EAST COAST By Abraham Teshome

EAST COAST

By

Abraham Teshome

1 .

INT. BANQUETING ROOM - NIGHT

A large crowd is gathered inside a well-lit and spaciousbanqueting room. About one hundred people sit at ROUNDTABLES spread throughout the room enjoying their meals.They are all listening to a MAN speak on the stage in frontof them.

MANAll of us have had our fair shareof struggles in life at one pointor another. I know I certainlyhave...

The crowd laughs.

MAN (CONT'D)We all have dreams andaspirations, but things get in ourway. Kids, responsibilities,health... you name it. There isalways something holding us backfrom truly living out our desiresand fulfilling our dreams. One manhad come to realize that this issomething we all share. This deeplonging for something greater. Sohe wrote a book about it... "Nowor Never". And to his andeverybody else's surprise, itbecame a hit. The best sellingnonfiction book.

We see a man smiling in the crowd. He is JAMES HIBBERT(45), the man whom the speech is about. He has a recedinghairline and less than average looks.

MAN (CONT'D)Well, as a result, we are here tocelebrate his undeniableachievement.

(MORE)

2 .

MAN (CONT’D)Starting from scratch, he showedus through his own deeds what ispossible, inspiring us all in theprocess... Here is the man of thehour, my dear friend, JamesHibbert!

The crowd gives a thunderous applause as James humbly makeshis way to the stage and takes the microphone from the man.

JAMESFirst of all I want to thankeveryone for coming out heretonight to celebrate thistremendous day, for me and all ofmy family. This is beyond mywildest dreams. When I startedwriting this book, I neverimagined that it would go on tohave such a huge impact and thatit would be so well received. I amdeeply honored and extremelygrateful to everyone who hassupported me along the way,starting with my beloved wife,Margaret.

He looks at his wife, MARGARET (41). She smiles in return.

JAMES (CONT'D)Without her, none of this wouldhave been possible... Everything Iwrote in the book comes from myown experiences in life. Mybiggest wish is for other peopleto be inspired by it and use it toimprove their own lives.

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3 .

JAMES (CONT’D)To me, that would be the ultimateachievement and nothing would makeme happier. Thank you everyone...Again, I want to say how gratefulI am for you all being heretonight. I hope you enjoy thenight. Thank you...

The crowd applauds as James walks off the stage and returnsto his table.

INT. SAME - MOMENTS LATER

While enjoying dinner with his wife and several otherindividuals, a man dressed in a suit appears and pullsJames aside. The man is a FILM PRODUCER. James excuseshimself with a glass of wine in hand.

FILM PRODUCERI really love your book...

JAMESThanks. I appreciate it...

James takes a sip from his glass.

FILM PRODUCERYou know I've been kicking aroundan idea for a movie for a while...I thought it would be terrific tobase it on your story...

JAMESWow... I never thought I wouldmake for a good movie character.But--

FILM PRODUCERNo, no. Trust me. It'll be great.With the momentum we have going,we can't miss this opportunity.People will love it.

4 .

JAMESWell, I'll definitely think aboutit.

FILM PRODUCERPlease do.

The film producer whips out a business card from his pocketand hands it to James.

FILM PRODUCER (CONT'D)Let me know whenever you decide,and we'll get the ball rolling...

INT. BOOKSTORE - DAY

James sits behind a desk signing the books of the numerousindividuals waiting in line with his book in hand.

MONTAGE:

TV news segments talking about James' book as their voicesoverlap.

FEMALE ANCHORJames Hibbert's book "Now orNever", a guide to selfimprovement, has become the latestsensation in the literary world...

MALE ANCHOR"Now or Never", that is the titleof the recent bestselling book byauthor James Hibbert, inspired byhis own life and struggles...

FEMALE ANCHOR (JAPANESE)James Hibbert's "Now or Never" issaid to be the best nonfictionbook written in recent years...

5 .

FEMALE ANCHOR (FRENCH)People are talking about the newself-help book "Now or Never" byJames Hibbert...

James is a guest on a late night talk show. The HOST holdsup his book to the audience.

HOSTThis is the latest craze. "Now orNever". People are saying thisbook has actually changed theirlives. Tell me, what inspired youto write such a phenomenal book?

JAMESWell, I've always had the idea towrite something like this, but Inever really began to seriouslyconsider it until...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MANSION - DAY

A modest mansion sits in the middle of a heavily woodedforest surrounded by beautiful maple trees. It is the onlyhouse in the area.

INT. MANSION - CONTINUOUS

James relaxes on the sofa of his spacious living room whileMargaret, sitting on another sofa, sifts through papers.

MARGARETThis is from the mayor.

(reads)"James, I want to congratulate youon your success. You have made awonderful impact on ourcommunity..."

6 .

She tosses the paper aside and picks up another pile ofpaper.

MARGARET (CONT'D)These are all the book deals...

She sets it aside and picks up another stack.

MARGARET (CONT'D)Movies...

Meanwhile, James gazes at Margaret. Something is on hismind.

JAMESMaggie, what do you think aboutkids?

MARGARETWhat about ‘em?

JAMESI mean, about having children...

MARGARETI thought we already went throughthis. I can't have kids.

JAMESYeah, I know that. I'm talkingabout adopting kids. We haveeverything. Money, a beautifulhouse, success... all we need iskids.

MARGARETI never really gave it muchthought.

JAMESI've always wanted to have kids.

7 .

MARGARETIf you want to adopt kids, that'syour choice. Personally, I'm okaywith not having kids.

JAMESWhat if we open a boarding school?This way, we can be around kids.It will be like raising our ownkids... without having to actuallybe their parents...

MARGARETA boarding school? How exactly arewe going to do that?

JAMESIt will be easy. We can getfunding through the mayor. All weneed to do is form a committee. Wehave what it takes... It will giveour lives a new purpose. What doyou say?

MARGARETIf that's what you want, I'm allfor it.

EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

An office building with a sign which reads: "Board ofEducation".

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

James and his wife are in a meeting with the EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR of the regional board of education. Laid in themiddle of the table is a business plan for the project theyare proposing, a private boarding school.

8 .

JAMESWe've already purchased theproperty.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOROkay... How many students are wetalking about?

JAMESA hundred students at most. It's anon-profit. We've already securedfunding from a number oforganizations. Everything is inplace and I think we're all readyto go.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORAnd have you hired facultymembers?

JAMESWe're in the process of doingthat. We're also going through allthe curriculums that we will beoffering.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSounds like you have a plan. Iwill give you the paperwork thatneeds to be filled out and I willsend a representative to thecampus for inspection. After that,you should be all set.

JAMESTerrific. It's a lot lesscomplicated than I thought.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORYeah, there's really not much toit... By the way, I really lovedyour book.

9 .

JAMESThanks. You know, this is just thenext step in our journey. Afterthe success we've had with ourbook...

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORWell, I certainly wish you well.

JAMESThanks for all the help.

EXT. ROAD - DAY

James and his wie drive through a long and isolated road inthe woods.

EXT. BOARDING SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER

They arrive at a large building, a boarding school campus.The place is empty and no one is around. They exit theircars and walk to the building.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

They do a walking tour of the building. They look at theRECEPTION DESK behind a glass window, the LOUNGE AREA withCOUCHES, a PING-PONG TABLE, a POOL TABLE, a PINBALLMACHINE, a PIANO. They walk past the restrooms and into thekitchen. They go past the lobby area where there are threeclassrooms, each with a white board and rows of chairs withdesks.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - STAIRS/ HALLWAYS - CONTINUOUS

They walk up the stairs, where there are two hallways. Oneleading to the boys dorm rooms and the other the girls'.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - OFFICE - DAY

A YOUNG MAN sits before James for a job interview.

10 .

JAMESHow would you handle a disruptivestudent?

YOUNG MANI will use the proper classroommanagement guidelines in order tocorrect the student's behavior, soit won't become repetitive.

CUT TO:


A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN sits in front of James for a jobinterview.

JAMESHow do you cultivate positiverelationships with your students?

MIDDLE-AGED WOMANWhen I was a teacher in myprevious job, there was a kid whowas going through the loss of aparent. I really made him feel athome, like I was a part of hisfamily...

CUT TO:


A YOUNG WOMAN sits in front of James for a job interview.

JAMESHow will you deal with kids withlearning disabilities?

YOUNG WOMANI will work with parents and usethe appropriate resource personnelin order to meet the individual

11 .

needs of any child, whetherdisabled or otherwise...

James shakes the hand of the young woman.

JAMESCongratulations. You areofficially a member of our team.

CUT TO:


James shakes the hand of the middle-aged woman.

JAMESCongratulations...

CUT TO:


James shakes the hand of the young man.

JAMESCongratulations...

INT. MANSION - BEDROOM - NIGHT

James and Margaret snuggle in bed, happy and excited.

MARGARETSo, how many enrollments so far?

JAMESI believe about fifty kids. Therewill be more, of course.

MARGARETI'm so proud of you...

James and Margaret kiss and cuddle.

12 .

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - LOBBY - DAY

Kids and their parents are lined up at the front desk asthey register to become members of the boarding school. ARECEPTIONIST speaks with one of the parents.

RECEPTIONISTWe offer some of the bestcurriculums. Science, technology,engineering, art, maths,project-based learning, athletics,music... Also, culinary...

Other kids, the ones who have already enrolled, arerelaxing in the lounge area. Some play tennis, while othersplay pool.

One of the kids playing pool is ISAAC KNOBEL (14). He isoutgoing and most kids gravitate toward him.

He strikes a cue ball with an object ball and the objectball goes into a pocket. His FRIEND is impressed.

FRIENDWhoa, you're really good.

ISAACThe funny thing is, I've neverplayed pool before.

FRIENDReally?

ISAACYeah. This is my first time.

He strikes a cue ball and once again the object ball goesinto a pocket. He gives his friend the stick.

ISAACHere, you try.

His friend strikes a cue ball, but fails to hit an objectball.

13 .

FRIENDDang, I suck!

ISAACYou'll get better after a while...

EXT. CITY ROADSIDE - DAY

A car is riddled with bullets. Inside is a dead man who hasbeen shot to death, slumped over in the driver's seat.Yellow police tape and forensic examiners surround the areacollecting evidence and taking photos of the crime scene. Aman, DETECTIVE COLBY TRUITT (58), approaches the scene andbegins to examine the victim's body, as well as the bulletholes on the car. He speaks with his COLLEAGUE, a youngerman.

DETECTIVE COLBYIt looks like a drive-by... Do wehave any information on hisidentity?

COLLEAGUENothing.

DETECTIVE COLBYThat's odd...

He takes a closer look at the bullet hole in the man'shead.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)Definitely a .22.

He looks at the tire tracks leading to the car's finalresting place.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)He was swerving a bit.

He peers inside of the car and sees a cell phone laying onthe passenger seat.

14 .

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)He must’ve been calling forhelp...

After putting on a pair of gloves, he goes to the otherside of the car, opens the door and retrieves the cellphone. He puts it inside of an evidence bag.

He approaches ANOTHER COLLEAGUE who is speaking withseveral witnesses.

DETECTIVE COLBYThere's something funny about thiscase.

ANOTHER COLLEAGUEIt's looking like we might have amob hit on our hands.

Detective Colby looks at his other colleague, intrigued.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

James is having a meeting with his staff, around sixindividuals.

JAMESWe want the utmost for ourstudents. One thing I want toemphasize is that this is not aschool. This is a family home.Here, we are all equal. Nobody isbetter than anyone. There is nostatus or class. We are all hereto learn and enjoy our time in theprocess. This is a low-stressenvironment, for our kids and ourstaff. When I opened thisinstitution, I did so with theintention of improving the livesof others, not for any kind of

(MORE)

15 .

JAMES (CONT’D)benefit of my own. This is why weare a nonprofit organization. Ofcourse that doesn't mean hard workwill not be rewarded. I expect thebest from all of you and I knowthat you will do well. If thereare any questions or anything onyour mind, this is a good time tolet me know. We will begin ourfirst sessions next week, so wewant to make sure we areabsolutely prepared... Let's rockand roll!

James begins to clap and the rest of the group claps along.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

James is out in the woods hunting. He focuses on a deerwith his scope and shoots, killing the deer.

EXT. MANSION - LATER

Margaret watches as James gleefully skins the deer and cutsthe meat into smaller pieces, tossing them in a bowl. Hishands and clothes are bloody.

INT. MANSION - DINING AREA - LATER NIGHT

James enthusiastically sprinkles salt and pepper on thecooked meat and begins eating. He offers his wife some, butshe refuses. In front of her is a bowl of salad.

MARGARETI'm okay. I'm having salad.

He gives her a strange look.

JAMESDon't tell me you're vegan now.

16 .

MARGARETNo... I just prefer not to eatdeer.

JAMES(chuckles)

Well, it's the best kind of meat.I can tell you that...

