RED
RAIN
By Haze Thomas
ISBN: 978-1-4659-9686-2.
Screenplay Edition License Notes*
This screenplay is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This screenplay may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it - and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the Author's/Screenwriter’s work.
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the stated publisher of this screenplay.
Copyright © 2000, by Haze Thomas and Roberts-Jones Publishing.
Haze
Thomas
542 Plymouth Lane
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(678)
366-8863
© 2000, Haze Thomas
FADE IN:
EXT. AERIAL SHOT OF PHILADELPHIA'S SKYLINE - DUSK
Between the shiny metal and steel skyscrapers, the sun can be seen going down.
INT. BASEMENT - CONTINUING
The basement's brick walls are lined with sound proofing materials. It is sparsely furnished, but set up like a hotel suite. The lighting is very dim.
JOHN RESNICK - a handsome, built White man in his early 60's - is shown naked, bound to a chair. His arms are tied behind him; and his head hangs forward.
A woman's hand SLAPS his face.
Her name is ANN ARCHY. Her face cannot be seen.
ANN ARCHY
I have plans for you, your Honor.
Ann Archy steps into the light. Her white, patent leather boots become visible.
A brief glance of Ann's thick, tan-colored, muscular thighs are shown. She's wearing a red garter on each thigh.
ANN ARCHY
You want me, don't you?
JOHN
No.
Ann BACKHANDS John.
John GRUNTS.
ANN ARCHY
You want to fuck me, don't you?
JOHN
I have a wife, damn you.
A brief glance of her rear gives way to her incredible hips - accentuated by her thin waist.
ANN ARCHY
All men want to fuck me. Every man I've ever met has wanted that.
Ann grabs John by his throat.
ANN ARCHY
That was once my weakness. Now it's my greatest strength.
Ann releases John and takes a few steps away from him.
ANN ARCHY
I am your fantasy.
JOHN
You're mistaken, young lady.
ANN ARCHY
It is you who are mistaken. I control your every thought, your every movement.
JOHN
Let me go.
ANN ARCHY
You will submit yourself to me.
JOHN
Never!
The Judge SPITS in Ann Archy's face.
Ann Archy slowly wipes the saliva off her face with her fingers - then slides her fingers into her mouth.
ANN ARCHY (O.S.)
Very tasty. Your reluctance to bend to my will arouses me greatly.
JOHN
Go to hell!
ANN ARCHY (O.S.)
I've been there. And I've returned to take as many of your kind back there with me as I can.
Ann's right hand is shown turning on a strobe light.
A haunting chant is heard. Techno music begins to play.
John's blue eyes BULGE.
ANN ARCHY (O.S.)
First, your body. Then, your soul!
CAPTION: 72 HOURS LATER.
EXT. MANSION IN NORTH PHILADELPHIA - EVENING
The house is huge, very expensive, and in an exclusive neighborhood. A Christmas wreath rests upon the french double doors in front.
A light snow falls.
INT. STUDY OF THE MANSION - CONTINUING
The judge is shown in his study, reading.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUING
MARIE RESNICK - an attractive woman in her late 50's - is shown decorating Christmas cookies.
The DING-DING sound of a doorbell is heard.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING
RAMON, the butler - a tall, thin man of Spanish descent in his late 20's - walks towards the front door.
Carrying a tray of cookies, Marie intercepts Ramon.
MARIE
I'll get the door, Ramon. Would you bring out the eggnog, please?
RAMON
Yes, Mrs. Resnick.
Ramon exits.
Marie answers the door.
EXT. FRONT STEPS OF THE MANSION - CONTINUING
A group of Christmas carolers from a nearby church - 12 of them in all - begin to SING "Silent Night".
Marie smiles contentedly.
MARIE
I love Christmastime.
Marie turns her head towards the interior of her home.
INT. STUDY OF THE MANSION - CONTINUING
John continues to read.
MARIE (O.S.)
John? The carolers are here!
Finally hearing his wife, John puts down his book.
JOHN
Coming!
INT. SPIRAL STAIRCASE - CONTINUING
John walks down the stairs. He's smiling - until he hears the Carolers singing "Silent Night".
CAROLERS
"Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright..."
Upon hearing that song, he freezes. His eyes glaze over as inside his head he hears the chant from the Techno Song:
"Hia, hia, hia... can you see, see the light? Hia, hia, hia... can you see, see the light? Hia, hia, hia... can you see, see the light?"
