THE DEVIL'S RIDE

ACT 1
THE DEVIL'S RIDE

FADE IN:

Camp City - USA - BYRON'S EDUCATIONAl facility. Elston Gardner, a 30 something school teacher stares out of the window, as kids play in the background, he counts his blessings, as a volunteer for at risk youth Elston has seen first hand how dysfunctional families can negatively impact the life of a child.  He looks down at his watch. 
ELSTON
A few more hours and I'm done for the day."
 A short stocky man opens the door.
BRANDON
Well there he is, how's my favorite philanthropist doing today?" 
Elston turns to face his father's best friend and mentor.  He smiles.
 ELSTON
Hey Mr. Ellis I'm doing better than most, I guess."
 Brandon walks up to the window and looks outside. 
BRANDON
The reason why I stopped by is to ask you for a favor you see I'm in a bit of a quandary."
KIDS
Hi Mr. Ellis.  
BRANDON
I was wondering if you could take the kids out for ice cream?  I would do it myself, but I got an important meeting to attend.

                                               CONTINUED:
ELSTON
Sure thing.
Elston looks at the kids. 
ELSTON
How many of you could go for some ice cream?
The kids cheer with enthusiasm and folow ELSTON outside to his car. Brandon look out of the window. ELSTON opens the car door. 
ELSTON
Ok, everybody inside.
The children pile into the back seat.  A little boy, eight years old stands outside by himself.  
ELSTON
Put on your seat belts.
ELSTON looks outside and sees the little boy standing there.
ELSTON
What's the matter kid, don't you want some ice cream?  
The child nods.  
ELSTON
Well get in.
The child doesn't move, ELSTON gets out of the car; opens the back passenger door.  
ELSTON
Come one kid no one is going to hurt you, in fact you can sit up front with me, is that ok with you?  

                                              CONTINUED:                                                               

The child agrees, ELSTON helps him into the car and straps him in and they leave to go get ice cream.  An hour later ELSTON'S car pulls into the school parking lot.
ELSTON
Everybody out.  
The children remove their seat belts and exit the vehicle.  The little boy is the last to exit. ELSTON approaches the kid.
ELSTON
Did you like your ice cream?  
The kid nods.  ELSTON looks down at the kid's arm, he sees red bruises.  
ELSTON
Did you get into a fight? 
The kid shakes his head no. 
ELSTON
Come on kids.
They follow Elston inside of the building.  Brandon stands in the hallway talking to a receptionist.  He looks at the kids, 
ELSTON
You guys wait here.
ELSTON calls BRANDON over who has a quizzical look on his face.
BRANDON
Something the matter?

                                               CONTINUED:

ELSTON
I saw red welts on the kid's arm. 
BRANDON 
Maybe he fell, or something?  You know how rough kids can be?  Take him to the nurses office, they'll fix him right up.
ELSTON
I think the kid is a victim of child abuse.
BRANDON looks over ELSTON'S shoulder at the kids.
BRANDON
Do you have proof?
ELSTON
The welts.  They look like cord marks, like the kid was hit with an extension cord or something.
BRANDON
I trust your judgment, but remember if you're wrong about this, it's going to cost all of us.
ELSTON
I appreciate the trust that you have in me.
BRANDON 
And that's it, for now.  Ok?
ELSTON nods his head in approval.  The school bell rings, kids spill out into the hallway.  ELSTON watches from a window as the kid walks outside and approaches a white camry.  A male figure turns to face the child, looks around and smacks  him across the face. 

                                              CONTINUED:

ELSTON
I've got to follow him.
EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT, ELSTON'S CAR - LATE AFTERNOON
ELSTON walks into the parking lot, gets into a Blue Mustang and takes off, he turns the corner following the white car.
EXT. 115TH STREET, A BLUE HOUSE - SAME TIME 
The White Camry turns left into a driveway.  JED BUMGARHAUSEN, 25 a scruffy looking man wearing a dirty white-tee and blue jeans gets out of the car, walks to the front door.
JED BUMHARHOUSEN
Come on I ain't got all day, now move it!
PASSENGER SIDE 
The kid opens the car door, gets out, walks to the front door. JED walks inside of the house, the kid follows him.  JED turns around, pulls the kid inside and slams the door.  ELSTON hears yelling coming from inside of the house. 
ELSTON (V.O.)
I've got to help that kid.  I'll wait until it gets dark.
ELSTON gets into his car and falls asleep. 
ELSTON'S CAR - EVENING 
ELSTON wakes up, sees movement in the kitchen, he gets out of his car, looks around and approaches the house.

                                               CONTINUED:

JED BUMHARHOUSEN (yelling)
I told you to shut up, bitch!
ELSTON ducks down behind a patch of bushes, he looks through an open window in the kitchen. 
INT. KITCHEN  - SAME TIME 
JED smacks JOANN, 28 in the face.  She cries.  The kid grabs JED by the leg. 
JIMMY
You leave my mommy alone!
JED shoves the kid to the floor and kicks him, the kid screams in pain. 
EXT. PATCH OF BRUSH - SAME TIME  
ELSTON
I've seen enough.  I have to do something.
ELSTON climbs a fence leading into a backyard.
BACKYARD - SAME TIME 
ELSTON creeps to a screen door, he hears shouting, he twists open the door handle, then runs inside. 
ELSTON (CONT'D)
So you like beating up on women and children?  I'd like to see you beat on me like that!
JED looks at ELSTON with a shocked look upon his face.
JED BUMHARHOUSEN 
What the hell are you doing in my house, boy?!

                                           CONTINUED:

JED runs out of the kitchen.
JOANN
Who the hell are you!

ELSTON
Ma'am are you alright?  Is the child alright?
JED walks back into the kitchen, holding a shotgun. 
JED BUMHARHOUSEN
Let me show you what I do to trespassers, who don't mind their own fucking business! 
JED points the shotgun at ELSTON. 
JOAN 
JED don't!
ELSTON ducks behind a stove.
JED BUMHARHOUSEN
You think it's that easy boy.  I don't need a shotgun to whip your ass.  I'll beat you with my bare hands.
JED puts down the shotgun. ELSTON stands up and faces JED. 
JED BUMHARHOUSEN (CONT'D)
I lied! 
JED picks up the shotgun, points it at ELSTON. 

                                           CONTINUED:

JED BUMHARHOUSEN (CONT'D)
Now.  You got five seconds to get the hell out of my house or I splatter your ass all over this kitchen.
ELSTON backs up toward the door, his hands in the air.
ELSTON
It's wrong what you do to that boy?
JED BUMHARHOUSEN 
And your coming here solves what?
ELSTON
Justice, justice for that little kid.  I saw the bruises.
JED gives his wife a sarcastic look. 
JED BUMHARHOUSEN
I don't give a flying crap 'bout no bruises you trespassing piece of shit.
JED kicks the kid in his side.  ELSTON runs towards JED. 
JED BUMHARHOUSEN (CONT'D) 
Are you fuckin' serious?
JED starts to points the gun at ELSTON.  ELSTON  leaps at JED knocking him to the ground.  They struggle for control of the gun.
ELSTON
What a coward you are to beat on your own wife and child.

                                               CONTINUED:

JED BUMHARHOUSEN
Yeah, and I'm going to beat on you the same way when I get up from here!
ELSTON pins the gun against JED'S chest and yanks the gun away from JED, throwing it into the next room. JED runs for the gun.  ELSTON tackles JED, pinning him to the floor.  JED breaks free.  JOANN screams. 
JOANN
Stop it!  Stop it!
JED pushes ELSTON away, he crawls within reach of the gun, ELSTON wrestles with JED.  JED grabs the gun, they fight for control.  ELSTON pulls the trigger.  Buckshots spray the stove, setting off an explosion.
ELSTON scrambles into the adjacent room.  JOANN cowers in the corner shielding the kid. The kitchen is on fire, most of its contents charred and burned beyond repair, smoke fills the kitchen.  JOANN coughs, she looks around, from the smoke emerges a man engulfed in flames, he approaches JOANN.
JED BUMHARHOUSEN
Help!  Help!  It hurts!
JOANN crawls away in fear, dragging the kid behind her.  JED loses his balance and falls on the kid.
JOANN
JIMMY!
ELSTON pauses in a state of shock.
ELSTON
JIMMY?  
ELSTON pushes JED off Jimmy.

                                            CONTINUED:

JOANN
NO?!  NO?!  NO?!
JED lies on the floor smoldering, smoke rises from his charred body.  JIMMY lies two feet away, burns covering 90% of his body.  ELSTON picks JIMMY up off the floor and takes him outside.  JOANN runs for the door.  JED grabs her by the ankle but she breaks free.  ELSTON holds the child in his arms. 
ELSTON 
Hey kid, you're going to be ok.
The child stares at ELSTON.  JOANN takes JIMMY from ELSTON, she slumps to the ground crying as she cradles her son.
JOAN
You're going to make it just stay with me.
JIMMY'S face goes blank.  JOANN closes the child's eyes.  She walks back into the house carrying the child's limp body.
ELSTON
I'm sorry.
Police sirens blare in the distance second later blue and red lights rotate against the blue house like a disco ball.  There is a knock at the door, JOANN opens it.  SERGEANT BEATNIK, 33, an overweight man with a slick southern drawl stands there.
SERGEANT BEATNIK
Well hello dare ma'am, my name is SERGEANT BEATNIK.  Get me?  We come by here to check on ya'll.  What seems to be the trouble?

                                 CONTINUED:

JOANN invites the officers inside.
LIVING ROOM  
OFFICER BARNES sees the dead child lying on the sofa.  He grabs the cb radio clipped to his shirt.
OFFICER BARNES
 This is BARNES we need a medic and a coroner at 431 turnstyle way, over.
DISPATCHER (O.S.)
Affirmative, vehicles in route.
KITCHEN 
OFFICER BEATNIK
Ok. Let's take this from the top.
JOANN
Some strange man burst into our home and attacked my husband.
OFFICER BEATNIK
How'd you get all bruised up like that?
JOANN 
I fought with my husband to drive this strange man out of our home.
SERGEANT BEATNIK 
Is that the man sitting out back?
JOANN
Yes, that's him?
OFFICER BARNES walks into the kitchen and stands next to SERGEANT BEATNIK.  

