeral, said you were a top notch cop. One of the best they'd ever known. STONE Thanks. I tried. I'm still trying. VALIS I'd...Is there anything I can do to help? Stone thinks. STONE Yeah. Yeah, maybe. EXT. STRETCH OF HIGHWAY - NIGHT Stone and Valis are speeding back to the Diamond Hotel in Valis' car. INT. VALIS' CAR - NIGHT VALIS So, you came here to track this guy down? STONE I had no idea he was even one of them. VALIS Then why...? STONE Like I said, I came up from L.A. to clear my mind. VALIS Newtown's a far stretch from L.A. STONE I've been here before. A lifetime ago. Valis, being the good cop he is, guesses the rest. VALIS Does she know about all this? STONE She doesn't even know I'm around. It's for the best that she never finds out. I tried to tell her before, but it almost...I can't put her in any more danger. She's had enough. INT. DIAMOND HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT Stone has his usual problem opening the door. When the two enter, they walk to the... FRONT DESK Desk Clerk is nowhere to be seen. Stone and Valis approach the counter, looking for any sign of life. Valis RINGS THE BELL impatiently. From behind a CURTAINED OFF DOORWAY, Desk Clerk pops into his station. He's munching on a candy bar, looking a little embarrassed to have been caught away from his post. When he sees who is at the desk, he snaps to attention. DESK CLERK Sal...Mr. Stone...what's wrong? VALIS Eugene, Mr. Stone is a Detective from L.A. He's here on a very important case. I want you to answer his questions fully, and to the best of your ability. Okay? Desk Clerk nods, nervously. STONE (can tell he's shaken) Eugene, you're not in any trouble. But I think you're the only person in town that can help me out. Desk Clerk pulls in a deep breath. DESK CLERK Okay...What can I do? STONE Give me the registration book. Desk Clerk hands it to Stone, who quickly pours through it. He turns back several pages, but sees nothing out of the ordinary. STONE This is current? No mystery guests? DESK CLERK No, sir. The only people here besides you are Mrs. Watson and her friend May. They're both up in years, and... STONE That's okay, they're not involved. (beat) When I checked in, you told me it's hard not to know everyone's business in this town. Now, think, Eugene. Have you seen any stranger around the last week or so? A guy about my size, looks like he's a decade out of style? Desk Clerk, to his credit, wracks his brain. DESK CLERK No...not at all. STONE What about an odd car? Motorcycle, maybe? Any vehicle that doesn't belong? Desk Clerk may not be the brightest bulb in the pack, but he's sure of himself. DESK CLERK Sorry, Mr. Stone...Sal...I haven't seen anybody or anything like you're lookin' for. Stone is stumped. Then it hits him: THE BMW! STONE Who has a top of the line BMW? DESK CLERK Only set of wheels like that belongs to Mr. Scott Kelly. STONE How long's he been living here? DESK CLERK Far back as I can remember, at least thirty years or so. STONE When's the last time you saw him? DESK CLERK I dunno...he usually stops in on checkers night, but he missed the last one. Valis picks up the slack. VALIS I just realized...he didn't come to the town council meeting last Tuesday. STONE Is that significant? VALIS He's the Treasurer. He knew we were taking a vote to keep the traffic signal, or replace it with a four-way stop. He was dead opposed to replacing it. Said it wouldn't be safe. STONE When I was coming into town, I saw the Double R Diner had burned down. Have either of you seen him since the place caught fire? Valis and Desk Clerk look at each other. Obviously not. They both shake their heads "NO". STONE Sal, I think we need to pay Mr. Kelly a visit. VALIS I think you're right. The men turn to leave. Stone takes a step back to Desk Clerk, who is finishing the remains of his candy bar. STONE Thanks, Eugene... Stone LOOKS at the CANDY WRAPPER. It's a REGGIE BAR! STONE (cont'd) ...Hey! Where'd you get that? ACT FOUR EXT. SCOTT KELLY'S HOUSE - NIGHT An establishing shot of the richest man in Newtown's small mansion. Modest by most standards, it is nonetheless the show place in this burg. Three car garage, glass house garden, beautiful swimming pool in the back. INT. SCOTT KELLY'S HOUSE - NIGHT The total opposite of the outside. Hart has really trashed the joint. TORN and BURNT FURNITURE. OUTLINES OF HEARTS scorch the walls. Hart has also PAINTED TARGETS all over the place. LARGE GAPING BULLET HOLES pierce them at various locations. He's had fun. We MOVE through the house, hearing QUIET RIOT blast on every speaker. We reach the STAIRS, and MOVE UP THEM. As we float through the steps, we finally reach the TOP