"Can not you try? Can you see the light?"
JOHN
(to himself)
Ann Archy, thy task awaits me.
John walks down the stairs and over to the foyer closet.
Opening the closet, he grabs his briefcase.
EXT. FRONT STEPS OF THE MANSION - CONTINUING
Ramon holds a tray with warmed eggnog for the carolers.
Marie stands in front of the Carolers - holding her tray of Christmas cookies - SINGING with them.
INT. FOYER HALLWAY - CONTINUING
John walks slowly toward the front door. His face is blank; his forehead drenched with sweat. He looks at the Carolers.
Marie turns to look up at John. She smiles at him lovingly.
EXT. FRONT STEPS OF THE MANSION - CONTINUING
The carolers look happy as they sing.
INT. FOYER - CONTINUING
John holds two grey & black, porcelain Glock 9MM semi-automatic handguns behind his back.
Suddenly, John whips both guns and begins FIRING - sweeping the weapons from left to right and back again.
Marie, wounded in her back, falls face down to the ground.
There is SCREAMING, but all too quickly, it's muted.
EXT. SIDEWALK ADJACENT TO THE FRONT STEPS - CONTINUING
INT. FOYER - CONTINUING
Spent bullet casings are shown RAINING at John's feet.
EXT. SIDEWALK ADJACENT TO THE FRONT STEPS - CONTINUING
Drops of blood - large and small - are shown staining the pristine whiteness of the snow on the sidewalk.
INT. FOYER - CONTINUING
John stops shooting. He lowers the guns - quietly reviewing the scene of carnage he has facilitated.
EXT. FRONT STEPS OF THE MANSION - CONTINUING
The bodies of bloody men, woman, and children are strewn like debris. No one's moving.
John reaches into his pocket and takes out a 24-karat gold, credit-card sized item; and drops it to the floor.
John FALLS to his knees, looks skyward; then exclaims aloud:
JOHN
Ann Archy: thy will be done.
John aims one gun beneath his chin, one at his right temple.
FADE TO RED:
Two SHOTS - followed by the sound of a body HITTING the floor.
All is calm, indeed.
FADE TO BLACK:
ROLL CREDITS
TITLE PAGE
INT. THE SPECTRUM - CONTINUING
The atmosphere is electric as a large crowd is on hand to witness a basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks.
In the fifth row from the court sits KATHLEEN SCANALAN - an attractive woman in her early 30's of Irish descent with auburn hair and green eyes. She is a Detective with Philadelphia's Major Crimes Unit.
Seated to her immediate left is her younger brother, SEAN SCANALAN - a handsome MBA Graduate Student at Temple. He has cropped brown hair with sideburns, a goatee, and piercing green eyes.
KATHLEEN
Come on, Sixers! Let's go!
Sean looks at Kathleen, LAUGHS, then shakes his head.
SEAN
We own the Hawks.
Kathleen shoots her brother a look of disagreement.
KATHLEEN
Oh, ye of little faith. Iverson is just getting warm.
SEAN
Hey, Rei: please tell your partner I'm right about Philly.
REI WU - a handsome man of Asian descent smiles. He has dark, striking features and a mysterious, but strong presence. He is Kathleen's investigative partner, as well as her best friend.
REI
Oh, no - don't get me caught in the middle.
KATHLEEN
Seriously, partner: are the Sixers gonna handle the Hawks tonight or what?
SEAN
Yeah, Rei. Give us your honest opinion.
Rei thinks for a few seconds.
REI
You know what I think?
(pauses)
I think I need a Cheesesteak and a Coke. You guys want anything?
KATHLEEN
I could use a coffee.
REI
Got it. Sean?
SEAN
Get me some Cracker Jack.
Sean reaches for his wallet, but Rei gestures that it's not necessary.
REI
Cracker Jack? Where do you think you are? Veterans' Stadium?
Sean smiles.
Kathleen LAUGHS.
Rei walks away.
INT. CONCESSION STAND - CONTINUING
Rei is standing in line to order. He glances up at a TV screen a few feet over and above him. It is showing the Sixers/Hawks game.
Rei looks away from the TV.
A few seconds later, he looks back up at it again. Suddenly the words: WPVI ACTION NEWS 6 - SPECIAL REPORT appear on the screen.
Rei flashes his gold Detective badge.
REI
Could you turn up the volume, please?
A concession worker complies.
REI
Thanks.
FEMALE TV ANCHOR (V.O.)