                                               CONTINUED:
OFFICER BARNES
That's funny, he don't look too dangerous to me.
JOANN
He burst into our home, my husband tried to protect us, all of a sudden this man wrestles my husband to the ground and takes his gun.
JOANN gives Officer BARNES a cold stare.
SERGEANT BEATNIK
Yeah?  How'd he get burned like that?
JOANN 
My husband was getting the best of him when the tables turned.  That's when he shot at my husband, but missed and hit the stove.
SERGEANT BEATNIK points at OFFICER BARNES, then points at the back door.  OFFICER BARNES walks out back. 
BACKYARD 
OFFICER BARNES
So you wanna tell me your side of the story?
ELSTON 
I'm no murderer.  I was only trying to help.
OFFICER BARNES
Only trying to help?  Hey wake up pal!  You're being charged with murder in the first degree.  Do you know what that means?  You could get 20 years to life, life!  Stand up?!

                                       CONTINUED:

ELSTON
What the woman tells you is a lie.
OFFICER BARNES 
Maybe so son, but the bottom line here is murder.
 
KITCHEN 
The paramedics arrive and wheel JED out the front door on a stretcher.  A Coroner places a white sheet over JIMMY'S body, his head rolls to the side, his eyes pop open as the white sheet covers his face.
BACKYARD  
OFFICER BARNES
Slowly empty your pockets, then place the objects on the hood of this car?
Elston walks to the car places a set of car keys, and a wallet on the hood.
OFFICER BARNES
Put your hands behind your back.
OFFICER BARNES handcuffs ELSTON.

OFFICER BARNES (CONT'D)
Come on over here and sit down on these steps?

                                              CONTINUED:

ELSTON sits down.  OFFICER BARNES looks through ELSTON'S personal belongings, he picks up a wallet, opens it up, pulls out a driver's license.
OFFICER BARNES (CONT'D)
ELSTON JENKINS.  You live in Grand view what are you doing all the way over here in Lakeshore?
ELSTON shrugs his shoulders.  SERGEANT BEATNIK walks outside.  JOANN follows. 
SERGEANT BEATNIK 
It pains me to do this son.
SERGEANT BEATNIK pulls a pad from his back pocket.
SERGEANT BEATNIK (CONT'D)
You are being charged with criminal trespassing and murder in the death of one JIMMY BROOKS and stand up please? OFFICER BARNES read him his rights.
OFFICER BARNES 
You have the right to remain silent, anything that you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.  Do you understand these rights as I've explained them to you?"
FRONT DRIVEWAY 
OFFICER BARNES escorts ELSTON to a police car, he opens the back door, ELSTON gets inside, OFFICER BARNES closes the door.

                                        CONTINUED:

EXT. COURTROOM - SAME TIME
Elston stands trial before a judge and jury.  
LEAD JURIST
We the above entitled jury find the defendant Elston Jenkins guilty of second degree murder.
JUDGE
Does the defendant have anything to say before I pass sentence?
Elston stands mute.
  JUDGE
Elston Jenkins you are hereby sentenced to 10 years in Lakeshore Federal Penitentiary. 
The officers lead Elston away, his mother sobs while his father consoles her. 

EXT. LAKESHORE FEDERAL PRISON, BACK GATE - SAME TIME 
A police car pulls up to the gate inserts a card into an electronic device on the driver's side, the gate slides open, he drives in.  OFFICER BARNES gets out of the car, opens the car door.  ELSTON gets out, looks around. 
OFFICER BARNES 
Come on this way.
OFFICER BARNES walks ELSTON inside of the building. 

                                           CONTINUED:

INT. LAKESHORE FEDERAL PRISON, BOOKING STATION - SAME TIME 

OFFICER BARNES points to a chair.
 OFFICER BARNES
Sit.
ELSTON sits down.  OFFICER BARNES sifts through some paperwork, places it in a folder. 
OFFICER BARNES (CONT'D)
Come on. 
ELSTON stands up. 
OFFICER BARNES 
Follow me.
INT. LAKESHORE FEDERAL PRISON, GENERAL POPULATION CELL 20 - SAME TIME 
ELSTON can see men in locked in cages, far as the eye can see.  They taunt ELSTON as he walks past the cells. 
OFFICER BARNES 
Open cell 20!
 The door slides open.  OFFICER BARNES pushes ELSTON into the cell.
 OFFICER BARNES (CONT'D)
Close cell door 20!
 The door slides shut.  OFFICER BARNES walks away. 

                                             CONTINUED:

CELL 20 
ELSTON looks around the cell, he sees a bed, a mirror, and a sink; he approaches the front cell and grips the bars.
 ELSTON (V.O.)
What did I do to deserve such a fate?  A murderer?  Me?  I might have been wrong when I charged into that house, but I couldn't help it.  It's like I wasn't myself.
 WHISPERY VOICE ELSTON?
 ELSTON turns around sees no one,  he looks forward.
 WHISPERY VOICE (CONT'D)
ELSTON? 
IN HIS MINDS EYE 
The room shakes, ELSTON struggles to stay on his feet, he turns around and sees that a small section of the wall has sunken in he moves in closer to investigate and sees the pasty, transparent face of JIMMY BROOKS, the dead child staring at him.  His eyes appear lifeless, ELSTON backs up against the cell bars, a look of fear on his face.

INT.  CRANSTON'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

CRANSTON PANKS, 40, a conman by profession sneaks up on EDDIE PANKS, 19; his little brother is sitting on a couch watching television.  He puts the kid in a headlock.  
EDDIE
Ok, Ok I give up. 
CRANSTON
I thought you were going to clean up around here?
CRANSTON  releases EDDIE from his grip. EDDIE stands up and faces his older brother. 
EDDIE
I'm going to get around to it.
CRANSTON
Look man I know it's been hard since mom and dad were killed in that freak accident five years ago, but we've got to stick together and that means...
EDDIE rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
EDDIE
Not another lecture.
CRANSTON looks surprised.
CRANSTON
No man I just want you to know how much I care about you and want to see you succeed, that's all.  But look I've got to go out tonight and take care of some important business, so here.

                                     CONTINUED:

CRANSTON hands EDDIE a one hundred dollar bill. 
CRANSTON
Get yourself something to eat and rent a movie or something until I get back. Alright?
EDDIE nods and sits down to watch television.  CRANSTON walks out the door.
EXT. RALPHS LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
A Blue Cadillac pulls in front of the store and parks.  CRANSTON gets out of the car and walks up to the store entrance.  A bald headed man, 24 walks out of the store eating  a bag of potato chips.
 CRANSTON
You got the goodies?
JOEY, 24 a self-proclaimed sex fanatic.  Looks around, then at CRANSTON. 
JOEY
What do you think? 
CRANSTON
Eating potato chips again?  You really should get some help for that junk food addiction. 
JOEY
Anyway. 
JOEY stuffs more potato chips into his mouth.

                                               CONTINUED:

CRANSTON
JOEY?  No cowboy shit tonight, aight?!  We got a quarter of a mil riding on this, so don't mess it up.  Comprende? 
JOEY
Yeah.  Yeah.  Yeah.  Whatever man.
A White Ford Escalade approaches and drives pass the two men, turns a corner and parks.
 JOEY (CONT'D)
Yeah. Let's go!
 CRANSTON
JOEY?!  Remember what I said.
 JOEY has an annoyed look on his face.
JOEY
Whatever man.  Let's just go. 
Out of the corner of his eye CRANSTON sees a shadow, it ducks behind a trash dumpster.  He quickly shrugs it off. 
CRANSTON 
Let's go get paid.  Remember JOEY stay with the plan. 
They approach the white truck.  The door opens.  AHMED, 29 steps out of the truck. 
AHMED
CRANSTON.  JOEY?  Now I know, I must be desperate.  Come on, show me what you got? I haven't got all night.
CRANSTON 
JOEY!  Show the man exactly what we've got. 

                                         CONTINUED:

JOEY removes a small light blue box and hands it to CRANSTON.  He hands it to AHMED, who takes the box.  JOEY clears his throat.
 CRANSTON (CONT'D)
AHMED that comes out to be two hundred and fifty thousand, cold hard cash.
 AHMED 
You want to count it?
 JOEY
No.  We trust you.
 AHMED
You trust me.  Ok hold your arms out. 
AHMED places the briefcase on CRANSTON'S arms for support and opens it.  JOEY sees stacks of one hundred dollar bills.  AHMED closes the case and hands it to CRANSTON.
 AHMED (CONT'D)
I can't believe it, a genuine Egyptian bullion, this better be the real mccoy?!
 CRANSTON
Oh it is I think you'll be surprised by its authenticity.  It's been a pleasure doing business with you. 
JOEY and CRANSTON walk back to the car, gets inside and drives away.
Ten years later….

EXT. LAKESHORE PRISON, FRONT GATE - MORNING
A Burly, casually dressed man, 65, African American stands outside the gate.  A red door opens, ELSTON walks outside. 
ELSTON (V.O.)
Free at last.  Now what do I do?  Will my family accept me again? 
 ELSTON reaches the exit.  The gate opens.  He walks through.  Two guards on either side of the gate face ELSTON.  He hands the guard a document, the guard gives it back, nods his head, there is a loud buzzing sound.  The outer gate swings open.
PARKING LOT 
JOE JENKINS greets ELSTON with a hug.  ELSTON pulls away, turns his face away from his father JOE.
 JOE JENKINS
Son?  What's wrong?
 ELSTON
I know that you're ashamed of me dad.  I just can't face you like this, I thought I could, but I feel so guilty. 
JOE JENKINS
You tried to do the right thing and that's all that counts.  Ok? 
ELSTON turns to face his father.
 ELSTON
Thank you dad, that means the world to me. 
JOE JENKINS
Son I'm going to take you under my wings and teach you the family business.  Your first day of work starts tomorrow. 

                                CONTINUED:

JOE places his hand on ELSTON'S shoulder

 INT. JENKINS & JENKINS MOTORS, ELSTON'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON 
JOE JENKINS
 Years have passed and you've learned a lot.  It's time to pass the business on to you. 
Looking shocked. 
ELSTON
 Dad, do you think I'm ready?
 JOE chuckles.
 JOE JENKINS
Ready as you'll ever be, son.
JOE gives ELSTON a business card.
 JOE JENKINS (CONT'D)
I want you to call this man.  He can teach you a few things about the business, that will help you. 
ELSTON works up the nerve to call his old pal and mentor, BRANDON. 
BRANDON
Hello?  
ELSTON hesitates to answer.

                                         
                                      CONTINUED:

 ELSTON
BRANDON?
  BRANDON
ELSTON is that you?
 ELSTON
Yeah.  It's me, how have you been? 
BRANDON No the question is how have you been?  
 ELSTON
Fine I guess.
 BRANDON
Drop by the facility this afternoon, you won't be disappointed.

INT. BYRON'S EDUCATIONAL FACILITY, PARKING LOT - LATE AFTERNOON 
BRANDON sees ELSTON and smiles, they embrace. 
BRANDON
Man, I sure missed ya.  The kid's missed you.  But enough babbling come with me I have something to show you. 

