Shen~Ring

FADE IN:1

INT. ICE RINK -- NIGHT2

SPOTLIGHTS make the ice sparkle. JAKE HARRIS, 32, handsome,3

clean-cut, helps his cute daughter JULIE, 4, onto an empty rink. 4

JULIE5

Daddy, I can’t.6

JAKE7

Yes you can, sweetie.  Jake pushes Julie again.8

She falls down, looks back at9

NICOLE HARRIS, 25, standing by the gates to the ice. 10

JULIE11

Mommy!12

Nicole rushes onto the ice. 13

NICOLE14

Are you okay, Julie?15

JULIE16

I want to stop, Mommy.17

JAKE18

We can’t quit now, Julie.19

You’re just starting to get the hang of it.20

Jake pulls Julie to her feet. Nicole grabs Julie’s arm.21

NICOLE22

She’s had enough, Jake.23

JAKE24

No, she can do it. Let’s try again.25

After a brief tug-of-war, Nicole lets go. Jake starts to push Julie again.26

She takes a few wobbly strides, then falls. Nicole winces, watching27

Jake help Julie to her feet, trying again. 28

CUT TO:INT. BEDROOM -- NIGHT29

Moonlight reveals ALASTOR CAIN, 12, skinny, jet-black hair,30

asleep in his bed. The door creaks open.31

Alastor wakes up, seeing ATALANTA, 12, his twin sister,32

shoulder-length black hair, bangs cut short, wearing a white33

satin nightgown. Alastor rubs his eyes as she scurries inside.34

ALASTOR 35

Attie? What are you doing?36

ATALANTA37

Don’t tell Daddy where I’m hiding. 38

ALASTOR39

Huh?40

ATALANTA41

Promise, Alastor. You have to promise.42

Heavy footsteps thunder towards the room.43

ALASTOR44

I promise. 45

Atalanta dives under the bed. BAM! The door to the room flings open,46

revealing Alastor’s FATHER, 42, drunk, bottle in hand. Alastor cowers.47

FATHER48

Where is she, boy?49

ALASTOR50

I don’t know.51

Father takes a swig. Suddenly, he storms over and starts BEATING52

Alastor with the whisky bottle. 53

FATHER54

Where is she?!55

ALASTOR56

I don’t know! I don’t know!57

Alastor shields his head with his arms. The bottle hammers him again58

and again--until it hits his skull and the wall at the same time.59

Broken glass and whisky shower down his face and chest.60

Father holds the broken bottle to Alastor’s throat like a knife.61

FATHER62

Where is she?63

ALASTOR64

(crying)65

I don’t know. I don’t know.66

CUT TO:67

INT. COURTROOM -- DAY68

A JUDGE BANGS his gavel. JULIE, older, now 9, rushes into Jake’s arms. 69

JULIE70

Daddy!71

JUDGE72

(to Bailiff)73

Take her away.74

A BAILIFF removes Julie from her father’s arms. Jake refuses to let go,75

but is restrained by his LAWYER. He watches his daughter led away by76

NICOLE. Julie looks over her shoulder.77

JULIE78

(crying)79

Don’t leave me, Daddy. Why are you leaving me?80

JAKE81

(chokes back tears)82

I love you, sweetheart. 83

CUT TO:84

INT. HOUSE -- ALASTOR’S BEDROOM -- NIGHT85

Alastor holds his shaking twin sister in his arms, both hiding under the86

bed. Heavy footsteps. Suddenly, the bed FLIPS away. They SEE their87

FATHER, towering above them.  Father grabs Atalanta by the wrist,88

dragging her away. Alastor grabs her89

ankles and won’t let go. Father kicks Alastor in the head.90

Alastor falls back, lets go of her ankles. 91

Alastor’s eyelids flutter, and he watches his screaming sister as she92

is dragged out of the bedroom into the hall. He slumps back onto the93

floor, unconscious. 94

CUT TO:95

EXT. NICOLE AND JULIE’S HOUSE -- NIGHT96

Parked at the curb in his CHEVY BLAZER, Jake watches the flickering light97

from a TV illuminate the downstairs window. A POLICE CAR pulls up behind98

him. An OFFICER hurries to Jake’s window.99

OFFICER100

Jake Harris, right?101

(Jake nods)102

Your wife called the Judge.103

He says you gotta get outta here right now or104

I have to take you in. 105

Jake starts his motor. He looks back at the house106

and spots Nicole’s silhouette standing in the window. He drives away.107

CUT TO:108

INT. HOUSE -- ALASTOR’S BEDROOM -- NIGHT109

Alastor comes to. He reaches inside a long cut in his mattress,110

pulls out a large HUNTING KNIFE. He stumbles out of the bedroom.111

IN THE HALLWAY Alastor limps toward a CLOSED DOOR.112

Atalanta’s SCREAMS echo from the other side. Alastor reaches for113

the doorknob--BLAM!! Alastor freezes. BLAM!! Alastor turns the knob,114

finding it LOCKED. Panicked, he kicks the door open.115

INSIDE FATHER’S BEDROOM Alastor SEES his twin sister and116

Father--DEAD.  Her nightgown splattered with blood, Atalanta’s body117

hangs out of a METAL CAGE. A small .38 dangles in her hand next to118

her bloody head. Father, naked, lies on the floor. 119

Stunned, Alastor staggers across the floor, littered with porno mags120

and sex toys. Reaching his body, Alastor repeatedly STABS his121

dead father in the heart. Blood sprays his face and neck. Sobbing,122

Alastor drops the knife, takes his sister’s hand. Suddenly, the blood123

on his body STARTS TO MOVE.  Alastor watches in horror as his father’s124

blood swirls around his left hand, spirals up his arm, around his neck,125

and down his right arm to his wrist and fingers.  The blood begins to morph126

into a SERPENT. Alastor’s right hand turns into the SERPENT’S HEAD.127

The serpent hisses and slithers as it looks at Alastor, then BITES his neck--128

CUT TO:129

INT. SHEN RING NIGHT CLUB -- BACKSTAGE -- NIGHT130

A MAN’S eyes snap open, as if suddenly awoken from a dream.131

He is ALASTOR CAIN, now 29, stringy shoulder-length jet-black hair.132

Alastor’s shirtless body reveals his massive, muscular frame. 133

Beginning on his left thumb, a blood-red TATTOO of the SERPENT spirals134

up his arm, around his neck, down his other arm, just like in his135

nightmare/flashback. The tail of the serpent is tattooed into his left hand136

thumb, the head of the serpent tattooed into his right hand thumb and137

index finger. He flexes before a mirror, locking his hands, JOINING the138

MOUTH of the tattooed serpent with its own TAIL.139

He stands behind a curtain. SOUNDS of a WILD CROWD echo from140

the other side. Alastor peeks through the curtain, seeing a MOB of141

GOTHIC FREAKS. He looks past the piercings, chains, and leather clad142

groupies up to the ceiling where a large METAL CAGE hangs.143

Inside the cage, a BLACK-HAIRED WOMAN dances. Angry,144

Alastor shuts the curtain. He turns around, barking at NADIA, 23,145

beautiful, long braided fiery red hair, muscular and toned.146

ALASTOR147

She doesn’t look like her at all! 148

NADIA149

It’s the best I could do. 150

The crowd begins to chant: ALASTOR! ALASTOR! ALASTOR!151

ALASTOR152

The best you could do? Fuck you! I’m not going out until you find153

someone else.154

Ashamed, Nadia hurries away.155

CUT TO:156

INT. PLANET ICE SKATING RINK -- NIGHT157

JAKE, now 43, and a WOMAN COACH, both wearing blue Planet Ice158

tracksuits, work with six girls on the ice. One of the girls is JULIE,159

now 15. Jake only has eyes for her. 160

The young figure skaters are spread out on the ice, working on161

compulsories. Jake blows his whistle, everyone skates to center ice.162

JAKE163

Okay, ladies. That’ll do it for today. See you all bright and early164

Sunday morning. The girls break into chatter, skating away.165

JAKE166

Julie.167

Julie stops, unable to escape. One of the girls, RACHEL, 15,168

wavy black hair, skates back with Julie towards Jake.169

JULIE170

Dad, please. It’s Friday night.171

JAKE172

(shaking his head)173

No way.174

RACHEL175

Come on, Coach. Give the girl a break.176

JAKE177

Do you two even care about State Championships? They’re just around178

the corner. Rachel, you need the extra practice even more than Julie.179

RACHEL180

Come on, Coach. You’ve seen the trophy case out there. 181

(motions towards lobby)182

You know Jules is a lock for State. Why not cut the girl some slack?183

Jake glares at the two girls.184

Frustrated, Julie stabs the ice with the185

toe of her blade. 186

JULIE187

(to Rachel)188

Look, I gotta do this.189

RACHEL190

Jules! What about--191

JULIE192

(cuts her off)193

I’ll see you tomorrow, alright?194

RACHEL195

Fine. See you tomorrow. 196

(to Jake)197

Later, Coach Stalin.198

Rachel skates away. WOMAN COACH skates over, pulls Jake aside.199

WOMAN COACH200

Jake, if Nicole calls the police one more time they’re going to take away201

your Sunday visitations.202

JAKE203

That’s different. On Sundays I’m her father. On the ice, I’m her coach.204

The best damn coach this city has ever seen. So when I say she needs205

extra work, Nicole knows it’s not Dad talking. It’s Coach.206

WOMAN COACH207

I hope you’re not pushing it, Jake.208

Woman Coach skates away. Jake motions Julie over. 209

JAKE210

Let’s try the triple axle. 211

Julie skates half a lap, picks up speed, then moves into a triple axle jump.212

She lands it shakily.213

JAKE214

Again.215

Julie sighs, starts again. Just as she starts the axle, her skate catches a rut.216

She stumbles, loses her balance, and falls hard onto the ice. Jake glides217

over to the moaning Julie.218

JAKE219

Get up.220

JULIE221

God, Dad. I might be hurt here, you know!222

JAKE223

Suck it up, Julie. Get up.224

Julie ignores him, rubbing her knee. Frustrated225

Jake grabs her by the arm, yanking her to her feet. 226

JULIE227

Ow! Dad!228

JAKE229

What’s the matter with you?230

You’re better than this. Focus, for Christ’s sake.231

Julie rips her arm away from Jake’s grip.232

JULIE233

I’m trying!234

JAKE235

Let’s do it again. Remember, lower your center of gravity--236

JULIE237

(cuts him off)238

--right before I go into the axle, I know. 239

Jake watches Julie skate backwards, lower herself, then jump into the240

triple axle--EXECUTING IT FLAWLESSLY. Satisfied, Julie stops, waiting241

for Jake’s reaction.242

JAKE243

My God, Julie. That was perfection.244

Better than perfect. Beautiful. That jump would win a gold medal. 245

Julie beams under Jake’s praise. Jake skates over to her, hugs her tight.246

JULIE247

Can we go home now?248

JAKE249

What? Julie, don’t you get it? Perfect once isn’t enough.250

You have to be perfect every time. Come on. 251

I want to see your short program. From the top. 252

Jake skates to the SCOREKEEPER’S BOX and slips a disc into the CD253

PLAYER. The P.A. System plays BUDDY HOLLY’S “True Love Ways.” 254

Jake slips into a trance, enraptured by his daughter gliding gracefully255

across the ice. Julie nails her triple axle, and continues into a flawless256

pirouette at center ice. Jake smiles like a man lost in a dream. 257

CUT TO:258

INT. SHEN RING NIGHT CLUB -- BACKSTAGE -- NIGHT259

Nadia leads RACHEL down a dark hallway. 260

RACHEL261

Where are we going?262

NADIA263

You’ll see. 264

They reach a curtain. Nadia pulls it back, revealing the STAGE.265

Curled up in a corner like a child, Alastor mumbles to himself.266

Stunned, Rachel gawks at Alastor.267

Behind the stage curtain the crowd CHANTS Alastor’s name.268

Nadia leads Rachel towards Alastor.269

RACHEL270

Oh my God, Mr. Cain...271

Alastor rises, gently touches her face. 272

ALASTOR273

Alastor.274

RACHEL275

(giggles)276

Okay, uh, Alastor. I am such a huge fan of yours.277

Oh my God, I can’t278

believe Jules is missing this!279

ALASTOR280

You’re tonight’s winner, Rachel. I want you to dance for me. 281

RACHEL282

You mean...in the cage?283

ALASTOR284

That’s right.285

RACHEL286

Oh my God! Are you serious?!287

Alastor nods. Nadia whisks Rachel away. Alastor starts to walk in circles,288

running his hands through his hair, mumbling to himself.289

CUT TO:290

INT. SHEN RING NIGHT CLUB -- NIGHT291

Alastor’s 2 BODYGUARDS clear a path for Nadia and Rachel.292

The metal cage lowers from the ceiling. A wave of anticipation293

washes over the crowd. 294

The gothic mob is ravenous, desperately trying to touch295

Rachel as she steps inside the cage. Rachel smiles, the envy296

of hundreds, ascending above the world in her metal throne. 297

Lights flicker and flash. Total darkness. A SPOTLIGHT bursts298

onto center stage where ALASTOR, shirtless, dressed in leather299

pants and boots, stands alone in front of a BAND.300

Alastor sings to Rachel in the cage. She returns his loving gaze.301

The crowd is in ecstacy. 302

CUT TO:303

EXT. NICOLE AND JULIE’S HOUSE -- NIGHT304

Jake’s BLACK CHEVY BLAZER pulls into the driveway of a305

modest tract home. The front door swings open and reveals the silhouette306

of-- NICOLE, now 36, waiting impatiently with her arms crossed.307

Julie sulks in the passenger seat. Jake kills the motor.308

JAKE309

Julie, what have I told you about practice?310

JULIE311

I know, I know. I have to be tough. But don’t you think you’re too hard on312

me sometimes? Rachel does. So do the other girls. Even Mom thinks so.313

JAKE314

What the hell do they know? There’s a reason you’re the best skater on our315

squad and they’re not. And of course your mother’s going to say that.316

She’ll say anything to make me look bad.317

JULIE318

What about the song, Dad? Rachel and the other girls get to skate to319

whatever they want, but I get stuck with Buddy Holly? 320

JAKE321

Do you know what I would give to have a voice like his? You don’t322

realize how much that song enhances the beauty of your skating. 323

JULIE324

Whatever. I still think it’s lame. 325

JAKE326

I don’t push you because I like to, you know. I’m trying to make our327

dreams come true. Just be sure to thank me when you win your gold medal. 328

Julie finally cracks, her pouty lip giving way to a smile. 329

JULIE330

I gotta go. Mom’s getting mad. 331

JAKE332

I love you, sweetheart. 333

JULIE334

I love you too, Dad.335

Julie kisses Jake on the cheek. 336

JAKE337

Pinky swear. 338

Jake extends his pinky finger. Julie wraps hers around his.339

JULIE340

Pinky swear.341

JAKE342

Sleep tight, Julie.343

Jake watches her hurry through the shadows towards the lighted doorway.344

As soon as Julie is inside, Jake’s smile disappears, and he returns Nicole’s345

cold gaze. She SLAMS the door shut.346

CUT TO:347

EXT. SHEN RING NIGHT CLUB -- NIGHT348

The sidewalk is thick with hundreds of young gothic freaks and misfits, rocking349

to the song “My Life With the Thrill Kult” by AFTER THE FLESH which blasts350

from inside.351

Above the entrance is a sign, written in calligraphy: SHEN RING352

A thin, golden ring encircles the words Shen Ring. 353

Encircling the golden ring is a large, detailed mural of a CRIMSON354

SERPENT devouring its own tail. The serpent is an exact match of355

Alastor’s tattoo.356

CUT TO:357

INT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT358

The stage is empty. Freaks dance and crash into one another in the359

MOSH PIT. The empty CAGE returns to its perch on the ceiling.360

NADIA escorts RACHEL towards the back. 361

Rachel watches the crowd cheer a SHIRTLESS FREAK, standing on362

an overhanging balcony. Suddenly, shirtless freak jumps off the balcony363

onto the crowd, BODY-SURFING.364

Nadia and Rachel come to a long hallway, guarded by Alastor’s 2 BODYGUARDS.  The Bodyguards forcefully push back a PACK OF365