Good evening. I'm Heather Daniels -
MALE TV ANCHOR (V.O.)
And I'm Chris Hunte. At this hour, Action News 6 is following a breaking news story in North Philadelphia.
FEMALE TV ANCHOR (V.O.)
Action News is following an apparent shooting with multiple victims in the upscale neighborhood of Indigo Hills.
MALE TV ANCHOR (V.O.)
Let's go live to our Reporter on the scene, Ming Li.
INT. CONCESSION STAND - CONTINUING
Watching attentively, Rei shakes his head as he mumbles:
REI
Of all people -
MALE TV ANCHOR (V.O.)
Ming, what can you tell us?
EXT. INDIGO WAY - CONTINUING
MING LI - an attractive, well-dressed Chinese woman in her late 20's - is shown holding a microphone in one hand and a notepad in the other.
MING
Heather, Chris - I'm standing on Indigo Way, the main street in this quiet, upscale neighborhood in North Philadelphia; where tonight a rampage of gunfire has cut down several victims - including John Resnick: the highly respected retired Pennsylvania Court of Appeals Judge. That is as yet unconfirmed, but what I can tell you is the shooting took place at the home of Judge Resnick - just behind me.
MALE TV ANCHOR (O.S.)
Do police see a motive of any kind at this point, such as robbery?
MING
Details are very sketchy right down. The Police have just arrived; and are they are beginning to work the crime scene for clues.
INT. CONCESSION STAND - CONTINUING
Rei's pager begins to BEEP.
Rei takes his pager off his belt clip and looks at it. After confirming the origin of the page, he places the pager back on his belt.
Rei pulls out his cellular phone and presses the "3" button. The phone automatically begins first to DIAL, then to RING.
A pleasant female voice answers.
POLICE DISPATCHER (O.S.)
Philadelphia Police Department Dispatch. My name is Gayle. How may I help you?
REI
Hi, Gayle. This is Detective Rei Wu, Major Crimes Unit. My badge # is 6994. Could you patch me through to Lieutenant Miguel Montoya, please?
POLICE DISPATCHER (O.S.)
Certainly. One moment.
Rei waits for a few seconds. He checks his watch.
Lieutenant Montoya answers.
LT. MONTOYA (O.S.)
This is Lieutenant Montoya.
REI
Wu here.
INT. THE SPECTRUM - CONTINUING
Rei moves quickly down the stands to where Kathleen and Sean are sitting.
Rei hands Kathleen her cup of coffee (along with cream and sugar) - and tosses Sean a big box of Cracker Jack.
SEAN
Thanks.
REI
Don't mention it.
Rei looks at Kathleen.
REI
You received the page?
KATHLEEN
Sure did.
REI
Ready to roll?
KATHLEEN
Let's do it.
Kathleen looks back at Sean.
KATHLEEN
(continuing; in an authentic Irish accent)
I'm sorry to be leavin' ye this way, laddie. I'm needed elsewhere.
Sean smiles.
SEAN
Don't sweat it, Sis. I'll be fine. You two go fight crime.
Rei and Kathleen depart.
SEAN
Hey, that rhymes.
EXT. 11235 INDIGO WAY - NIGHT
The scene is one of not-so-controlled chaos. Blue flashing lights from numerous police cars are seen. A perimeter of yellow police tape cordons off the carnage. Uniformed and plainclothes Officers are moving around like ants.
A police photographer silently SNAPS photos of the grisly scene.
A CNN satellite news truck rolls up.
In the street in front of Judge Resnick's house, reporters from all the local TV stations are on-air.
Neighbors, onlookers, and rubberneckers are united in fear and disbelief - watching this bizarre scene.
TIM BAINBRIDGE - a Lead Detective with the Philadelphia Homicide Unit - is conducting traffic. He is a short, rugged-looking White man with distinguished only by his crewcut, old school glasses, and beer belly.
BAINBRIDGE
Move these people back! We need room to operate.
Bainbridge turns toward a member of his Unit, OLIVIA LAKE. She is a lovely, dark-skinned Black woman with a Halle Berry-styled cut and a statuesque body.
BAINBRIDGE
Lake? Do me a favor.
LAKE
Name it.
BAINBRIDGE
See if any of those bystanders saw or heard anything unusual earlier tonight.
LAKE
I'm on it.
Lake departs.
A late model, forest green Toyota SUV rolls up and parks near the police cruisers.
Out of the SUV emerges Wu and Scanalan.
