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TRANSCRIPT:
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Act One

At a place called “Beguiling” two comic book geeks who run the store watch Vicki, who’s reading Henry’s graphic novel, Blood Price. One of them, Edwin, approaches her after conferring with his friend Brent.

Edwin: Y- you into horror, horror titles?

Vicki: Not really. No, too much Blood.

Edwin: Oh.

He moves off, back toward his friend and leans over his shoulder.

Edwin: First Contact.

Henry approaches Vicki from another aisle, paging through a comic as he does.

Henry: I can sign that for you if you like.

Vicki: Are you stalking me?

Henry: Hmm. It’s Wednesday.

Vicki: And that’s what stalking day?

Brent: (approaching) It’s the day the new comics come in. Mr. Fitzroy.

Henry: Hmm, we’ll take that too.

Henry grabs Vicki’s copy of Blood Price and gives them both to Brent, who goes to ring them up.

Henry: So what made you so interested in graphic novels all of the sudden?

Vicki: Well I figured if we were going to work together I should know more about you.

Henry: I would have told you anything you wanted to know.

Vicki: Oh, you see, people tell you what they want you to believe? These things tell me who you are.

Henry: MmmHmm. A detective brain at work again. Is that what it’s like being in a relationship with you? Coffee and interrogation in the morning?

Vicki: What’s the matter? Afraid you couldn’t stand the scrutiny?

Henry: I’ve lived long enough that I don’t have to answer to anyone.

Vicki: Hmm, and that’s what it’s like being in a relationship with you.

Henry: Fine, read my books. Sniff into the secrets of my inner life. But be careful how deep you dig, Vicki. It might be a dark ride.

Henry leaves Vicki standing at the counter as he walks out of the store.

At another home in town, Celeste tries to get her daughter Sarah to go to sleep.

Celeste: Come on Sarah, its bedtime. We have to be up early for the movers.

Sarah: I’m not going to move. I’m staying here.

Celeste: Honey you can’t. You’ll like where we’re going.

Sarah: I won’t! And neither will Buttercup!

Celeste: Oh, Sarah…

Sarah: I hate you!

Sarah flops face down on her bed as the house begins to rumble, startling Celeste. She leaves Sarah in bed and goes to check things out. As she moves into the kitchen the rumbling gets worse and finally a large, red monster appears causing Celeste to scream as Sarah remains face down on her bed, her stuffed animal Buttercup clenched in her hands.

 

Act Two

Vicki opens the door to her office and steps inside where she is greeted by Coreen.

Coreen: Guess what?

Vicki: No.

Coreen: Okay, close your eyes.

Coreen grabs the paper and shows it triumphantly to Vicki, who is carrying Henry’s book in her hands.

Coreen: Ta da!! Isn’t it awesome?

Vicki: What’s so awesome about a queen size futon sale?

Coreen: Not that! This.

Vicki looks at the paper Coreen is holding a little closer and reads it aloud.

Vicki: No case too strange. Supernatural and Occult our specialty.

Coreen: Yeah.

Vicki: No! No, I-I didn’t ask you to do this. Look I’m not Ghostbusters.

Coreen: They had a lot of clients. And now, so do we. Your 10:30’s waiting.

Vicki: Oh dear mother of god, please say this is not going to be another trip into the Twilight Zone.

Vicki goes into her office as Coreen grins, pleased with herself and turns to get on with her day. In Vicki’s office she speaks with Celeste’s mother who is looking for her son-in-law.

Vicki: This, uh, Steve… he’s just a regular guy right? No, Nothing freaky?

Emily: He’s a mechanic. He likes old cars.

Vicki: And he just took off… no forwarding address, no contact information?

Emily: When I asked Celeste if she knew why he’d left she said that it was none of my business.

Vicki: Well, when people run it’s usually because there’s someone chasing them. Did Steve have any bad habits? Women? Cards? Drugs?

Emily: I don’t know what went on between Steven and my daughter. From what I saw he was a good man. With Celeste gone, Sarah is all alone and she needs her father. Before I was sick I could have looked after her but… if her school hadn’t taken her in, I just don’t know what would have happened to her.

Vicki: Emily, I have to ask you, do you think that there’s any possibility that Steve could have something to do with your daughter’s murder.

Emily: I don’t think he could have hurt Celeste.

Vicki: All right, I will look into it. I can start with the Vintage cars. That’s probably a good place. Uh, and I need you to tell me anything you can think of about Steve Jeffries.

Once Vicki has all the information she can glean from Celeste she heads over to the station to meet with Mike and Kate. They watch the video of Sarah’s interview with the police psychologist after Celeste’s death.

Sarah: (Video) I don’t remember.

Psychologist: (Video) It’s, its okay Sarah. You’re not in trouble.

Sarah: (Video) Mom went in the other room and she called me and then there was screaming.

Psychologist: (Video) Did you hear anybody else?

Sarah: (Video) I didn’t hear anybody. There was nobody else there.

Psychologist: (Video) How do you know that Sarah?

Sarah: There just wasn’t. I didn’t hear anybody. I just heard Mommy. Then I went out and she was bleeding. That’s all I know.

Vicki: The kid’s hiding something.

Psychologist: (Video) Okay Sarah, why don’t we take a break?

Kate: She’s upset.