His wife smiles and takes a bite of her salad.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY

Kids are in a classroom silently doing schoolwork. In frontof them is a young FEMALE TEACHER, the same one whom Jameshad hired. She walks around the classroom attentivelychecking on the students. One of them is Isaac. He looks upat her and smiles. She smiles in return.

A kid walks into the classroom. He is WALTON COTTINGHAM(14), visually impaired. Everyone in the classroom looks upat him, including Isaac. The teacher welcomes him warmlyand guides him to a chair. He accidentally bumps into atable and some students snicker.

FEMALE TEACHERKids, we have a new student. Hisname is Walton. Everybody say hito Walton.

Everyone says hi to Walton. Walton smiles. A STUDENT makesan offhand remark out loud.

STUDENTShouldn't he be in special ed?

FEMALE TEACHERRon, that's not very nice.

ISAACYeah, Ron. Shut your mouth.

17 .

FEMALE TEACHERIsaac, while I appreciate thehelp, I will handle it by myself.Okay?

Walton turns in the direction of Isaac with a look ofgratitude. Isaac notices and smiles.


Isaac and his friends are in the lounge area playing pool.Isaac notices Walton wandering about, struggling to seewhere he is going. He accidentally BUMPS into a BIG KID.The big kid shoves him.

BIG KIDHey, buddy. Watch where you'regoing! Oh, I forgot. You can't!

The big kid bursts out laughing, along with other kidsaround him. Isaac sees this and comes to Walton's aid.

ISAACHey, leave him alone!

BIG KIDWhat are you gonna do?

ISAACI'll tell the principal.

BIG KIDYou're going to rat on me?! Go raton me.

ISAACGo pick on someone your own size.He's disabled. What if you weredisabled?

BIG KIDYeah, well... I'm not.

18 .

The big kid grabs a pool stick and pretends he is blind byusing it as a white cane.

BIG KID(mocking)

Look at me. I'm blind. I can'tsee.

Kids burst out laughing.

ISAAC(to Walton)

Forget him.

Isaac grabs Walton and takes him to the sofas, where hesits down with him.

A pretty girl, ANNABELLE CONRAD (14), sees Isaac's kindgesture from a distance. He notices her and does a doubletake, surprised she's looking at him.

INT. SEASIDE RESTAURANT - NIGHT

James and Margaret are enjoying seafood and wine. The oceanwaves crashing on the shore can be seen outside the window.

JAMESCan it get any better than this?

MARGARETIt really can't. You know whatwould be even better?

JAMESWhat?

MARGARETIf we went on a cruise.

JAMESYou know, I've been thinking aboutthat. We have to do it.

19 .

MARGARETI've never been on a cruisebefore.

JAMESNeither have I...

Margaret looks out the window. It is now almost pitch blackoutside.

MARGARETOh, gosh. It's getting dark.

A WAITER comes with the bill. James takes out his walletand looks inside with alarm.

JAMESOh, damn!

MARGARETWhat's the matter?

JAMESI left my debit card at home.

He looks up at Margaret.

JAMES (CONT'D)You don't have cash on you?

MARGARETNo, I don’t...

JAMESWhat about your card?

MARGARETI don't have a debit card.

JAMESOh, yeah. That's right.

James thinks for a moment.

20 .

JAMES (CONT'D)I'm gonna make a quick run to thehouse. You stay here. Tell themabout the situation if they ask.

James leaves the table and walks out of the restaurant. Thewaiter sees James exiting and approaches Margaret. Somewhatembarrassed, she tries to signal to the waiter that Jameswill return. Finally, she tells him.

MARGARETHe'll come back. He forgot hiscard.

The waiter reluctantly accepts her explanation and leaves.

EXT. BOARDING SCHOOL - NIGHT

A person's GLOVED HAND unlocks a door and enters abuilding. It's the back door of the boarding school.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - STAIRS/ HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

The person walks up the stairs and into the hallway leadingto the girls' dorm rooms. The gloved hand gently pushes adoor open.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - DORM ROOM - CONTINUOUS

A GIRL sleeping on the lower bunk of a bunk bed isawakened. She clears her eyes and notices the door isopened. Afraid and curious, she slowly walks to the door.

GIRLHello...?

Just as she is about to close the door, a hand REACHES INand GRABS her, muffling her mouth before she could scream.

INT. SEASIDE RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Margaret is impatiently waiting for James' return,occasionally checking her watch. James finally enters therestaurant with a debit card in hand. By now, the

21 .

restaurant is almost closed and they are the last onesleft.

MARGARETThat was long.

JAMESYeah. I had to stop for gas.

MARGARET(surprised)

I thought I filled the tankyesterday.

JAMESWell... it wasn't enough.

The waiter appears at the table and James hands him thedebit card. The waiter leaves to process the payment. Jamespulls out a crumpled dollar bill and a few coins from hispocket and leaves it on the table. The waiter comes backwith the debit card and gives it back to James.

JAMESThank you very much.

WAITERYou're welcome. We're gettingready to close.

JAMESYeah. We're on our way.

James smiles at the waiter and he and Margaret walk out ofthe restaurant.

EXT. BOARDING SCHOOL - DAY

A police car is parked outside of the school.

22 .


A POLICE OFFICER speaks with the NIGHT SUPERVISOR. Shelooks panicked and confused. He takes notes on a legal padas she speaks.

POLICE OFFICERWere there any signs the girlwanted to leave?

NIGHT SUPERVISORNo. Not that I was aware. Lastnight she was acting very normal.This is really strange.

POLICE OFFICERYou didn't see anyone walk intothe building?

NIGHT SUPERVISORI never saw anyone. I was away forabout five minutes, because I hadto use the restroom. Other thanthat, I never saw anybody enter orleave the building.

POLICE OFFICERAre there any cameras in thisbuilding?

NIGHT SUPERVISORNot that I know of. I'll have tocheck with the owner.

POLICE OFFICEROkay. Well, usually the staff haveto be aware of these things.

NIGHT SUPERVISORI know. We're just starting out.We're just getting the hang ofthings...

23 .

POLICE OFFICERAnd who's the owner?

NIGHT SUPERVISORJames Hibbert.

The officer looks up at the night supervisor.

POLICE OFFICERThe writer?

NIGHT SUPERVISORYeah. He wrote a best sellingbook. At least, that's what I'mtold. I don't know. I personallyhaven't read it.

POLICE OFFICEROkay, ma’am. Thanks for your time.

The officer concludes his interview and leaves.

At the lounge area, Isaac and Walton talk to each otherabout the incident. Annabelle joins the conversation.

ISAACIt's kathy...

WALTONThe girl who disappeared?

ISAACYeah...

ANNABELLEWe used to be friends once, but westopped.

ISAACHow come?

24 .

ANNABELLEBecause she started a rumor aboutme saying that I really liked thisguy, when I didn't...

ISAAC(jokes)

Maybe you had something to do withher disappearance.

ANNABELLE(chuckles)

Shut up.

WALTONIt's kind of odd that someonewould just disappear.

ISAACShe probably left. I mean whoreally wants to stay here? I knowI'd leave if I had the chance.But, of course, my parents wouldkill me.

ANNABELLESame.

INT. DETECTIVE COLBY'S OFFICE - DAY

The phone rings and detective Colby answers. He listenspatiently while processing the information. He quietlyhangs up the phone and puts on his coat, preparing to leavehis office.

EXT. BOARDING SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER

A black SUV parks in front of the school and detectiveColby, along with his younger colleague, exits the vehicle.They head straight toward the building and are met by a fewpolice officers at the door. One of the police officersspeaks to him.

25 .

POLICE OFFICERA girl, 14. She was last seen lastnight. No signs of forced entry.

DETECTIVE COLBYHave the parents been notified?

POLICE OFFICERYeah. I believe they're on theirway.

Detective Colby looks around the campus while hecontemplates what steps to take next.

DETECTIVE COLBYWho owns this place?

POLICE OFFICER...James Hibbert.

CUT TO:

EXT. MANSION - DAY

A police officer knocks on the door. James opens it,dressed in a bathrobe.

POLICE OFFICERHi. Are you James Hibbert?

JAMESYes. What can I do for you?

POLICE OFFICERAre you the owner of the boardingschool in Greenwich?

JAMESYes, I am. Why? Is somethingwrong?

26 .

POLICE OFFICERI'm sorry to inform you, sir, butone of your students has gonemissing.

James appears to be surprised and distraught.

JAMESHow did that happen?

POLICE OFFICERWell, that's what we're trying tofind out.

JAMESThat's terrible...

POLICE OFFICERRight now, we're not suspectingany foul play. But we're notruling anything out.

JAMESYeah. Do everything you can tobring that girl back.

The police officer is taken aback by James' statement.

POLICE OFFICERHow do you know it's a girl?

JAMESI-- I just assumed. It's eithergonna be a boy or a girl. And I'vealways wanted to have a girl.

James lets out a nervous laugh. The police officer looks athim for a while, somewhat suspicious.

POLICE OFFICERAnyway... we will keep you updatedon the situation.

27 .

JAMESPlease do. If there is anything Ican do to help, I am one hundredpercent available...

POLICE OFFICERI appreciate that, Mr. Hibbert. Wewill talk to you as soon as wehave more information. Have a niceday.

The police officer leaves and James closes the door.


Margaret comes to the door, curious about the situation.

MARGARETWhat was that about?

JAMESApparently, a girl has gonemissing.

MARGARETYou mean from the school?

JAMESYeah... but it's not a big deal.I'm sure she'll come back.

MARGARETJames, we could get in trouble forthis.

JAMESFor what? We didn't do anythingwrong.


The young female teacher gives a lecture to her students.

28 .

FEMALE TEACHERQuestion number two. What is asubordinate clause?

Before anybody can answer, the PRINCIPAL of the schoolwalks into the classroom. She briefly interrupts theteacher and begins speaking to the students.

PRINCIPALAs you guys know, there's been anincident. One of our students hasgone missing. So far the reasonfor her disappearance has not beendetermined. I really want tostress the importance of abidingby the rules when you are at thisschool. No going out after nine,no inviting strangers into yourroom. If you have any kind ofproblems, let me know or any ofthe staff members, and we willhelp you. We want to make surethat what happened last night doesnot repeat. Other than that,you're all safe here. There isnothing to worry about. Okay? Havea great day.

The principal exits the classroom and the teacher resumesher lecture of English by writing on the white board:"thesis statement".

FEMALE TEACHERWhere does the thesis statementusually appear?

A STUDENT raises his hand.

FEMALE TEACHERJohn.

29 .

STUDENTThe introduction.

FEMALE TEACHERVery good...

EXT. BOARDING SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby exits his parked SUV and walks to theschool entrance.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS

All the students have a book open in front of them, exceptfor Walton, who is using a BLACK DIGITAL BOOK READINGDEVICE.

FEMALE TEACHEROkay... We're going to startreading chapter two. We have aboutforty minutes.

All the kids begin reading their books and Walton pressesplay on his digital device and listens with his headphones.As the students are quietly reading, detective Colby walksinto the classroom and briefly chats with the teacher. Hewalks around the classroom observing the students andsmiling at them. He notices one student in particular,Isaac, who is looking back at him. Detective Colbyapproaches his desk and squats down to his level.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat are you reading?

ISAAC"The Butcher in the Mirror"

DETECTIVE COLBYAhh... very nice. What's yourname?

ISAACIsaac.

30 .

DETECTIVE COLBYIsaac. I'm detective Colby.

The detective shakes his hand.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)I wanted to ask you a fewquestions. You seem like aknowledgeable kid. Would you mind?

Isaac shakes his head.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT’D)Have you ever noticed anythingsuspicious at all at this school?

ISAACLike what?

DETECTIVE COLBYAnybody acting strange?

ISAACNo... Not really.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat about the staff? Have theybeen nice?

ISAACYeah. They're really nice.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay. Good. I just wanted to makesure.

Detective Colby turns his head and notices Walton listeningto his digital book reading device.

ISAACThat's my friend, Walton. Kidspick on him a lot because he'sdisabled.

31 .

DETECTIVE COLBYDoes your teacher know about it?

ISAACNo. I haven't told her. But I willif they continue picking on him.

DETECTIVE COLBYThat's good...

Detective Colby gets up.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)It's been nice talking to you,Isaac.

ISAACYeah. You too.

Detective Colby pats Isaac on the shoulder. He leaves theclassroom after waving goodbye to the teacher.

INT. JAMES’ CAR - CONTINUOUS

James pulls into the school campus and notices detectiveColby exiting the school.


Detective Colby waits for James to get out of his car.

DETECTIVE COLBYYou must be James.

JAMESYes. And you?

DETECTIVE COLBYColby. I'm the lead investigatorworking on the missing girl'scase.

Detective Colby and James shake hands.

32 .

JAMESNice to meet you.

DETECTIVE COLBYI've been meaning to talk to youfor a while.

JAMESYeah, I know. I already had a talkwith a police officer. This is avery sad situation... It's notsomething we anticipated.

DETECTIVE COLBYYeah. Things happen... How longago did you open this school?

JAMESJust a few weeks ago, actually.This is my biggest project. It'smy baby.