Rei and Kathleen approach the initial line of Officers and flash their gold shields.
They are quickly intercepted by Bainbridge.
BAINBRIDGE
Whoa, whoa! Hold it!
Rei and Kathleen look at Bainbridge.
BAINBRIDGE
Do you mind telling me what the hell you two thinking you're doing?
KATHLEEN
What?
BAINBRIDGE
On whose authority are you here?
Kathleen steps up to Bainbridge.
KATHLEEN
Bainbridge, I'm going to explain this slowly; so that even you can understand. My partner and I are here for the same reason you are: to do our jobs. So why don't you back off and let us go about our business?
BAINBRIDGE
Uh-uh. That ain't gonna cut it, lady. Take a look around.
(pauses)
This is a Homicide case - our turf. I got reporters in my face asking questions left and right and there are people taking pictures which might be on the Internet by morning.
REI
What, precisely, is your point?
BAINBRIDGE
That the very last thing I need is two spooks from MCU contaminating my crime scene.
Kathleen leans toward Bainbridge with squinted eyes and gritted teeth.
KATHLEEN
Excuse me? I don't think I heard you. What'd you say?
Rei places his hand on her shoulder.
REI
Kath, it's alright. Why don't you do a little recon, check things out. I'll handle this.
As Kathleen slowly walks away; her icy stare remains on Bainbridge for several long seconds.
BAINBRIDGE
Look, Wu -
REI
(eerily calm)
Shut up. You listen to me now.
Rei pauses for effect.
REI
The Mayor called the Chief of Police. The Chief called our Lieutenant. Our Lieutenant put out the call, we responded. If you have a problem with that, you take it up with them. That's first.
Rei walks up, getting face-to-face with Bainbridge.
REI
Second, Detective: you can call me anything on earth you wish. I could care less. But Kathleen Scanalan is ten times the cop you'll ever be. She's got more courage and class in her pinky toe than you have in your whole entire family tree.
Rei grabs Bainbridge by his overcoat and pulls him closer.
REI
If I ever hear you refer to my partner as anything other than Detective or Ms. Scanalan again, I'll hurt you. Do you understand?
Bainbridge doesn't seem so tough now.
BAINBRIDGE
Yeah.
REI
Are we clear?
BAINBRIDGE
We're clear.
REI
Good.
Rei releases Bainbridge.
REI
Now get out of my face.
Bainbridge scurries away.
EXT. CRIME SCENE - CONTINUING
Kathleen is scanning the crime scene, making notes. Among seeing Detective Lake, Kathleen approaches her.
KATHLEEN
Hey, Liv.
LAKE
Hey, Kathy. It's been awhile. How you doing?
KATHLEEN
I'm good. I'd be much better if I had slapped the shit out of Bainbridge a couple minutes ago.
Olivia LAUGHS.
LAKE
What did Tim do this time?
KATHLEEN
That asshole called Rei and I spooks. M.C.U. spooks. You believe that?
LAKE
Girl, he only does that because he's jealous. You and your partner were honored as Philly's Top Cops 3 out of the last 4 years. I guess it's easier for Tim to insult you than to congratulate you.
KATHLEEN
I guess. Anyway, what's the story here?
LAKE
It looks like a shooting spree turned suicide. We think Resnick fired on everyone, then took himself out.
KATHLEEN
John Resnick? The retired Federal Judge?
LAKE
The one and the same.
KATHLEEN
Mary, Mother of GOD.
LAKE
We'll know more once we do an autopsy on him; and a gunpowder resonance test on his hands and clothing.
KATHLEEN
How many victims?
LAKE
There were 14 carolers from the church down the street. 11 died at the scene. 1 of the survivors is a 12-year old kid: he's in a coma.
KATHLEEN
Damn.
LAKE
A woman in her late 20's sustained a wound in her left shoulder, but is expected to make a full recovery. A priest who was in the group should live, but he might be permanently paralyzed.
KATHLEEN
What about the Judge's wife? Was she at home when this went down?
LAKE
She took a round in the back. She's in pretty bad shape it seems. Their butler was shot once in the head. He died instantly.
KATHLEEN
That gives us 12 dead, 4 wounded.
LAKE
Yeah.
KATHLEEN
Murder weapon?
LAKE
Two Glock 9MM Semi-automatics.
KATHLEEN
Beautiful. The same heat we pack.
LAKE
Uh-huh. We found them on Resnick.
Kathy reaches into her jacket pocket and pulls out a pair of latex gloves.
