Author: Ashley
Email: [email protected]
Rated PG-13 for violence
Disclaimer: I donıt own any of the Roswell characters, although
Gabriel is mine!!!
Spoilers: everything up to and including the episode ³Leaving
Normal², refers back to my first script, ³Blood is Thicker Than
Water²
Category: mainly M/L
Feedback: Oh yeah!
Format: script (INT. means interior, EXT. means exterior)
After Effects (PART ONE)
EXT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (EARLY MORNING)
The streets are deserted, only street lights break the darkness.
The sound of FOOTSTEPS in the background, coming closer.
Turning a corner, Max Evans comes jogging into view, his shirt
soaked with sweat.
As he turns down the alley to the Parkerıs apartment, he slows
only minimally.
EXT. LIZıS BALCONY
All is quiet as Max passes below, eyes intently searching the
darkness. He pauses at the base of the fire escape, listening.
Satisfied, he turns and jogs back down the street.
INT. EVANSı HOUSE (LATER)
Max walks down the hall wearily, gulping water out of a jug.
Behind him, Isabel opens her bedroom door cautiously.
ISABEL
(whispering) Max?
He jumps.
MAX
Iz! What is it?
ISABEL
I was going to ask you the same thing. (noticing his soaked
clothes) Why are you jogging at 2:30 in the morning?
Max scratches his neck.
MAX
Couldnıt sleep. Go back to bed.
ISABEL
Yah, right.
Max walks to his room, Isabel following.
ISABEL
And no, Iım not giving up. In fact, if you donıt tell me, Iıll
just invade your dreams tonight and find out myself.
She gives him a smug look. Max gives her a look that usually
makes her back down, but she just crosses her arms and waits.
He pulls off his shirt and tosses it in his hamper, then sits on
his bed. He sighs.
MAX
I jog by Lizıs apartment a few times at night, just to make sure
everythingıs okay.
ISABEL
Every night?
MAX
Pretty much.
ISABEL
Because of Gabriel?
Max nods.
ISABEL
Max, what do you plan on doing if you see him? Have you even
thought about that?
He looks up at her honestly.
MAX
Whatever it takes.
Isabel stares at him for a moment, then sighs.
ISABEL
You just have to one of the good guys, donıt you? (reaches out
and ruffles his hair) Sweaty, but good. Ick-go take a shower.
Max smiles.
MAX
Thanks, Iz.
INT. LIZıS BEDROOM
Under a spinning ceiling fan, Liz lies on her bed, her white
pajamas bright against the dark sheets jumbled around her.
She looks peaceful.
A figure approaches the bed and she begins to stir.
Her eyes flutter open and she gasps as Gabriel comes into the
moonlight, his knife blade flashing.
Liz scrambles up as Gabriel leans over the bed. She fights
furiously as he grabs her.
LIZ
NO! NO! MAX!!!!
INT. LIZıS BEDROOM (MORNING)
Liz awakes gasping for breath and fighting to free herself... but
thereıs no one there.
She glances around her room in the early morning light.
Everything is in order. Liz puts her face in her hands and tries
to calm her thundering heart.
A KNOCK at the door. Lizıs Mom enters.
Liz composes herself.
MOM
I thought I heard you. Is everything alright? (Liz nods) Are you
sure you feel well enough to get back to school today? We donıt
want to rush you.
LIZ
(almost desperate)
Oh, no. Iım fine, Mom. I need to get back. I really do.
MOM
Okay, thatıs good. (turns to leave, but immediately turns back)
Oh, I forgot to tell you that a Miss Topolski called yesterday.
Very concerned about you. She wanted you to stop by her office if
you were going back to school today.
LIZ
Oh.
INT. HALLWAY
Liz closes her locker door, glancing at the students around her.
She takes a deep breath and heads down the hallway.
LIZ (V.O.)
How different things seem in the daytime. The fears that haunt
you at night just seem to disappear in
the light of day. But Iıve seen too much to imagine that the
things I fear are gone like the darkness.
