Hanru Sazuki

(Hanru and Lawrence sit amongst the bleachers of an empty baseball field. A blonde and very attractive young woman is pitching a ball toward a young boy. The boy nervously prepares to bat the ball.)

Hanru Narrating: Right now, nothing is as it should be. Everything is changing faster than a speeding bullet or a blink from an eye. When life throws you a curveball, you don’t avoid it; you stand your ground and move with the ball. Follow it and learn its sway. Only then can you hit it when the moment is right and make your home run and get back to what’s important; to what makes you become strong and resilient.

(The boy swings the bat but misses the ball. He sighs in disappointment.)

Kristen: Come on, kiddo; you can’t be scared of the ball. Showing fear only shows your weakness.

Boy: But I can’t do it. I’ll never make it to a real league team.

(Kristen walks past the boy then grabs the baseball off the ground.)

Kristin: All you need is a little guidance and inspiration, and you’ll be all set to go. I promise. (Winks as she walks past him again)

(Hanru and Lawrence talk silently amongst each other.)

Hanru: Why have you brought me here?

Lawrence: Her name is Kristen Gilbert. A long time ago, a girl whose name I’d rather not speak of, stalked Kristen to get information on her. She’s a very quiet keep-to-herself kind of person. Israel didn’t get much information out of her, so she dropped the whole thing. All of a sudden, she shows up again out of the blue to my apartment.

Hanru: You think Kristen knew about Israel stalking her?

Lawrence: No, not a chance. At least, I don’t think so. Kristen is a very pretty woman, wouldn’t you say? She’s my type.

(Kristen is in the boy’s face yelling in anger.)

Kristen: I’ve told you about 17 times already to keep your eyes on the freakin’ ball! How hard is it to follow instructions, huh?! If I dropped you on your head, maybe then that rock you call a skull will crack and some smarts can circulate through!

Boy: (Scared and whimpering) I’m sorry…

Kristen: Get out of here now; I’m sick of looking at your face!

(The boy cries and runs away. Kristen takes a deep breath then walks over to Lawrence and Hanru with a smile on her face. She’s all of a sudden very friendly.)

Kristen: Some kids just can’t process the simplest of instructions.

Lawrence: That’s cool, Kristen. Look, this is my little brother.

Kristen: (Smiles) Hi.

Hanru: Hey.

Kristen: You’re a cute kid. I see you get your looks from your big brother.

Hanru: I see you get your cuteness from your mom… even though I’ve never seen her.

Kristen: (Clears her throat) Actually, my mother’s dead.

Hanru: Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring that up.

Kristen: (Serious) It’s fine; I’m over it. So, Lawrence, do you have any other siblings I should know about? Do you have any sisters?

Lawrence: I uh… (Looks down a few seconds) I do actually. Her name is Helena. She lives with my- our uncle Kwan. Helena and Kwan are distant from the rest of the family. After what happened between my mom and dad, Helena was separated from Hanru and I. Leo went behind Kwan’s back and claimed custody of the two of us. Helena stayed with Kwan because they got along better and Kwan was a traveler.

Kristen: Lawrence, I think you’re cute and I want to go out with you. I just love a man who can hold in such a dark secret and not have any regrets at all about it. (Says in sexy voice) That turns me on so much. You have no idea how much I just want to rush your adrenaline right now.

Lawrence: Well I just got out of a three year relationship and I’m not ready to be intimate just yet. Sorry, sweetie.

Hanru: You too have fun. Thanksgiving’s coming up soon so you too should get to know each other better so the dinner wouldn’t be so awkward.

Kristen: Thanks buddy. (Smiles)

Hanru: No problem.

(Hanru stands up and walks away. Kristen carefully focuses on watching Hanru as he leaves.)

(TD’s strip club)

(Kaito has just walked into the strip club. As usual, it’s empty, and the only one present is the bartender. Kaito walks up to him.)

Kaito: I hear the owner is selling; I’m interested in buying.

Bartender: The owner already sold the joint. If you want to speak to him about a more profitable offer, I’ll let him know you stopped by and setup a meeting.

Kaito: I do business in person. Let him know I stopped by.

Bartender: Will do. Is there any other way I can provide my services to you, sir?

Kaito: I was told that a stripper named Meukie works nights here. I was looking forward to hiring her for myself.

Bartender: That girl is very popular amongst the men, isn’t she? She lives in a motel in an alleyway, but someone as well-dressed as you is surely to get a blade through the gut and empty pockets.

Kaito: I’ve got people for things like this. (Walks away) Tell your boss I’ll be back tomorrow evening!

Bartender: Will do. (Writes in notepad)

(Hanru is on Lawrence’s laptop in Lawrence’s living room. He’s doing research on poison. As he continues to type, the door opens. A woman with short blonde hair walks in and closes the door behind her. She looks at Hanru and smiles. He waves at her with a confused look on his face.)