KATHLEEN
As always, the question is: why?
LAKE
This case will be on every newscast and in every newspaper in North America by morning, Kathy. There'll be a lot of pressure for quick answers on this one.
EXT. INDIGO WAY - CONTINUING
Ming Li is talking with BEAU - her cameraman.
Rei appears out of nowhere.
REI
I need to talk to you. Right now.
Ming looks at Beau.
MING
Give us a couple of minutes.
BEAU
I'll be getting set up for our next shot.
Ming and Rei walk away about 25 feet away from the Action News 6 Truck.
REI
You knew.
MING
Excuse me?
REI
You knew something. You were tipped in advance.
MING
Whatever happened to "Hello, Ming." "Nice to see you, Ming."
REI
Don't change the subject. I saw when you broke the story.
MING
Is that a crime?
REI
I'd like to know how managed to get here before the Police. And how was it you were on-air before the ambulances arrived?
Ming smiles, then shakes her head.
MING
Amazing. We were together, what: 4 years? We were almost married -
REI
The operative word being "almost".
MING
You still don't get it, Rei. This is what I am. This is what I do. I never questioned your methods - so don't question mine!
REI
That's it? There's nothing more you need to tell me?
MING
That just about does it, yeah.
REI
I'm looking into this. If I discover you broke the law, I will bust your ass, Ming.
MING
Hmmm. I like the sound of that.
REI
Still a slave to your dream of getting the network call-up, I see.
MING
At least I have a dream.
REI
Some things - some people - never change.
Rei turns and walks away.
MING
(to herself)
Good seeing you, too, Rei.
EXT. CRIME SCENE - CONTINUING
Kathy is kneeling at the stairs - counting the number of spent bullet casings on the ground.
Rei approaches her.
REI
How many rounds fired, partner?
KATHLEEN
About 30 or so. Maybe more.
REI
Trajectory?
KATHLEEN
I'd say the shooter fired from the front door - which would explain the placement of the bodies.
REI
Any indication who might the shooter might have been?
KATHLEEN
Lake from Homicide says they think it was the Judge himself.
REI
You're kidding.
KATHLEEN
Afraid not. Was that Ming you were talking to?
REI
Yeah. She was on the scene before the EMTs.
KATHLEEN
How'd that happen?
REI
I haven't a clue. But I will find out, partner.
Kathy stands up - removing her latex gloves.
She looks down and begins to stare at something on the ground.
Rei looks at his partner for several long seconds before he says anything.
REI
Kathy?
Kathy doesn't answer.
Rei walks up and stands beside her.
REI
What is it?
Kathy points at the ground.
KATHLEEN
Look.
Rei does so. There are several large puddles of blood still on the ground and on the sidewalk.
REI
The blood?
KATHLEEN
There's so much of it. It doesn't look like blood at all. It looks like puddles of rain. Red rain.
Kathy and Rei look first at each other, then back at the ground.
INT. BEDROOM - A SHORT TIME LATER
In a very dim bedroom, Ann Archy is lying in bed.
Nearby, a TV is on. An Anchorman can be seen, but not heard.
Only Ann Archy's lips can be seen.
ANN ARCHY
So it begins.
CAPTION: 2 DAYS LATER.
INT. A BOARDROOM, SOMEWHERE IN LANGLEY, VA - MORNING
In a very quiet boardroom, sits UNDERSECRETARY WIL BATES - a muscular, ruggedly good-looking Black man with salt-and-pepper hair, brown eyes, and no facial hair.
He is wearing a tailored grey suit.
Undersecretary Bates is sitting patiently at the teak boardroom table, SIPPING a cup of black coffee.
Just then, there is a KNOCK at the door.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
Come.
Into the boardroom enters MR. MELICH - a tall, rather ordinary looking White man - which is one of his best talents: blending in without being noticed.
On Mr. Neville's heels is his sometime colleague: MR. NEVILLE - a short, rather ordinary looking Black man.
Both Melich and Neville are dressed in black suits, black dress shirts, and pastel-colored silk ties. Both men also wear black shades.
They stand at attention.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
Gentlemen, good morning.
MR. MELICH
Good morning, sir.
MR. NEVILLE
Good morning, sir.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
You're right on time.
(pause)
Please sit.
Two manila folders marked "CONFIDENTIAL" await them upon the conference table.