RABID YOUNG WOMEN, all with black shoulder-length hair. 366

Seeing Nadia, the Bodyguards clear a path for her. Nadia leads367

Rachel down a hallway, to a black DOOR. A SIGN above the door368

reads: PRIVATE. They enter.369

CUT TO:370

INT. SHEN RING -- PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT371

Rachel follows Nadia into a large, dark LOUNGE, somewhat sound proofed372

from the relentless pulsing from the adjoining club. The room is low-key and373

quiet. A dozen patrons casually chat, drink, and smoke. While Rachel374

innocently looks around, Nadia shoots a look at Alastor, who is barely375

visible in the far back. The back of the room is very dark, and a young376

BLACK-HAIRED GIRL, 18, straddles Alastor, kissing his chest relentlessly.377

Alastor catches Nadia’s eye, and sees Rachel next to her.378

Alastor pushes the woman off of him, sending her away.  QUINCY, 28,379

a large man with a fu-man-chu, mixes drinks at the bar. He nods at Nadia,380

who leads Rachel to Alastor.381

RACHEL382

Alastor, you were so amazing tonight...383

ALASTOR384

No. You were amazing.385

RACHEL386

Thank you.387

ALASTOR388

How old are you, Rachel?389

RACHEL390

Fifteen. 391

He notices her staring at his tattoo.392

ALASTOR393

Do you like it?394

RACHEL395

Yes, it’s beautiful.396

ALASTOR397

You can touch it if you want.398

Rachel hesitates, then lightly touches Alastor’s neck, tracing the399

serpent down from his shoulder to his fingertips.400

Alastor melts under her touch.401

RACHEL402

What is it?403

ALASTOR404

It’s...a reminder.405

RACHEL406

Of what?407

Alastor grabs a handful of her hair, plays with it.408

He looks deep into her eyes.409

ALASTOR410

True love.411

Rachel blushes. Alastor takes her hand in his.412

ALASTOR413

Rachel, would you do something for me if I asked you to?414

RACHEL415

Yes, anything.416

Alastor pulls a PHOTO, encased in a hard plastic cover, from his pocket.417

He shows the photo to Rachel. IN THE PHOTO: ATALANTA418

stands smiling by a creek, wind blowing her hair.419

ALASTOR420

I want you to look like this. Cut your hair to shoulder length.421

Have it straightened. Bangs cut short. Then come back and see me.422

RACHEL423

Okay. Can I have the picture?424

Rachel reaches out to take the photo. Alastor recoils,425

clutching the photo to his chest like a priceless jewel.426

ALASTOR427

NO!!428

Rachel jumps, taken off guard by Alastor’s reaction.429

RACHEL430

I’m sorry...431

Alastor relaxes, hands the photo to Nadia.432

ALASTOR433

Xerox this for her.434

Nadia starts to escort Rachel away, but Alastor grabs her hand.435

He pulls Rachel into him, kissing her softly.436

ALASTOR437

Hurry back.438

CUT TO:439

INT. NICOLE AND JULIE’S HOUSE -- MORNING440

Making coffee, Nicole watches Julie sip orange juice and441

leaf through a figure skating magazine at the kitchen table.442

NICOLE443

What happened last night? Did your father say something about me?444

JULIE445

No, nothing. Can I sleep over at Rachel’s tonight?446

NICOLE447

What about practice tomorrow morning?448

JULIE449

Dad said he’d drive us.450

NICOLE451

Okay. But don’t stay out too late. Make sure you both get lots of sleep. 452

JULIE453

Yeah, relax, Mom.454

NICOLE455

I’m just trying to help, Julie. You remember what happened last456

time you showed up to practice tired?457

JULIE458

Dad was just stressed out that week, okay?459

He said a sleep-over was fine. 460

NICOLE461

I’m just saying. Make sure you’re rested.462

Julie bites her lip and stabs her croissant.463

CUT TO:464

INT. NICOLE’S HONDA CIVIC -- DAY465

Nicole and Julie pull into a MALL parking lot.466

NICOLE467

What time did you say your father was picking you up tomorrow?468

JULIE469

Nine.470

NICOLE471

Well, if he decides to take you out for lunch after practice,472

can you please call and let me know this time?473

Frustrated, Julie stares out the window.474

NICOLE475

Julie?476

JULIE477

Yeah, Mom. I heard, okay?478

Julie grabs her bag from the back seat. 479

JULIE480

He’s not a bad person, Mom.481

It’s just...he just loves me so much, you know?482

Nicole runs a hand through her daughter’s hair. 483

NICOLE484

We both do, sweetheart. 485

Julie kisses Nicole on the cheek. 486

JULIE487

Bye.488

NICOLE489

Have fun.490

Julie gets out of the car, waves to Nicole as she drives away.491

CUT TO:492

INT. MALL -- DAY493

Julie walks past a TOY STORE towards an empty bench in front of a494

RECORD STORE. Checking her watch, she notices 2 CHILDREN495

on plastic tricycles riding underneath a row of posters of ALASTOR,496

next to a CD display. IN THE POSTER, Alastor poses shirtless,497

flexing his ripped muscles, locking his hands together,498

his serpent tattoo forming a circle.499

DEEP VOICE (O.S.)500

Hey, baby.501

Julie whirls around to see RACHEL, smiling, with her new haircut:502

shoulder-length, short bangs, straightened.503

JULIE504

(laughing)505

Oh my God!! You look awesome.506

RACHEL507

I do, don’t I?508

JULIE509

When did you do this?510

RACHEL511

This morning. Do you really like it?512

JULIE513

Yeah, it’s great.514

RACHEL515

Let’s do the same for you! It’ll be perfect for tonight.516

JULIE517

No, I can’t. My Dad would kill me.518

RACHEL519

Who says he even has to know?520

Julie gives Rachel a puzzled look. Rachel grabs her hand.521

The girls giggle as they run through the mall.522

CUT TO:523

INT. NICOLE AND JULIE’S HOUSE -- NIGHT524

Nicole answers the RINGING phone in the kitchen.525

NICOLE526

Hello?527

INTERCUT WITH:528

INT. JAKE’S BLAZER -- NIGHT529

Jake holds his cell phone to his ear as he cruises down the freeway.530

JAKE531

Julie, please.532

NICOLE533

(cold)534

She’s not here. 535

JAKE536

Where is she?537

NICOLE538

Rachel’s.539

JAKE540

No, she’s not.541

NICOLE542

What?543

JAKE544

I’ve been calling all night. Nothing but the machine.545

NICOLE546

Did you try Julie’s cell?547

JAKE548

Of course I did! No answer! I even went over to Rachel’s.549

She’s not there!550

NICOLE551

Calm down, Jake.552

JAKE553

No, I won’t calm down Nicole! Julie is in your custody,554

which means you should know where she is at all times!555

NICOLE556

Jesus, Jake. They probably just went to a movie or something.557

Disgusted, Jake lowers the phone. He slides his finger over the558

END button, hesitates, puts the phone back to his ear.559

JAKE560

My lawyer is going to hear about this.561

CLICK. Jake tosses the phone onto the empty seat beside him.562

CUT TO:563

EXT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT564

Rachel and Julie walk past the loud and aggressive line of freaks.565

Julie’s hair is now the same as Rachel’s--shoulder-length, jet-black,566

bangs cut short.With her new look, Julie displays a strikingly eerie567

resemblance to ATALANTA. Rachel and Julie are stopped by a568

BOUNCER at the front entrance. 569

BOUNCER570

Whadda you think you’re doin’?571

Rachel reaches into her pocket, pulling out the XEROX photo of Atalanta.572

The Bouncer looks at the photo.573

RACHEL574

Alastor’s expecting us.575

BOUNCER576

Go ahead. 577

Freaks at the front of the line hiss at Rachel and Julie as they are578

allowed passage into the club.579

CUT TO:580

INT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT581

A live band performs on stage. Julie clings to Rachel’s arm as582

she is pulled through a sea of freaks. They reach the back,583

Rachel shows the XEROX to the Bodyguards.584

BODYGUARD 1585

Wait here.586

Bodyguard 1 disappears down the hallway to the private lounge.587

JULIE588

Rach, this is so cool.589

RACHEL590

What can I say? I’m VIP.591

JULIE592

Who is this Alastor guy, anyway?593

RACHEL594

Only, like, the most gorgeous man in L.A. He’s incredible. He owns this595

club. He’s like, seconds away from signing a huge deal with Epic Records. 596

JULIE597

So he’s just a singer?598

RACHEL599

Yeah, more like a god.600

Bodyguard 1 pokes his head out of the door to the private lounge.601

RACHEL602

Come on.603

Rachel and Julie hurry down the hallway into the lounge.604

CUT TO:605

INT. SHEN RING -- PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT606

Still linked at the arm, Rachel and Julie enter. Everyone stops talking,607

STARING at the girls. Slowly it becomes apparent everyone is608

examining one girl in particular--JULIE.609

JULIE610

Rach, what’s going on?611

QUINCY stands behind the bar, eyeing Julie. He taps the man612

in front of him, motions to Julie. LANCE, 28, muscular613

and rugged-looking, swivels on his bar stool to take a look.614

LANCE615

Jesus Christ.616

Nadia appears, rushes towards the girls. 617

RACHEL618

Hi, Nadia.619

NADIA620

Follow me.621

Nadia whisks the girls away towards the back of the lounge.622

She opens a DOOR to a BACK ROOM. Once inside,623

the lounge breaks into chatter. Lance and Quincy exchange a look.624

LANCE625

I’ll get Alastor.626

Lance jumps off his stool, hurrying out of the lounge.627

CUT TO:628

INT. PRIVATE LOUNGE -- BACK ROOM -- NIGHT629

Julie looks around the room, seeing a bed, a BAR,630

and walls covered with posters of Alastor himself.631

In the center of the far wall, a glass case protects a632

familiar object--633

Atalanta’s NIGHTGOWN hangs within the case,634

stains of blood splattered across the garment.635

On opposite sides of the glass case are 2 PORTRAITS,636

both of Atalanta. 637

In the first portrait, Atalanta, 6, smiles sweetly.638

The second is an exact portrait of the young girl from639

Alastor’s memories. 640

Nadia pushes the girls towards a leather sofa.641

Julie huddles close to Rachel, staring at the portraits.642

Nadia fixes drinks at the bar.643

JULIE644

Rach, I don’t like this.645

RACHEL646

Will you relax? I told you,647

Alastor really likes me and said I’m welcome anytime.648

JULIE649

Yeah, but--650

RACHEL651

Jules, chill out, okay? Just wait till you meet him.652

You won’t believe how perfect his body is. His muscles-653

-God, last time I could barely even talk.654

Rachel pulls a compact from her purse,655

starts to adjust her hair.656

RACHEL657

I really hope he likes my hair. It was his idea, you know.658

CUT TO:659

INT. PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT660

Alastor enters in a hurry, followed by Lance. A scrawny, SLICK661

LOOKING EXECUTIVE in an expensive suit approaches Alastor. 662

SLICK663

Alastor, we need to talk. There’s a few things we have to address664

before.665

Alastor shoves Slick away with one hand.666

The force of the shove knocks Slick down, back into the bar.667

Alastor enters the BACK ROOM. Slick rubs the back of his head.668

SLICK669

What the fuck?670

Lance helps Slick to his feet.671

LANCE672

Now is a really bad time.673

SLICK674

You think?675

CUT TO:676

INT. ALASTOR’S BACK ROOM -- NIGHT677

Alastor freezes when he sees Julie. He stands in silence, staring.678

Rachel smiles. Julie shifts uncomfortably under his gaze.679

Nadia approaches Alastor.680

NADIA681

Alastor.682

ALASTOR683

(snapping out of it)684

Yes?685

NADIA686

Your coat.687

Alastor spreads his arms. Nadia slips off his black leather coat.688

ALASTOR689

(to Nadia)690

I don’t believe it.691

NADIA692

You’ve finally found her.693

Nadia waits by the door. Alastor slowly approaches the girls,694

takes a seat across from them.695

RACHEL696

Hi, Alastor.697

ALASTOR698

Hi.699

RACHEL700

This is my friend Julie.701

Alastor holds out his hand. Julie hesitates before taking it.702

He kisses it gently.703

ALASTOR704

It’s a great pleasure, Julie. Tell me, how old are you?705

JULIE706

Fifteen.707

ALASTOR708

(motioning towards posters)709

Do you like this type of music?710

JULIE711

Yeah, it’s pretty cool. 712

ALASTOR713

What else do you like? I can give you anything your heart desires.714

JULIE715

Uh...716

RACHEL717

Alastor, what do you think of my hair? I changed it, just like you718

wanted. Alastor finally takes his eyes off Julie and notices Rachel. 719

ALASTOR720

Ahh, yes. It’s beautiful.721

(looks back at Julie)722

Absolutely beautiful.723

JULIE724

(stands up)725

I, uh, I have to go to the bathroom. 726

Alastor points the way, watches Julie hurry to the BATHROOM.727

Nadia returns from the bar with a drink. She hands it to Rachel,728

pulls Alastor aside.729

NADIA730

(nodding towards Rachel)731

She’ll be out in a minute.732

Are you sure you don’t want me to take her out front?733

ALASTOR734

No, leave her friend here.735

I want her to feel comfortable.736

We have so much to talk about.737

I don’t know where to start.738

NADIA739

Relax. It will all come back to you.740

ALASTOR741

I feel like I’m lost in a dream. I feel...whole again.742

CUT TO:743

INT. RESTAURANT -- NIGHT744

Jake races through a crowded restaurant towards PETE, 55,745

enjoying dinner with his WIFE and 3 CHILDREN. 746

JAKE747

Pete!!748

Pete watches in shock as Jake pushes a BUSBOY out of the way.749

Other customers gawk at the disturbance. Embarrassed,750

Pete yanks Jake aside.751

PETE752

What the fuck are you doing, Jake?753

JAKE754

It’s Julie.755

PETE756

Jake, I’m your lawyer, not your shrink. We’ll deal with this next week.757

JAKE758

No, Pete, it can’t wait. I have to get Julie away from Nicole right now.759

She’s filling her head full of lies, Julie can’t focus at all on her skating--760