LANDING. We continue to MOVE along the landing, until we come to the open door of the... MASTER BEDROOM Hart is inside, laying down on the KING SIZE BED. A SHOTGUN is next to him. He's juggling FLAME BALLS, a'la THE HUMAN TORCH. He's shaking his head to the pounding beat of "CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE". The room is in as bad of shape as the rest of the place. When the song finishes, Hart throws the flame balls out the window. They singe the drapes. EXT. SCOTT KELLY'S HOUSE - MOMENTS EARLIER Slowly, Valis' car creeps to the edge of the property. Even from this distance, the music is deafening. INT. VALIS' CAR - NIGHT Stone and Valis size up the situation. STONE I'm gonna guess that Mr. Kelly's not a Heavy Metal fan. VALIS Jazz all the way. STONE Looks like we've hit it, then. VALIS So, how do we punch this guy's ticket if he's already dead? STONE There's only one way to send him back to Hell. Destroy the eyes, any way you can. Valis looks confused, and a little grossed out. STONE The eyes are the windows to the soul. Just be prepared...it's not a pretty sight. VALIS Neither is Jersey... THEIR POV At that moment, the FLAME BALLS come flying out of the window. They land harmlessly on the grass, and soon sputter out. VALIS Nice of him to send us an invitation. At least we know where he's at. How you wanna play this? STONE I'll take the front, you get the rear. Make our way up to him. Don't hesitate to pull the trigger. He's not gonna give you a chance to get a clear shot. They open the doors, and head towards the house. INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT Hart has gone over to the CD RACK, and is searching for another one to play. He's pretty upset at the selection on hand. HART Dave Brubeck...Charlie Parker...what is this crap?! He takes a PISTOL from his pocket, and BLASTS the entire set of CD's. EXT. SCOTT KELLY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Stone and Valis HEAR the gunshots. They exchange EYE CONTACT. INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT From a CD WALLET, Hart pulls out one of his own. He drops it into the tray. After a second, "ENTER SANDMAN" begins to pulsate through the air. Hart nods his head in approval. HART They STILL kick ass! He closes his eyes, and lets the pounding bass envelope him. He drifts towards the window. After a beat, he opens his eyes. From the edge of his field of vision, he spots MOVEMENT coming from the front yard. Taking a closer look, he SEES Stone and Valis creeping up on him. HART (charged) DAMN! This is gonna be BITCHIN'! EXT. SCOTT KELLY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Stone and Valis have reached the front porch. VALIS Give me a minute, then go in. Stone nods. Valis heads for the... REAR OF THE HOUSE A HIGH FENCE surrounds the entire back quarter. Valis reaches the GATE, pulls the latch quietly. Swiftly, he slips into the yard. He nearly falls into the SWIMMING POOL, which is almost directly beside the house. He has to carefully navigate the edge to avoid slipping in. INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT BOXES OF AMMO lie scattered all over the bed. Hart is pumping rounds into everything he's got. Pistol, shotgun, even an Uzi. The awesome sounds of METALLICA rev him on. FRONT ENTRY Stone has opened the door, and is making his way into the house. BACK DOOR Valis has succeeded in entering the place. He's discovered he's in the KITCHEN. There's food splattered all over the walls. Cans of beer litter the floor. Meat rotting in an open refrigerator. However, the most disturbing sight Valis finds is the CHARRED REMAINS OF SCOTT KELLY! He is slumped in a kitchen chair, sprawled out on the table. Valis is revulsed by the remains, almost wretching. He gathers himself, and heads into the... LIVING ROOM Stone is already there, waiting on him. He sees Valis' pale palor. STONE You okay? VALIS (swallows) ...Yeah...Kelly is dead. He burned him alive. Stone reaches out to Valis, grabs him by the shoulder. STONE Can you make it? Valis clears his head. He's back. VALIS Let's do the job. He heads for the stairs. Stone right on his heels. STONE Remember...the eyes. MASTER BEDROOM Weapons loaded, Hart is ready. He goes to the stereo, and cranks it all the way up. The sound could kill fish way out in the Pacific Ocean. Finding the best vantage point he can, Hart settles in for the ride. STAIRWAY Stone and Valis heading upwards. MASTER BEDROOM Hart concentrating hard. STAIRWAY At the bottom of the steps, FLAMES begin to smolder. In a flash, they're fully engulfed, and lapping at the feet of Stone and Valis. VALIS (surprised) What the hell...? STONE He knows we're here! Get