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FADE IN:
EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS - NIGHT
We rise, like a glider, above the Hollywood Hills and away
from the bright lights of Hollywood. We float over homes
trimmed with festive Christmas lights. Until finally we
hold, like a prying eye, above a--
LARGE HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE
that sits on a precarious perch high on a hillside. There
are no Christmas lights on this house.
We enter, through the window, lapping past gauzy, fluttering
curtains. Discreetly.
INT. BEDROOM
A YOUNG WOMAN with long flowing hair leans over the prone
body of a 50-year old MAN. She's in jeans and a loose top,
massaging him up and down his back. He's in bed, on his
stomach, naked under a body towel. And in heaven.
MAN
This... is... incredible.
She moves her hands down his body, kneading expertly as she
goes. She knows what she's doing. Her hands move down under
his towel. Down his back. Down farther. The man moans at
her touch. She's taking him to another level. He wants more.
But instead... she stops abruptly and starts to pack her oils
into a backpack. The man rolls over. A hungry look on his
face.
MAN
C'mon...
YOUNG WOMAN
(chiding)
I thought you had company coming.
The man remembers. It's enough to make him want to cry. He
looks at the phone beside the bed.
MAN
I can call her--
She sits back down on the bed, puts her finger to his lips.
YOUNG WOMAN
That would hurt her feelings. You
don't want to hurt her feelings.
He shakes his head at her, then smiles.
MAN
You're too much.
YOUNG WOMAN
I know.
Maybe he will get his wish after all. As she angles down
toward him with a youthful exuberance.
EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS - NIGHT
The same house. But later. MOVING toward the window again.
Hearing THE SOUNDS of love making. Dimly, through the
window, we see two shapes going at it under the covers.
EXT. BALCONY - BEFORE DAWN
The mood should be sleepy at this hour. But...
The man emerges from the bedroom, wearing a silk robe. He's
clearly upset. Turns around, faces inside.
MAN
What the hell d'you want anyway?
(a beat, alarm)
Hey, look. I told you to leave.
He backs up to the railing. Fear replacing alarm now.
MAN
What the hell is that-- No... D--
don't do that... Don't--
A fireplace poker whips into frame. SMASHES into his face.
Once. Twice. Three times.
ANOTHER ANGLE - BELOW BALCONY
A-I-EEE! A chilling scream, followed by the man falling off
the balcony. Dropping a full thirty feet before hitting a
concrete abutment -- with a bone-decimating THUD. His body
rolls off, plunging fifteen more feet onto--
A NEIGHBOR'S PROPERTY
Careening down a steep, brush-covered hill, picking up steam
all the way. If he's not dead now, he was never alive.
Crashing through a fence now, awkwardly belly-flopping into--
A SWIMMING POOL
His body explodes onto the wet, tranquil surface. A dog
begins to BARK. SECURITY LIGHTS flare on, illuminating his
inert descent to the bottom. Where he hovers lifeless.
ANOTHER ANGLE - WINDOW
overlooking the pool. An ELDERLY WOMAN NEIGHBOR peers out,
alarmed by the lights and the splashing that just woke her.
THE MAN'S CORPSE
floats to the surface of her pool.
She SCREAMS in horror. Suddenly, the ROAR OF AN ENGINE
diverts the woman's attention. She looks up to the side, at
the edge of the narrow road that snakes past the rear of her
property and on up the hill.
A RED SPORTSCAR whizzes by.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
CLOSE ON - RICHARD BYERS
A lawyer, in his mid- to late-forties, sitting tiredly at the
defendant's table, his eyes impassively closed. The mousey-
looking WOMAN DEFENDANT looks over at him, worried.
JUDGE'S VOICE
Does defense wish to cross?
PULL BACK TO REVEAL -- the entire courtroom. The pretty 30
year-old prosecutor LAUREN PIERCE, the JUDGE, the Witness and
everyone else waiting for Richard expectantly, impatiently.
Suddenly, his eyes shoot open, reassuring his client, then
scan the gallery, finding and locking on a MAN around 40 who
gives him a 'thumbs up'. His eyes turn now, fiercely,
menacingly on the witness, WALTER RICE.
RICHARD
Tell me if I'm understanding you
correctly. You say that on the four
separate occasions when Carla Rice
claims to have been brutally beaten
by her husband--your brother--it was
Carla, not husband, who instigated
the discord. Do I have that right?
WALTER RICE
Yes. She lied about my brother
beating her. He never did that.
RICHARD
So...she threatened him with his own
gun? Each time? Including last June
13, when she shot him dead? And only
to get the gun away from her did he
have to hit her... "a little", as you
put it?
WALTER RICE
That's right. Just a little.
Richard walks over to the clerk's table and picks up a GUN
with a tag attached.
RICHARD
Would this be that gun, Mister Rice?
WALTER RICE
(examining it)
Yes.
RICHARD
You're sure? This was the gun?
WALTER RICE
Yes, it's got my brother's initials
carved on it.
Richard takes the gun back.
RICHARD
Explain to me then how the defendant
could have threatened your brother
with his own gun on all those
previous occasions, when it wasn't in
his possession until just before the
shooting? Could you do that?
As the witness squirms uncomfortably:
LAUREN
Objection. The defense has no proof
of--
RICHARD
(flourishes a paper)
This is a copy of a pawn receipt
we've just received from Lucky's Loan
in Northridge. From April 11, 1997
to May 21, 1998, this very 38 caliber
Smith and Wesson, was in the
possession of Lucky's Loan. Until
James Rice took it out of hock.
(swings back to
witness)
Carla Rice never threatened your
brother. She only killed him in self-
defense... to avoid yet another
brutal beating, isn't that right?
Walter Rice shrinks down into his chair, as the gallery
buzzes away. Richard turns away from it all. Satisfied, but
hardly content.
EXT. COURT HOUSE PLAZA - DAY
Richard is thanked profusely and tearfully by the woman
defendant and her family. But he's uncomfortable with it all.
RICHARD
It's okay, it's okay.
Finally, he pulls away from the group and walks off, toward
the man who gave him the thumbs up in the courtroom -- HECTOR
GONZALES -- who shakes Richard's hand warmly.
HECTOR
That pawn shop idea paid off, huh?
Brilliant idea, boss man.
RICHARD
More luck than smarts, Hector.
HECTOR
Yeah, I could use some of your luck
at the track.
RICHARD
Hey, you're the one who found the
pawn shop.
HECTOR
That's what I get the big bucks for.
(off Richard's smile)
Look, I gotta scoot, man. I got a
truckload of relatives coming from
Mexico for Christmas.
RICHARD
No problem. And Merry Christmas,
Hector.
HECTOR
You too, Ricardo.
Hector gives another thumbs up, and bounds away. Richard
trudges off in another direction.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Lauren has been watching. Now that Richard's alone, she
moves toward him. Joins him walking.
LAUREN
May counsel approach?
(as she does)
Y'know, if somebody truly impartial,
like an appellate judge, were to look
at you now, she--
RICHARD
She?
LAUREN
A little creative visualization. In
any event, she might think you're
feeling guilty about getting a guilty
woman off.
RICHARD
Might she?
LAUREN
You got away with one. Pulling that
rabbit out of the bag... with no
prior discovery.
RICHARD
If you don't like it, you can always
appeal.
LAUREN
What I don't like is losing three
times on one case.
RICHARD
Three times?
LAUREN
The trial is once. The appeal would
be twice. And our bet...
(off his look)
You don't remember our bet? Dinner
at
RICHARD
I thought that was just a--
LAUREN
Don't say joke. I don't joke about
free dinners with the opposition.
(a hesitant beat)
So what do you say? Want to collect
tonight?
RICHARD
Tonight?
LAUREN
We could be on opposite sides of the
aisle again tomorrow.
Richard looks back uneasily into her gaze. But he can tell
she really wants this.
INT. LAW OFFICES - LATE AFTERNOON
A busy reception area. Richard enters wearily, approaches
the RECEPTIONIST, who hands him a pile of messages.
RECEPTIONIST
Congratulations, Mister Byers.
RICHARD
Thanks.
He takes the pile and walks off down--
THE HALLWAY
As he reads his messages cursorily, he's joined by ERIC
KRAMER, an attorney in his fifties. Eric drapes his arm over
Richard's shoulder as they walk.
ERIC
Rack 'em. What's this make... a
dozen in a row?
RICHARD
I don't keep track, Eric.
ERIC
Well I do. And I was worried about
this one. I would've bet you dinner
it was a lost cause. Especially
against Lauren Pierce.
RICHARD
I already won dinner.
(off Eric's look)
From Lauren Pierce.
ERIC
(a raunchy chuckle)
Ooh. She must have an ulterior
motive.
Richard shakes his head, smiles incredulously, as they turn
into--
RICHARD'S OFFICE
Richard goes straight for his chair, plops down. A spent man.
ERIC
It's okay to gloat if you want to.
You just won a big case.
(no reaction)
Y'know, I've got six other attorneys
who'd give their eye teeth to be in
your shoes.
Richard gazes wistfully at a photo on his credenza. A pretty
young woman with long, flowing hair, and a sweet
three-year-old boy. As he gazes, almost trancelike:
RICHARD
It was hot in court today. It
shouldn't be this hot in December.
Must be the Santa Ana's.
ERIC
For chrissakes, Rich, it's been a
long time now.
RICHARD
(wistful)
I don't know. Seems like
yesterday... or the day before.
ERIC
You're talking like an old man now...
and beginning to look like one too.
(off Richard's shrug)
You can't spend the rest of your life
punishing yourself.
RICHARD
I don't see why not.
ERIC
I wish you'd just talk about it for
a change, get it off your chest --
I'm not saying with me -- but
somebody professional--
RICHARD
(finally looks up)
I'm not interested in talking about
it. With anybody. Okay?!
ERIC
Okay, okay.
(beat)
Well, since you're obviously not
going to do anything different this
Christmas, how about doing me a favor?
Richard glances up at him.
ERIC
There's a fellow from my club whose
daughter might've gotten herself into
trouble.
RICHARD
What'd she do?
ERIC
He says nothing. But he wants
somebody to handle things. Just in
case.
(off Richard's
skeptical look)
He's already given us a significant
retainer, Richard.
RICHARD
I'm a litigator, Eric. Not a
babysitter.
ERIC
Come on, Richard. Everybody else has
plans for Christmas.
RICHARD
(a beat, then sighs)
Okay. Where is he?
ERIC
I'll send him in.
RICHARD
Hey, I didn't mean now...
Eric smiles as he leaves. Richard shakes his head, glances
back at the photo.
In a few beats, HOWARD MEREDITH, a still handsome sixty-year-
old man, pokes his head in. He's clearly anxious. Richard
gets up.
RICHARD
Come in, Mister...
MEREDITH
Howard Meredith.
(shakes hands)
Thanks for seeing us, Mister Byers.
(calls out)
Jessica.
In walks the same young woman we saw massaging the man in the
opening scene! JESS MEREDITH. Her hair flowing unfettered,
unaffected, down her back. Looking beautiful... and yet so
wholesome and uncorrupted -- not unlike the woman in the
photo. Richard is immediately taken with her.
RICHARD
Hello.
She smiles innocently, shyly at him. Like a teenager. She
can't be much older than 19... maybe 20. And yet there's
something much older in her eyes, a penetrating quality they
have. Richard can't help himself: he smiles back. It's
instant electricity -- for him, at least.
RICHARD
Why don't you sit down?
They do. Jess peers around. Fidgets with a CRYSTAL PENDANT
around her neck. Richard notices, then addresses Meredith.
RICHARD
What can I help you with?
Meredith clears his throat nervously. Concern etched all
over his face, and in his voice.
MEREDITH
You heard about Rawley Goodman?
RICHARD
Isn't he the bookie who fell off--?
MEREDITH
The very same.
(a long beat)
Jessica was at his home that night.
RICHARD
Was Goodman a friend of yours, Miss
Meredith?
JESSICA
A client. I'm a massage therapist.
MEREDITH
That's the legitimate kind. Board
certified and all that.
RICHARD
Do the police know all this?
MEREDITH
Mister Goodman kept an appointment
book. They've been to see us.
Richard can't keep his eyes off her. Her eyes are all over
the office, but they manage to meet his once or twice.
RICHARD
When were you there, Miss Meredith?
JESS
I arrived at eleven. PM.
RICHARD
Seems late for a massage, isn't it?
JESS
Mister Goodman made his living
betting on sports. Eleven o'clock
was the end of his workday. I took
my ninety minutes, then left.
RICHARD
And when did he die?
MEREDITH
The police say at five a.m.
RICHARD
There's no problem then.
JESS
(to her father)
See? What did I tell you?
MEREDITH
Finish your story, Jessica.
She frowns. Richard waits for Jess to continue.
JESS
(a beat)
After I left, I went to a dance club
on Sunset, called Afterhours.
(suddenly animated)
You ever been there?
RICHARD
(not in a million
years)
No.
JESS
Well, I met a guy there.
(a beat)
We left the club and drove around the
hills. I told him about the
incredible view from Rawley's house.
He said he wanted to see it. I... I
don't know why really, I guess I
though we could hang out till
sunrise--it's my favorite time of
day. Anyway, I took him up there.
(her father squirms
uneasily)
We left before five. Sunrise wasn't
happening for a while. And
definitely before anything happened.
She looks past Richard. At the photo on the credenza.
RICHARD
Did you see anything up there?
Beside the view, that is.
JESS
No. We were only there a few
minutes. Then we left and I dropped
him back at the club.
RICHARD
Okay. So all we need is a statement
from this... guy. Who is he?
Jess looks over to her father. Sheepishly. He looks away.
JESS
I only know his first name. John.
(off Richard's
probing look)
I'm sorry. But it's the truth.
MEREDITH
You can understand why I wanted to
retain an attorney.
(beat)
I was told you have a reputation for
defending women...
RICHARD
Generally my cases involve women
doing something prosecutors consider
criminal because of physical abuse.
MEREDITH
(anxious)
The police were very skeptical when
they questioned her. It scared me.
JESS
Oh father.
MEREDITH
All I want you to do is find out
what's happening.
RICHARD
(a long beat)
I can ask around the DA's office.
Maybe our investigator can look into
things too.
JESS
Well, that's done.
She shoots to her feet. Her father stands up.
MEREDITH
Here's my card.
Richard takes the card. But looks directly at Jess.
RICHARD
What if I need to reach you, Miss
Meredith?
JESS
I'm at the same address.
RICHARD
You live at home then?
She nods. He doesn't take his eyes off her.
MEREDITH
Thank you very much, Mister Byers.
Meredith leads his daughter out the door. Richard remains
standing, in a semi-daze.
MEREDITH AND JESS
In the reception area.
JESS
Oh damn, I forgot something. I'll be
right back.
She heads back toward Richard's office.
INT. RICHARD'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Richard turns back to the picture window. Lost in his
thoughts. The door swings open. It's Jess. He spins
around. Surprised to see her.
JESS
(conspiratorial)
I'm really sorry, Mister Byers. But
there's something I didn't tell you
just now. Or the police either.
(a beat)
The man at the club... his name isn't
John. It's Karl. Karl Rampton.
RICHARD
Why didn't you tell me?
JESS
(rapid-fire)
We were married -- briefly, really
briefly -- last year. I was just
eighteen. It was kind of a...
shotgun thing. I got pregnant and I
thought... Anyway, I had a
miscarriage. And then he left.
Richard is stunned, but recovers quickly.
RICHARD
That doesn't answer my question. Why
didn't you tell me... or the police?
JESS
Father was with me, both times. I
didn't want to get him upset. He
hates Karl and all that happened. He
already had one heart attack when
Karl and I...
She trails off. Richard shakes his head incredulously.
JESS
I don't want to lose him. If it's
not absolutely necessary, can't we
keep Karl to ourselves?