Vicki: What about cause of death?

Kate: Deep Incisions.

Vicki: Any stab wounds?

Mike: Naw, they were more like teeth and claw marks.

Vicki: From what, dogs or animals?

Kate: That was our first thought. The front door was open when we got there. Burglary is also a possibility.

Vicki: (Shaking her head) There was no sign of an intrusion.

Kate: She could have left the door open.

Vicki: Do you leave your door open that late? (To Mike) Did Sarah mention her dad?

Kate: They split over a year ago.

Vicki: Have you run him? Murder’s a lot cheaper than alimony.

Kate: (To Mike) Is she always this intense?

Mike: Oh, she’s just warming up.

Kate: (To Vicki) There was no alimony. No history of violence. The guy didn’t even shoot for visitation.

Vicki: He deserted his family. He has issues. And sometimes people with issues solve them by getting other people dead.

Mike: Vicki…

Kate: As far as I’m concerned, the guy isn’t even on the radar for this. You want to find him to take care of the girl? Knock yourself out. Just remember, you’re not investigating a homicide here.

Kate leaves and Vicki gets up as Mike looks at her out of the corner of his eye.

Vicki: What is she so edgy about?

Mike: I wonder. You okay with this case you got?

Vicki: Standard missing persons.

Mike: So um… runaway dads, they don’t push your buttons anymore?

Vicki: How could they? They’re never there.

Mike: Your therapist must be thrilled.

Vicki leaves, almost running into Dave on her way out.

Dave: Yo!

Mike: Hey.

Dave: Got some knowledge on that Fitzroy dude.

Mike: Hey.

Dave: Yeah, man, uh… it took a lot of work. That guy flies way under the radar.

Mike: I know.

Dave: So, is he the guy uh… Vicki’s hooking up with?

Mike: They are working together.

Dave: Okay, um, so you just checking him out ‘cause you guys like the same comic books?

Mike: No, I think this guy’s into something.

Dave: Yeah, I think he’s into something all right. (laughs)

Mike: Well, what-what is it with you?

Dave: I see a sore, I bring the salt baby! That’s what friends do.

Dave laughs and walks away as Mike mimics him, clearly not amused.

Mike: That’s what friends do.

At the Cobb Academy for gifted youngsters Vicki stops to interview little Sarah.

Mr. Cobb: Sarah’s a very special girl. I’m happy we’re able to help her.

Vicki: Well, hopefully, we can get her hooked up with her dad soon.

Mr. Cobb: It’s no problem for us to put her up, almost half of our students live here.

Vicki: Aren’t some of these kids a little young to be in boarding school?

Mr. Cobb: Their parents all recognize their children’s talents at an early age. They understood that enrolling them in the Cobb Academy would be the best way to fully realize those talents.

Vicki: Well, I saw your website. It says ‘gifted children’. So this is a little Einstein academy?

Mr. Cobb: Some of our students are burgeoning writers, scientists, mathematicians. We have one ten year old boy who can work out cube roots faster than a calculator. And recall Pi to 22,000 decimal places.

Vicki: Hmm, and what’s Sarah’s gift?

Mr. Cobb: She’s an artist. Her drawings show a grasp of imagination, proportion and composition of someone well beyond her age.

Vicki: Did her dad ever come and visit her?

Mr. Cobb: You mean since he abandoned her and her mum?

Vicki: You’re not a fan.

Mr. Cobb: Well he was something of a negative influence. Always derisive of what Sarah accomplished here at the school. Always fighting her growth.

Vicki: Well, I guess some men are not supposed to be fathers. Did Celeste say why she was moving them out of town?

Mr. Cobb: Well I’d assume it was for work. I had given her some recommendations for schools out west.

Laurel enters with Sarah.

Laurel: Mr. Cobb.

Mr. Cobb: Ah. And this is Laurel, Sarah’s art teacher. She and Sarah have a special relationship.

Laurel: I am very lucky. Sarah made a painting for my room today.

Mr. Cobb: Sarah? This is Miss Nelson. She wants to talk to you. Laurel and I are going to be just over there.

Sarah moves to sit down next to Vicki as Mr. Cobb and Laurel move away towards the corner of the room.

Vicki: Tell you what. If I can call you Sarah, you can call me Vicki.

Sarah: Okay.

Vicki: Okay. So do you like it here at the academy?

Sarah: It’s good. All my friends are here.

Vicki: Well it’s good to have friends. Everybody needs somebody to look out for them right? How about your dad? You think you could live with him?

Sarah: Daddy doesn’t want me.

Vicki: Did he ever come by when your Mom wasn’t around?

Sarah: No.

Vicki: Did he ever call?

Sarah: (leaning in close) I told you, he hates me.

Vicki: You know, it might feel like that, but I bet he doesn’t hate you.

Sarah: He left ‘cause I was bad.

Vicki: Aww don’t say that. That’s not true. I’m sure your dad doesn’t hate you. Come on, who could hate you?

Sarah: I want to go to my room.

Mr. Cobb: Of course. Good night Sarah.

Sarah runs out of the room and Laurel runs after her.

Laurel: Sarah, its okay. Sarah!

Vicki: Her father really did a number on her. She thinks it’s her fault the guy took off.

