BROKEN BARRICADES
by Phil Gee
BRIMSTONE VS
Episode #312
TEASER
FADE UP:
INT. A DARK ROOM - NIGHT
We are in an unknown location in New York City. The room is dark, somber,
almost overpowering with the feeling of dread. CANDLES are flickering at
various places, casting EERIE SHADOWS across the floor.
One of the EERIE SHADOWS is MOVING towards us. It’s the outline of LILLIAN
“LULU” CASTILLO. She walking in slow, methodical paces, CHANTING something
in a low, mumbling tone. She holds an OBJECT in her hands, caressing it
delicately. The object appears to be a RELIGIOUS TOTEM.
Standing to the rear of the room is LIZZY DARKE. She’s there at the
insistence of Lulu. Not much of a chance she’d be there willingly under the
circumstances. Lizzy looks a little freaked, but tries not to show it.
Lulu walks over to a BED. There are candles encircling it. The walls next to
the bed are covered with RITUALISTIC MARKINGS, symbolic of Lulu’s SANTERIA
religion.
Lulu rubs the totem in her hands, increases the tempo of her chanting. She
looks down at the...
FIGURE IN BED
We can’t make out who’s laying there. The body is covered with a dark
blanket. Whoever it is, is WRITHING back and forth. We HEAR MOANS coming
from them, WORDS that don’t sound familiar to us. As if they were speaking
in a dead language.
Lulu takes a hand and puts it out over the head of the Figure In Bed. Chants
louder. This makes them MOAN more intently.
From the rear, Lizzy’s eyes get wider.
FIGURE IN BED
NO! IT CAN’T HAPPEN THIS WAY! HE
HAS TO COME BACK TO ME NOW!
Lulu motions for Lizzy to join her at the bedside. Lizzy hesitates, then
finally saunters over.
LULU
She’s very close to the point we
require.
LIZZY
What do you mean?
LULU
Soon we will be able to break free
of her hold over us.
We MOVE IN now on the Figure In Bed. We see it’s...
ASH
She looks maniacal, almost frantic. She’s tossing back and forth in the bed,
clawing at the sheets, eyes darting back and forth rapidly.
LIZZY
Is she going to make it?
LULU
She would most likely survive with-
out my assistance, but her mind is
not focused enough to realize that.
Ash believes I am keeping her alive
at this point. Which is all the
better for us.
Lizzy looks at Lulu. This is a very conniving woman, indeed. Lulu’s mystical
powers are not something Lizzy wants to test.
ASH
Zeke! Ezekiel, where are you?
Lulu puts the totem down on the floor, kneels beside Ash. Tries to display a
touch of sincerity.
LULU
He’s not here, Ash.
ASH
Why did you abandon me?! Abandon
our child?! WHY?!
Lulu glances up at Lizzy. Here it comes -- time to put their cards on the
table.
LULU
He left you for his wife, Ash. He
still loves her. He wants her back,
more then anything.
This statement drives Ash into a frenzy.
ASH
THAT MORTAL BITCH! What could he
POSSIBLY want that weak woman for?
LULU
Who knows a man’s thoughts when
love is concerned?
ASH
He loves ME!
LULU
It might be as you say, Ash. But
as long as his wife is around,
she will always be a distraction.
Lizzy sees where Lulu is headed. She shifts her feet, blinks her eyes fast.
LULU
Being your faithful servant for so
long, I hate to see you suffer
this way.
ASH
Yes... you have been at my side longer
then any other...
LULU
And I have asked for nothing in
all that time. Only to serve you.
ASH
Yes...
LULU
But now -- now it is time to make
a request of you.
Lulu closes her eyes, concentrates.
Ash suddenly MOANS IN AGONY.
Lizzy realizes that Lulu is manipulating Ash’s pain level. Turning it up a
notch to drive it home.
LULU
I can make him come back to you…
if you still want him.
There it is, dangling right out in front of Ash.
ASH
HOW?!
LULU
First -- my request must be granted.
Ash slides to her elbows. Her face wild, hair standing up.
ASH
Will you make him love me? Come
back and be a father to our child?
LULU
You know I have that power.
Ash smiles at the thought of Stone being solely hers.
ASH
Zeke -- my dear Ezekiel. We will
soon be together again.
LULU
IF you agree to my request.
ASH
What do you want?
LULU
You must set us free from the bond
between us.
Lizzy bites her lip. She doesn’t know what to expect next from Ash -- OR
Lulu.
Ash hesitates. Even in her current mental state, she understands the
seriousness of this request.
LULU
(turning the screw)
Think of it; your true love at
your side. At last. For our two
meager souls. That’s not much to
ask in return now, is it?
Ash considers this for a moment. It’s a tempting offer.
ASH
(thinking)
But what of that -- woman? As long
as she is alive... he still might have
the desire to go back to her.
(beat)
You will make him love me?
Lulu nods YES. A broad smile slowing creeping across her face.
ASH
Deliver this child safely... make Zeke
love me for eternity -- and KILL his
wife...
Lizzy’s mouth drops!
ASH (CONT)
Do these for me, and I will release
you.
LULU
(countering)
Release us FIRST, and we will do
what you ask.
Ash and Lulu LOCK EYES for a beat. Lulu’s eyes NARROW as she tries to sway
Ash once and for all into agreeing with her. Ash’s eyes seem to WEAKEN for a
beat -- but then become slightly clearer. Her instincts kick in. Even though
she’s under Lulu’s mystical influence, Ash realizes this is not a good idea
to free them just yet.
Lulu can sense Ash is wavering, tenses up. Did she go too far?
ASH
No. Once my child is born -- and that
inferior Mortal woman is dead -- THEN
I will free you both. Not a moment
before.
Lulu leans away from the bed, looks over her shoulder at Lizzy. It wasn’t
exactly what they hoped for, but they can still achieve their goal of
freedom if they do as Ash says.
LULU
Very well, Ash. It will be as you
say. We’ll kill his wife -- in
exchange for our freedom.
ASH
So it is done.
Ash gathers her strength, sits up fully. She swings her legs over the side
of the bed, feet resting on the floor, extends both her hands out.
ASH
Both of you, kneel before me.
They do as she says.
Placing a hand on each of their heads, Ash closes her eyes, starts to speak
in the same dead language as before.
Lizzy looks to Lulu, who cautions her to remain still.
When Ash is finally done speaking, she immediately slumps back into her bed.
She doesn’t move an inch.
Lulu stands up, quickly followed by Lizzy. They head towards the exit.
LIZZY
What was that all about?
LULU
She swore an oath that she would do
as she said. We will be free once
we have completed our tasks.
(beat)
We’ve done it! Soon we will be free!
FADE
END TEASER
ACT ONE
INT. KING HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Dan is on the phone, looking a little anxious. He talks rapidly, constantly
checking his watch.
DAN
Hello, Dr. Fagan’s office? This
is Dan Copper -- Mrs. Copper’s
husband. Her water just broke. We’re
on our way to the hospital now.
SLAM! He hangs up in a hurry, runs into the...
LIVING ROOM
Keeping an eye on his watch, he walks to ROSALYN, who is sitting on the
couch, looking pretty uncomfortable.
DAN
I just called Dr. Fagan, Rosalyn!
They know we’re on our way.
Rosalyn doesn’t budge.
DAN
(impatient)
C’mon, honey! You don’t want to
have the baby here, do you?
ROSALYN
Who’s having this kid, anyway? You
or me?
Letting a brief GRUNT out, Rosalyn wangles her way up from the couch.
Dan searches the floor frantically.
DAN
Where’s your bag?
He paces back and forth, in a futile effort to locate her lost luggage.
With a wry grin, Rosalyn points to the SMALL BAG on the couch.
ROSAYLN
This what you’re looking for?
Dan stops, a frustrated look on his face. Rosalyn bends over to pick it up.
DAN
I’m supposed to carry that!
ROSAYLN
Okay, okay! Here, it’s yours!
She hands him the bag. Delicately, Dan guides her steps.
DAN
One foot in front of the other…
ROSALYN
I’ve been walking since I was a year
old, Dan. It’s not something you
easily forget...
Finally, they reach the...
HALLWAY
DAN
Okay...
(checks his watch)
We’re out the door, on our way to
the hospital.
ROSALYN
I never would have guessed.