RICHARD
(a long beat)
Where do I find him?
JESS
I don't know.
(pleading look)
Please. Couldn't you just find out
what's happening first? That's all
father really wants.
RICHARD
What else haven't you told me?
JESS
Nothing. Really.
RICHARD
All right.
She looks down the hall again. Then giggles shyly. Which
surprises Richard--and turns him on.
JESS
Can I just say one thing I noticed
about you.
RICHARD
About me?
JESS
You should try to lighten up.
RICHARD
Come again.
JESS
(a twinkle in her eye)
You're too serious. Which makes you
too tense. I can see it in the way
you hold your shoulders. Keep it up
and you'll be all stooped over when
you get... older.
And she skips out. This time Richard follows to the--
RECEPTION AREA
Just in time to see Jess and Meredith leaving through the
main doors. He stands there and watches, marvelling. He
doesn't notice--
ERIC
standing behind him. Watching him watch Jess. He gives
Richard a playful elbow and a lecherous smile.
ERIC
Merry Christmas.
Richard continues to gaze at the now vacant doorway.
INT. JAKE'S RESTAURANT/BAR - NIGHT
A packed and noisy after-work bar, festively decked out for
Christmas. Lauren and Richard are at a table away from the
din, having dinner. Richard looks around.
RICHARD
I never saw Jake's so full.
LAUREN
It's been this way every day for
three or four years now.
RICHARD
No kidding.
Lauren puts her fork down. She has something difficult to
say here.
LAUREN
Look, Richard. You can't help but
hear things. I know what happened to
your wife.
He stares back at her.
RICHARD
It's something I'd rather not talk
about.
LAUREN
I understand, and I wasn't going to.
It's just that... well, I had a
relationship -- a marriage -- that
ended two years ago. And...
(gropes for the words)
...all I'm saying is, I've had it
with licking my wounds. I haven't
seen anyone now for... God, it's
depressing how long. It's hard to
meet men nowadays, in case you
haven't heard.
RICHARD
It's a hard world, Lauren.
LAUREN
(a deep breath)
Anyway... oh dammit, I should just
say it, right? You want to spend any
of Christmas week at Big Bear?
He looks at her. Totally surprised... and at a loss.
LAUREN
It'll be at my sister's cabin, which
has two bedrooms, one of which she
would share with me, so... It would
be perfectly chaste and proper.
Unless of course-- No, strike that.
Richard isn't sure how to respond. But he is flattered.
RICHARD
I haven't skiied in years.
LAUREN
Before you make any radical decisions
you'll regret later... we're not
talking Aspen chic here. It's pretty
rustic, and it's up a terribly
winding road. But it overlooks the
lake. And it is beautiful. Oh, and
I've got all my ex's ski gear.
He looks at her for a few beats.
RICHARD
Maybe it's time I did do something
different. What's your sister like?
LAUREN
She has the protectiveness of a
mother goose and the morals of Ken
Starr. You'll be quite safe.
They both smile. Lauren takes a sip of wine. Richard
follows suit. Neither is sure how to follow up now.
LAUREN
So... any new cases on the horizon?
RICHARD
No cases, I hope. But a client. One
Howard Meredith.
LAUREN
You don't mean Jessica Meredith's
father. Goodman's masseuse?
RICHARD
Don't tell me we're on opposite sides
of the aisle already. It hasn't even
been a day.
LAUREN
You can breathe easy. I'm not
assigned yet.
RICHARD
You, uh, treating it as murder?
LAUREN
(a beat)
Well, the man was not suicidal. And
he wasn't drunk. So, until they find
otherwise, yes it is a murder
investigation.
BBRRNGG. The muffled tone of a cell phone ringing. She
reaches for her purse, he for his jacket pocket.
LAUREN
Yours or mine?
RICHARD
Mine.
He pulls out his CELL PHONE.
RICHARD
Excuse me.
(into phone)
Hello.
(listens a beat)
Mister Meredith. What?
(listens a longer
beat)
Just make sure she doesn't say
anything till I get there. I'll be
ten minutes.
He pockets the phone. Gives Lauren a troubled look.
LAUREN
What is it?
RICHARD
My new client is at the Hollywood
station.
(gets up)
I'm sorry--
LAUREN
I really hope we don't end up meeting
in court on this one.
(he nods)
Well, we can talk about Big Bear
later.
RICHARD
That'll be good. And thanks for
dinner.
He leaves. Lauren looks down at his barely touched food.
LAUREN
Yeah.
INT. HOLLYWOOD POLICE STATION - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Richard comes down a corridor. Approaches Meredith, who's
busy pacing, anxiety blanketing his face, crimping his body.
MEREDITH
They can't keep her in there like
that, can they? She didn't do
anything.
RICHARD
Just stay here. I'll take care of it.
A cop opens the door, while keeping Meredith out. Richard
enters an anteroom, then proceeds through to an--
INTERROGATION ROOM
where Jess is seated at a table. Also at the table,
DETECTIVE GLADES and a uniformed cop. Jess leaps to her
feet. Gives him a relieved smile.
JESS
Mister Byers, thank God.
RICHARD
Don't worry, we'll have this
straightened out in no time.
(to Glades)
What's the deal, Glades?
GLADES
Merry Christmas, counselor. So, can
we stop twiddling our thumbs and talk
to your client now?
RICHARD
You've already talked to her.
GLADES
That was before we knew her car, or
one that looks exactly like it, was
seen leaving Goodman's -- not twelve
thirty, like she said -- but five
a.m. Just after the neighbor heard
Goodman fall in her pool.
Richard looks at Jess, who shrugs back at him.
JESS
I don't mind explaining.
RICHARD
(pulls her aside)
You'll explain to me first.
GLADES
Your client wants to talk. Why not
let her talk.
JESS
I've got nothing to hide.
(to both men)
And I want to help as much as I can.
Really I do.
Richard takes a deep breath. Sits down next to Jess, who
smiles back trustingly at him. She looks to Glades, almost
eagerly, to begin.
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - LATE
Everyone seated. Richard watching Jess, who keeps her
composure by massaging her crystal pendant and glancing
toward Richard occasionally for reassurance.
GLADES
So there was no hanky-panky between
you and Goodman?
JESS
(a guileless laugh)
Hanky-panky? God no.
GLADES
Then why'd you go back there at five
in the morning? And why didn't you
tell us before?
JESS
I wanted to show Karl the view. And
I didn't want to get him involved in
anything.
GLADES
We've checked on Rampton. He moved
out of his Vegas apartment a few
weeks ago. Seems to've left behind
a few outstanding markers.
(beat)
So, he's got an address here, right?
JESS
I'm sure he does. But I don't know
it.
INT. VIEWING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Lauren enters. Watches from behind the one-way mirror.
Notes the way Richard looks at Jess.
BACK TO SCENE
GLADES
And you and Karl never went inside
the house?
JESS
We just looked at the city lights.
They're really cosmic from up there.
GLADES
Cosmic, huh.
(beat)
D'you see or hear anything strange?
JESS
(a girlish giggle)
I suppose. If a woman having an
orgasm is strange. Is it?
GLADES
In my house it is. So...you must've
gotten damn close then.
JESS
She was really loud, believe me.
A smile for Richard.
ON LAUREN
Her eyes narrow.
BACK TO SCENE
GLADES
I don't suppose you know who this
moaner was.
JESS
Sorry, no.
GLADES
Why'd you decide to drive off like a
bat out of hell?
JESS
I didn't decide. Karl needed to get
back, to get ready for work.
GLADES
He works then. You know where?
JESS
Sorry, I don't.
GLADES
Where'd you drop him?
JESS
At the club. He had his car there.
Glades straightens up. He's aggravated.
GLADES
Okay. Thanks for coming in, Miss
Meredith. You understand we're only
after the truth here.
JESS
Sure I do. Everybody is.
Richard takes Jess by the arm, to walk her out.
RICHARD
See you later, Glades.
(Glades nods)
Oh, and next time, make sure there's
a crime before you bring a client of
mine downtown.
GLADES
(suddenly smug)
Didn't I tell you? Goodman's
fireplace poker was wiped clean, but
not clean enough. We found a trace
of his blood on it. There was a
crime, counselor.
JESS
You mean, somebody murdered him?
Richard frowns and escorts her out of the room.
ON LAUREN
Still in the viewing room, sizing up Jess as she walks out of
the interrogation room with Richard.
INT. HALLWAY
Richard and Jess move down the hallway.
JESS
Murder. I can't believe it.
RICHARD
Why didn't you tell me about the
woman?
JESS
(almost oblivious)
I'm sorry, I didn't think it was
important. He was with women a lot.
Richard shoots her a look.
JESS
(innocently)
I didn't mean to upset you.
Otherwise, I'd have told you.
RICHARD
You don't want to upset anybody, do
you?! Not Rampton, not your father,
not me.
JESS
Of course not. Nobody wants to upset
anybody, do they?
RICHARD
(sighs)
You really don't know who the woman
was?
She shakes her head no.
JESS
Am I a suspect?
RICHARD
That you are. Which means I need to
know how to find Karl.
JESS
(relents)
There's a health club down the block
from Afterhours. He hangs out there.
Look, is there any way to keep this
from my father?
RICHARD
(stunned)
After all this--?
JESS
I have faith it'll turn out all
right. I really do.
RICHARD
Matters of law call for more than
faith, Miss Meredith.
JESS
(childlike)
I have faith in the law too. And no
one's called me Miss Meredith since
my high school biology teacher. It's
Jess to everybody. As long as I can
use their first name too.
RICHARD
(shrugs his approval)
Fine, Jess.
She smiles again. Seemingly so damn sure of that faith.
Richard can't get over it.
INT. STATION WAITING ROOM - A MOMENT LATER
Richard and Jess enter. Meredith is tied up in knots of
anxiety. He leaps to his feet, pulls Jess to him, hugs her.
MEREDITH
You all right, honey?
JESS
I'm okay. Thanks to-- Mister Byers.
Meredith turns to Richard.
RICHARD
I wouldn't worry. They were just
fishing.
(beat)
I'll have my investigator look for
Jess's alibi-- what was his name
again?
(at Jess, as she
flinches)
John, wasn't it?
She gives him a camouflaged, but relieved smile.
INT. SLICK HEALTH CLUB - DAY
Chrome- and mirror-lined, and packed with guys and girls who
hardly need to tone their bodies. Hector enters with his
assistant, a young man in a cheap suit -- RANDY. Shakes his
head at the eye-popping girls in workout outfits.
HECTOR
Well, if you gotta work this time of
year, this is the place to do it.
Where do they get these girls, huh?
He goes over to a receptionist. Asks her a question we don't
hear. She points in the direction of--
CORNER OF CLUB
A handsome, blonde man about 40+, in t-shirt and bike pants,
is attacking the weight machine. This is KARL RAMPTON.
Hector seems surprised, then says something to Randy, and
walks over to Rampton alone.
HECTOR
Karl Rampton?
Karl glances up at Hector. Fear lights up his eyes.
Suddenly, he leaps off the machine and CHARGES toward the
rear exit. But right into Randy, who's waiting there for him.
KARL
I don't have any money... I swear--
HECTOR
Relax. We're not after money.
(hands him a card)
Hector Gonzales. PI. My boss
represents your, uh, ex-wife.
KARL
Jess?
HECTOR
How many ex-wives you got, man?
Karl looks at the card. His fear vanishing.
KARL
What do you want?
HECTOR
A few answers, that's all.
KARL
I bet you used to be a cop.
HECTOR
Once.
KARL
Well I know how you guys twist things
around. I'll talk to your boss
direct, if you don't mind.
INT. RICHARD'S OFFICE - SUNSET
Karl, in casual street clothes, is seated opposite Richard,
and gazing out at the skyline. Hector is beside him.
KARL
Hell of a view.
RICHARD
As good as the view the other night?
KARL
(a glare)
No. Not nearly.
RICHARD
You must owe a lot of money to run
from my associate like you did.
HECTOR
Try to run.
KARL
(defensive)
I had a few business debts, okay?
Richard and Hector look back at Karl derisively. He glances
nervously away, toward the city lights. Stands up.
RICHARD
You know that Rawley Goodman was
dumped off his balcony after -- or
maybe while -- you and Jess were
there.
KARL
I don't watch the news.
HECTOR
You got to be more convincing, man.
If we were cops, you'd be toast.
RICHARD
(as Karl paces to
window)
Jess is a suspect, Karl. Which means
you are too.
Karl spins around. This really is news.
KARL
Look, I'd just gotten back in town.
I called her up and asked her to meet
me at the club.
HECTOR
Why?
KARL
For chrissakes, you've seen her.
Isn't it obvious? Besides, I worry
about her.
RICHARD
You worry about her? Is that why you
left her after getting her pregnant?
How old was she? Eighteen? And you
were...forty-what?
KARL
What's my age got to do with it? We
were legal.
RICHARD
(disgusted)
What did she ever see in you? It
couldn't have been maturity, not at
any age.
KARL
Very funny.
RICHARD
All right, let's get back to that
night. Why did you go up to Rawley
Goodman's with her?
KARL
She said she'd just massaged some guy
in his house, at midnight... I
freaked. I guess I'm still a little,
y'know, jealous. So I made her take
me up there.
RICHARD
And she did?
KARL
She figured I'd probably get off on
the lights and chill out. So we got
there, but Goodman had some woman
with him.
HECTOR
Did you see her?
KARL
Heard her. She liked what Goodman
was doing to her. A lot.
RICHARD
And then?
KARL
We left. (beat) Look, I didn't know
about Goodman til the next day. I
swear it. And I'll swear it in
court--
RICHARD
It won't come to that, Karl. We're
going to see the police now and
straighten this all out. Okay?
Karl nods nervously. Hector glances at his watch.
HECTOR
Great. Maybe I'll get home before
the kids are asleep.
HALLWAY
Richard, Hector and Karl walking along.
RICHARD
I hear Meredith didn't like you much.
KARL
The son of a bitch thought I was too
grown-up for his little girl.
RICHARD
You sure it wasn't... not grown up
enough?
Karl gives him a nasty look. As Eric approaches from a side
office.
ERIC
Hey, what's up?
RICHARD
(to Hector and Karl)
I'll meet you at the elevator.
Richard watches Hector and Rampton, as they exit.
RICHARD
I'm taking a witness to the police
station.
ERIC
I thought we paid Hector to do things
like that.
RICHARD
I just want to make sure he goes
through with the deposition.
ERIC
You're taking an unusually strong
interest in this case.
RICHARD
Maybe the reason I won my last dozen
cases, is that I take an unusually
strong interest in all my cases.
And he walks off. Eric shrugs.
EXT. PASADENA NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
An upscale area. Richard drives his car along one of the
residential streets.
RICHARD'S CAR
turns up the driveway. Pulls to a stop next to Jess's red
car and a white Cadillac.
Richard goes up to the front door. Rings the bell. In a few
beats, the door opens. It's Howard Meredith, with an eager,
welcoming smile.
MEREDITH
Mister Byers. Come in.
Richard enters--
INT. FOYER
MEREDITH
I didn't expect such personalized
service.
RICHARD
I had some good news and wanted to
deliver it in person.
MEREDITH
Fantastic. What is it?
RICHARD
We found Jess's alibi. He gave a
deposition to the police last night.
MEREDITH
Thank God. And everything's all
right then?
RICHARD
I hope so.
MEREDITH
Well, Jessica will want to know.
Come with me.
Meredith leads Richard through the living room, to the rear
of the house. He comes to a closed door.
MEREDITH
Her massage room. She's with one of
her clients.
(knocks)
Jessica. Mister Byers is here.
JESS'S VOICE
Come in.
Meredith opens the door. Inside, Jess is massaging a
beautiful woman, about forty, naked and only barely under a
towel. The woman, like Rawley Goodman earlier, is in heaven,
as Jess's hands expertly ply her well-oiled body.