Hanru: Why are you here, I thought you left state?

Israel: I left because I thought that I needed a new start. I want something new out of life to just help me move on.

Hanru: So you come back to your old boyfriend’s house?

Israel: Look, don’t judge me ok (Walks into the kitchen). No matter how hard I try to move on, Lawrence is always there in my head. (Searches the refrigerator) He’s the only guy I’ve been with that I’ve never killed or wanted to kill.

Hanru: You think Lawrence is gonna accept you back?

Israel: He has no choice. (Grabs a bottle of orange cream soda) I am going to tell him that I’m pregnant with his baby.

Hanru: But you’re not though, right? (Continues research)

Israel: Of course not. (Falls onto the couch and lies down) But he doesn’t need to know the truth. By the time he figures out I’m not pregnant, he’ll already be in love with me again and he’ll realize he can’t resist my deadly charm. (Takes a drink)

Hanru: How much do you know about poison?

Israel: I have pretty decent knowledge of it, why?

Hanru: Because I’ve been hired to track down an untraceable strand of poison.

Israel: Let’s see… Off the top of my head, I’m guessing you’re looking for either… (Takes long drink) potassium Chloride or Epinephrine.

Hanru: I need to write these down. I’ll just put them on the notepad then attach it to my Email account. What can you tell me about these?

Israel: Potassium Chloride is a type of salt actually. It can easily be blended within salty foods. If the victim eats certain salty foods, then the killer would have to put the poison in the food the victim’s body is use to ingesting. Doing so would help cover your tracks in case of a toxicology report.

Hanru: Do you know where I can buy this stuff at?

Israel: You can buy it off the black market.

Hanru: Do you know who sells it here in this city?

Israel: I do know. I can give you her address but you’ll have to be very careful when approaching her.

Hanru: Don’t worry; I will be. But in the meantime, I honestly don’t think you should be here when Lawrence gets back.

Israel: Why, does he have a new girlfriend or something?

(Hanru stays silent.)

Israel: (Looks down) Oh… I guess I never thought he would move on so quickly.

(Israel looks up at the T.V, finishes her soda, and then grabs the remote.)

Israel: What’s on T.V?

Hanru: Israel…

Israel: (Tosses remote on end table) You know… If you want to ask me if I’m okay, the answer should be obvious.

Hanru: As Lawrence’s little brother I’m telling you this: Lawrence loves you and he can’t see himself alive without you. You’re all he has left in this world and without you to balance his life, he’ll end up committing suicide. He’ll come back to you one day, but you just need to give him some space for now.

Israel: Being a girl, being emotional is natural to me. But being a natural murderer kills my feelings and attachments to any and everything not pertaining to death. I feel nothing right now, but I know how I’m supposed to feel. All I wanna do right now is kill someone- anyone. It’s the only thing that keeps the chaos quiet.

Hanru: Do you think your darkness will ever go away?

Israel: (Looks him in the eyes) Without my darkness, I lose all that I am. I don’t want it to go away.

Hanru: (Closes laptop) Do you need a hug?

Israel: I need another soda, and I need to get out of this apartment.

Hanru: I won’t mention to Lawrence you were here.

Israel: Thank you. By the way, remind me to never help you out again. (Both begin to laugh)

(Docks)

(Kaito stands on the docks and enjoys the fresh breeze of the ocean. He stands amongst the people and watches as they ride around in their boats and bond with their loved ones. All seems good- smiles and giggles. But their happiness is only blinding them from the truth. The loyal LJ approaches from behind Kaito. Kaito does not turn around to talk to him, but he enjoys the sight of the happy families.)

LJ: Sir, Mr. Shido is scheduled to arrive in town by tomorrow.

Kaito: Look out there, LJ. Tell me, what do you see?

LJ: Is there anything in particular I’m supposed to be seeing, sir?

(Kaito turns around to make eye-contact with LJ.)

Kaito: Tell me what you see out there.

LJ: I see Families and boats. Do you plan on stealing one, or is there a specific target out here I’m not seeing?

Kaito: (Turns back to the waves) I’ve always wanted a family. But I’ve also thought of the consequences of obtaining such a blessing. In my line of work, family is never safe. They could only remain secret for so long until they too have a hit out on them.

LJ: We all due respect, Kaito; you’re getting emotional and that’s not good for business. We’ve been at a stand-still for days now. No money coming in and no product is going out. We need to get back on track.

Kaito: I wish to speak with Hanru tonight. I think it’s time I bring him onboard our boat of business.

LJ: I’ll try to setup a date for you to meet.