Despite the seemingly important events that are taking place, Rosalyn looks
a little bored.
Dan guides Rosalyn to the front door, still eyeing his watch. He opens the
door, takes one step outside. To his surprise, Rosalyn doesn’t follow.
DAN
Come on, we --
ROSAYLN
(cutting him off)
We did the test run fine, Dan. In
another minute we’re in the car and
on our way.
DAN
(still intent)
We have to see how long it’ll take
to get to the hospital…
ROSALYN
You know it’s thirty minutes at the
very least.
(tired)
I’m beat, honey. After that drive
back from Ice Lake I’m not getting
into another car until this little
girl is ready to pop out. YOU try
sitting in one place that long with
a kid doing summersaults the whole
time. It ain’t easy...
Dan relaxes, realizes he’s been a bit pushy.
DAN
You’re right.
He steps back into the house, closes the door.
DAN (CONT)
Guess I’m just a little nervous.
ROSALYN
(sarcastic)
No! You act like you’ve never done
this before.
Dan lowers his head, a bit sad.
DAN
...I haven‘t... at least not this part.
She searches his eyes; it looks like something is buried deep inside.
ROSALYN
(gentle)
What happened?
DAN
My folks -- they never really liked
Alexis. Thought she was all wrong for
me. That we never should have gotten
married in the first place. Just
before Stephen was due, my Mom called
me -- she said my Dad had a stroke,
that he wasn’t expected to make it.
Even though Alexis was about to
have the baby, I flew home. When I
got to my folk’s house, I found out
she’d lied to me about the whole
thing. He was fine. My Mom was so
intent on splitting us up, she
thought Alexis would leave me if I
wasn’t there when the baby was born.
I called Alexis to tell her I was on
the first plane back... but she’d already
gone into labor. By the time I got
to L.A., she’d already had Stephen.
I never spoke to my parents again.
(beat)
Two days before Maya was born, I got
another call. My folks had died;
their house’d caught on fire. Both of
them burned to death in their sleep.
I was their only child, so I had to
go out and take care of all the
family business. I never saw either
of my kids being born.
(beat)
I know -- in their own way -- they
loved me. They thought they were
doing the right thing. But I’ve
never really forgiven them for what
they put me through.
Rosalyn is in tears. What a terrible burden to carry for so long.
ROSALYN
I’m so sorry, Dan. Why didn’t you
tell me this before?
DAN
(shrugs)
I dunno. I was hoping to finally get
through this the right way.
She gives Dan a tight hug.
ROSALYN
This time everything will be fine.
I promise.
INT. LULU’S PLACE - DAY
We are in perhaps an abandoned LOFT somewhere in Manhattan. The place is
decked out in similar fashion to her former hotel room in Miami; ritualistic
PAINTINGS, an ALTAR filled with candles, an INCENSE URN or two smoking away
silently.
Seated on the floor, surrounded by a circle of candles, Lulu chants softly.
Looks like she is in a trance of some kind.
A DOOR creeps open at the rear of the loft. Lizzy steps in timidly. She’s
learned NOT to interrupt Lulu when these kinds of things are going on.
Cautiously, Lizzy walks over to a chair, takes a seat.
Lulu continues her meditation, her face twitching, mouth moving in rhythm.
At last, Lulu stirs. The trance is over.
Taking a moment to collect herself, Lulu rises from the floor, heads over to
the...
ALTAR
Re-arranging the TOTEMS decorating it, Lulu seems very focused on something.
Sensing this is the only chance she’ll have to start a conversation, Lizzy
approaches Lulu.
LIZZY
Are you through with -- the what-
ever-it-is...?
Lulu nods YES.
LULU
My mind is clear on the task ahead.
LIZZY
About this task…
Lulu turns to face her, very intimidating. It causes Lizzy to pause for a
beat.
LIZZY
Why did you agree to kill Stone’s
wife?
LULU
Ash is still the most powerful among
us. To refuse her so openly could
have proved dangerous.
(beat)
I have been manipulating Ash over
the past weeks. Slowly, carefully,
not to arouse her suspicions. She
really is not as bad as she now
appears -- I have introduced what
you would call a drug into her body.
Small doses, increasing over time to
bring her to the point where she is now.
Weak, easily influenced by suggestion.
It is a delicate line to walk. She
had to think the idea’s were hers,
and hers alone.
LIZZY
You mean you put the thought of kill-
ing Stone’s wife in her head? That
if she’s dead, he’ll come back to
her?
LULU
It was not difficult to make her
believe so. It is close to the
truth, in actuality. He still loves
his wife, even though he is staying
away from her... and her new husband.
When Lulu says the words “new husband”, a devious smile sprouts from her
lips.
LULU (CONT)
And if Ash believes I can make him
love her, it strengthens our position
that much more.
Lizzy’s face betrays her resentment of Lulu’s eagerness to involve her with
the killing.
LIZZY
I just can’t believe we need to go
through with all of this. I mean, she
gave us her word, or whatever it was
she did back there. Isn’t that enough
to make sure it happens no matter what?
LULU
I told you, she is the most powerful
Damned Soul walking the earth. As she
bound her word to us, so must we honor
our portion of the agreement. She might
find out we did not fulfill our end of
the agreement, cause us to be sent back
to Hell in some fashion. Either way, what
does it matter? This woman means nothing
to us.
Lizzy fights hard to keep her feelings in check. Maybe this partnership
with Lulu isn’t turning out to be such a good deal after all.
LIZZY
Why me? I mean, you keep saying “us”
all the time. What do you still need
me for?
Lulu stops fiddling with the totems, takes a step in Lizzy’s direction.
LULU
As I was to Ash, so shall you be to
me. You should feel honored. This
is not a title I bestow lightly,
or without much thought. You have
proven your worth to me in the time
we have been together. And as my
tribal chief once instructed -- keep
your enemies close, and your allies
even closer.
Lulu gives her one last hard look, then goes back to her altar.
Lizzy contemplates what she just heard. Obviously, asking to just walk out
the door and never come back is out of the question now.
LIZZY
So... how do we... do it?
LULU
By the power Chango has given me.
Lizzy doesn’t understand.
LULU
We will make someone close to her
do the deed.
Lulu picks up a CRYSTAL GLOBE from the altar, rubs her hand over it almost
erotically.
LIZZY
Stone?
She shakes her head NO.
LULU
A MORTAL that is close to her...
C.U. ON GLOBE
A SWIRLING IMAGE starts to take shape. Looks like a FACE is forming. As the
image gets clearer, we SEE it’s DAN!
LULU
Her new husband…
(beat)
...So says Chango... My god has spoken.
FADE
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. OUTSIDE STONE’S APARTMENT - DAY
Slinking through the hallway is ALEX. She’s holding a SMALL BOX that’s gift
wrapped. Taking a set of PASS KEYS from her pocket, she selects the right
one and quietly OPENS THE DOOR.
INT. STONE’S APARTMENT - DAY
The door hinges squeak loudly; Alex HUSHES them, pleading for quiet. She
closes the door softly, locking it behind her.
She gets a good look at Stone’s place for the first time without being
otherwise occupied. It’s sort of a dump, when you get right down to it.
Remembering why she snuck in, Alex goes about finding the proper place to
lay her gift. Of course, next to the TV is perfect. After all, it’s a boxed
set of Jimmy Cagney movies.
After securing it in a location Stone can’t help but notice, Alex starts to
head out the door. Just as she’s about to leave, her curiosity gets the
better of her. She knows this is betraying a trust, but Stone’s just so damn
peculiar. There have been too many unexplained events surrounding him during
the time he’s been there.
What harm could a little recon do?
BATHROOM
CLICK. The dim overhead light comes on. Alex slowly walks in, opens the
medicine cabinet. Toothpaste, mouthwash; that’s about it. No aspirin, no
bandages, no deodorant.
She checks the vanity top. A toothbrush in a cup and a wash cloth. Both dry.
So is the almost new bar of soap.
Under the sink: a bottle of drain cleaner. Some scouring powder. And lots of
unused space.
Almost out the door, she turns back. This is odd; there’s no toilet paper on
the roller. No facial tissue, either.
BEDROOM
Alex tiptoes in, a little more pumped up to discover something juicy about
Stone.
She checks his dresser drawers. Lined with old newspapers, probably from the
last occupant. But no real clothing items to speak of.
