Hanru Sazuki

(A young man in a white mask, black leather gloves, and an all-black cloak, is seen hiding under a very filthy bed. The tiles on the floor are cracked and old; along with the rest of the room. The entire building seems to be the same. It’s in the middle of a dead forest. The building is an abandoned mental institution. The walls are cracked and most of the windows on all 5 floors have been shattered.)

Hanru Sazuki Narrating: Life should be embraced. Sometimes you just need to take risks.

(A beautiful and friendly blonde nurse in a sparkling clean uniform walks into the room with a tray of food which cannot be seen by the shivering, pale, old man lying in the bed.)

Anne: (Friendly Smile) Oh good morning, Mr. Kakashka. Your breakfast is nice and fresh for you.

(She places the metal tray on the dresser next to the bed. The shivering man is terrified and shakes in fear. He looks down at the tray and sees a glass of lumpy green milk, a bowl of mashed up gray stuff, which is very questionable, and there is a plate with a dead cooked rat. The old man looks back at the nurse, Anne. Anne pulls up a chair next to the man. She puts some white gloves on with red and brown liquid stains all over it. The old man throws his torn blanket over his face and tries to hide from her.)

Anne: Aww, don’t be shy; it may not look it, but this food is therapeutic. The rat helps stimulate the white blood cells in your body and keep you from contracting any diseases. And consuming their flesh allows your body to stay youthful and active. You’re an old man, so you definitely need that. The cup of spoiled milk strengthens your stomach’s digestive system so you can handle anything that goes down. And the bowl of questionable deliciousness is brain from a deer. (Chuckles) The deer was just caught this morning, so it’s nice and fresh. Don’t worry; I warmed it up a bit. The deer is a pure animal of nature. Consuming its brain lets your soul become pure and stops those nasty evil spirits from tainting that sweet little soul of yours. (Pokes his nose and giggles)

(The nurse grabs the rat with one hand and uses the other hand to slowly move the blanket off the old man’s face.)

Anne: (Gives him a charming smile and whispers) Aww, what a gorgeous face; I love that face. (Stops whispering) The look of fear in your eyes stimulates the blackness within me and just makes me wanna… (Puts her hand up her skirt and moan a bit while biting her lip) do things to myself…

(She rubs for a few seconds and closes her eyes. She opens them after 4 seconds and stares at the old man with a smile.)

Anne: (Sings his name) Oh Mr. Kakaaashkaaaa… Your meal is ready. You should eat now…

Kakashka: (Shivers in terror) a… a… shhh… No… N-n-n-no…

Anne: But if you don’t eat up, you’ll die. (Reaches into his blanket and holds his hand) And we both don’t want that, do we?

Kakashaka: N-n-n-no food… for me… (Spits out blood in her face)

Anne: (Sighs in disappointment and agitation) You were doing so well. You were so cooperative. I was going to surprise you and let you see your family again real soon after all these years, but this little stunt of yours you just pulled earned you another 5 months in this room. And to make sure you don’t try and run off again, I’ll have to take away your knee privileges. I’m so sorry… I feel so bad that I have to do this to you; you’re such a sweet man. (Smiles and chuckles) I’ll go get my sledge hammer. Now you wait right here. (Kisses his nose)

(Anne stands up and walks away. She gets to the doorway and blows him a kiss. She then leaves the room. The young man hiding under the bed watches her walk away. Anne walks into the room next to the old man’s. A male and a females’ skeleton sit next to each other on two chairs holding one another’s hand.)

Anne: (Smiles) Awe, you two are such a cute couple.

(A door slams and running can be heard from above the ceiling. It startles Anne.)

Anne: (Talks to the skeletons) It seems Mrs. Lally is up and about again. Why don’t I do see what she’s up to? You two don’t move now. (Giggles and walks away)

(Anne walks upstairs to the second floor and enters a room. A female skeleton lies in the bed staring at Anne.)

Anne: (Puts her arms on her sides) Now, Mrs. Lally; I’ve already told you about running around without my supervision. Did you need the restroom or something? Here, let me get you a bucket.

(Another door slams even louder than the first one.)

Anne: (A bit nervous) Hello?

(Anne looks down the hall and sees a man wearing an all-black suit and a skull mask standing down the hall looking at her.)

Anne: Who are you?

(A man wearing the same thing runs up behind her and stabs her in the neck with a syringe. She passes out instantly and falls to the ground. Minutes later, the two young men wearing masks show up in Mr. Kakashka’s room. They handcuff her to the metal bars on the windows. They then stand in the hallway outside of Kakashka’s room. They both take their masks off and the two young men are revealed to be Hanru and Lee.)

Lee: I can’t believe that actually worked.

Hanru: Yeah. Look, it’s gonna get dark soon and I don’t want to be in an asylum during nighttime. We need to move these bodies and get out of here.

Lee: Why not leave her here and save the old man?

Hanru: Because she’s going to kidnap another person and hold him hostage until they die. She’s a killer, man, and she needs to be turned into the authorities.

Lee: And what happens when the system fails and she gets off Scott free? Then you’re gonna regret not killing her now when you had the chance.

Hanru: Why are we even talking about this? Murder is not what we do.

Lee: You seriously need a better plan than this, Hanru. You’re a detective who solves murders, yet when you find out who the murderer is, you get stuck and can’t figure out what to do afterwards. You can’t kill them, you can’t report them to the police because evidence was obtained illegally and not to mention vigilante justice would be involved. You need to figure something out right now. You need to move on from your current state and figure out what you’re going to do with these killers after you catch them.

(Hanru looks at Anne’s unconscious body.)

Lee: We can chain her arms to the back of the truck and drag her body until she peals like an onion, or a banana; whatever sounds more fitting for the situation.

Hanru: (Puts hand on Lee’s arm) You have no idea how tempted I am to kill her right now. I have s-soo many voices in my head screaming at me to do it, but I know that once I start killing, I won’t be able to stop and I’ll become a killer, and plus… my soul will automatically be destined for hell after I die.

Lee: You really believe in that?

Hanru: Yes, I do. It says so in the Bible that murder is a mortal sin and once you take a life, you’ll automatically go to hell. I’m not sure if there’s some loophole in the Bible to get to heaven after murder, but if there is, it’s probably not an easy process to go through.

Lee: So because of your “faith in this book” you don’t want to murder this serial killer?

Hanru: (Defensive) YES, that is exactly why! My entire life, I’ve suffered from this darkness inside of me. It constantly compels me to murder, but I always fight it and stop it from taking over me. What I’ve never told anyone before is that I stop it with my faith. My faith of believing that my soul will go to hell after a die is what’s been stopping me from becoming a murderer all these years.

Lee: Maybe you can talk to God and make a deal with him.

Hanru: (Sighs in annoyance) Ah…

Lee: I mean is killing wrong if you do it for the right reason? You’re killing a person who kills and tortures innocent people for her own amusement. Killing her saves good people and gets rid of more evil in this world. It is the right thing to do I think.

Hanru: NO, Lee! Look let’s just… Let’s just get this guy out of here and to a hospital. We’ll figure out what to do with Anne in a little while…

(Police department)

(All the cops are in the briefing room listening to the Lieutenant speak.)

Lin: Okay, so with the evidence we have now, I’d say we’re getting pretty close to catching our killer. When the results of the blood test from the last crime scene come in, I want the file on my desk. Justin, I’m trusting you to deliver that message to Erika, cause the next time I talk to her, I may end up firing her on the spot and I’m sure neither of you want that.

Justin: Not at all, ma’am.

Lin: Good, now I expect everyone to work hard today.