DETECTIVE COLBYI spoke with the girl’s parents.They're considering pressingcharges...

JAMESYeah, well... I have my attorneyfor that. They shouldn't worry toomuch, though. I'm sure she'll befound.

DETECTIVE COLBYYou seem very confident.

JAMESYou know, kids... they're prettyrestless. I'm sure she'll turn upsomewhere.

33 .

DETECTIVE COLBYThat's what we're hoping for. Butthings aren't looking so good...

Detective Colby looks at the school building.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)So, has this place been approved?

JAMESYeah. It's been inspected. Thereare no problems. We're working oninstalling cameras and we'reupgrading the locks on our doors.We don't want to compromise thesafety of our kids.

DETECTIVE COLBYVery nice to hear... Well, Mr.Hibbert, I will keep in touch withyou throughout our investigation,and hopefully everything will gosmoothly.

JAMESAbsolutely. I'm here to help inevery way I can.

DETECTIVE COLBYThanks a lot. We’ll talk againsoon.

James watches as detective Colby gets into his SUV anddrives away.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - LOBBY - LATER

James supervises an electrician as he installs a securitycamera on the ceiling.


He walks upstairs to the hallway and watches a man installa door lock on a dorm room door.

34 .


A big kid, the same one who had bullied Walton, is sittingon steps and hanging out with his BUDDY outside of theschool building. He pulls out an E-CIGARETTE from hispocket and shows it to his friend.

BIG KIDCheck it out.

BUDDY(in disbelief)

You vape?

BIG KIDOf course. But don't tell anyone.

It's past curfew and everyone is back inside the school,except the two.

BIG KID (CONT'D)You wanna try?

BUDDYNo way.

BIG KIDLoser.

BUDDYWhatever... We have to go inside.It's past 9.

BIG KIDI'll be there in a while.

The buddy gets up and walks into the building. The big kidvapes alone as he sits and relaxes. Suddenly, he feels apresence approaching him from behind. He turns around butdoesn't see anyone. Slightly nervous, he continues vaping,but at a faster pace. Finally, he puts the e-cigarette backinto his pocket and walks to the entrance door. He tries topull the door open, but it's locked. He repeatedly attemptsto open the door without any success.

35 .

He BANGS on the door hoping someone will hear and let himin, but nobody does. An ominous presence MOVES CLOSER tohim. There is fear in his eyes as he desperately tries toenter the building, while LOOKING at the figure comingtoward him. Before he can react, he is KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUSby a crow bar and taken away.

INT. DETECTIVE COLBY’S OFFICE - DAY

Detective Colby is going through files when his colleaguewalks in.

COLLEAGUEWe have another one.

DETECTIVE COLBY(befuddled)

Another one?

COLLEAGUEAnother kid is missing. From thesame school.

A look of disbelief and resignation envelopes detectiveColby's face. He stares at his colleague for a while beforelooking away in frustration.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - DORM ROOM - DAY

Isaac is on the top bunk bed with a view of the outsidefrom his window, in which he can see a police car parked inthe school’s driveway. He looks out the window as he speaksto Walton, who is sitting on the lower bunk.

ISAACWho do you think will be next?

WALTONNext for what?

ISAACTo go missing.

36 .

WALTONI don't know, but this is reallyweird. Even though I hated him, Ihope he's okay.

ISAACDo you think he’s being punishedfor what he did to you?

WALTONWho knows. Maybe.

ISAACThey're saying he might have runaway, because he was using drugs.

WALTONThat wouldn't surprise me...

ISAACTo be honest, I'm kind of scaredto be here.

WALTONWhat's the worst that couldhappen?

ISAACI might go missing and end updead.

WALTONTrust me, there are worse thingsthan being dead.

ISAACYeah? Like what?

WALTONLike not being able to see.

ISAACI disagree.

37 .

WALTONThat's because you don't know whatit's like.

ISAACYeah. Probably. If I was disabled,I would probably be angry.

WALTONI'm not angry. I'm just saying,there are worse things than beingdead. I'm actually looking forwardto being dead. In the next life, Imight be able to see likeeverybody else.

ISAACDon't say that. You're making mefeel bad.

(Pause)At least you're not blind.

INT. MANSION - BASEMENT - NIGHT

We see in the darkness a hand cutting up a piece of meatwith a knife.

CLOSE ON the hand holding up a slice of meat and putting itinside of a mouth. The hand and the mouth both belong toJames. He chews the slice of meat while savoring the taste.Suddenly, the light is TURNED ON and Margaret walks in.Like a deer caught in a headlight, James is startled,almost choking on the meat.

MARGARETWhat are you doing?

JAMESNothing. Just having some snacks.

MARGARETThis late? What are you eating?

38 .

JAMESSome left over.

Margaret looks at him for a while, bemused.

MARGARETYou've been acting really strangelately. Do you know that?

JAMESIn what way?

MARGARETYou're sneaking around doing somereally bizarre things.

James finishes chewing the meat.

JAMESI think you're exaggerating. I'macting completely normal.

MARGARETThen why did you leave the houselast night?

James is caught off guard by the question.

MARGARET (CONT'D)You thought I was asleep, didn'tyou?

JAMESI needed some fresh air. I wentfor a walk.

Margaret is doubtful.

MARGARETYou know about what happened lastnight, right?

JAMESWhat happened?

39 .

MARGARETAnother kid went missing.

JAMES(sarcastic)

Oh, gee. What a big surprise.

MARGARETHow exactly is it not a bigsurprise?

JAMESOne kid runs away, so another onedoes the same. It's called peerpressure.

MARGARETYou know you're going to be heldresponsible, right?

JAMESFor what?

MARGARETFor their disappearance.

JAMESYou're overreacting. Relax.Everything is okay. They will comeback and everything will be backto normal. I promise.

MARGARETHow do you know that?

JAMESI just know. You have to trust me.

James grabs Margaret's arm and kisses her cheek. Reassured,she leaves the basement.

MARGARETI'm going back to sleep.

40 .

JAMESOkay. I'll be there in a while.

James looks like he just dodged a bullet.

INT. DETECTIVE COLBY’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Detective Colby is alone in the dark going oversurveillance footage from inside the school building.

CLOSE-UP. COMPUTER SCREEN/ DETECTIVE COLBY’S FACE

We see kids going in and out of the school until finallythe big kid's buddy walks into the school. Detective Colbywaits for the big kid to also walk into the building, buthe doesn’t.

INT. DETECTIVE COLBY’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

While he is staring into the screen, his colleague suddenlywalks into the room, leaving him startled.

COLLEAGUEWhat have you got?

DETECTIVE COLBYIt looks like the kid never walkedback into the building.

COLLEAGUEMaybe he decided to leave thecampus.

DETECTIVE COLBYThat’s one possibility...

COLLEAGUEDid you look at the outsidefootage?

DETECTIVE COLBYNo. There's no exterior footage.

41 .

COLLEAGUEHow come?

DETECTIVE COLBYThat's a good question. I'mguessing there's no cameraoutside.

COLLEAGUEThat's strange.

DETECTIVE COLBYYeah. It is...

INT. MANSION - DINING AREA - DAY

James and Margaret are having breakfast in their largedining area. Margaret pours tea from a kettle into both herand James' cup.

MARGARETHow do you feel?

JAMESAbout what?

MARGARETEverything. The school. Yourachievements. You've come a longway.

JAMESI know... I guess I feel okay.

MARGARETI mean, are you happy now that youmanaged to accomplish what you'vealways dreamed of?

JAMESI guess... There's still a lotmore to do. I'm thinking ofstarting a business. I forgot totell you about that.

42 .

MARGARETWell, that's interesting. Whatkind of business?

JAMESI don't know... Maybe a departmentstore or something like that.

MARGARETYou should totally go for it.

James reaches out to grab the salt and Margaret notices ascratch on his forearm.

MARGARETWhat's that?

James looks at her confused.

MARGARET (CONT'D)On your arm.

James looks at the scratch on his arm.

JAMESOh, this. It's from a tree branch,from when I was out hunting.

MARGARETYou should probably get a bandage.

JAMESDon't worry about it. I'll befine.

Long silence while they consume their meals.

JAMES (CONT'D)I'm thinking of a boutique...

EXT. MANSION - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby parks his SUV in the driveway andapproaches the door.

43 .

INT. MANSION - DINING AREA/ DOORWAY/ LIVING ROOM -CONTINUOUS

The doorbell rings and James goes to answer it. He opensthe door and sees detective Colby standing on the doorstep.

DETECTIVE COLBYMr. Hibbert. It's nice to see you.

JAMESDetective. Welcome. Please comein.

James invites the detective into his mansion. The detectiveis awestruck by its grandeur. He smiles at Margaret, who isstill in the dining area. He and James sit on a living roomcouch to discuss a matter.

JAMESTea?

DETECTIVE COLBYNo. I'm fine.

Detective Colby gets right down to business. He stares intoJames' eyes. James seems quite nervous.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)I had been going through somesurveillance video from theschool. It appears that this wasmost probably a runaway case.

James is relieved by what he hears.

JAMESThat's what I figured. I mean,what else could it be?

DETECTIVE COLBYWe haven't been able to verifythis definitively. However, wehave pretty strong indications.

44 .

JAMESWe have to find these kids. I knowsome of them came from roughbackgrounds. I do my best to makethe place as accommodating to themas possible, but sometimes,there's nothing you can do...

DETECTIVE COLBYI understand...

Detective Colby remembers something.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)There is one thing I've beenwondering about... how come thereare no cameras outside thebuilding?

James is caught off guard by the question.

JAMESI haven't really thought aboutthat. I guess we ought to have oneinstalled outside as well...

DETECTIVE COLBYYeah... that would make our jobmuch easier. In fact, that's oneof the reasons why we haven't beenable to conclusively dismiss thepossibility of foul play.

JAMESI am more than willing to help inany way I can.

DETECTIVE COLBYThanks. I appreciate it. It's beennice talking to you, Mr. Hibbert.I will keep in touch with you.

45 .

JAMESYeah. Please do.

As detective Colby gets up to leave, James reaches out toshake his hand and the detective notices the scratch on hisarm.

DETECTIVE COLBYTake care.

Detective Colby shakes James’ hand and walks out of themansion, without raising the issue.


Isaac and Walton are hanging out outside of the school.They sit on a concrete block talking to each other. Otherkids can be seen in the background, including Annabelle andher group of friends.

WALTONThat girl. You like her, don'tyou?

ISAACAnnabelle?

WALTONYeah.

Isaac briefly turns to look at Annabelle and sees hertalking and smiling with her friends. He turns back toWalton, not realizing she is now looking at him.

ISAACEven if I did, what differencedoes it make?

WALTONWell, have you asked her out?

ISAACNo...

46 .

WALTONWhy not? If you’re ever going toask her, this would be the perfectday.

ISAACWhy is it the perfect day?

WALTONBecause it’s valentine’s day.

ISAACShe's probably gonna say no.

WALTONHow do you know if you've nevertried?

ISAACCome on. Look at her.

Walton looks at Isaac, annoyed.

ISAAC (CONT'D)Sorry. I forgot... What I'm tryingto say is, she's out of my league.

WALTONI think you just lack confidence.

ISAACWhy don't you ask her out then,since you're so confident?

WALTONI'm not the one who has a crush onher.

ISAACIf she likes me, she'll let meknow.

47 .

WALTONThe guy is supposed to ask thegirl, not the other way around.

ISAACWell, that's not the way it workswith me.

WALTONYou must be strange then.

ISAACYeah, I am. Thanks for letting meknow.


James is having a meeting with the staff of the school.

JAMESAs I'm sure you all know, there'sbeen several incidents in the pastfews weeks. I'm here to reassureeveryone that there is nothing toworry about. We have everythingunder control. The whereabouts ofthe individuals in concern isbeing investigated and I'm surewe'll have results. They will befound safe and unharmed. Make surethat kids are not going out atnight or doing things they're notsupposed to. If you notice anyproblems or any indications thatsomeone is planning on leavingwithout permission, please notifythe parents. Aside from the newlocks and security cameras, wehave installed a new alarm system.

(MORE)

48 .

JAMES (CONT’D)This way, anybody who opens thedoors will trigger a notificationon the monitors. So everythingshould be okay and we should haveno further incidents. Thank youall for your time.

INT. MANSION - BEDROOM - DAY

Full of suspicions and curiosity, Margaret SEARCHES throughthe bedroom closet. She searches James' jackets, checkingeach pocket until from one of the pockets she pulls out ane-cigarette, the same one the big kid had used. Baffled,she stares at the object. She is rattled when Jamessuddenly walks in.

JAMESWhat are you doing?

MARGARETI'm looking for the key to thegarage. I know it's heresomewhere.

JAMESCheck the nightstand.

Margaret turns and sees a key on the nightstand.

MARGARETOh, there it is.

She grabs the key.MARGARET (CONT'D)

By the way, I didn't know yousmoked.

James looks at her with confusion. She shows him thee-cigarette.

49 .