His bed isn’t made, but what guy DOES tidy up the sheets unless he’s
expecting female company?
She opens the closet door. Maybe ten to twelve empty hangers stare back at
her. She runs her hand on the top shelf. Dust, and more dust. That’s it. It
gets up her nose. She sneezes.
Alex stands in the middle of the room, perplexed. This just doesn’t add up.
There has to be more to Stone then what she’s seen -- or HASN’T seen -- so
far.
We HEAR a KEY ENTERING THE LOCK O.S. Sounds like Stone is on his way in!
There are also VOICES coming from behind the door; Stone and a woman, from
what Alex can tell.
Realizing she’s done something pretty rotten, Alex tries to figure out if
she should walk into the living room and accept her punishment, or hide out
and see if they’re coming and going fast.
The closet is too inviting. Should be a safe hiding place; after all, he
never uses it. Stepping in, she pulls the door closed just enough to hear
what goes on in the...
LIVING ROOM
STONE walks in, followed by Lizzy. He takes his jacket off, absently draping
it over the TV -- covering Alex’s present.
Lizzy is pretty animated. She can’t seem to calm down.
Stone tries his best to settle her.
STONE
Take it easy...
LIZZY
Stone, do you get what I’m saying
to you?!
STONE
To tell you the truth, you’re not
really making much sense.
He goes to the kitchen, opens the fridge, searches for a cold drink.
STONE (CONT)
Take it from the top again.
LIZZY
Okay, like I said, Ash sent me to
Pandora in order to find Lulu and
bring her back here. Lulu was -- to
put it mildly -- a little ticked
off over the fact that you’re the
father-to-be of Ash’s baby.
CLOSET
Alex reacts visibly to this piece of news.
LIVING ROOM
Stone makes his way to the couch, sits down.
STONE
I got that so far.
LIZZY
So, Lulu was some kind Santeria
priestess back in the 1600’s, or
whenever she was alive. She’s got
some INCREDIBLE powers, Stone, I’m
not kidding.
CLOSET
Again, Alex reacts to what she’s just heard.
LIVING ROOM
LIZZY (CONT)
She’s been feeding Ash some kind
of drug ever since we got back to
New York, slowly making her crazy...
STONE
Crazy?
LIZZY
I don’t know what else to call it.
Ash was having trouble with the baby
somehow. She wanted Lulu to be her
mid-wife. Help out with the delivery.
But Lulu saw it as a chance to break
free from the chain all of the Damned
Souls are bound to. She put it in
Ash’s head that if…
She pauses.
STONE
...That if...?
LIZZY
If your wife were dead, you’d come
back to Ash. Fall in love with her.
Be together forever.
CLOSET
Stone married? He’s gotten another woman pregnant that wants his wife dead?
Drugs? Damned Souls?
LIVING ROOM
Stone gets up, crosses to Lizzy, puts his hands on her shoulders.
STONE
So what finally happened? Did Ash
agree to let her go?
Lizzy nods YES.
LIZZY
And me, too. I have to do it with her,
or the deal won’t work.
Stone is incredulous.
STONE
WHAT?!
LIZZY
That’s what I’ve been trying to tell
you, Stone. Lulu’s going to make sure
I follow through with it. I’m right
in the middle of this thing.
STONE
Then get out of it!
LIZZY
Why do you think I came to you for
help?! We’ve got to stop them both…
STONE
Damn straight!
Stone takes his hands from Lizzy’s shoulders, starts to pace the floor,
thinking.
STONE
Okay... she’s one of the Damned Souls,
right? We set her up. I’ll hide out
someplace, you bring her by. I shoot
her eyes out, send her back to Hell.
CLOSET
Alex shudders -- send her back to Hell?!
LIVING ROOM
LIZZY
No way. With her powers, I bet you
couldn’t get within a mile of her.
(beat)
She KNOWS who and what you are. She
despises you, Stone. I’m telling you.
It’s freaking me out just coming here
to tell you this. She might have some
kind of supernatural spy camera on me
right now, watching everything we’ve
been doing.
CLOSET
Alex’s nose twitches. The dust is getting to her. A sneeze is coming on
strong! She does her best to hold it back, but…
ALEX
AH-CHOO!
LIVING ROOM
Stone instantly draws his gun! Motions for Lizzy to find some place to hide.
She ducks down in front of the couch.
BEDROOM
Stone pads lightly, weapon cocked and ready in front of him.
Another AH-CHOO! -- it came from the...
CLOSET
Alex can’t control it. Here comes one more…
ALEX
AH-CHOO!
WHAM! The door flies open! Staring down at Alex is Stone, his gun just
INCHES from her runny nose!
He tenses up, ready to fire. Then he sees who it is.
STONE
ALEX! What the hell are you doing
in there?
She steps out of the closet, looking like the cat that swallowed the canary.
ALEX
I’m sorry, it’s not what you think…
LIZZY (O.S.)
You okay, Stone?
STONE
Yeah... I caught a mouse.
LIVING ROOM
Lizzy stands up, takes a look at Alex.
LIZZY
The mouse?
Stone nods YES. Puts his gun away.
LIZZY (CONT)
You know her?
STONE
Sad but true -- she’s the front desk
clerk here at the “Is Nothing Sacred?”
hotel. Alex, what were you doing, hid-
ing in my closet like that?
Alex goes to Stone’s TV, removes his jacket to reveal the present
underneath. She takes it, hands it childishly to Stone.
ALEX
I wanted to surprise you. I’m sorry,
but I couldn’t help looking around.
I swear I just got her right before
you came in...
(beat)
There’s so many freaky things that
involve you, Stone. Ever since I met
you, you’ve been one big question
mark. I only wanted to find out what
was going on -- if you were in trouble
or something. Thought that’s what
friends did.
Stone takes the box, doesn’t know what to say.
STONE
Thanks, I guess.
He tosses it to a chair.
ALEX
Aren’t you going to open it?
STONE
Alex! Gimme a break! You just broke
into my apartment!
ALEX
No, I used my key...
She stops short, realizing that’s just as bad.
ALEX (CONT)
I’m sorry, Stone. I’ll never do it
again.
Lizzy -- already frazzled by the current situation with Ash and Lulu -- gets
even MORE uptight by Alex’s presence.
LIZZY
What are we gonna do about her?!
Alex’s eyes explode. All of the talk about killing and Hell has spooked her
big time.
ALEX
I promise, Stone, I won’t say a word
to anyone! Please, please don’t kill
me! I’m begging you...
Stone sees she has it all wrong.
STONE
I’m not some nut case serial killer,
Alex.
ALEX
But I heard you talking about...
STONE
...Something you don’t understand.
Frustrated, Stone plops down on the couch. He pats the cushions, inviting
Alex to join him.
She hesitates.
STONE
It’s okay, Alex.
(beat)
Really.
Still a little scared, Alex sits down. As far away from Stone as the couch
will allow.
Stone and Lizzy exchange glances. Should they tell her? Lizzy throws up her
hands, as if to say “What difference does it make now?”.
STONE
Do you believe in Heaven and Hell?
Alex’s eyebrows raise. Off this reaction we...
DISSOLVE TO:
STONE’S APARTMENT - LATER
Stone has laid it all out; nothing held back. All in all, Alex looks like
she’s taken it pretty good.
ALEX
(gulps)
I think I’m gonna throw up.
Then again, maybe not.
STONE
You want a drink?
She nods YES. Stone motions for Lizzy to bring her something.
ALEX
You know, I alway thought there was
something different about you. You
just gave off this weird vibe.
(beat)
I guess this explains a lot of things.
Like why you don’t have any toilet
paper.
Lizzy hands her a glass. Alex gulps it down quick.
STONE
Well, certain bodily functions don’t
really matter once you -- you know--
come back.
Alex puts the glass down, holds up her hand to stop him from going any
further.
ALEX
That’s okay, I’ve heard enough for
one lifetime.
STONE
I’m sorry you had to find out.
They sit in heavy silence for a beat. Alex looks from Stone to Lizzy and
back, taking it all in.
ALEX
So everything’s true -- Heaven and
Hell and all that shi-
She catches herself just in time.
ALEX
(eyes Heavenward)
Sorry -- I meant crap. We really get
judged for what we do while we’re
serving time on planet Earth?