(Chris’ Home)

(Chris opens his bedroom door and holds it for Jessica to enter in. The two of them smile at each other and Jessica walks in with a pink suitcase in her hand. She looks around the room it seems to be average. There is a small black bed, black curtains, and black lamps which display atop black dressers.)

Jessica: I expected you to have various posters of half-naked women hanging on your walls.

Chris: (Closes door) I wanted to be a gentlemen, so I took ‘em down.

(Chris has a blank yet psychotic look on his face. He stares at the back of Jessica’s head. Jessica turns around to smile at him. His face expression changes and he smiles back at her. She throws her bag on the bed and continues to look around the small room. Chris’ expression goes blank.)

Jessica: I know you have porn in here; is it under your bed? Do you mind if I check?

Chris: Believe me, if I did have nudes, they wouldn’t be in the most cliché stop in the room.

Jessica: I suppose you have a point (chuckles). Sorry.

(Chris walks up to Jessica and gives her a great big hug. He holds on tight to her and speaks to her in a calm voice.)

Chris: You don’t have to be sorry for anything. I just want to be a good boyfriend to you is all. Anything you need, just ask me, okay?

Jessica: Yeah sure, thanks. (Hugs him back and closes her eyes) You’re a really good boyfriend to have.

(Alleyway)

(Hanru enters the alleyway where the homeless people gather. A very skinny African-American playing dice on a cardboard box looks back and sees Hanru enter. Hanru cautiously continues to walk through the alleyway without making eye-contact with anyone. Hanru gets to the front of Janet’s motel door. He walks into the door and steps over the sleeping homeless man in the hallway. He sees that Janet’s room door is cracked open. He stands at the door with his hand a few inches away from the doorknob.)

Hanru: I tried to strangle this woman the last time we had a conversation. I don’t know what to say once I face her; if I face her.

Natasha: You’re the one always wanting control of your life. If you want that control, you have to take it without fear or regret.

Hanru: So what you’re saying is that I can’t be afraid to take control with a slim chance that I might regret my choice?

Natasha: (Puts hands on his shoulders) You made your choice already, now you have to face it if you want to shake this demon off your shoulders and let loose that guilt you have.

Hanru: By demon, you mean you, right?

Natasha: Don’t change the subject. Now get in there and be a man for once in your life.

(Hanru slowly enters Janet’s room. She lies on her back in the bed unconscious. The room smells terrible and flies are all over her body. Hanru nervously closes the door. Natasha stares down at her body with a blank expression. Hanru gets nervous and begins to shake.)

Natasha: Wasn’t this the same position she was in after you strangled her unconscious a few days ago? (Looks at Hanru)

Hanru: I didn’t mean for this to happen; I didn’t mean to kill her.

Natasha: Now hold on. There’s no proof that she’s dead.

(Natasha faces Hanru and crosses her arms. She glares at Hanru and gives him a nod. Hanru quickly walks over to Janet’s body and rests his arms on the sheets next to her pillow.)

Natasha: Now what do you think is nastier; that doorknob or her sheets?

Hanru: What am I gonna do if she’s really dead? I can’t live the rest of my life amongst the stray and the homeless.

Natasha: Maybe you don’t have to end up like that man in the hall if you just keep calm. If she died a few days ago, she would smell much worse. And her body would already be deteriorating. As you can see, her skin is as pale as a white albino person.

(The front door closes and Hanru looks over in an instant. A very tall bald white male with black jeans and a black leather jacket stands before Hanru with a metal baseball bat in his hand. He’s a tough guy with a mustache and beard grown out. Hanru tries to keep calm but deep down is frightened.)

Hanru: Who are you?

Maverick: (Locks door behind him and blocks it) I’m the one whose business you’ve jeopardized. Meukie was one of my girls. She was scheduled to be put out on the corner tonight and make MY money!

Hanru: I just got here and found her this way. You have no proof I’m lying; you have no proof I did anything to her.

Maverick: The people around here are very resourceful when dope is in trade of their favor. You were the last person to see Meukie conscious. I was there in the alley after you left out of this building scared. You were in here for a good minute before you walked out. Then as soon as I walked in, there she was; in the exact same position she’s in now.

(Hanru’s body begins to shake and he begins to slightly slip into his dark side.)

Hanru: So what are you gonna do? Are you going to hurt me, huh? Are you going to come at me with that little bat of yours and I don’t know; maybe try to kill me?

Maverick: (Examines bat) That doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.

(Maverick charges at Hanru ready to smash his face in. Hanru dodges at the last second and charges toward the front door. Hanru quickly unlocks the door. Maverick Grabs Hanru’s collar and throws him into the dirt-covered toilet on the right side of the room. Hanru grabs the toilet tank lid. Maverick swings down at Hanru; Hanru swings up at Maverick. The bat and the lid both smash into each other and half of the lid breaks off and hits the ground. With the half in his hand, Hanru smashes Maverick in the face then once again runs toward the door. Hanru quickly leaves the room. Maverick chases after him. As soon as Maverick gets to the door, he’s instantly stabbed in the neck by a very small pocket knife. He drops his bat then is pushed to the ground. Israel stands in the doorway by Hanru. Hanru is breathing hard and is shocked.)