Both men sit in their designated places.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
I specifically requested you men for this assignment - mainly because you both participate in The Company's Sleepers psychological program years ago. I'm sure you recall the program's administrator: the comely Dr. Talisa DeSoto.
MR. MELICH
Yes, sir.
MR. NEVILLE
Of course, sir.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
She was dismissed from The Company for... philosophical differences. Since that time, Dr. DeSoto has assumed a new name and a new identity, but her resolve remains the same.
Undersecretary Bates stands.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
She's turned Rogue. Dr. DeSoto is currently running an unsanctioned Sleeper experimentation program in Philadelphia.
(pauses)
My superiors want her stopped. If she was to be apprehended by the authorities, and she talked, she could cause irreparable harm to The Company image - and jeopardize national security. Many nations would paid quite handsomely for her data and expertise.
MR. NEVILLE
Shall we terminate her?
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
Try to convince it's in her best interest to come back to The Company. We can compensate her very well professionally and financially.
MR. MELICH
And if she resists?
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
(smiles)
You know what to do.
(pauses)
Pertinent mission data on Dr. DeSoto, as well as on your cover identities, is in your dossiers. As always, read and destroy them.
MR. MELICH
Yes, sir.
MR. NEVILLE
Absolutely, sir.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
Gentlemen, good luck.
MR. NEVILLE
Thank you, sir.
MR. MELICH
Thank you, sir.
UNDERSECRETARY BATES
Go out and serve your country with distinction. Dismissed!
Mr. Neville and Mr. Melich stand, take their dossiers, and exit the conference room.
Undersecretary Bates resumes SIPPING his coffee.
EXT. 1455 POMONA CROSSING - MORNING
Rei LOCKS the front door of his house and walks toward the curb of his street.
Kathleen is sitting inside her white Mercedes Roadster, waiting patiently for her partner.
Rei climbs inside her car and SLAMS the door.
INT. KATHLEEN'S MERCEDES - CONTINUING
KATHLEEN
Top of the mornin' to ye, Rei.
REI
Good morning, Kath.
Rei looks at his watch.
REI
What's the first order of business?
KATHLEEN
Our meeting with Lt. Montoya.
REI
Let's do it.
Kathleen CRANKS up and DRIVES off.
INT. LIEUTENANT MONTOYA'S OFFICE - MORNING
Lieutenant MIGUEL MONTOYA is sitting at his desk reviewing a report. He is an Hispanic in his late 40's: ruggedly handsome, well-groomed, and always stylishly dressed.
Lt. Montoya takes a sip of coffee. He then looks at his watch.
Lt. Montoya then stands, walks over to his door, and opens it.
Rei and Kathleen are seated in the hallway, waiting patiently.
Lt. Montoya makes a sweeping gesture with his hand - summoning the Detectives.
LT. MONTOYA
Come in, Detectives.
Rei and Kathleen get up and proceed to enter Montoya's office.
Lt. Montoya closes the door behind them.
LT. MONTOYA
Good morning.
REI
Good morning.
KATHLEEN
Good morning, Lieutenant.
LT. MONTOYA
As you know, this is our customary 48 hour update on your current case - which happens to be the Resnick matter. You two ready to bring me up to speed?
KATHLEEN
Yes, sir. We are.
LT. MONTOYA
Suspect's background?
REI
John Resnick was a Vietnam war hero, with a Purple Heart and several commendations of valor. After the war, he was a NYC beat cop who attended law school at night. Later, he established a small, but thriving law practice. He went on to become first Assistant District Attorney here, then District Attorney. Ultimately, he was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Court of Appeals, where he served with distinction for 15 years. No police record. Not even a traffic ticket.
Montoya SIGHS.
LT. MONTOYA
Financial profile?
KATHLEEN
I went over Judge Resnick's finances with a fine tooth comb. He was in great financial shape. Zero balance on all his credit cards. Impeccable credit record. Several substantial bank accounts: checking, savings, money-market, IRA's, the usual. His mansion was paid for, as was his cars. No known gambling habits or significant debt at all.
Montoya leans forward in his desk chair.
LT. MONTOYA
Marital status?
REI
He was married for 35 years to his wife, Marie. I interviewed several of his friends and colleagues. I could find no evidence of any infidelity on his part. The Judge retired from the State Court of Appeals to support his wife through her bout with breast cancer 2 years ago. At the time of the shooting, she was in remission and reportedly in good health. By all accounts, he loved her dearly.
LT. MONTOYA
So much so, he shot her in the back.
(pauses)
What is her current condition?