Stone and Lizzy nod slowly.
ALEX
What did you two go to Hell for?
(quickly)
No! I don’t wanna know.
LIZZY
Right now that isn’t important.
STONE
Agreed. We’re here... and that’s that.
ALEX
But what about this -- Ash person?
Stone and Lizzy exchange glances.
LIZZY
Yeah, Stone, what about her?
Stone thinks a second.
STONE
Do you know where Ash is now?
Lizzy cringes at this question.
LIZZY
Stone, I...
STONE
This is IT, Lizzy! Whatever Ash has
been planning is about to come crash-
ing down on top of us!
Lizzy realizes she’s cornered from all sides. Either direction she takes is
going to be dangerous.
STONE
COME ON! WHERE IS SHE?!
LIZZY
(quietly)
She keeps moving around, never stays
in the same spot for very long. I
can take you to the last place I saw
her, but there’s no guarantee she’ll
still be there.
STONE
Good enough.
He gets up, grabs his jacket.
STONE (CONT)
Let’s go...
Lizzy slowly rises, starts to follow Stone out the door.
ALEX
Zeke... what should I do... now that...?
Stone goes back to Alex, cups her chin with his hands, looks compassionately
in her eyes.
STONE
Stay here -- go about your life as if
none of this even happened.
ALEX
But -- it HAS happened…
STONE
Then pray, I guess. Now you know it
really works...
Stone and Lizzy exit.
Alex looks to the Heavens again.
A beat. Then, she kneels down in front of the couch.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LULU’S PLACE - DAY
Lulu is kneeling in front of her altar, weaving an INCANTATION over a totem
that represents Dan. She mumbles several mysterious words, then takes a
handful of POWDER from a small container on the altar, sprinkles it over the
totem.
More mysterious words. Then, several GESTURES with her hands over the totem
of Dan.
WOOSH! A gust of wind blows through her loft! The candles FLICKER. The wind
elevates Lulu’s actions. She places the totem on the floor, stands up,
begins to pace around in some kind of ritual dance.
MORE WIND! Yet, the candles remain lit.
Lulu’s dance increases in tempo, as well as her incantation.
Suddenly, she STOPS! HOLDS HER ARMS OUT WIDE TO EITHER SIDE, THEN DROPS TO
THE FLOOR IN A HEAP! THE CANDLES EXTINGUISH EXACTLY WHEN SHE MAKES CONTACT
WITH THE GROUND!
A beat.
Lulu’s drained. Weakened by the amount of energy required to cast the spell
over Dan. She can hardly move. But her face betrays an evil grin -- she
knows it was successful.
EXT. A CITY STREET - DAY
Dan is walking along, his arms full of shopping bags. Suddenly, his CELL
PHONE RINGS. It takes some re-arranging of the shopping bags, but he finally
gets the phone answered.
DAN
Hello?
ROSALYN (on phone)
Hey, honey.
DAN
I got the pickles and peanut butter,
but they were all out of sardines.
You pregnant women and your cravings.
ROSALYN (on phone)
I’m sorry. What can I say? Pretty soon
you won’t have to go out like this.
DAN
Yeah... I’ll be up all night, trying to
get the baby to sleep after those
two A.M. feedings.
Dan suddenly STOPS IN HIS TRACKS. A strange look comes over him. Any show of
emotion suddenly vanishes. He almost looks like a zombie.
ROSALYN (on phone)
How much longer will you be?
He doesn’t answer right away.
ROSALYN (on phone)
Dan? You there?
DAN
It won’t be long now.
ROSALYN (on phone)
I’ll see you soon, then.
DAN
Right.
ROSALYN (on phone)
Bye, Dan. I love you.
Dan clicks off without responding. He puts his cell phone away, continues
his walk down the street. As he comes closer to us, we SEE he wears the same
evil grin that Lulu had.
END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
INT. A DARK ROOM - DAY
We are back in the same room from our teaser. Even in the daylight, the
place looks creepy.
The door opens. A beat. Then, Stone enters, weapon drawn. He pokes his head
in and out rapidly. Nothing happening. He steps in cautiously, finger still
embracing the trigger.
Lizzy walks in a couple of steps behind. She’s pretty sure Ash has vacated
the place, but she’s still worried that something bad could happen.
Stone makes a sweep of the joint. Outside of the bed in the middle of the
room, the place looks deserted.
Lizzy walks over to the bed, bends down, touches the spot she knelt in front
of Ash. Looks like a shiver runs through her spine -- if that were possible.
Stone comes up behind her, holsters his gun.
STONE
I guess it was too much to hope for.
She keeps her back to Stone as she speaks to him.
LIZZY
There’s something I didn’t tell you
yet, Stone. The real reason I came
after you.
STONE
What is it?
LIZZY
Your wife got married again, right?
STONE
Yeah.
LIZZY
Lulu was gonna have her new husband
be the one who kills her.
STONE
WHAT?!
LIZZY
She’s planning on casting a spell on
him. It may already be done by now.
I know we don’t always see eye to eye,
but both of them are innocent of all
this. Whatever I did in my lifetime…I
couldn’t stand in the background on
this one.
Stone thinks madly for a beat.
STONE
What about Pandora?! If we could find
her, maybe she...
LIZZY
She’s gone way low... totally off the
radar ever since I brought Lulu to
town. Pandora’s not gonna be found
unless she WANTS to be found. And
believe me, she wants nothing to do
with Ash right now.
STONE
How do you know?
LIZZY
Ash has been trying to contact her
for weeks. Pandora isn’t responding
at all. From what I’ve heard, Pandora
kept her powers guarded when she was
a slave. Her Master beat her when he
discovered she had supernatural powers.
I don’t think she ever got over the
fear of what trouble her abilities
could bring her.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
You’re right.
Stone and Lizzy swirl around to see...
PANDORA
standing in the doorway. She looks tired; an air of defeat envelopes her
body. Clutched tightly under her right arm is a BATTERED MAHOGONY BOX.
Inside the box are small bone fragments; one for each of the remaining
Damned Souls that is still on the run. Pandora knows instantly where each of
the Damned are, simply by touching the bone fragment that represents their
Souls. She has acted as a “mental computer” in Ash’s army, keeping track of
every Damned Soul throughout their time among the Mortals.
Stone cautiously approaches her. Given what Lizzy just said, he’s got to
wonder what she’s up to.
Pandora walks into the room, meets Stone halfway.
PANDORA
I’m tired of hiding. Tired of the
burden Ash has laid upon my shoulders.
I didn’t ask to be born with these
powers. I never wanted them.
(to Stone)
Do you KNOW what it is to be feared
simply because you are who you are?
She turns to Lizzy.
PANDORA (CONT)
To be stolen from your home and sold
into slavery? Beaten by a man who
calls himself your MASTER? What would
YOU do -- what COULD you do?
(beat)
You’d realize the only chance you had
was to kill him. In the midst of chaos
clarity often comes. Or so I thought.
The slaves on my plantation revolted
one night. It was easy to throw my lot
in with theirs. Even though I was a
healer to my people, I found I had it
within me to TAKE a life. That may not
cause either of you concern, but to me
it was as if I betrayed my beliefs. I
DID betray them. Fully and freely.
(beat)
I was killed that same night. And just
was my damnation. I deserved the punish-
ment I received. I never would have been
able to live with myself after committing
so cruel an act.
Pandora puts her hand to her head, the memory weighing heavy.
PANDORA
But, from this there IS no hiding. Not
any longer. Ash must be stopped.
Stone regards her.
STONE
Will you help us?
Pandora scoffs.
PANDORA
Yes, everyone WANTS something from
Pandora. But no one is willing to
OFFER something in return.
STONE
I don’t have much to give...
PANDORA
You have more then you realize.
A beat. He understands exactly what she means.
STONE
Is that what you want?
PANDORA
Do you think you or I really have a
choice in this? You’re as much chained
to the Dark One as I am to Ash. I’ll
wager neither of us wants to be shackled
any longer. At least YOU have a chance
at mortality again.
(beat)
I want out. For this to be over -- at
least for me.
Stone nods. She’s right all the way. Pandora is one of the 113. He HAS to
return her if he ever wants to live a Mortal life. And they both know that
fact.
STONE
Do you know where Ash is?
PANDORA
She alone is the one Damned Soul I
have no insight to. It was at her
insistence.