Israel: I followed you to make sure you wouldn’t get into trouble when meeting the Godmother. You would be dead if I hadn’t tailed you. Now wait for me outside while I feed the demon. (Goes inside and closes the door)

(Police station, Leo’s desk)

(Ada and Leo are sitting alone at Leo’s desk doing paperwork. It’s quiet between the two of them. Ada sits on the opposite side of the desk with her legs crossed. She peeks over at Leo with the corner of her eye. Leo knows she’s looking at her, but he refuses to look at her and focuses on his paperwork. Ada looks down and continues to write again. Leo peeks for a quick second then looks down again. Ada quickly turns to look at him. She looks around to make sure no one’s watching. She puts her pen down and slowly slides her hand across the desk. She grasps Leo’s hand to stop him from writing. Leo looks up at Ada with a slightly frustrated yet calm attitude. Ada smiles at him.)

Ada: Don’t be so grouchy all the time. I just wanna touch my future husband.

Leo: Don’t you mean future prisoner? (Moves hand away from Ada and continues to write.)

Ada: Come on, Leo. You know I love you and will always be there for you 100%. (Grabs his hand again) For you, I’ll try the very best that I can not to be one of those nagging controlling wives.

Leo: (Stops working and looks at Ada.) That’s what all wives say before they say “I do” at the altar and trap their husbands for life.

Ada: (Takes her hand off the desk) I’m not like most women. And if you took your eyes out of your paperwork, you would see that. Leo I’m-

(An officer walks by and says hello to Leo and keeps walking. Ada talks softer and puts her hand back on Leo’s and uncrosses her legs.)

Ada: I’m trying to be a better wife. You have to understand that I’ve gone my entire life not trusting a soul with any part of my life. You’re the only one I’ve ever opened up to, and I really hope that doesn’t go against me and I end up hurt again. (Grabs his hand with both of hers)

Leo: (Puts his other hand on top of Ada’s.) The last thing I want, is to hurt you, Ada. I don’t know if I’m getting early cold feet or if I’m just scared to admit to myself I love you. But right now I’ve got a lot of things going through my head right now, and I just need some time to think. Some distance is all I need right now, okay, baby?

Ada: Anything you need, sweetie; I just want to be the best wife I can possibly be. And that’s why I need to confess some sins of my own to you. I want this marriage to be based on trust.

Leo: I’m still dealing with my own demons. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to hear your confessions.

Ada: Thank you babe; that’s all I ask.

(Ada smiles at Leo and Leo smiles back. Ada slowly removes her hands away from Leos. About a minute later, Ada walks into the break room to get her some crackers from the top cabinet above the coffee pot. She looks at the box to see its ingredients. Henry is sitting at the table behind Ada drinking coffee. Ada refuses to make eye contact with him and she continues to open the pack of crackers.)

Henry: How are you and your groom-to-be getting along? The two of you seem to have more than a few inconsistencies.

Ada: As a couple, our business stays private between us. If you have a problem with that, go to a strip club and buy yourself a girl who’ll be willing to listen to your constant complaining.

Henry: Have you forgotten not to take me so seriously? I only like to be dramatic is all; is that a crime?

Ada: No, Henry; it’s not a crime, but right now I’m just not in the mood for your little immature responses.

Henry: (Takes a slow tip of his coffee) Now, Ada, if something’s troubling you, you can always come to me.

Ada: I have nothing to say to you. (Leaves out the room slightly frustrated.)

(Henry looks over at the counter and sees Ada left her crackers. Henry walks over and grabs the pack of crackers she left out. He sits back down and begins to casually eat them.)

(Airport)

(Kaito meets with a very handsome well-dressed man who looks young but he looks like he is in his late 30’ or mid 40’s. The man seems to be a person with a dark past. He keeps a very dark side hidden inside of him. He’s very casual and talks when he has to. He has a charming smile and he seems to have a very devious side to him. The man and Kaito shake hands and smile at each other with excitement.)

Shido: Well, I never thought I’d lay my eyes on the infamous Kaito Zonoda again.

Kaito: I’m a man of my word. I told you the day would come when we once again shake each other’s hand.

Shido: (Both stop shaking) You’ve clearly proven me wrong. It’s been over 15 years since we’re been together; how about we celebrate like old times?

Kaito: (Humorous) I can’t just go around doing traffic deals and shooting up old people homes like we use to; I’m the boss now!

Shido: So I’ve heard. I trust you have an alternative way of celebrating? We’re old friends of course; we’ve gotta celebrate somehow.