KATHLEEN
Mrs. Resnick died a few hours ago. She never regained consciousness.
LT. MONTOYA
Children?
REI
The Judge has 2 children: a son, John, Jr.; and a daughter: Brianna. John, Jr. is a lawyer with the law firm of Bowden, Copeland & Reeves in Phoenix. Brianna is a Anesthesiologist at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. Both children are very successful and well-respected in their fields. I spoke briefly with John Jr. and Brianna. Both adored their father. And neither of them have a clue of how he could do this. In fact, John Jr. told me that his father hated guns and vowed upon returning to the states never to touch another again. As far as everyone I spoke to is concerned, he fulfilled that vow.
LT. MONTOYA
Up until 2 days ago.
REI
Right.
LT. MONTOYA
If he didn't do it because of finances or unhappiness with his marriage, then -
KATHLEEN
Lieu, not to interrupt, but I know where you're headed - and it's a dead end. According to his personal Physician, John Resnick was not depressed, and suffered from no psychological illnesses. I was told that the Judge was in outstanding mental and physical condition.
Montoya leans back in his chair, his brow furrowed.
LT. MONTOYA
Things aren't adding up. Any loose ends?
REI
There was a business card-sized item made of 24-karat gold with the inscription" "Ann Archy cometh." It was found at the scene next to Resnick's body.
LT. MONTOYA
Anarchy? Spelled a-n-a-r-c-h-y?
KATHLEEN
Actually, in the form of first name: A-n-n; last name: A-r-c-h-y.
LT. MONTOYA
Very interesting.
REI
No such name or business listed in the phone directory. We're still researching it.
Montoya stands and hands a folder to Kathleen.
LT. MONTOYA
This is the report Detectives Lake and Bainbridge over in Homicide filed.
Kathleen reads and FLIPS a couple of pages in the folder.
REI
Lieutenant, what was their conclusion?
KATHLEEN
Murder-suicide. Big surprise.
LT. MONTOYA
I'll expect your report by the end of today.
REI
Sir, we know the Judge did this. That's obvious. And I know there was pressure from the Mayor's office to resolve this case at warp speed.
LT. MONTOYA
But?
REI
Something in my gut tells me that there's a deeper explanation for this. Maybe something we missed.
LT. MONTOYA
Such as?
REI
I'm not sure. But there's more to this than we know. And it won't be over until we do.
LT. MONTOYA
Do you agree with your partner, Scanalan?
Kathy looks over at her partner briefly, then back at Montoya.
KATHLEEN
Yes, sir. I concur.
Montoya stands and turns his back to the Detectives.
LT. MONTOYA
I think this case has been already solved. But you're my best Detectives. You've proved me wrong before. I'll give you 48 more hours. But conduct your investigation quickly and quietly.
KATHLEEN
Yes, sir.
REI
Thank you, sir.
LT. MONTOYA
This briefing is concluded.
Kathleen and Rei stand.
Kathleen places the folder back on Montoya's desk.
The Detectives exit Montoya's office.
KATHLEEN
OK, so what's our next move?
REI
Let's go speak to a witness.
INT. CONVERTED INDUSTRIAL LOFT - AFTERNOON
DAMAGE - a huge, imposing mass of muscles dressed in black leather - is seen dismantling a 9MM Glock into separate components.
His home looks like something out of Gotham City come to life.
Damage WHISTLES as he picks up a rag and begins to polish each gun component.
At that instant, his cellular phone RINGS.
Damage GROWLS, and reluctantly answers the phone.
DAMAGE
House of Damage.
ANN ARCHY (O.S.)
I have need of you.
DAMAGE
When?
ANN ARCHY (O.S.)
Now. The woman who survived my first attack is leaving the hospital this afternoon.
Damage glances at his watch.
DAMAGE
What do you need?
ANN ARCHY (O.S.)
You know what must be done, Damage.
DAMAGE
My pleasure.
Damage DISCONNECTS the call and puts down the phone.
He reaches underneath the table where he is seated - and pulls out a plastic explosive device with a self-adhesive base.
DAMAGE
Damage is my the name; carnage is the game.
Damage LAUGHS an evil laugh.
INT. CHANNEL 6 NEWSROOM - CONTINUING
The phone RINGS.
An Intern answers the phone.
NEWS INTERN
Action News Assignment Desk, Russ speaking.
(pauses)
Ms. Li? One moment, please.
INT. MING LI'S DESK - CONTINUING
Ming's phone RINGS.