They are still nearby, and they seem to inch closer at every
minute that passes.
INT. MISS TOPOLSKIıS OFFICE (MONDAY MORNING)
Liz cautiously enters Miss Topolskiıs office.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Liz, please sit down. Itıs nice to see you back in school so
soon. I was worried that you might have
trouble getting things back together after your...hospital stay.
LIZ
No, not at all. But thank you.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Your teachers say that your schoolwork hasnıt suffered at all
during the week you were out. That
you kept up easily. How are you feeling?
LIZ
Fine.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Well, actually, Liz, your mother didnıt seem to think you were
so fine.
Liz glances away, agitated.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Iım sorry if that bothers you, but I like to check on my
troubled students.
Liz looks even more irritated.
LIZ
I am not ³troubled.²
MISS TOPOLSKI
Well, Liz...I know you may not seem like it on the outside, but a
suicide attempt is a desperate cry
for help. (she comes around from behind the desk and sits beside
Liz) Can we talk about why you slit your wrists?
Liz grows rigid.
MISS TOPOLSKI
I realize thatıs a difficult question to answer, Liz. How about
if we start with a more simple one?
(appears to be thinking) For example, what did you use to cut
your wrists?
Liz just stares at her.
LIZ
I donıt remember.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Hmmmm. A well-adjusted, ³A² student ends up with slit wrists in
her bedroom, with no weapons of any kind nearby. It would almost
make one wonder if it were really a suicide attempt at all...
LIZ
Are you saying that someone tried to kill me? Why would...why
would anyone want to kill me?
MISS TOPOLSKI
Now that is a question Iıve been asking myself. Why would anyone
want to threaten or harm such a sweet, intelligent girl? What
secrets could she possibly know that might be worth her life?
(stands and crosses to window) And thereıs one more important
question I think weıve both been asking ourselves...who will
help protect a sweet, intelligent young girl like yourself when
sheıs gotten in over her head? (turns and faces Liz) Who will
help you? Do you know the answer to that, Liz?
Liz thinks a moment, then a peaceful look comes over her face,
almost a smile.
LIZ
Yes, I do. May I go now?
Miss Topolski looks surprised, but covers graciously.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Of course, Liz. Iım sure you are anxious to get back to your
classes and friends.
Liz nods and exits.
Topolski thinks a moment, the refers to the personal phone number
list in her little black book. Picking up the phone, she dials.
INT. SHERIFFıS OFFICE
Sheriff Valenti is reading the morning paper, a cup of coffee
near by.
His phone buzzes.
DEPUTY (O.C.)
Sheriff, you have a call.
Sheriff looks up in surprise.
SHERIFF
Deputy, exactly when did you start forgetting my ³no-interuption²
policy? Was it before or after the
raise I just gave you?
The deputy is nodding.
DEPUTY
I tried explaining that to her, but she insisted that I ring her
through. (with a wry grin) She can be very...persuasive. I couldnıt
even get a name out of her.
Valenti smiles.
SHERIFF
Ring her through...this time.
DEPUTY
Yes, sir.
Valenti puts away his paper, takes a swig of coffee and then
picks up the phone. He pauses a moment before speaking.
SHERIFF
Miss Topolsky, I presume?
INT. MISS TOPOLSKYıS OFFICE
Miss Topolsky smiles her enigmatic smile.
MISS TOPOLSKY
Sheriff, I suppose I shouldnıt be surprised at your powers of
deduction.
SHERIFF
What exactly did you want to talk about?
MISS TOPOLSKY
I just needed to ask you a very simple question. I was just
speaking with Liz Parker and I noticed
something peculiar.
SHERIFF
Parker? Well, it wouldnıt be the first time, or the last, Iım
sure. Especially with that little suicide stunt she pulled to get
her back into Kyleıs good graces.
TOPOLSKI
Hmm...you donıt sound too pleased about that, Sheriff. Anything
I can do?