Kaito: I just bought a new strip club. Maybe we can check out the dancers and give out a few tips? I need to test out my new workers anyway.

Shido: Sure, Kaito; that’ll work. Then maybe you can tell me why I’m here.

(LJ runs up to Kaito.)

LJ: Excuse me, sir. I don’t mean to be rude but I got some personal business to take care of. Do you have your blessing to leave?

Kaito: Take care of your personal things, LJ. Be back tomorrow morning.

LJ: Thank you, sir. (Runs off)

Shido: Where is Mikhail?

Kaito: (Wraps one arm around Shido and walks toward the front door.) That is what I wanted to talk to you about. Mikhail was... morally lost. Sally and I helped him find his way.

Shido: So he betrayed the brotherhood and was murdered. Mikhail worked for the Kozlov Brotherhood for many years. Understand it was very hard for him to do what he did.

Kaito: (Stops walking) You knew about him planning to betray me?

Shido: I know everything, Kaito. Mikhail came to me many years ago and confessed he was working with them. Mikhail loved you, Kaito. And despite whatever he told you in his death, he really did care for you and betraying you was the hardest thing he ever did. He had good reason to.

Kaito: (Pats him on the back and continues to walk.) I need to know I can trust you, Mr. Shido.

Shido: Now that I am officially working for you, you have all the trust I have to offer.

Kaito: You and my sister are the only ones I have left. Heck, sometimes I feel I can’t even trust myself. I’ve been very unpredictable lately. Right now my current objective is to recruit some 18 year old kid. He’s young, but he’s smart.

Shido: I’ll need to check this boy out.

Kaito: I plan on having him kidnapped for dinner tomorrow. It would be nice if you joined us.

Shido: I’ll have to check my schedule.

Kaito: (Laughs) You still crack me up!

(Israel’s car)

(Hanru nervously waits on the passenger side door. His arms are crossed and his fingers are tapping against his elbows. Israel comes out of the alleyway wearing hooker clothing, heels, and a big brown purse in her hand. She quickly walks over to her car and unlocks it for her and Hanru. The two of them get in and Israel quickly takes off down the street. Israel is lost in her own world and not paying attention to anything. Hanru looks at her face to try and read her for a few seconds.)

Hanru: (Stammering) What happened?

Israel: You don’t need to worry about it.

Hanru: You’re wearing Janet’s clothing.

Israel: Mine had blood all over them; wouldn’t wanna attract suspicion to ourselves now would we?

Hanru: You’re driving like 80 in a 35 miles per hour zone; don’t you think that’ll cause some suspicion?

Israel: Shut up.

Hanru: Did you at least call the police?

Israel: Why would I?

Hanru: For Janet.

Israel: I just broke a man’s limbs, stabbed him in the heart, and beat him to death; do you think I’m gonna call the police for my own crime scene?

(Sirens go off behind Israel. She slows down and pulls over to the right side. The cop pulls over behind her and turns the sirens off. The cop begins to walk over to Israel and Hanru.)

Israel: (Looks Hanru in the eyes) You may be my lover’s little brother, but I’m warning you not to show suspicion of any kind. Let that be a warning.

(The cop knocks on the window. Israel rolls down the window. She acts very childish and very happy. Yet she’s casual and in control.)

Israel: Nice day officer.

Officer: Funny- I just seen a girl a few nights ago wearing that exact same thing.

Israel: This clothing is very common.

Officer: License and registration.

Israel: You forgot to say please.

Officer: Please, ma’am.

(Israel continuously makes eye contact with officer.)

Israel: (To Hanru) Look in the glove compartment and hand the nice gentlemen the papers.

Hanru: Yeah.

(Hanru opens the glove compartment and sees a gun in there. He quickly closes it.)

Officer: (Puts hand on gun) Ma’am, do you deny having a concealed firearm in your vehicle?

Israel: This isn’t my car, so I guess I do deny it.

Officer: Who car is it?

Israel: I don’t know; I stole it.

Officer: (Backs up a few feet) I’m gonna have to ask you to please step out of the car, ma’am.

Israel: Na, I’d rather not. I suggest you get back to your car and-

Officer: (Yells) Ma’am please do not make me have to ask you again!

Israel: … I really wish I didn’t have to slaughter a pig today.

Officer: Excuse me?!

(Within an instant, Israel shoots the officer in the neck. He falls to the ground instantly and his partner gets out of the car. Israel opens her door and gets out to shoot him in the chest. He dies instantly. The first officer is trying to crawl away while he holds his neck and struggles to stay alive. Israel watches him suffer.

Hanru: What are you doing; get back in the car?!

(The officer looks back at her. The two of them make eye contact.)