Richard is stunned; Meredith looks away, a bit embarrassed.
But neither Jess or the woman seem put out by the company.
Quite the contrary.
RICHARD
Sorry.
JESS
(between strokes)
Just... one... second...
A distant phone RINGS.
MEREDITH
Excuse me. I'll be right back.
He leaves. Richard watches Jess work on Evelyn. The towel
moving somewhat, showing more of the woman's eye-catching
body. Jess's strokes are so... so sensuous. Finally, she's
done.
JESS
Are you all right, Evelyn?
EVELYN turns over under the towel. Looks at Richard.
EVELYN
As long as my muscles are in your
hands, I'm perfect.
JESS
Oh. Evelyn Sterling, my client.
Richard Byers, my lawyer.
EVELYN
(eyeing him)
It seems I'm always being interrupted
by lawyers. Usually divorce ones.
RICHARD
That I'm not, Miss Sterling.
EVELYN
Then there's no reason to be sorry.
JESS
I'll be back in a flash, Evelyn.
EVELYN
You'd better, dear.
Jess closes the door. Then summons a big smile for Richard.
EXT. BACK YARD - MOMENTS LATER
Jess and Richard, walking.
RICHARD
You often see clients at home?
JESS
A lot want it this way.
RICHARD
(looking around)
Nice place. I can see why you live
at home.
Jess stiffens defensively.
JESS
What's wrong with that? I'm barely
twenty.
RICHARD
Nothing...
(beat)
Look, I suppose I could've called...
but I wanted to tell you personally.
We located Karl. He swore out a
statement corroborating everything
you said. Except... he said he made
you take him there because he was
jealous of Rawley Goodman.
Jess laughs at the silliness of the idea. Richard can't take
his eyes off her. She's mesmerizing him.
JESS
He still worries about me, that's
all. He thinks I should be out on my
own.
RICHARD
What do you think?
JESS
Oh, I think when the time's right...
(on an impulse)
Y'know what? We should celebrate.
Why don't you come over for dinner
tomorrow night?
RICHARD
It's a little premature for celebra--
JESS
Father was going to invite you
anyway. Just come, okay?
(Richard nods okay)
Look, I've got to get back to Evelyn
or she'll have a panic attack. Bye.
RICHARD
Bye.
She hurries back inside the house. Richard watches her.
Every fanciful step.
EXT. MEREDITH DRIVEWAY - A MOMENT LATER
Richard heads toward his car. Meredith joins him.
MEREDITH
So, what's next?
RICHARD
She'll have to give a deposition.
And maybe testify at trial -- if
there ever is one.
MEREDITH
So who was this alibi of hers?
RICHARD
Your typical Hollywood swinger.
MEREDITH
A typical Hollywood swinger is hardly
new-age enough for Jessica.
Richard shrugs.
RICHARD
How did she ever get into this line
of work anyway?
MEREDITH
Oh, she dove into it in high school.
Became a vegetarian. Meditator.
Crystals. The whole nine yards. Of
course I'd rather she were a writer.
She has real talent there. She's
written a play, you know.
RICHARD
I didn't.
MEREDITH
But... she enjoys this, so what can
I do?
Richard nods, then opens his car door and gets in.
MEREDITH
So, how's eight o'clock tomorrow...
for dinner?
RICHARD
Perfect. Thanks.
MEREDITH
No. Thank you.
He starts the car and drives off.
ANGLE ON - ANOTHER CAR
easing away from the curb and taking off down the street
after Richard's car.
INT. OTHER CAR
A suspicious, leering and beady-eyed KARL RAMPTON.
INT. RICHARD'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Expensive look. Modern, efficient. But unkempt.
Richard sprawled on an easy chair, in his JOGGING OUTFIT.
Smoking a cigarette. Listening to jazz.
EXT. RICHARD'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Across the street from the beautiful Mediterranean house
is... a car. And inside is Karl. Looking agitated, angry.
INT. RICHARD'S HOUSE
Richard, still listening to the music. He looks at the
cigarette angrily, then pounds it out in the ashtray.
RICHARD
I must be cracked.
Suddenly, there's a CLATTER at his front door. He pulls
himself out of his reverie and goes over. Listens. Hears a
rustling. Someone's there. For a moment he's alarmed, but
then shakes it off and opens the door.
It's Lauren, with a big, vulnerable smile, struggling to
control a set of skis.
LAUREN
I'm sorry, I'm all thumbs.
(off his puzzled look)
Your skis... for Big Bear. I'd have
brought boots too, but my ex's feet
were tiny. Like his mind.
RICHARD
I can't believe-- come on in.
She enters. Lays the skis against a wall. Then grips her
hands tightly, anxiously together.
LAUREN
Your secretary gave me your address.
I hope you don't mind.
RICHARD
No... you want... a drink or anything?
LAUREN
No. I've got a dinner engagement.
RICHARD
Oh. I thought it was hard finding a
man these days.
LAUREN
It's my aunt. She lives in Santa
Monica... just down the canyon.
RICHARD
Sorry. I was just...
LAUREN
I know. Making conversation.
RICHARD
No. Trying to be smart. Which I
wasn't. (beat) So, how's the
Goodman case unfolding?
LAUREN
(chiding)
I couldn't tell you, even if I knew.
RICHARD
Do you?
LAUREN
Well, it did land in my in-box... but
believe me, there's nothing to know.
Except that your client is better off
than before Karl Rampton gave his
depo. (beat) Satisfied now?
He smiles back at her guiltily, as she peers around the room.
Observes the general state of untidiness. Richard notices,
covers.
RICHARD
The cleaning lady hasn't been in a
while.
LAUREN
Look, I hope I'm not foisting this
trip on you. If you don't feel like
going...
RICHARD
No, I do--
LAUREN
I mean, because, let's face it, some
people would consider what I'm doing
almost humiliating.
RICHARD
Some weird people. Whose opinions
shouldn't matter anyway.
LAUREN
(smiles)
Thanks.
RICHARD
(smiles back)
No, thank you. And I do want to go,
Lauren. Really.
Relieved, she reaches into her purse and pulls out a set of
ski goggles.
LAUREN
Hopefully, the Santa Ana's'll die
down and we'll have some rain.
(off his perplexed
look)
No rain down here, no snow at Big
Bear. No snow, no need for these.
(hands him the
goggles)
My ex did have a big head. But then
I thought... you might too.
They laugh.
EXT. RICHARD'S HOUSE - EVENING
Karl is still in his car. Watching.
KARL'S POV - as Lauren comes out of the house. Richard,
coming out with her, waving good-by. She takes off in her
car. Richard starts to jog up the street.
SERIES OF SHOTS
of Richard jogging: down the street, onto Ocean Boulevard,
onto the Santa Monica Pier, where he stops long enough to
lean over the side and gaze into the dark frothy foam below.
EXT. ALLEY - MOMENTS LATER
Richard jogging, labored now, in an alleyway near his house.
He's not even halfway down the block when--
A CAR
turns into the alley behind him. Its headlights bright and
piercing. Coming right at him.
He moves to the side of the alley. Stops. So does the car.
He starts up again. So does the car. Now he's scared.
His eyes focus on the end of the alley and the relative
security of the street. He sprints for it.
But the car screeches forward, its engine breathing down his
back. He dives for some trashcans. The car pulls even.
Richard looks for something to defend himself with. Spots a
rusted curtain rod in the garbage. Lifts it.
The side window on the car lowers. Revealing KARL RAMPTON'S
smirking face.
KARL
Relax, I just wanted to know if you
needed a ride.
RICHARD
(out-of-breath)
Rampton! You son of a bitch.
KARL
(sardonic)
I never thanked you for takin' me to
the cops.
RICHARD
I did it for my client.
KARL
The lovely Jess. Well now that
snoopy detective thinks I had a
motive to kill Goodman.
RICHARD
Jealousy, I'd bet.
KARL
Jealousy my ass. He found out I owed
Goodman on some gambling debts.
(off Richard's
amazement; sneers)
Whoa, I'm surprised Jess didn't tell
you -- she seems to like you so damn
much.
YOWL! A scream. Richard flinches. But it's just a cat
racing across the alley. Chasing another cat.
RICHARD
Why're you following me, Rampton?
KARL
Hey, what do you think? Jealousy
maybe? Huh?
Karl speeds off. Richard watches the tail lights disappear.
Then tosses the curtain rod back in the trash pile.
EXT. SANTA ANITA RACE TRACK - DAY
The horses bolt out of the starting gate.
GRANDSTAND
Richard makes his way through the grandstand. Looking
around. Finally, he sees who he's looking for: Hector,
standing near the rail by the track. Richard heads down.
By the time he reaches Hector, the horses are into the
stretch... and Hector is nearly apoplectic. Screaming.
HECTOR
No, you idiot. Fast-er. Not slower!
No! NO!
The race ends. Hector tears up his ticket. Curses in
Spanish.
RICHARD
I hope that's not the kids' Christmas
presents fluttering to the ground.
HECTOR
(spins around)
No, just mine. What're you doin'
here?
RICHARD
Your wife said you were at the track,
and...
(gazes around)
... I figured I could use a new
experience.
HECTOR
In that case, don't bet on anything
then.
EXT. RACE TRACK PARKING LOT - DAY (LATER)
Hector and Richard walking along.
HECTOR
If Rampton owed Goodman enough dough,
he'd sure-as-hell be on my short list.
RICHARD
Yeah, and it keeps Jess -- if only by
implication -- on a list that's only
a little longer. (beat) I wish we
knew the woman Goodman was with that
night.
HECTOR
Assuming there was one.
RICHARD
(takes umbrage)
Do me a favor and stop assuming.
HECTOR
Hey, I'm just sayin', you never know.
That's all. I mean, she might just
be protectin' the jerk.
They keep walking for a few beats.
RICHARD
Goodman was a major-league bookie,
right?
(Hector nods)
Maybe he owed somebody himself. And
couldn't make the payments.
HECTOR
So he puts the squeeze on guys like
Rampton.
(shrugs)
Well, when a bookie gets into money
trouble, it's usually with the guy he
has to make his payments to.
RICHARD
Can you find Goodman's boss for me?
HECTOR
Look man, you got the girl her alibi.
Why bother?
RICHARD
Maybe I don't like her alibi. The
person, I mean.
Hector gives Richard a questioning look.
HECTOR
L.A.'s a big place. Could be one of
a dozen guys.
(beat, then a sigh)
You gonna be home?
RICHARD
I'm going to dinner at the Merediths.
Hector rolls his eyes.
HECTOR
You ever go to your client's for
dinner before?
RICHARD
They're usually in jail, Hector.
INT. MEREDITH HOUSE - NIGHT
The doorbell RINGS. Jess comes down the stairs, adjusting a
tight-fitting dress, and hurries to the door. She waits a
second, then opens it.
JESS
Mister Byers. You're right on time.
Richard, gazing at her. Finally forcing himself to stop.
RICHARD
(mock anger)
I thought we had an agreement.
JESS
Oh God. What did I do now?
RICHARD
You didn't call me Richard.
JESS
(an alluring smile)
Just playing. I wanted to see if
you'd remember.
RICHARD
So, do I pass?
JESS
Pass?
RICHARD
Well, if it's a game... I need to
learn the rules.
He smiles back at her.
JESS
Dinner's ready.
INT. DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Richard and Meredith seated at the dinner table. Waiting for
dinner to be served.
MEREDITH
You've done a good job, Mister Byers.
RICHARD
It isn't done yet. Jess is still a
suspect.
Meredith is taken aback.
MEREDITH
I thought this John fellow
corroborated her story.
RICHARD
Right, he did. But no one's home free
until the murder's solved.
MEREDITH
In that case, we still need your
services, don't we?
RICHARD
(a joke)
As long as you don't mind paying for
them.
MEREDITH
(jokes back)
As long as you don't overcharge me.
RICHARD
I imagine you're slightly tougher
when it comes to business dealings,
Mister Meredith.
MEREDITH
If I were in business, I'd lose it
all in a New York minute. No, my wife
was wealthy. She died of leukemia.
Jess enters the dining room carrying a tray.
JESS
Okay, enough mindless chatter.
Enter... food for body and soul.
She puts the platter down and hands each man a dish. Richard
looks curiously at his.
JESS
It's a tofu-seaweed dish. But the
secret is the seasoning: it's a
secret herb mix that has energizing
and oxygenating properties.
RICHARD
What does it energize?
JESS
(an impish smile)
You have to experience that for
yourself.
For the first time in a long while, Richard is lost in a
woman's eyes.
MEREDITH
Go on. Dig in.
RICHARD
(takes a bite)
Excellent. Really excellent.
INT. GODFATHER'S NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
A STRIPPER grinds away on a small stage decorated tackily for
Christmas. The club is packed with testosterone-pumped men.
Hector walks in. Looks around. Goes over to a small table
where a SMALLISH MAN is seated alone. Sits down next to him.
The man never looks at him. They both watch the girl getting
down to her bare essentials.
MAN
(eyes still on girl)
What do you want?
HECTOR
(eyes also on girl)
Information.
MAN
On who?
HECTOR
Whom.
The man shoots Hector a quick, nasty look.
HECTOR
Rawley Goodman.
MAN
He liked girls and gambling. And
thought he was good at both.
HECTOR
Was he?
The man shrugs, turns back to the dancer.
MAN
Don't know about the girls. But word
is, he broke the bookie's cardinal
rule: don't bet.
HECTOR
And whose book would he be in?
MAN
How bad you want to know?
Hector plants five twenties on the table.
HECTOR
Real bad.
The man snickers. Picks up the bills. Then corrects him.
MAN
Badly.
EXT. MEREDITH HOUSE - NIGHT
Jess, Richard and Meredith at the front door.
MEREDITH
Thanks again, Mister Byers.
RICHARD
I'll be in touch.
JESS
And I'll walk you to your car.
Jess and Richard leave Meredith, who goes back inside.
WITH JESS AND RICHARD - WALKING
JESS
You're sure you liked dinner?
RICHARD
I'm sure. Especially that dessert,
what was it...?
JESS
Rice-carob pudding.
RICHARD
Very tasty.
JESS
(laughs)
What about the fennel tea?
RICHARD
Loved the fennel -- fennel? -- tea.
JESS
Come on. Tell the truth. It's good
for you.
RICHARD
What, the tea or the truth?
JESS
Both, of course.
(beat)
I can still sense something tight
about you. Is it my father? Maybe
he's too...
RICHARD
Protective?
JESS
Then we're protective of each other.
RICHARD
Right... his heart.
JESS
Ever since mom died...
She trails off. A little distant now.
RICHARD
It's okay. I don't need to know.
JESS
Thanks.
They arrive at his car. Richard tries to break the suddenly
somber mood.
RICHARD
Y'know, I can relate if he is
protective. I mean, if you'd bring
home some mindless, heavy-breathing
young--
JESS
Why does he have to be mindless? And
young?
RICHARD
(taken aback)
Well, I don't know...
JESS
How old are you anyway? Forty?
Her eyes gleam.
RICHARD
Thanks for the compliment anyway.
JESS
Anyway, you shouldn't be afraid.
RICHARD
Me, afraid of what?
JESS
That you couldn't play these games
anymore.
She stares into his eyes. Her look is so unaffected, and yet
so scorching.
Richard doesn't know what to say. Fortunately, his CELL
PHONE RINGS. He fumbles into his pocket and picks it up. But
first has one last word on the subject.
RICHARD
I might just be a very beat-up twenty-
two year old, you know. Which might
still be too old for some twenty year
olds.
(into phone)
Hello.
(muffled voice)
Hector... what's up?
(muffled voice)
Okay. At Godfather's? But why--?
(muffled voice)
I'll be there in... fifteen minutes.
As he folds the phone back:
JESS
(teasing)
Why are you going to a topless place?
RICHARD
Because... my investigator may have
found something and wants me there.