PETE761

Jesus Christ, Jake. The judge is going to grant Nicole a762

whole lot more than a restraining order if you keep this shit up!763

JAKE764

She’s an unfit mother, Pete. I just talked to her on the phone,765

she doesn’t even know where Julie is!766

PETE767

Jake, get a hold of yourself!768

RINGING. Jake whips a CELL PHONE from his pocket.769

INTERCUT WITH:770

INT. BATHROOM -- NIGHT771

Julie anxiously presses her cell to her ear.772

JAKE773

Hello?774

JULIE775

Dad, it’s me. I think I’m in trouble.776

Jake shoves his phone in front of Pete’s face.777

JAKE778

You see?!?!779

(to Julie)780

Julie, where are you?781

JULIE782

(upset)783

Rachel took me to this club downtown and now we’re784

in the back room with the owner and he’s creepy and785

keeps staring at me.786

Jake spins on his heel and charge towards the exit.787

JAKE788

Pete, call the police!789

Pete and other customers watch Jake run out of the restaurant.790

A Busboy approaches Pete.791

BUSBOY792

Should I call 911?793

PETE794

No. He’s always exaggerating.795

CUT TO:796

EXT. RESTAURANT -- NIGHT797

Jake keeps his cell pressed to his ear as he jumps in his Blazer and takes off.798

JAKE799

Christ, Julie, what were you thinking?!800

INTERCUT WITH:801

INT. BATHROOM -- NIGHT802

Tears roll down Julie’s cheeks.803

JULIE804

Dad, please, help me!805

JAKE806

Okay, okay, honey. Stay calm. What’s the name of the club?807

JULIE808

Shen Ring. At Fairfax and Santa Monica.809

JAKE810

Okay, Julie, stay calm. I’m already on my way.811

Jake performs a sharp U-TURN in his Blazer.812

JULIE813

Dad, I’m really scared.814

This guy Alastor is acting weird and Rachel and I are all alone with him.815

JAKE816

Where are you now?817

JULIE818

In the bathroom.819

JAKE820

Listen to me very carefully, Julie. Stay right where you are.821

Don’t move. I’m going to be there in a few minutes--822

BAM! BAM! KNOCKING. Nadia opens the door.823

Julie slips the cell phone into her jacket pocket.824

NADIA825

Come, now. Don’t be afraid. He’s been waiting for you. 826

CUT TO:827

INT. BACK ROOM -- NIGHT828

Nadia leads Julie to the couch.829

Alastor unlocks the glass case and removes the nightgown.830

Julie spots Rachel, now on the bed, unconscious.831

JULIE832

What happened to Rachel?833

ALASTOR834

She’s fine. She just had a little too much to drink.835

Alastor creeps towards Julie with the nightgown.836

ALASTOR837

Put this on.838

JULIE839

What? No, I don’t think--840

ALASTOR841

It’s yours. Put it on.842

JULIE843

Please, I don’t want--844

ALASTOR845

PUT IT ON!!846

Julie trembles. She takes the gown, slips it on over her clothes.847

Alastor relaxes, stares longingly at Julie. 848

ALASTOR849

Thank you, Nadia. That will be all.850

NADIA851

What?852

ALASTOR853

We’d like to be alone now.854

NADIA855

But I...I always watch.856

ALASTOR857

Not tonight.858

Furious, Nadia storms out, slamming the door shut. 859

JULIE860

What did she mean, watch?861

ALASTOR862

You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for you.863

CUT TO:INT. JAKE’S BLAZER -- NIGHT864

Jake clutches the phone to his ear.865

JULIE866

(from phone)867

What are you talking about?868

ALASTOR869

(from phone)870

I never thought I’d find you again.871

Jake’s eyes widen as he listens. He slams his foot down on the gas pedal872

and speeds past 2 BOYS on bicycles.873

CUT TO:874

INT. BACK ROOM -- NIGHT875

Julie backs away, sliding down the couch.876

Alastor inches towards her with877

a sparkle in his eye. 878

JULIE879

I think you have me confused with someone else.880

ALASTOR881

Don’t you see? We’re together again.882

JULIE883

I think I should check on Rachel.884

Julie tries to stand, but Alastor yanks her back down.885

ALASTOR886

Listen to me, Atalanta.887

JULIE888

Atta-what?889

ALASTOR890

He thought he could keep us apart.891

But no matter what he did, it only892

brought us closer.893

JULIE894

Who are you talking about?895

ALASTOR896

Our father.897

Julie springs to her feet.898

JULIE899

I have to go!900

ALASTOR901

Look at me, Attie.902

Alastor flexes his arms, displaying his mammoth biceps.903

ALASTOR904

Look at how strong I am. I can protect you now.905

JULIE906

My name is Julie. Julie Harris.907

Alastor tries to kiss Julie, but she fights and pulls away.908

JULIE909

Stop it! HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!910

CUT TO:911

INT. JAKE’S BLAZER -- NIGHT912

Jake, frantic, listens to Julie’s cries as he careens through traffic,913

weaving in and out of cars. 914

JULIE915

(from phone)916

NO! PLEASE, STOP IT! HELP!917

JAKE918

JULIE! DON’T YOU TOUCH HER!919

JULIE?! DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH HER!920

CUT TO:921

INT. BACK ROOM -- NIGHT922

Alastor violently shakes Julie.923

ALASTOR924

Attie! Attie!925

JULIE926

I’m Julie! Julie Harris!927

Alastor holds Julie down and kisses her fiercely. Suddenly, he freezes.928

Muffled screams. Alastor reaches under the nightgown into Julie’s pocket,929

finding her cell phone.930

JAKE931

(from phone; clear)932

YOU MOTHERFUCKER!! DON’T YOU TOUCH HER!! I’LL FUCKING KILL933

YOU!! LET HER GO RIGHT NOW!!934

Shocked, Alastor looks at Julie.935

ALASTOR936

Who is this?937

JULIE938

(crying)939

It’s my Dad. He’s coming for me right now and he’s going to kill you unless940

you let me go!!941

Alastor screams, then presses the phone to his ear. 942

ALASTOR943

(to Jake)944

YOU THINK YOU CAN DO THIS TO ME AGAIN?!!945

I WON’T LET YOU HURT HER!! 946

Alastor hurls the phone at the wall. Julie makes a run for the door.947

Alastor springs like a cat, grabs Julie by the arm before she can escape.948

CUT TO:949

INT. JAKE’S BLAZER -- NIGHT950

Jake is crazed. 951

JAKE952

JULIE?! JULIE?!953

The line is dead.954

CUT TO:955

EXT. LOS ANGELES STREETS -- NIGHT956

Jake’s Blazer roars past an AMBULANCE with its SIREN screaming957

and rockets through a red light. Cars screech to a stop and honk.958

He shoots by an unmarked squad car. The flashing light on the dash959

flares, the unmarked performs a sharp U-TURN, begins pursuit. 960

CUT TO:961

INT. ALASTOR’S BACK ROOM -- DAY962

Julie kicks and screams but can’t break loose of Alastor’s grasp.963

ALASTOR964

Please, Attie, stop! I won’t let him hurt you! You’re safe with me!965

Julie kicks Alastor in the shin. Alastor yelps and throws Julie to the floor.966

The black WIG on her head pops off, revealing her dirty-blonde hair967

Alastor stares in disbelief. 968

ALASTOR969

What is this? SOME KIND OF SICK JOKE?!970

JULIE971

It’s not a joke! I tried to tell you who I was!972

Tears well up in Alastor’s eyes.973

ALASTOR974

YOU BITCH!! YOU MAKE ME THINK YOU’RE HER?!?!975

Alastor grabs Julie by the arms and flings her across the room. She falls976

onto the coffee table, the sharp corner hitting her directly on her left temple. 977

Alastor stands frozen for an eternity. A red swirl of BLOOD pools under Julie’s head onto the hardwood floor. The blood trickles down onto the nightgown. 978

ALASTOR979

NO!! OH GOD NO!!980

Alastor dives beside Julie. He pulls her limp body close, rocking her in his arms.981

ALASTOR982

Come back to me, Attie. Please, baby. Come back.983

He pushes back her hair, finding his hand slicked with blood. Alastor, tears streaming down his face, lets out a piercing, bone-chilling scream.984

Nadia bursts into the room, quickly followed by Lance and Quincy. Nadia runs to Alastor and Julie. Nadia tries to pull Julie away, but Alastor won’t let go. 985

NADIA986

Alastor, please. We have to get her out of here. 987

ALASTOR988

NO!!989

Alastor clutches Julie tight. Lance and Quincy try to pry her loose.990

ALASTOR991

NO!!!!992

Lance and Quincy jump on Alastor, holding him back. Nadia pulls Julie out of his arms. Alastor breaks free, grasps the nightgown. As Nadia pulls Julie away, the straps of the gown snap. 993

ALASTOR994

NO!! DON’T TAKE HER FROM ME!! NOT AGAIN!! PLEASE!!995

Nadia slings Julie over her shoulder, races out of the back room. Lance and Quincy struggle to restrain Alastor, who clutches the blood-stained nightgown in his hand.996

CUT TO:997

EXT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT998

Turning the corner, Jake’s Blazer fishtails. He drives up onto the sidewalk towards the club. Freaks scramble out of the way. Jake jumps out and races for the door. 999

A BOUNCER grabs Jake’s arm. Jake surprises him with a wicked right hand punch to the throat, then rushes inside. Across the street, the unmarked police car double parks.1000

DETECTIVE LEARY, 33, well-groomed, jumps out. He SEES the Bouncer drop to his knees, wheezing, clutching his throat. As Leary runs towards the club, 2 black-and-whites pull up, sirens wailing.1001

CUT TO:1002

INT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT1003

Nadia rushes out into the club, unable to maneuver past the hundreds of freaks. She starts to climb up the stairs to the overhanging balcony.1004

AT THE ENTRANCE Jake bursts inside, eyes darting around, violently pushing his way towards the back. Jake spots Julie, slung over Nadia’s shoulder, being carried up to the balcony.1005

JAKE1006

JULIE!! JULIE!!1007

Jake’s screams are silenced by the blasting music. LEARY and 2 UNIFORMED COPS rush in. Nadia SEES the police. Jake watches Nadia panic before taking Julie off her shoulder.1008

Time stops for Jake as Nadia DROPS JULIE OFF THE BALCONY onto a sea of freaks. The cheering crowd catches Julie, passing her around on top of them--BODY-SURFING.1009

Jake screams and yells, but it’s no use. He fights his way towards Julie. The crowd continues to cheer and pass her around. Finally, Jake reaches Julie and pulls her down.1010

He shakes her limp body, desperately searching for a sign of life. Leary and the 2 cops push back the freaks until they see--1011

Jake, tears running down his face, gently rocking Julie in his arms, his screams and cries going unnoticed. 1012

CUT TO:1013

EXT. CEMETERY -- DAY1014

The cemetery is empty except for Julie’s funeral. Flowers, bouqets, and a framed photograph of Julie in her figure skating costume rest upon the closed casket.1015

Jake stands by himself as the procession draws to a close. From behind his sunglasses, teardrops trickle down his cheeks. Away from Jake, Nicole cries, comforted by friends.1016

Rachel, sitting with her PARENTS, dabs her eyes. The ceremony ends. Several people approach Nicole and give their condolences. Jake doesn’t move, staring blankly at the casket.1017

Rachel approaches Jake and taps him on the arm, snapping him out of his trance.1018

RACHEL1019

(crying)1020

Coach...I’m so sorry. Julie was my best friend.1021

Seething, Jake removes his sunglasses. Rachel looks up into Jake’s eyes--seeing the blazing fire within.1022

JAKE1023

What are you doing?1024

RACHEL1025

What? 1026

JAKE1027

Where do you get off talking to me?!1028

RACHEL1029

Coach--1030

JAKE1031

You little slut! It’s your fault she’s dead!1032

Everyone stares at Jake in shock. Nicole sees the altercation and rushes towards them. Jake grabs Rachel and shakes her.1033

JAKE1034

Did you hear what I said? It’s your fault!1035

Rachel’s FATHER dashes over, trying to pull Jake off of Rachel.1036

RACHEL’S FATHER1037

Take your hands off of her!1038

Jake cracks Rachel’s Father in the face with a hard punch. Rachel’s Mother screams as her husband drops to the ground, clutching his bloody nose.1039

Crying, Rachel kneels beside her father. Jake steps back, realizing what he’s done. He turns and runs away. Nicole chases after him.1040

NICOLE1041

Jake!1042

Jake ignores her, trying to get away. Nicole catches up to him, grabs him by the arm.1043

NICOLE1044

Jesus, Jake! What’s the matter with you? Have you gone insane?!1045

Nicole sees the tears running down Jake’s face.1046

NICOLE1047

I know you’re hurting. But you have to get in control. It’s her funeral for Christ’s sake. 1048

Jake storms off.1049

NICOLE1050

Jake!1051

Nicole gives up, and watches Jake disappear over a grassy hill. She turns around, finding herself surrounded by dozens of stunned and horrified faces. 1052

Nicole rushes to Rachel, kneeling next to her hysterical MOTHER and semi-conscious FATHER. Rachel shivers and cries. Nicole takes her in her arms.1053

NICOLE1054

Shhh. It’s okay, honey. It’s not your fault. He didn’t mean what he said. He’s just hurting. We’re all just hurting. 1055