JAMESOh, that. Yeah. I just wanted totry it. Just for fun.

MARGARETLet’s hope you won't get addicted.

JAMESIt's not addictive...

She puts the e-cigarette back into the pocket and closesthe closet door. She casually smiles at him and puts him atease.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - GYM - DAY

Students are playing dodgeball. Six players are lined up oneither side of the court with rubber balls placed in themiddle of the court. Other students are standing on thesidelines as spectators, including Walton. Among theplayers are Isaac and Annabelle, who are on the same team.The WHISTLE BLOWS and the players RUN to grab the balls andbegin to throw them at each other. A ball HITS a player onthe opposing team and from the look on his face it seemsthe balls hurt pretty bad. Finally, only three players areleft. Isaac and Annabelle on one side and another player onthe other. Isaac sees the player aiming for Annabelle andthrowing it at her. Isaac acts quickly by LUNGING forward,blocking the ball from hitting her. He is out and shesmiles at him. While they are distracted looking at eachother, the other player THROWS another ball and HITSAnnabelle on the forehead. The other team wins.

Isaac is slightly embarrassed for Annabelle but is relievedto see her laughing it off.


Detective Colby is working on his computer.

50 .

CLOSE-UP. COMPUTER SCREEN

We see a profile picture of a man along with fingerprintsand personal details. It is a CRIMINAL BACKGROUND REPORTand the man is the YOUNG MALE TEACHER whom James hadpreviously hired. Detective Colby scrolls down the web pageuntil something catches his eye. Alarmed, he turns to hiscolleague.

DETECTIVE COLBYThree arrests... Drug possession,resisting arrest and attemptedsexual assault. What do you think?

COLLEAGUEIt's not looking good for him. Hecould be our guy.

DETECTIVE COLBYBut there's nothing about kids...

COLLEAGUEYou never know...

DETECTIVE COLBYI wonder how he got this job.

Brief silence as the detective reads the information on thescreen. He turns to his colleague.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT’D)You know the owner? I talked tohim a few times. He seems verynonchalant about the whole thing.Like he's not too concerned.

COLLEAGUEThose aren't his kids. Maybethat’s why.

51 .

DETECTIVE COLBYEither way, we definitely need tocheck this guy out.


A LADDER is pushed up against the wall of the schoolbuilding, slightly below the window of a second floor room.With gloved hands, a person CLIMBS the ladder toward thewindow.


A kid is sleeping on the top bunk of a bunk bed. He isawakened when he hears knocking on the window. He looks outfrom the window but doesn't see anyone. He assumes he isimagining things and tries to go back to sleep. Momentslater, he hears a knock again, but no one is outside.Curious, he opens the window and peeks his head out.


As the kid is looking out the window with much of his torsosticking out, a hand suddenly REACHES UP and forcefullyPULLS him out of the room.


An INVESTIGATOR is standing next to a ladder leading to anopen window. He closely examines the ladder as he dusts forfingerprints. Detective Colby enters the frame.

INVESTIGATORNo fingerprints...

Detective Colby looks at the ladder and at the open window,trying to surmise what had taken place. He turns around andsees a car SCREECHING TO A HALT on the side of the road anda WOMAN exiting. She RUSHES into the school building.


The woman STORMS into the building and speaks with thereceptionist.

52 .

WOMANI need to see my daughter.

RECEPTIONISTWhat's your daughter's name?

WOMANAnnabelle.

RECEPTIONISTWait a second please.

The receptionist leaves for the lounge area, whereAnnabelle is hanging out with her friends.

RECEPTIONISTAnnabelle?

ANNABELLEYeah.

RECEPTIONISTYour mom is here.

Annabelle looks confused. She sees Isaac standing withWalton just a few meters away. He watches as she is ledaway by the receptionist to the front desk, where her momawaits. He follows her from a distance.

WOMANCome on, we're leaving.

ANNABELLEWhy?

WOMANBecause you’re not safe here.

ANNABELLEBut I want to stay here.

53 .

WOMANNo. You're not staying. I've

already cancelled yourenrollment. Get your things.

Annabelle begrudgingly leaves to get her belongings fromher dorm room.


Isaac follows her into the hallway.

ISAACWhat's going on?

ANNABELLEI'm leaving.

Isaac is saddened by the news. Annabelle goes into her roomand comes out with a suitcase. She sees Isaac standing inthe hallway, dazed and confused. She smiles and waves herhand to him.

ANNABELLEBye...

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER

Isaac watches helplessly as Annabelle and her mom leave theschool.


James, detective Colby and a teacher stand in front of aclassroom full of students as James makes an announcement.

JAMESGood afternoon students. I amJames Hibbert, the founder of thisschool. We are gathered here todayas a result of some unusualdevelopments that have taken placehere over the past few months.

(MORE)

54 .

JAMES (CONT’D)Detective Colby wanted me topersonally come here and addressyou all about the need to bevigilant for anything suspiciousor out of the ordinary. So far wehave no proof that anyone is hurt,but we want to make sure that nomore students go missing from ourcampus and that everyone is safe.

While speaking, James continually glaces at Isaac, who issitting in the front row of the classroom. Isaac seemssomewhat unsettled by James.

JAMES (CONT'D)Detective Colby has reassured methat he is doing everything he canto find our fellow students andbring them back. From now on, wewill have a security officermonitoring the school campus atall times, 24/7. Just to make surethat everyone's safety is onehundred percent guaranteed andthat nothing bad happens. Do weunderstand?

The students nod.

INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

The young male teacher is sitting and nervously waitingwhen detective Colby walks in with a file in hand.

DETECTIVE COLBYThanks for coming here.

YOUNG MALE TEACHERYeah, no problem...

55 .

DETECTIVE COLBYThe reason why I brought you hereis because I wanted to talk to youabout several details from yourpast, concerning criminalactivity.

YOUNG MALE TEACHERSure. I have nothing to hide.

DETECTIVE COLBYWould you like to elaborate on whyyou’ve been arrested three times?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERYou know... I'm no angel.

DETECTIVE COLBYI can see that...

YOUNG MALE TEACHERI've done some things in the pastthat I'm not particularly proudof.

DETECTIVE COLBYLike..?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERDrugs, getting into fights,sometimes with strangers, othertimes with people I know. Such asmy ex-girlfriend.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat happened between you and yourex-girlfriend?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERWell... I caught her talking tosome guy on her phone and thingstook a turn for the worse. She

56 .

filed a police report and I wasarrested.

DETECTIVE COLBYDo you have any kids?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERNo. I don't. I'm not too fond ofkids.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat do you mean?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERI just don't like them.

DETECTIVE COLBYBut you're a teacher, aren't you?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERYeah. I know. That's what's soweird about it... I guess I'm okaywith them as long as they're notmine.

DETECTIVE COLBYFair enough... You're aware of theincidents that have taken place atyour workplace, correct?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERYeah. Of course. Several kids havegone missing and nobody knowstheir whereabouts.

DETECTIVE COLBYDo you?

YOUNG MALE TEACHERDo I what?

DETECTIVE COLBYKnow where they are?

57 .

YOUNG MALE TEACHEROf course not.

DETECTIVE COLBYGive me a reason why I shouldbelieve you.

YOUNG MALE TEACHERBecause I'm telling you the truth.I have nothing to do with theirdisappearance.

Detective Colby stares hard at the young man, hoping to geta confession. He gets nothing other than a blank stare inreturn.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay...


Isaac and Walton are sitting in the lounge area talkingabout recent events.

WALTONWhy are you so quiet?

ISAACI don't know. I'm sad, I guess.

WALTONBecause Annabelle left?

ISAACYeah. It feels kind of emptywithout her.

WALTONI know what you mean. At least youhave me.

Isaac smiles.

58 .

ISAACYeah. I guess you're right.

WALTONAt least for now...

ISAACWhat do you mean?

WALTONMy parents said they might alsotake me.

ISAACEveryone is leaving. Soon I'll bethe only one left.

WALTONWhat about your parents?

ISAACThey just want me to stay inschool and stay out of trouble.

INT. MANSION - BASEMENT - DAY

Margaret is snooping around and going through the clutter.She looks inside of several cardboard boxes, pulling outrandom objects, mostly broken. She notices an object burieddeep in one of the cardboard boxes. She pulls it out andrealizes it's a BLOOD STAINED SAW. The doorbell rings,causing her even more distress.

INT. MANSION - DOORWAY - CONTINUOUS

She opens the door and sees detective Colby.

DETECTIVE COLBYHello, Mrs. Hibbert. I’m here tohave a word with your husband.

MARGARETSorry. He's not here.

59 .

DETECTIVE COLBYWould you mind telling me where heis?

MARGARETI'm pretty sure he's out hunting.

DETECTIVE COLBYIs there any way that I can reachhim?

MARGARETHe turns his phone off wheneverhe's out there... I can let himknow as soon as he gets back andhe'll give you a call.

DETECTIVE COLBYGreat.

Margaret looks like she wants to say something, buthesitates. Detective Colby waits for her to let it out, butnothing comes out.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT’D)Well, have a nice day.

MARGARETYeah. You too.

Detective Colby leaves and Margaret closes the door.

EXT. ROADSIDE - MOMENTS LATER

Detective Colby parks his SUV on the side of the road nextto a densely wooded area, not too far from the mansion. Hegets out of his car and follows a trail which leads intothe woods. It is eerily quiet and nobody is around.Detective Colby walks some distance into the trail beforeturning back. As he walks, he can sense a presencefollowing him. When he turns around, there is nobody there.The presence continues as he resumes walking, gettingcloser to him.

60 .

Detective Colby draws his gun and prepares to engage. Hewalks backward toward his SUV, while pointing his gunstraight ahead. He finally reaches his SUV and gets inside,somewhat unnerved.

EXT. MANSION - DAY

James arrives at his house with a shotgun in hand. Margaretopens the door to let him in.

MARGARETWhat took you so long?

JAMESI was looking for deer. Came upempty.

MARGARETThe detective came by earlier. Hesaid he wanted to speak with you.

JAMESAbout what?

MARGARETI have no idea.


James gets into the house. He rests on the sofa andMargaret sits next to him.

MARGARETJames, there's something I need totell you.

JAMESWhat?

MARGARETYou're not gonna like it.

JAMESWell, then, don't tell me.

61 .

MARGARETNo. I have to. I've been thinkingabout it for a while.

JAMESOkay. What is it?

MARGARETI'm thinking about moving in withmy mom.

JAMESWhat?!

MARGARETMaybe we need to rethink ourlives... We haven't exactly beenseeing eye to eye lately.

JAMESAre you saying that you want toleave me?

Margaret looks at James, somewhat disappointed.

MARGARETI have been under a tremendousamount of stress, James. There arethings that I can't explain whichare causing me to have secondthoughts about our marriage.

JAMESLike what?

MARGARETLike the way you've been actinglately. The mounting legalproblems you are facing because ofthe kids that are missing. I can'thandle it, James. I don't have thestrength.

62 .

JAMESI have always been faithful toyou, Maggie.

MARGARETI know. But it's not about that.It's about our understanding ofeach other. It doesn't seem likewe have much in common anymore.

JAMESLook. I'm sorry. I'll try to fixthings. I'll try to be a betterhusband. Okay?

Margaret looks at James for a while and forces a smile. Sheneither agrees nor disagrees.

EXT. BOARDING SCHOOL - SOCCER FIELD - DAY

Students are playing soccer on a field in the back of theschool campus, an area surrounded by trees and shrubs.

The game is just finishing and the players are starting todisperse. Isaac, sweaty and worn out, chugs a bottle ofwater and sits next to Walton, who is sitting on thesidelines, not having played.

ISAACDo you remember that guy who cameinto our class?

WALTONWhich one?

ISAACThe guy who owns this place.

WALTONYeah. What about him?

63 .

ISAACI don't know... I get these weirdvibes from him.

WALTONYeah. He's kind of weird.

Someone lurks between the bushes from a distance. Theperson has a clear view of the soccer field and the kids.He focuses on Isaac and Walton.

Isaac notices kids are going back into the school and heand Walton are being left behind.

ISAACCome on. Let's go.

Isaac and Walton follow the rest of the group back into thebuilding.


Detective Colby is having a discussion with his colleague.

DETECTIVE COLBYYou know what I find odd? Nothingseems to work. They install acamera, they put in locks, theyhave a curfew. I don't know.Something doesn’t add up.

COLLEAGUEIt makes no sense...

DETECTIVE COLBYHopefully the security guard willput an end to this.

Detective Colby takes a deep breath. His colleague tosseshim a book. It is "Now or Never" by James Hibbert.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat's this?

64 .

COLLEAGUEThis is the book I've been tellingyou about. The one written by Mr.Hibbert.

Detective Colby dismissively flips through the pages.

COLLEAGUE (CONT’D)You should read it... You mightfind something.

Detective Colby looks at his colleague in bewilderment.

DETECTIVE COLBYSure. Thanks.