INT. BYRON'S EDUCATIONAL FACILITY, MAIN LOBBY - SAME TIME 
The two men walk pass the main lobby, into the main hall way.

                                               CONTINUED:

HALLWAY
BRANDON
Look man I know you miss your father.  He was a dear and true friend to me.
ELSTON
I had no idea that you knew my father.  
BRANDON
Yeah man, we were in the army together. Anyway come on.
BRANDON opens two dark green double doors, the room inside is dark.  BRANDON walks inside. 

BACK HALLWAY
 BRANDON 
Come on it's alright.
ELSTON enters the dark hallway.  BRANDON'S words echo in the darkness. 
WHISPERY VOICE
ELSTON?  
ELSTON ignores it. 
WHISPERY VOICE (CONT'D)
ELSTON? 
The voice comes from directly behind him.  ELSTON turns around and sees the glowing form of a little kid.   Sunlight shines into the hallway.  A silhouette of BRANDON stands out in the darkness. 

                                         CONTINUED:

BRANDON
Come on slow poke.  We ain't got all day.
ELSTON looks back sees nothing and runs for the door.
 
EXT. BACK LOT - SAME TIME 
ELSTON sees a bright object in the distance. 
BRANDON 
Go on son.  It's all for you.
ELSTON approaches the object.  Less than 30 feet, he sees a Harley Davidson motorcycle.  A broad grin breaks out across his face as ELSTON touches the bike.  BRANDON approaches.
 BRANDON (CONT'D)
Your father made me promise to give this to you upon his death.  It is one of his prized possessions. 
ELSTON
Dad never told me, that son of a gun.
 BRANDON 
We built this bike together, your father and me.  Now we're presenting it to you.  I christen thee the Devil's Ride.
 ELSTON
The Devil's Ride?  Lacks imagination don't you think? 
BRANDON
Son.  It's that kind of bike.  Believe me?  Here.

                                               CONTINUED:

BRANDON unlocks the back gate, then tosses ELSTON the keys. 
BRANDON 
You know that we can't offer you your job back, the public backlash would shut us down in a matter of months.
ELSTON starts the bike. 
BRANDON 
But know that I believe in you.  And that you'll do the right thing.  Take care kid. 
ELSTON gives BRANDON the thumbs up.
EXT. LUCAS INC RETAIL STORE, FRONT ENTRANCE. 
ELSTON pulls into the shop on his Harley.  The crew members and mechanics stop to look at the bike.
 JESSIE
Nice bike, boss.
 NORMAN
Yeah.  You should let me detail it out for you. 
ELSTON
No.  No.  I got plans for this beauty.  A gift from my father and his friend.
JESSIE 
Nice. 
He responds,

                                        CONTINUED:

ELSTON 
Guys I'm going on vacation for a month or two, hold it down for me until I get back.  Can you do that, Norman?
 The crew members laugh out loud.
 NORMAN 
 Yeah.  Boss.
 ELSTON parks the bike and walks into the back storage room.
 STORAGE ROOM 
A warehouse of motorcycle parts, both foreign and domestic.  ELSTON stops by the desk and looks through a thick book.  He walks to the back, picks out a Harley Davidson engine, extra large mufflers, and some tools.
 MAIN FLOOR 
ELSTON 
JESSIE on your way back home, could you drop these items off on the side of my house.  Like today? 
JESSIE
Sure thing.
 ELSTON 
Thanks and keep up the good work fellas.

INT. LUCAS MOTORCYCLE PARTS INC, ELSTON'S OFFICE - SAME TIME

 ELSTON sits at a desk talking on the telephone. 
ELSTON
(talking on the phone)
Thursday is the earliest that he can receive the merchandise. 
ELSTON picks up a pencil, begins tapping it against his desk.
 GRUDEN (O.S.)
That will do just fine.  MR. JENKINS. 
ELSTON
We have about 200 chromium alloy pieces en route to your bike shop in Prague. 
GRUDEN (O.S.)
 Good. We look forward to receiving the product. Both parties disconnect the call. 
ELSTON
Jerk!
ELSTON hangs up the phone and looks at a picture of he and his father on the desk.  The phone rings.  ELSTON answers the phone.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
Yes.  Hello.
VOICE (O.S.)
May I speak to ELSTON JENKINS please?  

                                               CONTINUED:

ELSTON 
This is he.  What can I do for you? 
 VOICE (O.S.)
Mr. Jenkins sorry to inform you that JOE JENKINS your father, had a heart attack, he expired on his way to the hospital.  I am sorry. 
ELSTON hangs up the phone a look of shock on his face. 
EXT. LAKE, WATER'S EDGE - NIGHT
Four men stand by the water's edge, among them GUIDO IGNOWSKI, 50, the short, stocky boss of Syndicated Inc., is missing two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.  
He has the perpetrator CRANSTON PANKS in his clutches.  The 40 something, con artist looks GUIDO in his eyes. GUIDO grabs CRANSTON PANKS by the collar. 
GUIDO
I must applaud you my friend.  You pulled the wool right over my eyes.
VINNY cracks his knuckles. GUIDO looks over at VINNY standing to his right. 
GUIDO 
Stealing from my right hand man's nephew?  What, you thought I wouldn't find out?!  I think it's time that you learned a valuable lesson.

                                         CONTINUED:

 GUIDO pulls Cranston closer.
 GUIDO 
 No one steals from me!  No one.  VINNY!
GUIDO shoves CRANSTON in VINNY'S direction.  VINNY, 300 pounds steps forward, grabbing CRANSTON by the collar. 
VINNY
Yeah boss? 
 GUIDO
Show CRANSTON here what we do to people that steal from us!
VINNY picks CRANSTON off the ground, rears back and punches him in the face. CRANSTON drops to the ground with a thud. 
VINNY
Not so fast.
VINNY picks CRANSTON up by his shirt collar, then punches him in the stomach. 
VINNY (CONT'D)
You ain't gettin' off that easy. 
VINNY picks CRANSTON up and punches him in the stomach.  CRANSTON barrels backwards, rolling to a halt.
 GUIDO
VINNY!  That's enough. 

                                             CONTINUED:

VINNY backs away.  GUIDO stands over CRANSTON'S bruised and battered body, with a smile on his face.
 CRANSTON 
Well go ahead, get it over with. 
Waits for a response. 
CRANSTON 
If you are going to kill me, do it now.  Don't let me suffer like this!
 GUIDO 
Kill you? That just wouldn't be good for business. 
Guido elbows Vinny in the side.
GUIDO 
Besides, I think you get the point.
Waits for a response. 
CRANSTON
(whispers)
Right.
EXT. HELLBROOK HOSPITAL, EMERGENCY ROOM ENTRANCE - SAME TIME
A long black limousine pulls up to the curb and stops.
INT. LIMOUSINE, BACK SEAT - SAME TIME 

                                             CONTINUED:

GUIDO
Lenny get that piece of crap out of my trunk! 
LENNY
Ok, boss. I'll take care of it.
GUIDO'S personal bodyguard exits the car, walks to the trunk. 
CRANSTON POV - BOUND AND GAGGED. 
LENNY pulls CRANSTON out of the trunk, drops him at the hospital entrance.  He gets back in on the driver's side, starts up the car. 
GUIDO
LENNY, take me by HERVE'S LIQUOR STORE. I've got a little score to settle with that punk. 
The Limo speeds off into the night.  A couple leaving the hospital find CRANSTON lying on the ground, they call for help. 

INT. HELLBROOK HOSPITAL, EMERGENCY ROOM - SAME TIME 
The paramedics place CRANSTON on a gurney, then wheels him into the ER unit.  
The doctors take X-rays of CRANSTON'S torso.  Forty-five minutes later.  Two doctors enter the room.
 DR. MARCUS
Well, what do the x-rays reveal?

                                        CONTINUED:

DR. OTTO DORFEN enters the room. 
DR. OTTO DORFEN 
Five broken ribs, a fractured collarbone and skull so far.
 DR.MARCUS
Ok, let's get him to I C U  immediately? 
DR. DORFEN takes another look at the X-rays and runs back to the emergency room.  He shows DR. MARCUS the X- Rays 
DR. OTTO DORFEN
This patient is bleeding to death. We must operate immediately. Get him ready for surgery. 
DR. MARCUS
Yes sir.
 ANESTHESIOLOGIST
Countdown from ten ok? 
CRANSTON 
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5… 4 

Cranston falls into a deep sleep.
INT. RECOVERY ROOM, ROOM 112 - EARLY MORNING  
DR. OTTO DORFEN
Well, well look who is back in the world? Listen I want you to take it easy.
NURSE GREY, 40 enters the room.

                                               CONTINUED:

 DR. OTTO DORFEN (CONT'D)
I want you to remain here in bed for a few days.  
NURSE GREY
Sorry to interrupt.  DOCTOR MAXWELL would like to go over these findings with you. 
DR. OTTO DORFEN
Ok. Ok. I'll be right there. 
DOCTOR DORFEN looks back at CRANSTON  
DR. OTTO DORFEN (CONT'D)
When you are well enough, you will know.  
The nurse hands DOCTOR DORFEN a document. 
DR. OTTO DORFEN (CONT'D)
Thank you Nurse Grey. Tell DR. MAXWELL I'll be there shortly. 
DOCTOR OTTO DORFEN and the nurse leave.  Eddie Panks, 20 peeks inside the room. 
CRANSTON
EDDIE?!  Come on in.  How did you know I was here?
 EDDIE
Come on man, cut the crap.  I know all about what you do.  I followed you one night. 
CRANSTON
You did what?!
 EDDIE
Calm down man, you're not in any shape to be arguing with me.  Besides I'm more grown up than you think, big brother.  

                                   CONTINUED:

CRANSTON
Then I can't bull shit you anymore.  
EXT. ELSTON'S HOME, BACKYARD - DAY
ELSTON is making modifications to the motorcycle, he picks up a wrench and tightens a series of nuts and bolts on the engine and attaches it to the bike. 
The telephone rings.  ELSTON drops his wrench with a look of annoyance on his face.
 ELSTON
Now who could that be?
He runs inside to answer the phone.
INT. ELSTON'S HOME, DEN - SAME TIME 
ELSTON
Ok! Ok! I'm coming. 
Classic rock music plays in the b.g.
KITCHEN
ELSTON answers the phone.
 BRANDON (O.S.)
Hey ELSTON.  Hope I didn't disturb you?  I just wanted to drop off some documents. 
ELSTON
What type of documents?
 BRANDON
Just documents that contain a little history about the motorcycle. I think you'll find them interesting. 