Officer: P-p-please… I have three kids. S-S-Seven… f-f-four… and… (pulls wallet out to look at a photo of his kids) t-two…

Israel: Your kids will not have to suffer the tragedy of losing their father. (Kneels down and whispers to him.) Don’t worry; I’ll take care of them.

Officer: No… Please!

(Israel shoots him in the face pointblank. She enjoys the moment for a short time, then stands up. She hears sirens. She slowly walks back to the car and casually drives off. The blood is still on her face.)

Israel: Are you happy now; I’m driving the speed limit.

(A tinted car that was parked across the street begins tailing Israel.)

Hanru: You’re not even the same Israel I know.

Israel: If me being around you makes you uncomfortable, then that’s too bad. After what you just witnessed, I’ll need to keep an eye on you.

Hanru: Are you going to kill me?

Israel: (Grins) If I wanted to kill you, you’d be dead by now. I don’t want to kill you, so don’t give me a reason to, alright? (Looks over and smiles at Hanru) Now let’s not talk, ok.

(Isaacs Loft)

(Erika is in Isaac’s studio apartment. The two of them are lying in bed over the covers with their clothing on. They look at the ceiling.)

Erika: I can’t even do my job right anymore, Isaac. I’m thinking about quitting.

Isaac: (Sits up and looks Erika in the eyes.) Don’t think like that; you sound foolish. You worked your whole life for this. You have a great career, you make good money. Why would you wanna throw all that away?

Erika: The only reason why I wanted to be a blood spatter analysis and work in forensics was because of the trauma I went through as a teenager. I could be around blood and death all the time. But now… something’s changed. It’s like a new chapter in my life is opened and... I don’t know, I just feel like I don’t belong in forensics.

Isaac: (Rubs Erika’s hair and smiles at her) Your mind is finally getting better. You’re realizing now that the demons from your trauma are fading away and now you can finally take control of your life and be who and what you wanna be. Nothing is holding you back. The shackles have been broken.

Erika: Then why do I still feel like a prisoner?

Isaac: (Gently kisses Erika) You just need to some time to figure things out is all.

Erika: It’s been a long time since anyone’s ever kissed me. (Puts her finger on her lips) I feel like a school girl.

(Isaac and Erika both hold each other’s hands and face each other. They look into each other’s eyes.)

Isaac: When was the last time you were intimate with a man?

Erika: Please, Isaac; I’m not ready for that yet.

Isaac: It’s only a question, Erin.

Erika: The only time I’ve ever done anything sexual was when I was with Oliver. Rape is the only sexual experience I’ve ever had. I’ve never even had a pleasurable orgasm before.

(Isaac kisses Erika again with a long gentle kiss.)

Erika: I’m sorry, Isaac; I’m just not ready.

Isaac: It’s alright, Erika; I’ll be gentle.

(Isaac’s hand slowly goes down Erika’s underwear.)

Isaac: If you want to be dominant in your life, you need to go through this and face all your fears.

(Isaac’s hand goes deeper into her underwear. She gasps. Her eyes close tightly and she twitches.)

Isaac: (Whispers) Do you trust me?

Erika: (Makes eye contact with Isaac then hugs him tightly) Please be gentle with me. And keep this between us.

Isaac: I promise I will.

Erika: I’m sorry about my… problem. I’ve never had a reason to shave before.

Isaac: Don’t be sorry. As a woman, I understand you have many insecurities. But you’re with a man you care much about and who loves you. Just let all your troubles go and trust I won’t hurt you.

Erika: How do I know you really care about me and love me? How do I know you’re not just saying that to get what you want from me? How does any woman know?

Isaac: I can’t answer that, Erika. (Kisses Erika on the neck) But as a man, all I can tell you is most of the time when you do this kind of stuff with a guy, don’t expect for the relationship to last forever. Just live in the moment and enjoy the feeling.

(Isaac’s hand begins slowly moving up and down. Erika clenches to Isaac’s body tighter.)

Isaac: If there’s any doubt in your mind that the person you’re with doesn’t really care for you, then wait. Wait for as long as you can. Deep in your heart you’ll know when you’ve found the right one to give yourself to.

Erika: (Moans and twitches) But… if I’ve been hurt so badly by a guy, or even multiple guys, how do I move on and trust someone else?

Isaac: Ask yourself why you’re doing it. Ask yourself why you’re attempting to have sexual relations with another guy. If it’s someone you care deeply about, you take a risk. You go through with it and know in your mind that this new guy has never hurt you. Take a leap of faith and just go through with it. But do it nice and gently.

Erika: Sometimes it’s not that easy.

Isaac: It’s never easy. But you need to learn how to be strong and take control of yourself. Take control of your life and sexuality. If you need to, handcuff him and be on top. Take dominance and over time, things will slowly work themselves out.

(Erika’s body begins to move up in down and she starts to moan louder and breath heavier.)