INT. MARRIAGE COUNSELOR'S OFFICE - DAY

James and Margaret are sitting on a couch in front of aMARRIAGE COUNSELOR, an elderly woman. They hold hands andlook at each other repeatedly as they discuss theirtroubled marriage.

MARGARETHe's been quite erratic in recentmonths.

JAMESYeah. She's absolutely right. I'vebeen doing some questionablethings.

MARRIAGE COUNSELORLike what?

JAMESLike going out in the middle ofthe night for a walk, talking tomyself... But one thing iscertain, I love my wife.

MARRIAGE COUNSELORWhat do you think is driving youto do these questionable things?

65 .

JAMESI have urges... urges that I can'tcontrol...

The counselor stares at James, wanting more detail.

JAMES (CONT'D)I need help. Which is why I agreedto come here.

MARRIAGE COUNSELORHow do you think you will overcomethese urges?

JAMESTo be honest, I don't know...

James stares at the counselor, who seems taken aback by hisdemeanor.

INT. DETECTIVE COLBY’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Detective Colby is in his office quietly reading "Now orNever". He reads a paragraph with unease.

JAMES (V.O)...When I was ten years old, I hadmy first experience with hunting.My father used to take me huntingout in the forest, where there area lot of elk. I've been a hunterever since. I remember asking myfather why we humans only eatcertain animals when there are somany to choose from. He told meit's because that's how weevolved, only to eat certain kindsof meat. I had always wonderedwhat it would be like to eatdifferent things, even humanflesh.

(MORE)

66 .

JAMES (V.O) (CONT’D)Of course, that remained only acuriosity, something I'm surewe've all had at some point. I'mpretty sure it tastes awful...


The young male teacher sits in front of James, confused andapprehensive.

JAMESMr. Sanders. I'm sorry to informyou but your position as a teacherin this school has beenterminated. We have received someinformation about your criminalhistory, which we had failed toproperly investigate and that youhad failed to disclose. We can'tafford to have you here any longerin light of all of the recentincidents regarding our kids. Ihope you don't take it personallyand I wish you a great future.

James smiles at the young man, who is staring at him indisbelief.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - DORM ROOM - NIGHT

Isaac occasionally looks out his window into the darknessas he and Walton talk about their future.

WALTONWhere do you see yourself in tenyears?

ISAACTen years from now, I see myselfgraduating college, having a houseand a wife.

67 .

WALTONThat's what everybody says.

ISAACWhat about you?

WALTONI see myself traveling the world.Going places I've never been.

As Walton speaks, Isaac is distracted by something outside.He sees a shadowy figure lurking in the trees.

ISAACShh... there's someone outside.

WALTONWhat are you talking about?

ISAACSomeone is looking at us.

WALTONYou're just seeing things.

ISAACNo. I'm serious.

Isaac looks again and the figure has disappeared.

WALTONIt's probably the security guard.

Isaac reluctantly accepts Walton's explanation. He makessure his window is closed tight shut.

INT. MANSION - DINING AREA - DAY

James and Margaret are having a discussion over breakfast.

MARGARETWhy do you have a saw in thebasement?

68 .

JAMESWhat?

MARGARETI found a saw in the basement.

JAMESYeah. I have a saw.

MARGARETWhat for?

JAMESI use it for many things.

MARGARETLike what?

JAMESLike -- don’t worry about it.

MARGARETIt had blood on it.

JAMESOkay. I use it for cutting deer.

James looks annoyed as he pours tea in his cup.

JAMES (CONT'D)Can we talk about something else?

MARGARETI mean... It's just a bit odd.That's all.

JAMESTo you, everything about me isodd. What are you doing sneakingaround in the basement anyway?

MARGARETI was cleaning.

69 .

JAMES(sarcastic)

Sure you were.

James takes a sip from his cup.

JAMES (CONT'D)I think your suspicions of me havegone too far. What do you think Iam, some kind of monster?

MARGARETI never said you were.

Margaret notices James is becoming increasingly irate.

MARGARET (CONT'D)Calm down.

JAMESYou know what? I'm done.

Margaret watches James as he angrily leaves the dining roomwithout finishing his meal. He sits on the living room sofaand turns on the TV.


Detective Colby walks into his office and hangs his coat ona rack. As he is about to sit on his chair, his colleaguewalks in.

COLLEAGUESo, did you read it?

DETECTIVE COLBYNot all of it. But I find some ofthe things he says quitedisturbing.

COLLEAGUEWhat do you mean?

70 .

DETECTIVE COLBYHe talks about having interest incannibalism. I mean, who in theirright mind says something likethat?

COLLEAGUEMaybe he's sick.

DETECTIVE COLBYI'm having second thoughts aboutthis guy.

COLLEAGUEYou think he might be involved?

DETECTIVE COLBYYou never know... I'm gonna haveto look at him more closely.


Students are in their classroom with their books open.Isaac frantically searches his backpack for his book, butcan't find it. Suddenly, he remembers something. He gets upfrom his chair and walks to his teacher.

ISAACI left my book in my room.

TEACHEROkay. Hurry up.

Isaac leaves for his room.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - HALLWAY/ DORM ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The hallway is quiet and empty. As he walks he beginshearing what sounds like footsteps. He turns around to seeif anyone is following him, but there is no one. As hestarts walking again, the footsteps start. He hurriedlyopens the door to his room, grabs his book and quicklywalks back to the classroom.

71 .

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS

Isaac walks into the classroom and finds everyone immersedin their studies. He sits in his chair and begins reading,but he can't help but wonder what it was he justexperienced.


James is quietly sitting, waiting for someone to arrive. Ashe looks around the room anxiously, detective Colby walksin.

DETECTIVE COLBYHello, James.

James looks up at the detective and smiles.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)I'm sure you're wondering why Ibrought you here. The reason why Ibrought you here is so I can askyou a few questions that have beenon my mind and get a few thingscleared up.

JAMESOkay...

DETECTIVE COLBYTo start off... tell me a fewthings about your past.

JAMESLike..?

DETECTIVE COLBYLike your childhood, yourmarriage, the places that you'vebeen... anything.

JAMESWell, I was an only child.

(MORE)

72 .

JAMES (CONT’D)My parents divorced when I was alittle boy. I was raised by myfather. My mother was analcoholic. She passed away not toolong after she and my fatherdivorced.

DETECTIVE COLBYSo, you had a rough childhood.

JAMESI guess you can say that. Myfather did the best he could toprovide for me, so I can't reallycomplain.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat about your wife?

JAMESI met my wife in college abouttwenty years ago. As soon as Ilaid my eyes on her, it was loveat first sight. I knew I was goingto marry her.

DETECTIVE COLBYAnd you've had a good life eversince?

JAMESYeah. Wonderful life.

DETECTIVE COLBYAny kids?

JAMESUnfortunately, we don't have anykids. We would love to have kids,but my wife is infertile.

73 .

DETECTIVE COLBYI'm sorry to hear... tell me a bitabout why you decided to open aschool.

JAMESThat was something me and my wifedecided recently, because of ourlove for children. Since weweren’t able to have any of ourown, we figured what better way tobe around kids than to open aschool.

DETECTIVE COLBYThat sounds reasonable. Was this aspur of the moment thing?

JAMESYeah. Pretty much. Because we wereable to afford it. We had somesuccess as a result of a book Iwrote.

DETECTIVE COLBYThat's what we'll be discussingnext. Tell me more about yourbook.

JAMESIt was something that I had alwayswanted to do, to write a book.This was my first one, actually. Inever thought it would receive thekind of attention that itultimately got, but that's howthings turned out and I'm quitepleased by it.

DETECTIVE COLBYWas this book mostly inspired byreal life events?

74 .

JAMESFor the most part, yes. I tookinspiration from my own life andthe obstacles that I had faced andhad to overcome...

DETECTIVE COLBYIn one part you talk about havinginterest in cannibalism.

James looks up at detective Colby, quite surprised.

JAMESYeah... I'm sure I might have. Italk about a lot of things in mybook.

DETECTIVE COLBYCan you elaborate more on that?

JAMESOn what?

DETECTIVE COLBYOn your fascination with eatinghuman flesh.

JAMESThere's really not much to talkabout. It was all just words.That's all it was. We all havecuriosities, don't we?

DETECTIVE COLBYIs it like some kind of fetishthat you have?

JAMESNo. Absolutely not. Like I said,it was something I was merelycurious about. Nothing more,Nothing less.

75 .

DETECTIVE COLBYYou must admit it's quite astrange curiosity to have.

JAMESI guess you can say that. We allhave different opinions on what isnormal and what is strange.

Detective Colby looks at James for a long time.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay. Mr. Hibbert. Thank you foryour time. I appreciate you comingin.

JAMESYeah. Anything. As long as ithelps to catch the real killer.

James realizes he had slipped. Detective Colby looks at himwith alarm.

DETECTIVE COLBYExcuse me?

JAMESI mean, as long as it helps tosolve this case.

DETECTIVE COLBYYou said "as long as it helps tocatch the real killer." Can youexplain that to me?

JAMESI made a mistake... Sorry, I gottago.

James abruptly walks out of the interrogation room.Detective Colby watches him as he leaves, highlysuspicious.

76 .

EXT. MANSION - DAY

Margaret is watering the grass in the front yard. The waterexposes a small SHALLOW GRAVE hidden beneath some leavesand grass. She clears the area and digs up the dirt. Shecan see what appears to be a HUMAN SKULL buried in theground. Startled, she stumbles backwards, almost fallingover. She quickly puts the dirt back on the skull to coverit and puts it back as it was.


Isaac is playing pool with a couple of kids when he seesWalton come to the lounge area and sit on the couch. Hestops playing and goes over to him.

ISAACHey. Were you following meearlier?

WALTONNo... why?

ISAACThere was someone following me inthe hallway.

WALTONHere we go again...

ISAACI'm not kidding. I heardfootsteps.

WALTONYou're always being paranoid. It'sbecause of what happened to thosekids.

ISAACI don't know... I could've sworn Iheard footsteps following me...

77 .

WALTONCome on. Don't be scared. You'renot a little kid anymore.

Unsure of what to believe, Isaac looks around the building,suspicious of everyone around him.

EXT. ROADSIDE - NIGHT

A black SUV with its headlights off creeps toward themansion and parks at a distance. Inside is detective Colby.He looks into the building with binoculars. Behind thewindow curtain, he could see two figures moving inside thelit bedroom. He focuses his attention on James' parked carand notices there is no one inside. He puts his binocularsdown and decides to rest. Just as he begins to recline hisseat, he sees James coming out of the house. He waits untilJames gets into his car and quickly drives away, hidingbehind a street corner. James drives past him withouthaving noticed his presence and detective Colby follows hiscar.

INT. SUV - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby follows James along a long winding road toa local store. He parks his car at a distance and beginstaking photographs of James going in and out of the store.James gets back into his car and begins driving, headingback to his house. Detective Colby follows him for a whilethen turns back.

INT. MANSION - DAY

James wakes up to the sound of zippers being closed. Heclears his eyes and notices Margaret walking back and forthin the bedroom packing her belongings. He is surprised andconfused.

JAMESWhat's going on?

MARGARETI'm leaving.

78 .

JAMESWhat do you mean you're leaving?

MARGARETI'm done. I'm going to my mom's.

JAMESYou can't be serious.

MARGARETI'm serious. We've had our fun.Now it's time for me to move on.

James can't believe what he's hearing. He staggers out ofbed.

JAMESWhat is this all about?

MARGARETWe've already talked about this,James. We have grown apart andit's time that we go our separateways. You have a lot of thingsplanned, I'm sure. So, work onthem.

JAMESWhat can I do in order for you tostay?

MARGARETThere's nothing you can do toconvince me. I have already madeup my mind.

Margaret looks out the window and sees her ridesharing cararriving. She smiles at James and leaves the room with herbags, one on her shoulder, and one pulled.

INT. MANSION - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

James follows her into the hallway, pleading for her tostay.

79 .

JAMESWhat about our future? The school,the cruise...

MARGARETWhat about them? You can findsomeone to do these things with.But it's not gonna be me.

EXT. MANSION - DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS

James follows her outside as she greets her driver andbegins loading her bags into the car.

JAMESYou can't be doing this, Maggie. Ilove you. What have I done to you?

MARGARETNothing. You've done nothing tome.

Margaret gets into the back seat of the car.

MARGARETSo long James. I hope you'll havea great life.

She gives James one last smile and closes the door. Jameswatches in disbelief as the car drives away.


Detective Colby speaks with the school SECURITY GUARD.

DETECTIVE COLBYAnything unusual so far?

SECURITY GUARDNothing so far...

DETECTIVE COLBYHow are the cameras?

80 .

SECURITY GUARDThey're working.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat about the alarm?

SECURITY GUARDWe tested it yesterday andeverything is fine.

DETECTIVE COLBYWould you mind showing me?

SECURITY GUARDSure. Follow me.

Detective Colby follows the security guard to a monitorscreen at the reception desk. The screen shows surveillancefootage covering all corners of the school campus, insideand outside.