                                             CONTINUED:
WHISPERY VOICE (O.S.)
ELSTON! 
ELSTON pauses, looks behind him, sees nothing, continues the conversation.
ELSTON
Uh, yeah sure bring them over.  I'll be in the backyard, just come around the back. 
BRANDON (O.S.)
Ok, later.
ELSTON hangs up the phone with a curious look on his face.  He enters the den, a television blares in the corner of the room.
 ELSTON
This television set was not on before. What's going on here?
He picks up the remote control pushes the off button the screen goes black.  A confused look on his face, he walks outside, sits on the porch face in hands.
 ELSTON 
This can't be happening to me again. Please let the past be the past? I've paid my dues. Leave me in peace?
BACKYARD - SAME TIME 
ELSTON picks up the wrench, tightens the last nut.
 ELSTON
Now you are ready for the big time my friend. I can't wait to take you for a spin. 

                                        CONTINUED:

BRANDON
Knock. Knock. Knock.
 ELSTON
Come on in BRANDON. Just pull the latch.
BRANDON enters wearing a blue sweat suit he closes the gate behind him. 
BRANDON
Hey ELSTON I brought over those documents. Wow! Man would you look at that? 
ELSTON
Yeah, I thought she could use a little TLC you know? 
Show the Harley Davidson motorcycle with a shiny new engine.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
I painted the frame in black pearl with a candy apple red flame-like design near the gas tank.  Brand new Dunlop tires with custom made gold-tipped rim spokes and the Big Gun exhaust system.
 BRANDON
I am at a loss for words, she really looks good.
 ELSTON
Thanks.  Hey I am getting ready to take her for a spin, want to come along? 
BRANDON
(acting surprised)
Oh no listen I have to get going, busy, busy, busy, you know how it goes? 

CONTINUED:

BRANDON hands ELSTON a thick brown folder.
 BRANDON 
Here are the documents that I promised you. 
ELSTON takes the documents.
ELSTON
Thanks.  So what do you say?
BRANDON 
No thanks but I do appreciate the offer, got to go.  Later man.
BRANDON starts out towards the gate.
 ELSTON
Leave the gate open for me would you? I'm going to take her for a little spin.
BRANDON opens one side of the gate then stands aside.  ELSTON runs to the back door, opens the screen then locks the door. He hops on his motorcycle, inserts the key into the ignition and starts the bike.  
It roars to life, ELSTON revs the throttle three times. The engine makes a loud deep booming sound, that dies down to a low rumble.  He tilts the bike to the right, releases the kickstand, shifts into first gear and carefully applies the throttle.  The bike rolls forward until it reaches the edge of the driveway. 
EDGE OF DRIVEWAY- DUSK 
Streetlights illuminate the street below.  ELSTON looks back at BRANDON standing in front of the gate then revs the engine once more with a smile on his face.  Brandon closes the gate, approaches Elston stands directly beside him.
BRANDON
I like what you've done to the bike, especially the engine. She's packing a lot of power. ELSTON nods his head in approval. 
 Two little girls run down the block.
 FEMALE VOICE
 SHARON, LISA get down here now!
ELSTON revs the throttle once more, BRANDON steps back wincing, while covering his ears.  The bike moves forward, veers to the right, then accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, leaving behind a trail of sparks.
ELSTON
Yeah! 
BRANDON stands in the driveway with a look of amazement on his face. The bike disappears into the night. 
Show ELSTON riding the motorcycle.
The bike nears the intersection, ELSTON applies the brakes, the bike stops on a dime. He downshifts to neutral; revs the engine a few times. 
MAN'S VOICE 
Hey nice bike!
 MAIN STREET - SAME TIME 
ELSTON turns left, accelerates down Main Street. His motorcycle draws stares from people.  He pulls up to a red light and stops, looks around, the light turns green he takes off, makes a right at BUSH street. 

                        CONTINUED:

BUSH STREET - SAME TIME
ELSTON rides for two blocks up Jesse Jackson Highway he crosses the intersection to the on ramp. A car approaches the intersection to his right. A Grey Ford Escort with no brakes speeds towards the intersection.  The driver of the car honks his horn while signaling in a frantic manner. Elston twists the throttle while up shifting, the car swerves past the bike narrowly missing it.
JACK IN THE BOX - SAME TIME 
The driver of a Black Acura exits the drive-thru.  A female pedestrian screams. 
MALE PEDESTRIAN
Look out!
The Grey Ford slams into the side of the Acura at full impact sending the driver crashing through the passenger window.  Elston merges onto the highway.
JESSE JACKSON HIGHWAY - SAME TIME
There is little traffic.  ELSTON speeds towards his destination.  The motorcycle comes through a clearing stopping at the base of a hill. 
                             
EXT. DEADMAN'S GORGE, BASE OF INCLINE - NIGHT
The incline sits at a 60 degree angle.
 ELSTON
(sounding excited)
Alright, here we go!

                                             CONTINUED:

The bike moves steadily up the incline. 
TOP OF INCLINE - SAME TIME 
ELSTON applies the brakes, he excitedly revs the engine and shifts into first gear, the bike rolls down a three- mile straightaway at 30 mph, he shifts into 2nd gear, it reaches 50 mph.  He shifts into 3rd gear, it reaches 80 mph then shifts into 4th gear, it reaches 120 mph and finally shifts into 5th gear his bike tops out at 160 mph.  A ball of fire engulfs the bike, ELSTON is unharmed. From the flame the face of a red demon materializes two feet in front of him, it has two horns on either side of its head.  It's gazes upon ELSTON, suddenly as it appears the face retreats back into the flame.  ELSTON looks at the road ahead. The road curves about 50 feet in front of him, he tries to stop the bike.  The pedal is stuck, he presses the brakes.
 WHISPERY VOICE (O.S.)
ELSTON! 
ELSTON
This can't be happening, help!  Somebody help me! 
ELSTON turns off the ignition and presses the brakes.  With ten feet of space left, he closes his eyes and screams.  There is silence, he hears the wind blowing through the canyon. He opens his eyes, the front wheel hangs two inches off the edge of the cliff. 

                                              CONTINUED:

He gets off the bike, sits down, puts his hands over his face and cries. ELSTON stands up looks at the bike.  He hesitates, then approaches it, gripping the handlebars he pulls the bike back and turns it around facing the straightaway. Two headlights approach from the opposite direction. A Red Dodge truck stops. The passenger window rolls down. 
MAN IN TRUCK
Hey buddy are you alright?
 ELSTON
Yeah, I will be.
The man looks at the skid marks leading to the edge of the cliff.
 MAN IN TRUCK
What happened here?
ELSTON looks down at the bike with a confused look.
 ELSTON
I wish I knew, but I'll be fine.  Thanks for asking. I really need to get going.
The burly man shrugs his shoulders, leans back in his seat and drives off.  ELSTON gets back on the bike and heads home.
HIGHWAY -LATE NIGHT 
Light traffic.
 ELSTON 
Why didn't I get burned by the fire?  And what stopped me from going over that cliff? 

                                               CONTINUED:

Passes a truck.
ELSTON 
I must be going mad.  No!  I'm probably just tired that's what it is. I need to rest. 
DRIVEWAY - EARLY MORNING 
The engine roars as ELSTON pulls into his driveway. The house is dark except for the light coming from the living room.
 ELSTON  
That's funny, I don't remember leaving that light on. What is going on around here?
ELSTON shifts right, releases the kickstand, gets off the bike and approaches the gate. He turns around and sees a dark figure sitting on his motorcycle. He rubs his eyes, takes another look, sees nothing.  ELSTON parks the motorcycle in the yard and heads inside. 
INT. ELSTON'S RESIDENCE, LIVING ROOM - 1:30AM 
ELSTON sits down in his chair and grabs a brown folder sitting on a table. He opens it and sees documentation, a maintenance chart, and an operating manual. ELSTON sorts through the paperwork, he sees a booklet with a black cover.  Written in bold red letters are the words THE CHROMIUM PRISONER.  ELSTON opens the book, its pages, yellowed from the passage of time. 

                                               CONTINUED:

ELSTON (V.O.)
The book tells of a battle between a powerful demon named NYSROGH and a Paladin called MOON. The Paladin defeats the demon imprisoning it in a sliver of chromium metal. 
EXT. ASTRAL PLANE, THE WOODS - DAY 
NYSROGH swipes at MOON with its claws, MOON leaps back avoids the contact, counterattacks with his sword slicing across NYSROGH'S midsection. NYSROGH lies on the ground mortally wounded by MOON'S magical sword. He crawls away.  MOON holds up his sword with both hands, it glows in a blue light, growing brighter still. 
MOON closes his eyes to avoid the intensity of the light. A loud explosion followed by debris cover MOON and NYSROGH. When the dust settles, only MOON remains, unmoved, holding his sword. NYSROGH is gone but in his place, a sliver of chromium metal remains. 
Close-up on sliver of metal.
Elston puts the books down on the table, walks upstairs to brush his teeth.
INT. ELSTON'S RESIDENCE, BATHROOM - 2AM
He looks in the mirror and sees a little black smudge on his forehead. He starts to touch it, but it disappears.
 ELSTON
 I'm seeing things. 

                                             CONTINUED:

He takes a shower, turns the water off, reaches for his towel.  The five little black marks appear on the towel. it is the handprint of a little child. ELSTON runs out of the bathroom. 
ELSTON'S BEDROOM
A wary look on his face he climbs into bed and falls asleep.  His dreams are filled with images of a child dying in a fire, followed by the presence of the red- faced demon that stalks him as he tries to run away.
 WHISPERY VOICE 
ELSTON! 
The voice echoes throughout the house.  ELSTON opens his eyes startled by the noise, he sits up and looks around.
 WHISPERY VOICE (CONT'D)
ELSTON! 
ELSTON gets out of bed. He puts on his pants, t-shirt, shoes, and jacket. He covers his ears and runs towards the backyard. He turns on the backyard light.
 WHISPERY VOICE (CONT'D)
ELSTON!  HA!  HA!  HA!  ELSTON!
BACKYARD - SAME TIME 
He walks toward the garage, the voices stop.  ELSTON stares at the motorcycle, it's glowing in an eerie blue- green light that draws him near.

                                            CONTINUED:

  MOTORCYCLE
Elston! 
ELSTON in a trancelike state gets on the bike and takes off. 
2ND STREET - SAME TIME
ELSTON
Why am I here? What is this place? 
Four men dressed in Grey Khakis, t-shirts and Blue Bandannas hanging from their pockets approach. 
BRICK
Hey partner, nice bike. My homeboys want to go for a little ride. So do I, come on what do you say?
BRICK looks back at his friends with a smirk on his face.  They surround the bike. BRICK pulls out a .38 caliber pistol from his pocket and points it at ELSTON.
 BRICK (CONT'D)
Maybe you didn't hear what I said asshole, get off the fuckin' bike now! 
ELSTON
I can't.  Sorry. 
ELSTON tries to get away. He pulls on the throttle, the engine roars, but the bike won't budge.
 ROCKET 
Hey, yo!  He's trying to run, blast that fool, Brick, blast him!