Mr. Cobb: Children idolize their parents and when a parent abandons them they often absorb the blame.

Vicki: So what else do you know about Steve Jeffries?

Meanwhile, Henry enters a dark, goth club and approaches Kristen.

Kristen: Henry, long time.

Henry: Too long.

Kristen: You cut your hair or something?

Henry: Never.

Kristen: Something different about you.

Henry: Really?

Kristen: Really.

Henry leans in and adopts his vampire whisper as he talks into her ear.

Henry: (whispered) I never change.

His mouth moves to hers and he kisses her passionately, leaning her back into a chain link fence.

Mike has decided to do a little bit more investigation of the mysterious Henry and corners Greg the doorman outside the Penthouse building.

Greg: Mr. Fitzroy is a major tenant. He owns half the top floor. You think he did something?

Mike: Oh, no, no. I’m just trying to help him out. But, um, we do have to try and keep this on the ‘down low’ if you know what I mean.

Greg: Nice enough guy. Comic business must pay pretty good. You gotta have some serious gig to live here.

Mike: Ha, yeah. He keep regular hours?

Greg: Oh (scoffs) Total night owl. I guess that’s where he gets the ideas for these comics of his, huh? Pretty disturbing. He gave me a few for Christmas last year? Along with a C-note. I kept the money. Gave the comics to my sister’s kid. Kid’s kinda twisted anyway so…

Mike: (laughs) He’s got a lot of friends coming and going? That kind of thing?

Greg: You could say that. Mr. Fitzroy is quite the ladies man.

Back at the club Henry is feeding on Kristen who is moaning in pleasure but they’re interrupted by his phone.

Kristen: The phone…

Henry pulls away reluctantly and answers it.

Henry: Fitzroy… (pauses) Twenty minutes.

He hangs up as Kristen looks at him astonished.

Kristen: You’re going?

Henry: Something came up. It’s important.

Kristen: (considers for a moment) Okay. You’ve definitely changed.

Henry watches her move away and approach another man and Henry looks away, troubled, taking a few seconds to gather himself before leaving the club.

It turns out his phone call was from Vicki and they enter Sarah and Celeste’s house, aka the crime scene to investigate.

Henry: So you think the child’s father told the mother where he was staying?

Vicki: Well, when guys bail they don’t usually worry about staying on the Christmas card list.

Henry: As a guy, I might resent that.

Vicki: Really? You don’t really strike me as the long term commitment type.

Henry: I’m the definition of long term. Not necessarily one woman, of course. (laughs) If he didn’t tell his wife where he was living, what exactly are we doing here?

Vicki: Well even if he didn’t tell her he might have left something… lead us to him.

Vicki and Henry move further into the house and Henry sees and scents the large blood stains on the floor and stops, uncomfortable.

Vicki: You okay?

Henry: It’s the blood.

Vicki: It’s not making you sick, is it?

Henry: Just hungry.

Vicki: Right. Um… do you smell anything else, you know? Can you sniff out whoever it was that did this?

Henry: I’m a vampire, not a bloodhound.

Vicki: Right. Okay, well, we are looking for anything he might have sent her. You know a picture… a card.

Vicki sorts through the mail on the floor and pulls out a painting that Sarah did which was sent to Celeste by Sarah’s art teacher, Laurel. It’s of Sarah and a very large looking furry monster.

Vicki: Henry, look at this.

Henry leans over Vicki but pulls back when he sees the blood again.

Henry: A vivid imagination. What can you expect from a girl who just lost her mother?

Vicki: Well, this was dated a week before mom died.

Vicki snaps a picture of it as Henry looks on.

 

Act Three

Vicki and Henry make a stop at Mohadevan’s office to review the evidence in Celeste’s murder. Henry takes the opportunity to poke around the morgue.

Vicki: Hi, I’m glad you’re still here.

Mohadevan: Mm. Well I work when my client’s need me. Hmm, it seems I’m not the only one who’s switched to the night shift.

Vicki: I wonder if I might ask you some questions about the Celeste Jeffries murder.

Mohadevan: Oh, it was quite abnormal. Frankly I was beginning to wonder when you were going to ask me about it. A real conundrum. At first I thought it was a creature or creatures.

Vicki: What do you mean? Like dogs or something?

Mohadevan: Well, only if they’ve started breeding dogs that don’t shed and leave no trace of saliva in bites.

Henry: Didn’t the police find that strange?

Mohadevan: The police are trained to ignore things that are too strange. (To Vicki) You used to.

Vicki: Well, let’s just pretend that I don’t find anything too strange these days.

Henry and Mohadevan share a look at that remark as Vicki continues with her questions.

Vicki: What’s your best guess?

Mohadevan: Nothing anyone could arrest.

Vicki: So there are no leads?

Mohadevan: Well I know whoever or whatever did it was scared or angry. Otherwise it would have stopped when she was dead.

Henry walks over to where Vicki is still reviewing the autopsy notes. He takes the picture that Sarah painted and brings it over to Mohadevan.

Henry: Could something like this have killed her?

Mohadevan: If it existed. (Pause) Does it?

Henry doesn’t answer but gives Vicki a look as he walks towards the door. She gives the file back to Mohadevan and follows in his wake.

Vicki: Thanks for your help, Rajani.