SECURITY GUARDWait here and look at the screen.

The security guard walks to the main door and opens it,causing RED FLASHING LIGHT TO BLINK ON THE MONITOR and ABEEPING SOUND TO GO OFF. The detective is quite impressed.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay. Well, be ready for anything.We might see some action soon.

Isaac and Walton are in the lounge area not too far fromthe detective. Isaac looks over and notices the detectivetalking with the security guard.

ISAACI wonder if I should tell thedetective about what happened.

WALTONWhat are you gonna say to him?

81 .

ISAACHe asked me if I thought anybodywas acting strange. I definitelythink that James guy is strange.Maybe he was the one following me.

WALTONYou really think that?

ISAACI don't know... It could be him.

WALTONWell then, go tell him.

ISAACWhat if he doesn't believe me?

WALTONWho cares? He's a detective. He'llfigure it out.

Isaac thinks for a moment and decides to tell. But when heturns, he realizes the detective has already left thebuilding and is heading to a car, where his colleague iswaiting for him. Isaac runs to the exit in order to catchup to him.


By the time Isaac is outside, detective Colby has gotteninto the passenger seat of the car and has closed the door.

ISAAC(yells)

Wait!

INT. CAR - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby is unable to hear Isaac as the car engineroars.

82 .

EXT.BOARDING SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS

Isaac attempts to catch the detective's attention by wavinghis arms.


Just as detective Colby turns his head, his colleague’shead blocks his view, preventing him from seeing Isaac.


The car drives away and Isaac is left disappointed.

INT. JAMES’ CAR - DAY

James frantically drives his car while calling a number onhis phone.

INT. AIRPORT - CONTINUOUS

Margaret’s phone VIBRATES continuously. The call is fromJames. She ignores the call and smiles at the woman sittingnext to her.

EXT. AIRPORT - CONTINUOUS

James arrives at the airport entrance, still callingMargaret.

INT. AIRPORT - CHECKPOINT - CONTINUOUS

Margaret puts her small belongings on a conveyor belt,including her phone. CLOSE ON the phone as it constantlyvibrates and the caller is James.

INT. AIRPORT - CONTINUOUS

James runs into the airport and looks for Margaret. Just ashe reaches the checkpoint area, she has passed through andis boarding the flight. Disappointed, he turns and noticesa man watching him, while pretending to be waiting for aflight. James exits the airport.

83 .

INT. JAMES’ CAR - MOMENTS LATER

James is driving back to his house. He notices in therear-view mirror a car following him.


Isaac and Walton are talking to each other before they goto sleep.

ISAACI want you to do me a favor.

Walton turns to look at Issac.

ISAAC (CONT'D)If something happens to me, I wantyou to give this to Annabelle.

Isaac hands Walton a small ENVELOPE.

WALTONIf something happens to you?

ISAACYeah. Like if I were to gomissing...

WALTONWhy do you keep saying that?Nothing is gonna happen.

ISAACJust do me this favor, okay?

Walton reluctantly puts the envelope in his backpack.

EXT. MANSION - NIGHT

Detective Colby’s SUV is parked outside of the mansion,just out of view. He uses his binoculars to look into thehouse, and the activities taking place. He can make out afigure behind the window curtain moving around.

84 .


Detective Colby's colleague’s phone rings and he answers.He is parked at a corner with a clear view of the schoolcampus.

DETECTIVE COLBY’S VOICEI can see him inside. What haveyou got?

COLLEAGUENothing.


Detective Colby speaks on his phone while looking insidethe mansion.

DETECTIVE COLBYI'll wait here for a while...He'll probably come out.


The security guard is sitting at the front desk eating anapple and looking at the monitor containing securityfootage of the school campus. Suddenly, the PHONE RINGS. Heignores the call and lets it ring. The phone rings again.Frustrated, he picks it up.

SECURITY GUARDHello?

There is no one on the other end. Only a dial tone.

CLOSE-UP. MONITOR

While the security guard is on the phone, we see a shadowyfigure in dark clothes RUN PAST the view of the securitycamera.

85 .


Detective Colby's colleague sees a car approaching with itsheadlights glaring. He immediately calls detective Colby.


Detective Colby’s phone vibrates and he answers.

COLLEAGUE’S VOICEI think we have something.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat do you see?

COLLEAGUE’S VOICEA car...


The car parks on the school's driveway.


The security guard is looking at the car in his monitorwith suspicion. He hears the LOUD HOKING OF A HORN. Thehonking REPEATS FIVE TIMES. The security guard finally getsup to find out what's going on.

CLOSE-UP. MONITOR

On the screen we see red light flashing repeatedly and wehear a continuous beep, indicating someone has gotten intothe building.


Walton clears his eyes and gets up from his bed. He noticesIsaac is sound asleep. He slowly exits his room.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

After locking the door, Walton walks down the hallway andgoes into a restroom.

86 .


Isaac is laying in his bed asleep. He tosses back andforth, in a state of REM sleep. We hear footstepsapproaching in the hallway. We don't know if it's Walton’sor someone else’s. Isaac also seemingly hears the footstepsin his sleep.


A gloved hand INSERTS a key into a door lock, unlocks itand pushes the door open.


Isaac abruptly AWAKENS from his sleep, LOOKS at the opendoor and sees a frightening figure whose face is hidden inshadow standing there. Paralyzed with fear, he is unable tomove. The frightening figure walks toward him menacingly.

EXT. ROADSIDE - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby's colleague exits his car and runs over tothe honking car, just as the security guard is making hisway to the same place. They both converge on the same spot,where they confront the driver of the car. DetectiveColby's colleague knocks on the car’s window. The driverrolls down his window and we see a YOUNG MAN who seems outof place.


Several police cars are parked throughout the schoolcampus.


Detective Colby speaks with Walton.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat happened last night?

87 .

WALTONI went to the bathroom and when Icame back the door was opened andIsaac wasn't there.

DETECTIVE COLBYDid you lock the door when youleft?

WALTONYeah... I always make sure to lockthe door.

DETECTIVE COLBYDid he say anything before he wentmissing?

WALTONYeah. He said that someone wasfollowing him in the hallway. Itold him he's just being paranoid.But now I realize he was probablytelling the truth.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhen did he tell you that?

WALTONA few days ago. He said that hefeels like something might happento him. He told me if anythinghappened, to give this toAnnabelle.

Walton shows detective Colby the envelope Isaac had givenhim.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay. And who's Annabelle?

88 .

WALTONShe used to be a student here. Buther parents took her away.

DETECTIVE COLBYDo you know why?

WALTONBecause of the incidents. Theywere worried for her. My parentssaid they'll come take me, too.Especially after what happenedlast night.

Detective Colby walks over to the security guard at thefront desk.

DETECTIVE COLBYSo, what went wrong?

SECURITY GUARDI really don't know... I'm stilltrying to figure that out...

DETECTIVE COLBYWere you being vigilant?

SECURITY GUARDYes. I was. But there were asequence of really bizarreincidents that totally distractedme from doing my job. Inhindsight, I understand those wereprobably meant to throw me off...

DETECTIVE COLBYTell me, what happened exactly?

SECURITY GUARDAround midnight I was sitting atmy desk, watching the monitor.

(MORE)

89 .

SECURITY GUARD (CONT’D)Looking for any suspiciousactivity. Then out of nowhere thephone rings. Twice. The first timeI ignored it. The second time Ianswered, because I felt like itwas going to keep ringing. That'swhen I took my eye off the ball.

(pause)Then, a car started honking itshorn, repeatedly. So I went overto check what's going on. I assumethat's when the intruder came in.

The security guard looks down in shame and embarrassment.

SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D)I'm really disappointed in myself.I should've done a better joblooking out for these kids...


The driver of the car from the night before is sitting infront of detective Colby and his colleague. He is in hislate teens with long hair and baggy clothes.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhy were you at the school lastnight?

YOUNG MANI received a call. Someone waslooking for a ride.

DETECTIVE COLBYA ridesharing app?

YOUNG MANYeah. I work part time as adriver.

90 .

DETECTIVE COLBYSo, you received a call and whathappened?

YOUNG MANI was given instruction to come tothe school, park my car and honkthe horn five times. The persontold me he will come out as soonas he hears that and I would givehim a ride home. He said that heworks at the school and he doesn'thave a phone, so he was usingsomeone else's phone. I waswondering why so late, but Ifigured it's a boarding school. SoI guess it made sense.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay. And do you mind if I take alook at your phone?

YOUNG MANNo problem.

The young man hands detective Colby his phone. DetectiveColby hands it to his colleague.

YOUNG MANAm I free to leave?

DETECTIVE COLBYYeah. You're free to leave. Wewill take a look at your phone andreturn it to you as soon aspossible.

YOUNG MANGreat...

The young man eagerly gets up and leaves.

91 .

INT. DETECTIVE COLBY’S OFFICE - LATER

Detective Colby is flipping through paperwork when hiscolleague comes in with some news. He hands him the cellphone the young man had given them.

COLLEAGUEHe used a burner phone. No callerID.

DETECTIVE COLBYI figured... Who do you think itcould be?

COLLEAGUEIt has to be someone who knows theins and outs of that place. Heknew about the security guard, thecameras... to be perfectly honest,all fingers are pointing to Mr.Hibbert.

Detective Colby is skeptical.

DETECTIVE COLBYIt can't be him. I was there athis house watching him. How couldhe be at two places at once? Itdoesn't make sense.

COLLEAGUEWell... whoever it was had apretty damn good idea of what thehell he was doing. He did it rightunder our nose.

DETECTIVE COLBY(snickers)

Yeah. It's embarrassing... we haveto get this guy, one way oranother. Otherwise, he's nevergonna stop.

92 .


James is having a meeting with the school staff. Alsopresent is a police officer.

JAMESThe reason why we are gatheredhere today is because there havebeen new developments concerningour school. The school board hasdecided to suspend my certificateto operate this school, as aresult of the things that havetaken place, for which I take fullresponsibility. It is unfortunate,but we must accept their decision.I have been told that this schoolwill no longer be operationalafter the end of the school year.I encourage all of you to look fornew employment opportunities...


Unbeknownst to the people in the conference room, Walton islistening in from outside through the open door.

JAMES (CONT’D) (O.S.)I have had a wonderful time withyou all and I hope you have aswell. Anybody wishing to leavebefore the end of your tenure, youare free to do so. Thank you allvery much.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

As James is about to leave the meeting room, Walton walksin and confronts him.

WALTONDid you take my friend?

93 .

James stares at Walton. There is awkward silence aseveryone in the room anticipates a response from James. Youcould hear a pin drop.

JAMESAhh... no. I did not.

James takes one last glance at the crowd and forces asmile.

JAMES (CONT'D)Excuse me.

James abruptly brushes past Walton and walks out of theroom.

EXT. ROADSIDE/ MANSION - NIGHT

Detective Colby's SUV pulls in on the side of the road,close to the mansion. He gets out of the vehicle andquietly walks over to the house. He looks to see if thereis anyone in the house and doesn't notice any movement. Allthe lights are turned off. He walks around the mansion tothe backyard.

EXT. MANSION - BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS

He notices a BACKDOOR and a pathway leading out of theproperty and onto a road. Suddenly, he hears commotioncoming from inside the house. He is on high alert andprepares to draw his gun.

INT. MANSION - BASEMENT - CONTINUOUS

James is scrubbing blood stains off the floor. He isexhausted and periodically wipes sweat off his face. Hestands up and checks from a distance whether or not anyblood could be seen. A door ring disturbs and startles him.


Detective Colby is outside the door, waiting for someone toopen it. James opens the door. Detective Colby immediatelynotices a blood stain on James' shirt.

94 .

JAMESDetective. What are you doing hereso late?

DETECTIVE COLBYI just wanted to check up on you.See how you're doing. You're notin trouble.

JAMESOkay. Good.

DETECTIVE COLBYI have a few questions regardingthe incident last night. As youmight know, yet another kid hasgone missing.

JAMESYeah. I know. It's unfortunate.Now they're taking away my licenseas a result.

Detective Colby notices James' heavy breathing.

DETECTIVE COLBYHave you been working out?

JAMESYeah. I was. Gotta stay in shape,right?

DETECTIVE COLBYRight... Would you mind telling mewhere you were last night?

JAMESI was here.

DETECTIVE COLBYAre you sure about that?

95 .

JAMESOf course I am. I was watching TV.I can even tell you what show Iwas watching.

DETECTIVE COLBYNo. That's fine.

(pause)I noticed you have a backdoor inthis house.

JAMESThere's a backdoor, yes. Buthardly anyone ever uses it. Ialways use the front door wheneverI go out.

Skeptical, Detective Colby points to the bloodstain onJames' shirt.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat's that on your shirt?

James looks down on his shirt.

JAMESIt's blood...

Detective Colby looks at him with alarm.

JAMES (CONT'D)Don't worry. It's not human blood.It's from a deer. As you know, I'man avid hunter.

DETECTIVE COLBYWould you mind if I come inside?