CUT TO:1056

EXT. LAPD PRECINCT -- DAY1057

A black-and-white pulls into the parking lot. A BEAT COP escorts a MAN in handcuffs up the front steps.1058

CUT TO:1059

INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS -- DAY1060

Jake marches through the office towards Leary, busy at his desk, flipping through files.1061

JAKE1062

You Leary?1063

Leary points to a NAMEPLATE on his desk. DETECTIVE J. LEARY   HOMICIDE1064

Next to the nameplate is an 8x10 FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH of Leary, his WIFE and YOUNG SON.1065

JAKE1066

I’m Jake Harris, Julie Harris’ father. 1067

Leary rises, offers his hand. Jake ignores the gesture, puts his hands down on the desk, leans in close.1068

JAKE1069

I want to see him.1070

LEARY1071

Mr. Harris--1072

JAKE1073

I just want to get a look at him. I just want to see the motherfucker’s face once before I get up on the stand. 1074

LEARY1075

Mr. Harris, please. Have a seat.1076

Jake does. Leary takes a deep breath.1077

LEARY1078

Alastor Cain walked yesterday.1079

JAKE1080

What?1081

LEARY1082

We couldn’t hold him any longer. All we had him on was the admission of two minors into his club. 1083

JAKE1084

What do you mean that’s all you have? I told you what happened!1085

LEARY1086

He says he signed an autograph for your daughter and her friend and they went on their way.1087

JAKE1088

You fucking believe that?!1089

LEARY1090

I don’t know. How do you even know Cain’s responsible? You saw that place. It could have been anyone.1091

JAKE1092

I heard him talking to her through the phone!! He was screaming at her!!1093

LEARY1094

It’s not enough.1095

JAKE1096

What about god-damn witnesses? He killed her in a fucking night club for Christ’s sake! There were  people everywhere!!1097

Other COPS stir, taking notice of the confrontation. 1098

LEARY1099

Please, keep your voice down.1100

JAKE1101

Fuck you!1102

LEARY1103

Look, at this point nobody’s willing to come forward. Everyone we’ve talked to says they didn’t see anything.1104

JAKE1105

I don’t fucking believe this!! 1106

(pause)1107

There’s got to be other evidence.1108

LEARY1109

Nothing conclusive. I’m sorry.1110

JAKE1111

That’s fucking bullshit!! What about Rachel?1112

LEARY1113

She doesn’t remember a thing. Says she passed out. 1114

Jake slams his fists down on the desk. 1115

JAKE1116

Fuck you, Detective!! Are you telling me that’s it? I listen on the phone as this fucker kills my little girl and you can’t do shit about it?1117

LEARY1118

I’ve seen this before. People get scared, they clam up. A little time goes by, their conscience gets to them. All of a sudden, you got more witnesses than you know what to do with. 1119

JAKE1120

You expect me to believe that bullshit?1121

LEARY1122

If that doesn’t work, you can put up a reward. But with a guy like Alastor, it’s got to be a hell of a lot of money.1123

Silence. Leary watches Jake pace, letting the information sink in.1124

LEARY1125

I promise you, something on this case will break. But until then, you just have to be patient. I’ll even keep you posted on our progress if you’d like.1126

Jake snatches the framed photograph off the desk and holds it in front of Leary.1127

JAKE1128

You’re a father, right?1129

LEARY1130

Yes. 1131

JAKE1132

What if it was your kid? 1133

(no response)1134

What would you do?1135

LEARY1136

I...I don’t know.1137

Jake hurls the photo to the floor. The frame breaks, glass shatters. Leary watches Jake storm out of the office. After a moment, he carefully picks the photo up off the floor.1138

CUT TO:1139

EXT. RACHEL’S HOUSE -- DAY1140

Jake knocks on the front door. It opens a crack, and Rachel’s MOTHER peeks out. The second she sees Jake, she slams the door. Jake wedges his foot in the doorway.1141

JAKE1142

Mrs. Fiske, please.1143

RACHEL’S MOTHER1144

Get the hell out of here!1145

JAKE1146

I want to apologize.1147

RACHEL’S MOTHER1148

Apologize?1149

Rachel’s mother steps back, opening the door.1150

RACHEL’S MOTHER1151

My husband had to have surgery because of you! He can’t breathe properly. They say he’ll never be the same.1152

JAKE1153

I’m sorry.1154

RACHEL’S MOTHER1155

You think that means anything to me?1156

JAKE1157

I need to speak with Rachel.1158

RACHEL’S MOTHER1159

She’s not here. You stay away from her.1160

JAKE1161

Please, for my daughter’s sake.1162

RACHEL’S MOTHER1163

Get the hell out of here. I see you again I’m going to call the police.1164

She slams the door in his face. 1165

CUT TO:1166

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL -- DAY1167

Lunch break. Teens loiter. Jake’s Blazer pulls up to the curb. He gets out, spots Rachel in a corner with several GIRLFRIENDS, chatting and smoking cigarettes. 1168

JAKE1169

Rachel.1170

Rachel turns around, surprised to see Jake. She instinctively takes a few steps back.1171

JAKE1172

I owe you an apology.1173

Rachel relaxes a little.1174

JAKE1175

Do you think I could talk to you alone for a minute?1176

Rachel hesitates before answering.1177

RACHEL1178

Yeah, I guess. 1179

Rachel’s girlfriends stand their ground, glaring suspiciously at Jake.1180

RACHEL1181

(to girlfriends)1182

It’s okay, guys. I’ll catch up with you later.1183

Rachel’s girlfriends slowly drift away, breaking into quiet chatter.1184

RACHEL1185

Well?1186

JAKE1187

Rachel, I’m sorry about what happened. What I said...your father...it’s just so hard for me to deal with this. 1188

(Rachel nods)1189

Do you think you can forgive me?1190

Rachel takes a drag from a cigarette. Jake gawks at the cigarette as if it were cancer itself. It takes everything he’s got to restrain himself from reaching out and snatching it. 1191

JAKE1192

You smoke?1193

Jake notices Rachel’s agitated glare, quickly wipes the disgusted expression off his face.1194

JAKE1195

Can you forgive me, Rachel?1196

Rachel shifts uncomfortably, takes another drag.1197

RACHEL1198

Yeah, I guess I can.1199

JAKE1200

Good. That’s good. 1201

(uncomfortable silence)1202

Uh...Rachel, there’s something else. I need your help.1203

RACHEL1204

Excuse me?1205

JAKE1206

Actually, it’s not for me. It’s for Julie. She needs your help.1207

RACHEL1208

What are you talking about?1209

JAKE1210

You have to testify against Alastor Cain. Unless you do, he’s going to go free.1211

RACHEL1212

Coach, you know what I told the cops. I passed out. I didn’t see anything. 1213

JAKE1214

It’s not the point whether you saw anything or not!1215

Rachel jumps back. Jake composes himself, tries to put his hands on her shoulders. She pulls away.1216

JAKE1217

Rachel, who do you think killed Julie?1218

RACHEL1219

I don’t know.1220

JAKE1221

It was him, Rachel. Alastor Cain.1222

RACHEL1223

I really don’t think Alastor would--1224

JAKE1225

(cuts her off)1226

He’s obsessed with young girls like you and Julie. You take my daughter into his club, and she just happens to die after meeting him in his private back room? Think about it, Rachel!1227

RACHEL1228

(tearing up)1229

Coach, I’m sorry, but I didn’t see anything, and I’m not going to lie, okay? I’m sorry Julie is dead. I loved her too you know. I wish I could help you, but I can’t. So please just leave me alone.1230

Rachel flees inside the school. Frustrated, Jake kicks a garbage can, sending it flying.1231

JAKE1232

Fuck!!1233

Jake notices dozens of teenagers around him, staring, whispering, and giggling. He marches back to his Blazer, guns the motor, and speeds away.1234

CUT TO:1235

INT. PLANET ICE SKATING RINK -- NIGHT1236

A Janitor finishes scrubbing the plexi-glass surrounding the rink. Alone in the stands, Jake stares at the empty ice. 1237

The ice begins to sparkle, until he SEES Julie, skating, shining brightly, performing a dazzling spin. He fights to hold back tears. 1238

IN HIS VISION: Jake watches Julie finish her triple axle, move into a pirouette, then pose with a winning smile.1239

JULIE MEMORY1240

You said you loved me. You said pinky swear.1241

JAKE1242

I do love you. Pinky swear. 1243

JULIE MEMORY1244

So why’d you let them treat me like a piece of garbage?1245

JAKE1246

I won’t. I promise.1247

CUT TO:1248

EXT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT1249

Jake walks away from his parked Blazer, across the street towards Shen Ring. The club is closed, barely resembling the thriving evening hotspot we’ve seen before.1250

A PREACHING MAN desperately tries to pass out FLYERS to passer-bys. He spots Jake, turns his pitch on him.1251

PREACHER MAN1252

Please, take a flyer. Help make a difference in a young person’s life.1253

JAKE1254

(takes a flyer)1255

What do you know about this place?1256

Preacher Man is excited by Jake’s inquiry.1257

PREACHER MAN1258

It’s a house of corrupted souls. The Devil’s playpen. This place, it takes a hold of innocents and destroys them.1259

JAKE1260

Why are you doing this?1261

PREACHER MAN1262

It’s places like this that took my son. We finally got him into rehab three months ago. But it wasn’t enough. He broke out, came back to this club and overdosed on drugs. They found him when they were cleaning out the club that night, and they just tossed him in the alley.1263

Preacher Man points to an alley around the corner.1264

PREACHER MAN1265

They just left him there to die.1266

JAKE1267

I’m sorry. 1268

(pause)1269

What do you know about Alastor Cain?1270

PREACHER MAN1271

He says he’s their God, but he’s nothing but a god-damn cult leader. Yet, these kids worship him like he’s Jesus himself. Him and his demonic music. 1272

(eyes Jake)1273

Why? How do you know him?1274

JAKE1275

My daughter...she died here.1276

PREACHER MAN1277

My God. I heard about that. I’m so sorry. 1278

(Jake nods)1279

What’s your name, friend?1280

JAKE1281

Jake.1282

PREACHER MAN1283

Jake, please, join me. Join the fight. Help me put an end to this evil place. Stories like ours, Jake, they can make a difference. They can help save other innocents from the fate of our children.1284

Jake backs away, shaking his head. Preacher Man hollers after him.1285

PREACHER MAN1286

Please, Jake! You can make a difference! You can save lives!1287

Jake gets in his Blazer and speeds away.1288

CUT TO:1289

INT. PLANET ICE LOBBY -- NIGHT1290

Jake wanders in the dark through the closed lobby. He stops in front of a long TROPHY CASE. Inside the case, Jake stares at dozens of figure skating trophies and plaques.1291

He touches his hand to the glass, staring at one row in particular. IN THE ROW several trophies are engraved, the name JULIE HARRIS appearing frequently over the years.1292

In the middle of the row, the largest and most impressive trophy reads:  1293

Southern California Champion                           Julie Harris                                         20001294

Contained within the large trophy is a FRAMED PHOTO of Julie, smiling brightly, sparkling in her skating costume. Jake chokes back tears, then walks out a SIDE EXIT.1295

CUT TO:1296

EXT. PLANET ICE -- NIGHT1297

Jake walks past the dirty, dumped ice from the Zamboni. He stumbles over several pieces of cement rubble. Jake looks up, seeing a small, run-down building before him.1298

Unlike the other Planet Ice buildings, this one is NOT painted blue and decorated with cosmic symbols. The exterior is a dull grey, and after a moment, Jake slips inside.1299

CUT TO:1300

INT. ABANDONED ICE RINK -- NIGHT1301

Thin beams of moonlight break through the ceiling, illuminating a small ABANDONED ICE RINK. Refuse is scattered about. A lost building, forgotten during renovation.1302

There is no ice in the rink, but the air is cold and hums with the sound of a working refrigeration system. Jake walks across the rink towards a set of STAIRS. 1303

CUT TO:1304

INT. ABANDONED ICE RINK -- UNDERGROUND -- NIGHT1305

Jake walks slowly down the icy steps. He searches the wall, finding several light switches. One of the overhead lights flickers, then illuminates the remnants of a LOCKER ROOM. 1306

The wall between two locker rooms has been knocked down, creating a large bunker area. Creaks and drips echo throughout. Frosty pipes run along the ceiling. 1307

Jake looks at the wall, seeing the paint peeling, the floors and cement rubble a dull grey. He sits on a bench and watches his breath freeze as he exhales.1308

CUT TO:1309

INT. ABANDONED ICE RINK -- UNDERGROUND BUNKER -- NIGHT1310

SOUNDS of hitting and grunting. We move around the bunker and see a mattress on the floor in a corner. Across the bunker is a makeshift desk and chair.   1311

The desk and wall are covered with dozens of photographs of JULIE, skating, smiling, posing with a winning smile.1312

Jake, covered in sweat, steam rising off his shirtless body, furiously attacks a heavy bag with an aluminum baseball BAT, each vicious strike echoing throughout the bunker.1313

Out of breath, frustrated, Jake flings the bat across the floor and attacks the bag with his fists.1314

CUT TO:1315

INT. ABANDONED ICE RINK -- UNDERGROUND BUNKER -- NIGHT1316

Shivering in a corner, Jake smiles sadly at a framed photograph of Julie in her figure skating costume.1317

JAKE1318

(murmurs)1319

Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t let them disgrace you. 1320

(pause)1321

Sharpen your skates, Julie. You’re going to be State Champion. 1322

CUT TO:1323

INT. RECORDING STUDIO -- DAY1324

Inside the studio Alastor walks in circles, running his hands through his hair, mumbling to himself. In the adjacent CONTROL ROOM, Lance and Slick watch as his anxiety increases.1325

SLICK1326

How long’s this going to take?1327

LANCE1328

I told you. She has to be here. He can’t sing without her.1329

SLICK1330

The studio’s only booked for three hours. We have to get started.1331

Frustrated, Slick flings the door open, enters the recording studio.1332

SLICK1333

Alastor, what say we just try a few warm-up tracks on our own, just for practice?1334

(no response)1335

Listen, Ali, babe. I know the people upstairs are high on you, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stand for amateur bullshit like this. You’re in the big leagues now. We have deadlines.1336

(no response)1337

Come on, man. Give me something I can work with here.1338

Alastor, oblivious, continues to mumble and walk in circles. Angry, Slick grabs hold of part of Alastor’s massive arm.1339

SLICK1340

Hey, Alastor! 1341

Alastor snaps, throws Slick up against the wall. He grabs Slick’s throat with his right hand, moves his face inches from Slick’s.1342