STONE
What about Lulu?
She sifts her weight from one foot to the other.
STONE (CONT)
Please. My wife -- Rosalyn has nothing
to do with this.
(beat)
Help me at least TRY to save her.
Pandora hesitates, then places the mahogany box on the floor. Opening it,
she rummages around until she finds the bone fragment she’s looking for. She
holds it up for them to see. It’s a bit larger then most of the other
smaller, domino sized pieces. This one is close to a pencil in length.
She goes to Lizzy, places the bone in her hand, closes Lizzy’s fingers
tightly. Then, Pandora grips both of her hands around Lizzy’s clenched fist.
PANDORA
She is alone, in the place she
worships her god. Do you know where
this is?
LIZZY
Yes.
PANDORA
She is weak -- due to the incantation
she cast. It takes a considerable
amount of energy for her to invoke this
spell, since it involves making a Mortal
commit an act he would not otherwise do.
The only chance you have of overpower-
ing her is to confront her while she
is maintaining it. Otherwise, she will
defeat you. She may STILL defeat you.
Even under these circumstances, she is
a threat.
LIZZY
Why give this to me?
PANDORA
I don’t want it any longer.
Stone looks at the box.
STONE
What about that?
Pandora lets go of Lizzy’s hand, walks over to the box, kneels down to
collect it.
PANDORA
It will be of no use to anyone. I
alone empower it’s contents. Keep
it. Burn it. I don’t care. As long
as I am rid of it’s burden.
STONE
Fair enough.
A beat.
PANDORA
Are you ready?
STONE
...Yeah, I’m ready.
Lizzy looks pretty uncomfortable.
LIZZY
I’m gonna wait for you outside.
STONE
Go ahead.
Lizzy takes one last look at Pandora, then exits.
STONE
Thank you...
Pandora closes her eyes, nods her head.
PANDORA
You’re welcome, Ezekiel.
She opens her eyes, stares straight ahead at Stone.
Stone raises his gun, takes aim.
STONE
You’re a good woman, Pandora. Maybe
your -- Master -- deserved what he got.
PANDORA
He would have received a just punishment
for his action on the other side. It is
not for us to take life from the living.
I think you know that now. And probably
your companion, too.
Stone can only nod in agreement.
A beat. Then...
BLAM! BLAM! Stone fires his gun -- two rounds strike there targets
perfectly.
In a fury of blue electricity, Pandora’s essence is returned to Hell.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
Lizzy walks out onto the fairly deserted sidewalk. Ash isn’t one for the
high rent district; the surroundings are pretty grimy.
She looks down at the bone fragment in her hand. Thinks a moment. She
wonders if she should have asked Pandora to give her the one that represents
HER Soul. She’s still a little distrustful of all these mystical goings-on.
Before she has a chance to act on that impulse, Stone appears at the
building entrance. His face grim. Looks like the deed was done.
They exchange a meaningful look.
LIZZY
What do we do now?
STONE
I have to find Rosalyn, get her out
of the way somehow. Then, find Dan
and keep him occupied while you take
out Lulu.
Lizzy swallows hard. Stone sees her reluctance.
STONE
You HAVE to do it, Lizzy. If it’s
like you said, there’s no way I
can get close enough to her. You’re
the only one who can stop her.
She nods YES.
LIZZY
Okay, then. Let’s do it.
INT. A DARK ROOM - DAY
IN the middle of the floor is a BURN MARK left behind from Pandora’s return
to Hell. In the center of the burn mark, her battered mahogany box is just
beginning to engulf itself in flames.
INT. KING HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Rosalyn has just placed a call. She stands with the phone in one hand, the
other holding her very big stomach. Her face is a little pale; looks like
she's anxious.
Her MOTHER (SUSAN) comes into the Living Room, also looking anxious. The two
women exchange EYE CONTACT.
Rosalyn is growing impatient; no one’s answered her call yet.
Finally, somebody picks up on the other end.
ROSALYN
Dan?
INT. DAN’S CAR - DAY
Dan is at the wheel, driving calmly. He’s got his cell phone pressed to one
ear. His face blank.
DAN
Yes, dear.
His voice is nearly void of emotion.
INTERCUT
ROSALYN
Dan... it’s time.
DAN
Okay, sweetheart, I’m on my way. Sit
tight. I’ll be home in a minute.
Rosalyn holds the phone away from her ear, looks quizzically at it for a
second. As wound up as Dan was earlier in the day, he almost sounds
irritated now. This is the second time today he’s acted strange.
She places the phone back to her ear.
ROSALYN
I’ll be ready to go when you get
here.
DAN
I’m sure you’ll be fine, dear.
ROSALYN
I love you, Dan.
A beat.
DAN
(almost forced)
I love you, too.
CLICK. Dan’s already cut the connection.
Rosalyn hangs up the phone slowly.
SUSAN
Is something wrong?
ROSALYN
No... no, he’s on his way.
Despite her words, Rosalyn isn’t so sure if that’s really the case.
Still holding her stomach, Rosalyn walks over to the WINDOW, stares out into
the growing evening shadows.
She knows in the next few hours her life is about to change forever.
END ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
EXT. CITY STREET - AT A PAYPHONE - NIGHT
Standing under a dim street light is Stone, leaning against the payphone,
receiver pressed tightly to his ear.
STONE
Kane?
EXT. OUTSIDE A GAS STATION - NIGHT
KANE is squatting down behind a POLICE CAR. He’s got his cell phone held
slightly away from his ear, halfway paying attention to the call.
KANE
Yeah -- Kane here.
INTERCUT
STONE
It’s Stone. Listen, I --
KANE
Stone -- this isn’t a good time for
me right now...
We PULL BACK from Kane, and SEE he’s smack dab in the middle of a DOZEN
POLICE CARS, lights flashing on all of them. About TWENTY UNIFORMED COPS are
scattered here and there, WEAPONS drawn, all pointed at the gas station.
FROM THE GAS STATION
we SEE a CRAZY GUNMAN holding a FRANTIC WOMAN at gunpoint. They are inside
the small office, which has several BULLET HOLES in the front window.
There’s BLOOD visible on the walls.
STONE
I need a favor...
KANE
Didn’t you hear me? I’m right in the--
STONE
(cutting him off)
This is important!
KANE
Hey, I have a job to do, too, remember?!
Stone rubs his eyes.
STONE
I’m sorry, Will, but if you don’t
do this for me...
KANE
Zeke, there’s NO WAY I can pull out
of here. I got a loony that’s already
whacked a gas station attendant, and
primed to do a customer any second.
A beat.
STONE
What about Sophia?
KANE
No good, either. She’s on a stake
out in the Bronx. I haven’t even
seen her myself for two days.
Stone’s up against the wall now.
STONE
Rosalyn’s in trouble, Will. I need
you to go and get her, take her some-
place for a while.
He’d like to help Stone out, but there’s no way he can leave.
KANE
(sincere)
I’m sorry, Stone, but I can’t.
(beat)
You’ll have to do it yourself.
Stone freezes.
STONE
No, I --
KANE
You can’t WHAT? Put yourself to the
side to save the woman who loved you
more then her own life?
His words cut Stone deep.
KANE (CONT)
This whole thing of you barricading
yourself away from her won’t mean
diddly squat if she gets killed, will
it?
STONE
I don’t know...
KANE
Well, I DO know! It’s you or nobody
this time, Zeke. Time to decide what’s
more important; your secret or her
life.
It doesn’t take Stone long to make up his mind.
STONE
Do you know where she’s at?
KANE
Her mother’s house. At least that’s the
last place I knew she was staying.
STONE
Damn. I‘m nowhere close to there.
KANE
Tell you what -- I’ll send a squad car
for you, have ‘em take you there. Where
you at now?
SMASH CUT:
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Rosalyn is worried. Dan should have been here by now. Her Mother pats her on
the shoulder, comforting.
SUSAN
Don’t worry, dear. When you were born,
it took your father twenty minutes to
get the car started.
The words don’t have much effect on Rosalyn.
ROSALYN
Dan wouldn’t be late unless some-
thing happened to him.
Rosalyn picks up the phone, begins to dial.
INT. DAN’S CAR - NIGHT
In no hurry, Dan guides the vehicle lazily down a residential street. He’s
about ten minutes from the King house. That evil grin still plastered on his
mug.