                                        CONTINUED:

 BRICK points the gun at ELSTON'S head. 
ELSTON
No! I don't want to die like this, help!
BRICK fires four rounds at ELSTON, who covers his face with his hands.
 BRICK
Oh Shit! What the fuck?
The bullets ricochet off the bike striking some of the gangsters.  A blast of electricity springs forth from the bike moving in an arc-like pattern.  ELSTON watches in horror as the survivors try to run away, but are electrocuted one by one. A look of shock and disgust as dead Bodies lie smoldering in the street.
The bike begins to glow, the mufflers expand in size and begin contracting up and down. The spirits of the recently killed men rise from their hollow shells and levitate toward the bike, they are sucked in through the rear exhaust of the muffler, the bike increases in size.  ELSTON can't move. 
 WHISPERY VOICE (O.S.)
 ELSTON?  ELSTON! 
BLUE HOUSE 

                                          CONTINUED:

A little boy, his face white as a sheet, eyes red as fire stands on the front porch with an evil grin on his face.  He runs at ELSTON who pulls the throttle, but the bike won't move. The ghost child approaches, ELSTON looks back at the kid, with a panicked look on his face, he turns around, revs the throttle. The rear tire skids against the pavement. The GHOST CHILD closes in less than five feet from the bike, ELSTON feels something cold touch the back of his neck. He looks back.
CLOSE-UP of the Ghost Child's face.
There is a loud screeching sound followed by a scream as the motorcycle accelerates from 0 to 90 mph in 2.5 seconds. 
INT. ELSTON'S RESIDENCE, THE DEN - MORNING 
A fully clothed ELSTON lies on a couch asleep.
TELEVISION NEWS ANCHOR
Witnesses reported seeing a black motorcycle fleeing the scene, but no suspects have been named at this time. 
Show reporter holding microphone to witness's mouth.
WITNESS
I seen it. It was horrible, heard lots of gunfire looked out of my window and saw a black motorcycle.  Somebody was riding it, but his face always seemed hidden.

                                 CONTINUED:

Points towards an intersection.
WITNESS (CONT'D)
There was blood and bodies everywhere it was a massacre, who would do such a thing? 
NEWS ANCHOR
One the victims has been identified as J.J. LOPEZ who went by the gang name of BRICK. 
Pauses.
 NEWS ANCHOR (CONT'D)
There were fourteen gang members in all murdered, in what this city has called the worst mass murder scene in its history.  Identities are still being withheld until next of kin can be notified.  An investigation is underway at this time. 
Pauses.
 NEWS ANCHOR (CONT'D)
The cause of death appears to be multiple gunshot wounds to the head and get this, electrocution.  We'll have more as this story develops. 

                                          CONTINUED:

The network resumes to its original programming. The phone rings.  ELSTON gets up to answer it.  He picks up the receiver. 
ELSTON 
Hello
 BRANDON
 ELSTON what's up?
 ELSTON
 Hey Brandon, not too much. What's up with you?
 Elston looks back at the TV.
 BRANDON 
Not much.  I'm calling because of what I just heard on the news. Fourteen people were murdered in cold blood.  It's crazy and to think it took place only a few blocks away from here.
 ELSTON 
Yeah that's scary, I sure hope they catch the guy who did it.
 BRANDON 
I hear that.  Whoever would do such a thing should be thrown under the jail.
 
The news blares in the b.g.

                                            CONTINUED:

 BRANDON (CONT'D) 
I know they were gang members, but damn man, they were human beings too. It's sad, listen I have to catch a flight I'll talk to you soon. 
ELSTON 
Yeah. Later BRANDON. 
ELSTON hangs up the phone, looks back into his backyard at the motorcycle. 
BACKYARD - SAME TIME 
ELSTON approaches the motorcycle sees nothing, looks away, takes a second look there is some type of dried red substance all over the gas tank.   ELSTON touches it with his fingers, brings it closer to his face.  He sniffs it, it smells like iron.
 ELSTON(CONT'D)
It's blood! How did that get there?  Could I be the one who killed those people?  It's all so hazy.  I just don't know.
 EXT. HELLBROOK HOSPITAL, FRONT ENTRANCE - MORNING 
A nurse pushes CRANSTON towards the hospital parking lot. 
NURSE
Wait! Mr. PANKS where is your ride?
CRANSTON gets out of his wheelchair and walks toward a gas station across the street.  He looks back at the nurse.

                                             CONTINUED:

 CRANSTON 
Don't worry about me, I'll be just fine.
 EXT. GAS STATION, BENCH -SAME TIME 
A mechanic is changing the oil on a run down Chevy truck.  CRANSTON sits on a bench in front of the gas station and looks through his backpack.  He finds a cell phone, turns it on, pulls up the menu. A list of names pop up. 
CRANSTON
Amir.  Lola.  Natalie.  Elston?
He dials Elston's number, no one picks up, CRANSTON tries again.  The phone rings. 
INT. ELSTON'S RESIDENCE, LIVING ROOM - SAME TIME
 ELSTON answers.
 ELSTON
Hello? 
                          
GAS STATION
CRANSTON 
Elston? 
ELSTON'S RESIDENCE                                               
ELSTON
Yes?  Who is this? 
                                           CUT TO:                                               
CRANSTON
This is CRANSTON, what's up? How have you been?

                                    CONTINUED:

 ELSTON
CRANSTON PANKS? Is that you?
                                                 CUT TO:                                         
 CRANSTON
In the flesh.
                                                 CUT TO:
 ELSTON
It's good to hear from you? What's going on?
 An Asian lady walks by. 
CRANSTON
I'm at the gas station on Jackson and 9th. 
                                                  CUT TO:
ELSTON 
That's right around the corner from me! 
                                                  CUT TO:
CRANSTON
Cool. Is it ok for me to stop by for a minute?
                                                  CUT TO:
 ELSTON
I'll think about it.
                              CUT TO:

                                               CONTINUED:

 CRANSTON
     (chuckling)
 Man. You're still out there, stuck in that upper stratosphere, see you in a few. 
FLASHBACK BOB'S ARCADE - DAY
ELSTON and CRANSTON, 12 & 13 years old. 
CRANSTON (O.S.) 
We were quite a team, ELSTON and me. He set 'em up and I'd knock 'em down. 
Young ELSTON talks to a kid, CRANSTON comes up from behind and pick pockets the kid's wallet.  CRANSTON runs up to the front steps of a house, rings the doorbell and runs.  An older lady opens the door, ELSTON hits her in the face with a raw egg.
EXT. GAS STATION, BENCH -SAME TIME
CRANSTON gets off the bench, a smile on his face, he walks four blocks to ELSTON'S house. 
EXT. ELSTON'S HOME, FRONT PORCH - SAME TIME 
The doorbell rings. 
 ELSTON 
Ok, Ok I'm coming. Hold your water. I'm coming.
ELSTON looks through the peephole and sees CRANSTON standing there.  CRANSTON waves. ELSTON opens the door.  A child appears behind him. ELSTON sees it, but shrugs its off.

                                            CONTINUED:

 CRANSTON 
Hey my old friend. 
ELSTON
CRANSTON it's so good to see you, come on in.
ELSTON opens the screen door. CRANSTON walks inside, ELSTON looks outside, seeing nothing he closes the door and locks it. 
ELSTON (CONT'D)
Make yourself right at home. Would you like something to  drink? 
CRANSTON sits down on ELSTON'S sofa. CRANSTON Sure. A glass of water will be fine. KITCHEN ELSTON pours CRANSTON a glass of water. LIVING ROOM CRANSTON sits down in a chair, sees a black book on the table. Written across the front in red bold letters is the title "THE CHROMIUM PRISONER" He picks it up, opens it and begins to read. ELSTON gives CRANSTON the glass of water.
KITCHEN DOORWAY 
A little child appears and vanishes. 
LIVING ROOM 
ELSTON hands CRANSTON a glass of water.
 ELSTON
Here you go? 
CRANSTON
 Oh thanks. Hey what is this book all about? It's really interesting.

                                              CONTINUED:

ELSTON looks pensive, he looks down at the book and then at CRANSTON. 
ELSTON
A friend of mine brought it over.  It's a fictional story about a demon named NYSROGH.  He gets his ass kicked by some Paladin named MOON. 
CRANSTON looks on warily.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
So the demon wouldn't cause any more trouble.  it was imprisoned in a sliver of chromium metal and buried deep underground.
 CRANSTON
Why did your friend give you this book?
 ELSTON
He thought I might find it fascinating. 
ELSTON (CONT'D)
Man it is so good to see you.  After all these years. What brings you by anyway? 

                                    CONTINUED:

CRANSTON
I had a run-in with my former boss, who showed his appreciation by making sure that I got a little r and r. You know what I mean?
ELSTON
I don't get you.
  CRANSTON
He put me in the hospital, man, that's what happened. 
ELSTON
Damn! Are you ok? 
A Dog barks.
 CRANSTON
Yeah. I had a close call there, but I'll be fine. The question is how are you holding up? 
ELSTON
Well as can be expected. 
CRANSTON
Yeah.  You got a second chance at life, some of us ain't that lucky.  You know? 
Fiddles with the booklet.
 CRANSTON (CONT'D)
Prison was rough on you and your family. I saw it in your dad's face.  I came by every now and then to check on your family.

                                           CONTINUED:

 ELSTON sits down with a distraught look upon his face. 
CRANSTON
He was hurt, even though it really wasn't your fault.
 ELSTON
Thanks man but come on, I really don't want to talk about that. I'm being punished everyday for my sins.  Ten years in prison did little to make it right with me and the family of that child.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
I live in my own personal hell and what's worse, no one understands my pain. 
CRANSTON
Listen man. I can't even begin to comprehend what you're going through, but I can try to be there for you.
ELSTON
That counts for a lot. But listen something far worse is happening to me.
 CRANSTON
What are you talking about? 