He also wants to buy me a Christmas
martini. How do you know about
Godfather's anyway?
JESS
I once massaged a girl who worked
there.
Suddenly, a gleam breaks out in her eyes. She's excited.
JESS
I'm going with you!
RICHARD
Forget it. It's a sleaze joint.
I'll let you know everything Hector
tells me first thing in the morning.
She delivers a comic, exaggerated pout. He gives her one
last prolonged look, then gets into his car and drives off.
Jess watches.
EXT. GODFATHER'S NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
Richard gets out of his car. Heads to the entrance. But is
interrupted by a SCREECH OF BRAKES behind him. He turns
around. It's Jess's red sportscar.
She leaps out and runs over to him. A bundle of enthusiasm.
RICHARD
What the hell are you--?
JESS
I'm going inside whether you like it
or not.
What else can he do? He gives in.
INT. GODFATHER'S NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
Richard and Jess enter. She's the only female in the
audience. And seems to relish it, taking it all in almost
giddily.
JESS
It's just like I pictured it.
Richard spots Hector at a table by himself. He takes Jess by
the arm and heads over. Hector sees him approaching, with
Jess. He stands up.
HECTOR
Hiya. Hector Gonzales.
JESS
Hi. I'm Jess Meredith.
HECTOR
I figured. Why don't you guys sit
down? I only ordered one martini.
JESS
That's okay, I don't drink. I just
want to watch.
They sit down. Richard barely glances at the hard-working
dancer on stage. He's all business.
RICHARD
So what's so important that I had to
come here?
HECTOR
I thought you'd like the scenery.
(off Jess's grin)
Just kiddin'. First things first.
He lifts his glass. Richard lifts his.
HECTOR
To this year being better than the
last.
RICHARD
Okay, that's not bad.
As they tip glasses and drink, Jess peers around at all the
men staring lecherously up at the stage.
JESS
Why are men so serious when they
watch strippers? Women aren't when
they see male strippers.
Richard and Hector look at her. They have no answer.
Finally, Hector turns back to Richard.
HECTOR
I found out who Goodman paid dues to.
(beat) Mickey Sterling.
RICHARD
The mob guy?
HECTOR
He was into Sterling for beaucoup
bucks.
RICHARD
Hmmm.
HECTOR
But that's only the half of it.
(a beat)
Seems like Goodman was playing
toesies with Sterling's wife. They
were separated, but... well, you
never know. Like with O.J.?
RICHARD
What's the ex's name?
JESS (O.S.)
Evelyn.
Hector and Richard both spin her way. Stunned.
JESS
The woman you met at my house
yesterday. She introduced me to
Rawley.
She looks back innocently at the two of them.
JESS
They were just friends.
Richard shakes his head. Turns back to Hector.
RICHARD
Do the police know?
Hector shrugs. Richard gets up to leave.
RICHARD
Well thanks.
JESS
Wait. We just got here. And you
didn't finish your drink.
RICHARD
My meeting's over. If you want to
stay... you've got your car.
He starts to walk away. She jumps up.
JESS
Nice meeting you, Hector.
HECTOR
Certainly was.
And she runs out after Richard.
EXT. GODFATHER'S - NIGHT
They come out together. Walk toward the cars.
JESS
I know you're thinking that Evelyn
was the woman with Rawley. That maybe
she even...
She trails off, as they reach her sportscar.
RICHARD
Was she?
JESS
I don't know.
RICHARD
So now you're saying it's possible
they were more than just friends?
Jess stops to consider it. Stares back at him.
JESS
Anybody could be more than just
friends.
(beat)
Including you and me.
RICHARD
We are more than friends. I'm your
lawyer. You're my client.
She moves a step closer. Her face breathing into his.
JESS
Did you know that when the energies
of two people vibrate in perfect
harmony, it can be so powerful...
that it would be dangerous to ignore
it?
He doesn't move. Just looks into her eyes. She into his.
Then suddenly, impulsively, surprises her--and himself--by
kissing her. Long, and deep. Finally, he lets up.
RICHARD
What would your father think--
JESS
I told you, I don't care.
RICHARD
Don't interrupt me...
(a beat)
What would he think if you went away
for Christmas? With a man old enough
to be your--
JESS
--my lover?
(after a beat)
He wouldn't like it. But... that's
life.
She puts her arms around him and gives him a deep kiss.
Suddenly, he realizes they're on a public sidewalk. He
glances around to see if anyone is looking. A couple of
horny guys are. He straightens up. Instant propriety.
RICHARD
You'd better get home.
JESS
It's only ten o'clock.
RICHARD
(hesitates)
I've got to do something.
JESS
More business?
He looks off into the flickering lights of Hollywood Hills.
RICHARD
No. I've got to return some skis.
(gives a quick look)
Don't ask.
JESS
Y'know, I just realized where we
could go.
RICHARD
Where?
She smiles at him, and without another word, hops into her
car, and drives off. He watches. Then sees the horny guys,
both of whom are giving him the old 'thumbs up'.
INT. CONDO BUILDING LOBBY - NIGHT
Richard enters, carrying all of Lauren's skiing gear. Looks
at the directory. Finds 'Lauren Pierce'.
INT. HALLWAY
Richard approaches her apartment. Places the skis against
the doorjamb. He has a notion to just leave the stuff there
and take off. But finally, he rings the bell. It's an
uneasy wait. Until... the door opens.
LAUREN
What a surprise. Come in.
RICHARD
(awkward)
Actually, Lauren... I just came... to
return these.
Now she sees the skis, the poles, the goggles. He hands them
to her. She doesn't hide her disappointment.
RICHARD
I'm sorry, but I... I can't go to Big
Bear. Something came up.
LAUREN
(eyes him
suspiciously)
What came up?
(off his non-reaction)
Miss Hardbody Meredith?
(off his reaction)
God, if I'd known you had such a
Lolita complex--
RICHARD
She's not that young.
(beat)
Look, I'm sorry.
Lauren looks at him, suddenly sharp and antagonistic.
LAUREN
You already said you were sorry.
(beat)
Did you know Karl Rampton owed
Goodman fifty thousand dollars?
RICHARD
I didn't know the amount.
She's surprised, but keeps going. She wants to get back at
him now.
LAUREN
Then you won't be surprised if some
of us were wondering if he and Miss
Meredith -- who, remember, lied for
him at first -- were thinking about
that when they came up with their
'phantom woman' moaning away in
ecstasy.
RICHARD
You don't know there wasn't a woman
with Goodman.
LAUREN
And you don't know there was.
She's about to slam the door shut, when she remembers the
goggles in her hand.
LAUREN
Here, keep these. You'll need them
to see through all that white light
she's beaming off at you.
She hurls them at him, then smashes the door shut in his
face. Tears well up in her eyes.
In the hallway, Richard stands stock still. Catching his
breath. Angry at himself.
INT. RICHARD'S OFFICE - DAY
On the phone.
HECTOR
I'm sorry, man. I got my once a year
family get-together starting in
twenty minutes. Once a year. I
can't stiff 'em. Look, suppose I go
see her tomorrow. It can wait.
Richard looks at the photo on his desk. Of his wife and
child. Closes his eyes.
RICHARD
It's okay, Hector. I understand.
I'll call her myself.
He hangs up, contemplates for a few beats, then dials another
number. Waits through the rings.
EVELYN'S VOICE
Hello.
RICHARD
Mrs. Sterling, this is Richard Byers,
Jess's attorney. I was wondering if
we could chat about the Goodman case.
(no response)
You could come down here or I could--
EVELYN'S VOICE
I'm not interested in talking to you,
Mister Byers.
Click. She hangs up. Richard looks blankly at the receiver
in his hand.
EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - DAY
Richard drives his car down the street of upper-middle-class
houses.
INT. HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
The house is empty. A doorbell CHIMES.
EXT. FRONT DOOR
Richard waits impatiently. Looks at an intercom.
EVELYN'S VOICE ON INTERCOM
Who is it?
RICHARD
Richard Byers. Jess's attorney. I
know you didn't want to--
The door clicks open. He enters--
EVELYN'S HOUSE
Walks into the living room. Looks around. Silence. He
pokes his head down a hallway.
ANOTHER ANGLE - ON RICHARD
As if someone is watching him from somewhere in the house.
Someone who bears him no good will.
Suddenly, from behind, one of the doors opens. He whips
around. It's Evelyn Sterling. In a workout outfit.
EVELYN
I'm sorry I was so rude on the phone.
There's no excuse really.
RICHARD
That's all right.
She wipes perspiration off her face. Richard does the same.
EVELYN
The air conditioning is out. And
here it is, hotter than summer. Can
I get you something cold?
RICHARD
No... I wanted to talk about Jess's
situation. I understand you and
Rawley Goodman had a relationship.
Her smile disappears. Jagged nerves come to the surface.
EVELYN
Had is the operative word. Anyway,
I was home that...fateful night.
RICHARD
You and Jess are friends, right?
EVELYN
The best of friends. Why?
RICHARD
The police still think she was
involved in Goodman's murder. You
might be able to help her.
She spins away from him. She does know something.
RICHARD
If you're her friend, tell me the
truth. You were there, weren't you?
She's clearly pained, and doesn't answer. She tries to walk
away, but Richard plants his arm against the wall, blocking
her.
EVELYN
I didn't kill him.
RICHARD
So you were there. And you saw
something. Tell me!
She clenches her eyes shut. Remembering it all.
EVELYN
(staccato)
I was in the bathroom. I heard a
yell. I came out. And Rawley was...
(beat)
... gone. Over the edge. I left as
quickly as I could.
RICHARD
Was it your husband? Mickey?
She turns her face away without answering.
RICHARD
Karl Rampton?
EVELYN
I don't know Karl Rampton. Look, I
promise you I won't let Jess be
harmed.
Frustration overcomes him. He grabs her by the arms. Hard.
RICHARD
She already has been! Now I know you
saw someone. Who was it?!
EVELYN
(almost crying now)
You're hurting me.
Richard quickly lets go. He feels ashamed. Guilty.
RICHARD
Did anybody threaten you?
EVELYN
(a long beat)
Maybe you should leave now.
RICHARD
And maybe you should tell the truth.
EVELYN
I am-- I will. Please...
He looks at her. A sight to pity. He shakes his head, then
turns away and leaves.
EVELYN
(so he can't hear)
I could never harm her.
When he's gone, she pulls herself together. Moves to the
sidelight by the door, watches Richard jump into his car and
take off.
FOLLOW EVELYN
as she plods through the foyer, trying to collect herself.
Then climbs slowly up the stairs.
ANOTHER ANGLE - THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW
Someone is watching her.
BACK TO EVELYN
on the second floor, trudging into her bedroom. Standing at
the dresser and looking miserably into the mirror.
She takes a deep, getting-her-shit-together breath, and
starts poking anxiously through a pill case.
MOVING P.O.V.
Along the second-floor landing, coming right up to her door.
Evelyn picks out some pills with trembling hands. Pops a few.
THE DOOR
begins to open. Silently. She doesn't notice. Suddenly, a
CREAK.
She spins around on her seat. Looks up.
EVELYN
I didn't tell him-- I didn't--
The unseen visitor moves closer. A GUN comes INTO FRAME.
Aimed at her face.
Evelyn moves back away from the menace. Holds her hands up
in front of her.
EVELYN
You know you can trust me-- I would
never--
PA-TOW! The gun fires. Blood splashes across the mirror,
the dresser, the wall.
INT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICES - DAY
Richard strides through a bustling room. Approaches a glass-
enclosed office. But he can't see inside: the shades are
drawn. He knocks.
FEMALE VOICE INSIDE
Who is it?
He enters--
LAUREN'S OFFICE
Lauren, Glades, and a second cop are seated around the desk.
Lauren gives Richard a particularly stony look.
RICHARD
I need to talk to you.
LAUREN
I'm in a meeting, Mister By--
RICHARD
Look, I'm sorry about--
LAUREN
I told you not to be.
Richard takes a breath. Realizes what she thinks it's about.
RICHARD
About interrupting. But I wanted you
to know that Evelyn Sterling was at
Goodman's the night he was killed.
LAUREN
How do you know that?
RICHARD
She told me. I came here to ask you
to get a deposition from her.
Lauren and Glades exchange an odd look.
RICHARD
What is it?
LAUREN
Evelyn Sterling was found shot to
death... about fifteen minutes ago.
Richard is staggered.
RICHARD
But I just saw her, an hour ago!
Glades looks at Richard differently.
GLADES
And when you left her... she was
alive and well?
RICHARD
Would I be asking you to interview
her if she weren't? Come on.
GLADES
Well, whatever she knew went down the
drain with her. Which is awfully
convenient for your client, isn't it?
RICHARD
It's convenient for somebody, but not
my client. Who, might I remind you,
isn't accused of anything, Glades.
GLADES
Yet.
Richard glares, first at Glades, then at Lauren. Glades
stands up, puts on his jacket.
GLADES
I'm on my way to Meredith's. You
probably want to be there when I
question her about Mrs. Sterling.
Glades and the other cop leave. Lauren stands up, comes
around the desk to face Richard.
LAUREN
When I watched you in court, I
thought, there's a guy who's a
hopeless romantic. Defending
defenseless women. That attracted me.
(trails off, then:)
I was wrong. You're just a hopeless
fool.
RICHARD
I'm sorry you think that, Lauren...
but for the first time in a long
time, hopeless is just what I'm not.
And he hurries out. Lauren remains in the middle of the
office, shaking her head sadly.
EXT. MEREDITH HOUSE - DAY
Richard's car and Glades' police car pull up in the driveway
together.
MEREDITH HOUSE - REAR PATIO - DAY
Jess is in short pants, practicing tai-chi off of a video.
She looks incredible. Her father comes out of the house,
looking worried.
MEREDITH
Jessica...
She looks over, just as Glades, his partner and Richard come
out on the patio. She smiles sweetly. The men stare at her.
JESS
Hi, Lieutenant. Mister Byers.
(off their looks)
What is it?
RICHARD
I don't want you to talk to them,
Jess.
JESS
Why not?
RICHARD
Because you don't have to.
JESS
But I want to. I want to help.
She looks to Glades, eager to answer anything.
GLADES
Where were you about an hour and a
half ago, Miss Meredith?
JESS
(innocently)
I was at my women's group.
Glades, the other cop, and even Richard look at each other.
JESS
It's actually called a Goddess group,
but... well, women's group is easier
to relate to. You think?
GLADES
Sure. So what's a Goddess group?
JESS
(how to explain)
See, we women have lost touch with
our feminine nature. Our Goddess
power. This is our way to get it
back.
Glades suppresses an amused cough.
MEREDITH
What is this about, detective?
GLADES
What time did you leave this...
Goddess meeting?
JESS
I don't know. Two?
(smiles)
I don't own a watch.
MEREDITH
She was home by two fifteen.
GLADES
And where was the meeting?
JESS
Bel Air.
GLADES
Isn't Evelyn Sterling's house on the
way from Bel Air?
RICHARD
Give it a rest, Glades.
JESS
(sudden alarm)
Something's happened.
GLADES
You could say that. Somebody stopped
by her place, probably around two
o'clock, and killed her.
Jess is flabbergasted.
JESS
Killed?! Evelyn? No!
GLADES
I understand she was a friend.
Jess, too shaken to talk, nods yes.
GLADES
Good enough friends that if you saw
her at Goodman's that night, you
might have a natural, even
understandable, impulse to lie for
her?
RICHARD
Jess.
JESS
It's okay. Really.
(back to Glades)
I didn't see her there.
GLADES
Or good enough friends, that if she'd
seen you that night, she might've
lied for you?
RICHARD
You're reaching, Glades.
GLADES
I only reach for what's there.
(to Jess)
Well, got to leave... and check on
that... Goddess meeting. Miss
Meredith. Mister Meredith.