As Mohadevan gets back to work Vicki catches up to Henry who is waiting for her by the exit.

Vicki: Why did you show that to her?

Henry: Big teeth and claws, Shonidemon. For my money, this isn’t a drawing. It’s a crime scene photo.

Vicki: All right you place your bet on the boogeyman. I’m going with dad.

Henry: You know I had lunch with the boogeyman last week.

Vicki: Really? How is he? I haven’t seen him since I was five.

The next day Coreen comes into Vicki’s office, quite pleased with herself.

Coreen: I so deserve a bonus.

Vicki: I pay you?

Coreen: I checked every classic car restorer in the city and found Sarah’s father. He works at Vanguard Vintage Auto in Maple.

Vicki: Wow you are good. You know, at this rate, I can take a vacation.

Coreen: What about my bonus?

Vicki: I’ll bring you a t-shirt from Jamaica. (shows Coreen Sarah’s picture) What do you think of this?

Coreen: Looks like some kid’s got an active imagination.

Vicki: (points to the monster) No I mean this. Could it be anything… supernatural?

Coreen: I don’t know. Sasquatch, maybe. Last time I checked, they weren’t orange though.

Vicki: Okay, Get on the ‘net. See if you can find anything that even remotely resembles this. Meanwhile I’m going to check on our honest to goodness flesh and blood suspect.

At Vanguard Vintage Auto Vicki approaches Steve who is working under the hood of a classic car.

Vicki: Steven David Jeffries?

Steve gives Vicki a look but doesn’t stop working.

Steve: Who are you?

Vicki: Hear about your wife?

That gets Steve’s attention and he puts his tools down and backs out from under the hood and stands in front of Vicki.

Steve: I didn’t hurt Celeste.

Vicki: I didn’t ask. But a guilty denial’s always entertaining.

Steve: My ex-wife’s dead. Police obviously don’t like exes.

Steve’s co-worker Danny approaches, needing his help.

Danny: Yo Steve, I need a hand out back with a beemer.

Steve: Okay. Hey Danny, where was I last Saturday night?

Danny: Umm, you were watching Ultimate fighting at the Brew King with the rest of the team, why?

Steve: Nothing. I’ll be out in a couple of minutes.

Danny leaves Vicki and Steve to it.

Steve: So now what? You gonna arrest me?

Vicki: Who says I’m a cop?

Steve: Well then, why are we talking here?

Vicki: Look, I’m a private investigator. Your mother-in-law hired me. She wants you to come home and take care of Sarah.

Steve: Tell Emily to find somebody else. I can’t help her.

Vicki: (yelling after Steve as he leaves) You’re the kids father!

Vicki returns to her office and takes her frustrations out on a punching bag. Mike stops by to chat.

Mike: It confess yet?

Vicki: It will.

Mike: You found Dad?

Vicki: Yeah and he’s got an alibi. Something happened in that family Mike.

Mike: Aw, Vick.

Vicki: No, the dad knows. The kid knows. She knows who killed her mother.

Mike: And you still think it’s the Dad. Look, Kate talked to the girl. The shrink talked to her. They both believe Sarah doesn’t know anything.

Vicki: Well, what do you believe?

Mike: (sighs) Phone records from Steve’s garage show that he did make a call to the school.

Vicki: So he did talk to her?

Mike: He talked to somebody, it doesn’t prove anything.

Vicki: It’s a start.

Mike: You know ordinarily I’d say trust your gut but uh… this one worries me.

Vicki: Aw, come on. Don’t worry. You’ll get wrinkles.

Vicki walks around Mike and leaves the office. Mike picks up Henry’s novel and looks at it for a moment before laying it down again and leaving the office right behind her.

As night falls, Vicki returns to the Cobb Academy for another talk with Sarah.

Sarah: I told you, he doesn’t want me. I made him go away.

Vicki: Kids don’t make grown-ups do anything. My dad left when I was little too. Yeah, it’s true. You know what? Sometimes grown-ups … they just leave. And it’s not your fault, okay? You know I-I hated my dad after he left.

Sarah:  Do you still hate him?

Vicki: Well, I’m not … I’m not naming him for father of the year anytime soon but… Did your dad ever… hurt you or your mom?

Sarah: No, why are you saying that? (To Cobb, who is standing guard) Can I go back?

Vicki: (takes out the picture Sarah painted and shows it to her) Just one more thing… (points to the monster) Is this your Dad?

Sarah: No that’s Buttercup. (takes out her stuffed animal and shows it to Vicki) See? Buttercup wouldn’t hurt anybody.

Mr. Cobb: Miss Nelson? I appreciate your concern but you’re upsetting her. Sarah, it’s time for your session. I’ll take you down.

As Cobb and Sarah leave Vicki puts the picture back into her purse and looks after them before leaving the room as well.

 

Act Four

Vicki heads down to Laurel’s art class to question her about Sarah and the picture.

Vicki: Laurel?

Laurel: Vicki, right?

Vicki: Yeah. You mind if I ask you some questions about Sarah’s art?

Laurel: Sure. She’s got a great eye.

Vicki: More than you know. You sent this to her mom a few days ago?

Laurel: Maybe this was a bad idea. Excuse me.

Vicki: (As Laurel walks away) You also called her father I think, hmm? Because Steve called here and talked to someone. It wasn’t Sarah and I don’t think it was Cobb.