BRING! The cell phone, laying on the passenger seat, goes off. He looks at
it, lets it continue to ring.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Rosalyn slowly hangs up the phone, turns to her Mother.
SUSAN
If he’s not here in five more minutes
we’ll call a taxi.
ROSALYN
I am NOT going to be driven to the
hospital in a taxi to deliver my baby,
Mother! We wait for Dan!
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
Resting on her bed is Lulu. She’s still drained, but has regained her focus
somewhat.
Silently, the DOOR opens. Lizzy peers out from behind the door, her mind
full of fear. Does Lulu know she’s there? Will she be able to sneak up on
her and do the deed?
INT. SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
Stone is seated in the front seat next to a UNIFORMED PATROLMAN. Neither one
saying a word. We HEAR the siren blazing away.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
The squad car ZOOMS into the night, lights flashing.
EXT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
At last, Dan pulls into the driveway.
INT. KING HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Rosalyn SEES the car’s headlights through the window, breathes a sigh of
relief. Finally.
She starts to get her bags, but then stops suddenly. The headlights go OFF.
The engine is then TURNED OFF. Very strange.
Rosalyn and her Mother exchange a glance.
EXT. KING HOUSE - DRIEVWAY - NIGHT
Dan slides out of the car, leaving the door open. He takes his time walking
to the front door.
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
Lulu’s still in bed, eyes closed.
Lizzy TIPTOES across the floor. Her gaze darts back and forth, looking for
some kind of weapon she can use to take out Lulu’s eyes. There isn’t much to
pick from, really.
Then, she remembers the bone fragment Pandora gave her. She quickly removes
it from her pocket, grips it tightly in one hand.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Dan enters the household, face very plain. No hint of any kind of
“father-to-be“ panic evident.
Rosalyn takes a good look at him. He doesn’t seem to be all there.
ROSALYN
Dan -- what’s wrong? What took you so
long? Why didn’t you answer my call?
He ignores her, walks into the living room, plops down on the couch.
SUSAN
Did you hear her?
Dan says nothing, continues to flash that silly grin.
Susan walks right up to Dan, gets almost nose to nose with him.
SUSAN
Are you drunk?! I bet he’s stinking
drunk!
INT. PATROL CAR - NIGHT
The siren has stopped now.
Stone hunches up to the front of the seat.
STONE
Let me off at that corner. Kill the
lights. I don’t want to panic anybody
inside.
EXT. STREET CORNER - NIGHT
The patrol car’s lights go off. It slows down, comes to a halt. In a flash,
Stone is out the door.
PATROLMAN
You gonna be okay? Should I stick
around?
STONE
No. You don’t want any part of this.
The Patrolman shakes his head, then drives off.
Stone makes his way towards the…
INT. KING HOUSE - DAY.
WHACK! Dan has BACKSLAPPED Susan!
ZOOM! She goes FLYING across the room.
SMASH! She lands against a FLOOR LAMP, crashing violently to
the ground.
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
C.U. ON LULU
The sudden actions by Dan causes a SURGE in her control over the
incantation. While Dan was relatively calm, Lulu was able to more or less
relax. Now that he’s engaged in physical activity, it means she’s going to
have to exert more energy to maintain control of the spell.
Lulu opens her eyes to SEE...
LIZZY
standing right above her, a hand extended directly over her eyes, holding
the bone fragment.
Lizzy hesitates a moment, then PLUNGES THE FRAGMENT STRAIGHT DOWN!
AT THE LAST SECOND, LULU REACHES UP AND STOPS LIZZY! THE FRAGMENT HOVERING
JUST INCHES ABOVE HER LEFT EYE!
EXT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Stone is at the door. He grips the handle, hesitates. Then he HEARS a CRASH
from inside!
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
SLAM! Stone swoops in. He sizes things up in a flash;
SUSAN
out cold amid the remains of the broken floor lamp.
DAN
grinning as if he’s auditioning for THE JOKER in the next BATMAN movie.
AND ROSALYN
rooted to the floor in fear. Is that really ZEKE standing in her living
room?
Stone heads towards Rosalyn. She backs up quickly.
ROSALYN
Stay away! Don’t come near me!
DAN
(in Lulu's voice)
Yes, Ezekiel, stay away from her!
Rosalyn’s eyes go wide! It sounds like Dan’s possessed!
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
Lulu has gotten up from the bed. The two of them continue to struggle
roughly; Lizzy trying to plunge the bone fragment into Lulu’s eyes, while
Lulu seeks to remove the means of her demise from Lizzy’s grip.
Lulu’s battle with Lizzy causes her incantation to weaken. Having to devote
energy to fight makes her power over Dan lessen slightly.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Dan -- now feeling less of a pull from Lulu’s spell, starts to clear his
head. He looks around, realizes something’s not quite right. But he’s still
under Lulu’s influence, no matter how small the amount.
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
WHAM! Lulu lands a KNEE TO LIZZY’S MIDSECTION! Lizzy falls in a heap, but
still keeps a hold on the fragment.
Lulu steps back, places both hands to her temples, concentrates.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Dan SNAPS BACK UNDER THE SPELL. He walks methodically towards Rosalyn, hands
outstretched in her direction.
DAN
(Lulu's voice)
You must die to free the others...
ROSALYN
DAN! WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?!
He keeps coming.
STONE
Keep away from him! He’s under some
kind of mind control!
Roslyn back away from Dan. Stone positions himself between them.
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
Lulu’s got the incantation back under control. She now walks over to Lizzy,
who is flat on her back, moaning softly; the bone fragment still in hand.
LULU
You really thought you could take
my eyes? How pitiful.
Lulu STEPS ON LIZZY’S WRIST -- HARD. We HEAR the brittle sound of BONES
SNAPPING!
LIZZY
AARRGGHH!!
Even though it’s torture, Lizzy doesn’t release her grip on the fragment.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Stone staves Dan off with a straight arm. He keeps coming forward, like a
steam roller headed downhill.
STONE
I don’t want to hurt you...
But it doesn’t look like he has a choice. Dan has no intention of stopping.
Regret on his face, Stone balls up a fist -- lets it FLY!
WHAM! He clocks Dan square on the chin! It doesn’t faze him in the least.
DAN
(Lulu's voice)
Thanks for the love tap.
Stone was holding back, still conscious that he’s really fighting a Mortal
-- and a Mortal that means the world to Rosalyn, too.
Realizing it’s going to take all of his might, Stone cocks his arm back --
SOCKO! STONE DECKS DAN. PLOP! DAN HITS THE GROUND!
ROSALYN
DAN!
She tries to go past Stone to get at Dan. Stone holds her back.
STONE
Don’t touch him!
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
Stone’s K.O. of Dan impacts Lulu. She reels, as if hit by Stone’s
punch.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Rosalyn fights against Stone’s restraint.
ROSALYN
What did you do to him?!
STONE
Keep back! He’s still not free of
the spell yet!
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
Lizzy SEES Lulu doubled over, realizes this is IT. She takes the bone
fragment in her good hand, steadily makes her way towards Lulu.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Dan lays on the floor, breathing shallow, face pale. But his barely open
eyes confirm he’s still in a trance.
Stone pushes Rosalyn back gently, then goes over to check Dan’s condition.
He can tell Dan’s alive, but a Mortal taking a blow meant to bring down a
Damned Soul can’t be in good shape.
The shock of seeing Stone and the following events have finally caught up to
her. Rosalyn doubles over, holding her stomach, moaning loudly. Slowly, she
drops to the ground.
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
Lulu sits up, tries to regain full control over her incantation. Once more
she places her hands to her temples.
INT. KING’S PLACE - NIGHT
Stone, distracted by Rosalyn’s condition, turns away from Dan.
WOOSH! DAN SITS STRAIGHT UP, GRABS STONE BY THE NECK, STARTS TO CHOKE HIM
WITH ALL THE STRENGTH OF A DAMNED SOUL!
WHAM! WHAM! STONE STRIKES DAN OUT OF REFLEX! A LEFT TO THE JAW, A RIGHT
DIRECTLY TO THE HEART! WE HEAR DAN’S RIB’S SHATTERING AS HE GOES FLYING
ACROSS THE ROOM!