He turns to leave. Richard goes over to him. Out of earshot
of Jess and Merredith.
RICHARD
You're wasting your time, Glades.
How about looking into Mickey
Sterling? Or Karl Rampton?
GLADES
Y'know, the last time I looked you
were a lawyer, representing criminals
and other scum. Not a cop.
RICHARD
I've represented a few of them too.
GLADES
Touché, counselor.
Glades smiles, then leaves with his partner. Meredith goes
after them to show them out. Jess is distressed.
JESS
I can't believe it. Evelyn...
(slow)
Rawley told me she was coming by.
RICHARD
(incredulous)
You knew she was the one with him?!
JESS
Not for sure. But if she was with
him... well, I knew she couldn't have
done it--
RICHARD
What've you got, some sort of Joan of
Arc complex?! First you lie for
Rampton, and then her!
She collects herself, then moves to the TV and flicks the
tape off.
JESS
I'd better go help her.
RICHARD
She's dead, Jess. There's no helping
her anymore.
JESS
(emphatic)
Yes there is.
EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN OVERLOOK - DAY
Jess pulls her car into a parking area on the bluff.
Richard's car stops nearby.
Jess gets out, walks solemnly toward the edge. Richard
watches her. But doesn't follow.
WITH JESS
as she stops at the cliff edge. Takes a PHOTO out of her
pocket. A shot of her massaging Evelyn, both smiling for the
camera. She looks at the picture fondly.
Now she takes a large clear CRYSTAL out of her other pocket
and wraps the photo around it, securing it with a ribbon.
Then she tosses them as far as she can.
The photo and crystal arc in the air and drop placidly into
an incoming wave.
Jess watches serenely.
MOMENTS LATER
As she returns to her car. Richard comes up to her.
JESS
You followed me.
RICHARD
I was worried.
JESS
If you want to worry about somebody,
worry about Evelyn.
She looks back out to the ocean.
JESS
This was my way of releasing her
spirit of any attachment to me. If
everyone she knew did that, she'd be
free to get on with her journey.
Richard looks out to sea. Then back at her.
JESS
(reflective beat)
She offered to let me stay with her.
Whenever I wanted to leave home.
Maybe I could've kept her away from
Rawley.
RICHARD
How would you have done that?
JESS
(shrugs)
By being a friend. Listening. I
don't know. I don't think I know
anything.
Richard gazes dreamily into her face.
RICHARD
Well I know something.
(beat)
That energy you were talking about...
between two people? It's about to
bust me apart.
Richard can't hold back anymore. He grabs her and pulls her
close to him. Kisses her hard. Digging his hands into her
back and enfolding her. He could do it right here, but--
--Jess pulls away.
JESS
No, after the funeral. We'll go away
together.
She gives Richard a long kiss. And bounds away to her car.
All he can do is watch.
EXT. SANTA MONICA STREETS - NIGHT
Richard jogging along. At times racing faster than he has
any right to go. He turns onto--
A SIDE STREET
Dark and residential. He's running on fumes now, slowing
down and breathing heavily.
Behind him, HEADLIGHTS from an indistinguishable car turn
onto the street. Move slowly behind him, keeping pace.
He turns around, sees the car. Suddenly, it accelerates.
Directly at him. He's blinded by the lights and can't see
anything. Is trapped like a deer with the car hurtling
relentlessly at him, until finally...
He leaps away, tumbling off into some bushes. He never does
see the car as it speeds away, burning rubber in its extreme
haste. All it leaves behind, is a piece of a newspaper,
still fluttering down onto the street pavement.
Richard gets up and picks up the newpaper fragment. On it,
written in magic marker is: "Keep your nose in your own
business... if you want to keep it straight." He looks off
to where the car disappeared.
He reaches for his little fanny pack and pulls out a cell
phone. Dials.
RICHARD
Hector? What did you find out about
Mickey Sterling?
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
A small crowd gathered for Evelyn's funeral. Among the
mourners, a man in his late forties, and a girl in her early
twenties. MICKEY STERLING and Evelyn's DAUGHTER. In the
back, Jess, dressed in a floral outfit, sets herself apart
from the sea of black. With her is her father.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Richard standing by his car in the cemetery drive, watching.
Waiting.
The ceremony ends. The crowd disperses. Jess approaches the
daughter; they embrace warmly, exchange a few words. Then
Sterling pulls his daughter away.
They approach Richard, who stares angrily at Sterling.
Sterling stops, gestures to one of his aides to take the
daughter to the limo, and glares daggers back at Richard.
STERLING
What do you want?
RICHARD
What do you want? You're the one
who's sending your goons out to
threaten me.
A faint, but nasty, smile from Sterling.
STERLING
Threaten isn't in my vocabulary. I
stick to simple words... like either
do, or don't.
RICHARD
So doing is what happened to your boy
Goodman... and now Evelyn. Who's
next?
Sterling grabs Richard, shoves him violently against his car.
STERLING
You sonofabitch. You wanna say
something, say it.
RICHARD
I've said it.
He lets Richard go, straightens himself. Then, threatening:
STERLING
You get too close to the fire, you
burn.
He straightens his suit jacket and walks off. Jess hurries
up to Richard. She's carrying a backpack now.
JESS
Are you all right?
RICHARD
I'm fine. Don't worry about it.
JESS
(cheering up)
No problem there. That's my
philosophy of life.
She slides into his car. He gets in on his side.
JESS
At least she's free now.
The car takes off down the narrow cemetery road.
INT. CAR - MOVING
RICHARD
How about you? You free now?
JESS
Oh... that. Well, I had a talk with
my father. He's cool with this.
RICHARD
Cool? That's hard to believe.
JESS
Well... maybe tolerating would be
more like it.
Richard's car passes the last of the procession cars lined up
in the road. It happens to be--
MEREDITH'S CAR
He's standing next to it. Watching with more than a tinge of
worry, as Sterling remains glaring at Richard's car moving
away.
She waves at him. He waves back, with that look of worry
still etched on his face.
EXT. INTERSTATE 10 - DAY
Richard's car speeds by a San Bernardino exit.
INT. CAR
RICHARD
When are you going to tell me where
we're going?
Jess smiles playfully. She's having a great time with this.
JESS
Just stay on 10 til I tell you
otherwise.
THE CAR
speeds past the Big Bear exit.
EXT. I-10 - LATER AFTERNOON
A road sign reads Palm Springs.
INT. CAR
RICHARD
Not Palm Springs either?
She shakes her head, smiles, and points to another road sign.
Desert Hot Springs.
EXT. TWO BUNCH PALMS RESORT - EVENING
Richard's car drives onto the resort grounds. Lots of palm
trees. Little bungalows. Hot pools all over.
INT. BUNGALOW - EVENING
They enter the bungalow, throw their bags down on the bed.
Richard looks around.
RICHARD
Nice.
Before he can turn around to face her, she pushes him down
onto the bed. Then pounces on top of him. She's ready now.
RICHARD
You're a surprise a minute.
JESS
I thought you said the energy was--
He puts his arms around her.
RICHARD
... busting me apart.
JESS
Me too.
She kisses him -- hard. Then harder. He returns it. They
grope at each other's clothes. Inch by inch, bit by bit, the
clothes start coming off.
AN HOUR LATER - DIMLY IN THE DARK
They're on top of the still-made-up bed. Making love. His
hands gliding up and down her. Her fingers digging deep and
hard into his back. Richard is in heaven.
LATER THAT NIGHT
The whirlwind finished for now, Jess massages him lightly.
Her touch delights him.
RICHARD
When do I get the full treatment?
JESS
You really think you're ready for
deep-tissue emotional release?
RICHARD
Do I need it?
She gets on top of him; switches to a deep, kneading massage.
RICHARD
Ow!
JESS
(laughs)
You need it. But you can't take
it... yet.
Jess starts back on the easy massage. But something's
bothering Richard. He turns over, looks up at her.
JESS
No, let the energy flow through you.
Otherwise the tension will never--
He grabs her hands.
RICHARD
I want you to know why there's no one
else for me to spend Christmas with.
JESS
(uncertain)
Okay.
He lets go of her hands. Takes a deep breath.
RICHARD
I was married, to a young and
beautiful woman. Till about three
years ago. Her name was Rachel. We
had a son... Evan.
(long beat)
Rachel was taking Evan to pre-
school. It was the first rain of the
season, so the roads were slick. A
car...came skidding across a divider.
And crashed right into--
(shakes off the
memory)
Rachel died instantly. Evan lived
another week. Till his third
birthday.
Jess is overwhelmed by the story.
JESS
God, that's horrible. I'm... sorry.
RICHARD
At the time...I was doing drugs. I
thought I performed better in court
if I were a little jazzed. She'd
confront me about it... I'd yell at
her. That's the way it went. Until
this once...
(this is hard for him)
... I hit her. Kind of a slap
really... but I hit her. I never did
anything like that before.
He squeezes his eyes shut.
RICHARD
It was the same day--that morning--
she was killed. She was probably
thinking about that when...
He trails off. Jess strokes his head consolingly.
RICHARD
(another deep breath)
I've never told this to a soul.
JESS
Your muscles all just relaxed... you
know that?
He nods, and looks up into her eyes.
RICHARD
I feel a thousand pounds lighter.
JESS
Like you could just fly away, right?
RICHARD
She was a lot like you, Jess. Sweet,
fun loving. Even mystical, in her
own way.
(smiles)
Damn, I can even smile when I think
of her now. Thank you.
He pulls Jess down. Hugs her close to him. Then suddenly,
she pops up on her elbows, surprising him.
JESS
(on a whim)
We need to keep those muscles relaxed.
RICHARD
What?
JESS
And I know how. Come on.
She leaps off the bed. Opens the door of the bungalow.
Still stark naked.
RICHARD
You can't go out there like that.
JESS
Out there is where the hot tubs are.
RICHARD
Well, just in case there's someone
else as nutty as us...
He wraps a towel around himself and gets up. Grabs another
and wraps it around her. She delights at his touch.
JESS
Ready now?
RICHARD
As I'll ever be.
EXT. DIMLY LIT RESORT GROUNDS - NIGHT
A strong desert wind blowing. Jess prances across the grass
to a hot pool. Richard steals along behind her, constantly
on the lookout.
She drops her towel and jumps in. Richard flinches at the
LOUD SPLASH.
JESS
(laughs)
Ooh, it's hot.
RICHARD
(a forced whisper)
I hate hot.
JESS
Hot's just a state of mind. And your
mind's a thousand pounds lighter,
remember?
RICHARD
You'd better be right about this.
He dips his toe in the water. Then his foot.
JESS
See, it's not so bad.
(beat)
Well... are you coming in or not?
As Richard looks around one last time to see if anyone's
watching, Jess jumps up and rips his towel off. Tosses it
aside and laughs at him.
Now there's nowhere to run. He jumps in. Much to her
delight.
JESS
They say the water has healing powers.
RICHARD
Well these old bones could use it.
JESS
I don't see any old bones.
RICHARD
I'll remember that on my next
birthday.
Suddenly, surprisingly, she switches gears and splashes warm
water at him. Then swings around, facing him, and straddles
him between her legs. They kiss.
He's beside himself in ecstasy.
EXT. BUNGALOW - MORNING
The Christmas-wreathed door opens. Jess and Richard emerge.
Look out at the brilliant sky.
JESS
Merry Christmas.
RICHARD
Damn, I forgot. Merry Christmas.
Well, where to?
Jess smiles, pulls him along. Another game. He lets her.
JESS
You'll see.
RICHARD'S CAR
Speeding along a two-lane highway.
EXT. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL MONUMENT - DAY
The car is stopped by the side of the road. No traffic in
sight. Only Joshua trees. Seemingly millions of them. As
far as the eye can see.
CAMERA MOVES away from the road, onto the sloping plain of
joshuas. Finally, we stop at a clearing. Richard and Jess
are on the ground, flat on their backs, looking up at the sky
and trees around them. Richard looks over at her.
JESS
Can you hear the world spinning
around?
RICHARD
You are something, you know that?
A gust of wind catches Richard's attention.
RICHARD
This is where the Santa Ana's come
from.
Jess turns suddenly wistful.
JESS
I remember we had desert winds in
Colorado too. They'd blow so hard
sometimes and scare me out of my
sleep. But my dad would come in and
tell me stories about how the winds
carry birds and seeds all around the
world. The stronger the wind, the
farther it could carry all those
wonderful things.
She muses back to that time. A happy memory.
RICHARD
Well, Santa Ana's do good things too.
They keep the storms away.
JESS
(closes her eyes,
dreamy)
Anything to keep the storms away.
He looks at her. Then closes his eyes too. Dreamily.
JESS
Do you have any dreams?
RICHARD
I'm living mine. How about you?
JESS
When I have the time, I'm going to
start writing.
RICHARD
Your father mentioned you were good
at that.
JESS
I wrote a great play in high school,
called Stress Point. My drama
teacher loved it.
RICHARD
Really? What was it about?
JESS
It was something I read about in the
papers. Two young parents who
couldn't take the pressure of having
a child. (beat) So they kill it and
leave it in a dumpster.
RICHARD
Pretty gruesome.
JESS
Yeah. That's why the drama club
never put it on.
Suddenly, Jess snaps out of her reverie:
JESS
Have you ever been rock climbing?
RICHARD
What?
JESS
This is the place to learn.
RICHARD
Rock climbing? You do that too?
JESS
I've just been a few times. And not
far from here.
(looks off)
C'mon, I know where there's a rope
already set up for spontaneous people
like us.
She leaps to her feet, pulls him up with her.
EXT. ROCK FORMATION - LATE AFTERNOON
Jess bounding up to a huge rock formation. Richard huffing
behind her.
They reach a thirty foot rock face, with a rope dangling down
from the top, secured along the way by several pitons.
JESS
You ready?
RICHARD
(looking up)
No way.
JESS
Okay, coward.
And without another word, she latches onto the rope and
starts to walk her way up the face.
RICHARD
Be careful.
JESS
It's not even thirty feet.
In what seems like no time, she's pulled herself to the top,
and looks down at Richard.
JESS
Well?
RICHARD
You really think you can shame me
into doing this?
JESS
Yes.
Richard purses his lips, shakes his head, but he knows he has
to do it.
RICHARD
If anything goes wrong, the cell
phone is in the car.
JESS
Nothing'll go wrong. Come on.
Richard starts up the rope. A lot more gingerly, a lot more
slowly, than Jess. Jess leans over and watches him.
JESS
You've got the idea. I'm coming down.
RICHARD
What?
JESS
So I can catch you if you fall.
RICHARD
Funny.
And he struggles onward, as Jess disappears from view.
RICHARD'S POV
Alternating between looking up and down, and straight ahead
at the rock face. He's nearing the top now and feeling good
about it. He looks up one more time...
... and sees the rope as it loops over the clifftop seem to
go loose. As if its anchor at the top has been pulled loose.
Suddenly, the rope slackens and he drops several feet. He's
dangling against the rock face. Luckily, he manages to hold
on, for dear life. Now his weight is held up only by the
piton directly above him.
RICHARD
Hey! Jess!
No answer.
RICHARD
Jess!!
In a few beats, from below:
JESS
My God, what happened?
RICHARD
How the hell should I know?
Jess surveys the situation.
JESS
Swing your weight over to that
ledge... to your left.
RICHARD
(looks over)
Easier said than done.
JESS
You've got to.
RICHARD
And then what?
JESS
You can brace your weight enough to
relieve the pressure on the top
piton. I'll run back up and see if
I can secure the rope back.
Richard starts to swing his body weight over to the left. As
he does, the piton directly above him starts buckle loose.
JESS
Hurry.
Finally, Richard manages to swing his leg onto the tiny ledge
and get at least part of his weight off the rope. But he's
in a precarious situation.
RICHARD
Now you hurry.
Jess takes off. Richard can't see her anymore. The wait
seems interminable. Suddenly he hears a hammering from above
him.