ALASTOR1343

DON’T FUCKING TOUCH ME!! 1344

SLICK1345

(gagging)1346

Okay...1347

ALASTOR1348

DO YOU HEAR ME?! IF YOU TOUCH HER AGAIN I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!!1349

Lance bursts into the studio, pulls Alastor off Slick.1350

LANCE1351

(to Slick)1352

Get the fuck out of here!1353

Slick scurries away. Lance holds Alastor, calming him.1354

LANCE1355

Alastor, calm down, man. She’s safe. She’ll be here soon.1356

Alastor relaxes. He looks around, disoriented.1357

ALASTOR1358

What--where is she?1359

LANCE1360

She’s on her way. Nadia’s bringing her right now.1361

Alastor nods, leans against the wall. Lance hands him a bottle of water. Shaking in the control room, Slick rubs his throat and stares at Alastor.1362

CUT TO:1363

EXT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT1364

The usual line of freaks wait for admittance. JAKE, dressed in a dark longcoat, waits patiently near the front of the line, hanging his head low.1365

Jake reaches the front of the line, recognizes the BOUNCER. Jake looks at the ground, avoiding the Bouncer’s eyes. Bouncer recognizes Jake. He smiles, grabs Jake by the collar.1366

BOUNCER1367

(raspy voice)1368

Ice! Get out here.1369

ICE, big and tough, emerges from inside.1370

BOUNCER1371

(raspy)1372

This is the fucker that got me in the throat. 1373

ICE1374

Oh yeah?1375

A SIREN blips, piercing the air. Ice, Bouncer, and Jake turn to see LEARY, stepping out of his unmarked. Leary immediately recognizes Jake.1376

LEARY1377

Hey!1378

Jake head-butts Bouncer in the nose. He pulls his aluminum BAT from inside his longcoat, cracks Ice in the ribs. 1379

Ice doubles over, and Jake swings the bat down on the back of his head, knocking him to the ground. Jake slips the bat back into his longcoat and rushes inside the club. Leary chases after him.1380

CUT TO:1381

INT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT1382

Jake shoves his way through the swarming crowd toward the back. Leary bursts inside, but is slowed by the massive crowd.1383

Jake comes upon Alastor’s 2 Bodyguards. Bat in hand, Jake swings hard, dropping Bodyguard 1 with a blow to the chest.1384

Before Bodyguard 2 can react, Jake cracks him in the side of the head with the bat. Jake steps over the fallen men and moves down the hallway to the private lounge.1385

CUT TO:1386

INT. PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT1387

Quincy talks quietly with Lance at the bar. Nadia stands on the opposite side of the lounge, watching the back of a BLACK-HAIRED GIRL as she straddles and feverishly kisses Alastor.1388

BAM! The door to the lounge flies open. Jake storms in, bat in hand. Lance springs off the bar stool. Jake swings low, dropping Lance to the ground with a blow to the knee.1389

Jake steps in front of Alastor and raises the bat high--Suddenly, the black-haired girl spins around, throwing her arms back, PROTECTING Alastor.1390

Just as Jake is about to start his swing, he freezes, SEEING the black-haired girl is RACHEL.1391

JAKE1392

Rachel?1393

Nadia appears out of nowhere, jamming a gun in the side of Jake’s head.1394

NADIA1395

Drop it!!1396

Leary charges into the lounge, his gun drawn.1397

LEARY1398

LAPD! DROP YOUR WEAPON!1399

Nadia immediately puts her gun on the ground and backs away.1400

NADIA1401

This man broke into our club. I’m Mr. Cain’s security advisor, I have a permit for this gun--1402

LEARY1403

Shut up!1404

Jake, oblivious, continues to stare at Rachel in shock.1405

LEARY1406

Drop the bat, Jake.1407

JAKE1408

Rachel, what are you doing? He’s the one who killed Julie! 1409

RACHEL1410

Alastor didn’t do it, Coach. He would never have hurt Julie.1411

After a moment, Jake GRABS Rachel by the arm, dragging her away. Alastor watches in horror--1412

CUT TO:1413

INT. BEDROOM -- FLASH1414

TEENAGE ALASTOR cries, helpless, unable to stop his FATHER from dragging ATALANTA away.1415

CUT TO:1416

INT. PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT1417

Alastor SCREAMS.1418

ALASTOR1419

NO!!1420

All in one motion, Alastor grabs Rachel, yanks her away from Jake, and cracks Jake in the face with a fierce right hand. Jake crumples to the ground, the bat falls out of his hand.1421

Alastor pulls Rachel into him, clutching her so tightly she can barely breathe. He begins to rock her in his arms. Leary holsters his gun, swoops in, pulling Jake to his feet.1422

ALASTOR1423

It’s okay, baby. He can’t hurt you anymore. I’ll protect you. I’ll protect you.1424

Leary throws Jake’s arm around his shoulder. He taps the side of his cheek, trying to keep him conscious.1425

LEARY1426

Come on, Jake.1427

Nadia kneels next to Alastor, peels his arms off of Rachel.1428

NADIA1429

Let go, Alastor. She’s safe. She’s safe now.1430

Alastor reluctantly releases the frightened Rachel. Nadia whisks her into the back room. Quincy and the injured Lance help Alastor up. 1431

QUINCY1432

You okay?1433

Alastor’s eyes are glazed, trance-like. Quincy shakes Alastor, snapping him back to reality.1434

QUINCY1435

Alastor. Alastor, you alright?1436

ALASTOR1437

Yeah.1438

As Leary carries him away, Jake looks back and glares at Alastor.1439

LEARY1440

Come on, Jake.1441

JAKE1442

He killed her. He killed my daughter. He killed my little girl.1443

Alastor and Jake lock eyes--burning holes into one another.1444

ALASTOR1445

Do you have any other daughters for me, Jake?1446

LEARY1447

Shut the fuck up, Cain!1448

With all his strength, Jake breaks loose of Leary. Jake flies at Alastor, who easily knocks him to the ground with his fists. Alastor and Quincy start to viciously kick Jake. 1449

LEARY1450

Stop!!1451

Alastor’s eyes widen as he repeatedly kicks Jake--he has the look of a madman.1452

CUT TO:1453

INT. FATHER’S BEDROOM -- FLASH1454

TEENAGE ALASTOR repeatedly stabs his dead FATHER with a knife.1455

CUT TO:1456

INT. PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT1457

Alastor, completely out of control, screams as he boots Jake.1458

ALASTOR1459

HOW DOES IT FEEL, DAD? HUH? COME ON, DADDY! TELL ME!1460

Leary pulls his gun, fires a shot into the ceiling. BLAM!1461

LEARY1462

Enough!!1463

Quincy grabs Alastor, yanks him off of Jake. 1464

QUINCY1465

Alastor, stop!! Stop!!1466

Quincy struggles to hold back the rabid Alastor.1467

ALASTOR1468

Come on, motherfucker!! I’m not afraid of you!! Come on, Daddy!!1469

Leary grabs Jake and drags him out of the room.1470

ALASTOR1471

Where are you going? Come back! Just try and take her from me! I’ll fucking kill you, motherfucker!!1472

QUINCY1473

Alastor, calm down. Calm down.1474

CUT TO:1475

INT./EXT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT1476

Freaks point and stare at Leary as he drags Jake through the club. He carries him outside to his squad car. He loads Jake in the back, flips on the siren, and speeds off into the night.1477

CUT TO:1478

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAY1479

Jake comes to. He winces as he runs his fingers over several stitches above his right eye. Jake finds his clothes, slips them on. He steps out, but is stopped by a BEAT COP.1480

BEAT COP1481

Mr. Harris, I need you to come with  me.1482

CUT TO:1483

INT. LAPD PRECINCT -- HOLDING CELL -- DAY1484

Jake holds his head in his hands, sticking out among the other punks and crooks within the cell. Leary approaches the cell.1485

LEARY1486

Jake.1487

Jake meets Leary at the bars.1488

LEARY1489

Who the hell do you think you are, Jake? You almost got yourself killed.1490

JAKE1491

You think I care?1492

LEARY1493

I told you we’re working hard on this case.1494

JAKE1495

He has to pay for what he did.1496

LEARY1497

Christ, Jake. You don’t even know if it was him.1498

JAKE1499

He killed my daughter, Detective.1500

Frustrated, Leary shakes his head.1501

LEARY1502

You made bail.1503

CUT TO:1504

INT. LAPD PRECINCT -- FRONT DESK -- DAY1505

Jake follows Leary to the front desk where PETE, his lawyer, waits. Jake ignores him while he signs a release form.1506

LEARY1507

Listen, Jake. I’ll do what I can, but Alastor Cain is set on pressing charges...1508

Leary trails off as Jake, completely ignoring him, walks straight out of the station. Pete chases after him.1509

CUT TO:1510

EXT. LAPD PRECINCT -- DAY1511

Jake hurries down the front steps. 1512

PETE1513

Jake!1514

Jake stops, waits for Pete.  1515

PETE1516

Christ, Jake. What’s the matter with you?1517

JAKE1518

He killed my daughter, Pete. I owe it to her to do this.1519

PETE1520

What do you think Julie would say if she knew what her father was doing?1521

Jake stares hard at Pete. A moment passes. 1522

JAKE1523

I’m not a father anymore.1524

Jake storms off.1525

CUT TO:1526

EXT LOS ANGELES STREETS -- NIGHT1527

A street lamp flickers in a run-down section of L.A. Shadows flash on and off the sidewalk as a few late-night travelers move about. 1528

Jake walks briskly along a sidewalk until he comes to a grungy STORE, with a cheap, neon sign in the window: PAWN SHOP.1529

CUT TO:1530

INT. PAWN SHOP -- NIGHT1531

A large BIKER stands behind the counter, watching Jake stare at a glass case full of GUNS.1532

BIKER1533

What kind of gun you want?1534

JAKE1535

I’m not sure.1536

BIKER1537

What do you want to use it for?1538

JAKE1539

I, uh...1540

BIKER1541

To protect you and your family, right?1542

JAKE1543

Not exactly.1544

BIKER1545

Well, come back when you’ve made up your mind.1546

Biker turns away, but Jake grabs him by the arm.1547

JAKE1548

Wait. You’re right. To protect my family.1549

Biker nods and unlocks the case.1550

CUT TO:1551

INT. ABANDONED ICE RINK -- UNDERGROUND BUNKER -- NIGHT1552

GUNSHOTS boom, echoing throughout the bunker. Jake stands  twenty feet away from a cement wall lined with sand bags, firing a .38 caliber snub-nosed bulldog.1553

Specks of dust explode off the wall. The .38 clicks empty. Jake awkwardly reloads the gun, fires again.1554

CUT TO:1555

INT. SHEN RING -- PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT1556

Alastor finishes sewing the broken straps on Atalanta’s nightgown. Rachel enters, watches Alastor unlock the glass case and hang the gown.1557

He softly strokes the garment, running his fingers over the small, fresh stain of Julie’s blood.1558

RACHEL1559

It’s beautiful.1560

Rachel takes Alastor’s hand in hers.1561

ALASTOR1562

I wanted her to wear it.1563

RACHEL1564

Who?1565

ALASTOR1566

Julie.1567

Rachel considers. A moment passes. She reaches out to touch the gown--1568

RACHEL1569

Can I wear it?1570

ALASTOR1571

NO!!1572

Alastor yanks Rachel back, locks up the case. Clearly hurt, Rachel retreats to the sofa. 1573

RACHEL1574

Why can’t I wear it?1575

ALASTOR1576

Because you’re not...you just can’t.1577

RACHEL1578

I thought you wanted me to be here for you. 1579

ALASTOR1580

I do. 1581

RACHEL1582

For what?1583

ALASTOR1584

I need photos. Pictures of Julie.1585

RACHEL1586

Why?1587

Alastor explodes off the sofa, stabbing a finger at the portraits of Atalanta.1588

ALASTOR1589

Because I want to see what she would have looked like, that’s why! Attie never had a chance to reach your age!1590

Rachel chokes back tears. Alastor calms himself, nuzzles close to her.1591

ALASTOR1592

I’m sorry, baby. It’s just...I can’t ever let myself forget. Will you help me?1593

Rachel nods. Alastor kisses her gently.1594

CUT TO:1595

EXT. CEMETERY -- NIGHT1596

Rows of marble tombstones glimmer in the moonlight. Jake, holding a dozen roses, slowly approaches a new grave. The HEADSTONE reads:1597

Julie Harris                                                                                  Beloved Daughter & Skating Champion                                   1985-2000                             1598

Jake kneels, placing the roses on the grave.1599

JAKE1600

I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve come to see you, sweetheart.1601

(tears up)1602

I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.1603

Jake breaks down, crying uncontrollably. Suddenly, Jake reaches behind his back, pulls out his .38, and sticks the barrel in his mouth--1604

Jake’s hands shake as he closes his eyes tight, finger poised on the trigger. His finger slowly presses down--BLAM!!       1605

Jake pulls the gun out of his mouth at the last second, shooting at the sky. He SCREAMS, falls forward, convulsing. Jake composes himself, wipes away his tears. 1606

JAKE1607

I’m sorry, sweetheart. I can’t. I can’t do it yet. I have to kill him. I owe you that much. Then I’ll join you. Then we’ll be together. I promise.1608

Jake reaches out, extending his pinky finger. He softly touches the top of the headstone. 1609

JAKE1610

Pinky swear.1611

CUT TO:1612

INT. ALASTOR’S LOFT -- DAY1613

Gothic-alternative rock booms throughout the loft. The upper level includes the bedroom, the lower level is more open, eclectically elegant, with furniture, tapestries, and art.1614

At the far end of the loft Nadia spots Alastor, shirtless, as he lifts weights in his private gym. It contains free weights and Hammer Strength machines, and is surrounded by mirrors.1615

Lance, limping, leads Slick through the loft towards Alastor, who pounds out a heavy set on the flat bench, his muscles bulging, his serpent-tattoo contorting with each contraction.1616

SLICK1617

Alastor, I need to speak with you for a moment. 1618

(no response)1619

It’s regarding Jake Harris.1620

Alastor stops lifting, suddenly interested.1621

SLICK1622

You are a major investment for Epic Records. Everyone is quite concerned about your safety, and now that Jake Harris has been released, we’d like to provide you and your staff--1623

ALASTOR1624

He’s what?!1625

SLICK1626

He’s been released on bail.1627

ALASTOR1628

(to Lance)1629

Rachel.1630

Lance limps away.1631

SLICK1632

Alastor, please. This man tried to kill you. We’re not about to stand by while he tries again.1633