Laurel: I was worried about her. I am worried. She’s been drawing things like that for a few months. I spoke to both her mom and her dad.

Vicki: Was it something to do with why Sarah’s mom was moving them?

Laurel: I think so. She wanted to give Sarah a change of scenery. I thought it was a good idea.

Vicki: And the dad?

Laurel: It was like he already knew what was going on with her. And it seems like he didn’t care.

Vicki: Yeah, I kind of got that feeling too. Was there anything else going on that had you worried besides the picture?

Laurel: It wasn’t just a picture. It was pictures.

As Laurel and Vicki talk we learn that Cobb has been eavesdropping on them from outside the class room. He looks at them worriedly for a moment then walks away. He goes to a protected area in the school where many young boys and girls are doing a very different type of learning. As he passes them he checks their progress and then heads over to where Sarah is. As he does so he passes a little boy who’s solving a Rubik’s cube extremely fast while a teacher looks on. Cobb stops for a moment.

Mr. Cobb: Very good. It increases both dexterity and direction.

Turning he approaches Sarah, who’s painting another one of her pictures, Buttercup held securely in her arms.

Mr. Cobb: Hello Sarah. Hello Buttercup. I think we have to talk.

Back in Laurel’s class room she and Vicki go over Sarah’s disturbing pieces of art.

Laurel: When I first saw these I knew she was gifted. I showed them to Mr. Cobb and he agreed. He even made her one of his special students.

Vicki: Special students?

Laurel: He takes a special interest in the brightest and most talented kids. For him it’s all about letting kid’s talents take them as far as they can go. The pictures started getting more and more violent.

Vicki: Could this represent her dad? Some kind of abuse?

Laurel: I don’t know. I’m not a psychologist. I just wanted somebody to get her some help.

In Cobb’s protected area he and Sarah discuss the “Laurel” problem.

Mr. Cobb: We have a problem, Sarah… with Laurel.

Sarah: Why? Laurel’s my friend.

Mr. Cobb: You’re my friend Sarah. Laurel has lied to us. She sent a picture of Buttercup to your mom. That’s why your mom wanted to move.

Sarah: She wouldn’t do that.

Mr. Cobb: She did. And now she’s talking to the other woman.

Sarah: Why?

Mr. Cobb: Because they want to take you away. And they want to take Buttercup away from you… They know that Buttercup hurt your mom.

Sarah: (looking concerned) He didn’t mean to.

Mr. Cobb: They don’t care about that Sarah. Laurel’s talking to her now, trying to take you away.

Sarah: She shouldn’t do that!

The building starts to rumble and Cobb looks on in approval. In Laurel’s class she and Vicki are startled by the rumbling as they continue to look over Sarah’s work.

Vicki: What is that?

Laurel: I-I don’t know.

Things start falling off shelves and Laurel and Vicki look around nervously. Back in the protected room Cobb smiles but Sarah’s not convinced.

Sarah: I don’t want to hurt people.

Mr. Cobb: It’s not you Sarah. I told you. It’s Buttercup. Let… Buttercup… go. You… should be angry. Laurel wants you out of her class. She hates you.

Sarah: Then I hate her!

Cobb’s smile gets bigger as Sarah clutches Buttercup harder and buries her face in him. Back in Laurel’s room the rumbling gets worse and lights start to explode. Buttercup appears, big and bad and knocks Vicki to the ground.

Laurel: Vicki!

Vicki: Get out!

Laurel screams and runs for the door but Buttercup envelopes her in a big electric shock from the light socket, electrocuting her. With Laurel on the ground Buttercup disappears even though the rumbling continues. Vicki gets up, seeing Laurel on the ground, unmoving.

 

Act Five

Laurel is conscious as she’s being wheeled out of the Academy on a gurney. She sees Vicki as they take her away.

Laurel: What happened?

Vicki: I don’t know but I’m gonna find out. Just get some rest okay?

Mike arrives as Laurel is wheeled out the door.

Mike: Vicki. Hey.

Vicki: Are you coming to accident scenes now?

Mike: The paramedics called and said that you were involved. What happened?

Vicki: Well, you see, here’s where we’re going to have a problem ‘cause I could tell you but…

Mike: (clears throat) But, uh, I’m not going to believe you right?

Vicki shrugs and doesn’t respond.

Mike: Why do you automatically take that attitude these days with me huh?

Vicki: Okay. A giant transparent creature appeared in the room, smashed me to the floor and nailed Lauren to the light fixture.

As she tells him Mike looks skyward and then puts a hand up to rub his forehead.

Mike: You know a woman almost died here Vicki. This isn’t a joke.

Vicki: I am serious

Mike: (laughs) What? Like all of your cases now are suddenly something out the crypt of terror? I assume Fitzroy is in this somehow?

Vicki: Henry has nothing to do with this. He wasn’t even here.

Mike: (looks over Vicki’s shoulder) He is now.

Vicki turns to look and they both watch Henry stand silently on a staircase landing, watching them. Mike checks his watch.

Mike: I’ve got work to do.

Vicki: Mike…

Mike just walks away from her as Henry approaches.

Henry: A breakdown in police relations?

Vicki: Yeah, more like a meltdown.