She answers it.
MING
Action News, Ming Li speaking.
ANN ARCHY (V.O.)
Do you know who this is?
MING
Yes.
ANN ARCHY (V.O.)
Good. I am about to strike again. Are you interested?
MING
Yes.
ANN ARCHY (V.O.)
If you document my actions correctly - as you agreed - you'll achieve your dream very soon.
MING
When and where?
INT. VETERANS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, 7TH FLOOR NURSES DESK -
MORNING
Rei and Kathy are standing at the Nurses Desk.
NURSE BROADNAX
May I help you?
KATHLEEN
Hi. I'm Detective Kathleen Scanalan; this is my partner, Detective Rei Wu. We're with the Major Crimes Unit of the PPD.
Both flash their badges.
REI
We need to speak to one of the survivors of the Resnick shooting. It's a woman, in her early 30's. I believe she had a shoulder wound.
NURSE BROADNAX
That would be Dr. Carmen Delgato.
REI
Doctor Delgato?
NURSE BROADNAX
Yes.
KATHLEEN
What is her current condition?
NURSE BROADNAX
She is in good condition. In fact, she's scheduled to be discharged later this afternoon.
REI
Could you take us to her room, please?
NURSE BROADNAX
Certainly.
INT. VETERANS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, ROOM 725 - CONTINUING
An armed police officer is standing guard at the door of Room 725.
Rei and Kathy again flash their badges.
KATHLEEN
MCU Detectives Scanalan and Wu; here to interview this patient.
The Police Officer examines their badges, then nods.
POLICE OFFICER
Go ahead.
The Police Officer opens the door for Rei, Kathy, and Nurse Broadnax.
KATHLEEN
Thanks.
NURSE BROADNAX
Dr. Delgato? These Detectives are here to speak with you. Is that alright?
CARMEN DELGATO - a beautiful, well-built, Hispanic woman in her early 30's with big brown eyes and long brown hair - smiles wistfully and nods.
KATHLEEN
Hi. I'm Detective Scanalan. This is Detective Wu.
Rei smiles and nods at her.
KATHLEEN
Dr. Delgato, we need to speak briefly with you regarding the shooting the other night.
NURSE BROADNAX
I'll leave so you can conduct your business. If you need me, I'll be at the Nurses Desk.
REI
Thank you, Nurse.
Nurse Broadnax departs.
Kathleen takes out a pen and a small notepad.
Rei takes out a small microcassette recorder.
REI
Dr. Delgato, do you feel up to this? If not, we could come back.
CARMEN
Please, call me Carmen. And I'll help you anyway I can.
REI
I'm recording this, OK? It's merely routine.
CARMEN
Alright.
KATHLEEN
You were one of the church carolers, right?
CARMEN
Yes. I've attended Indigo Hills Lutheran Church for over 2 years.
KATHLEEN
Do you have a clear recollection of the shooting?
CARMEN
Yes.
REI
I realize that this is difficult, but the shooter: was it this man?
Rei hands Carmen a photo of Judge Resnick.
Carmen looks at it momentarily. Her eyes fill with tears and her bottom lip quivers.
She hands the photo back to Rei.
CARMEN
It was him. I'm certain of that.
Rei and Kathy exchange glances.
KATHLEEN
Did he say anything before he began firing?
CARMEN
No. He said nothing.
REI
Did he appear to be disturbed or upset?
CARMEN
No. In fact, when he came out to greet us, he was smiling.
REI
After you were wounded, did you lose consciousness?
CARMEN
No. I fell; and I was in a lot of pain, but still alert.
KATHLEEN
Think back. Did the shooter say anything after he stopped firing?
CARMEN
No. I don't -
(pause)
Wait! He did say something.
REI
What did he say, Carmen?
CARMEN
I thought he was going to begin firing again. But he looked up towards the sky, fell to his knees, and said something like: "Anarchy, thy will be done."
Kathleen jots that down in her notepad.
KATHLEEN
Then what happened?
CARMEN
Then he blew his own head off.
REI
Carmen, what type of Doctor are you?
CARMEN
I'm a Psychoanalyst in private practice.
REI
I see.
Rei and Kathy exchange glances again.
Kathy nods.
She slips her notepad and pen inside the front pocket of her trenchcoat.
Rei turns off his microcassette recorder.
KATHLEEN
Well, those are all the questions we have for you right now.
Rei hands Carmen one of his business cards.
REI