JAMESWhat for? You don't have a searchwarrant, do you?

96 .

DETECTIVE COLBYThis tells me you have somethingto hide, Mr. Hibbret. Are youaware of that?

James is becoming slightly irritated, although he tries tohide it.

JAMESI don't have anything to hide. Ijust don't want anyone coming intomy house this late.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay... I will leave you alone.

JAMESThank you. I would appreciatethat.

DETECTIVE COLBYHave a good night.

JAMESYeah. You too.

James closes the door. Detective Colby hears the loud clickof the door being locked.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY

Margaret is sitting on a bed alone. A cell phone is layingnext to her. She looks at the phone and contemplates.Finally, she picks it up and dials a number.


Detective Colby is analyzing the surveillance footagecontaining the dark figure running past the camera, pausingand replaying repeatedly. His phone vibrates and heanswers. He continues to look at the video closely while hespeaks.

97 .

DETECTIVE COLBYHello?

MARGARET‘S VOICEHello, detective. This isMargaret. James' wife.

DETECTIVE COLBYGood morning Margaret. How do youdo?

INT. HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

MARGARETI'm doing fine... Listen,detective. There's something I'vebeen meaning to tell you for awhile...


The detective listens with heightened interest.

MARGARET’S VOICEIt's about my husband...

DETECTIVE COLBYSure...

MARGARET’S VOICEI think you oughta look into himmore, concerning the missingchildren.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat do you mean?

INT. HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

MARGARETHe's been acting really bizarreever since he opened that school,and it's hard for me to say he hasnothing to do with those kids'disappearance.

98 .


DETECTIVE COLBYOkay...

MARGARET’S VOICEI won't go into further detail.But, go look in the front yard ofthe mansion and you'll findsomething quite disturbing...

A long silence follows.

MARGARET’S VOICE (CONT'D)I'm not a scientist or adetective, but I'm pretty sureit's not supposed to be there.

DETECTIVE COLBYWould you mind telling me --

Before he could finish, Margaret hangs up. The detectivethinks to himself for a while about the strange phone call.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - DORM ROOM - DAY

Walton is in his room packing his bags.


The receptionist receives a phone call. She answers it andrepeatedly nods her head.

RECEPTIONISTOkay... I'll let him know.

She hangs up the phone and leaves the front desk.


She walks up the stairs and into the hallway, toward theboys' rooms. She knocks on Walton's door and he opens it.

99 .

RECEPTIONISTWalton, your parents just called.They wanted to let you knowthey'll be running late. Theywon't be coming to take you today,but they'll be here before theweek is through.

Walton looks at the receptionist somewhat disappointed.


There are noticeably fewer students in the classroom andhalf the chairs are empty. Walton, along with the rest ofthe students, listens to the teacher as she finishes herlecture. She glances at the clock.

FEMALE TEACHEROkay, guys. Don't forget to doyour homework and stay out oftrouble. Have a wonderful day.

The students disperse from the classroom.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER

Walton rests on a couch by himself. He is alone with nobodyto talk to.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

James is out in the woods hunting. He spots a deer andquietly stalks it. As he aims and shoots, the shotgunEXPLODES in his hands. He lunges backwards in pain.

JAMESDammit!

He can't believe what just happened. He pauses for a momentto think about his next move.

EXT. GUN STORE - LATER

James pulls into a gun store parking lot and walks inside.

100 .

INT. GUN STORE - CONTINUOUS

A collection of firearms fill the wall and the front glassprotected display case. The GUN STORE OWNER welcomes himwith a smile. A YOUNG MAN is with him, most likely his son.

GUN STORE OWNERHi. What can I do for you?

JAMESI'm looking for a shotgun...

GUN STORE OWNERWhat kind?

JAMESAny kind. For hunting. My last onebroke.

GUN STORE OWNEROkay. Do you have an ID on you?

JAMESYeah...

James pulls out his ID from his wallet and slides it on thecounter. The gun store owner takes a look at the ID. Hethen gives James a form to fill out.

GUN STORE OWNERGo ahead and fill this out please.

James promptly begins filling out the form. He quicklyfinishes and hands it back to the gun store owner. The gunstore owner retreats to the backroom with the form. Theyoung man remains to keep an eye on James, smiling at himoccasionally. James smiles back. The gun store ownerquickly returns.

GUN STORE OWNERSorry. No good.

JAMESWhat?

101 .

GUN STORE OWNERYou failed the background check.

JAMESYou’re kidding. There's gotta be amistake.

GUN STORE OWNERNo. It says that you have beenadmitted for psychiatrictreatment, I believe five yearsago.

James looks at the gun store owner, frustrated.

GUN STORE OWNER (CONT'D)That's the rule... We're notallowed to sell to people who haveany mental conditions.

James is very disappointed by the news, but manages to keephis cool.

JAMESThanks for your time.

GUN STORE OWNERYou're welcome.

James storms out of the gun store. The gun store owner andthe young man watch him from their store as he drives awayat full throttle.

EXT. MANSION - MOMENTS LATER

James arrives at his mansion to find several police carsand SUVs parked in his driveway, among which is detectiveColby's. There are a number of police officers surroundingthe premises, coming in and out of his house. He rushes outof his car to confront them. He spots detective Colby andimmediately goes to him.

102 .

JAMESWhat are you doing? What the hellis this?

DETECTIVE COLBYMr. Hibbert. I hate to inform you,but we're obliged to conduct asearch on your property.

JAMES(furious)

You can't do this! You have noright!

Detective Colby raises a search warrant for James to see.

DETECTIVE COLBYLike you said, if you have nothingto hide, there's no reason for youto worry. Is there?

JAMESOf course not. Go ahead. Search.Go through everything. Search mycloset, my basement. Searcheverywhere.

DETECTIVE COLBYThat's exactly what we came hereto do. Now, will you allow us todo our job?

James smirks at the detective and goes back into his car,driving away furiously.

INT. MANSION - MOMENTS LATER

Detective Colby and several officers go through the house,opening drawers and checking in closets. An investigatordownloads James' computer files onto a hard drive.

103 .

INT. MANSION - BASEMENT - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby detects a foul odor. He points hisflashlight at the source of the smell, hoping to findsomething. He focuses on what looks like a dark plasticcontainer. Unable to see what's inside, he lifts the lidand realizes it is filled with rotten food. Flies come outand the putrid smell keeps him from looking any closer. Hequickly closes back the lid.


Detective Colby walks outside and sees his colleague.

COLLEAGUEFind anything?

DETECTIVE COLBYJust rotten food...

Detective Colby focuses his attention on the front yard. Helooks around the area for a sign of anything suspicious. Henotices a spot where a hole has been dug. He removes theleaves and grass covering it, and scoops up the dirt,expecting to find something buried. He finds nothing.Disappointed, he turns to his colleague.

DETECTIVE COLBYYou know, I'm starting to think wemight have the wrong guy.

He watches as other officers bring out evidence from themansion and take them to their cars. He dusts the dirt offhis hands and looks at his colleague. His colleague looksequally baffled and uncertain.


Walton is alone in his room listening to his digitaldevice. He gradually lowers the volume on his device andlistens to a sound coming from outside. He can make out thesound of footsteps, getting closer and closer. His heart

104 .

begins to beat faster and he is petrified. He waits andstares at the doorknob.

He sees the door handle turn and the door opens. To hisrelief, it is the security guard.

SECURITY GUARDHey, Walton. Just checking up onyou. Are you doing okay?

WALTONYeah. I'm fine.

SECURITY GUARDOkay... Let me know if there's anyproblem.

WALTONYeah. I will. Thanks.

The security guard closes the door and locks it. Waltonbreathes a sigh of relief and goes back to listening to hisdevice.


Detective Colby is waiting for the security guard at thefront desk with a pair of headphones on. The phone on thefront desk is connected to a recording adapter, which isconnected to detective Colby's headphones, allowing him tolisten to a phone conversation, as well as to record it.

The phone rings. Detective Colby gives the security guard asignal to answer it and listens in. The security guardpicks up the phone.

SECURITY GUARD(into phone)

Hello?

All that can be heard is heavy breathing.

SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D)Hello?

105 .

A brief silence then the person hangs up. Detective Colbyand the security guard both look at each other, baffled.


Detective Colby’s colleague scrolls down a web page lookingat a call detail record between the school and theanonymous caller. He has a frustrated look on his face. Heturns to detective Colby.

COLLEAGUEIt's the same guy again. He used aburner phone. He must've realizedwe were listening in, so he hungup.

DETECTIVE COLBYHow can he know that?

COLLEAGUEHe probably heard a click...

Detective Colby lets out a sigh and scratches his head,disappointed and confused.

COLLEAGUE (CONT'D)The most important thing is hedidn't take anyone... I think wecan be happy about that...

DETECTIVE COLBYAll the kids are leaving anyway.They're shutting that place downfor good. Thank god.

Brief silence.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)Speaking of which, I think weoughta speak to that disabled kid.He said he was leaving soon. He'sthe closest thing we have to aneyewitness.

106 .

COLLEAGUEYou're talking about the blindkid?

DETECTIVE COLBYVisually impaired.

COLLEAGUERight... Well, let's go talk tohim.

Detective Colby and his colleague put on their coats andleave the office.


Class is over and students are packing their bags. Waltonzips his backpack and walks out of class.


He arrives at the lounge area and sits on a couch.

The phone rings at the front desk and the receptionistanswers. She repeatedly looks at Walton while she talks onthe phone.

RECEPTIONISTYeah, he's here... Okay. I'll lethim know. No problem.

She hangs up the phone and walks directly to Walton.

RECEPTIONISTWalton, your parents just called.They said a ride is waiting foryou outside.

Walton thinks for a while. Finally, he gets up and leavesfor his room.

INT. BOARDING SCHOOL - DORM ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Walton packs his belongings, his backpack and a suitcase.

107 .

He takes a look at the envelope that Isaac had given himand puts it back in his bag. He almost forgets his digitalbook reading device, but remembers it and also puts it inhis backpack. He leaves his dorm room for the last time andlocks the door.


Walton hands the receptionist the key to his room.

WALTONGoodbye...

The receptionist smiles.

RECEPTIONISTOkay... take care.

WALTONTell Ms. Einhorn I said bye.

RECEPTIONISTOkay, I will...

The receptionist watches Walton as he walks out of theschool building.


In the driveway, Walton sees a BLUE CAR parked in reversewith one of its back doors open. He walks to the car andpeers inside. A hand gestures for him to get in. He throwshis bags into the car and gets in the back seat. The cardrives away.


Detective Colby and his colleague pull into the schoolcampus just as the mysterious blue car leaves. DetectiveColby catches a glimpse of the car, but doesn't think muchof it. Detective Colby and his colleague exit the SUV andhead into the school building.

108 .


Detective Colby and his colleague approach thereceptionist.

DETECTIVE COLBYHi. We're here to speak with oneof your students. Walton, Ibelieve is his name.

RECEPTIONISTHe actually just left.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhere did he go?

RECEPTIONISTHe's going with his parents.

Detective Colby appears disappointed.

DETECTIVE COLBYCrap...

He thinks for a while and a grave realization comes to hismind.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)What number did his parents callfrom?

The receptionist looks at the call history on the phone.

RECEPTIONISTI don't know... It doesn't say.

Detective Colby and his colleague look at each other withtrepidation.

DETECTIVE COLBYDo you know what kind of car itwas?

109 .

RECEPTIONISTNo... I didn't have a chance tolook at it.

Without further delay detective Colby and his colleagueRUSH out of the school.


Detective Colby and his colleague get into their SUV andquickly fasten their seatbelts. Detective Colby is driving.

DETECTIVE COLBYIt's the car that drove away. Thatwas him.

Detective Colby and his colleague peel out of the schoolcampus.

INT. BLUE CAR - CONTINUOUS

Walton is in the back seat listening to his digital device.He looks out the window at the scenery, mostly forests. Heoccasionally looks at the driver. We can see the driver'seyes looking at Walton through the rear-view mirror, butnever speaks to him or turns around to look at him. Theride is quiet and eerie.


Detective Colby and his colleague try to figure out whichway the car went.

DETECTIVE COLBY(points to direction)

He had to have gone this way. He'staking him to the forest.

They make a turn leading to a long winding road through aforest. They run red lights and almost get into a wreck asthey speed past an intersection.

110 .

INT. BLUE CAR - CONTINUOUS

Walton looks out the window. It is getting dark and he seesno sign of civilization. He is becoming a bit worried.

WALTONAre we going to the airport?

The driver slowly nods his head without saying a word.

WALTON (CONT’D)This doesn't look like the way tothe airport...

He gets no response from the driver. He puts his digitaldevice back on and continues to listen.


Detective Colby and his colleague reach a dead end. Theylook lost and confused. They turn around and begin drivingin the opposite direction.

DETECTIVE COLBYIf this kid dies, we're the onesto blame.

COLLEAGUE(points to direction)

Try going this way.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhy would he go there?

COLLEAGUEBecause there’s an abandonedfactory.