Vicki and Henry go back to Vanguard Vintage Auto to find Steve working late. He spots them as they approach.

Steve: You’re wasting your time. I told you I’m done with Sarah.

Vicki: (walking towards him) You know she’s a kid, not a poker game. You don’t just get to fold your hand when you don’t like it.

Steve: You have no idea what’s going on. Stay out of it.

Vicki: You know I lay awake at night sometimes praying that one day that’ll be my style. So far, it hasn’t happened.

Steve: You don’t know her. Besides, I couldn’t help her anyway. Celeste wouldn’t let me.

Vicki: So you and your wife had some problems, big deal. Everyone does. When you have a kid, you are supposed to be there for them.

Steve: (scoffs) You people deserve what’s coming to you. Get out of here.

Henry, who was standing quietly by up until now stops Steve from leaving

Henry: Sarah’s teacher was almost murdered by something tonight, and I think you know who or what it was. Now… this lady here is trying to help you. I’m ambivalent… (deep controlling whisper) and advise you to be nice.

Steve: All right, you want to know what it is? Why not? It’s not like you’ll believe me anyway.

Steve lifts up his shirt and shows them the three claw scars he has on his chest.

Henry: What did this?

Steve: It was Sarah.

Vicki: You know what? You can start making sense any time now.

Steve: You ever have an imaginary friend?

Vicki: Yeah, the kind that lived in a castle and came for tea parties. Not any that did that.

Steve: Well Sarah’s did. Even when she was a baby things started happening. Stuff would shake around her or fall off shelves. Or even just break. Celeste thought it was poltergeists, you-you know, like the movie. I know crazy right?

Henry: You’d be surprised.

Vicki: Go on.

Steve: Well, as she got older, whenever something happened she’d say her doll did it.

Vicki: Buttercup. Well, so what is she? Psychic?

Henry: Telekinetic.

Steve: Yeah that’s what Cobb said it was her headmaster?

Vicki: I met him.

Steve: We found him through a psychologist we were taking Sarah to. He said he could help us. Said she was gifted and at first it was great, you know? Things stopped breaking. Sarah seemed happy. And then, it all changed. Whenever Sarah wanted something Buttercup would just take it. And whatever power she had it just kept getting stronger.

Henry: It doesn’t exactly sound like the school helped much.

Steve: I told Cobb what was happening. He just said it was all under control. I wanted to take Sarah out of the school. Celeste fought me. Cobb had her all messed up too. Then, one night I come home from work.

As Steve talks there is a flashback to what happened to him

Steve: Sarah’s trashed the kitchen.

Steve: (Flashback) Sarah you can’t keep doing this.

Sarah: (Flashback) Buttercup didn’t mean to.

Steve: (Flashback) It wasn’t Buttercup honey, he’s not real.

Sarah: (Flashback) Don’t say that!

Steve: (Flashback) Sarah, you’ve got to stop this.

Sarah: (Flashback) Buttercup hates you! Hates you!

In the flashback Steve is thrown to the floor by Buttercup and the flashback ends.

Steve: I barely survived. So yeah, I think I know what killed Celeste, but who’s gonna believe me.

Henry: I think you’re sitting with the whole club.

Vicki: You know Celeste was planning to take Sarah out of that school.

Steve: (scoffs) I knew it would turn on her too. If only she’d listened to me sooner.

Vicki: Well, wha… Well, you can still help Sarah!

Steve: She’ll be fine. Her and that thing.

Henry: No, if what you’re saying about that school is true she is in danger.

Vicki: We need you to take her back.

Steve: She almost killed me once already. I’m not going back for more.

Vicki: Well, so what? You’re going to let Cobb turn her into a killer? What kind of father are you?

Steve: Not a very good one I guess. Sorry.

Steve gives Henry a look and then goes past them but Vicki stops him as he goes, giving him her card.

Vicki: You know what? You call me when you grow a conscience.

As Steve disappears Vicki shakes her head and begins to pace. Unbeknownst to her and Henry Steve sticks around to listen in on their conversation.

Vicki: Sonofa…

Henry: So what now? Not exactly something Child Services is set up to handle.

Vicki: No, it’s the kind of thing parents are supposed to be responsible for. This guy is leaving his kid high and dry.

Henry: He has his reasons.

Vicki: Yeah, yeah they all have their reasons don’t they?

Henry: His wife rejected him. His daughter almost killed him. Steve isn’t the same guy as your father. Look, everybody’s got their father issues. Mine took me 300 years to get over.

The next day, Mike continues his investigation into Henry, starting with the comic store.

Brent: His stuff has a totally epic feel. He really creates his own universe.

Mike: What kind of universe?

Brent: You know from hell, right?

Mike: Right. Yeah I love that one.

Brent: Yeah, same sort of historical detail. He did this one set in World War I. It’s like you’re there.

Edwin: And there’s this creature that shows up during Christmas…

Brent: Shhhh… no spoilers Edwin.

Edwin: If it’s on the cover it’s not a spoiler Brent.

Brent: So what other stuff are you into? We’ve got the underground stuff upstairs.

Mike: I’m into finding out about Fitzroy? What’s he like?

Brent: Like I told you. Like more.

Edwin: But with a Warren Ellis edge.

Brent: You have a Warren Ellis edge… you’re an idiot.