ALASTOR1634

You want to help? 1635

(Slick nods)1636

His daughter. I want to know everything you can find out about his daughter.1637

CUT TO:1638

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL -- DUSK1639

Teenagers flow in and out of the front doors to the school. RACHEL, smoking a cigarette, waits anxiously on the curb. Across the street, JAKE slouches in his Blazer, watching.1640

Jake’s .38 rests next to him on the passenger seat. A BLACK LEXUS LS SEDAN passes by Jake and pulls up to the curb. Jake watches LANCE limp out of the car and open the door for Rachel.1641

They drive off, passing by Jake’s parked Blazer. As the Lexus nears Jake, the tinted passenger-side window rolls down.1642

Rachel takes a final drag, then flicks away her cigarette butt. She looks up, and LOCKS EYES with Jake. They stare at one other for an eternal moment, then the Lexus zooms away.1643

CUT TO:1644

INT. SHEN RING -- PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT1645

Rachel bursts through the doors. She sees Alastor, alone in the back, furiously scribbling away on a pad of paper. Lance limps inside, watches Rachel run towards Alastor.1646

RACHEL1647

Alastor!1648

Rachel collapses in his arms. He rocks her gently, stroking her hair, showering her with kisses. 1649

ALASTOR1650

What’s wrong, baby?1651

RACHEL1652

I saw him. He was watching me.1653

ALASTOR1654

Who?1655

RACHEL1656

Coach! 1657

Alastor’s eyes widen, filling with rage. He pulls her close.1658

ALASTOR1659

You’re safe now, baby. He can’t hurt you here. 1660

(strokes her hair)1661

Did you bring what I asked?1662

RACHEL1663

This is all I could find.1664

Rachel reaches into her purse, hands him a videotape. Alastor cradles the tape like a newborn child.1665

RACHEL1666

It’s just practice footage. 1667

ALASTOR1668

Go with Nadia. She’s going to take you to the loft. 1669

RACHEL1670

What about tonight? Who’s going to dance for you?1671

ALASTOR1672

It doesn’t matter. 1673

Rachel starts to cry.1674

RACHEL1675

I thought you needed me to sing.1676

ALASTOR1677

Of course I do, baby. Look.1678

(grabs his pad)1679

See? I’m writing a new song. 1680

RACHEL1681

For me?1682

Alastor hesitates, then disregards the question. He pulls her close, kissing her.  1683

ALASTOR1684

I’ll come home early tonight. I promise. 1685

Nadia takes Rachel by the arm and escorts her out of the lounge. Alastor storms over towards Lance, who drinks at the bar. QUINCY, drying a glass, turns around in time to see Alastor approaching.1686

QUINCY1687

Alastor--1688

BAM!! Alastor grabs the back of Lance’s head and SMASHES his face down against the bar. Alastor holds Lance’s head down and leans in close.1689

ALASTOR1690

WHAT’S YOUR JOB?!1691

LANCE1692

What? 1693

Alastor presses harder, squashing Lance’s face.1694

ALASTOR1695

WHAT’S YOUR ONLY JOB?!1696

LANCE1697

To protect her!1698

Alastor releases Lance and starts to pace.1699

ALASTOR1700

He was there when you picked her up. He was watching her.1701

LANCE1702

I didn’t see a fuckin’ thing.  1703

ALASTOR1704

He was there! Find him!1705

Lance tries to stand. He wobbles before his injured knee gives out. QUINCY jumps over the bar and helps him up.1706

QUINCY1707

I’ll do it. 1708

Alastor nods, returns to his pen and paper and resumes writing.1709

CUT TO:1710

EXT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT1711

The line to get in is starting to form. Quincy exits the front of the club, hops in a black Lexus parked on the street and speeds off. 1712

Across the street, Jake’s Blazer’s headlights pierce the dark air. The Blazer pulls out into the street, following the Lexus.1713

CUT TO:1714

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING -- NIGHT1715

Quincy pulls up in front of a modest apartment complex. He parks the car, goes inside. Moments later, Jake arrives, parking his Blazer across the street. 1716

CUT TO:1717

INT. APARTMENT BUILDING -- NIGHT1718

Quincy strolls towards the elevator, pushes the ‘UP’ button. The elevator chimes, the doors open. Quincy steps in, passing by a MAINTENANCE MAN carrying a toolbox. Quincy holds the door.1719

QUINCY1720

You work here?1721

MAINTENANCE MAN1722

Yeah.1723

QUINCY1724

You know a Jake Harris?1725

MAINTENANCE MAN1726

Yeah, I was just in his apartment.1727

QUINCY1728

Is he home?1729

MAINTENANCE MAN1730

No, he moved out. 1731

QUINCY1732

Where’d he go?1733

MAINTENANCE MAN1734

Beats me. It’s weird. He just picked up and left. Most of his stuff is still there. 1735

Quincy nods. Maintenance Man goes on his way.1736

CUT TO:1737

EXT. QUINCY’S HOUSE -- NIGHT1738

Quincy pulls into the driveway of a nice-looking home. Moments later, Jake pulls up along the curb. He is just out of view of the house, concealed by surrounding hedges and shrubs. 1739

Jake quietly slips out of his Blazer, .38 in hand. He crawls along the opposite side of the hedges until he is parallel with the Lexus. Jake slips into the hedges. 1740

CRACK. A branch snaps under Jake’s foot. Jake watches Quincy spin around, alert. Jake holds his breath as Quincy surveys his surroundings. Finally, Quincy relaxes. 1741

Jake quietly pulls back the hammer on his .38 bulldog. Suddenly, the door to the house bursts open and a YOUNG GIRL, 5, rushes out. 1742

YOUNG GIRL1743

Daddy!!1744

Quincy scoops the girl into his open arms.1745

QUINCY1746

Hey, baby! What are you still doing up?1747

Jake FREEZES, staring in shock. He watches Quincy swing his daughter around in the air. Jake looks at the gun in his hand, then watches Quincy carry his daughter inside. 1748

CUT TO:1749

INT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT1750

Alastor crouches before a widescreen TV. He slips one of the tapes into the VCR, presses play. IN THE VIDEO Julie skates beautifully during a practice. 1751

She skates backwards and attempts a sharp cut, before stopping shakily, spraying up ice. 1752

Alastor, mesmerized, cringes when Jake appears on screen, his tranquil expression replaced by an enraged visage. Alastor watches as Jake grabs Julie by the arm, scolding her. 1753

Julie cowers. Jake demonstrates the move, stopping quick and sharp. Stunned, Alastor rewinds the tape, watching Jake scold Julie. 1754

CUT TO:1755

INT. PLANET ICE LOBBY -- NIGHT1756

Rachel leads Alastor by the hand towards the trophy case. The lobby is mostly empty, save for a JANITOR sweeping the floor. 1757

ALASTOR1758

Where is it?1759

RACHEL1760

Hold on a second. 1761

Rachel leads him to the TROPHY CASE. Alastor puts a hand on the glass, gazing lustfully at the framed photo of Julie within the State Championships trophy. 1762

ALASTOR1763

She looks....like an angel.  1764

Rachel tugs at his arm.1765

RACHEL1766

Come on.1767

CUT TO:1768

INT. PLANET ICE SKATING RINK -- NIGHT1769

Rachel leads Alastor across the slippery ice until they reach the center circle. 1770

RACHEL1771

This is it. This is where we practiced. 1772

Alastor kneels, running a hand along the smooth ice. 1773

RACHEL1774

This was Jules’ rink.1775

ALASTOR1776

Her rink?1777

RACHEL1778

Yeah, she practically lived here. 1779

Alastor closes his eyes, takes in a deep breath.1780

CUT TO:1781

INT. ICE RINK -- FLASH1782

ATALANTA skates in a circle, laughing and smiling. 1783

CUT TO:1784

INT. PLANET ICE SKATING RINK -- NIGHT1785

Alastor opens his eyes. He moves to the scorekeeper’s box. 1786

RACHEL1787

What are you doing?1788

Alastor fishes in his jacket pocket and pulls out a CD. He slips the disc into the CD PLAYER. Alastor’s voice fills the crisp air, the lyrics of the gothic ballad describing his love for Julie. 1789

CUT TO:1790

INT. PLANET ICE LOBBY -- NIGHT1791

Jake enters the lobby from an adjoining rink. He cocks his head, listening. Suddenly, he recognizes the song. He sprints past the Janitor INTO THE RINK where he SEES--1792

Alastor and Rachel, dancing on the ice. Jake charges, knocking Alastor to the ice with a flying TACKLE. Alastor’s head smacks the ice hard. Jake begins to pummel him with his fists. 1793

JAKE1794

YOU BASTARD!! HOW DARE YOU COME HERE!! 1795

Alastor, dazed, is unable to defend himself. Rachel jumps on Jake’s back, punching and screaming.1796

RACHEL1797

Coach!! Stop it!! Let him go!! 1798

Jake smacks Rachel with a backhand. She falls back, clutching the side of her face, crying. Jake stops pummeling Alastor, realizing what he’s done. He slides next to Rachel.1799

JAKE1800

Rachel? Rachel, I’m sorry!1801

Alastor looks up, SEEING Jake kneeling over Rachel.1802

ALASTOR1803

GET AWAY FROM HER!!1804

Alastor drags himself along the ice towards Jake and Rachel. Rachel pushes Jake away, who tries desperately to comfort her. Alastor pulls a STUN GUN from his jacket pocket.1805

JAKE1806

I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean--1807

ZAP!! Alastor shocks Jake in the back of the neck, causing him to drop to the ground. He grabs Jake by the collar and starts to drag him off the ice. 1808

RACHEL1809

Alastor? Alastor, wait!1810

Rachel chases after Alastor and Jake into the lobby.1811

CUT TO:1812

INT. PLANET ICE LOBBY -- NIGHT1813

Alastor drags Jake’s limp body towards the trophy case and props him up against the wall. Dazed, Jake stares numbly at Alastor. Across the lobby the Janitor stops sweeping, watching in shock.1814

JAKE1815

I’m going to kill you...1816

ALASTOR1817

You fucking coward. How could you do it? How could you hurt someone so helpless?1818

(no response)1819

Come on Daddy! Tell me!1820

Alastor smacks Jake, then punches through the glass of the trophy case. Shards crunch under his feet as he kneels before Jake, slipping a bloody hand around his throat.1821

ALASTOR1822

I want you to watch. Watch me take her away from you.1823

Alastor reaches into the trophy case and grabs Julie’s TROPHY. Jake’s hand slowly starts moving down his leg.1824

RACHEL1825

Alastor? Please, let’s just go.1826

Alastor ignores Rachel, nervously waiting by the entrance to the rink. The Janitor places his broom on the ground and starts to approach the two men.1827

ALASTOR1828

You don’t deserve this. You never deserved her. 1829

Suddenly, Jake’s hand tugs up his pant leg and snaps the .38 loose. Alastor SEES the gun and stomps on Jake’s wrist--BLAM!! A bullet shoots off to the side. The Janitor runs for cover.1830

RACHEL1831

Alastor!1832

Alastor pries the gun out of Jake’s hand and shoves the barrel into his cheek.1833

JAKE1834

Do it. Come on! Do it asshole!1835

Alastor gently puts down Julie’s trophy, then picks up an empty COKE BOTTLE. He smashes the bottle against the wall, jabs the sharp edge under Jake’s throat.1836

ALASTOR1837

Just once I want to hear you scream. 1838

Alastor slices the coke bottle across Jake’s cheek. Jake grits his teeth, refusing to make a sound. 1839

ALASTOR1840

Scream motherfucker!! Scream like she did when you killed her!1841

Rachel rushes over, tugging at Alastor’s arm.1842

RACHEL1843

Alastor, stop it, please!1844

ALASTOR1845

(to Rachel)1846

Fuck off!1847

RACHEL1848

Just leave Coach alone! 1849

ALASTOR1850

He has to pay for everything he’s done! 1851

RACHEL1852

What’s he done?1853

The .38 shakes in Alastor’s other hand. He shoves it hard under Jake’s chin.1854

RACHEL1855

What’s he done, Alastor?1856

ALASTOR1857

He took her away from me--1858

VOICE (O.S.)1859

FREEZE!!1860

Alastor and Rachel look back to see a UNIFORMED COP, his gun drawn.1861

COP1862

Drop it!!1863

Alastor continues to hold the .38 and broken bottle to Jake’s throat. 1864

COP1865

I said drop it!!1866

Alastor doesn’t move. BLAM!! The COP fires a warning shot near Alastor--The bullet hits the middle of the trophy, leaving a hole in the photo where Julie’s head was.1867

Alastor sees the damage done to the photo in the trophy, turns, raises the gun at the COP--1868

ALASTOR1869

You motherfucker!!1870

BLAM!! The COP shoots Alastor in the upper shoulder, knocking him back. The .38 clatters to the ground. 1871

COP1872

Don’t fucking move!!1873

Rachel, crying, kicks the gun over to the COP. 1874

RACHEL1875

Here, take it!! Please just don’t hurt him!!1876

The COP grabs the gun. Rachel dives next to Alastor. Jake, barely conscious, watches several other COPS rush towards them. 1877

He SEES Rachel rocking Alastor in her arms. Julie’s trophy lay next to them, damaged. Jake feebly reaches for the trophy before drifting off into unconsciousness.1878

CUT TO:1879

INT. POLICE PRECINCT -- HOLDING CELL -- NIGHT1880

Leary leads a bandaged Jake towards an empty cell.1881

LEARY1882

Jake, what’s the matter with you? You were already out on bail, for Christ’s sake. 1883

ALASTOR (O.S.)1884

Plenty of room over here.1885

Jake whirls around to see Alastor, his shoulder bandaged, alone in the cell directly across from him. Leary locks Jake in the cell opposite Alastor. 1886

Jake eases himself onto a bench, gently peels back the gauze covering his slashed cheek. As soon as the door clicks shut, Alastor rolls off the bench and moves to the bars.1887

ALASTOR1888

I was hoping I’d see you again. Did you make your phone call yet? 1889

(no response)1890

Don’t you find this amusing? Us in jail--together. I guess we’re a lot alike, Jake.1891

JAKE1892

Shut up! I’m nothing like you. I’m not a fucking freak!1893

ALASTOR1894

Oh really? That’s not what Rachel says. What’s the matter? Don’t want to talk?1895

Jake springs off the bench and charges forward, hands gripping the bars.1896

JAKE1897

You wanna talk? Tell me why you did it! Tell me why you killed her!1898

ALASTOR1899

I didn’t kill her. I loved her. More than you ever did.1900

JAKE1901

MOTHERFUCKER!! You don’t know what love is! If you loved Julie so much then why is she dead?!1902