                                  CONTINUED:

ELSTON
Look at me I haven't slept in over six months, I'm constantly being tormented by voices in my head.
 WHISPERY VOICE (O.S.)
ELSTON ELSTON come play with me? 
Gripping his head.
 ELSTON
STOP IT!  STOP IT!
 CRANSTON
ELSTON?! 
He looks at CRANSTON with a distressed and weary look on his face.
 CRANSTON (CONT'D)
It's going to be ok, it's all in your head man.  You're stronger than this.
ELSTON looks disappointed and helpless. 
ELSTON
  (Irritated)                      
I have to show you something.  Come with me? 
CRANSTON follows ELSTON into the backyard. 
BACKYARD - EVENING 
The motorcycle sits in the corner gleaming as the setting sunset shines on its frame.  ELSTON points to the bike.

                                   CONTINUED:

 ELSTON
   (continuing)
See that bike over there? I think that it's cursed. 
CRANSTON
   (chuckling) 
Ok ELSTON the joke is over, you want to tell me what the hell you are talking about?
 ELSTON
You don't understand. Hell I don't even understand, but there issomething sinister going on here.
 CRANSTON 
ELSTON listen to me there is no such thing as a cursed motorcycle, ok? 
CRANSTON jogs toward the motorcycle and rubs its frame. 
ELSTON
In order to save my soul from eternal damnation, I did what I had to, I was desperate. 
CRANSTON
 ELSTON what are you talking about?
 ELSTON
I made a deal with the devil, more specifically a demon named NYSROGH.  I freed him from his metal prison somehow.  Now he inhabits this bike, possessing all who ride it. 

                                    CONTINUED:

CRANSTON
ELSTON you are not making sense. Hello, we're living in the 21st century here, ghosts, goblins, and boogie men just don't exist.
 ELSTON
I know it sounds crazy, weird whatever you want to call it, but it's all true. Right after I installed a new engine on this bike strange things began to happen to me. 
CRANSTON looks up at the sky in disbelief.
 CRANSTON
ELSTON just how am I supposed to take that!  Look if the engine caused the problem, then put the original one back on it.  Sounds simple enough.
ELSTON clasps his hands together. Pleading with CRANSTON, who looks impatient.  CRANSTON'S demeanor changes from concern to apathy. He turns to face ELSTON, his expression trance-like.
CRANSTON (CONT'D)
Can I, take this bike for a spin? I promise to bring it right back.
 ELSTON
CRANSTON are you all right?  

                                   CONTINUED:

 CRANSTON gets on the bike.
 CRANSTON 
Don't worry about me.  I can take care of myself.  Keys please? 
ELSTON
Fine.  Suit yourself but don't say that I didn't warn you. 
ELSTON removes the keys from his pocket.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
Sike!  You'll get these keys over my dead body. 
CRANSTON flies into a rage.
 CRANSTON 
Then so be it!
CRANSTON tackles ELSTON at the waist.  They both fall to the ground.  ELSTON pins CRANSTON to the ground.
 ELSTON
Give up?  
CRANSTON elbows ELSTON in the ribs.  ELSTON doubles over in pain.  CRANSTON picks the key up off the grass, places them in the ignition, starts up the bike, looks down at ELSTON with a sneer and takes off.
MAIN STREET - SAME TIME
CRANSTON cruises down Main Street.  He turns down an alley.

                                           CONTINUED:

 CRANSTON
Cursed. Hmph.  Prison must have done some serious psychological damage to ELSTON'S head.
EXT. CON MAN ALLEY, AN ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT 
Two Mercedes, one black, the other blue are parked next to a Grey Bentley, along with six other cars.
 CRANSTON
Hey I'd recognize that black limo anywhere, that creep GUIDO is here. Time for a little pay back!
CRANSTON parks the bike in a nearby field, enters the side of the warehouse, hides behind a stack of boxes and listens.
ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - SAME TIME 
A meeting is taking place between two of the cities most powerful crime syndicates. GUIDO'S and DON CAPERS crew.
 DON CAPER
Listen up GUIDO we run the North side, everyone knows that but your boys.
Don looks around the room.
 DON CAPER (CONT'D)
We need to call a truce before there is any more blood shed. Besides there's plenty of money out there for everybody.  Capiche? 

                                       CONTINUED:

GUIDO
Hey we don't have a problem with that, but you need to tell your people to back off and we'll do the same.
 DON CAPER
Just to show you there's no hard feelings, here's a piece Offering, now I know $200,000 isn't much, but it's a start.
CRANSTON peeks through a small opening in the stacked boxes.  He sees stacks of cash lying on a table.
 CRANSTON
I can't believe my luck the whole gang is here.  But I want GUIDO.  I've got a score to settle with that punk!
CRANSTON removes a twenty-two caliber pistol from his sock, screws on a silencer, places the barrel between the cracks in the box, aims it at GUIDO'S head and pulls the trigger.
 CRANSTON (CONT'D) 
Damn! I Missed. Shit!
The first two bullets miss, embedding themselves in the wall and window shattering it.  GUIDO and DON dive for cover, their boys pulls out their guns.
 DON CAPER
Look out!
 GUIDO grabs his ear.

                                           CONTINUED:

 GUIDO
Those shots came from over there in that corner.  Don't just stand there you idiots blast it! 
Gunfire erupts as CRANSTON runs out of the warehouse, lighting up the building. 
Window shot of CRANSTON running out the building.
 DON CAPER
After him!
One of DON'S bodyguards opens a sack, shuffles the money inside.
GUIDO
Fuck.  It's CRANSTON I knew I should have killed that bastard when I had the chance, bring him back here alive! So I can finish him off this time.
ABANDONED FIELD - SAME TIME 
Frightened and scared CRANSTON runs toward the bike and jumps on.  He tries to take off, the bike reverses direction and heads straight for the mob.
 CRANSTON
What is wrong with this thing? 
The mobsters open fire at the same time in CRANSTON'S direction.
 CRANSTON (CONT'D)
What the hell is going on!  I can't control this bike! Oh no I'm going to get killed!

                                             CONTINUED:

WAREHOUSE - PARKING LOT - SAME TIME 
The bike gets closer, bullets ricochet off the bike creating sparks that strike members of GUIDO'S and DON'S crew.
 CRANSTON (CONT'D)
STOP! STOP! DO YOU HEAR ME! 
The bike is no longer under CRANSTON'S control.  The motorcycle comes to a screeching halt in the middle of the mob.  Short bursts of electricity spring forth from the bike, electrocuting everyone in the vicinity except CRANSTON.
Dead bodies litter the area, their bodies twitching from the shock.  Two headlights approach the bike at a high rate of speed.
INT. MERCEDES BENZ - SAME TIME 
GUIDO
You're going to pay for what you did! I'll kill you myself, you bastard! 
The bike accelerates forward as GUIDO gives chase.
BACK OF THE MOTORCYCLE 
THE PIER
The bike swerves left and right; at the last second, reverses direction.  The motorcycle speeds past the Mercedes in a blur. GUIDO slams on the brakes, the car skids 100 feet, breaks through the barrier and falls off the pier into the ocean below.  The motorcycle heads back to the warehouse. 

                                             CONTINUED:

PARKING LOT 
The demon infiltrates Cranston's thoughts and speaks to him.
NYSROGH
 I hunger, now I feed!
The bike stops in the middle of the bodies and begins to glow, the muffler expands and contracts.  The souls of the dead gangsters, rise from their shells and get sucked into the muffler.  CRANSTON remains in a trance and can only watch in horror.  The bike swells in size.  A Grey Bentley speeds off in the distance.  DON gets away.  Sirens blare in the distance.  Cranston revs the throttle and drives away into the night.

INT. ELSTON'S RESIDENCE, DEN - MORNING 
ELSTON sits in front of his television set
NEWS ANCHOR
News at eight, the mass murderer has struck again. This time claiming  thirty-five lives. 
Elston leans in closer toward the television. A look of shock and horror on his face. 
NEWS ANCHOR 
The victims were members of two of the cities most notorious and vicious criminal organizations.
 ELSTON
Oh no! 

                                      CONTINUED:

NEWS ANCHOR
There were no eyewitnesses, but the detectives believe they have a lead based on evidence found at the crime scene.
PARKING LOT - SAME TIME 
DETECTIVE LOBOS
We've discovered tire tracks that match the ones found at the other crime scene, we believe this to be the work of the same perpetrator. 
A crowd of curious onlookers gather behind the detective.
 FIELD REPORTER
Do you have any other leads that you would like to share with the public?
 
Two teens smile and wave at the camera.
 DETECTIVE LOBOS
We don't want to give out too much information at this time, but we believe this to be the work of the same perpetrator.  Lead investigators are on the case. 
NEWS ANCHOR
More information will be revealed as the facts come in. In other news. The community is in an uproar. 
Elston turns off the TV.

                                             CONTINUED:

KITCHEN WINDOW 
He checks the backyard.
 ELSTON 
It's my fault. I shouldn't have let him take it.
 WHISPERY VOICE
 ELSTON.  ELSTON! 
ELSTON
WHAT! WHAT!! DO YOU WANT FROM ME!
  
A shadow passes by the kitchen door. ELSTON goes to investigate.
ALLEY - SAME TIME 
CRANSTON sits next to a trash dumpster. Dazed, confused and disoriented.
CRANSTON
How did I get here?
CRANSTON stands up and walks to the main street.

MOOD AVE - SAME TIME 
The street is filled with traffic. People are walking back and forth on the sidewalk.  A smell catches CRANSTON'S attention, he looks across the street.
CRANSTON  
Maybe a cup of coffee will help to clear my head. 

                                           CONTINUED:

DONNIE'S COFFEE AND DONUT SHOP - SAME TIME 
CRANSTON opens the door.  A few people are sitting at the counter enjoying their meals, some are talking amongst themselves.  CRANSTON approaches the counter and sits down. 
WAITRESS
Menu sir?
 CRANSTON 
No thank you. Just a cup of Joe and some hot cakes please?
 WAITRESS
Anything else? 
CRANSTON
No that's it.
The waitress smiles at CRANSTON and walks away. CRANSTON sees a stack of newspapers sitting in the corner, he walks over, picks one up.  On the front page the caption reads MASS MURDERER STRIKES AGAIN! 
A picture of DETECTIVE LOBOS being interviewed by reporters sits directly below it. CRANSTON walks back to his stool with the paper and sits down to read.
 WAITRESS 
Here is your order sir. 
CRANSTON looks up for a moment to acknowledge the waitress with a smile. 

                                            CONTINUED:

WAITRESS (CONT'D)
Enjoy your meal.
      CRANSTON
Thanks.
CRANSTON takes a sip of coffee and continues reading. Something catches CRANSTON'S attention. 
CRANSTON (CONT'D)
No! It can't be!  No!  
He rises from his seat, his face white as a sheet, then runs out of the restaurant. 
WAITRESS 
Sir! You forgot to pay for your breakfast. 
CRANSTON ignores her. Tears streaming down his face, in shock by what he has just read.  He runs toward the alley and hides behind a trash dumpster.
  CRANSTON
       (sobbing)
No.  Not Eddie, my little        brother can't be dead. It's not   true! He's all I had in this world! He's all I had in this world! 
Clinching his fist he bangs it against the side of the trash dumpster. Confused and angry he hops on the motorcycle and takes off.  His confusion and anger over his brother's death quickly turns to RAGE.