TOP OF CLIFF
Jess has found a rock and is hammering the anchoring piton
back into place.
JESS
This top piton pulled out. I'll have
it in a second.
RICHARD
(struggling to
maintain)
A second is all I've got.
JESS
Okay. I've got it.
She tosses the rock aside and leans over the side, looking
down at Richard, who now gingerly swings his weight back off
the ledge.
JESS
You can make it now.
RICHARD
Yeah.
In a few beats, she's helping him up onto the clifftop. He
plops down on the rock surface, catching his breath.
JESS
You okay?
RICHARD
How the hell did that happen?
JESS
I don't know. It was solid as can be
when I reached the top.
(looks more closely)
These things don't happen by
themselves.
RICHARD
What're you saying... that somebody
made it happen?
Jess takes a moment to think. Then looks back at him with
her big beautiful eyes. And laughs.
JESS
You look hideous.
He can't help it. He smiles back at her.
RICHARD
You want to see hideous. I'll show
you hideous.
INT. RESORT HEALTH SPA - DAY
Richard and Jess lying side by side, in MUD BATHS. Laughing
hysterically at the way they look. Jess tosses some mud at
Richard.
JESS
Hideous!
LATER
Richard cringing from a rough massage at the hands of a big,
burly woman. Jess looking on, still laughing.
INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING
Richard and Jess cozy in a corner of the restaurant. A
Christmas tree nearby. Richard holds out a glass to toast
her. Winces. Then rubs his aching shoulder.
RICHARD
Helga could've caused permanent
damage.
JESS
(a twinkle in her eye)
She's not the only one.
They look at each other. Sip their wine.
INT. BUNGALOW - NIGHT
Jess giving Richard a massage. Full and deep and sensual.
He's totally melted down in a pool of relaxation.
EXT. I-10 - DAY
Richard's car going the opposite direction now. To L.A.
INT. CAR
They're both quiet. Suddenly, Jess turns to Richard.
JESS
I wish we could've stayed.
Richard looks at her, but doesn't say anything.
EXT. MEREDITH HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Richard and Jess stand outside of his car.
RICHARD
I want you to come home with me.
She looks at him. Wants to say yes, but doesn't.
RICHARD
I know it sounds crazy but... I think
your father would understand.
Eventually.
She turns her gaze toward the house.
JESS
Give me a little time. I'll talk to
him.
She kisses him. Then walks up to the house. Looking back at
him every few steps.
INT. RICHARD'S CAR - DRIVING - DUSK
Richard pulls out his cell phone. Punches in a number.
RICHARD'S VOICE ON PHONE
You've reached six eight four--
He hits his remote code for the answering machine. Listens.
KARL RAMPTON'S VOICE
(slurred, drunk)
Son of a bitch. I told you to stay
away from her. Don't think you can--
Richard shakes his head, fast-forwards to the next message.
HECTOR'S VOICE
Where the hell are you? Out of range
on your cellular, that much I know.
Anyway, I got some news you might be
interested in. Give a buzz.
Richard checks his watch. Makes an abrupt turn.
EXT. HECTOR'S HOUSE - EVENING
A pleasant, working-class neighborhood. Richard gets out of
his car. Heads up to a house lit up with Christmas
decorations. Approaching, he hears Mexican songs from around
the back. He goes around the side to--
HECTOR'S BACK YARD
--where Hector's entire family is celebrating over a
barbequed dinner. Hector spots Richard and walks over.
HECTOR
Hey, there you are. Want some food,
company? The whole damn family's
here.
RICHARD
(wistful)
Looks nice... but thanks anyway. I
really just wanted to find out what
the news was.
HECTOR
Yeah, the news. Well, one of my many
better contacts, who I'd never invite
anywhere near this house, told me
Mickey Sterling's people were asking
around about Rampton. And they
didn't seem all that friendly.
RICHARD
Maybe Rampton saw something... at
Goodman's. (beat) What do the police
know?
HECTOR
I couldn't find out. But maybe you
could use your in at D.A.'s office...
RICHARD
My in is now a big out. Anyway,
she's up at Big Bear now.
HECTOR
No she isn't. I tried calling her
today. She was in the office.
Richard considers for a few beats.
RICHARD
Thanks Hector. And Merry Christmas.
HECTOR
Hey, Christmas is over.
(beat)
Look, there's one more thing.
Rampton isn't the only one Sterling's
asking about. He's checking into
you too.
RICHARD
Is he.
INT. JAKE'S RESTAURANT/BAR - NIGHT
Richard enters the bar area at Jake's. Looks around.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Lauren with some other attorney-types at a table. She spots
Richard. Excuses herself, and walks over. Drink in hand.
LAUREN
This is a surprise.
RICHARD
How come you didn't go to Big Bear?
LAUREN
(sips her drink)
Why be lonely in a lonely place when
I can do it in the big city. With
millions of people around. And where
did you spend your Christmas?
RICHARD
The desert.
LAUREN
Was it merry?
RICHARD
It was fine.
LAUREN
I'm happy for you. No I'm not.
(lifts her glass)
Are you having a drink or not?
RICHARD
No. I came to tell you something
Hector learned.
LAUREN
The amazing Hector.
RICHARD
Sterling's been looking for Rampton.
I think Rampton knows something that
could implicate him.
Lauren puts her drink down on the bar. All business now.
LAUREN
At the time Rawley Goodman's body was
discovered, Mickey Sterling was on a
chartered plane flying up and down
the coast, with an impressionable
starlet he impressed even more in the
rear cabin.
RICHARD
He could've had someone else do it.
LAUREN
(dramatic beat)
Sterling wasn't jealous, Richard. In
fact, he was looking for a way to
unload Evelyn on someone -- anyone--
so she'd leave him alone. He was
happy she was with Goodman. So happy
that he tore up Goodman's IOU.
Richard is taken aback.
LAUREN
Anything else?
RICHARD
There's Rampton then. He left a
threatening message on my machine.
Maybe Sterling got to him.
LAUREN
Yes. And there's your new friend.
Or is it client, I forget the
distinction. Two of whose own
clients are dead now.
RICHARD
She hasn't threatened anybody. Plus,
she hasn't a shred of a motive.
LAUREN
She doesn't have to threaten you,
that's for sure.
(takes another drink)
As for motive... maybe she's just
plain crazy.
RICHARD
(reacts, angrily)
Maybe she's the only one who isn't.
LAUREN
Y'know, I remember a law professor
telling us... when a lawyer with his
objectivity parts, he tends toward...
fucking up. Be careful, Richard.
She puts her hand on his shoulder, tenderly, and walks away.
INT. RICHARD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
He's fitfully asleep.
KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
It's dark. Too dark to tell who's moving catlike into the
kitchen. Only that it's a HUMAN SHADOW creeping along with
a pen flashlight.
The shadow moves over to the stove, turns on the gas range.
Then... leans over and blows hard. The flames go out. But
the gas stays on. HSSS...
The shadow moves over to the kitchen window, shuts it tight.
Then places a CANDLE on the counter and lights it. Leaving
it ominously unperturbed. The gas continues to HISS out of
the burner.
RICHARD
Still asleep. Turns over. Wriggles his nose. The smell of
gas tickles... but doesn't wake him.
EXT. RICHARD'S HOUSE - NIGHT
P.O.V. - Watching from a car. Gloved fingers worry over the
steering wheel.
THE GAS RANGE
...hissing. Filling the kitchen with gas vapor. The candle
still sitting placidly on the counter. Just waiting for the
balance to tip. Suddenly, a slight flicker. But that's it.
RICHARD
turns over in bed. Rubs his nose. The smell of gas is
hitting his subconscious. But it's still not waking him up.
CLOSE ON - FRONT DOOR
The knob turns, the door opens. ANOTHER SHADOW -- or is it
the same one? -- enters the dark house. A beat. Then--
... the shadow moves into the kitchen. Goes straight for the
range, and turns it off. Then blows out the candle and opens
the window.
RICHARD'S BEDROOM
The door opens. The shadow moves inside. Stops. Looks down
at Richard. What's it going to do?
Peel off its clothes, that's what. If only Richard were
awake.
He'd see a beautiful body disrobing provocatively at the foot
of his bed. Jess's beautiful body.
She drops her clothes and gets into bed next to him. Starts
to rub him. He opens his eyes. But he's still half-asleep.
JESS
It's me. Jess.
RICHARD
Jess?
Suddenly, his brain clicks into gear.
RICHARD
Jess. What're you doing here?
JESS
I told him.
RICHARD
Huh?
JESS
My father. Believe it or not, he
agreed. He said I should do whatever
seemed right to me. And this does.
I'm moving out.
She rolls on top of him. Swings her hair aside. Kisses him.
It begins. She pushes the sheet away and starts moving down
his body. Hot and torrid.
LATER
Richard watches Jess come out of the bathroom, his face a
tidal pool of satisfaction. She flops down onto the bed.
Notices his smug look.
JESS
(impish)
You know, you're not as great as you
think you are.
RICHARD
(mock alarm)
Uh oh. What're you trying to say?
JESS
You're way too careless.
RICHARD
I could've sworn I used protection.
Or is Alzheimer's setting in already?
JESS
(laughs)
No, you left your front door open...
RICHARD
That's not careless. I was hoping
you'd be using it.
JESS
Were you hoping I'd use your stove
too?
RICHARD
What do you mean?
JESS
You left the gas on. And a candle
lit. Y'know, I might've actually
saved your house from going up in a
fireball...
Sudden alarm registers. Richard leaps out of bed, into a
robe and out into the--
KITCHEN
He switches on the light. Looks around, sees the candle.
Jess comes in after him.
JESS
Don't feel bad. I do stupid things
like this all the time.
Anxiety blankets Richard's face.
RICHARD
Jess... I don't own any candles.
EXT. RICHARD'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Richard walks Jess to her car. The top is down and it's
loaded with BOXES AND SUITCASES. Richard glances at them.
RICHARD
I want you to go back home for awhile.
JESS
But I want to stay with you--
RICHARD
I don't want you here if someone is
trying to blow up the place.
JESS
(shakes her head)
It doesn't make any sense.
A car HORN sounds. Hector's car pulls in behind Jess's. He
gets out, approaches.
JESS
Look, I've got two clients to see in
Pasadena. What are you going to do?
RICHARD
See if I can find out who's missing
any candles.
JESS
Be careful?
He nods. She gives him a hug, smiles at Hector, then gets in
her car and drives off.
HECTOR
Piece of work, huh? My momma always
told me, stay away from the pretty
ones. They can drive a sober man
loco. Especially one--
RICHARD
--my age. I know.
(sighs)
Your momma is wise, Hector. Thanks
for coming.
HECTOR
That's what you pay me for.
Richard leads Hector back to the house.
INT. KITCHEN - LATE
Hector examining the room, the candle. Shakes his head.
HECTOR
Awful lucky she came when she did.
Aw-ful lucky.
RICHARD
Give it up, Hector. She saved my
life.
HECTOR
Or... (beat)... changed her mind.
Richard glares at him. But now sees a different look in
Hector's eyes.
RICHARD
What is it?
HECTOR
Karl Rampton may never've gone up to
Rawley Goodman's the night he died.
Richard stiffens.
HECTOR
He was in a poker game in Venice --
from somewhere between four and five
in the morning til noon. Now, if it
was five, he was playing poker when
Goodman died.
RICHARD
Shit. Can't you pinpoint the time?
HECTOR
Time's the last thing poker players
pay attention to.
Richard has to struggle to take it all in.
RICHARD
If he was lying, then...
HECTOR
Then she was alone up there.
RICHARD
Or with Evelyn. (beat) It's absurd,
Hector. Why would Rampton lie?
HECTOR
He's hung up over her. Like
everybody else.
RICHARD
And maybe hung up enough to want to
try to kill me.
Richard simmers quietly for a beat.
RICHARD
What about Sterling?
HECTOR
He's back East, showin' off his Trump
Tower suite to his latest honey. I'm
sorry, boss, but this whole thing
just ain't his M.O. He's too smooth
for this.
Richard looks away, groping for answers.
RICHARD
Where's Rampton live?
HECTOR
Uh uh. You're not goin' there.
RICHARD
Oh yes I--
HECTOR
He's coming to see you.
RICHARD
(incredulous)
What?
HECTOR
I called him, told him we knew about
the poker game. He said he wants to
come in, see you, and set everything
straight. Ten o'clock in your office.
RICHARD
(checks his watch)
All right. Let's see what he has to
say.
INT. RICHARD'S OFFICE - DAY
Richard, standing by the window, gazing at the skyline.
Hector at Richard's computer, playing computer solitaire.
RICHARD
It's going on eleven.
HECTOR
And I haven't won a single damn hand.
Richard spins around. Picks up his jacket, heads for the
door.
HECTOR
Where you going?
RICHARD
He's not coming to me. So I'll go to
him.
He whips through his door, out into--
THE HALLWAY
--and almost runs right into Eric.
ERIC
Hector told me about the gas. Have
you called the police yet?
RICHARD
No.
He strides away from Eric. As Hector comes out of his office:
ERIC
Where's he going?
HECTOR
To find Karl Rampton.
ERIC
Find Ramp--?
(yells after Richard)
You've gotten way too involved here,
Richard. Personally involved.
Richard shoots him one last look before exiting the office
suite.
RICHARD
It's about time.
And he leaves. Hector close behind him.
EXT. GARDEN APARTMENT - PARKING LOT - DAY
Richard's car pulls into a parking spot in the lot. Hector's
car pulls up alongside. They get out.
HECTOR
Well, this is it.
He reaches into his glove compartment, pulls out a gun.
RICHARD
What's that for?
HECTOR
We're either dealing with a murderer,
an accessory, or a loco. This works
for all three.
They walk toward the building.
EXT. RAMPTON'S APARTMENT - A MOMENT LATER
Richard and Hector come up to the front door. Buzz. No
answer. Buzz again. No answer again. They walk around the
side of the building...
... to the rear, where the apartments give out onto a park-
like setting. Find Rampton's. The large sliding-glass door
is ajar. Richard gets to it first, slides it back, enters--
INT. RAMPTON'S APARTMENT
Spare, but still messy.
RICHARD
Rampton?
(beat)
Anybody home?
Silence.
HECTOR
Flew the coop, I'll bet.
Hector goes one way, Richard another. Follow Richard as he
walks through the living room. Past the kitchen. Down a
hallway. He comes to a door that's partially open. Slowly,
carefully, he nudges it open.
Rampton's bedroom. He pokes his head in, apprehensively.
Looks around. No Rampton. He goes back into the hallway,
sees Hector in the bathroom, looking in the sink. He points
out something to Richard.
HECTOR
Couple drops of blood.
RICHARD
What do you mean, blood?
HECTOR
Relax, it's two drops. He cut
himself shaving, that's all.
EXT. PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER
Hector and Richard emerge from the apartment house.
Suddenly--KAPOW! KAPOW! Two shots ringing out, bullets
caroming off the pavement next to them. Hector pulls Richard
down behind a car.
KA-PING! A bullet rips into the car hood, just above their
heads. Hector already has his gun drawn, ready to fire. But
where? He scans the area.
RICHARD
See anything?
HECTOR
Nah.
Richard takes a gander now... and another bullet crunches
into the car, inches away.
HECTOR
Hey man... stay down.
From the other side of a retaining wall across the street,
they hear the SOUND of an engine starting up, revving high,
and then screeching away. But they can't see the car.
Slowly, they emerge from behind the car.
RICHARD
They're gone.
HECTOR
Yeah. (beat) Y'know, it's not me
they're after.
RICHARD
I do know. And this makes three
times somebody's tried.
HECTOR
Three?
RICHARD
Somebody followed me out to the
desert. Look, do me a favor. Call
the cops. Tell 'em about the gas in
my house, and Rampton going AWOL.