ALASTOR1903

You’re the one who doesn’t know what love is, Jake. 1904

JAKE1905

Fuck you!!1906

ALASTOR1907

You’re blessed with the most beautiful, precious, talented daughter in the world, and you treat her worse than some punk sent to a marine boot camp!1908

JAKE1909

You have no idea what we meant to each other. She was my life. She was everything, and you took that from me. Why can’t you see that?1910

ALASTOR1911

I do, Jake. I’m the only one who really understands your pain. Because it’s my pain too. That’s why I’ve written a song about her. An entire album. 1912

JAKE1913

No! I forbid it. Please, just let her rest in peace. Haven’t you trashed her enough?1914

ALASTOR1915

I would never trash her, you stupid bastard! My music will make her live forever.1916

JAKE1917

You write about her and I’ll fucking kill you.1918

ALASTOR1919

Why? Jealous, Jake? Afraid that I can love her memory better than you can?1920

JAKE1921

I see what it is you want now. It’s not enough to destroy her life. You want to destroy my life too. You won’t stop until I’m dead. 1922

ALASTOR1923

This isn’t about you. This was never about you. It’s about her. 1924

Jake backs away from the bars, takes a seat. He rests his head in his hands and chokes back tears.1925

CUT TO:1926

INT. POLICE PRECINCT -- HOLDING CELL -- MORNING1927

Hearing approaching footsteps, Jake jumps to his feet. He rushes to the front of the cell to see--Leary, followed by RACHEL, NADIA and ALASTOR’S SHARK LAWYER.1928

Jake looks across at Alastor, who winks in return. Jake reaches out through the bars to Rachel.1929

JAKE1930

Rachel! Rachel!1931

Leary unlocks Alastor, who is immediately pampered by his entourage.1932

JAKE1933

Rachel, please. Get me out of here.1934

RACHEL1935

I’m sorry, Coach. 1936

Alastor pulls Rachel close as they leave the holding cells.1937

ALASTOR1938

Bye, Jake.1939

CUT TO:1940

INT. POLICE PRECINCT -- FRONT DESK1941

Leary leads Jake towards the front exit. 1942

LEARY1943

You’re lucky you’re getting out so soon.1944

JAKE1945

What’s going to happen to Cain?1946

LEARY1947

D.A.’s going for attempted murder. But Cain’s shark lawyer’s gonna be all over this.1948

JAKE1949

You mean he’ll walk.1950

LEARY1951

Jake, we’re trying. We’ve put the club under surveillance. That’s the best I can do for now.1952

As they near the entrance Jake sees NICOLE, paying CASH for Jake’s bail at the front desk. Jake leaves Leary, approaches his ex-wife. Nicole stares at Jake’s cuts and bruises.1953

NICOLE1954

Jesus, Jake. You look like shit.1955

JAKE1956

I’ll pay you back for this, I promise.1957

NICOLE1958

(nods)1959

Let me drive you to the hospital.1960

JAKE1961

I’m fine, I’ll see a doctor next week. 1962

NICOLE1963

Just go home, Jake. Get some rest. You need it.1964

Jake nods, then hurries out the front doors.1965

CUT TO:1966

INT. PLANET ICE LOBBY -- NIGHT 1967

Jake rushes through the empty lobby to the trophy case. He searches the glassless case, finding Julie’s trophy gone. 1968

Suddenly, a hand slides into frame, tapping Jake on the shoulder--Jake whirls around to see the Janitor, startled by Jake’s tense reaction.1969

JANITOR1970

Jesus, Jake. It’s me.  1971

JAKE1972

Sorry, Cliff.1973

JANITOR1974

(looks at his wounds)1975

Goddamn, you’re awful lucky he didn’t kill you, Jake. I was so scared I almost shit my pants. 1976

JAKE1977

I’m fine. I just wish the cops hadn’t taken Julie’s trophy.1978

JANITOR1979

Whadda you talkin’ ‘bout? The cops didn’t take Julie’s trophy, Jake.1980

JAKE1981

What?1982

JANITOR1983

That girl did. 1984

JAKE1985

Rachel?1986

JANITOR1987

That punk who was trying to kill you, he told her to take it to his place.1988

CUT TO: 1989

EXT. SEEDY BOULEVARD -- NIGHT1990

Jake cruises slowly through the red-light district. He pulls up to a curb, checking out half a dozen HOOKERS. He SEES an attractive GOTHIC-LOOKING HOOKER, 22, smoking in the middle of the pack. 1991

Jake rolls down his window, waves her over. A Fat Hooker starts towards Jake.1992

JAKE1993

(points at Gothic Hooker)1994

Not you. Her.1995

Gothic Hooker slinks up to the car, pops her head in the passenger-side window. She smiles curtly and sticks out her tongue, pierced several times.1996

GOTHIC HOOKER1997

I’m Faith.1998

JAKE1999

I don’t want to know your name.2000

FAITH2001

Yeah, you guys never do.2002

JAKE2003

I want to--I need your help.2004

FAITH2005

My help? Jesus, that’s fresh. 2006

JAKE2007

I don’t want sex, I just want you to come with me for the night.2008

FAITH2009

No way.2010

JAKE2011

Why not?2012

FAITH2013

Only the weirdos don’t want sex. 2014

JAKE2015

Do I look like a weirdo to you? 2016

FAITH2017

Yeah.2018

JAKE2019

Look, I just want you to hang out with me for a few hours. That’s it.2020

Faith takes a long drag, thinks it over.2021

FAITH2022

Three hundred.2023

JAKE2024

Three hundred? I just said no sex.2025

FAITH2026

Now it’s four hundred. Complain again and it’s five.2027

Jake rifles through his wallet, pulls out a wad of money. Faith hops in the Blazer. Jake watches her stuff the money into her shoulder bag. At the bottom of her bag is a STUN GUN.2028

JAKE2029

Is that a--2030

FAITH2031

(cuts him off)2032

Stun gun. Fuck with me and I’ll fry your ass.2033

JAKE2034

Does it work?2035

FAITH2036

You think I carry it around ‘cuz it looks pretty?2037

Faith grabs the stun gun and points it at Jake. ZAP! Electricity crackles as she holds it in front of him.2038

JAKE2039

Okay, okay. How much you want for it?2040

Faith looks at Jake curiously.2041

FAITH2042

What do you want it for?2043

JAKE2044

Protection.2045

FAITH2046

Buy a gun.2047

JAKE2048

I did. The police confiscated it.2049

FAITH2050

You’re just a regular bad boy, aren’t you? Two hundred for the stun gun. 2051

(Jake hands her the money)2052

I’ll give it to you at the end of the night.2053

JAKE2054

What?2055

FAITH2056

You think I’m gonna give it to you now?2057

JAKE2058

Fine.2059

FAITH2060

Alright, let’s ride.2061

JAKE2062

Don’t smoke in here.2063

FAITH2064

You’re kidding.2065

(sees Jake is serious)2066

Alright, relax.2067

Faith flicks away her cigarette butt.2068

JAKE2069

Thank you.2070

FAITH2071

Whatever you say, Flash. Now what say we get this show on the road? If we hurry I can make it home in time for Nightline.2072

Jake starts the car, gives Faith a quizzical look. She smiles, winks at him. 2073

CUT TO:2074

INT. JAKE’S  BLAZER -- NIGHT 2075

Faith fidgets, slips a cigarette out of her purse.2076

JAKE2077

I said no smoking--2078

FAITH2079

Relax, I’m not going to light it.2080

(sticks it in her mouth)2081

So now what?2082

JAKE2083

I want to look like you.2084

FAITH2085

I said no weird stuff.2086

JAKE2087

No, your look. What do you call your style? Vampire? Bondage?2088

FAITH2089

Man, you’re a real dork, you know that? It’s called gothic.2090

JAKE2091

Okay, I want you to show me how to look gothic.2092

FAITH2093

Are you for real?2094

CUT TO:2095

INT. GOTHIC STORE -- NIGHT    2096

Jake closely follows Faith, who swoops through the store picking out items, quickly sizing them up to Jake’s frame: leather coat, pants, boots, fishnet shirt--2097

CUT TO:2098

INT. PIERCING/TATTOO PARLOR -- NIGHT2099

Faith moves quickly along a display, picking out earrings, chains, medallions, etc. Jake shifts uncomfortably under the clerk’s curious gaze.2100

CUT TO:2101

EXT. CHEAP MOTEL -- NIGHT  2102

Jake’s Blazer is parked outside a room.2103

CUT TO:2104

INT. CHEAP MOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT2105

Jake struggles to fit into his leather outfit. Faith helps him put it on. 2106

Faith sits Jake on the bed, begins to cover his ears and nose with FAKE PIERCINGS. 2107

Faith shaves Jake’s head with a set of clippers. 2108

Faith paints his lips, eyes, and fingernails black.2109

Faith fastens a long, black-haired wig to his head.2110

Jake, fully dressed, moves to a mirror, shocked by his reflection. He runs his hands through his thick, long black hair. 2111

He touches his earrings, noserings, and medallions. He spins in the mirror, watching his snug black leather and vinyl outfit cling to his body.2112

Faith appears from the bathroom, freshly made up, sporting a new outfit. She stands next to him before the mirror, complementing his new look perfectly.2113

FAITH2114

Shit, you look great. I should charge you extra.2115

JAKE2116

I...I look like him.2117

FAITH2118

Who?2119

Slowly, Jake’s lips curl into an ugly scowl. Disgusted, he PUNCHES the mirror, smashing it to pieces.2120

FAITH2121

What the fuck’s the matter with you?2122

Jake grabs Faith by the arm and yanks her out the door.2123

JAKE2124

Come on.2125

CUT TO:2126

EXT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT  2127

The line of freaks is growing. Across the street, Leary chews on sunflower seeds in his parked car. He looks at the line, seeing nothing of interest. 2128

TAP! TAP! Leary jumps, sees a PORTLY UNIFORMED COP at his window. Leary quickly rolls it down.2129

PORTLY COP2130

Didn’t mean to scare you.2131

LEARY2132

It’s alright.2133

PORTLY COP2134

Anything?2135

LEARY2136

Nope. How long you on till?2137

PORTLY COP2138

Closing.2139

LEARY2140

Have a good one.2141

Portly Cop returns to his unmarked squad car. Leary starts his engine, pulls out into the street--SCREECH!! Leary slams on his brakes, tapping JAKE and FAITH with his bumper.2142

Jake braces himself on the hood, recognizes Leary, who returns his stare. A moment passes. Faith beats down on the hood of the car with her fists.2143

FAITH2144

You fucking asshole! Watch where you’re going!2145

Startled, Leary gives an apologetic wave. 2146

LEARY2147

Sorry.2148

Faith clutches onto Jake’s arm, pulling him away. Leary drives off, and Jake watches him disappear down the street. 2149

FAITH2150

You alright?2151

JAKE2152

Yes. Thanks.2153

Jake leads Faith to the back of the line outside the club. 2154

FAITH2155

I can’t believe you brought me here. I fucking love this place.2156

JAKE2157

You’ve been here before?2158

FAITH2159

Of course. This place rocks.2160

You picked a good night to come. Alastor Cain’s performing.2161

JAKE2162

I know.2163

Faith lights up a cigarette, notices Jake staring at the LOGO above the club, the golden circle within the circular serpent.2164

FAITH2165

That gold circle, that’s a shen ring. You know what that is?2166

(Jake ignores her)2167

It’s an ancient Egyptian symbol. Represents infinity, renewal, the eternal return of all things. 2168

(Jake gives her a surprised look)2169

Yeah, I know. 2170

(taps her head)2171

I got more goin’ on up here than you thought, right? That snake eating its tail, pretty much means the same thing as the shen ring. Pretty cool the way Alastor has one encircle the other, don’t you think?2172

JAKE2173

I’m not paying you to talk. Just shut up and stand next to me.2174

FAITH2175

(takes a long drag of her cigarette)2176

Whatever you say, Flash. Whatever you say. 2177

CUT TO:2178

INT. SHEN RING -- BACK ROOM -- NIGHT  2179

Rachel stands before the shrine, gazing at the portraits of Atalanta. She turns her attention to the nightgown, touches the glass case. Suddenly, the door OPENS and Nadia pops her head in. 2180

NADIA2181

Alastor’s on in five. You ready?2182

Embarrassed, Rachel backs away from the shrine. Nadia shuts the door behind her.2183

NADIA2184

You’d give anything to wear it, wouldn’t you?2185

Rachel blushes.2186

NADIA2187

So would I.2188

RACHEL2189

Really? 2190

(Nadia nods)2191

Have you ever, you know...tried it on?2192

NADIA2193

No. I never thought another would wear it. Until Julie.2194

RACHEL2195

Do you think Alastor will ever ask me to wear it?2196

NADIA2197

If he wanted you to, he would have already asked.2198

Rachel frowns, chokes back tears. 2199

NADIA2200

But he still needs you. Come on. He’s waiting.2201

Nadia takes Rachel by the hand and leads her out of the room.2202

CUT TO:2203

EXT./INT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT2204

Jake and Faith step up to the front of the line. The Bouncer, his nose still bandaged, takes their money and lets them in without giving Jake a second glance.2205

INSIDE THE CLUB Jake and Faith struggle to move past the enormous crowd. The lights go out. People cheer and scream. A SPOTLIGHT bursts onto stage, revealing--2206

ALASTOR, shirtless, in leather pants and boots, his hands clasped together in front of him, uniting his tattoo in a circle. He sways gently as the music builds.2207

Another SPOTLIGHT reveals RACHEL, mirroring Alastor’s movements inside the CAGE above the crowd. Smiling, Faith whoops and cheers. Disgusted, Jake shakes her by the arm. 2208

JAKE2209

Shut up!2210

FAITH2211

What’s your trip, man? This is great!2212

JAKE2213

Don’t cheer for him.2214

FAITH2215

Why the fuck not?2216

JAKE2217

Give me the stun gun.2218

FAITH2219

What?2220

JAKE2221

We’re through. I don’t need you anymore. Now give me the stun gun.2222

Faith digs the stun gun out of her handbag and gives it to Jake. He tucks it in his jacket pocket, starts to shove his way towards the back. Faith watches for a moment, then shrugs it off, turning her attention back to the show.2223

NEAR THE BACK OF THE CLUB Jake slinks towards the 2 BODYGUARDS protecting the hallway to the private lounge. Suddenly, Jake attacks, zapping both with the stun gun. 2224

No one notices the two guards drop to the ground. Jake moves down the hall towards the lounge.2225