Isaac: Take a leap of faith and trust yourself.

Erika: (Breathing heavy) Isaac… what’s happening?! I feel strange. My body feels like it’s going to fall apart. I feel like I’m going to fall asleep, but at the same time I feel so… so… Oh my gosh!

Isaac: It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here; I won’t let anything bad happen to you.

Erika: Isaac!

(Erika lets out an uncontrollable scream and her body begins shaking uncontrollable for 5 long seconds. She loosens her grip to Isaac and opens her eyes. She slowly goes in for a kiss. She touches her lips with Isaac’s for 5 seconds.)

Isaac: Do you feel okay?

Erika: I feel many things right now.

Isaac: Should we move on to handcuffs now?

Erika: Not yet. Let’s just lay here awhile okay.

Isaac: (Chuckles) I wasn’t being serious.

(Someone begins banging on Isaac’s door.)

Erika: Did my screaming wake someone up?

Isaac: I wish it did.

Angry voice; ISAAC, OPEN UP! (Bangs on door) We know you’re in there. That girl of yours can be heard a block away.

(Isaac reaches into his dresser and pulls out a 1911 handgun pistol. He makes sure it’s loaded.)

Erika: Isaac, what are you doing?

Isaac: I owe these guys money for the drugs I gave you three years ago. These guys are either here to kill me or break another one of my fingers. I got lucky with the first two.

Erika: Don’t even joke, Isaac! I don’t wanna see you hurt.

Isaac: Then cover your ears and look away, cause I assure you someone is going to get hurt.

Erika: Isaac!

(Isaac walks across the apartment and opens the door. He holds the gun down to his waist. There are two Columbians. Juan is always jumpy and angry. Esteban is always calm and dumb. Isaac seems very angry the whole time.)

Juan: What is this; I thought we were family?

Isaac: You took two of my fingers and shot me in the side of my stomach. You expect me to call you family after that?

Esteban: The finger thing was an accident and plus, we put ‘em on ice so doctors could reattach them. Our boss told us to cut the fingers off from some over guy and Juan thought it was you. Our bad. (Hands Isaac a ziplock bag with two fingers and ice in it)

Isaac: What am I supposed to do with this?

Esteban: Hang it up on your wall and maybe tell your grandchildren stories about how you lost them during the war.

Juan: (Angry) Shut up, Esteban! Now he knows we’re not here to kill him.

Isaac: Then what are you here for?

Juan: May we come it?

(Isaac lets them inside. He closes the door behind them and locks it. Esteban examines Erika and looks deep in her eyes without her noticing. Juan walks up so Erika and smiles at her.)

Juan: Aren’t you a pretty you.

Isaac: (Angry) Hey, if you’re here to talk business, leave her out of it and talk to me!

Juan: Now that he knows we’re not here to kill him, the Chihuahua becomes a pit-bull.

Isaac: Erika, you need to leave.

Erika: (Gets off the bed and stands up) No, Isaac. I’m staying here with you. I’ll never forgive myself if I let anything happen to you.

Isaac: Fine, just stay out of this business and keep your mouth shut.

Erika: I got it. I need to head to the bathroom anyway.

(Erika takes one step forward and almost loses her balance and falls to the floor. She grabs the bed to help her stay standing. Slightly embarrassed, she quickly walks over to the restroom.)

(Juan, Esteban, and Isaac stand in the middle of the apartment.)

Esteban: Cute girl.

Isaac: (Points gun at him) You stay away from her. I don’t care who you work for, I will kill you both.

Esteban: Relax; I meant to disrespect.

(Isaac lowers the gun.)

Isaac: It doesn’t matter what you meant; stay away.

Esteban: I can see the two of you really like each other. You’re willing to give your life for her, yes?

Isaac: Doesn’t matter.

Esteban: Just keep in mind she loves you very much. You wouldn’t want her ending up like Tawny.

Juan: Would you girls like me to make some tea and buy a few skirts so we can play dress up? Stop with this girly stuff and let’s talk about business! Isaac, our boss is willing to let go of your debt. But he wants nothing to do with you. He doesn’t want to see your face or hear your name again! In return for your freedom, you must help us find a man named Bruce. Bruce faked his death and buried a bag of Ecstasy in his coffin. If you help us find Bruce, your debt will be cleared.

Isaac: I’m guessing the Ecstasy you found was enough to pay off my debt?

Juan: Much, much more than enough.

Esteban: After that Viagra incident, my cousin can finally afford to get his penis fixed.

Isaac: Yeah, I remember that mix up; my regards to your cousin.

Esteban: I’ll be sure to let him know you pretended to care.

Isaac: Thanks.

Juan: Do you agree to assist us in finding Bruce.

Isaac: I know Bruce. I know who you’re talking about. If I find anything out, you’ll be the first to be informed.