DETECTIVE COLBYLet’s face it. We have no ideawhere he is. I don't think we'llfind him.

111 .

COLLEAGUEThe kid doesn't have a phone?

DETECTIVE COLBYNot that I know of.

COLLEAGUEMaybe we should call for backup.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat good is that gonna do? Ididn't run his plate.

INT. BLUE CAR - NIGHT

The car slowly comes to a halt on a gravel road in aSECLUDED AREA. Walton is utterly confused by what'shappening.

WALTONWhere are we?

He waits for an answer. Finally, the driver, whose face ishidden in the shadow, begins to turn his head toward him.The look on Walton’s face is that of sheer terror.

INT. SUV - LATER

As detective Colby and his colleague are driving, they spottire tracks leading into a secluded wooded area on a gravelroad. They make a turn following the tire tracks.

EXT. SECLUDED AREA - MOMENTS LATER

Detective Colby and his colleague pull into the area wherethe blue car is parked, with the driver door and backpassenger door both opened. They slowly approach thevehicle and exit their SUV. They search inside the car andfind a backpack and a suitcase left in the back seat.Detective Colby and his colleague both realize they havearrived too late.

112 .

EXT. SECLUDED AREA - DAY

Crime scene investigators surround the car and police tapeencircles the crime scene. Investigators dust the car forfingerprints. Detective Colby unzips the backpack and takesout the envelope Walton had shown him. He takes theenvelope to his SUV and gives the backpack to one of hiscolleagues. A tow truck arrives on the scene and operatorsbegin the process of impounding the car. Detective Colbywatches as the car is loaded onto the tow truck and drivenaway. His colleague approaches him.

COLLEAGUEThe car was purchased just a fewdays ago. We know the owner, wherehe lives. But apparently it wassold to a random individual. Nopaperwork or anything.

EXT. DRIVEWAY - LATER

Detective Colby and his colleague pull into the driveway ofa small and dilapidated house. They knock on the door andare welcomed by a middle-aged MAN who is missing half histeeth and wearing dirty clothes. Detective Colby flasheshim his badge.

DETECTIVE COLBYHello. We wanted to ask you somequestions about a car whichbelonged to you.

MANOh, yes. Please, come in.

INT. HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby and his colleague enter the house. Theplace is very dirty and unkempt. Beer bottles everywhere,trash and cigarette butts. The carpet is dirty.

113 .

Detective Colby looks at the couch and notices it is filledwith stains. He hesitates to sit down, but does so anyway,next to the man. His colleague chooses to remain standing.

MANWhat can I do for you fellas?

DETECTIVE COLBYWe wanted some information on thecar that you sold and the personyou sold it to.

MANRight. I sold the car two days agofor five grand. I was reallyrunning short on cash. I had noother choice...

DETECTIVE COLBYDo you know anything about theperson you sold it to?

MANOther than the fact it was a man,no. I never even looked at theguy. My brother is the one whosold it to him, but he ain’t hereright now.

DETECTIVE COLBYSo you don't know anything aboutthe guy?

MANNo. Absolutely nothing. Like Isaid, I really needed some cash. Iposted the car online. I got areply. We arranged a meeting. Hecame and bought it. He paid cash.It's as simple as that.

114 .

DETECTIVE COLBYDo you know what the man soundslike?

MANNo. I never talked to the guy. Mybrother did...

Detective Colby and his colleague look at each other withfrustration.

DETECTIVE COLBYIs there anything you can tell usabout the man who bought the car?

MANAll that I can tell you fellas isthat he also bought a shovel.

Detective Colby's and his colleauge's attention heightens.They look at each other.

MAN (CONT'D)He saw a shovel laying around inthe front yard and apparently hehad taken a liking to the damnthing. He paid ten dollars for itand left.

CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST - DAY

James is in the woods digging a hole with a shovel. We cansee his mansion in the background, hidden behind the trees.After digging a sizable hole, he wipes sweat off hisforehead, drops the shovel and walks away.


He opens his car and pulls out a gas can and a garbage bagfull of clothes. He tightens the bag and returns to thewoods.

115 .

EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS

He tosses the bag in the hole he dug, pours gasoline overit, lights a match and burns it.

EXT. MANSION - DAY

Detective Colby and his colleague quickly pull into themansion driveway and rush to the door. Before they couldring the doorbell, James opens the door, neatly dressed andwith a smile on his face.

JAMESGood afternoon, officers. Whatseems to be the problem?

DETECTIVE COLBYAre you aware of what had takenplace last night, concerninganother one of your students?

JAMESNo. Actually, I'm not. I'm nolonger involved in the day-to-dayoperations of the school. As youknow, my license has beensuspended. As far as I'mconcerned, that is no longer myproblem.

DETECTIVE COLBYWhat if we told you that we haveprobable reason to believe youwere involved in last night'skidnapping?

JAMESI would tell you that you'recrazy.

DETECTIVE COLBYWould you mind if we take a lookinside your car?

116 .

JAMESGo right ahead. You're not gonnafind anything.

James follows the officers as they walk to his car andbegin searching.

JAMES (CONT'D)You looked all over my house andnever found a thing. What makesyou think you'll be lucky thistime, huh?

Detective Colby searches the vehicle while his colleaguekeeps an eye on James. Detective Colby searches under theseats, in the trunk and various places, but doesn't findany incriminating evidence. He and his colleague look ateach other.

DETECTIVE COLBYLet's book him.

Detective Colby's colleague takes out a pair of handcuffsfrom his pocket and quickly places them on James' wrists.

COLLEAGUEYou're under arrest. Anything yousay can and will be used againstyou.

James is beside himself as he is being handcuffed.

JAMESWhat are you doing?

Detective Colby and his colleague forcibly drag James andthrow him in the back of their SUV, kicking and screaming.

JAMES (CONT’D)You can't do this! I've donenothing wrong! You have noevidence against me! None!

117 .

INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Detective Colby and his colleague bring James into aninterrogation room and uncuff him. He grabs a chair andthey sit in front of him.

DETECTIVE COLBYOkay. Mr. Hibbert. We can do thisthe easy way or the hard way.Either you consent to us swabbingyou for DNA or we will get a courtorder.

James, frustrated, relents.

JAMESDo whatever you want.

DETECTIVE COLBYI want to remind you that you havethe right to have a lawyer presentduring this time.

James leans into detective Colby, indignant.

JAMESI don't need a lawyer. I'm notguilty of what you're accusing meof.

DETECTIVE COLBYVery well, then...

Detective Colby takes a small cotton swab and rubs it inJames' mouth. He then puts the swab in a plastic bag.Detective Colby and his colleague momentarily leave theroom.

INT. POLICE STATION - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

DETECTIVE COLBYI'm gonna go back to his house andlook for more evidence.

(MORE)

118 .

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT’D)You stay here and interrogate him.Make sure to bring up the shovel.Ask him where he put it. Lie ifyou have to.

INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby's colleague comes back into theinterrogation room and sits in front of James

COLLEAGUEOkay. So, tell me the truth,James. What happened?

JAMESWhat truth? I haven’t doneanything wrong. I am notresponsible for what happened tothose kids, period!

COLLEAGUEThis is going to be a long day...

JAMESWe can be here all day. It's notgoing to change anything. I'mcompletely innocent.

COLLEAGUEWe know what you did, James. Weknow about the car you purchased.We know about the shovel. We havea mountain of evidence stackedagainst you.

EXT. MANSION - DAY

Detective Colby carefully pushes the door open and entersthe mansion.

119 .


He walks into the living room and immediately beginslooking for items of interest. He sees nothing but a neatlyorganized living room filled with expensive objects.Boiserie, crystal chandeliers, heavy swag curtains,mahogany furniture.

INT. MANSION - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

He walks into the bedroom and notices a HUMAN SHAPEDBALLOON slowly floating around in the room. The balloonfloats toward the closet. He stares at the object.


Detective Colby's colleague continues to interrogate James.

COLLEAGUEWe know it's you, James. You tookthose children away and you knowtheir whereabouts. So, where arethey?

JAMESI have no idea what you're talkingabout...

(pause)So, what is this mountain ofevidence that you speak of? Whereis your proof?

COLLEAGUEThat's not something you need toworry about. We have all the proofwe need to know that you areresponsible for these crimes.Sooner or later, you are going toslip up and we are going to findexactly what we're looking for to

(MORE)

120 .

COLLEAGUE (CONT’D)put you behind bars for the restof your miserable and patheticlife.

As detective Colby's colleague is talking, James withdrawsinto himself, drowning out the voice. He suddenly realizessomething. He mutters under his breath.

JAMESOh no...

INT. MANSION - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Detective Colby opens the closet door and on the top rackhe spots what he recognizes as the black digital bookreading device which he had once seen Walton using.


Detective Colby's colleague receives a phone call fromdetective Colby. He stares at James while listening. Jamesstares back, curious what the conversation is about.Detective Colby's colleague promptly proceeds to put Jamesin handcuffs. James is distraught and agitated.

JAMESWhat is this about?

COLLEAGUEYou know what it's about. I'mplacing you under arrest formurder.

JAMESYou gotta be kidding.

COLLEAGUENo... I'm not. Prison is your newhome from now on.

James looks at detective Colby's colleague, hoping forleniency.

121 .

JAMESWe can work something out. I'mrich, you know.

Detective Colby's colleague leads James out of theinterrogation room in handcuffs.

EXT. ANNABELLE’S HOUSE - DAY

Detective Colby pulls into the driveway of a house with aneatly manicured front yard. He gets out of his SUV with anenvelope in hand, the same one Isaac had given Walton. Heknocks on the door and a woman answers, Annabelle's mother.

WOMANHey.

DETECTIVE COLBYHello, ma'am. I'm detective Colby.I'm looking for Annabelle.

WOMANWhy? Is there something wrong?

DETECTIVE COLBYNo. There's nothing wrong. I'djust like to have a word with herconcerning her former school.

The woman looks at detective Colby for a while and retreatsto get Annabelle. Annabelle appears at the door shortlyafter.

DETECTIVE COLBYAnnabelle. I don't think we'vemet. I'm detective Colby. I workedon the missing person cases atyour former school.

Annabelle nods her head, still somewhat confused.

122 .

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)I'm here to fill you in on a fewnew developments that you mightnot be aware of... As you mighthave known, several kids had gonemissing from the school. I'm sadto inform you that one of themmight have been a close friend ofyours. I believe this is for you.

Detective Colby hands Annabelle the envelope.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT'D)He wanted you to have this shortlybefore his disappearance. He gaveit to his friend, who isunfortunately also missing.

She opens the envelope and finds a valentine’s day postcardwith a heart. She opens the postcard and finds a beautifulpicture of a boy and a girl holding hands. She speakssoftly under her breath.

ANNABELLEDo you know what happened to him?

DETECTIVE COLBYWe have good reasons to fear theworst. We believe that he waskilled, along with his friend.

Annabelle begins to sob. Detective Colby hugs and consulsher.


Detective Colby's colleague walks into the office and findsdetective Colby silently reading a book. The book is "Nowor Never" by James Hibbert. His colleague looks at himamazed.

COLLEAGUEYou’re reading that thing?

123 .

Detective Colby looks up at his colleague, surprised to seehim there.

DETECTIVE COLBYJust finishing up what I started.Somehow I find this stufffascinating, believe it or not.

COLLEAGUEDon't tell me you're inspired byit...

DETECTIVE COLBYNo. Not really. Although he doesmake a few good points here andthere, minus the whole cannibalismthing.

COLLEAGUERight...

Detective Colby closes the book and sits up right.

DETECTIVE COLBYAnyway... I don't know if I toldyou this is going to be my lastday in office.

Detective Colby's colleague is surprised by the news.

COLLEAGUEYou're retiring?

DETECTIVE COLBYYep. I came to the very suddenconclusion that there are moreimportant things in life thansolving crime.

COLLEAGUE(snickers)

Yeah? Like what?

124 .

DETECTIVE COLBYLike family for example... Mydaughter is about to graduatecollege. I'm thinking of travelingthe world with her. Get a newperspective on things.

COLLEAGUEI can't say that I envy you. But,yeah... That could be what youneed.

DETECTIVE COLBYWell... that's what I'm going tofind out. Anyway, It's been apleasure working with you. Youmake one hell of a partner. I'lltell you that.

COLLEAGUEYou're not too bad yourself.

Detective Colby gets up from his chair and approaches hiscolleague.

DETECTIVE COLBYFrom now on, that chair belongs toyou.

Detective Colby's colleague smiles. Detective Colby and hiscolleague shake hands.

DETECTIVE COLBY (CONT’D)Make sure to keep in touch.

COLLEAGUEYou know I will...

Detective Colby pats his colleague on the shoulder.

DETECTIVE COLBYTake care of yourself.

125 .

Detective Colby watches as his colleague walks over to thechair and sits down. Detective Colby smiles and leaves.

FADE OUT

THE END

EAST COAST By Abraham Teshome

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Transcript of EAST COAST By Abraham Teshome