ready for ANYTHING! As if to punctuate Stone's remark, a SHOTGUN BLAST erupts! The round TEARS A HOLE IN THE WALL, above their heads! With the stairs aflame, Stone and Valis don't have a place to retreat. There's no choice but to go up. MASTER BEDROOM Hart is laughing, leaning against the door frame. He can SEE Stone and Valis are exposed as they reach the landing, all the way opposite him. HART (yelling over the music) Stone! Always the rock in my shoe. Aptly named, aren't you? He fires the shotgun again! BLAM! BLAM! Just misses them! Finally having cleared the stairs, which is a blazing mess by now, Stone and Valis duck into OPPOSITE ROOMS. His attention devoted to Stone, Hart drops his shotgun, aims his Uzi in Stone's direction. HART You never quit, do you? He squeezes off a flurry of rounds, splintering the door frame. HART You'd track me to Hell and back, wouldn't you? WOULDN'T YOU! More bullets pierce the wall. Flames have reached the landing. Valis sneaks a peek from the doorway. He takes aim, and lets three rounds fly! They miss! Hart, angered by the distraction, points his finger towards Valis. POOF!! Flames erupt behind him! He can't go back into the room. He's stuck in that spot. Stone, aware that Valis is in trouble, steps into the landing. He has a clear line at Hart. STONE HART! Hart turns. Stone fires! BLAM!! BLAM!! THEY MISS, TOO!! Hart laughs, aims the Uzi in Stone's direction. HE SHOOTS AT STONE!! A million rounds fill the air!! He dives into the room for cover. But TOO LATE! He's been hit! His left arm torn up by the barrage! Stone falls to the floor, in pain beyond measure. STONE Ahh...Dammit...to Hell... Valis calls out. VALIS Stone! What's the score?! STONE I think I need a pinch hitter... Hart pumps more caps at both of them. Between rounds, he POINTS HIS FINGER, CAUSING FLAMES TO IGNITE in the places he's not shooting at. The house is a tinder box. It's not going to be long before the place is fully engaged. Valis can SEE Stone lying on the floor in the room opposite him, writhing in pain. Valis is sure that his number is up any second now. He's too stunned to move. STONE (pained) Sal...the eyes...shoot the eyes...! Valis is still motionless. STONE (trying to pull himself up) DAMMIT, SAL! SHOOT HIM!! Bullets pinging, flames shooting like lightning strikes, Hart is ready to end the game. HART Proud of yourself, little man? I get to take out TWO cops with one stone!! Hart is again pleased with the pun he's come up with. His attention goes slack for a fraction of a second. That's all Valis needs. He's finally got it together. BLAM!! BLAM!! He pops off two caps at Hart! WHAM!! One of them HITS HOME! DEAD CENTER, IN HIS LEFT EYE! BLUE ELECTRICITY PULSATES out of the burning socket! Hart goes down in a heap! He's hurt, but not finished yet. He puts his hand to the wounded eye, tries to stand. He screams in torment. HART ARGHHHH!!!!!!! He STILL has enough strength to get to his feet. He aims his gun at Valis. BLAM! Valis fires his last round. His four inch Smith is empty! The hammer clicks repeatedly, as Valis tries in vain to magically make another bullet appear in the chamber. HART And so it goes... He tosses his Uzi to the ground. HART I don't need a gun to kill you, man! Hart slowly raises his hand towards Valis, still cupping the injured eye with the other. The SMOKE is blinding! The HEAT from the FLAMES almost melting the paint from the walls! Valis is ready to meet his maker. BLAM!! A SHOT ECHOES THROUGH THE AIR!! Stone has succeeded in getting up, and is leaning against the remains of the doorway. The barrel of his gun SMOLDERING! WHAM!! His aim is true! The bullet HITS HART IN THE OTHER EYE!! The impact KNOCKS HIM BACK INTO THE MASTER BEDROOM!! A TRAIL OF BLUE ELECTRICITY FLOWING IN HIS PATH!! In a cosmic display, his Damned Soul EXPLODES, and he is sent back into the depths of Hell, where he belongs! Battling the raging fire, Valis jumps across the landing to Stone. As he reaches him, the TATTOO of Hart's name BURNS PAINFULLY off of Stone's left arm - the same one that was shot. Stone can hardly take it. He rolls around the floor, trying to hang on until the experience is over. Valis has seen some freaky stuff in his career, but this beats them all. VALIS Stone! Stone, what can I do? The process is mercifully over. Stone is able to right himself. He clutches Valis around the shoulders. STONE Get us outta here... Both men look at the out of control pyre that blocks their only way down. Valis hustles Stone into the room, towards the REAR WINDOW. Maybe, just maybe, they can make the pool! VALIS You ever see "Black Jack", by John Woo? STONE John Who? VALIS Nevermind...on three, we're