Henry: You know we always do, Lieutenant.

Lin: Good, keep it up. You’re all dismissed.

(Everyone stands up and begins to leave the room. Justin walks up to the Jennifer Lin, the Lieutenant is a tiny bit nervous.)

Justin: Excuse me, Lieutenant, I know you’re a very busy woman and all, but I was wondering if I could maybe bother you for a moment?

Jennifer: Is this about Erika, cause if it is, I don’t want to hear it.

Justin: Please, LT; it’s important. All I want is to take the time from the lunch and use it to see what’s going on with Erika is all.

Jennifer: I don’t care what you do with your lunch break, just be back in time to do your real job and focus on what’s important. (Rushes out of the room)

(Suburbia)

(Kids are outside in the street playing foot-ball, hula-hoop, and riding scooters and bikes. LJ walks outside in a muscle shirt, shorts and house slippers. He walks out on the lawn and grabs the newspaper. His friendly neighbor comes outside in a fancy suit and a suitcase.)

Al: Hey, new neighbor how goes your morning? Still getting use to those hot morning meals and screaming kids?! (Chuckles)

LJ: (Fakes a smiles) I’m definitely not use to having such luxurious mornings that’s for sure.

Al: Don’t worry; you’ll adjust. (Gets into black SUV and drives off)

(LJ walks inside and sits at the kitchen table. Janet places a plate of food in front of him on the table. LJ stares at the plate with a blank expression.)

LJ: … What is this?

Janet: Sorry, I know I burned your bacon, but I don’t have much cooking experience, remember?

LJ: No one said it was going to be easy turning a Hoe into a housewife.

Janet: Come on, LJ. Now is name calling really necessary?

LJ: No but it’s the truth.

Janet: Yes I know that but… (Sighs) I’m trying here. I really am trying. I mean I’ve been a prostitute my entire life since before I was even a teenager, it’s not easy trying to just move on from that and live a normal life with a family. I have a daughter upstairs that-

LJ: Hey, hey, hey, shhhh. It’s alright. (Stands and hugs Janet) I’m sorry, I’ve just been really upset too. I just need to adjust to this new life too is all.

Janet: I’m sorry I’ve been so emotional lately, I just have a lot on my mind and my body is going through changes, you know how it is. Actually no, you probably don’t know. (Stops hugging and walks away into the kitchen)

LJ: My body is going through changes too, Janet; it’s not just you.

Janet: My body has never gone without sex for more than a week. And since I’ve been with you, it’s almost been a whole month I’ve gone without it. My body is not reacting well to the absence of sexuality.

LJ: You need to learn how to control your urges first alright.

Janet; But what if I don’t want to control them? What if I want to submit to them? What if I feel I need this to function in everyday society?

LJ: I know you can beat this, Janet. Don’t let this control you.

Janet: LJ, please, just at least once… make love to me… Just once, please? I’m going through enough stress right now, worrying whether or not I can become a good mother. Please, all I ask is that for 15 minutes a day, you help me forget about my troubles and worries.

LJ: … Alright, Janet, I’ll think about it.

Janet: Thank you, LJ. (Walks up to him and gives him a big kiss across the lips)

(Holly and Tsuki both walk down the stairs and see the two of them kissing.)

Tsuki: awe, how cute; they make such a beautiful couple… no not really; I’m just being nice.

Holly: Why are you so mean, big sister?

Tsuki: Because this is America and I’m free to be as cruel as I want to. (Looks at LJ’s plate of food) What an ugly concoction. Do you call this food, Meukie?

Janet: I still need some practice, but-

Tsuki: I can get you a how to make cereal in a bowl for dummies book if you’d like; then maybe that’ll give you a decent start. (Walks out the front door)

Holly: I’m sorry, she’s so mean, Janet; she’s like that with… well everyone.

Janet: (Sad) I’m gonna go for a walk. Let me get my shoes… (Walks upstairs)

(The room gets awkward and LJ sighs.)

LJ: Your big sister is going to have to change her attitude or get out of this house if she keeps hurting your mother’s feelings like that. She’s going through enough.

Holly: I know… we all are.

LJ: So you’re going to check out colleges with your sister?

Holly: Yeah, I should probably catch up to her before she leaves me behind. (Laughs) Bye, daddy. (Kisses LJ on the cheek and runs out the front door)

Janet: (Walks downstairs) She’s in denial; you know that right?

LJ: You mean about her watching her father die in front of her?

Janet: Yeah. She buried her feelings instead of dealing with them.

LJ: You’re her mother; you talk to her.

(Asylum)

(Lee and Hanru both have the sick old man in the back seat of a rusty old blue ford truck. They talk outside the vehicle.)

Lee: I can’t believe you right now. I’m very disappointed. I can’t believe how much of a weenie you’re being right now. Do you really think this is the best strategy?

Hanru: No. But we don’t have any space in the truck for her. She’s chained up to a pipe; we’ll come back for her maybe tomorrow.

Lee: Yeah, that’s if she doesn’t eat her own hand off and escape.

Hanru: I’m sure she’s not that crazy.

Lee: Are you kidding me?! She’s nuttier than squirrel feces. She probably eats squirrels.

Hanru: Yeah alright, maybe.

Lee: I’m not gonna lie though; she is pretty hot. If she wasn’t a psychotic killer who eats animals and talks to dead corpses, I would probably try to get into her sugar walls.

Hanru: (Chuckles) Ha! She probably eats bones too, for nutrients.

Lee: Hey, she can suck on my bone any day.

Hanru: You don’t care that she’s a psychotic maniac? You still trust her around your most prized tool?

Lee: After thinking about it a few seconds… Her being a psychotic manic actually turns me on. Crazy chicks make me go nuts and they make my nuts go… if you know what I mean!

Hanru: (Cracks a smile) You and your dirty jokes, Lee.

Lee: Let’s hurry and take this old man to a hospital before he croaks.

(Erika’s apartment)

(Justin knocks on Erika’s door. She answers it. Her skin looks pale and really dirty. Her eyes are bloodshot red and her clothing looks very disgusting and smells horrible… or maybe that’s Erika herself.)

Justin: Erika, what are you doing? Why aren’t you at work? The Lieutenant is trying to hold back her tongue from saying the words “Erika, you’re fired”.

Erika: I’m high right now; I don’t feel like going to work. Just tell her I’m sleep or died, or something. (Walks into her apartment and sits down on the couch)

Justin: (Walks inside and closes the door)

Justin: You’re kidding me right now with this. Your house smells like cocaine and liquor bottles are all over the floor.

(Erika finishes liquor straight out the bottle. She burps and throws the bottle on the floor.)

Erika: 2 nights ago, I just snapped… I’m done with trying to be sober.

Justin: Erika…

Erika: No, Justin, please just go. I’m in no mood to talk about this right now; stop by after work.

(Erika lies down on the couch and falls to sleep within seconds. Justin sighs in disappointment and begins cleaning the bottles up off the floor.)

(Studio Apartment)

(Jessica walks into the apartment with a purple-haired woman named Tammy. Jessica takes a few steps in and looks around in amazement. Tammy closes and locks the door behind them. Jessica drops her backpack on the floor.)

Jessica: So this is where you spend your nights when you’re not out humping middle-aged guys for money. It’s a pretty decent place to call home.

Tammy: Yeah well you live here now too. So that means you need to start pulling your own weight and paying rent around here.

Jessica: (Looks at Tammy) Not the same weight you pull I hope.

Tammy: What was that, a dirty joke? Look, I’m not a very humorous person, honey, so while you’re here, all you’re expected to do is pay half the rent and don’t break anything in here. This is all my furniture and I’ve worked really hard for it.