Edwin: You live with your mother.

Brent: Don’t talk to me.

The two start fighting but Mike’s having none of it.

Mike: Hey. Hey! So, signing’s usually at night?

Brent: Yeah, it’s great. Some of our customers actually have day jobs.

Mike: Hmm, really loves the blood, doesn’t he?

Brent: Oh yeah, uh, this one time a Goth chick came in and sliced her finger and asked him to sign the book in blood. I thought he was gonna jump her right there.

Edwin: she was hot!

Brent: She was so hot.

Mike just looks at them like they’re nuts. Across town Vicki is napping at her desk when her phone rings. She thinks it’s the office one and answers it

Vicki: (Office Phone) Vicki Nelson.

The phone continues to ring so she drops the office phone and continues her search, finding first her glasses and then the cell phone.

Vicki: Come on… Vicki Nelson. This better be good.

The camera switches to Mike who’s calling from his car which happens to be parked outside Henry’s building. Vicki starts moving around her office and getting things together after her nap.

Mike: Hey, it’s me.

Vicki: Hey, Mike. I was gonna call you. Uh, what time is it anyway?

Mike: You sleeping?

Vicki: No, I was just resting my eyes. Um, I found out something about Cobb, you know the guy who runs the school?

Mike: Uh… more, uh, transparent monster stuff?

Vicki: No it’s Cobb. He’s uh… he’s doing something to the kids you know? To Sarah Jeffries and maybe some of the others.

Mike: What are we talking about here? Abusing them?

Vicki: No… more like mind-control. You know, using their mental powers to kill people?

Mike: I didn’t hear that last part but uh… I’ll sniff around the rest of it okay?

Vicki: Okay, thanks.

Mike: Oh, hey, Vicki. Do me a favor and stay away from that school.

Vicki: Oh Mike, you know better. Never give orders to a girl who’s had less than three hours sleep.

The both hang up and Mike goes back to his stakeout of Henry. Meanwhile at Vanguard Vintage Auto Steve paces and drinks for a while and then grabs a gun and leaves the garage.

Vicki returns to her office with some food just as Coreen hangs up the phone.

Coreen: I was totally just calling you.

Vicki: Here I totally am.

Coreen: Steve Jeffries just called. He said to tell you that you were right. He said he’s going to get his daughter.

Vicki: What?!

Coreen: He said he’s on his way. You put the family back together. Happy ending, right?

Vicki: Yeah, either that or I just sent a man to his death.

Vicki gets out her phone and makes a call.

Vicki: Come on… Henry, hi it’s me. Uh, I really need you, uh, right now. Sarah’s dad is on his way to the school…

As she’s talking she leaves the office in a hurry. Dark falls and we see a cab pull up to the school. Vicki gets out, pays her fare and heads inside. She sneaks in and someone puts their hand on her shoulder, causing her to spin Steve Jeffries into a wall with his arm behind his back.

Steve: Ugh!

Vicki: Nine out of ten people who do that later report it was a bad idea.

Steve: What are you doing here?

Vicki: Trying to stop you from getting yourself killed.

Steve: I don’t need your help.

Vicki: Actually I think you do. Come on; let’s go get your daughter.

Outside of Henry’s building, Greg pulls up with his car as Henry checks his messages.

Vicki’s voice: Henry, hi it’s me. Uh, I really need you, uh, right now. Sarah’s dad is on his way to the school. I gotta get there and stop him before he does something stupid. Um, please, please, please, please meet me there. Bye.

As Henry gets into his car and drives off, Mike pulls out right after him. Meanwhile at the school Cobb punches in the code to go into his protected room but before he can Vicki and Steve are there, Vicki’s baton extended right in front of Cobb’s face.

Vicki: Let’s talk gifted kids.

Mr. Cobb: Miss Nelson. (sees Steve) Mr. Jeffries! I’m sure Sarah would love to see you.

Vicki: Let’s go.

Vicki pushes Cobb ahead of her into the room with the baton. They go to where Sarah is. None of the other kids are present.

Mr. Cobb: We have visitors.

Vicki and Steve come in to see Sarah who’s looking into a microscope.

Steve: Sarah?

Sarah: Daddy?

Steve: I’m here to take you home.

Sarah runs to give Steve a hug but Cobb stops her before she can get there.

Mr. Cobb: Sarah? He’s come to take Buttercup away.

Sarah runs back and grabs Buttercup, holding him tightly as the room starts to shake.

Vicki: Sarah, don’t!

 

Act Six

Henry shows up at the school with Mike following behind. They both get out and Henry waits for Mike to catch up.

Henry: You should have told me you wanted to follow me.

Mike: Because you’ve got nothing to hide right?

Henry: No, so I wouldn’t have had to slow down so you wouldn’t get lost. You should go back to tailing school.

Mike: Ohhhh, tailing school.

Henry: Whatever you call it.

Mike: What are you doing here? Haunting the place?

Henry: Not so romantic. Vicki’s here and she’s in trouble. You can join me if you like.

Back in the protected room Cobb, Steve and Vicki face off.

Mr. Cobb: I’m only doing what’s best for Sarah.

Vicki: What? Turning her into a killer?

Mr. Cobb: She’s not a killer.

Vicki: Buttercup is, right.