CUT TO:2226

INT. PRIVATE LOUNGE -- NIGHT   2227

Jake steps into the lounge, finding LANCE and QUINCY at the bar. 2228

LANCE2229

This is a private lounge, shithead.2230

CRACK! Jake slugs Lance in the face with a wicked right hand, knocking him clean off the bar stool. Before Quincy clears the bar, Jake ZAPS Lance with the stun gun.2231

Jake shoves the stun gun under Quincy’s throat. Lance convulses from the shock at their feet.2232

QUINCY2233

(recognizes Jake)2234

You. What do you want?2235

JAKE2236

I want my daughter back. 2237

QUINCY2238

You’re making a big mistake, man.2239

JAKE2240

I figured you of all people would understand. 2241

QUINCY2242

Why?2243

JAKE2244

How can you work here? With that precious little girl at home?2245

(Quincy stares in shock)2246

Your daughter needs a father more than Alastor’s tainted money. 2247

Lance groans, tries to move. Jake boots him hard in the gut.2248

JAKE2249

Where’s Julie’s trophy?2250

(jabs the stun gun under Quincy’s throat)2251

Where?2252

QUINCY2253

If it’s here, it’ll be in the back.2254

Jake motions Quincy, who leads Jake INSIDE ALASTOR’S BACK ROOM. Jake shoves Quincy onto the couch, takes in his surroundings, particularly the ATALANTA SHRINE.2255

JAKE2256

Where?2257

QUINCY2258

(points at the shrine)2259

In there.2260

Jake smashes the glass case with his elbow, rips out the NIGHTGOWN. Hidden behind the nightgown is Julie’s trophy with the bullet hole in the photo. Jake inspects the nightgown, particularly the blood stains.2261

JAKE2262

Who’s blood is this?2263

QUINCY2264

Alastor’s sister’s...and your daughter’s.2265

JAKE2266

What?2267

QUINCY2268

She was wearing that when she died.2269

JAKE2270

She died in here?2271

(Quincy nods)2272

Where?2273

Quincy points to a spot on the floor. Jake slowly kneels, runs a hand over the smooth hardwood floor.2274

JAKE2275

The bathroom. She called me from the bathroom.2276

Quincy points, and Jake inspects the bathroom. After a moment, Jake storms over to Quincy on the couch.2277

JAKE2278

You saw her die and didn’t do a fucking thing! How could you?! You’re a father!2279

QUINCY2280

It was an accident. 2281

JAKE2282

Bullshit! Look at this place! Look at that portrait! He’s obsessed with my daughter!2283

CLICK. Jake freezes. He slowly turns around seeing NADIA pointing her COLT .25 at his head.2284

NADIA2285

(to Quincy)2286

Get Alastor.2287

QUINCY2288

He’s performing--2289

NADIA2290

Go!2291

Quincy scrambles out of the room. 2292

NADIA2293

Give me the gown.2294

JAKE2295

Fuck you, lady.2296

CUT TO:2297

INT. BACK ROOM -- NIGHT  2298

Quincy rushes on stage during the song, grabs Alastor by one of his massive arms, whispers in his ear. Alastor points to Rachel in the cage and disappears backstage. The crowd BOOS and YELLS.2299

CUT TO:2300

INT. BACK ROOM -- NIGHT2301

Alastor charges into the room, finding Nadia holding her gun on Jake. He sees Atalanta’s nightgown in Jake’s hand.2302

ALASTOR2303

Give me the gown, Jake.2304

JAKE2305

Fuck you, Cain. 2306

ALASTOR2307

Give it to me! 2308

JAKE2309

It has Julie’s blood on it! This is proof you killed her!2310

ALASTOR2311

I told you I didn’t kill her! I loved her!2312

JAKE2313

Fuck you!2314

ALASTOR2315

Give me the gown!2316

JAKE2317

Fuck you!2318

Suddenly, Alastor snatches the gun out of Nadia’s hand--BLAM!! Jake stumbles back as a bullet rips through his shoulder. He drops Julie’s trophy, but holds onto the gown.2319

Alastor takes aim again, but before he can shoot--Jake jumps over the mini-bar, taking cover. Alastor fires off five more shots, emptying the Colt .25. Hearing the gun click empty, Jake springs over the mini-bar and rushes towards Alastor.2320

Alastor throws the gun down, charges Jake. They collide in front of the shrine, knocking each other to the ground. They roll and struggle, until Alastor’s strength proves too much.2321

He slugs Jake hard in the sternum, pulls him up, throws him into the shrine. Alastor grabs onto the nightgown, which Jake still clutches in his hand.2322

ALASTOR2323

Give it to me!!2324

Each man pulls on the gown--RIP!! The gown rips, both men stumble backwards. Alastor looks in his hand, seeing the bottom part of the gown.2325

ALASTOR2326

No. No, Oh God, no!! You bastard!!2327

Before Jake can get to his feet, Alastor grabs Julie’s trophy off the ground, swings it hard--CLUBBING Jake in the side of the head, directly on his temple. Jake crumples to the floor.2328

Alastor stands over Jake, choking back tears, clutching part of the gown in one hand, Julie’s trophy in the other. Quincy bursts into the room with Rachel.2329

Stunned, they both watch Alastor drop to his knees and pry the gown out of Jake’s fist. 2330

RACHEL2331

Oh my God. Who is that?2332

Alastor breaks down, crying, holding the torn nightgown in his hands. Quincy kneels next to Jake, checks for a pulse.2333

QUINCY2334

He’s dead.2335

RACHEL2336

Is that...? 2337

(recognizes Jake)2338

Oh my God. Coach?2339

Rachel rushes to Jake’s side, tries to shake him awake. Nadia composes herself, takes Alastor in her arms. 2340

NADIA2341

(to Quincy)2342

Get him out of here. 2343

QUINCY2344

Nadia, he’s dead!2345

NADIA2346

Get him out of here now! You know what to do.2347

Nadia and Quincy exchange a brief, knowing glance. Quincy picks up Jake, carries him out of the room. Rachel watches them go.2348

RACHEL2349

Oh my God. He killed him. Alastor killed Coach.2350

NADIA2351

It was an accident. Rachel, come here. Alastor needs you.2352

(no response)2353

Rachel!!2354

Rachel obeys, rushes to Alastor’s side. He holds her close, crying softly on her shoulder. 2355

CUT TO:2356

INT. DANCE FLOOR -- NIGHT2357

Quincy carries Jake up the stairs to the balcony. He braces Jake, then drops him onto the rabid crowd below. The mob of freaks cheers, gleefully tossing the motionless Jake above them. 2358

Quincy watches Jake float over the sea of people. His limp body moves towards the stage when suddenly his hand TWITCHES--2359

QUINCY2360

Jesus Christ!2361

Quincy rushes down from the balcony. Dazed and groggy, Jake comes to. After a moment, he realizes where he is.2362

JAKE2363

Put me down!! Put me down!!2364

Jake’s cries go unnoticed as he is moved towards the METAL CAGE, which rests on the middle of the floor before the stage. Suddenly, several people pull Jake down and stuff him inside the CAGE. 2365

The gate locks shut, the crowd breaks into a frenzy. Seeing Jake inside, Quincy scrambles backstage, presses a BUTTON--Suddenly, the CAGE begins to move, rising above the crowd. 2366

Furious, Jake shakes and bangs against the metal bars. Quincy rushes offstage.2367

CUT TO:2368

INT. BACK ROOM -- NIGHT    2369

Quincy bursts into the room. Curled up on the couch, Rachel holds Alastor, Atalanta’s torn nightgown still clenched in his fists. 2370

QUINCY2371

He’s alive! He’s alive and locked in the cage!2372

Alastor jumps to his feet and rushes out of the room.2373

CUT TO:2374

INT. STAGE/DANCE-FLOOR -- NIGHT2375

The gothic crowd goes wild as Jake tries to break out of the cage. Suddenly, the lights go out. The pounding goth-rock stops. The fanatical crowd erupts into chaos.2376

A SPOTLIGHT bursts on stage, revealing Alastor. Another SPOTLIGHT reveals Jake, trapped inside the cage. Both men lock eyes, seeing only the other. 2377

The music builds and Alastor begins to sing his song for Julie--to Jake. Enraged, Jake continues to struggle, but it’s no use. Scowling, he looks around him, until he sees--2378

A long metal cable connected to the top of the cage, which runs all the way to the back of the stage. The cable intersects with a wire that hangs down leading to Alastor’s MICROPHONE.2379

Jake reaches above, past the metal cable to a narrow box along the ceiling. He snaps the cover off the box, revealing dozens of ELECTRICAL WIRES. 2380

Jake strains, eventually able to brush one of the thick wires with a fingertip. Alastor continues to sing as Jake struggles. Suddenly, Jake rips the wire free.2381

He stares at Alastor, who suddenly realizes what he is about to do--Jake yanks the wire down and touches the METAL CAGE--2382

KABLAM!! Electricity shoots down into the cage and to Alastor’s microphone. Both Jake and Alastor convulse and collapse.2383

Cables explode and SNAP, people dive out of the way as THE CAGE CRASHES TO THE GROUND. Lights flicker and flash, then die. Total darkness.2384

A hush comes over the crowd. In the back, a lighter flickers. Then another. And another. Soon, the entire club is illuminated by flickering lighters--2385

Jake and Alastor both lay motionless. After a moment, Alastor  moves. The crowd roars. Alastor struggles to his feet, picks up a cordless microphone off an AMP. 2386

Jake stirs inside the cage. He pulls himself up, stumbles out of the cage, the door busted open, hanging off its hinges.2387

Alastor raises the microphone to his lips. His eyes glued on Jake, he continues to sing. The crowd erupts into deafening cheers. 2388

At the ENTRANCE, the front door flings open as LEARY, followed by half a dozen COPS, rushes inside. They stagger to a stop when they come upon the thick sea of freaks jammed together.  2389

Jake and Alastor burn holes through one other with their eyes. The crowd clears a path as Jake charges the stage--LEAPING up, tackling Alastor to the ground.2390

The microphone clatters to the floor. Alastor and Jake fight like rabid animals, clawing, howling, viciously trying to kill the other.2391

The crowd watches in silence, their flickering lighters illuminating the feral struggle. Leary plows his way through, only to be stopped short by the massive MOSH PIT.2392

LEARY2393

FREEZE!!!!2394

Leary pulls his gun but it’s no use. He takes aim, holds his gun on the two men on stage. Alastor lands a fierce punch, smashing Jake’s nose flat.2395

Jake howls in pain. Alastor capitalizes on the moment and rolls on top of Jake. He reaches out with a hand, finding an AMP. He pulls it close, then hoists the heavy box above his head--2396

Leary SEES Jake, helpless, head about to be crushed by the AMP--2397

Alastor stares into Jake’s dazed eyes with a savage fury as he starts to SMASH THE AMP DOWN--2398

BLAM!!2399

A bullet rips through Alastor’s upper chest. He sways back, the AMP drops to the floor with a thud behind him. The crowd gasps, watching Alastor fall forward onto Jake--2400

REVEALING RACHEL BEHIND THEM WEARING ATALANTA’S TORN NIGHTGOWN. 2401

RACHEL, pale as a ghost, wobbles on her feet, clutching her stomach. She pulls her hand away, finding it slicked with blood. She collapses.2402

The crowd stares in SHOCK. Leary tries desperately to get on stage.2403

Alastor rolls off of Jake, following his horrified gaze to the fallen RACHEL, several feet away.2404

ALASTOR2405

...no...oh God, no...2406

Tears flow from Alastor’s eyes--2407

CUT TO:2408

INT. FATHER’S BEDROOM -- FLASH2409

Teenage Alastor desperately clutches Atalanta’s body, blood splattered across her nightgown. 2410

CUT TO:2411

INT. BACK ROOM -- FLASH2412

Alastor holds Julie, dressed in the bloody gown, his hand slicked with her blood.2413

CUT TO:2414

INT. SHEN RING -- NIGHT2415

Lying next to Jake, Alastor cries uncontrollably. Both men stare at the tiny body in the bloody white nightgown, crumpled on the floor, motionless.2416

Cops charge the stage. Lighters flicker out as Freaks panic and rush in all directions, leaving the club in darkness.2417

FADE TO BLACK:2418

EXT. CEMETERY -- DAY2419

LEARY, standing with his WIFE and YOUNG SON, gazes numbly at a new headstone: 2420

RACHEL FISKE    Beloved Daughter 1985 - 20002421

Leary collapses, crying. His wife and son rush to his side.2422

CUT TO:2423

INT. PRISON -- DAY2424

Inmates lift weights. Guards keep watch as they do rounds. One INMATE in particular lifts a massive stack of plates on the flat bench. Other inmates marvel at the impressive display of strength.2425

A SPOTTER inmate helps up forced reps. We move closer to the flat bench as the inmate finishes. The barbell lands back on the rack with a clang, revealing two tattooed hands gripping the bar--2426

ALASTOR’S HANDS. Alastor sits up, peels off his long-sleeved shirt, revealing an ugly bullet scar on his upper chest. 2427

He uses his shirt to wipe himself down. A SKINHEAD INMATE walks briskly past Alastor, tugs up his shirt and slips him a large ENVELOPE. Alastor immediately wraps the envelope in his shirt and hurries away.2428

Alastor rushes inside his CELL. He crouches in a corner, rips open the envelope in a frenzy to find--2429

Atalanta’s bloody, torn NIGHTGOWN. He clutches the gown to his chest, shoves it under his nose and inhales deeply. Alastor leans back, smiling, riding his high...2430

CUT TO:2431

INT. INSTITUTION -- DAY2432

A few patients play cards, a TOOTHLESS MAN stumbles around in the middle of the patient LOUNGE. Jake, tired and ragged, emerges from an empty hallway.2433

Jake inches his way across the lounge towards a SODA MACHINE.   His shaky fingers struggle to slip coins into the slot. Suddenly, ALASTOR’S VOICE fills the air. Jake whirls around to SEE--2434

The TOOTHLESS MAN playing with the volume knob on an old, beat-up radio. Hearing Alastor’s song for Julie, Jake grabs his soda and HURLS it at the radio, smashing it to pieces. 2435

Other patients turn and gawk. Jake glares at them, until he SEES a YOUNG GIRL PATIENT, 13, short black hair, curled up on the couch in front of a TV. 2436

Jake creeps towards her. He slowly takes a seat next to the young girl. She steals a nervous glance at Jake, her innocent eyes showing her trepidation. They sit in silence, then Jake smiles.2437

JAKE2438

Hi.2439

FADE OUT.2440

THE END2441