And this little episode.
HECTOR
And you?
RICHARD
I need to talk to my client.
They head off to their respective cars. Neither of them
notice--
ANOTHER ANGLE
What we recognize as RAMPTON'S CAR in the lot. PULL IN CLOSE
to windshield. As the glare from the sun recedes, we can see
inside--
KARL RAMPTON'S BODY lies across the front seats. Drenched in
blood. A bullet hole in just above his right eye.
EXT. MEREDITH'S HOUSE - DAY
Richard rings the front door bell. In a few beats, Meredith
opens the door.
RICHARD
Is Jess here?
MEREDITH
Isn't she with you?
RICHARD
No. I thought she'd be done with her
appointments by now.
MEREDITH
(sudden worry)
What's happened?
RICHARD
Nothing. I just wanted to talk to
her, about the case. Have her call
me when you hear from her.
MEREDITH
Something's wrong, isn't it?
RICHARD
Just have her call me.
He walks away. Meredith watches him, puzzled and worried.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Richard driving aimlessly. Suddenly, he puts on the brakes
and stops to think for a moment. Then takes off in a hurry.
EXT. EVELYN'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Richard comes to the front door. It's open. He goes--
INSIDE
Silence. Then, a SOUND. A grunting, scary kind of sound.
RICHARD
Jess?
He starts toward the rear of the house. Past a couple BOXES
filled with Jess's stuff. She's here. He gets to the room
where the noise is coming from, louder, more onerous from
this close distance. The door is closed. He hesitates.
RICHARD
Jess, are you in there?
A heavy, grinding kind of sound. He doesn't know what to
make of it. It unnerves him. But finally, he opens the door.
It's Evelyn's home gym, and Jess is working out. Sweating
and grunting and breathing heavily. Looking spectacular
through it all. She stops when she sees him. Smiles.
JESS
I didn't hear you. How'd you know I
came here?
RICHARD
You told me Evelyn offered you her
place.
JESS
Her daughter said Evelyn would have
wanted me to stay here. So...
Richard approaches her. Dead solemn.
RICHARD
Somebody just tried to shoot me.
JESS
No. But who--
RICHARD
The same person who followed us to
the desert and who turned my gas on.
(beat)
I want you to be honest with me. Was
Karl playing poker when Goodman was
killed?
(off her stunned
reaction)
I want the truth. Were you up there
alone?
Jess leans back on the machine. Sighs deeply.
JESS
I did meet Karl. Just like I said.
While we were talking, I sort of
casually told him about the night-
time massages I gave Rawley. Well,
that set him off... but good. He
knew Rawley, and didn't like him.
Anyway, he stormed off. Like a
madman.
She leans forward again.
JESS
I thought for sure he was going up to
Rawley's. So I drove up there myself
and waited for him. He never came.
RICHARD
So why did he lie for you?
JESS
He knew I'd be a suspect. I went
along with it.
(beat)
He... still loves me, I guess.
She gets up, her body all glistening. Walks over to him.
Drapes her arms around his shoulders.
JESS
I'm sorry I lied, Richard.
He throws her arms off him.
RICHARD
Did you see him today?
JESS
Karl? No. I was at my Pasadena
appointments. Why?
RICHARD
He was supposed to see me and come
clean about everything, but he never
showed up. I thought maybe someone
warned him off.
JESS
Karl never was very good at
handling... situations. I guess
that's why he left me.
Richard plops down on a bench. Shakes his head. She picks
up a towel. Sits down beside him.
JESS
Who could have scared him off?
Mickey Sterling?
RICHARD
Some people might think it was you.
JESS
Oh God.
Richard watches her. She's just too upset, too surprised to
be be lying.
JESS
I'm scared, Richard. I know I
shouldn't be. That I should have
faith and be wise and all. But I'm
scared.
He can't help himself. She's like a helpless, needy waif. He
sits down beside her, puts his arm around her. Draws her
close.
JESS
At least you can be wise for me.
Gradually, his defenses collapse. She looks up at him.
JESS
Stay here with me?
The way she looks at him... he can't resist.
INT. RICHARD'S OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY
Eric and Lauren hustle down a hallway, enter--
RICHARD'S OFFICE
Hector is at Richard's desk. Still playing solitaire on
Richard's computer. He leaps to his feet.
ERIC
Where's Richard?
HECTOR
Am I my boss's keeper?
LAUREN
From what I can tell, he needs one.
Weren't you with him at Rampton's?
HECTOR
Yeah, so? Rampton wasn't there.
LAUREN
Yes he was. In his car. With a
bullet in his brain. Now I'm trying
to do Richard a favor, Hector. Where
is he?
Hector can see she cares.
HECTOR
He went looking for his client. I
think she was in Pasadena or
someplace massaging some old ladies--
LAUREN
The police checked those old ladies.
She missed both appointments.
HECTOR
Uh oh.
She goes over to the phone. Picks it up.
LAUREN
What's Richard's cell phone number?
INT. EVELYN'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Jess is in bed, under the covers, alone. Looking radiant and
happy. She listens to the sound of the shower from the
bathroom.
BBRINNGG. The sound of Richard's cell phone ringing. She
finds it, in his jacket pocket. Muffles the sound in her
hand... until it stops.
INT. BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
The room is steamed over from the hot water. Richard is in
the shower, motionless, allowing the pelting water to knock
some sense into him.
Suddenly, Jess parts the shower curtain. Startling him.
JESS
Can I come in?
RICHARD
Sure.
She enters, and puts her arms around him. She's almost
oblivious to the luxuriant warmth of the hard spray.
JESS
Hmmm. Feels good, doesn't it?
RICHARD
I was just thinking.
JESS
What about?
RICHARD
(a beat)
About how old Evan would be if he
were alive.
(another beat)
And Rachel too.
Jess puts her arms around him. He's all hers now. She
kisses him, then rubs her now-hot, wet face against his.
JESS
Ooh. You didn't shave.
A MOMENT LATER
They're wrapped in towels and standing by the sink. Jess is
shaving Richard with an old-fashioned--
DOUBLE-EDGED RAZOR
Long, deliberate strokes up his neck and throat. It's sexy
and sensuous. Suddenly, the razor catches. It nicked him.
RICHARD
Ow!
JESS
I'm sorry. It must be an old blade.
Let's see if Evelyn has any refills.
RICHARD
I doubt they even make that kind
anymore.
She opens the medicine cabinet. Finds a dispenser.
JESS
Here we are.
She takes out a blade, holds it delicately in her hand, and
looks at it strangely for a long beat.
RICHARD
What is it?
JESS
I was just thinking of Evelyn. And
Rawley. I can't believe...
She snaps out of it and hands him the blade. He puts it in
the razor. Then takes her hand by the wrist and places the
razor in it.
RICHARD
Here, you've got a job to finish.
As she does, he notices something on her wrist. Looks
closer. An OLD SCAR. All the way across her wrist.
RICHARD
What's this?
JESS
(covering)
What?
RICHARD
This scar.
She looks away.
RICHARD
You tried to commit suicide.
JESS
(long beat)
I was barely thirteen when my...
mother died. I was just stupid. I
didn't know what I know now.
RICHARD
Which is?
She looks straight and deep and admiringly into his eyes.
JESS
That life is really precious. And
there are people who care about me...
and are worth caring about.
She suddenly remembers something.
JESS
Oh God. That reminds me.
RICHARD
What?
JESS
You don't mind shaving yourself, do
you? I wanted to pick up some more
of my things before my group meets
tonight.
RICHARD
Your goddess group?
JESS
I've never missed a meeting.
RICHARD
Miss one tonight. I'll say you had
a headache.
JESS
The ladies might think you had some
ulterior motive.
RICHARD
Smart ladies.
She smiles at him, then hurries out of the bathroom.
THE BEDROOM - LATER
Richard is in his pants and shirt now. Watching Jess finish
dressing. He has some left-over streaks of shaving foam on
his face. She watches him watch her. Then, playfully, comes
over and wipes the foam off his face with a pair of panties.
JESS
Don't worry, these are straight out
of the suitcase. Can't have you
going around like that all night.
He laughs. And heads for the door.
JESS
Where are you going?
RICHARD
You have a way of making a grown man
thirsty.
INT. EVELYN'S LIVING ROOM - LATE
Richard roams through the living room, coke in hand. He idly
scans one of the boxes, notices it's filled with photos.
He stoops down, starts going through them. A LARGE PHOTO of
a little girl with her mom. He looks at the back. "Jessica,
six years old." Smiles.
He looks cursorily at a few others. Then picks up another
pile. Sees ANOTHER PHOTO of the same little girl, with her
mom and a man. They're standing in front of Mile High
Stadium, people milling around behind them. Snow on the
ground. Richard flips the picture over.
On the back: "Jess's first Bronco game, Nov. 1984. With mom
and dad."
RICHARD
Dad?
But 'dad' is NOT Howard Meredith!!! This dad is a small,
balding man.
Richard digs through the box. Finds an old customized
Christmas card. The top half is a photo with a twelve-year
old Jess, her mom and the same man. "Greetings from the
Barrys. Eleanor, Tom and Jess."
Stunned, Richard drops the Christmas card back into the box.
This can't be.
Suddenly, the door bursts open. It's Jess. Oblivious.
JESS
Did you see my purse--?
RICHARD
(accusing)
Who are the Barrys?
She sees what Richard's been rummaging through. Turns ashen.
JESS
The Barrys?... My-- my mother and
father.
RICHARD
Father?! Who's Howard Meredith then?
JESS
My step-father. He married my mother
after my father died. People don't
understand when I tell them I live
with my step-father. They think it's
weird. So I tell them he's my fath--
He grabs her hard, angrily, by the elbow.
RICHARD
You said it was your mother who died.
Was that a lie?! Was it?!
He's close to hitting her. She looks up at him like a
frightened deer.
JESS
My mother and father died... please
don't...
He catches himself. Stops. Feels the trembling rage inside
him, and hates himself for it. He backs off.
JESS
I don't know, I've been so confused,
Richard. That's why I go to this
group. Those women know how I feel,
how I want to live. Like you do.
RICHARD
I don't know shit. Or are you just
too young to notice?
(calming)
You better get going.
JESS
I don't have to go.
RICHARD
Go!
She wipes her eyes dry. Tries to pull herself together.
JESS
Will you be here later?
He doesn't answer. But she gives him a quick kiss anyway,
then leaves.
Richard sits silently for a moment. Finally, he gets up,
picks up a phone. Punches in a number.
RICHARD
Is Hector there?
(muffled voice)
I need him to check something for
me...
EXT. RICHARD'S HOUSE - SUNSET
He gets out of his car, heads for the front door. Seated on
the steps is none other than... Lauren. He stops short.
RICHARD
What are you doing here?
LAUREN
You weren't answering any of your
phones... I figured you'd eventually
show up here. Thankfully, alone.
RICHARD
What does that mean?
She gets up, approaches him.
LAUREN
I didn't want Glades or some other
cop to tell you. Karl Rampton's body
was found in his car. He was shot.
Apparently with the same gun that
fired at you and Hector.
RICHARD
Jesus... and I thought he was the
one...
LAUREN
I know you did. Where's your client,
Richard?
RICHARD
Come on, she was with her own clients
this morning.
LAUREN
Glades checked. She never showed up
at her Pasadena appointments.
Richard is dumbstruck. He doesn't know how to respond.
LAUREN
The only latents in your kitchen are
yours and hers. (beat) Besides
yourself, who knew you were going to
Rampton's?
RICHARD
Hector and...
He stops himself as soon as he remembers.
LAUREN
... Miss Meredith? Isn't she around
whenever you have a close brush with
the eternal these days?
He takes a deep breath. Walks past her to the door.
RICHARD
Want a beer?
LAUREN
Thanks. It is hot out here.
INT. RICHARD'S KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Richard and Lauren, sipping on beers, at the kitchen counter.
Richard is anxious, and a bit agitated. Lauren seems to
genuinely want to solve his problems.
LAUREN
Let's speculate for a second.
RICHARD
Forget it.
LAUREN
Let's say... Rampton was going to
tell you the truth. That he never
went to Goodman's that night. If...
and I use that term advisedly... if
that would have implicated your
client--
RICHARD
I know where you're headed, Lauren.
I'm not stupid.
LAUREN
So who else should be a suspect?
Richard doesn't answer. She gets up, leaves her beer half-
finished.
LAUREN
You should talk to your client.
Suddenly, a thought hits Richard. Like a lightning bolt.
RICHARD
First I need to talk to her father.
LAUREN
Don't tell me you think he's the
culprit now.
RICHARD
No, it's just... I need to clear up
some things about Jess's past.
Lauren sighs, and moves past him. Puts her hand on his
shoulder, like she did before. Only this time, she leaves it
longer. And he moves his own hand up, to grasp hers.
RICHARD
Thanks, Lauren.
She smiles, almost in resignation. And leaves.
Richard sits there, contemplating the beer bottles... and his
options. Finally, he reaches for the phone. Dials.
RICHARD
Has Hector called yet?...
EXT. MEREDITH NEIGHBORHOOD - EVENING
Richard parks his car, walks resolutely to the front door.
Rings the door bell. No answer. He tries the door. Locked.
He moves around to the side. Notices a light on in the
garage. It beckons him. He hurries across the yard and
enters through an open side door.
INT. THE GARAGE
The place is nearly totally bare. But on the workbench...
there's an opened PACKAGE OF CANDLES. He picks one up. It's
identical to the one he found in his kitchen.
Then he sees a door to the rear. It leads outdoors, into the
back yard. He takes it outside. Twenty feet away is a
10'x12' STORAGE SHED. Its door too is open.
INT. STORAGE SHED
Richard enters. Turns on the light switch. The floor is
clear, but PACKING BOXES ring three of the walls.
Richard heads right for them. Spots an Oscar-like TROPHY in
one of them. It reads: "Best Actress, Class of '96, Jess
Barry". He puts it down. Begins to rummage. High school
books, albums. All of it Jess's stuff.
EXT. MEREDITH DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
A car's tires roll to a stop in driveway.
BACK TO RICHARD
Moving to another box. He pulls out: A YEARBOOK - EVERGREEN
HIGH, CLASS OF 1996. He thumbs through hurriedly. Pages fly
by. Pictures. He goes for the B's.
"Jessica Barry. Sweet Jess. Girl Most Likely to Succeed.
Drama Club."
He thumbs through... Finds a page on the Drama Club. A
picture of Jess and A BOY playing Romeo and Juliet. In the
picture, they don't look like they're acting though; they
really look in love.
P.O.V. - DRIVEWAY
Moving to the garage.
BACK TO RICHARD
His gaze shifts to another yearbook photo: the whole DRAMA
CLUB posing, with the faculty director: none other than...
HOWARD MEREDITH, standing next to Jess, his arm cozy around
her. A bit younger, but definitely him.
Richard puts the book down. Shaken. He's not her father.
Not her step-father. But her high-school drama teacher! He
clenches his eyes shut. Throws the book against the wall.
That's when he spots several old newspaper clippings: "COUPLE
DIES IN FIERY ACCIDENT"... "GAS EXPLOSION ON BOAT CLAIMS
LIVES OF SID AND APRIL BARRY".
Richard's eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. Suddenly,
from behind him:
MEREDITH (O.S.)
What are you doing here?
Richard spins around. There's Meredith, a can of gasoline in
one hand; a .38 in the other.
RICHARD
I came to talk to you.
MEREDITH
It's too late for talk.
RICHARD
That gun... that's what you used,
isn't it?
Meredith gives him a disdainful look, but says nothing. Very
methodically, he starts pouring the gasoline onto the boxes
and books. Richard picks up one of the candles.
RICHARD
It was your candle in my house,
wasn't it? Not Jess's.
Meredith finishes off the last of the gasoline, tosses the
can. And then looks at the candle.