                                            CONTINUED:
 
       CRANSTON 
I will have my revenge. Whoever is responsible for this will pay!
CRANSTON'S MINDS EYE
The demon laughs. 
INT. BROOKS AUTO PARTS, BACK OFFICE - SAME TIME 
DON CAPER sits down in a chair.  He stares out of the office window, picks up the telephone and dials 444- 6266.  PADO a short stocky man in his early 40s with a low gravely voice answers the phone.
        PADO
Yeah.
 DON CAPER
Did you read the paper, this morning? 
PADO 
Yeah.  Tough luck.  How many? 
DON CAPER 
My entire crew.
        PADO
Who? 
DON CAPER
Right before GUIDO was killed CRANSTON took a shot at him.
 PADO
GUIDO'S top man? 

                                  CONTINUED:

DON CAPER
Not anymore, but yeah. 
PADO
You got to be kidding right?
 DON CAPER
No.  I seen it with my own eyes. He was on this black motorcycle.
 A baby cries across the hall.
 DON CAPER 
GUIDO'S crew and mine emptied our clips into him, but he didn't fall. It was like some sort of voodoo was going on there.
       PADO
Well when me and my boys get done with him, he'll look like swiss cheese.  Capiche? 
DON CAPER
Capiche.
 DON CAPER hangs up the phone. 
DON CAPER 
Good luck.

INT. ELSTON'S RESIDENCE, KITCHEN - SAME TIME 
ELSTON walks into the kitchen.  He peeks around the corner.
 ELSTON
Hello? 
LIVING ROOM
He enters the living room, looks around the corner, sees a shadow manifest into the spirit of a little boy.  ELSTON stands there, frightened, yet curious.
ELSTON (CONT'D)
Why do you torment me child? I have paid my dues to society.  What more do you want of me? 
The spirit stands there, mute looking through ELSTON, it disappears.
 
EXT. CHICO WAY - AFTERNOON 
Afternoon rush hour traffic.
 DISGRUNTLED DRIVER
 Hey come on, move it! You Jackass! 
Sounds of honking and people complaining.

                                   CONTINUED:

      CRANSTON 
Great. Just great!
CRANSTON bangs on the motorcycle in disgust.
      PEDESTRIAN 
Hey buddy, you got a light?
A lone figure sits on the roof, he opens a case, removes a high caliber rifle.  He sets it on a tripod and looks through the scope. 
INT. TELESCOPE 
PADO sees the back of CRANSTON'S head.
 PADO
I got you now. You fuckin' rat.
He pulls the trigger.  A Mack Truck pulls alongside CRANSTON, blocking him from view.  The shot misses its mark and penetrates the truck's hull.
 PADO
Damn It!  

A look of disgust on his face Pado packs his gun and leaves. CRANSTON hears a gunshot, he ducks. 
CRANSTON
What the hell was that? Sounded like a gunshot.
He looks to his left and sees a little round hole in the truck's side. Traffic begins to move, he turns off the main road into an alley and stops to rest until dusk. 
ALLEY-DUSK 
A police car rolls by, sees the Black Motorcycle, slows down and stops.  A bright light shines from the driver's side, blinding CRANSTON.
INSIDE OF POLICE CAR 
The cop types the bike's license plate number into an onboard computer. Speaks into the cb radio. 
POLICE OFFICER DOUG 
I need to run a 10-29 on license plate number 1TDR 1 over.
 He steps out the car with a hand on his gun.
 POLICE OFFICER DOUG  
Good evening is there a problem here? Are you ok? 
CRANSTON
Yeah.  I'm fine what seems to be the trouble officer?
 POLICE OFFICER DOUG
License and registration please? 
  
CRANSTON 
Officer this isn't my bike, it belongs to a friend of mine, he let me take it for a little spin. 
The Officer looks around, while keeping his hand on his gun.
 POLICE OFFICER DOUG
Oh I see and what is his name? 
CRANSTON
Ricky Ricardo. 
POLICE OFFICER DOUG
Ok I'm gonna need for you to stand up for me?

                                               CONTINUED:

 Cranston gets up and faces the officer 
POLICE OFFICER DOUG (CONT'D)
Walk over to my car and put your hands on the hood. 
CRANSTON does what he is told.
     POLICE OFFICER DOUG (CONT'D)
I'm just doing a preliminary check on the bike you know, to make sure it's not stolen or anything.
       CRANSTON
 I understand, officer.
 DISPATCHER (O.S.)
Officer Doug, 10-29c license plate number 1TDR 1, that's a negative. 
OFFICER DOUG walks to his car, speaks into the cb transmitter
 POLICE OFFICER DOUG 
That's a ten four.  Run eleven fifty-four, on an all points bulletin over.
 A minute later.
 DISPATCHER
That eleven fifty four is confirmed under license plate number 1TDR1. Over. 

                                           CONTINUED:

POLICE OFFICER DOUG
Officer needs assistance at Fourth and Main.
 DISPATCHER
That's a ten four.
OFFICER DOUG removes his handgun and points it at CRANSTON. 
POLICE OFFICER DOUG
You're under arrest for murder pal!  Put your hands behind your back.  Now! 
CRANSTON, runs towards his motorcycle, starts the engine. 
POLICE OFFICER DOUG (CONT'D)
HALT! OR I'LL SHOOT!
CRANSTON pulls the throttle and speeds away, the officer fires six shots at him, they ricochet off the bike.  A bullet strikes OFFICER DOUG in the thigh.  He falls to the ground.  Grabs the cb transmitter attached to his shirt.
POLICE OFFICER DOUG (CONT'D)
OFFICER DOWN! OFFICER DOWN! I'VE BEEN SHOT! 
CRANSTON'S MINDS EYE
The demon laughs.

                                            CONTINUED:

The bike stops, reverses course, heads toward the wounded officer skids on its side striking the officer as he slides and crashes into a wall.  The bleeding OFFICER fires two more rounds at CRANSTON.  The bullets ricochet off the bike, one strikes the OFFICER in the chest killing him. The bike starts to glow as other police officers arrive on the scene. The officer's soul is sucked into the bike's muffler.  The engine makes a booming sound and takes off in the opposite direction.  The arriving officers give chase.  The bike accelerates, leaving the police cars in the dust. 
INT. COP CAR
POLICE OFFICER
Where the fuck did he go! The motorcycle speeds off into the night. 
CRANSTON
Now to find out who killed EDDIE!

EXT. 129TH ST, RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
CRANSTON parks the bike and walks down the street.  He sees a skinny distressed kid, 17 wearing a thick gold chain. 
CRANSTON
I need an eighth. 
With his back turned.

                                       CONTINUED:

         JAMAL 
I told you man I don't sell that. 
He turns around.
 JAMAL (CONT'D)
Mr. Panks?  What are you doing here? 
CRANSTON 
In case you haven't heard my brother is dead. I need to find out what happened?
        JAMAL
Yeah I know about it, but I wouldn't go walking down there.  Not unless you want to get your heart broken. 
CRANSTON looks down the street.  He looks at JAMAL and walks away. 
END OF THE BLOCK 
Two police officers stand over a body covered in a white sheet.
  
       CRANSTON (V.O.)
Who is under that sheet?
CRANSTON turns around to look at JAMAL, who looks away.  CRANSTON approaches the scene.  A police officer meets him halfway.

                                       CONTINUED:

 OFFICER
I'm afraid this area is off limits, sir. CRANSTON I understand.  I just heard that my brother was killed and I wanted to know if you had any leads.
The OFFICER turns to looks at a dead body lying on the sidewalk covered over with a sheet.
 OFFICER
What was your brother's name? 
CRANSTON 
EDDIE.  EDDIE PANKS.
 OFFICER 
The I.D that we recovered from the body shows that the kid's name was EDDIE PANKS.  I am so sorry.
 CRANSTON looks down at the ground as he sheds a tear.

        OFFICER (CONT'D)
If you don't mind me asking sir, what is your name?

                                         CONTINUED:
CRANSTON
I gotta go.

OFFICER 
Wait!
CRANSTON takes off running toward his motorcycle.  The officer stops at the corner looks at CRANSTON for a moment and walks back to the scene.
 JAMAL
Are you alright? 
CRANSTON
No.  I want to know who killed my brother JAMAL. 
JAMAL
Rumor has it, that JOEY pulled the trigger.
CRANSTON
Joey! But why?
JAMAL
 Out of spite for you. 
In a state of shock.
 CRANSTON
JOEY?  My right hand man? 
The demon speaks through Cranston's thoughts.
NYSROGH
Kill JOEY.

                                           CONTINUED:

CRANSTON gets on the bike and takes off.  He makes a right at the corner, a police car pulls behind up and begins to trail him.  It flashes its lights.  CRANSTON looks back, pulls on the throttle, the bike catapults forward at fifty miles an hour losing the cop. 
JELLYBEAN'S CANDY SHOP AND BAR - NIGHT 
Men and women populate the bar.  JOEY SAVORA sits at the back table, along with two other guys dressed in suits. 
JOEY 
This deal don't go down without the bread.  Capiche'
 HOOD1
Yeah.  Old man moffet's taking a dirt nap right about now.  You know what I mean? 
CRANSTON walks inside sees JOEY.  JOEY sees CRANSTON and runs to the back.  CRANSTON gives chase. JOEY tries to open the doors, but they are locked.  He sees a window and tries to climb out.  CRANSTON grabs him by the legs and pulls him down.  JOEY takes a swing at Cranston.  CRANSTON blocks his punch and counters with an uppercut.  JOEY goes down. 
CRANSTON 
You did it you asshole.  You killed my fuckin' brother.  Why?  He loved you man!  Why did you do it?
 JOEY
     Payback for Guido.  

                                       CONTINUED:

CRANSTON 
You murdered my brother as payback for Guido?  
JOEY
That's right and you got some nerve showing up around here, Don put out a contract on your life. Think you're getting out of here alive, think again.

CRANSTON
Justice will be served here today, Joey and as for my death I highly doubt it. 
CRANSTON ties JOEY up and calls the cops.
CRANSTON (CONT'D)
Yeah.  Officer I've got the murderer of EDDIE PANKS right here in my possession.  We're at JELLYBEAN'S back storage room.  Yeah.  Later.
CRANSTON secures JOEY to a pole.  Then punches him hard in the jaw, knocking him unconscious.  As he exits the building, two hoods come running up behind him.
HOOD
Hey you! Get ready to sleep with the fishes!
CRANSTON
What?  Oh shit!