going! STONE Where? VALIS SWIMMING!! One...two...THREE! His arms around Stone, Valis starts running. The CEILING is starting to FALL AROUND THEM!! EXT. SCOTT KELLY'S HOUSE - WINDOW - NIGHT CRASH!!! THEY COME FLYING THROUGH THE WINDOW!! BROKEN GLASS SPRAYS EVERYWHERE!! POOL SPLASH DOWN!! They made it! Valis paddles to the side of the pool, Stone in his grip. He gets to the shallow end, and sets Stone up on the stairs. Valis is exhausted. So much for his peaceful days as Sheriff in Newtown. Stone, drained, looks to Valis. STONE (weakly) ...thanks... Valis smiles thinly. VALIS I hope you don't have anymore friends like that...I just might have to move back to New York...Get away from all the stress... DISSOLVE TO: INT. STONE'S ROOM - THE NEXT DAY Stone has finished packing his suitcase. He takes one last look around the room. This time, there are no flashes of Rosalyn. He goes to the night stand to turn off the LAMP. His hand stops before he reaches it. The SNOW GLOBE is still there. Hesitantly, he starts to pick it up. Then, after a beat, he decides to leave it behind. As he CLICKS off the lamp, a KNOCK is HEARD OS. Stone crosses, opens the door a crack. Outside is Valis. He has a SMALL PACKAGE in his hand. Stone opens the door wide. STONE Sal...c'mon in. I was almost gone. Valis enters. Stone closes the door behind him. Valis looks at Stone's left arm. It's healed. VALIS Your arm. How come...? STONE The rules to this thing are pretty complex. A Mortal can't hurt me, unless they bust a couple of caps off in my eyes. We all put on the same light show, no matter WHO does the job. A Damned Soul can injure me, but it doesn't last too long. We heal pretty quick. VALIS ..friggin' Highlander, right in my back yard. Stone SEES the package in Valis' hand. STONE What's that? VALIS (embarrassed) I, uh, thought..when you ever get a chance to sit down one night...if these guys happen to take a breather...you might like to watch this... Stone takes the package from Valis, opens it. Inside is a copy of "BLACK JACK". Stone smiles. STONE Thanks. Looks good. (beat) VHS...They didn't have it in Beta? Valis shakes his head. VALIS Man, you HAVE been gone a long time. There's also a slip of paper in the package. STONE What's this? VALIS A list of John Woo films. Some pretty good stuff. I think you'd like 'em. Stone pockets the gift, then turns to face Valis, who returns his stare. STONE Thanks for sticking it out for me. You're a helluva cop, Sal. They exchange a powerful handshake. VALIS You too, Zeke. I hope that you can do what you have to, and get some peace in your life. STONE Yeah. Me too. Valis opens the door, not wanting to keep Stone any longer. He steps out into the hallway. Stone takes one last view of the room, then turns off the light at the wall switch and closes the door. In the dim light, we MOVE IN towards the SNOW GLOBE. Although no one's touched it, the SNOW FLAKES ARE TUMBLING AROUND, as if it were shaken a second ago. LOBBY Stone and Valis step off the elevator together. They exchange one last word, then Valis exits the hotel. Stone heads for the... FRONT DESK Deserted again. Stone rings the bell. From the rear steps THE DEVIL, dressed in another smart outfit. DEVIL Checking out, Mr. Stone? STONE Sad, but true. Guess I'm a city boy. This small town life is too quiet for me. The Devil searches through the files, picks out a CARD. DEVIL Stone...room 318. Let's see...key deposit, service charge, resort tax, safe charge, room service... STONE Just gimme the damage. DEVIL I'm in a generous mood today. How does $36.27 feel? STONE Like a gun in my back. Stone reaches in his pocket. He puts the copy of "BLACK JACK" on the counter as he tries to find his cash. The Devil picks up the tape, studies it. DEVIL Why, Zeke, I see you've decided to take my advice and catch up with the rest of the 20th century. John Woo...not bad. Stone slaps the money on the counter. He takes the tape from The Devil. STONE My receipt? The Devil makes a show of taking in Stone's cash. Then with a flourish, he STAMPS Stone's receipt and hands it to him. DEVIL Come back and see us again... Stone has headed for the door. STONE Not likely... He PULLS on the door again. Stuck. What did he expect? DEVIL If you like that movie, check out some of his earlier Hong Kong films. They're his best works. Try "Hard Boiled" or "The Killer". Those titles seem to suit you. Stone gets the door open. He reaches into his pocket, pulls out the list Valis gave him. He glances over it. STONE How about this one..."To Hell With The Devil"... The Devil is pissed. Stone cracks a smile. Leaving the door wide open, Stone exits. FADE OUT. Dedicated with love to George Harrison