Jessica: I understand. So, where’s my room?

Tammy: Your room… is the space in the corner, by the bathroom.

Jessica: Uh… What?

Tammy: Yeah, the living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, sex pad; all the same area. I have the bed over by the kitchen and you can have the couch by the bathroom door.

Jessica: Wow… Does the bathroom have a striper pole in it?

Tammy: You’re welcome to use it for practice anytime you like.

Jessica: (Feeling awkward) I was joking.

Tammy: (Smiles and pats Jessica’s shoulder) I wasn’t. (Walks away)

Jessica: I think I’m gonna go out and find some work now. I’ll be back before you know it.

Tammy: I hope not!

Jessica: I’m not that difficult to live with, trust me.

Tammy: I wouldn’t know; I’ve never had you as a roommate before. For all I know you probably like covering yourself in peanut butter and have dogs give you oral sex.

Jessica: You’re gross…

(Police station)

(Justin is walking toward Ada’s desk. Jennifer Lin walks up to him.)

Jennifer: Detective, Justin. Have you talked to our current pain in the butt? I’m sorry; MY pain in the butt?

Justin: She had a family emergency and she forgot to call in from work today. She should be back by tomorrow.

Jennifer: Ok, well I have enough paperwork to deal with right now and I don’t need more, which is the only reason why I’m not firing her. You better make sure she’s here by the morning or I’ll make sure your job will be a lot harder to bear. (Walks away)

Justin: Yes… Lieutenant…

(Justin walks up to Ada’s desk.)

Justin: Hey, Ada; haven’t heard about the wedding in a while; you and Leo still hanging strong?

Ada: (Stammering and focusing on filing out papers) Well, Justin… (Sighs) Leo and I broke up a few weeks ago actually…

Justin: I figured as much.

Ada: I’m not sure what to think about us anymore. We hardly even talk. And I’m glad the two of us aren’t partners anymore to avoid the awkwardness...

Justin: How about I take you out for drinks tonight then? Don’t worry; I’ll make sure it’s on the house, cause… I’m broke.

(Both chuckle)

Ada: Wow, how romantic. Girls must just eat that stuff right out of your palm.

Justin: Ladies can’t resist me, so yeah, they do. It’s like I have superpowers or something.

Ada: (Chuckles) Alright captain dork, I’ll take you up on your offer tonight. I’m only in town a few days anyway before I go on vacation leave.

Justin: You’re finally turning in your vacation days?

Ada: Yep. I’m heading toward someplace quiet. Somewhere where the sun never shines past the clouds and the shores are always dark and breezy.

Justin: Ah, you’re bringing back old memories of me and my ex.

(Both chuckle.)

Ada: I’m heading to Oregon.

Justin: Alright. Well I hope you have fun.

Ada: No worries; I will.

(Trailer park)

(A young Caucasian girl with long black hair and green eyes is seen walking through a trailer park. She has a bruise on her right cheek and her face is red. She wipes her nose and looks at a small swipe of blood on her palm. She sniffs and looks around to make sure no one is watching her. She walks into a rusty blue and white trailer with paint chipped off the sides. A depressed man with short black and brown hair is sitting in a rocking chair staring at a blank tv and drinking a beer straight out the bottle. The teenage girl stands behind the chair and stares at the man in disappointment. She looks over at the counter in the kitchen and sees a photo of her as a little girl sitting on the shoulder of the man sitting in the chair. She sighs in agitation and clips the nametag off her chest. She throws the nametag on the counter and stares at the photo for a few more seconds. The nametag says Teegan. She looks at the ground and takes a few seconds to hold in her tears. She gets up and rushes in front of her emotionally depressed father.)

Dad: (Takes a swallow of beer) You’re blocking the T.V.

Teegan: (Desperately holds back her emotions) Dad, there’s nothing on the screen. There’s never anything on the screen. We haven’t had cable for months- no, years; almost two or three years now.

Dad: I like to pretend I’m watching your mother sing on American Idol. (Takes another swallow of beer) She’s one of the finalists.

Teegan: … (Looks down in depression) Here, dad. (Reaches in her pocket and pulls out a small bundle of money) I made $175. I only have 140 right now. I convinced those boys from upstate I only had 35 dollars. I only had to take a few hits to the face this time before they started to believe me.

Dad: (Takes the money) Thanks, I was running low on beer. (Puts money in his pocket and takes another drink of his beer)

Teegan: Dad, I worked… really hard to earn that money from my job for the bills and food. And with the food prices nowadays, I don’t think we can afford to waste money on stuff like beer.

Dad: Teegan. I’m your father, so I say where the money goes… Now I’m done discussing this.

Teegan: Dad… When I tell you about those boys who hurt me… how does that make you feel?

Dad: (Sighs) Teegan…

Teegan: Please, dad, just- I really need to know.

Dad: I couldn’t protect my wife… how can I protect my own daughter?

(Teegan sits next to her father on the arm of the chair and hugs him.)

Teegan: Dad, I lost her too… I loved her just as much as you did… She was my mother. (Stops hugging and looks her father deep in his eyes) Please, just stop shutting me out and grieving alone. You don’t have to grieve alone, dad… you have me. Grieve with me… Cause I feel alone too after losing mom and… I need someone to hold me and protect me and tell me everything’s gonna be okay. Please, dad, just help me get through this. (Hugs her father tightly once again)

Dad: Teegan…

(Her father very slowly begins reaching his arm around his daughter Teegan to comfort her. He gets only a few inches away from touching her, but he suddenly stops. He drops his arm.)

Dad: I’m sorry, Teegan, but I won’t be able to help you get through this until after I figured out what happened.

Teegan: (Stops hugging) Dad, she was murdered; you know what happened. Please don’t remind me about that.

Dad: The one who murdered her was never caught. He got off and… that was it- he got away with it. When I prove he did it, and when he’s caged in like the animal he is, then maybe the recovery can begin for the both of us.

Teegan: Just please don’t give up, dad, cause you’re all I have left. And even though you’re a depressed alcoholic who was fired from being a private detective, you’re still my father. And I will never in a million years fire you as my dad. (Smiles and kisses her father’s cheek)

Dad: I’ll be back; I’m going out for a drink.

Teegan: (Stands up) Be careful dad.

Dad: (Stands up and walks toward the front door) don’t worry about me. (Leaves the trailer)

(Hanru and Lee are in a truck driving down a road surrounded by a forest. Lee is driving and Hanru is in the passenger seat. The old man from the asylum is in the back seat.)

Hanru: (Looks in the back seat for a few seconds before looking straight at the road) He seems fine; physically anyway. Mentally, this guy has no chance of recovery.

Lee: His mentality is like a melted bowl of ice cream that never takes its original delicious form again, even if it’s refrozen. But what happens when this guy wakes up in an unfamiliar environment? Won’t he be hostile towards us?

Hanru: Not if we feed him.

Lee: So we bring this man out of the wild, then feed him snacks and tell him everything will be okay? It sounds like we’re one of those wildlife nature freaks luring a rabbit in the wild to have it for a snack later.

Hanru: I see you’ve figured out the last step to the plan.

Lee: Ooh, we get to eat him?! Yay! I call his heart! It’s good protein! Oh and don’t forget a nice tall glass of blood. It’s good to have some iron in your diet.

(Both crack a smile and chuckle for about 5 seconds. The car grows silent and Hanru begins thinking for a few seconds. He hesitates to tell Lee what’s on his mind.)

Hanru: Lee… so uh… How’s it going with your… “Sexual dilemma?”

Lee: You really wanna bring that up right now, man? Come on.

Hanru: I just wanna make sure you’re all good is all. I’m just looking out for my home dog is all.

Lee: Your home dog is keeping a leash on himself so no worries. Sometimes I have the urge to… (Sighs and stops talking)

Hanru: To what? (Lee stays silent for 4 seconds) What, Lee? You know you can trust me with anything.

Lee: (Stammering) Sometimes I… have the urge to touch. That’s it; just touch.

Hanru: Judging by your tone of voice, I can tell you’re lying.

Lee: (Frustrated) Hanru, just stop it. Okay? Just pop the question bubble, shut up, and change the subject.

Hanru: Someone’s wearing their grouchy panties today.

Lee: (Angry) Look! I am just in no mood to talk about this, alright?! So just SHUT UP!

Hanru: Ooh, he must be wearing a tampon with those panties too.

Lee: Seriously?! Are you seriously gonna mess with me like that?

(4 seconds of silence before the two of them begin to chuckle.)

Lee: Man, you couldn’t get away with that joke with Jessica here. Gosh I miss her.

Hanru: We both miss her, man. I just wish she’d call me once in a while.

Lee: So back to this old man. What bait do we use to calm the frightened deer?

Hanru: We’ll stop by the nearest store and buy a couple of snacks. There should be a liquor store somewhere close by.

Lee: I have my fake ID and I’m a virgin when it comes to using it. Maybe we’ll buy some liquor while we’re there too.

Hanru: I don’t drink.

Lee: Well then give me the money and I’ll pay for MY own alcohol.

Hanru: I don’t have any money.

Lee: YOU AIN’T GOT NO MONEY?! Dang! You never have two things that match!

Hanru: (Chuckles) Alright, man, let’s be serious.

Lee: Don’t worry; I got the money to pay for the snacks. I got dis!

Hanru: What are you, gangster now?

Lee: That’s right! Straight hood! (Howls like a wolf three times) Come on, dogg! Bark with me! Bark with me if you’re my dogg! (Barks three times)

Hanru: You’re always so hyper, Lee.

Lee: And you’re always so dead. You need to start showing more emotion and opening up. A mind is like a parachute; it doesn’t work if it’s not open.

Hanru: Thanks for the words of wisdom, Sensei Lee.

(Lee parks in the dirt parking lot. He and Hanru both get out the truck and close the doors.)

Lee: Shouldn’t someone watch the prisoner?

Hanru: The old man’s legs are bruised; he’s not running away anywhere.

Lee: Alright.

(The two of them walk inside and start searching the store for suitable snacks. The clerk with the country accent talks to Teegan’s dad.)

Clerk: A 6 pack!? Stockin’ a little short on the “feeling like dirt medicine”?

Dad: Booze does seem to be the best cure for my sorrow, Walter, but some city boys have been giving my daughter some trouble. I think I may invest in buying some protection for her.

Walter: You mean heat?

Dad: Yeah, Walter; “Heat”.

Walter: My cousin is a black market weapon dealer down in Louisiana. He’s in town on vacation. Maybe he could hook you up at a discount price.

Dad: By “in town on vacation” do you mean he’s laying low for a while?

Walter: (Grins) You’re a lot smarter than you look, Kenneth.

(Lee and Hanru both get up to the counter and put some honey buns and bottles of Gatorade and water on the counter.)

Lee: It’s no rush at all; please continue your conversation.

Walter: That don’t sound like no country accent to me. You ain’t from around here, ain’t cha, boy?

Lee: Actually no. We’re from the city- Miami.

Hanru: (Thinking) Dang it, Lee; haven’t I taught you to keep your mouth shut?

Walter: So you two them city boys who been messing with this man’s daughter. I ought to shoot you myself and spray paint this entire store.

(Walter reaches under the counter. Hanru quickly pulls a pistol out on Walter. Kenneth pulls out a black pistol and aims it at Lee’s face. Walter pulls out a shot gun and aims it at Hanru. Lee grabs the honey bun and aims it at Walter.)

Lee: I’ll quirt you in the eyes with this frosting; don’t make me do it!

Walter: Are you for real?

Hanru: All we want are the snacks ok. We don’t want any trouble. Now please just let us purchase out snack and we’ll be on our way. No one here needs to get hurt.

Kenneth: After what you two did to my daughter, I can’t just let you go Scott free. You’re gonna have to be dealt with.

Hanru: We’re just passing through is all; my friend and I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Walter: You city folk are always good for your lying, so I suggest you shut up and drop your gun.

Lee: When did you get a gun, Hanru?

Hanru: Kaito gave it to me as a gift before he… moved on. I have a second one in my pocket right now.

Lee: I wish I could’ve met Kaito in person on hos good side.

Walter: Shut up, both of you! Now drop your gun and the two of you won’t have to get hurt.

(Hanru sees a man in a black ski mask and a handgun walk into the store. Hanru shoots at the door and pops a bag of chips. The man in the ski mask gets startled and lets off a shot. The shot hits Kenneth in the back and he falls to the ground instantly unconscious. The man in the mask runs away. Walter runs outside and sees two men in masks running full speed down the road. He lets off two shots at them and hits one in the back of the leg. They continue to run. Walter runs back inside.)

Walter: Darn it! You two are lucky I’m out of shells.

Lee: I’m lucky I have an extra pair of underwear in the truck.

Hanru: Let’s just get him to a hospital! I’d hate for him to be dead!

Walter: Why do you care whether or not he’s dead?

Hanru: Cause I’m just a kind person, alright! It’s who I am. I’ve always been a kind and caring person at heart. I don’t know why, but right now, we don’t have time to figure it out!

Walter: No need getting snippy with me. I just asked a simple question is all.

Hanru: Where’s the nearest hospital?!

(Doctor’s office)

(Janet is sitting on the bed in the doctor’s office alone and nervous. She looks around at all of the charts and posters in the room. A few seconds later, a male doctor walks in.)

Dr. Morgan: Hello, Meukie.

Janet: It’s Janet now.

Dr. Morgan: Oh, I see. Using the government name must mean you’re turning things around finally.

Janet: I recently found out I’m a mother now so I figure raising this little girl right may be my second chance.

Dr. Morgan: A daughter, wow! (Sits in his chair) I remember the first time my wife told me she was pregnant. Best birthday ever. (Smiles) How old is she?

Janet: I believe she’s about 20 years old.

Dr. Morgan: And the state allowed you to legally adopt a child over the age of 18?

Janet: No, no, well… She’s my real daughter from a long time ago. Because of my “former profession,” her and I were separated and we recently found each other again.

Dr. Morgan: Well congratulations on being a mom. I hope the best for you and your daughter. Just remember to always give them space and never feed them after midnight.

(Both laugh. Dr. Morgan stands up and gives Janet a hug for good luck.)

Dr. Morgan: Yeah, having a child is a pretty big responsibility. (Sits back down in his chair) Because of the time the two of you have spent apart, it’s gonna be awhile before she warms up to you and feels comfortable exploiting her true feelings. Expect a lot of rebelliousness. Expect a lot of miscommunication, and a lot of harsh words when things don’t go her way. Because you are new to this whole single parent thing-

Janet: Actually, her father and I recently found out about her together so we’re both taking care of her.

Dr. Morgan: I apologize, I didn’t mean to assume. But that’s great you have a partner in this. Being a parent is difficult itself, but being a single parent is far more complicated. In rare occasions, having a partner is more difficult because you have to constantly deal with them. (Both chuckle) Just always remember communication is VERY important. The three of you are going through a huge metamorphosis in your lives and you’ll need to grow on each other’s love during this process. You may recommend her to me if she doesn’t already have a prescribing doctor, and if you ever need family counseling or maybe some individual therapy, you just let me know; I’ll see what I can dig up for you.

Janet: Thank you, doctor.

Dr. Morgan: Now, before we talk all are time up, let’s go over the test for your results. Now after receiving your results, I do have some pretty bad news.

Janet: Please just tell me straight, doctor.

Dr. Morgan: Okay… (Opens file) You have more than one STD.

Janet: How many?

Dr. Morgan: Three.

Janet: (Frightened) Th- Three?

Dr. Morgan: Yes.

Janet: I’ve always been careful to take care of myself. The last guy I was with must have given them to me.

Dr. Morgan: It only takes one.

Janet: What do I have?

Dr. Morgan: You have Chlamydia, Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus. You Chlamydia however, has infected your upper pelvic tract, causing you to develop a PID- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. In many cases Chlamydia can cause genital and eye infectious diseases and sometimes blindness. This disease can be passed from vaginal, anal, and oral sex, so don’t think using the back door is safer, I’ve had many patience make that mistake. Chlamydia is a very common disease. In fact, most women who have this disease show no physical symptoms and therefore are unaware of being hosts. Now we do have treatments for this. We have many antibiotics you can take. Just don’t get pregnant and don’t have any sex for a long time.

Janet: (Sad) The man I’m with doesn’t even want sex from me anyway, so that’s not a problem.

Dr. Morgan: This brings me to your HPV. HPV is nearly undetectable. The immune system does fight HPV off on its own but it’s unclear whether or not the immune system permanently eliminates it or not. Always use protection when having sex because even if your test results come out clean, that doesn’t entirely mean you are and you can spread this to your partner, and we don’t want that. I’m sure he doesn’t either. HPV is the source of many cervical cancers. Uh… genital warts. Vulva, anal, vaginal, penile, and pharynx cancers can also come from this. This disease may even damage your reproductive organs and prevent you from ever having another child ever. Hepatitis B is a hazard to your health, but it’s not as complicated as the other two. Although you can get liver cancer from this and many do die from this disease. Any questions?

(Janet remains speechless. She just stares down at the ground traumatized.)

Dr. Morgan: I know it’s a lot to take in, Janet, but you can’t let this get you down. The sooner you act against these threats, the sooner you can get better. (Writes something on a sticky note. Now I’m going to do all I can to help you through this, but you have to be my partner in helping cure yourself. Remember you’re not alone. You have your family, and you have me. (Hugs Janet)

Janet: Thank you, Dr. Morgan.

(Different Hospital)

(Hanru, Lee, and Walter are sitting in the waiting room in a small hospital. The room is quiet and only a few other people are in there.)

Hanru: (Thinking) How do I feel about hospitals? Most doctors here are underpaid, stressed out, and overworked. People expect doctors to make everything all better, but in reality, doctors are only human and have a limitation as to what they can do to help others. Most hospitals don’t even treat sick people unless they have money or insurance. There have been many times in history when children needed transfusions to survive longer but doctors say they don’t have any donors available. The children would then lie in the hospital bed and die a slow and painful death. Sometimes doctors would send the children home so that they can save the room for someone who can actually afford their services or have insurance. Doctors aren’t the saviors we make them seem, but is there anyone else who we can put our faith in?

(Hanru sees a priest holding the hand of an elderly African-American mother. Her two children sit next to the mother. They are all crying and hold their eyes shut while the priest prays with them.)

Hanru: (Thinking) Can we really put our faith in something we cannot see and hope it will help the wounded? There have been times when doctors couldn’t heal certain individuals who were plagued with the hourglass. Their lives were limited and they were told that they would die within a certain time. Family putting their faith in prayer would cure the illness of the people and freeze the sands of their hourglass. They would then come to live a long and happy life. This has happened many, many times, but many people do not believe the stories.

Lee: There is not one hot nurse in this hospital. It’s like the central of headquarters of ugly chicks, yo.

Walter: Any particular reason why you boys are in here? This man doesn’t mean anything to you; you don’t even know him.

Lee: I go wherever my butt-buddy here goes.

Hanru: I just wanna make sure he’s okay. I have no other reason.

Walter: You’re weird; you know that?

Hanru: I’m weird because I care?

Walter: Exactly. The average person would not give two cares about this man being hurt.

Hanru: I’m not most people; I am me.

Walter: I think it’d be best for you two to scurry on back to your side of town.

Hanru: Come on, Lee; let’s just go.

(The nurse walks up to them.)

Nurse: Excuse me; are you two the kind gentlemen who brought in a Mr. Kenneth Powell?

Hanru: Yes that’s us, but there are three of us actually.

Nurse: The patient would like to only speak with the two of you for now.

(Lee and Hanru walk into the room and close the door behind them. They walk up to Kenneth as he sits on the bed with a patch on his shoulder.)

Kenneth: I wasn’t sure you two would actually stay in the waiting room. I thought for sure Walter would have run you two boys off by now.

Hanru: He almost did.

Kenneth: The bullet only grazed my shoulder; no eternal damage was done; lucky me, huh (Smiles for a few seconds)? I called you boys here to question you about that second body you had in your truck. I wasn’t the only sick man in that truck you delivered to this hospital so who was the other guy?

Hanru: Sorry, but that remains my business and my business only.

Kenneth: And your boyfriend here, right?

Lee: Yep! This handsome guy is my man, so back off!

Kenneth: I use to be a private investigator. I still have connections and I’ll have someone investigate you if I have to. Now that man you found has been missing for years, and you kids come out of the blue and just magically find him. Now I suggest you two fess up or this could get real ugly for you.

Hanru: My friend and I found him in a forest dying while the two of us were looking for a good place to camp.

Kenneth: So why do you leave Miami? I’m sure Miami has a few good places to camp.

Hanru: We wanted a new scenery and we just wanted to get away from our everyday normal, boring lives.

Kenneth: What about the bag in your backseat; what was that about?

Hanru: My personals I keep in the truck just in case of emergencies.

Kenneth: (Grins) You kids are lucky I’m not sobered up right now. (Lies on the bed and moans) My head is killing me. I’ll never get use to this feeling.

Hanru: You’re a former P.I and from my perception it seems you drink a lot. Did one case just get to you?

Kenneth: If you’re not talking; I’m not talking? The no talking rule works two ways, kid.

Hanru: That’s fine. I understand; it’s none of my business.

Kenneth: Good; you get it.

Hanru: So perhaps my friend and I should go? I mean unless you wanna talk? I like to help people in any way I can. You can keep talking to the bottles of alcohol, but talking to me won’t give you a bad hangover.

Kenneth: Look, kid. My wife was murdered by a serial killer named Shawn Maze. He covered up his evidence so good that the police couldn’t prove a thing. And he bluffed his way through the interrogation room and convinced the police he was a sweet and innocent young man. It’s a shame really, but he got away. I even tried planting evidence after he was proven innocent. I got caught planting fake evidence on him and I was fired. I was obsessed with proving he killed my wife. I knew from the moment we walked into the same room as me, that he was the killer. I can’t explain how I knew; I just did. He lives in Oregon now. I still keep tabs on him and wait for the right opportunity to strike him. I can’t kill him; I’m no killer. But he deserves to be locked away like the beast he is.

Hanru: Then in that case, let’s go to Oregon and get him. He doesn’t know my face so I can investigate him and find some proof that he killed your former spouse.

Kenneth: What are you talking about, kid?

Hanru: I’m an adventurer who doesn’t live life on the boring side. Risking my life is something I enjoy doing. I don’t care whether or not I’m killed.

Kenneth: When you were in the store, you seemed to care whether or not you would be shot by Walter?

Hanru: I wasn’t worried about me; I was worried that someone else would get shot or in trouble. And I didn’t want Walter getting arrested and anally rapped in prison because he killed me. I was thinking about the three of you in that room; not myself. I’m tired of Miami and living with my uncle. I’m ready to move on and explore life on the wild side.

Kenneth: Alright then, kid. Are you sure you wanna do this?

Hanru: No, but that’s exactly why I’m going to.

(Break room)

(Ada and Leo are both in the break room making coffee and opening a box of Zest crackers. They both seem really distant from one another and not one word is said between them. Ada opens the box of crackers and quickly pulls out a bag. She opens the bag and pulls out a few crackers. She then puts the bag of crackers back in the box and as Leo slowly reaches to grab the box, she quickly puts it back into the cabinet. Leo opens his mouth to say something to Ada but at the sound of his voice, she quickly grabs her small cup of coffee and darts out of the room. Leo gently taps his fist on the counter and sighs. The coffee maker then clicks to let him know his coffee is ready.)

(Alleyway)

(Erika walks down an alleyway and stands in front of an old dirty homeless man. He stands in front of her and looks back and forth in both directions of the alleyway. Erika is edgy and very timid. She looks like she is about to just snap at any moment. She slowly rubs her hands together.)

Homeless man: What do you want?

Erika: Uh, purple dragon.

Homeless man: Sorry; all out of that.

Erika: I know you have some left; do not play games with me. (Looks both ways in the alley with a suspicious face) I work for the police depart; I’ve got connections to people who will lock you up unless you give me what I ask for.

Homeless man: I think you need to calm yourself-

Erika: (Very aggressive) I DON’T- need calm; I need what I asked for now. Give it to me or I’ll have you locked up.

Homeless: Then I’ll tell everyone at your station that you have been buying product off me the past 2 months. Get outta here. (Walks away)

(Two seconds after the homeless man walks away, Erika explodes and runs after him. She yells and jumps on his back.)

Homeless: Get off me you crazy broad!

(The Homeless man slams her back into a dumpster and she lets go. Her body falls to the ground in pain. The homeless man then walks away again. She gets up again and tries to attack him head-on. The Homeless man grabs a nearby pipe from the trashcan. As Erika gets close to him, he punches her as hard as he can in the face and makes her hit the ground hard. She rolls on her back and the Homeless man bashes her in the stomach once with the pipe. Erika rolls on her stomach; crying out in pain and spitting up blood.)

Homeless man: I didn’t want to hurt you; I’m sorry. Now stay!

(The homeless man throws the pipe behind the trashcan and quickly runs off. Erika slowly gets up and continues to cough up blood.)

(Police Station)

(Leo is approached by the Sergeant while working at his desk.)

Adam: Hey, Leo. Any news or updates on that poisoning case?

Leo: That case was pretty much dead once it started. We have nothing to go on.

Adam: Oh really? I just got off the phone with a witness who recently got over their fear of talking to the police. She made an appointment to talk to the investigating officers of the case as soon as possible. Do you think you’d be ready for it now?

Leo: I just need to make a quick call to the lazy partner and we’ll be all set. He’s currently out to lunch right now.

Adam: Alright; you get on that.

(Erika’s apartment)

(As Erika lies on her couch in pain, someone knocks on the door. She groans and struggles to get up. She spits out more blood into a nearby liquor bottle and stands up. She answers the door and it is Justin with a white takeout box from a fast food restaurant.)

Justin: Hey, I brought you some… food. Are you alright, Erika?

(A few minutes have passed and the two of them are sitting on the couch talking. Justin has his face pressed against his palm in disappointment and anger.)

Erika: It wasn’t my fault; if the guy had just gave me what I asked for then there wouldn’t have been a problem.

Justin: I can’t even look at you right now. (Removes his palm) Of all the stupid things you’ve ever done, and you have done some pretty stupid things, this is by far the worst. Congratulations; you’ve just broken your record of stupid choices!

Erika: Hey, you’re the one making stupid choices here; not me. Who the heck brings me dried out enchiladas with no cheese or drink?

Justin: Well I know you don’t always like cheese and the way you’ve been lately, I’m sure you’ve had more than enough coke.

Erika: (Smiles and sniffs) Hey, coke is good; you should try it.

Justin: Don’t be funny, okay? I’m not in the mood for it right now.

Erika: Well… (Rubs Justin’s thigh slowly and sensually) What are you in the mood for…?

Justin: (Looks Erika in the eyes) Not this; not now.

Erika: Come on, Justin… I’ve only made love twice my entire life. I’ve never masturbated not once, and I’ve been raped countless times throughout my entire life. (Moves closer to Justin and intensifies her sexy voice) I just wanna know how it feels to have sweaty, intense, rough, meaningless, sex… If I don’t get it from you, I might just get it from somewhere else… Maybe I can go on a corner and role play as a hooker like the good ole days. Mmmm. (Gently kisses Justin’s face)

Justin: I don’t even know you anymore, Erika… (Annoyed) And please, would you get off me?!

(Erika backs away from Justin and her mood goes back to normal.)

Justin: We need to get you into a program of something.

Erika: Nope! No! No program; not again!

Justin: Then let’s you and I have our own program. I’ll be your sponsor.

Erika: Thanks Justin, but you don’t have to pretend like you really care.

Justin: (Defensive) I do really care! I don’t ever want to hear you say that I don’t care about you, cause I really do! You’re like a sister to me, Erika and I really wish you could see that I only want to help you. I only want what’s best for you.

Erika: Fine. (Smacks her hands on her thighs and gets a tiny bit aggressive) You want what’s best for me, Justin, then by all means, please tell me what your plans are for getting me out of the madness going on inside my head!

Justin: (Yells) What madness, Erika?! What are you talking about?! You’ve been angry, emotion and on drugs since I first met you! You obviously have more of a messed up life than what you’ve told me about it so far. Sure you were kidnapped, your friends were killed and tortured right in front of your eyes, and sure you were the only one to survive. A cop found you and let you live with him where he beat you, raped you, forced you into taking drugs and making porn and sure he’s almost killed you a few times by accident, and sure your old high school friend Isaac came back into your life and showed you love before he so tragically died, but you need to understand that it is now time to move on from this! Stop burying your pain and feelings with drugs, alcohol, and more drugs! You’ve become an addict and now it is time to get yourself together and find yourself some real happiness.

Erika: Maybe I’m not ready to find happiness, Justin; have you thought about that?! Maybe I feel like I deserve this punishment. I… (Holds in her emotions for a few seconds) I don’t deserve true happiness, Justin. I really, really don’t.

Justin: Erika…

Erika: Don’t Justin. Please just… let me talk for a while… You don’t know what it’s like to be me. You don’t know what it’s like to walk in my shoes. To experience the things I’ve experienced, to not be able to feel love or be loved… Then once you finally experience love, have the other person die and leave you with this giant whole in your heart… in your life, and even in your very soul. You have no idea what it’s like have voices whisper to you in your head dreadful, awful, and just plain twisted things. I worked in forensics- in blood spatter, because I love the sight of blood. Blood excites me, it’s the only thing that really gives me any type of sexual pleasure because of me having to watch my closest friends to tortured and chopped up into little tiny pieces… Tell me something, Justin… Have you ever been with someone you loved or cared deeply for like a brother of a close friend? Have you ever seen how they look, how they smile and laugh; the expressions on their face just light up your world. They make you happy and you make them happy. They are a living person; a living soul, a body, a personality… Now just imagine having to watch them scream out in terror and pain. Imagine hearing them yell out and beg for the pain to stop. Image how it would look to watch them cry out and beg for mercy just to have them be beat over and over again. And just imagine having to watch every single person who ever mad you happy die in front of you a very painful and gruesome death. Imagine seeing this over and over again until they all were gone. Imagine every single one of them looking you in your eyes as they take their last breath before being cut down into tiny pieces of none living objects. I’ve had to experience this 8 times all at once, Justin. I was next, but I was lucky enough to survive. And when I did survive, I was taken in by a police officer who promised to take care of me, and as I began trusting him, he beat me, nearly to death multiple times; not just only once. The only sexual experiences I’ve had with him were of him jamming himself and large objects into me almost every day. Not once did he ever try and think of my pleasure for even a second. Even when I think about sex, my memories come back and I begin to feel the pain again. Sometimes remembering the pain is so difficult that I begin bleeding down there and I sometimes don’t know what’s going on. I didn’t choose this torture. This is how my life is, my life revolves around blood. I feel so guilty for not being dead right now. But what motivates me to keep on living remains even a mystery to me. Obviously I’m alive for some reason. But in all honesty, Justin, my mind can no longer comprehend the concept of “happiness.” I don’t desire happiness cause I can’t remember it. All I want to do is ease the pain of my eternal misery.

Justin: Uh… wow… Just uhm… wow… I honestly don’t know what to say, Erika. I honestly don’t know what to say about that.

Erika: There were only two times really where I didn’t feel pain sexually. And during those two times I was taken away from my misery momentarily. I loved the feeling of being lost. Isaac stimulated my clitoris and it was the first time it has ever been touched. The second time we actually made love and it was a lot better. And it didn’t hurt after a while. He was so gentle and loving… But I’m not sure I want that again.

Justin: (Gently grabs Erika’s hand) I will always be here for you, Erika, okay? No matter what! I will always be here to support whatever you think is right for your own happiness. I don’t like that you are on drugs, but if it’s the only thing making you happy in your life right now, then I accept you for using them. I just don’t want you losing your job over this. That is all I ask of you, Erika. Just don’t let these habits ruin your job down at the station, cause in all honesty, your presence there is what motivates me and brightens my day. (Smiles at Erika and gives her a hug)

Erika: (Hugs Justin back) Thank you, Justin.

(Trailer)

(Hanru, Lee, and Kenneth all walk into Kenneth’s trailer where Teegan is sitting on the couch in tears. She sees her father and quickly runs up to him to give him a big hug)

Teegan: Oh, dad, I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had lost you. Are you okay? (Stops hugging him) Who are these two guys?

Kenneth: These two guys helped save my life. You should be thanking them with the highest level of gratitude.

Lee: Ooh, I think I know where this is going. (Unzips pants)

Hanru: Lee…

Lee: (Sighs) Fine… (Zips up pants)

Teegan: Why are you guys her? If it’s money you want, we don’t have it.

Hanru: Your father actually told me about your mother.

Teegan: My… mother? Dad, you told them about mom?

Kenneth: I did. And these two fine young boys have agreed to help up capture the monster responsible for her death.

Teegan: We have to go back to Oregon?

Kenneth: Yeah, we do.

Teegan: What made you wanna trust such young people to do something like this, dad, I mean they’re my age.

Kenneth: I know that. But right now I am desperate for recruitment and these two young boys have been doing this detective stuff for… three years you said?

Hanru: Actually more than three years.

Kenneth: See? And plus, no one would expect a couple of kids investigating a murder. This gives us the advantage to catching this guy.

Teegan: (Unsure and hesitant) I trust you know what you’re doing, dad. But what if things go wrong and Shaun comes after all of us and what if he succeeds in killing us all?

Lee: With the experiences I’ve shared with this guy, (Slaps Hanru’s chest) his hourglass of luck is nowhere close to running out.

Hanru: What did I say about touching me? I don’t like being touched.

Lee: Sorry, my bad! (Backs away)

Hanru: I’m gonna need to talk to my uncle first and let him know what’s going on. Once that’s out of the way, I’ll be able to drive with you to Oregon.

Lee: Wait, Han… We need to check on our patient down at the hospital to make sure her wrist is okay.

Hanru: She’s not gonna chew her wrist off.

Lee: But how do you know that?! She’s psycho; she could be a cannibal too!

Hanru: Alright, then, we’ll head out now. By the time we get there it’ll be dark, but we’ll try as best as we can to get home before it’s too late.

Kenneth: You delinquents take your time now.

(Police Station)

(Justin walks up to Leo’s desk. Leo looks very frustrated.)

Leo: Where’ve you been, Sparky; I’ve been calling you the pass 20 minutes.

Justin: I had some very important personal business to take care of.

Leo: Yeah right, how important?

Justin: It was a family emergency.

Leo: Get in the interrogation room; we’ve got a witness to question.

(Interrogation Room)

(A beautiful black-haired young woman sits at the interrogation table as both Justin and Leo walk in.)

Leo: I apologize for the long wait, Ms…

(The woman sits and smiles at Leo without saying a word to him.)

Leo: Okay…

(Leo sits down across from the woman and Justin stands in the corner crossing his arms and observing.)

Leo: May I ask why you’ve decided to come forward now?

Janie: I thought I was here to talk about the victims in the park; not me.

Leo: Yes, of course, but we’ll need to have you on record as a witness so we’ll need to know a few details of your basic information.

Janie: My name is Janie.

Leo: Ok then, Janie. Is that your first or last name?

Janie: While the man was jogging in the park, he suddenly collapsed on the concrete and died instantly from arsine mixed into his Glacier bottled water. I assume most of you cops have a hypothesis of who the killer may or may not be. All fingers are pointed at the wife, yes? But you have no proof as to whether or not it really was her.

Leo: She could hardly look at her own husband’s body. She cried in my very arms. I know for a fact it was not her.

(Leo and Janie look deep into one another’s eyes during the conversation and use their sight to face off and read one another’s intensions.)

Janie: Of course it wasn’t the wife, because soon after the case was closed she herself was murdered- poisoned.

Leo: (Hunches toward Janie in his seat and looks her even deeper in her eyes) And how exactly would you possess such information? It’s almost as if you were there yourself.

Janie: (Grins) Oh but I was, detective…

(Justin gets chills and knows something isn’t right.)

Leo: (Sits back and folds his hands together) The way you sound right now, Ms. Gibbs, you’re making me suspicious at the thought that maybe you are the one responsible for poisoning these innocent people.

Janie: Do you have family, Mr. Sazuki? I’m not talking about that sweet nephew of yours Hanru, I mean, do you have any rug rats running about in this ball of chaos we call the world? Oh silly me, I forgot all about Valdez; that bird you had many years ago, I guess he would technically be considered the closest family you’ve ever had.

Leo: (Alert and suspicious) What makes you think you know anything about me or my family?

Janie: Your nephew Lawrence and his girlfriend both murdered a woman very close to me. And for that, I must repay him the favor, by taking away someone special to him.

Leo: Are you threatening an officer of the law?

Janie: No; I am making you a promise, and I never break a promise. You will die- very soon. You should embrace life while you can now because soon you will no longer be a part of it.

Justin: We already know about all of you. You were all little girls whose father, uncle, and grandfather were all murdered.

Janie: Yeah, yeah, save it; all that was just a cover story to save our tails. All my sisters and I lost our parents because they were all poisoned by one person.

Justin: The Godmother, right?

Janie: That’s right. After she killed our parents, she took all of us in and gave us new identities, taught us to survive, and taught us the ways of silent killing.

Justin: There were six of you, right?

Janie: Five now. Lawrence and Isabella both murdered Kristen. Now we murder his family. After we’re done with killing you, we’re going after that innocent nephew of yours Hanru.

Leo: Good luck finding him.

Janie: (Chuckles) Oh we don’t need luck on our side, detective. We know all there is to know. All we need to do is murder someone close to Hanru and he’ll come running to them like a baited fish. (Scoots closer to Leo and whispers to him) I trust you know what happens to a fish next after it’s been baited, detective.

Leo: You think you can just walk in her into my house- a police station, threaten not only me, but my family as well, and walk out Scott-free?

Janie: Oh, but I do, detective. Cause I have a plan. You should probably be careful when leaving your coffee unattended, cause it could end up spiked. As soon as I get out of this room, I am going to spike your coffee and kill you.

(Out of nowhere, Leo falls and hits the ground. Justin quickly runs up to him to make sure he’s alright. Janie runs under the table and grabs Leo’s gun from his waist. She points it at Justin.)

Janie: I promise to get you the antidote to save his life, but you’re gonna have to help me get out of here first.

Justin: Definitely not gonna happen.

(A gunshot is heard in the interrogation room. Janie comes out of the room holding Justin at gunpoint and using him as a hostage. Justin’s leg is bleeding from a gunshot wound. All the cops in the station point their guns at her.)

Janie: Drop your weapons now! I will kill him if you don’t! Your other officer is already down on the floor dying from poison don’t think I won’t kill the sexy blond here too!

Ada: Are you talking about Leo? What did you do to him?!

Janie: If you want the antidote, let me go!

(Ada runs into the interrogation room and falls to her knees crying while holding on to Leo.)

Ada: Leo, Leo listen to me, we’re gonna get you to a hospital, okay? I won’t let you die like this I promise, okay, just please don’t leave me. Don’t die on me like this… You’ve saved me so many times, not please, just this once, let me save you… Leo…

(Abandoned Mental Institution)

(Hanru and Lee are in the room where they locked up the crazy nurse from earlier who held the old man hostage. They shine flashlights at the bars and see a hand wrapped in handcuffs and tied to the bars in the broken window.)

Lee: Nice hanjob.

Hanru: You make a dirty joke out of anything, Lee.

Lee: It’s what I do best.

Hanru: I guess you can say she “gave us hand” too, huh?

(Both chuckle.)

Lee: Look at us both laughing when we should be getting out of here as soon as possible. Did you forget that’s a killer’s hand and her body is nowhere to be found. Not to mention we’re in an abandoned mental institution. I mean I know crazy chicks are hot, but when they’ve become ghosts well… actually they still sound pretty hot, but you know what I mean.

Hanru: (Shines flashlight in Lee’s face) You better watch what you say before you start giving yourself ideas and become a necrophilia.

Lee: (Grins) How do you know I’m not already one?

Hanru: Well if you were one, that would explain why you’ve been so happy lately.

Lee: Okay, hold on; I am not a Necro, okay?

(Hanru nervously looks around the room and begins to sweat.)

Hanru: Come on; I’m beginning to feel that pressure feeling again. The spirits here aren’t very friendly. We should get out of here right now.

Lee: Can we take the hand as a souvenir?

Hanru: (Freaking out) Whatever! Look, I’m getting out of here! (Charges away)

(It is late and Hanru just walks into his home to see Ada sitting on the couch saddened.)

Hanru: (Thinking) Oh gosh, what now? Why is she here?

Ada: Hanru. Listen, your uncle is in the hospital right now. He was poisoned earlier while at the station.

Hanru: What?! Uh… will he be okay?

Ada: I don’t know. But if he doesn’t make it, I’m sure there are a few things you would like to say to him.

(Hospital)

(Hanru stands beside Leo’s hospital bed. A teenage boy the same age as Hanru walks into the room. He has a very nice-looking body with a perfect muscle tone and he has short light hair with a very handsome face.)

Casey: Déjà vu. Does this seem familiar to you?

Hanru: When I solved my first crime. It was your uncle’s killer. You stood over your uncle as he died. You being here makes me think that maybe my uncle might die now.

Casey: It turns out my uncle never really died. It was all a part of a conspiracy for him to fake his own death. He showed up at my door step a while back and told me what had happened.

Hanru: Casey, if you don’t mind; I need to speak with my uncle alone. You can stay in the room but please, just don’t remind me you’re here. Remain as quiet as possible.

Leo: What is it you need to talk about, nephew?

Hanru: Uncle… You and I never talk. We’re not close at all. We never talk. I mean never.

Leo: I know that. I just haven’t been ready to move one, ya know?

Hanru: No, I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me why you have such a problem showing you care for other people?

Leo: Because my wife and son were murdered long ago. I was a teenager when I got married and had a child. As we all grew older, we became closer and happier with one another. Then one day, they were killed when I wasn’t home. After they died, I just became a completely different person who shut down his emotions completely. I bought a bird to fill in the hole in me, but it wasn’t enough and so… the bird eventually died. You were born and became 7 years old. I hired someone to kill your father for the simple fact that I disliked your father’s guts. I was jealous of the happiness he had. And I tried getting him killed. And the one I hired ended up almost killing you, your father, and your mother- my sister. You all lived of course but were in comas. You were fine of course. You only had memory loss. I always knew your parents were still alive, but I just wasn’t sure where they were at.

Hanru: They’re with a group of serial killers. I haven’t had a chance to speak with them, but some part of me knows that they are members of this serial killer group.

Leo: How much do you know about these serial killers?

Hanru: I know a lot. I investigated them.

Leo: Investigated?

Hanru: For the past 4 years, I’ve been a secret detective. I’ve been trying to solve cases on my own. I have a family of arsenic sister coming after me and the people I love, but I don’t know how to deal with them. I don’t know how to deal with killers after I expose them. I had one sister, but she chewed her own wrist off to get out of her handcuffs and now I have no idea where she is.

Leo: You don’t worry about a thing; I’ll handle them for you. I’m ready to move on in life and show the people I love that I care. I will personally deal with them all. There are about 5 sisters left alive. I’ll deal with them now and suffer the consequences later. For now, you need to disappear for a while like your brother did.

Hanru: I’m going to Oregon tonight. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone or whether or not I’m even coming back.

Leo: I understand. If you don’t come back, just know that I do love you.

Hanru: You too, Uncle.

Leo: Is there anything else you wanna tell me before we part ways?

Hanru: I wanna tell you about my journey the past 3 years. The last journey I had was with the mobster Kaito Zonoda.

Leo: At the breakfast table you told Ada and I that you were working for him; you weren’t joking about that?

Hanru: I wasn’t joking at all.

Leo: Go ahead; tell me everything…

(Hanru is riding in the car with Kenneth and Teegan. He sits in the back with a gloomy look in his eyes as he stares out the window into the infinite dark abyss of the nighttime sky.)

Hanru Narrating: We all have things holding us back in life. It takes baby steps to move on from our most fatal pains and find our true selves in life. Sometimes we need to travel far distances to find out who we really are… sometimes the distance is a road trip across country, sometimes it’s a road trip within our own mentalities, and sometimes we seek religion or spiritual connection to help us move on. Perhaps I should take both routes. Either road we take, we’ve gotta have faith that everything will work out for the best.)

TO BE CONTINUED…