Juan: (Points) We know where you live. Do not lie to us.

Isaac: With my freedom on the line?

Juan: We will be seeing you, Isaac.

(Ambulance)

(Paramedics roll a gurney into the back of an ambulance Janet is on the gurney. Holly tries to enter into the back, but a male paramedic stops her.)

Paramedic: Sorry, you can’t ride; you’ll only get in the way!

Holly: But I’m the one who found her like this! I called you guys!

Paramedic: (Closes one door) Sorry!

Holly: But that’s my mother, please!

Paramedic: Alright, get in, just don’t say anything and let us do our job!

Holly: okay thank you so much!

(Godmother’s house)

(Hanru and Israel walk into the Godmother’s house and see a bunch of little girls sleeping everywhere. The two of them hear something in the kitchen. They walk in and see the Godmother washing dishes and humming a song.)

Israel: (Crosses her arms) So you finally did it. You poisoned those little girls.

Godmother: Those girls are my future. I teach them all I know about poison and they will all grow up to be just like me. One day, I will die, and these girls will be my reincarnation. What reason could I possibly have to kill them?

Israel: So then what… They’re just sleeping?

Godmother: Why yes, dear, they are.

Hanru: (Thinking) Why won’t she turn around so I can see her face?

Godmother: Who is your friend?

Israel: He doesn’t like people knowing his name. Same as how you don’t like people seeing your face.

Godmother: Why is he here?

Hanru: I’m here because I need to know about untraceable poison.

Godmother: Nearly all poisons are untraceable, child; just as long as you know the chemistry of the human body. By controlling what the body takes in and what amount of ingredients it ingests, you can control how well the poison infuses with the blood and becomes untraceable. I tell you, I’m over 60 years old and I can tell you things about poison you can never understand.

Hanru: There is a woman who is poisoning old men. The poison puts them in comas for a while then they die in their sleep.

(The Godmother drops a plate and lets it shatter to the floor. She continues to wash another dish.)

Godmother: Israel, my dear. You know the consequences for lying. Do not forget about dear old Davy.

Israel: Davy is forever seared into my mind, Godmother.

Godmother: You also know the punishment for bringing in suspected policemen.

Israel: This is my lover’s little brother, Godmother. I promise you he’s no cop.

Godmother: Very well. I am an old woman of honesty. Please go ahead and ask me a very limited number of questions, dear.

Hanru: Is there any way you can help me find out who’s poisoning these men?

Godmother: Yes…

(Awkward moment of silence.)

Hanru: Okay…

(The Godmother continues to hum.)

Israel: Godmother, my friend would like to know who it is killing these old men. Please tell us. Would you please tell us?

Godmother: Her name is Gilbert, Kristen. She is a student of mine. I’ve told all my students that if they were to be caught, I would not protect them.

Hanru: What is Kristen’s killing method?

Godmother: Sweet girl, that Kristen. She’s very troubled. She poisons men at their weakest moment. She targets the ones who have lost their significant other. She tempts them into engaging in sexual relations. Once she’s had her fill, she fills them up with lethal toxins.

Hanru: Does Kristen have blond hair and his she very spontaneous and at moments bipolar?

Godmother: That would be her, honey.

Israel: How do you know Kristen?

Hanru: Cause she’s Lawrence’s new girlfriend.

Israel: Godmother…!

Godmother: Yes, dear; you have my permission to kill her. I would’ve done the same for my husband. (Sighs) Death comes at such inconvenient times.

Hanru: Thank you for your time, Godmother. I must be going now. (Quickly leaves the room.)

(Hanru and Israel open the front door and take a few steps out. Hanru is then shot in the arm and collapses to the ground! Israel quickly grabs him and drags him inside.)

Kayla: DO YOU REMEMBER ME! Kayla Elicio from three years ago! (Shoots three more times at the house) I’m gonna murder you, you little rat! Because of you, my Allen is dead! I can’t even find his body!

Hanru: How the heck did she find me?!

Israel: Is your arm alright?

Hanru: I’m fine. Surprisingly it didn’t hit me directly; it went through my shirt and over my shoulder.

Israel: I haven’t seen Kayla in a while. She was once a part of my father’s group of serial killers.

Hanru: She blames me for breaking up the group.

Israel: It was kinda your fault. If it wasn’t for you many more innocent people would be dead and my father would still be alive!

(8 more shots are fired at the house.)

Hanru: There are kids in here. She’s gonna hit one of them!

Israel: So you’re gonna be noble and go out there? I won’t let you get yourself killed.

(A shot is heard outside and a short scream is heard. Hanru and Israel peak out the door and see Kayla lying on the ground. LJ is standing over her body with a gun in his hand, staring at Hanru.)

TO BE CONTINUED…