                                               CONTINUED:

CRANSTON dives out of the way as a shotgun blast strikes a newspaper holder.  CRANSTON scrambles to gets on the bike. Three police cars arrive, the bike starts to glow.  
        CRANSTON
No!  Don't do this.
The HOOD takes another shot at CRANSTON, one bullet strikes the bike, the other bullets ricochet as police cars and building windows shatter.  CRANSTON uncovers his face and sees the hoods and four cops lying dead on the sidewalk.  As their souls are taken by the bike, more cop cars arrive. The motorcycle takes off into the night. 
 
ELSTON'S RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
ELSTON hears the police sirens.
   
  ELSTON
I'm going out there to find my friend. 
KITCHEN - NIGHT 
ELSTON grabs the keys to his car, out the corner of his eye he sees something move, he turns to look, there is nothing there.  He turns toward the door.
     WHISPERY VOICE
ELSTON.  ELSTON
ELSTON runs into the backyard toward the garage. 

                                         CONTINUED:

GARAGE 
He opens the garage door, sees a Blue Honda Acura sitting in the stall.  He gets into the car, looks down, inserts the key into the ignition and starts the car, ELSTON looks up, the ghost of JIMMY stands by the driver's side window, staring at him. ELSTON closes his eyes. 
     ELSTON 
  Go away! 
He starts up his car, backs up into the street and drives away. He makes a right turn onto Main St and sees the back of a black motorcycle in the distance.  ELSTON gives chase, pulls alongside the motorcycle. 
  ELSTON (CONT'D)
CRANSTON? 
He looks closer. But notices that it is someone else.
  ELSTON (CONT'D) 
    Sorry.
ELSTON approaches an intersection, a black motorcycle zips by. ELSTON follows, barely keeping up.  He pulls alongside the bike.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
CRANSTON!  CRANSTON!  It's me.  ELSTON. 
CRANSTON turns to look at ELSTON, his eyes glazed over in a trancelike state.  He turns away.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
CRANSTON. NO!  

                                            CONTINUED:

ELSTON rams his car into the motorcycle causing it to swerve, CRANSTON falls off the bike, slides 100 feet, slamming into a wall. ELSTON stops the car.  CRANSTON stands up faces ELSTON, His clothes tattered and torn, he speaks in a deep echoing voice. 
       CRANSTON
      You fool, I will destroy you! 
CRANSTON removes a thirty-eight revolver from his jacket, he points it at ELSTON and fires six shots, ELSTON dives for cover behind his car.  CRANSTON walks toward him, firing his gun until he runs out of bullets.
 ELSTON
Now's my chance. NYSROGH! I won't let you take his soul!
ELSTON runs toward CRANSTON tackles him to the ground, police sirens in the distance draw closer.
           ELSTON (CONT'D)
Oh, no we've got to get out of here!
ELSTON drags a struggling CRANSTON towards his car.  CRANSTON frees himself from ELSTON'S grip and runs to the motorcycle.
      ELSTON (CONT'D)
CRANSTON don't do it!
CRANSTON picks up the bike, takes off down the street. ELSTON gets in his car gives chase.  Behind them police cars emerge from side streets like cockroaches.  

                                             CONTINUED:

The area around the bike begins to distort in shape, disappearing and reappearing at the same time.  A black car emerges from a side street and pulls alongside the motorcycle.  
INT. BLACK CAR 
PADO reaches into a black bag on the passenger seat and removes a gun.
       PADO
I got you now! 
PADO rolls down the passenger window and points a forty- five caliber pistol at CRANSTON'S chest.  The bike goes faster, increases in speed, then a loud boom.  The street lights shatter. 
BLACK CAR 
The windows in PADO'S car shatter, he loses control of the car.  Glass shards fly about the inside of the car.  PADO holds his right hand up shielding his face, he fires three shots at CRANSTON with his left hand.  The bullets bounce off the bike causing it to glow so bright that PADO is temporarily blinded and loses control of his car, it careens to the left and slams into a telephone pole.
        ELSTON
The demon is controlling you.  Don't you see?  Snap out of it. 

                                            CONTINUED:

ELSTON maneuvers to the right of CRANSTON, he reaches out the window and grabs CRANSTON'S jacket.  The power of the bike pulls ELSTON out of the window. 
          ELSTON (CONT'D)
CRANSTON.  Help me! ELSTON struggles to hold on.  He pulls himself up and hangs onto CRANSTON. 
MOTORCYCLE 
The bike tops out at one hundred and sixty miles an hour, a bright light appears about forty feet ahead of them.  The bike passes through it causing a massive surge of wind to spew backwards.  It knocks the pursuing police cars around like toys. 
There is darkness, then a burst of light as the motorcycle speeds along inside of a tunnel of light, they pass through to the other side. 
ASTRAL PLANE 
Red dirt covers the area, all around them lie hills.  ELSTON gets off the bike and looks around.  CRANSTON snaps out of his stupor and gets off the bike.
         CRANSTON
(Disoriented)
             What..What happened, where am I?

         ELSTON
I don't know, but I don't like it.
A bright light shoots upwards from the bike, the ground shakes.  Black Smoke fills the air.  A red creature appears, seven feet tall with horns on either side of its head and blood shot eyes. 

                                            CONTINUED:

NYSROGH
Fools!  You are mere pawns for me to  do with as I wish.
      ELSTON
    WHO ARE YOU? 
NYSROGH raises his hands to the sky, lightning flashes all around him.
        NYSROGH (CONT'D)
My name is NYSROGH, Demon prince from the Hades Realm.  
ELSTON
So it was you who did those horrible things.  All those people that you killed? And the lives that you've ruined.  You used our emotions against us.
NYSROGH
Mortals are so weak!  Anger, Hatred, Revenge, Guilt, it was too easy. Despite what you saw happening there was nothing that you could do about it. Now, your deaths will re-release me back into your world, but this time I will assume your friend's identity.
The Demon Prince laughs out loud then charges at CRANSTON, swings its left claw sending him flying backwards, knocking him unconscious.
 ELSTON
You bastard. You will pay for that! 

                                             CONTINUED:

ELSTON charges at NYSROGH who backhands him, knocking him unconscious.  The demon prince approaches ELSTON stands over him raises his left claw above his head to impale him. 
The ground shakes as white smoke descends from the sky. A man standing six feet tall, wearing blue chain mail appears.  The man runs toward ELSTON while removing a blue sword bathed in blue light.
 NYSROGH
No! It can't be, Moon?!  No matter, you are too late to stop me, their souls belong to me now. 
MOON
Your evil must be defeated once and for all.  Back to your prison demon prince!
A thunderstorm forms overhead.  A bolt of lightning strikes NYSROGH, who hurls bolts of lightning back at MOON.  MOON absorbs the bolts with his sword and reflects them back. 
NYSROGH steps aside. MOON charges at NYSROGH, closes the gap and swings his sword.  NYSROGH leaps back and lunges at MOON knocking him backwards, he rises to his feet.  
NYSROGH charges, MOON charges they collide, creating a burst of light.  NYSROGH swings at MOON'S head, MOON ducks and slices NYSROGH across the midsection. 
NYSROGH leaps back.  Looks down at his midsection, touches it with his right palm, sees blood trickling from the wound and licks it.

                                            CONTINUED:

 NYSROGH
 You will lose. 
MOON
It ends right now!
NYSROGH  fires a kinetic blast of electricity at MOON knocking him back, then leaps on top of him, picks him up and slams him into the ground knocking him unconscious. NYSROGH laughs triumphantly.
ELSTON comes to and sees NYSROGH raising its claw to impale MOON.
ELSTON
Hey! Why don't you pick on someone your own size!
NYSROGH turns around to look at CRANSTON, MOON regains consciousness and impales NYSROGH in its chest with his sword.
NYSROGH falls to the ground in pain as MOON rises to his feet and holds his sword to the sky.  A blue light descends from above bathing MOON in a blue light, the sword begins to glow. 
NYSROGH struggles to his feet bleeding from his chest, MOON points his sword at NYSROGH, a burst of blue energy strikes him in the chest, knocking him backwards.  NYSROGH lies on the ground in agony.  

 

                               CONTINUED

MOON approaches, looks down at NYSROGH and impales him with the sword.  NYSROGH disappears in a burst of light.  MOON turns around and approaches ELSTON.
 ELSTON
You saved our lives. Thank you.
 MOON
No thank you it was your diversion that saved me.  Seeing my mortal enemy vanquished once again is all the thanks I need.
CRANSTON
But what of the demon, what if he comes back?
 MOON
I wouldn't worry about that too much.  You see he's trapped here in this dimension for all eternity. 
MOON
Yes and your contraption over there,
CRANSTON
You mean the motorcycle?
 MOON
Yes the motorcycle, must never be allowed to exist in the material world or you risk freeing NYSROGH once again.
MOON pats ELSTON on the shoulder and walks away.  He stops, looks back, holds his sword to the sky and disappears. CRANSTON looks at ELSTON, a pensive look on his face. 

                                             CONTINUED:

CRANSTON
You know something. All my life I've been a victim of circumstance. 
ELSTON
CRANSTON?  What are you thinking?!  
CRANSTON
I'm thinking that I have to make things right. So many people died because of me.
ELSTON
CRANSTON I am to blame too. But it wasn't our fault come on pull yourself together, we can get through this.
CRANSTON
No we can't and one day you will understand why.
ELSTON
CRANSTON what are you talking about?
CRANSTON runs towards the motorcycle, jumps on it, starts the engine and takes off. ELSTON runs behind him, shouting at CRANSTON. 
ELSTON (CONT'D)
CRANSTON STOP! DON'T DO IT!
Twenty feet ahead of him is a cliff, CRANSTON looks back at Elston then faces forward as he drives the motorcycle over the edge.
 ELSTON (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
CRANSTON?!  

                                        CONTINUED:

ELSTON stops running and falls to the ground. 
ELSTON (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
DON'T DO IT?!
 A bright light consumes ELSTON. 

BACKYARD - MORNING 
ELSTON(Continuing)
He did it for me and everyone else.  But what about me? What about me? 
There is a knock at the gate.
OFFICER LUCERO 
ELSTON JENKINS this is the police.  We have you surrounded we repeat we have you surrounded give yourself up.

Seven police cars sit in the driveway.  Lights blaring, twelve cops stand outside of the fence with guns drawn.  ELSTON stands in the middle of the yard with hands behind his head.  He kneels down as the officers descend on him with force and handcuff him.
 
FADE OUT: