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HtS: The Rogue’s Path Episode 1.13: Bones, Thugs, and Disharmony

OPEN on a sunny morning in the streets of Chicago, Illinois, as smog rises above the large city. Horns are heard honking, a subway is seen traveling, and people stop by the news stands to buy their newspapers as the busy city’s day begins.

EXT. ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH The church’s burned remains have been removed and a construction crew is jackhammering and laying a new foundation.

Father GABE MURPHY comes walking through the gates as the foreman, DUKE HAWKINS, walks over. He is a well-built man with a deep tan, torn blue jeans, and wearing a sleeveless flannel shirt as a construction helmet rests on his head.

GABE Duke, I see that you guys have already made big progress on the site.

DUKE Yeah, we started a little early. Wanted to beat the weather in case it rains like they predicted it would later.

GABE It’s good to see that you have a very enthusiastic crew.

DUKE Hey, we’ve got 5 jobs lined up after this one. We’re running behind.

One of the jackhammers suddenly stop working and the construction worker, COLT SPENCER, takes a step back, a strange look forming on his face. COLT turns to GABE and DUKE, almost panicked.

COLT Duke, you should get over here.

DUKE What’s the matter?

COLT Just get over here. Now.

GABE ad DUKE walk over quickly and stare down into the hole COLT was working on. GABE’S eyes widen.

GABE’S POV Bones of a skelton rest in the hole. Small bones. The bones of a child. GABE covers his mouth.

DUKE Oh, my God. OPENING CREDITS: OPEN on the the city of Chicago. Dark, shadowy images of alleys and busy streets with the night lights flash on the screen as we cut to images from Season 1 of the series, beginning with highlights of the cast members in action to an alternative version of The Halloween Theme.

HTS: The Rogue’s Path Starring Johnny Depp as Lonnie Elamb Vanessa Marcil as Lindsey Wallace Will Smith as Marcus Cage Natasha Henstridge as Kate Austin James Marsden as Garry Jacobs And Gabriel Byrne as Father Gabe Murphy

FADE IN INT. THE CONSTRUCTION SITE — HOURS LATER Police have covered the area, combing the site for evidence as Detectives LONNIE ELAMB and MARCUS CAGE stand back by the yellow crime scene tape with GARRY JACOBS, EMT.

GARRY It looked like the bones of a child. Under the church. Who knows how long it had been there?

LONNIE Since before the first church was erected.

GARRY That was over 15 years ago.

MARCUS I remember. Me and my boys used to come out here and write our names in the drying cement while we were waiting for the school bus.

LONNIE All this time and you were vandalizing a crime scene.

MARCUS Doesn’t a scene become a crime scene when it gets vandalized?

LONNIE I don’t know. That’s too philosophical for me to think about. MARCUS Well, if we’re gonna solve a murder, there’s gonna be some thinking involved.

LONNIE Sorry, man. I’m just a little distracted.

MARCUS Still not sleeping well, I take it.

LONNIE Kate doesn’t return my calls. She doesn’t even answer the phone when I know she’s home. It’s irritating.

GARRY Maybe leaving her alone would be the best thing for now. She may just need time to think some things over. She strikes me as someone with a lot going on.

LONNIE I just don’t understand where I went wrong. I wish she’d just talk to me.

GARRY Respect her wishes, Lonnie. Let her have some time.

LONNIE I know I should, but I’m impatient.

MARCUS Just concentrate on work and you’ll be a’ight.

LONNIE Hope so. We need an ID.

MARCUS Which means talking to Kate, which also means you’ve gotta sit this one out, bro.

LONNIE I can maintain a professional attitude.

MARCUS Who are you trying to fool?

LONNIE You, mostly.

MARCUS Listen, man. I’ve got this one, okay? Take a few days to get your groove back and I’ll look into deez here bones. LONNIE You’re probably right. Okay. Let me know if you need any help.

MARCUS Sure thing.

INT. CHICAGO TRIBUNE OFFICES LINDSEY WALLACE is sitting at her desk, typing away on a computer as people come to and from their desks, going about their daily business.

MAX DENTON walks in from his office and looks deep in thought.

MAX Wallace, do you think I’m insensitive and don’t listen?

LINDSEY Uh, well. You have—

MAX ‘Cause my wife says I don’t listen to her. I don’t know where she gets that notion.

LINDSEY How long have you been married?

MAX She says I’m abrasive, self-centered, and cold-hearted. I don’t know where that crazy bitch gets these stupid ideas. Do you, Wallace?

LINDSEY (sarcastically) Not at all, sir.

MAX Anyways, I’ve got another big story for you. A construction site just pulled the bones of a child out of one of their projects. I want you to cover this one, Wallace.

LINDSEY What construction site is it?

MAX St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

LINDSEY I’m on it as quickly as my little feet will take me, sir.

MAX That’s my girl. MAX laughs and exits as LINDSEY grabs her purse and heads for the door.

INT. MORGUE KATE AUSTIN is using a brush to comb over the bones of the child. MARCUS CAGE enters the room and coughs, causing KATE to turn around.

KATE Marcus, come in. What brings you by?

MARCUS I’m looking to get an ID on these bones so that I can probe into who put them in that concrete.

KATE Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer just yet.

MARCUS What do you have?

KATE Cause of death was a blow to the head. A very strong person did this. Judging from the bone structure, I’d say he was about 7 years old, give or take a year.

MARCUS Any idea how long he was under that church?

KATE Hard to say, but by the decomposition alone, I’d guess about 15 years.

MARCUS suddenly looks haunted. He stares down at the bones, taking a step back.

MARCUS The same age as me...

KATE I guess so. (pause) So, why didn’t Lonnie come with you?

MARCUS (distracted) Uh, he wanted to give you your space. I mean, you asked for it, right?

KATE We still have to be able to work together professionally.

MARCUS I don’t think that’s what he’s wanting, Kate. He misses you. KATE looks sad as she restarts brushing off the debris from the skull.

KATE I miss him, too, Marcus.

MARCUS Then what kind silly breakup is this? Take the boy back.

KATE Stay out of it, Marcus. Please.

MARCUS Whatever. I just don’t understand why two people who want to be together ain’t together.

KATE It’s not that simple.

MARCUS Yeah, it never is. Call me if you get an ID on this guy.

KATE Sure thing.

MARCUS stares down at the bones and backs out the door, exiting. KATE goes back to work.

INT. BLAIR’S SPORTS BAR The business is hopping with customers as LONNIE ELAMB comes walking into the place. He props himself up at the bar as BLAIR ALEXANDER walks over, putting an empty glass in front of him.

BLAIR Detective Elamb, what can I get you?

LONNIE Beer.

BLAIR I thought you boys didn’t drink on the clock.

LONNIE I’m on a little vacation, Blair. Me and my lady friend are having what I like to refer to as a conflict of interest.

BLAIR That Lindsey chick that came in and busted up the place?

LONNIE Oh, God, no. That was not my girlfriend. BLAIR Really? She’s hot. Got her number?

LONNIE If I gave out her number, the next thing she would bust up would be my face.

BLAIR Yeah, so?

LONNIE I’m her friend, not her pimp.

BLAIR So, what’s the problem with your girlfriend?

LONNIE We broke up and we still have to work together.

BLAIR Or not, since you’re “on vacation”.

LONNIE Right. So, to make a long story short, I’m currently sitting on the sidelines getting paid to twiddle my thumbs because me and my girlfriend broke up.

JASMINE (o/s) That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.

LONNIE and BLAIR turn to see JASMINE CAGE, MARCUS’S sister, enter wearing her flight attendant’s uniform with a smile on her face.

JASMINE Now that you’re a free man, I get my shot at you.

JASMINE winks at him as LONNIE smirks.

LONNIE Don’t let your brother hear you talking like that or he’ll kill me and then lock you in a cage somewhere.

JASMINE Marcus is all talk and little action. Care if I join you?

LONNIE It’s a free country.

JASMINE props herself up on the stool next to LONNIE. JASMINE Can I get a club soda?

BLAIR Coming right up.

BLAIR exits as LONNIE smiles.

LONNIE Drinking the heavy stuff, huh?

JASMINE I’m not much of a drinker.

LONNIE Ironic, since you came to a bar.

JASMINE The airport is right next door and I just got back from a long flight. Sorry to hear that you’re having woman problems.

LONNIE Well, I’m not having them anymore. It’s pretty much over and done with.

JASMINE Some things just aren’t meant to be.

BLAIR puts JASMINE’S club soda in front of her and goes off to help another customer.

LONNIE That’s my life story. Why are all women insane again?

JASMINE Guys don’t exactly get the award for most sane creatures on earth.

LONNIE Let me guess? You’ve had a few bad eggs that you’ve dated. One of them hurt you. Therefore, all guys are the embodiment of evil.

JASMINE Yes, I’ve had a few problems with guys. A lot of obsessive, controlling hypocrites have come into my life. I’m not saying all guys are like that, but I seem to attract only that type.

LONNIE And I am a magnet for emotionally distant, independent, troubled young doctors who won’t let anyone help them with their problems.

JASMINE That’s a no-win situation. You see, if they let you help them with their problems, they wouldn’t be as independent anymore. Catch 22. You could be finding these women who won’t let men do anything for them and march in women’s lib parades. Those are the scary ones.

LONNIE And you’ve got the insecure, mommy- didn’t-breast-feed-me, potential stalkers knocking down your door?

JASMINE The most recent one lived up to his potential. Used to book himself on my flights all the time. He’d show up in cities where he knew I was going to be. It took a lot to get rid of him.

LONNIE How’d you lose that one?

JASMINE I did what all women should do. I got a restraining order. He seemed to go away after that.

LONNIE I’m surprised Marcus didn’t shoot him.

JASMINE I didn’t tell Marcus about it. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t, either.

LONNIE It’s your story to tell, not mine.

JASMINE Anyways, I’ve sworn all men off for a while. I’m just now getting back into the swing of things. There’s just not many good men to choose from anymore.

LONNIE Sounds like you’re looking in all the wrong places.

JASMINE Sounds like we both are...

LONNIE looks over at JASMINE, who smiles at him. They clink glasses and take a sip of their beverages. INT. ST. PETER’S CONSTRUCTION SITE MARCUS walks towards the site and is surprised as LINDSEY WALLACE greets him at the yellow tape of the now abandoned crime scene.

LINDSEY Oh, cool. This is my lucky day.

MARCUS I don’t have anything for you yet, Lindsey.

LINDSEY Crap. You suck at detecting.

MARCUS I was thinking of asking you for help, but since I suck, I might have to second guess that move.

LINDSEY Oh, you know me. All talk and little substance. What do you need?

MARCUS I could use a hard copy of any stories from approximately 15 years ago that involve missing children in addition to anything relating to the erection of the church.

LINDSEY (laughs) Marcus, don’t say erection again. I lose all focus.

MARCUS Can you do it or not?

LINDSEY Yeah, I’ll hit the backlogs and see what I can find. Has that body been there for 15 years?

MARCUS Possibly. Just get back to me, okay?

LINDSEY Sure thing. Anything else, Mr. Serious?

MARCUS Don’t call me “Mr. Serious”.

LINDSEY Okay, back to “Paranoid Dork Boy” it is. I’ll call you. LINDSEY smiles sarcastically at him and exits the scene. MARCUS shakes his head, walks over to the yellow tape, and looks over at the scene, shaking his head. Children’s laughter echoes over his thoughts as MARCUS suddenly gets a dark look on his face.

INT. BLAIR’S LONNIE and JASMINE are continuing their conversation over drinks as it has become dark outside.

LONNIE She said she just didn’t have time to work in a relationship in between her children, her job, and her life.

JASMINE Ouch. That’s the kiss of death, Lonnie. I’m not sure I would try to get her back after that.

LONNIE I can’t help the way I feel.

JASMINE Yeah, well, there’s a fine line between fighting for love and becoming love’s bitch.

LONNIE If you ask me, love is a bitch in itself.

JASMINE Maybe, but then I see couples like Marcus and Whitney and they give me hope. Maybe one day, I’ll find my soul mate like they did. Here and now, I have to worry about everything else remaining stable. Worrying over some ungrateful person who dumped you at the first sign of difficulty isn’t worth wasting your time over. You should explore other avenues.

LONNIE You think so?

JASMINE It’s a step in the right direction.

LONNIE How fair is that to the new girl knowing that I can’t possibly offer her anything but a rebound fling?

JASMINE As long as she’s aware that’s all it is, it’s as fair as it can get.

LONNIE Know any girls who wouldn’t mind rebounding with me?

JASMINE I think I can come up with one if I think really hard.

JASMINE smiles at LONNIE, winking at him as she takes a sip of her drink. LONNIE smirks.

INT. POLICE STATION MARCUS is looking through some paperwork when his phone rings. LINDSEY WALLACE is on the other end, also at her desk with her computer.

MARCUS Chicago PD. Detective Marcus Cage at your service.

LINDSEY What are you? A used car salesman.

MARCUS That was fast. What have you got for me, Linz?

LINDSEY I cross-referenced the time frame of the church’s ribbon cutting with the backlog of missing persons headlines and only one person came back as a possible match.

MARCUS And that was?

LINDSEY A boy. Jamison Wright. He was seven years old when he was reported missing. He disappeared the day before construction ended on the church.

MARCUS’S eyes close in disappointment.

FLASH – EPISODE 1.4 MARCUS watches as a young boy turns to a pile of bones right before his eyes and MARCUS backs away.

MARCUS (v/o) One day at school, someone saw him leave the grounds to walk home. He never made it. No one ever saw him again.

FLASH ENDS.

MARCUS is disturbed as he sits quietly on his cell phone.

LINDSEY You still there, Marcus?

MARCUS Yeah.

LINDSEY The police started a manhunt, which lasted several days before they finally just gave up on the matter.

MARCUS Yeah. I remember. Thanks, Lindsey.

MARCUS hangs up his phone and sits silently for a few seconds. His wife, WHITNEY CAGE, walks through the door, carrying a small brown paper bag full of something in her hands.

WHITNEY Marcus, I brought you some dinner since you’re working so late.

WHITNEY puts the bag on the table in front of him. MARCUS looks sadly up at her. She frowns.

WHITNEY What’s wrong, baby? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.

MARCUS They found Jamison. He was buried under the church.

WHITNEY’S mouth gapes open.

WHITNEY He’s been dead all this time?

MARCUS Yeah. All this time.

MARCUS looks troubled as they sit silently for a few seconds. WHITNEY walks over and sits in his lap, running her hands through his ‘fro.

WHITNEY At least now we know he didn’t run away.

MARCUS Worse. He got killed.

WHITNEY Have you told Jasmine?

MARCUS No. I’m not sure how she would react.

WHITNEY (shaking her head) Old skeletons are about to come crawling out of the closet.

MARCUS I don’t know what to do about this.

WHITNEY Your job.

MARCUS weakly nods his head as WHITNEY kisses him on the forehead, hugging him tightly.

EXT. LONNIE’S HOUSE LONNIE’S motorcycle comes pulling up and into the driveway. JASMINE is on the back of it, her arms wrapped around LONNIE’S torso. LONNIE kills the engine and they both climb off.

JASMINE So, this is your house?

LONNIE Yeah, bought and paid for with my insurance settlement.

JASMINE Insurance settlement?

LONNIE My old house got blown up by a bomb. It’s complicated.

JASMINE Sounds like it. Now, it ain’t gonna happen again, right?

LONNIE It’s not in the plan.

JASMINE Good.

LONNIE gently grabs JASMINE’S hand and leads her up to the porch, which isn’t really far from the other porches as several houses are connected down the road’s length.

LONNIE If I knew I was going to have company, I might have cleaned it or something, but I hope you’re happy with my clothes all over the floor.

JASMINE That’s where I planned on throwing them anyways.

JASMINE smiles as LONNIE laughs, unlocking the door. LONNIE and JASMINE go inside, closing the door behind them. INT. LONNIE’S HOUSE LONNIE enters, throwing his coat on a rack by the door. JASMINE walks in, removing her black leather jacket. LONNIE takes it, putting it on the rack with his coat and looks over at JASMINE. JASMINE smiles.

JASMINE Do you know what Marcus would do to you if he knew I was here?

LONNIE He’d probably kill me.

JASMINE He’s very overprotective. Been that way since we were kids.

JASMINE walks into the living room, looking around the place. LONNIE lights a few candles nearby as the room is brightened.

LONNIE Yeah, it’s pretty scary that they gave him a gun and sent him out into the streets with it.

JASMINE He’s not as scary as he thinks.

JASMINE walks around the couch, looking LONNIE seductively in the eyes. She grabs the end of his fingers and gently pulls him forward.

JASMINE If he was, I wouldn’t be doing this.

JASMINE reaches up and pulls LONNIE’S head forward, planting her lips on his. They begin to kiss with a gentle embrace. Their breathing becomes heavier as the candles burn in the background.

LONNIE Who are we talking about again?

JASMINE shrugs and kisses LONNIE once again. LONNIE kisses her in return, backing her up, taking a few steps back. JASMINE lets LONNIE pick her up as she wraps her legs around his waist. LONNIE carries her back into his bedroom, kissing her as he lays her onto the mattress, running his tongue down her neck and into her shoulderblade. JASMINE pulls LONNIE onto her as they continue to kiss.

INT. POLICE STATION MARCUS is digging through a file marked with the name of ‘Jamison Wright’. He looks tired as his sack dinner has opened and eaten. MARCUS pulls out a photograph of Jamison. The small black boy looks angry in the picture...and a little sad.

JAMISON (o/s) Marcus, you little pussy! MARCUS suddenly looks up to see JAMISON WRIGHT, standing in his office, looking angrily at him.

JAMISON You punk bitch! You saw him!

JAMISON walks towards a shocked MARCUS with bad intentions.

JAMISON You fucked up bitch! I’m gonna kick your ass, you little bitch! I’m gonna kick it and leave you in a pile of bones!

MARCUS’S eyes widen as JAMISON lunges at him. MARCUS yells in fright, but LINDSEY WALLACE walks through the door, looking at MARCUS strangely as MARCUS looks around the room and realizes that JAMISON is not there.

LINDSEY Geez, Marcus. I’ve never gotten that reaction from a man before.

MARCUS Where’d he go?

LINDSEY Who?

MARCUS Jamison! He was here! He was right here! Where the fuck did he go?!

MARCUS stands, shoving his desk backwards as LINDSEY looks worriedly at him. LINDSEY shakes her head.

LINDSEY Marcus, there’s no one else but us. Chill.

MARCUS (shaking his head) I didn’t imagine him. He was here. I saw him clear as day. But he was still 7 years old. How is that possible?

LINDSEY You’d be surprised at the things that were possible. Listen, I believe you, but he’s not here now.

MARCUS (trying to get his composure) Right. Uh, what did you stop by for?

LINDSEY Well, since you hung up on me when I was talking, I thought I’d drop by and tell you the rest of what I found.

MARCUS You found something else?

LINDSEY Yes, I did, Mr. Phone Etiquette. Jamison’s first grade teacher, Mr. Jerry Engle, turned in his resignation the very next day. He quit the school and never came back.

MARCUS Yeah, I was there. I was in that class. Mr. Engle was a good man. What does that have to do with Jamison?

LINDSEY The police questioned him, but never considered him a suspect. Apparently, there was some friction between Engle and the principal, Ken Montana.

MARCUS You’re still making no sense or connection to Jamison.

LINDSEY Well, I ran a search through some more archives and came across this little article in a Seattle newspaper.

LINDSEY throws an old version of the Seattle Times onto MARCUS’S desk, picturing a man with the captioned name of ‘Trevor Parsley’, marked with the headline “Local Teacher Suspected in Child Slaying”. MARCUS looks at the police file picture of Jerry Engle and then at Parsley. They are clearly the same person. MARCUS looks up at LINDSEY with shock and dismay.

MARCUS Jerry Engle wasn’t his real name. That’s why he never came up as a suspect when he had a past history.

LINDSEY He was never convicted of the first crime, but the odds of him being coincidentally around at both times is completely low.

MARCUS Okay, you’ve been a big help, Linz. I appreciate it.

LINDSEY And you won’t hang up on me next time I have something important to say?

MARCUS Never again.

LINDSEY And you’re sorry?

MARCUS Yes.

LINDSEY You’re forgiven. I expect a full exclusive when this is solved.

MARCUS You got it.

LINDSEY (nods) Good luck.

LINDSEY turns and exits as MARCUS begins sorting through the files.

INT. LONNIE’S HOUSE – BEDROOM JASMINE has her head resting on LONNIE’S chest as they are covered only by the sheets. JASMINE smiles as she runs her hands up and down LONNIE’S arms.

JASMINE You certainly know how to make a woman feel like a woman.

LONNIE No offense, but that wasn’t my first rodeo.

JASMINE I can see that. One day you’re gonna meet someone who’s gonna tame you. You know that, don’t you?

LONNIE Don’t go getting any ideas.

JASMINE Don’t worry. I know this isn’t more than it is. And just so you know, this isn’t something I normally do. I’m actually quite a prude when it comes to this sort of thing.

LONNIE What’s so special about me?

JASMINE I’ve been lonely lately, I guess. Marcus, believe it or not, says you’re a good guy. I trust Marcus’s judgment.

LONNIE I’m glad.

JASMINE But I don’t think he realizes how messed up you are when it comes to women.

LONNIE Excuse me?

JASMINE You’re not in love with her, you know. Kate. She’s not the one for you.

LONNIE I do love Kate.

JASMINE If you really loved Kate, you wouldn’t have brought me back here.

LONNIE locks hands with JASMINE.

JASMINE I know a guy in love when I see him...and you’re not him.

LONNIE is silent as the doorbell rings. LONNIE frowns as JASMINE looks over towards the door.

JASMINE I hope that’s not Marcus.

LONNIE Stay here. I’ll get rid of them.

LONNIE gets out of bed, putting on a pair of blue jeans before walking into the living room.

INT. LIVING ROOM LONNIE walks over to the door and opens it. KATE is standing outside as LONNIE looks surprised to see her, glancing over at the bedroom and then at KATE.

LONNIE Kate, what are you doing here?

KATE I came to talk about today.

LONNIE Yeah. We stopped talking about our day with each other. It was part of the whole “breaking up”.

KATE I’m talking about the fact that you avoided me. It was unprofessional. We have to be adults and work together.

LONNIE Got it. Adult. I always mess up on that part.

KATE Just because we aren’t seeing each other anymore doesn’t mean—

JASMINE (o/s) Who is it, Lonnie?

JASMINE, dressed only in a towel, pokes her head around the corner and is surprised when she sees KATE. KATE looks hurt and shocked to see JASMINE and takes a step back. JASMINE feels awkward.

JASMINE Oops. Sorry.

LONNIE I’ll be back inside in a minute, Jasmine.

JASMINE nods, catches a glare from KATE, and goes back inside. KATE looks at LONNIE with tears forming in her eyes.

KATE It didn’t take you long, did it?

LONNIE I don’t have to answer to you, Kate. You’re the one that broke it off, not me. What I do from here on out is my own business.

KATE Did you even care about me?

LONNIE If you really have to ask that, you didn’t know me at all. See you at work, Dr. Austin.

KATE I’m sorry I even bothered showing up.

KATE turns, exiting the scene as LONNIE closes the door. LONNIE turns and glances over at JASMINE, who looks apologetic. JASMINE I’m sorry, Lonnie. I didn’t know.

LONNIE Don’t worry about it.

LONNIE walks over towards his bedroom as JASMINE reaches out and grabs him by the arms, looking into his eyes. JASMINE grabs his head and pulls him into her with a kiss. Her towel falls to the floor as LONNIE begins to run his hand down the curves of her waist. LONNIE lifts her up and carries her into the bedroom, shutting the door with his foot.

EXT. AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND A large chain link fence surrounds the place as the blacktop stretches far and wide with basketball at each end of it. A swingset is seen sitting in isolation as MARCUS comes walking onto the blacktop, glancing around the place. Children’s voices can be heard in the background as MARCUS looks sad.

JAMISON (v/o) Marcus, you’re a little pussy!

YOUNG MARCUS (v/o) Jamison, why don’t whip this pussy then?! I’m sick of your threats!

JAMISON (v/o) I’ll see you after you school and then you’ll find out how much of a pussy you really are!

MARCUS shakes his head.

MARCUS (to himself) What would have happened if I had shown up that day?

WHITNEY (o/s) He would have killed you, too.

MARCUS turns to see his wife walking towards him with a sad look on her face. WHITNEY smiles.

WHITNEY Lindsey called. When I didn’t find you at the precinct, knowing you like I do, I came here.

MARCUS Because I’m a coward who didn’t want to fight that day, there’s one body in that cement instead of two. WHITNEY You weren’t a coward. Your father forbid you from meeting Jamison. There was nothing you could have done if you had shown up. It’s the way things were meant to play out...tragic as it is.

MARCUS I always felt like it was my fault, like I caused it somehow because I wished he would go away.

WHITNEY You can’t take responsibility for this, Marcus. The killer is out there somewhere. He or she takes the blame, not you. You were just a kid being a kid.

MARCUS Maybe...he could have grown up to be someone important.

WHITNEY Or maybe he grows up to be a serial killer. There’s no way to know.

MARCUS smiles at WHITNEY as she walks over and hugs him.

MARCUS Do you know how much I love you, Whitney?

WHITNEY Yeah, but it’s always good to be reminded.

MARCUS I love you more with each passing day.

WHITNEY Let’s go home.

MARCUS puts his arm around his wife and they begin to walk away from the playground.

INT. LONNIE’S BEDROOM Heavy moaning is heard as we PAN through the house and into the room. JASMINE is straddling LONNIE, her bare back arching as she moves forward and backward in rhythmic motion. LONNIE is heard moaning in pleasure as JASMINE takes LONNIE’S fingers from his right hand into her mouth and begins sucking on them. LONNIE’S left hand cradles her breasts in his hand as the sheets hide everything below the waist.

LONNIE looks up into the eyes of JASMINE, who looks down at him with adoration in her eyes.

JAMISON (o/s) Dirty bitch! Fucking dirty whore!

JASMINE’S eyes widen as she looks over and sees JAMISON WRIGHT standing in the bedroom, looking at her with an angry expression on his face, his eyes narrowing.

JASMINE What the—

JAMISON You disgust me! Filthy since the day you were born!

JASMINE rolls off of LONNIE, who reaches over and flips on the light. JAMISON is not there and they are alone. JASMINE shakes her head in fear as LONNIE comforts her, covering them both with the sheets.

JASMINE What the hell was that?! What just happened?!

LONNIE Restless spirit. Never actually seen one myself, but I have a friend back home who sees them all the time.

JASMINE He looked like someone I knew...when I was a kid. Except he was still a kid. Maybe...I must be just seeing things.

LONNIE In my experience, these spirits usually have some unfinished business left here and they can’t pass over to the next plane.

JASMINE This kid. Jamison. He picked on me at school. Always trying to kiss me and stuff. Typical schoolboy crush. Marcus hated him and always tried to defend me. But Jamison’s older teenage brother was this big drug dealer, so Marcus was always scared to fight him. One day, Jamison started touching me in strange places...places he shouldn’t know about at that age. Marcus found out about it and they argued. They were supposed to meet after school and settle their fight once and for all. Marcus never showed because my dad forbid him to go. Jamison was never seen again.

LONNIE turns off the light as JASMINE lays down on LONNIE’S chest, looking frightened. LONNIE He disappeared?

JASMINE Yeah. They never found him.

LONNIE When was this?

JASMINE About 15 years ago.

LONNIE looks over at JASMINE with a realization.

LONNIE I think I know why he has suddenly appeared.

JASMINE Why?

LONNIE This morning, they pulled the bones of a child out of the foundation of St. Peter’s. The timetables match.

JASMINE But I don’t believe in ghosts, Lonnie.

LONNIE How do you explain that we both had the same hallucination? These things exist, Jasmine...whether we want to accept it or not.

JASMINE I don’t want to accept it. Just because we shared a hallucination doesn’t mean...I don’t know what it means.

LONNIE It means that little Jamison is back and he’s pissed off about being forgotten.

JASMINE Can we just get some sleep?

LONNIE Sure.

LONNIE hits the light as JASMINE leans back onto LONNIE’S chest, a look of fear on her face. She wraps her arms around LONNIE and holds him tightly.

EXT. ST. PETER’S CONSTRUCTION SITE MARCUS is standing with the foreman, DUKE HAWKINS, as the block has been lined off. LONNIE ELAMB comes walking onto the scene. DUKE No offense, Detective Cage, but this isn’t the only job I have to work on. You’ve got all of the evidence you need from the site. We’ve let you do your jobs. Now, let us do ours.

MARCUS You’ll have your site back in no time, Duke. Chill out. Right now, I’m interested in finding out who killed the boy rather than your busy schedule.

LONNIE Relax, Duke. You’ll get to be drilling with your jackhammer in no time.

DUKE Ha, ha. You’re a comedian.

DUKE shakes his head and turns around, walking off. LONNIE looks over at MARCUS with a smile.

LONNIE Jamison Wright?

MARCUS Kate confirmed it this morning. DNA match. How do you know about him?

LONNIE Uh...saw the files on your desk this morning?

MARCUS Oh, yeah. Anyways, our first stop is gonna to be to visit a man named Jerry Engle. He was my first grade teacher and according to our records, he works as a hot dog vendor down on 3rd street.

LONNIE What’s his connection?

MARCUS I’ll fill you in on the way.

MARCUS and LONNIE turn and exit the scene.

EXT. CHICAGO STREET JERRY ENGLE is dressed in a vendor’s outfit, sitting behind a hot dog cart where steam is rising from the oven. He takes money from a guy holding a hot dog and gives him a goodbye nod as the man walks off. MARCUS and LONNIE come walking from the streets and MARCUS smiles as he approaches. JERRY looks at MARCUS and seems to be familiar with him. MARCUS What’s up, Mr. Engle?

JERRY Marcus? Marcus Cage?

MARCUS I’m the man.

JERRY reaches out and shakes MARCUS’S hand, smiling.

JERRY Good to see you out here, Marcus!

MARCUS (holding up his badge) I’m afraid I’m not here for a friendly visit, Mr. Engle.

JERRY looks disappointed as he views the badge.

JERRY What am I being accused of this time?

MARCUS Nothing, Mr. Engle. This is my partner, Detective Lonnie Elamb. We have some questions about Jamison Wright. Remember Jamison?

JERRY Of course I do. He’s the reason I’m reduced to this little hot dog empire.

LONNIE What do you mean?

JERRY I mean that I quit my job because of what Principal Montana accused me of doing to him.

MARCUS Killing him?

JERRY Among other things.

LONNIE There were no other things mentioned in the police reports.

JERRY What is this about, anyways? They never even found the kid.

MARCUS Actually, his body was found buried underneath St. Peter’s.

JERRY Oh, Christ.

LONNIE Back to the accusations made by Principal Montana. What did he accuse you of exactly?

JERRY What do you think? Jamison was a troubled kid, okay? Principal Montana had found some bruises and Jamison had talked to him about being forced to do things...sexual things.

MARCUS So, Montana accused you of molesting Jamison?

JERRY Marcus, I didn’t do it! I’m not a child molester!

MARCUS What about Seattle?

JERRY looks shocked, shaking his head.

JERRY That’s what this is about, isn’t it? Seattle.

MARCUS I just looked at a Seattle newspaper with your mug on the cover accusing you of child murder...only your name wasn’t Jerry Engle. It was Trevor Parsley.

JERRY You want to know what happened in Seattle, Marcus? A girl came to me, said her parents were abusing her. I tried to help her, confronted the parents, and even alerted Children’s Services. Nothing worked. Next thing I know, the girl is dead. But, lo and behold, some of the students had seen us talking in private. Some of them had seen us discussing the hell she was going through at home. Being molested by her own father. But, kids will be kids and they just assumed that I was having a sexual relationship with her. That’s what they told the police, anyways. So, with the “testimony” of the parents, the police try to pin it on me. I was found not guilty, of course. However, your reputation doesn’t recover from accusations like that. I lost my job and moved as far away from Seattle as I could.

MARCUS And you changed your name to hide the past.

JERRY Exactly. No school wants to hire a teacher with even the most remote possibility of being a felon, much less a child murderer.

LONNIE Did you know Jamison was being abused at home?

JERRY Of course I knew it. I went to Principal Montana with it and he recommended that I mind my own business. What sucks is that you stick your neck out for people and they just shit on you. I didn’t want to risk going through Seattle again, so I kept my mouth shut. Didn’t say a word. Then, Jamison ends up missing and Montana suddenly blames me for not going to the police...even drops hints that I did something to Jamison myself. That’s when I walked away.

MARCUS Yo, that sucks, man. I hate it that things went down that way and I hate saying this...but this wasn’t about you! He was a boy being abused. He needed help and you just...what? You turned your back on what you believed in because you didn’t want to be bothered.

JERRY Don’t you dare judge me. Until you’ve walked a mile in a man’s shoes, you have no place on a pedestal.

LONNIE Mr. Engle, do you think the parents killed him?

JERRY Probably.

LONNIE Any idea where we can find them?

JERRY Last I heard, the mother had died...mysteriously. The older brother, Darius, still lived with the father down on the South Side in a small apartment. Doubt they ever left the neighborhood.

LONNIE Thanks, Mr. Engle. If you think of anything else, give us a call.

LONNIE hands JERRY a business card as MARCUS looks angrily on. JERRY looks at MARCUS with sadness.

JERRY Good to see you again, Marcus. Glad you finally got to do what you always wanted to do.

MARCUS Keep it real, Mr. Engle.

JERRY nods as LONNIE and MARCUS turn and walk away. MARCUS glares over at LONNIE.

MARCUS Did you believe him?

LONNIE Yeah. Marcus, you almost lost him as a witness back there. Try to control yourself, man.

MARCUS Sorry, Lonnie. I didn’t sleep well last night. It just seems that this case is bringing a lot of stuff back.

LONNIE I just hope that you can deal with what it’s bringing and still do your job.

MARCUS and LONNIE continue walking down the road in silence.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE JASMINE CAGE comes walking down the sidewalk, looking at the yellow police tape surrounding the area.

JAMISON (v/o) My brother wants you to be my girfriend, so you’re gonna have to be whether you like it or not.

JASMINE (v/o) I don’t want to...

JAMISON (v/o) If you don’t, my brother will hurt your brother.

COLT (o/s) Miss, you’re not supposed to be here.

JASMINE jumps when she hears the voice and turns to see contruction worker COLT SPENCER.

JASMINE Yeah, I see. I’m sorry.

COLT No problem. I just wanna make sure the scene is preserved. Found a pile of bones in there. I want to make sure that they find the bastard that did it. Sick fuck.

JASMINE I can understand that. Have a good day.

JASMINE gazes over at the scene one last time before exiting. COLT watches her walk as he stares at her rear end. DUKE HAWKINS enters, wearing a hard hat and looking at COLT with anger.

DUKE What are you doing? Get back to work!

COLT throws his hands up in surrender and exits as DUKE glances down at JASMINE. He seems to be looking at her rear end with a smile.

INT. CHICAGO TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER OFFICES LINDSEY is on the phone, looking at a computer screen as she talks on the phone.

LINDSEY Sheronda Wright died on May 31, 1988 after being found dead three blocks from her home. Police ruled it a heart attack until poison was found in her system. She was survived by her husband Leroy and son Darius. No one was ever arrested for the crime, but Leroy was a prime suspect due to many domestic disturbances that had come from the home. Here’s the Wrights’ last known address...

EXT. BUILDING LONNIE is talking to her via pay phone while writing with MARCUS pacing in the background. LONNIE Thank you, Lindsey. You are a lifesaver.

INT. CHICAGO TRIBUNE LINDSEY waves her hand over her face.

LINDSEY Ah, the approval I’ve worked for all these years. Who ever said a girl’s dreams can’t come true?

EXT. BUILDING LONNIE smirks as MARCUS waits impatiently.

LONNIE See ya later, Linz.

LONNIE hangs up the phone and turns to MARCUS, who waits with anticipation.

MARCUS You get it?

LONNIE nods.

MARCUS Let’s move.

MARCUS and LONNIE exit.

EXT. SIDEWALK JASMINE CAGE is walking down the street, deep in thought as cars pass by her in the night. Suddenly, a gloved hand grabs her, covering her mouth. JASMINE tries to scream, but is pulled into an alley.

EXT. GABE’S HOUSE KATE knocks on the door and waits with her hands in her pocket. The door opens and GABE MURPHY steps out onto the porch.

GABE Kate? I’m surprised to see you. What brings you by?

KATE Gabe, I need to talk to someone and...well, I don’t have many friends that I can turn to right now.

GABE One second.

GABE opens his door, reaches inside, and grabs his jacket. He pulls the door shut as he steps off of the stoop with KATE motions her to follow him as they walk down the street.

GABE What’s on your mind, Kate?

KATE I went to Lonnie’s last night to try and see if we could maintain a professional relationship.

GABE I’m guessing it didn’t go so well.

KATE He was with another woman...already.

GABE Really? He seemed totally heartbroken last time I saw him.

KATE He didn’t seem heartbroken to me. He seemed cold and distant.

GABE Keep in mind, Kate, that Lonnie doesn’t know the true reason that you ended the relationship. He may be acting on impulse to get back at you for hurting him.

KATE What true reason?

GABE I was referring, of course, to the fact that Roland Stark made you break up with Lonnie to keep the church construction from being halted.

KATE How’d you know that?

GABE I’m very perceptive. All I have to say is that your actions were admirable, but totally unnecessary. You can’t make a deal with the devil and expect everything to turn out nicely.

KATE Come on. Roland’s not that bad.

GABE From what I’ve seen so far of him, he’s untrustworthy beyond reproach. But, I’m not the one who will judge him.

KATE Gabe, if I had stayed with Lonnie, all of those orphans would be back on the streets involved in gangs or some kind of trouble.

GABE There’s other churches in other areas of the city, Kate. I don’t like it that my church’s community was gained at a price.

KATE It was all for the greater good.

GABE It just gives Roland control over your life that he shouldn’t have.

KATE It doesn’t matter anymore. Lonnie’s already moved on and if he cared about me that little to even grieve over the loss, what does it matter?

GABE It’s your decision to make, but I think Lonnie cared a great deal about you, whether you know it or not.

KATE He has a funny way of showing it.

GABE and KATE continue walking.

EXT. SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO APARTMENT BUILDING LONNIE and MARCUS come walking down the street, looking around as some young black girls are doing the jump rope game in the middle of the street.

LONNIE What do we say to the guy that they haven’t already asked?

MARCUS New dynamics. The body’s been found. He won’t be ready for us.

MARCUS rings a buzzer on the apartment building and wait. A few seconds go by before a voice answers over the intercom.

VOICE Yeah, who is it?!

LONNIE We’re here to see Leroy Wright.

DARIUS WRIGHT, a dark-skinned black man with braided hair and tight muscles rippling out of his wife beater shirt, comes walking up the street. He sees LONNIE and MARCUS and stops. MARCUS glances around and spots him. DARIUS has a shocked look on his face and takes a few steps back.

MARCUS Big brother is watchin’.

LONNIE turns just as DARIUS removes a gun from his pocket and points it at them, firing off a shot.

LONNIE Oh, shit!

MARCUS and LONNIE dodge the bullet as they crouch in the doorway. DARIUS fires off a few shots before turning and taking off running down the street.

LONNIE and MARCUS both poke their guns around the corner, looking out as DARIUS is seen sprinting down the street as the jump rope girls are now running towards their homes. LONNIE and MARCUS take off running after DARIUS, who runs into an old lady carrying some groceries down the street. She is sent falling to the ground.

DARIUS Get the fuck outta my way!

DARIUS leaps over the hood of a car and runs across the road, jumping a fence and taking off towards some railroad tracks. LONNIE stops and helps the old lady up as MARCUS continues chasing after DARIUS, leaping the fence and cotinuing after him.

EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS DARIUS comes charging down the gravel strip as a train is seen traveling down the track. MARCUS jumps out onto the gravel behind him sprinting as fast as he can and closing the gap on the shorter DARIUS.

MARCUS I just wanna talk, Darius!

The train goes past MARCUS and heads closer to DARIUS. DARIUS looks back at MARCUS and leaps across the track right before the train goes past him. MARCUS halts as the train blocks any chance for pursuit. MARCUS kicks up some gravel.

MARCUS Dammit!

INT. DARK ROOM JASMINE CAGE wakes up, her arms tied to a beam above her head. JASMINE looks woozy as she glances around the room, trying to decipher her location.

JASMINE Hello? Is anyone there?

JAMISON (v/o) What the fuck are you looking at?! Do what my brother says! Get down on your knees, you dirty bitch!

JASMINE looks alarmed to see JAMISON WRIGHT, still a child, standing in front of her with an angry expression.

JASMINE I wouldn’t then and I won’t now.

JAMISON Bad things happen when you don’t do what he says.

JASMINE Is that what happened to you, Jamison? Did he make you do stuff that you didn’t want to do?

JAMISON Who said you could talk?! Stop looking at me! You escaped my fate! There are no harps playing!

JAMISON suddenly disappears from sight as a door opens nearby, letting light shine in from the doorway. Standing in the doorway, we see the outline of a hulking figure.

FIGURE (whispering) Jasmine...

JASMINE Wait. I know you. I remember you.

FIGURE (whispering) Then you know what I want. Come on, little girl. Give daddy what he came for.

The FIGURE begins to unzip his pants as JASMINE looks alarmed.

EXT. WRIGHT RESIDENCE LONNIE and MARCUS come walking with purpose back towards the apartment building. MARCUS runs up and kicks open the door, sending the lock flying off into the building. LONNIE smirks.

LONNIE You know they’re gonna blame this on me and my bad influence over you.

MARCUS I think being shot at by the residents is probable cause.

MARCUS grips his gun and takes off into the building with LONNIE close behind. MARCUS leaps up onto the stairway and takes off running upwards. LONNIE follows closely, aiming his gun around the area as they ascend towards the second floor.

EXT. WRIGHT APARTMENT LONNIE and MARCUS come charging towards the door, where MARCUS kicks it open the same way he did the entrance. He points his gun inside, entering the home as an older black man, LEROY WRIGHT, turns in his wife beater shirt and boxer shorts, shocked at the intrusion. He holds up his hands in shock.

LEROY I ain’t got nothin’! What the fuck are you people doing here?!

MARCUS Keep your hands in the air, Leroy, or I’ll think you’re making a move.

LEROY Marcus?! Is that you, Marcus?

MARCUS Yeah, it’s me. Now, we’ve got some questions for you, Leroy, and you’re gonna start talking or I’m gonna start getting pissed!

LEROY What the fuck is your problem?!

MARCUS My problem is that your son just shot at two police officers out on the streets with no provocation!

LEROY Oh, God. No. He’s lost it. He’s finally lost his mind.

LONNIE Does it have to do with Jamison?

LEROY Yeah. I think so. When they called us and told us they found him, he just kinda went and got gone.

LONNIE Why don’t you enlighten us as to why he just snapped?

LEROY I don’t know.

MARCUS grunts and lurches forward, grabbing LEROY by the neck and slamming him back against the wall. MARCUS I’m so sick of all the fucking lies! You’re gonna tell us what we need to know and if you don’t, I’m gonna fuck you, Leroy! I’m gonna make sure we find something on you, whether it be concerning the death of your son or your wife or the abuse of both!

LEROY I can’t open my mouth! He’ll kill me!

LONNIE Who will kill you?

LEROY He’s sick, I’m telling you!

MARCUS You got two choices, Leroy. You can be scare of him or you can be scared of me. It’s your decision. Who scares you more? Who are you protecting?!

LEROY Duke Hawkins.

INT. DARK ROOM JASMINE is still tied to the beam as construction foreman DUKE HAWKINS steps into the light and JASMINE looks at him with worry on her face.

DUKE That’s right, baby. You’re gonna perform this time and you’re gonna like it.

JASMINE You killed Jamison. You were filming him, weren’t you? Making him do child porn movies and stuff. People thought it was the parents, but it was you, wasn’t it?

DUKE Heh. I started with the older brother. Reeled him in while I was working on this very church. The kids used to wait over at the bus stop, but I guess you already know that. It was easy to draw them in. Offer them a chance to star in a movie.

JASMINE You’re a sick bastard.

DUKE Don’t you get it, Jasmine? I loved those kids and they loved me. What’s wrong with showing that affection and preserving it for prosperity?

JASMINE Check federal law, you asshole.

DUKE Shut your mouth! You were a very bad girl, Jasmine. You didn’t want to be a star in my movies. Darius tried to get Jamison to pull you in, but then that stupid brother of yours stuck his nose into it.

JASMINE I would have turned you in.

DUKE Like the Wright family did? Do you know what happened to their mom? They do. That’s why they’ve kept their damn mouths shut all this time. I hate it that you’re not a child anymore, but hell, no one’s perfect. I can give it a shot with the more mature crowd. So, open wide, baby.

DUKE begins to lower his pants, but hears a noise outside as someone is heard walking. JASMINE starts to scream, but DUKE quickly covers her mouth, ripping off his shirt and tying it around her mouth as a gag.

DUKE If I hear one little peep out of you, I’ll kill you.

DUKE turns and walks out the door, shutting it behind him.

EXT. THE CHURCH DUKE comes walking outside to find GABE MURPHY and KATE AUSTIN looking at the church building.

DUKE Father Murphy...surprised to see you here so late. What brings you by?

GABE Kate needed to talk and we just ended up here. I wanted to show her the progress.

KATE You’re doing a great job on the place.

DUKE Our boys are very hard-working and dedicated, but I was just about to lock the gates.

GABE Oh. I can do that. I won’t keep you.

DUKE It’s regulation, father. I can’t allow anyone on the site without my supervision. Safety first.

INT. THE CHURCH REMAINS JASMINE sees GABE and KATE through a window nearby. JASMINE struggles with her restraints, yanking as hard as she can, but unable to budge. She pulls herself up and kicks at a box nearby, gripping it with her feet as she lifts it up.

INT. CHURCH COURTYARD GABE and KATE nod their heads as DUKE ushers them towards the gate.

DUKE I hate to be the bad guy, Father Murphy, but I’d lose my license if I let you stay.

GABE It’s quite understandable, Duke. It’s not a problem.

DUKE, GABE, and KATE reach the gates when the window is shattered from the church. GABE turns as DUKE is shocked. GABE looks inside the church to see JASMINE tied to the beam.

GABE What in heavens?

GABE walks towards the church, but DUKE grabs a sledgehammer from nearby and jams it into GABE’S head, dropping him to the ground unconscious. KATE is shocked as DUKE decks her with a right, dropping her down right beside GABE.

INT. CAR MARCUS is driving down the road, an angry look on his face as LONNIE sits in the passenger seat.

MARCUS All this time and he was right under our nose.

LONNIE It’s okay. We’ll get him off the streets so that he can never do any of this again.

MARCUS There’s no telling how many kids he’s hurt since then.

LONNIE We’ll worry about that later. Right now, let’s worry about getting his ass in prison. MARCUS I’ve seen him, ya know.

LONNIE Who?

MARCUS Jamison. I saw him last night in the office. If that makes me crazy, then so be it, but I saw him. He’s not happy.

LONNIE I believe you.

MARCUS You would...

LONNIE and MARCUS continue driving.

INT. ST. PETER’S REMAINS DUKE has boarded up the window as he stands above the unconscious and bound/gagged GABE, KATE, and JASMINE. DUKE towers over JASMINE as he bends down, looking her directly in the eyes.

DUKE That was a very stupid thing you tried. I warned you about that. Now, there’s going to be punishment. Just wait here, you cunt.

DUKE turns and walks out into the courtyard, pulling the door shut behind him.

INT. COURTYARD DUKE grabs a hacksaw from a nearby station. He looks at it with adoration until the cock of a gun is heard. DUKE turns to see DARIUS WRIGHT pointing a gun at him with hatred on his face.

DARIUS I knew I’d find you here, motha fucka.

DUKE looks at DARIUS with concern, taking a few steps back.

DUKE Darius, what are you doing?

DARIUS You killed my brother! I thought he just ran away. I never knew what you did!

DUKE Darius, you know you don’t want to hurt me. You love me. You always loved me.

DARIUS I didn’t! You fucked me and you were doing it to him! I oughta fucking cap you, mother fucker!

DUKE Darius, you’re upset. It’s understandable after the past few days, but if you shoot me, you’ll go to jail.

DARIUS It’s not like I ain’t already been there. I can’t ever not feel dirty! I feel like I want to die because of what you did!

DUKE Then do yourself a favor and just end it.

DARIUS puts the gun against DUKE’S face.

DARIUS I think I will.

LONNIE (o/s) Darius, drop the gun.

DUKE and DARIUS glance over to see LONNIE and MARCUS, both pointing guns at them.

DARIUS You don’t know what he did!

MARCUS Oh, the hell we don’t. Your father told us everything, Darius...how he violated you, how he pulled Jamison in. It wasn’t your fault, ya know. This guy here. He’s a sick man and the law needs to punish him.

DARIUS The law? The law protects fucks like him! You just think you’re doing good in the streets, but you’re not touching the real element. You catch flunkies! I won’t let the system have him! They’ll let him go!

LONNIE It’s not your decision to make, Darius.

DARIUS I’m the one with the gun! I’m the one that holds the power right now! The decision is mine! DARIUS turns to fire the gun, but LONNIE fires a shot into his shoulder, sending him flying back and into the door, which bursts from its hinges. LONNIE and MARCUS immediately see JASMINE tied up inside with GABE and KATE on the floor as DARIUS cries out in pain on the ground.

LONNIE Oh, man.

LONNIE takes off running towards the room as MARCUS walks towards DUKE, removing his badge from his waist and dropping his gun to the ground. His eyes are fixed on DUKE, who waits with the hacksaw in his hand.

DUKE What are you gonna do, cop? Assault me?

MARCUS I ain’t a cop right now.

MARCUS nails DUKE with a hard right hand, sending him back into a sawhorse sitting nearby. DUKE swings outwards with the hacksaw, narrowly missing a dodging MARCUS. MARCUS catches his arm, twists it, and sends DUKE crashing forward into a wooden foundation, causing the unfinished part of the building to crumble.

DUKE looks around for the hacksaw, having dropped it, as MARCUS kicks at DUKE, who catches his foot and yanks it out from under him. DUKE nails MARCUS with a right as MARCUS sends a knee up into DUKE’S ribs. DUKE rolls to the side and stands as MARCUS kips up to his feet, throwing a left hand at DUKE, who blocks it and nails MARCUS with a spinning elbow. MARCUS staggers as DUKE lifts MARCUS into a fireman’s carry and runs forward, tossing him through the air and through a board supported by two sawhorses. It breaks on impact as MARCUS moans in pain. DUKE walks towards him.

INT. CHURCH RUBBLE LONNIE cuts the ropes of JASMINE, who wraps her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

JASMINE Thank you.

LONNIE You okay?

JASMINE I’m good.

LONNIE moves over and checks GABE’S pulse and then puts KATE against the wall, trying to wake her up.

LONNIE Kate? Wake up, Kate.

INT. COURTYARD DUKE jerks MARCUS from the scrap heap and swings at him with a right. MARCUS blocks it, stepping forward, and launching DUKE over his back by the arm. DUKE sails into a wall nearby, busting through it with velocity as the wall crumbles. DUKE climbs to his feet as MARCUS charges through the wall and tackles him back against the other wall, sending them both through the structure.

EXT. STRUCTURE MARCUS and DUKE are sent back against the metal gates. MARCUS nails DUKE with a hard right, knees him in the gut with a right, and knocks DUKE to the ground with a right cross. DUKE lays still on the ground as MARCUS stands over him with clenched fists.

INT. RUBBLE KATE wakes up and looks into LONNIE’S eyes, confused.

KATE Lonnie.

LONNIE runs his hand along KATE’S face.

LONNIE You’re okay?

KATE I’m great.

LONNIE nods and steps back as JASMINE helps a confused GABE stand. KATE and JASMINE exchange tense looks as LONNIE turns and slaps some handcuffs on the bloodied DARIUS.

LONNIE You’re under arrest, Darius.

MARCUS comes in, tossing a handcuffed DUKE next to him.

MARCUS It’s over.

Everyone looks happy as LONNIE and MARCUS jerk DUKE up and begin escorting him from the premises.

FADE OUT/IN INT. GRAVEYARD MARCUS CAGE is standing over the grave of JAMISON WRIGHT as his sister JASMINE comes walking in from the gravel path. She stands next to him and looks down with sadness in her eyes.

JASMINE That’s a big mystery solved. I know it’s weighed on you since we were kids.

MARCUS Yeah. It’s amazing how different perspective gets with age. When I was a kid, I thought Jamison was a foul-mouthed bully who just liked to torture the other boys and girls. Now, I know he was crying for help and no one was listening. JASMINE How long do you think Duke will be in prison?

MARCUS They’re pushing for the death penalty. I hope he gets it.

JASMINE It was almost me in that grave. If my brother hadn’t taken on a big, bad bully on the playground, I might have died on that same day. I hope that eases your guilt.

MARCUS Yeah. At least he gets a decent burial and no one has to wonder anymore what happened to him.

JASMINE I love you, Marcus. You’re the best brother a girl could ask for.

MARCUS (smiles) I love you, sis.

MARCUS and JASMINE hug before she smiles at him, turns, and exits. MARCUS stands, staring down at the tombstone.

JAMISON (o/s) I guess you a’ight in my book, man.

MARCUS looks up to see JAMISON WRIGHT, standing next to the tombstone with a much more peaceful look on his face.

JAMISON Take it easy, dawg.

JAMISON pumps his fist at MARCUS. MARCUS smiles and pumps it back at him. However, JAMISON is gone and nothing but a gust of wind makes any noise in reponse. MARCUS turns and walks away as the trees blow with the breeze. CLOSING CREDITS roll over silence.

HTS: The Rogue’s Path Episode 1.13 Bones, Thugs, & Disharmony By MysterioMan007 Creative Consultant: Scarecrow Cenobite Produced by: MysterioMan007 Spin-Off From Halloween: The Series, created by Scarecrow Cenobite Based on Characters created by John Carpenter & Debra Hill

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