MEREDITH
Everything that's mine is hers.
(then up at Richard)
Well, I hope you and Jess had safe
sex.
RICHARD
What we had is none of your business.
MEREDITH
My daughter's business is my business.
RICHARD
She's not your daughter! Or even
your step-daughter. What did you,
fall in love with her when you were
her drama teacher? After she wrote
her great play?
MEREDITH
No, before.
RICHARD
I suppose you taught her rock
climbing.
MEREDITH
No, she taught me. Everything isn't
always what it seems.
Meredith looks down at the boxes. His eyes are glazed over.
MEREDITH
She's always needed a steadying hand
in her life. I shaped her. I molded
her. I gave her her vision.
Something her small-minded parents
couldn't.
RICHARD
So their accident wasn't so
accidental, was it?
Meredith smiles, as much as admitting so.
RICHARD
But then Rampton came along.
MEREDITH
She thought Rampton could provide a
new vision... But he was too young.
Like you.
RICHARD
And Goodman? And Evelyn?
MEREDITH
Goodman was a horrible influence.
Worse than Rampton. Evelyn was even
worse. A 'good and tender' friend...
RICHARD
A little too tender?
MEREDITH
At times. She was the one with
Goodman that night. She swore she
wouldn't say anything.
(rueful)
But... she was weakening.
RICHARD
Like Jess is now. You know she's not
coming back this time.
MEREDITH
Of course she is. After I destroy
all this, no one will know we're not
as we seem.
He grabs a matchbook off a work table.
RICHARD
I will.
MEREDITH
No, I'm afraid you won't.
He aims the gun at Richard. Richard has to talk. To say
something. Anything.
RICHARD
You're wrong about Jess. She's not
coming back. She's leaving you for
me.
MEREDITH
She can't. She'll always need
someone like me.
(off Richar's puzzled
expression)
Come now. You have to know what I
mean: a FATHER figure. But then... I
suppose that's what you are too.
The truth stings. Richard doesn't know what to say.
Meredith lights the match.
RICHARD
Don't do anything insane.
MEREDITH
But I already have, haven't I?
He tosses it at the doused boxes. Instantly, flames shoot up.
MEREDITH
I'm sorry, Mister Byers.
As Meredith aims the gun at him, Richard SHOVES one of the
boxes into Meredith. RAMMING it into his knee. The gun
FIRES wildly. Meredith stumbles back. Richard charges into
him. They fall to the floor, a mere few feet from the
burning boxes, whose flames now lap against the wall.
Richard manages to push Meredith's gun-hand up against the
flames. But his hand is in it too. The heat sears at both
of them. Who's going to last longer? Finally...
Meredith screams, and drops the gun. Richard lets go too.
They both roll away from the flames, grasping their scorched
hands. Meredith grabs Jess's trophy.
Richard grabs the gun, which is engulfed in the flames. But
the metal is so scorched, he can't hold on. As he turns back
to Meredith...
... the trophy comes crashing down on his neck. He slumps
down on the floor. Meredith grabs an old rag and picks the
hot gun up with it. But it's too hot to shoot Richard with.
He looks back down at Richard, who's motionless, and runs
out. Gun in hand.
Richard opens his eyes, and struggles to his feet. But he's
weaker than he thought and falls to the floor again. The
flames surround him.
MEREDITH
races outside with the bundled gun. Jumps into the red
sportscar.
INT. HECTOR'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Driving. Looking for an address in the dark.
RICHARD
manages to get to his feet again. Totters through the flames
and out of the garage.
THE SPORTSCAR
starts up. Its wheels spin madly as he backs it wildly down
the driveway, where it...
... SMASHES into Hector's car, just now turning into the
driveway. Hector's head cracks into his side window. He
stumbles out, groggily.
Meredith is merely shaken. He straightens himself. Then
jams his foot on the gas pedal. He's going right for Hector!
Richard comes out from the shed. Sees it all happening.
RICHARD
Hector! Watch it!
Hector reaches for a handgun, but can't move fast enough. The
sportscar is on top of him now. Hector hurls himself out of
the way... but not completely. The fender clips his feet,
sends him cartwheeling onto the grass.
Meredith's car speeds off. Richard runs down the driveway.
As Hector struggles to his feet.
RICHARD
You all right?
HECTOR
Yeah... Maybe a little break here and
there. He's some nasty fella, huh?
Richard sees Meredith's tail lights.
RICHARD
He's going after Jess. I've got to
follow him.
HECTOR
We, boss.
(at his gun)
I wouldn't trust you with one of
these.
RICHARD
Okay.
Richard races off toward his own car, which is parked nearby.
He starts it, and pulls it up to Hector, who hops in. The
wheels spin violently and the car takes off.
INT. RICHARD'S CAR - MOMENT LATER
Richard peering as far ahead as he can, looking for Meredith.
Finally, he sees a pair of tail lights turn to the right.
HECTOR
He's heading for the freeway.
Richard speeds up. Makes the right.
EXT. FREEWAY
Meredith's banged-up sportscar passing others, weaving in and
out of traffic. Richard's car doing likewise.
INT. RICHARD'S CAR
Richard, intent. Hector, on the phone.
HECTOR
How the hell should I know where
we're going? We're following the
guy. Yeah, just look for us. Jeez.
He hangs up the phone. Frustrated.
HECTOR
Cops.
Richard switches lanes hard. Sending Hector reeling.
HECTOR
Take it easy, man.
RICHARD
I take it easy and he kills Jess.
Like he did all the others.
HECTOR
The man is not her--
RICHARD
I know all about them.
HECTOR
How'd you--?
RICHARD
Her yearbook.
HECTOR
She lived with her aunt for a while
after her parents died. (beat) You
know about the guy she was going with
in high school, a guy she acted
with...?
Richard switches lanes again. Hector rolls with the flow
this time.
RICHARD
I saw his picture.
HECTOR
Kid died two weeks after graduation.
Drug overdose. 'Course, he'd never
been known to partake before that.
RICHARD
Add another one to the list.
HECTOR
Meredith took over. Took her away
from her aunt when she was seventeen.
Barely three years ago. And brought
her out here.
RICHARD
What about Meredith's wife? Did she
die from leukemia?
HECTOR
If you call her car running off a
cliff leukemia. Six weeks after
Jess's graduation no less. (beat)
Guy was busy, huh?
RICHARD
Guy still is, Hector.
MEREDITH
Looking at his rear-view mirror. Spots Richard's car behind
him. Makes a sharp bee-line for the far right lane.
RICHARD
follows hard right, almost clipping a car in the middle lane.
MEREDITH
takes the next exit.
RICHARD
barely makes the right lane in time, swerves off and follows.
EXT. SUBURBAN ROAD - MOMENTS LATER
The two cars speed along, about a half-block apart. Meredith
looks back again. Unexpectedly, SLOWS HIS CAR to a crawl.
Richard can't understand. Pulls up directly behind him.
HECTOR
Careful, man. He's pulling somethin'.
Suddenly, Meredith pulls his car onto the shoulder, like he's
having car problems. Puzzled, Richard stays in his lane,
cautiously coming up abreast of Meredith. Looks over.
Meredith smiles at him. Then, lightning fast, WHIPS his car
into Richard's lane, RAMMING fenders -- like the Ben-Hur
charioteers. He rams Richard's car across the dividing line,
into oncoming traffic. Richard tries frantically to steer
away from an oncoming garbage truck.
He succeeds, but now he's heading right into a group of
SKATEBOARDERS -- who all manage to dive away, though some of
their boards get mangled under Richard's tires. They
surround Richard's car. Screaming and cursing angrily.
Meanwhile, Meredith speeds off.
MEREDITH
looking into his rear-view mirror. Satisfied, but looking
grim. He's got other business to attend to.
RICHARD
tries to steer his car, haltingly, out of the angry crowd.
A SKATEBOARDER holds up his shattered board.
SKATEBOARDER
Look what you did, dude.
A second skateboarder grabs one of the mangled boards and
rams it onto the hood of Richard's car. Another by-now
meaningless dent. Richard glances up the road. No sign now
of Meredith's tail-lights. He has to make a move.
Suddenly... P-TOW! P-TOW! Two shots fired by Hector into
the ground, sends the skateboarders scurrying for cover.
HECTOR
(to Richard)
Well, what're you waitin' for?
Richard floors it. In a beat, he's up to seventy in a thirty-
five zone. And peering ahead for any sign of Meredith.
There he is! Turning left way up the road. It takes Richard
a while, but he gets to the turn. Only to be waved down by
a GUARD at a security kiosk of a gated community.
RICHARD
The guy who just came through here is
a killer.
GUARD
Mebbe so, but at least he knew where
he was going. How 'bout you?
RICHARD
There's a house having a woman's get-
together tonight. Where is it?
(guard won't answer)
Dammit! He's gonna kill her!
GUARD
You are certifiable, you know that?
RICHARD
Hector... show him how certifiable.
Hector leans over, aims his gun at the startled guard.
HECTOR
Where's the meeting, man?
WITH MEREDITH
Pulling his car into a packed driveway. He gets out. Hefts
his gun in his hand and strides up toward the door.
WITH RICHARD
Driving up a cul-de-sac. He stops. Frustrated. He took a
wrong turn somewhere. He peels rubber as he backs up and
continues. Screaming down the road.
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
A dozen women seated informally around the modern living
room. Jess is on the floor, beside the floor-to-ceiling
picture window, teary-eyed. A woman, the GROUP LEADER, is
talking to her, intensely.
GROUP LEADER
(points to her eyes)
It's so wonderful to see truth
pouring out of your eyes now,
spilling out over your entire body.
It's healing you. Can you feel it?
Jess is in a teary reverie. She nods.
JESS
But what do I do now?
GROUP LEADER
Don't do. Un-do. And you've already
started that process. You're
regaining your will--
BAM! The door BURSTS OPEN and Meredith barges in, gun in
hand. The women SCREAM. Jess stands up to him.
Now Meredith stops. His look turns plaintive.
MEREDITH
You weren't going to leave me?
(she doesn't answer)
After all I've done for you. After
all we've done together.
JESS
(bravely)
I am... leaving you.
MEREDITH
No, listen. It's not too late. We
can start over again. Someplace
else. Better than here...
GROUP LEADER
She's not afraid of you anymore. You
can't infect her--
MEREDITH
(suddenly indignant)
Infect!!?? Me, infect?
Meredith FIRES in her general direction. The bullet hits the
wall. All the women flop onto the floor for dear life.
EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS
Richard's car comes up the street. He sees the house, with
all the cars parked in front. And the red sportscar.
He whips into the driveway, stops the car, then looks up
through the large picture window.
RICHARD'S POV
Meredith pointing a gun at Jess.
Hector opens the car door. Gets out to take aim. It takes
forever.
RICHARD
Well?
HECTOR
He's too close to her.
RICHARD
Shit!
He jams his foot on the gas pedal, driving the car up the
long lawn, with the passenger door still wide open, and
Hector left behind at the curb.
HECTOR
Hey! What are you doin'??!!
INT. HOUSE
Meredith, his gun-hand trembling with rage.
MEREDITH
Come back, Jessica.
JESS
Put the gun down. Please, Howard.
Tears well up in Meredith's eyes.
MEREDITH
So this is what it's come to?
Howard? Not father?
JESS
Please...
MEREDITH
That's what those other men... these
crazy women... have done. Made you
lose all respect.
He raises the gun toward her face. But she's not afraid.
She's ready. He pulls back on the trigger... slowly.
MEREDITH
Whenever anyone got in our way... it
only made us closer. But now... you
really mean it... (beat) Good bye,
Jessica.
He's about to shoot when--
CRASH!! The huge PLATE-GLASS WINDOW shatters into a thousand
pieces as RICHARD'S CAR comes hurtling through the air.
Right into the living room.
Frozen, startled faces everywhere. Especially Meredith's.
The car hits him squarely and drives him up against the rock
fireplace. Crunching him, crushing him.
The car rebounds backward a foot or so. Meredith slumps to
the floor. Jess rushes to him. He's barely alive.
JESS
I'm sorry.
MEREDITH
(on his last breath)
No need... Find someone like me...
Find him...
Richard jumps out of the car. SIRENS approaching. Hector
limps into the house. Marvels at the wreckage inside.
Richard races to Meredith.
RICHARD
Meredith, you're dying. You've got
to tell me the truth.
Meredith nods weakly.
RICHARD
Did you kill all those people?
Jess's parents? Your wife? Everyone
else?
Meredith looks up at Jess... lovingly now. Then back to
Richard, almost fiercely.
MEREDITH
Every... god... damn... one...
And he dies.
JESS
No! No!
RICHARD
You don't need to play the father-
daughter game anymore. It's over.
She turns to Richard. With the despairing eyes of a child.
Richard understands now. Something has been terribly wrong
inside Jess. Always.
GROUP LEADER
(from behind)
She could never break away from him.
RICHARD
(to Jess)
Tell me one thing, Jess. Did you
know... about the killings?
JESS
It... it would've been like turning
in my own father.
RICHARD
I was next on the list, wasn't I?
(she nods)
Why?
JESS
Because... you were breaking us apart.
Richard has a terrible thought.
RICHARD
And who was more afraid of that
happening? Him... or you?
JESS
(a long stare)
Me.
Several women come over to comfort her. Richard can't look
at her. He walks away, out of the house with Hector.
JESS
No, Richard! Him! Him!
Richard doesn't turn around. He walks past the arriving
police.
INT. COURTHOUSE HALLWAY - DAY
Richard waiting anxiously in the hallway. He gazes out a
nearby window. Heavy rain falls outside.
A door opens. Lauren comes out. Goes right to him.
LAUREN
Well, her new lawyer did his job.
The judge agreed to the plea bargain.
Six years probation for accessory
after the fact. If she goes through
with the counseling.
RICHARD
She needs it.
She smiles at him. A hint of sadness.
LAUREN
You're still hooked on her.
RICHARD
Actually, I'm not.
Richard gives her a long look. Then turns back to the
window. Nods at the rain.
RICHARD
It should be turning to snow up at
your sister's cabin.
LAUREN
If you want to get away by yourself
for a while, it's empty.
RICHARD
I've been away by myself already.
For too long.
(a tentative smile)
Besides, I'd need somebody to show me
around up there. How to light the
fireplace... things like that.
She smiles back at him. He doesn't look away. They start to
walk off together. Lauren is almost buoyant.
LAUREN
Oh, I meant to tell you, not
everything burned in the fire. The
police recovered a play Jess wrote in
high school.
RICHARD
(disinterested)
Something as sick as that should have
probably burned too... parents who
kill their kid.
Lauren stops dead in her tracks.
LAUREN
Richard, it's about a kid who kills
her parents.
Richard can't believe it. His head swimming.
RICHARD
Oh, Christ! Then she...
(trails off)
Jesus, I can't believe it.
(excruciating beat)
It was her, not him. And Meredith
lied for her, not the other way
around. To his dying confession.
LAUREN
Want my opinion? I think it was
different for each murder. One time
him, one time her, another time maybe
both of them. (beat) Bottom line, I
don't think we'll ever know.
Richard looks out the window.
RICHARD
She could start this all over again,
couldn't she?
EXT. HAWAIIAN MANSION - SEASIDE - DAY
A glorious day. In the driveway, a RED SPORTSCAR.
INT. MANSION
Jess is massaging someone we can't see.
MAN'S VOICE
That's tragic. How old were you?
JESS
Fifteen. Almost sixteen.
PULL BACK to reveal... A SIXTY YEAR-OLD MAN with silver hair,
under a large towel. He moans at her touch. She stops
massaging. Her hand reaches for the CRYSTAL PENDANT hanging
around her neck. She fingers it.
MAN
It's as if you never had a father.
JESS
Yes... It is. Kind of.
Jess smiles down at him. Ever so sweet and innocent. And
goes back to her massage.
THE END
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