Mr. Cobb: Buttercup is very special.

Steve: There is no Buttercup.

Mr. Cobb: There is what Sarah believes and the power of the mind can shape reality. Quantum Physics bears this out!

Vicki: You’re a Quantum nut job. Sarah lives in the real world!

Mr. Cobb: The real world is what destroys a child’s beliefs and the potential that accompanies them. I will let Sarah keep Buttercup alive. And he will give her power that few people can even imagine.

Vicki: With you advising her right?

Steve: Not a chance.

Steve pulls his gun and aims it at Cobb. Sarah gets scared.

Steve: Come on honey, we’re getting out of here.

Mr. Cobb: Look at what he’s doing Sarah. He wants to hurt Buttercup.

Vicki: Steve put the gun down.

Sarah: Stop it! You shouldn’t do that!

The transparent monster appears and throws Steve around. Outside Mike is trying to bust in the door to the protected room.

Henry: Get out of the way.

Mike: Yeah, right. A linebacker couldn’t budge this thing. All right, I’m uh; I’m going to find another way in.

Mike walks down the hall and hears a crash. Turning back he sees Henry has opened the door. Putting up his hands Henry lets the doorknob fall and enters the room. Mike follows a lot more carefully.

Vicki tries to talk Sarah down, Steve lying motionless on the floor.

Vicki: Sarah, your dad just wants to help.

Sarah: No he doesn’t. He had a gun! That’s bad! You’re bad too!

The monster throws Vicki back a few paces as Mike and Henry enter the room. Mike points his gun at Cobb.

Mike: Everybody freeze!

Vicki: Mike put the gun down!

Mike moves over to Vicki as Henry takes matters into his own hands, putting his hand around Cobb’s throat and pushing him into a wall, Vampire in full effect.

Henry: My bet is that with you dead, this whole nightmare will be over.

Cobb starts choking but isn’t ready to give Sarah up just yet. Vicki tries to call him off causing Henry to turn toward her, giving Mike an excellent view of his eyes and fangs.

Vicki: Henry no! Nobody hurts anybody! Sarah, that’s not what we’re supposed to do right?

The monster pushes Vicki around a little bit but doesn’t knock her off her feet. Steve, meanwhile, gets up from where he’s been knocked down.

Vicki: Come on. You don’t want to do this. Tell Buttercup to stop.

Mr. Cobb: No!

The monster pushes Vicki around some more as Henry tightens his grip on Cobb’s throat.

Steve: Sarah… don’t let Buttercup do this. You can control him. Don’t let him control you.

Sarah: I don’t have to listen to you. Mr. Cobb said so!

Steve: Sarah… I love you. I just want to take you home.

Mr. Cobb: He’s lying! You know that!

Vicki: Sarah, listen. I talked to your dad. He loves you. You-you, you have to forgive him.

Sarah: You said you didn’t forgive your dad.

Vicki: Your dad came back.

Mr. Cobb: Don’t listen to her!

Vicki: He’s right there. He loves you and he’s going to take you home.

Sarah looks around for a moment, assessing the situation and then looks at Cobb.

Sarah: You lied. Buttercup didn’t do those things. I did.

The rumbling stops and everything returns to normal.

Sarah: It was me all the time. And I didn’t stop it.

Henry finally lets Cobb go and he falls against the wall, trying to get his breath back.

Sarah: Daddy?

Steve runs over to Sarah and pulls her into his arms. Mike heads over to Vicki to check her out.

Mike: Hey, are you okay?

Vicki: Yeah. (laughs) Man, family reunions are a bitch.

Mike: Yeah.

Mike takes Cobb out in handcuffs as Steve leads Sarah out of the school. Vicki tells Mike to go on ahead and stays for a moment to talk with Sarah and Steve. Henry is nowhere to be found.

Steve: Sarah, honey, I missed you so much.

Sarah: Me too.

Steve: We’re going to be okay. You, me, and Buttercup.

Sarah: Buttercup’s gone.

Vicki: You’re going to be okay Sarah.

Vicki watches as Steve and Sarah share another hug. Outside Mike puts Cobb in the car and then approaches Henry who’s lounging against his own vehicle.

Mike: What are you, Fitzroy?

Henry: I draw comic books. Let’s leave it at that.

Henry gets up to leave and Mike grabs him.

Mike: No. I saw you in there and what you did, the way you looked. You’re not even human. What the hell kinda freak are you?

Henry’s eyes go black and his teeth come out as he grabs Mike around the throat and lifts him off the ground. Vicki comes running out from the school.

Vicki: Henry, no! Henry, please! Put him down! Oh no! Please, Henry!

Henry drops Mike and turns away as Vicki tries to calm the situation. Mike coughs and gasps, trying to get his breath back.

Vicki: Mike, it’s not what you think.

Mike: What? This? You knew this?!

Vicki: It’s not all Bram Stoker and…

Mike: What? What, he’s Casper the friendly vampire?! What the hell are you doing with him Vicki!

Henry: We work together.

Mike: Yeah? What else? Huh?

Vicki: Mike… it has been a really long day.

Vicki leaves and Henry moves directly in Mike’s path, preventing him from following. Mike and Henry stare each other down as the cab containing Vicki drives away.

End Gifted

== BLOOD TIES ==
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