INT. LULU’S PLACE - NIGHT
WOOSH! LIZZY PLUNGES THE BONE FRAGMENT INTO LULU’S RIGHT EYE! SHE PULLS IT
OUT LIKE LIGHNTING, DRIVES IT INTO THE LEFT EYE A SPLIT SECOND LATER!
LULU
AARRGGHH!!!!!!!
LULU SCREAMS IN AGONY! TWO BOLTS OF BLUE ELECTRICITY ERUTP FROM HER EYES AS
SHE IS SUCKED BACK TO HELL!
Lizzy collapses on the floor, totally spent.
INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT
Stone grips his chest in pain! The tattoo of Lulu is burning off!
Grimacing, Stone crawls across the floor to Rosalyn. Looks like she’s going
to drop the baby any moment. Tears flow down her cheeks -- half from the
pain of impending motherhood, and half because of Stone’s dramatic return to
her life.
STONE
Hang on, Rosalyn, I’ll get an you
an ambulance.
She’s in such turmoil she can’t respond. She just lays there, clutching her
stomach and writing in pain.
Stone searches for the phone, quickly finds it and dials 911. In a second,
his call is answered.
STONE
I need an ambulance -- make that two
ambulances at 4813 Wildcrest right away!
A woman’s about to give birth. And
someone else is badly hurt.
Not waiting for a reply, Stone tosses the phone to the floor, goes to check
on Dan.
Dan’s almost gone. Stone’s body blow fractured his ribcage, probably
rupturing his heart.
Stone holds Dan’s head up by the neck. He can tell Dan’s free of Lulu’s
incantation. Although life is slowly ebbing from his eyes, they’re clear.
STONE
I’m sorry... so sorry for all this.
DAN
Is she okay?
STONE
Yeah, she’s gonna be alright. We’re
on our way to the hospital now.
DAN
You’re her first husband...?
Stone nods YES.
DAN (CONT)
Why did you leave her? It broke her
heart.
STONE
It broke mine, too.
beat)
I made a mistake, so I tried to stay
away, to keep out of her life.
DAN
You were never out of her life. Never...
Dan closes his eyes.
STONE
C’mon, hang in there for me... for Rosalyn.
DAN
Do you still love her?
STONE
Of course...
DAN (CONT)
Then take care of her... promise me...
you will...
STONE
I promise...
DAN
Tell her... I loved her... more then she’ll
ever know.
And Dan is gone.
Stone gently lets Dan rest on the floor. Crossing to Rosalyn, Stone
discovers she has passed out. He sits beside her, cradling her in his arms.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. INSIDE AMBULANCE - NIGHT
Rosalyn laying on stretcher, an I.V. stuck in her arm. She’s also got an
oxygen mask over her mouth.
Stone is to her left, trying to calm her as the E.M.Ts frantically do their
job.
ROSALYN
(weak)
Dan... what happened to Dan...?
STONE
Shush -- lay still -- we’re almost to
the hospital.
One of the E.M.T.s touches Stone’s shoulder, just enough to let him know he
needs to move out of the way.
His back to the ambulance wall, Stone reaches out and TAKES ROSALYN’S HAND
IN HIS. Her touch -- after so many years apart -- causes Stone to tremble.
EXT. E.R. ENTRANCE - NIGHT
The ambulance pulls up to the Emergency Room doors. The vehicle has barely
stopped, when WHAM! The back flies open! The two E.M.T.s JUMP DOWN, quickly
roll Rosalyn’s stretcher out.
An E.R. NURSE runs to meet them, taking all the vital information as fast as
it can be relayed to her.
Stone, feeling a little out of place, climbs out of the ambulance, stands
around wondering what the hell he should do next.
WHIRR! ANOTHER AMBULANCE pulls up to the E.R. When its doors part, Stone
SEES that it’s Susan being lifted out on the stretcher. She’s got her head
bandaged, as well as her right arm and shoulder. Looks like she took a hefty
whack, but will be alright. She doesn’t notice Stone as she’s wheeled past
him.
Stone watches them take her in.
SWISH. The automatic doors close swiftly, leaving Stone all alone.
He walks down the ramp, headed nowhere. His face wrenched with unparalleled
emotion. Finally, he looks to the Heavens.
STONE
Please, let her be okay.
We FOLLOW STONE’S GAZE to the stars, the screen FILLING with the beautiful
NIGHT SKY.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A SUNNY SKY - MORNING
The frantic evening has given way to a clean new day.
INT. ROSALYN’S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Laying in bed is Rosalyn. She’s delivered her baby girl, and is now fast
asleep. As far as deliveries go, it was more or less by the book -- even
though she was in bad shape when she was brought in. The doctors were able
to stabilize her. Once she was prepped, it went like clockwork.
The door is pushed back. In steps Stone. He’s worn out beyond description.
But the look on his face when he sees she’s alive and well makes everything
worthwhile.
Slowly, he pulls up a chair, walks to the bed. He sits there, just grateful
to simply be this close to her. If this were all there were left for him,
he’d still be satisfied.
Delicately, he brings his hand up, lets it hover over hers. He’s afraid to
grab hold of it. But he can’t resist. He takes her hand in his, lifts it
gently to his face, rubs his cheek with it. Again, he’s trembling.
STONE
Forgive me.
There’s nothing more he can do. He lets her hand drop to the bed, then puts
his head just at the ends of her fingertips.
He stays in this position for what seems like an eternity.
Suddenly, he feels a TINGLING on his scalp. Cracking an eye, he tries to
discover what’s causing the sensation. He looks up at...
ROSALYN
She’s perfectly still. Did she move, or was it his imagination?
Suddenly, her eyelids FLUTTER. Not quite all the way open, but she’s
definitely awake. Her fingers twitch, then her whole hand flexes.
Stone draws away from the bed, sits up straight. He’s speechless.
Rosalyn fully opens her eyes, takes in her surroundings. At last, she turns
to see...
STONE
He’s gone nose to nose with The Devil on many occasions. But he’s no match
for Rosalyn’s searching gaze.
ROSALYN
Zeke...
STONE
Yes, Rosalyn. It’s really me.
She sits in silence, playing back in her mind the events of the previous
night as best she can.
ROSALYN
My baby...?
STONE
She’s in the newborn nursery.
ROSALYN
Okay?
STONE
Ten fingers, ten toes. I saw her a
couple of hours ago. Cute as a button.
ROSALYN
My mother?
STONE
Fractured arm and shoulder, a little
bruised, but she’s gonna be fine.
She inhales deeply.
ROSALYN
Dan...?
He shakes his head NO.
STONE
I’m sorry.
A tear flows down her cheek.
ROSALYN
What happened to him? Why did he
try to kill me?
He can’t respond.
ROSALYN (CONT)
I heard his voice. That wasn’t Dan.
I refuse to believe it was him.
STONE
It’s hard to explain.
(beat)
Dan was -- possessed -- by a... Damned
Soul.
ROSALYN
A Damned WHAT?!
STONE
A Damned Soul. One that died and was
sent to Hell for their sins. And then
returned to the Mortal world.
He can see she’s not buying it.
STONE
There’s a lot to tell you, Rosalyn.
She looks directly into his eyes.
ROSALYN
Where have you been hiding for the past
seventeen years, Zeke? Thinking this
crazy scheme up? You REALLY expect me
swallow such a load of...
She stops, furious beyond words.
He leans closer to her.
STONE
Believe me, it’s not crazy. It’s
very, very real.
ROSALYN
(she has him now)
Then prove it.
Stone thinks for a second. Then he takes Rosalyn’s hand in his, pulls it to
his chest.
She’s a little scared, but lets him continue.
He opens his shirt, places her palm directly over his heart.
Rosalyn doesn’t respond at first. She’s not sure what he’s trying to do.
Then, she gets it perfectly. HE HAS NO HEART BEAT! HIS SKIN IS COLD, LIKE
THAT OF A CORPSE!
She pulls her hand away, clutches it tightly with her other hand.
STONE
I’m... a Damned Soul, too...
ROSALYN
How is this possible? Why...?
STONE
I WAS killed. When I died, I was sent
to Hell for my sin.
ROSALYN
What sin?
He closes his eyes, the painful memory building up inside.
STONE
I killed someone. Not in the line of
duty. I willfully and knowingly took
a man’s life. Set it up to look like
an accident.
ROSALYN
Who was it?
He can’t speak. His mouth is clenched shut.
ROSALYN
Zeke... tell me.
STONE
(quiet)
Gilbert Jax.
Rosalyn puts her hand over her heart.
STONE
I killed him, Rosalyn. He walked out
of that courtroom a free man. He was
GUILTY. But they set him free anyway.
Since no one saw fit to punish him for
his crime, it was up to me. He ruined
our lives! And he was going to ruin
someone else’s if he wasn’t stopped!
So, I killed him. I did it for you. I
did it for US.
(beat)
Then, when I was shot, I was damned
to Hell. And that’s where I’ve been.
Until two years ago.
ROSALYN
What happened? Why are you here now?
STONE
There was an escape. 113 of the most
vile creatures broke out of Hell. I was
sent to return them.
ROSALYN
Why you?
STONE
Sometimes I ask myself the same thing.
I guess I was the right one for the
job.
ROSALYN
(sarcastic)
Lucky you.
STONE
Luckier then you might think.
ROSALYN
What do you mean?
STONE
The Devil offered me a deal...
ROSALYN
(incredulous)
The Devil?! You mean -- THE Devil?
STONE
Yeah. Prince of Darkness. Master
of Lies. The one and only Devil.
She shrinks down into the mattress a bit.
STONE (CONT)
If I return all 113 Damned Souls, I --
He stops. Here it is at last. His chance to tell her what he’ll receive if
he succeeds.
STONE
I’ll be a Mortal again. Living, breath-
ing, bad breath, the works. I’ll be
given another chance at LIFE.
He searches Rosalyn’s face for any sign of hope.
Rosalyn seems to be on a different train of thought.
ROSALYN
If you were here for two years, why
didn’t you contact me?
STONE
I tried to a couple of times.
ROSALYN
(remembering)
The bank...
STONE
Yeah. I was there.
ROSALYN
And Valentine’s Day...?
He nods YES.
STONE
That’s the night I decided I had to
stay away from you.
ROSALYN
Why?
STONE
Because of me, your life was in danger.
It was safer for you if I stayed away.
Remember what happened with Barry?
She nods YES.
STONE (CONT)
He’s the ring leader of the escape.
Or rather, SHE’S the ring leader. Her
name is Ash. She knew how I felt about
you, and used you to get to me. Once
I realized I was putting your life in
jeopardy, I knew there was no hope of
us ever...
(beat)
She’s still out to get you, Rosalyn.
Ash had one of her followers put that
spell on Dan, try to kill you to get
me to... well, she wants me on her side.
Suddenly, what Stone said a moment ago clicks in Rosalyn’s mind.
ROSALYN
Wait a minute... you said if you send them
all back to Hell, you’d be given another
chance at life?
STONE
Yeah... if you can believe The Devil’ll
keep his word...
ROSALYN
That means we...
Stone inches forward in his chair. Is she really considering a reunion?
Before she can finish, the door OPENS. A FLOOR NURSE is wheeling in a small
cart with a CLEAR BABY CRADLE on top. The Nurse stops once she enters the
room, making sure she’s not intruding.
NURSE
Mrs. Copper?
Stone reacts to Rosalyn being addressed by that name.
ROSALYN
Yes...
NURSE
A little girl told me she wanted to see
her Mommy.
Rosalyn smiles wide as Nurse lifts the new born from her cradle, brings her
over to the bed.
Gently, Nurse lays the baby in Rosalyn’s arms.
NURSE
Congratulations.
(to Stone)
She’s a sweet little thing. You must
be very proud.
Stone mumbles a response.
NURSE
Did you both decide on a name yet?
Rosalyn can’t take her eyes away from her baby.
ROSALYN
...What...?
NURSE
A name. We have to put it on the birth
certificate.
Nurse looks at Stone for some help.
STONE
I...well, we...
ROSALYN
Danielle. Danielle Copper. After her
father.
Nurse pats Stone on the shoulder.
NURSE
How lovely!
Nurse starts to exit.
NURSE
I’ll let you all get to know your
new daughter. Congratulations again,
Mr. and Mrs. Copper.
Nurse leaves, closing the door on her way out.
Stone leans over Rosalyn, takes a good look at baby Danielle. She’s the
cutest thing on Earth.
STONE
She’s amazing, Rosalyn.
ROSALYN
Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Stone is conscious of how close the two of them are. He backs away a bit,
still uncomfortable.
STONE
Dan would have been proud. He loved
you with all his heart. His last words
were about you.
Another tear drops from her eye.
ROSALYN
I can’t do this alone, Zeke.
He looks at her intently. She returns the gaze.
ROSALYN (CONT)
I didn’t know what to believe when I
saw you out in L.A. I thought you’d
stopped loving me after... that you’d
faked your death because you didn’t
want anything to do with me.
STONE
No... how could I ever stop loving you?
ROSALYN
It wouldn’t be the first time a man
left a woman over something like
this. I’ve missed you so much, Zeke.
You’ll never know how many nights
I felt your body next to mine. Your
voice softly whispering my name while
I dreamt of you. I love you Zeke. I
always loved you...
Stone reaches out with both hands, places them on either side of her face,
and kisses his wife passionately.
For the first time in seventeen years, Ezekiel Stone feels the warmth of his
wife’s sensual lips. It almost brings him to his knees.
Finally, they separate.
STONE
I love you, Rosalyn.
They look at one another, as if discovering their love for the first time.
ROSALYN
How many are there left?
STONE
Enough. I’ve got more then half,
but there’s a way to take them all
out at once. Trouble is, I have to
kill Ash in order to do it.
ROSALYN
What makes her so powerful?
STONE
She’s the one who organized the escape.
She made all of the Damned Souls bind
themselves to her, swearing allegiance
to her in order to protect herself from
an uprising once they got free. If I
take her out, they all go with her. But
she’s dangerous. Now more then ever.
ROSALYN
Why?
STONE
(evasive)
Better right now that you don’t know.
Stone hates keeping the fact that Ash is pregnant -- and by him -- but he’s
not about to spoil the first moment of pure bliss he’s felt since before he
was damned to Hell.
STONE (CONT)
She’s out there right now, and I’ve
gotta go to work.
ROSALYN
Then do what you’ve got to do, Zeke.
And come back to me as fast as you
can.
He smiles, leans down and kisses her again.
STONE
Like Baretta used to say -- “You can
take it to the bank.”
Stone rubs Danielle’s face softly, then stands up. It’s time to bring Ash
down for good.
STONE
I’ll be in touch. I love you,
Rosalyn.
ROSALYN
I love you, Zeke.
He can’t tear himself from her, but knows he’s got to go. Face full of
emotion, Stone departs.
Rosalyn COOS baby Danielle, glowing with pride and love reborn.
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Stone bounds out the main entrance, the love of a good woman elevating him
to new heights.
Suddenly, a CAR pulls to the curb. The DRIVER gets out. It’s Kane. He heads
right for Stone.
KANE
HEY! Stone!
Stone hears his name, turns around.
STONE
Kane!
Kane reaches Stone, out of breath.
KANE
I got your message just now. Sorry
I couldn’t get here earlier. How’s
everything? Rosalyn okay?
Stone nods YES.
KANE
She have the baby?
STONE
A girl. Danielle.
KANE
Holy cow, a dame. I mean, a girl.
Stone can’t stop smiling.
KANE
So, it looks like things went well.
The reunion and all.
STONE
Yeah... it went great. She still loves
me, Will. After all this time, she
still loves me.
KANE
You’re one lucky S.O.B. to have a
woman like that.
STONE
I know.
(beat)
Listen, I hate to do this to you now,
but I --
KANE
-- Need a favor. Shoot.
STONE
Her husband, Dan -- he was under a spell.
One of Ash’s followers tried to get him
to kill her. I had to...
He can’t say it.
STONE (CONT)
I put his body in the basement before
the ambulance got to her mother’s
house. I know it’s damned irregular,
but since you know all of this, can
you...?
Kane understands what Stone wants.
KANE
Sure.
STONE
Rosalyn and her family don’t need to
be bothered with an investigation,
especially one that won’t turn up any
answers.
KANE
Consider it done.
STONE
Thanks.
KANE
What’s next?
Stone’s smile vanishes.
STONE
Ash...
FADE
THE END
Return to Top