SHERIFF
I donıt know about that. Iım sure time will take care of
it....Of course, a little shove in the right
direction might not hurt...
TOPOLSKI
Iıll keep that in mind. On the flip side of that coin would be a
certain question you might begin
thinking about.
SHERIFF
And what would that be?
TOPOLSKI
From what I can tell, your investigation into Liz Parkerıs
suicide was minimal at best.
SHERIFF
(grinning)Well, Miss Topolski, we usually donıt waste manpower
trying to figure out why an overwrought schoolgirl decides to
take the easy way out. Weıre just glad she wasnıt successful,
as Iım sure you are.
TOPOLSKI
Of course, but didnıt it make you at all curious that the weapon
used to cut Lizıs wrists was never
discovered?
Sheriff sits up at his desk.
SHERIFF
It did, yes.
TOPOLSKI
Liz Parkerıs room is upstairs above the Cafe. There are back
stairs leading up to the apartment. Had the culprit been
careless, he might have left fingerprints.
SHERIFF
And where would all of this be leading?
TOPOLSKI
(big smile) Iım not saying itıs an easy case, Sheriff, but it
at least deserves a proper investigation. It might open a whole
new side to the personal...case youıve been working on.
Sheriff Valentiıs eyes brighten.
SHERIFF
I think I see your point.
TOPOLSKI
Good.
INT. HALLWAY
Maria and Liz are walking arm in arm, trying to ignore the looks
they are receiving.
LIZ
Is it just me, or are people staring?
MARIA
They can stare all they want. Iım just soooo glad youıre back!
It was awful not having you to talk to. No one puts up with me
the way you do. Not even Alex lately. Heıs so moody all of a
sudden.
Liz stops and pulls Maria into the ladies restroom.
LIZ
Maria, this is making me nervous.
MARIA
Oh, Iım sorry, am I talking too much?
LIZ
No, I mean, all the staring. Whatıs going on?
MARIA
Well, it probably has something to do with the rumors going
around. You know how the rumor mill is. Blah, blah, blah, yadda,
yadda, yadda.
LIZ
Maria! If you donıt tell me right this instant what people are
saying about me, I am going to kill you.
Maria looks surprised.
MARIA
Relax, Liz. No one believe them, anyway. Well, almost no one.
Well, maybe the first one...
LIZ
First one???
MARIA
Yeah. The first one was that you were pregnant and tried to
commit suicide because of that.
Liz turns away with a pained look.
LIZ
Oh, this is so unfair.
MARIA
Well, Kyle put an end to that one quickly. Which brought him up
light years in my estimation. I mean, I know plenty of guys that
wouldıve just taken the credit, if you know what I mean.
LIZ
Did Max hear that one?
MARIA
Oh yeah, but he knows the truth about what happened, so he didnıt
believe it, Iım sure.
Liz nods reluctantly.
LIZ
Okay, what was the next one?
Maria grins at her.
MARIA
This one was my favorite.
LIZ
Maria!
MARIA
What? It was hilarious! (stops smiling) Well, I mean, you know,
since I know you and know how ridiculous it was. Anyway, those
anemic mannequins who run the school decided that it you must
have anorexia, and thatıs why youıre so thin even though you
work at a diner. So you just collapsed and the bleeding wrists
thing was just a cover story. Can you believe it? Well, Isabel
squashed that one. Which was pretty cool of her, I thought.
LIZ
(brings her face out from behind her hands) You donıt think I
look anorexic, do you?
MARIA
Oh, give me a total break. No way! Iıve seen you scarf a Will
Smith Special in 3 minutes, remember?
LIZ
So is that all?
Maria studies her carefully, then turns to the mirror.
MARIA
Practically. I think Iıll give you a few minutes alone to deal
with this, Liz. You look zapped.
LIZ
Maria....donıt you dare hold out on me, now.
The door opens and a girl walks in, takes note of Liz and Maria
and self-consciously walks by to the stalls.
MARIA
Iıll tell you later. I have to get to class.
She zips out the door before Liz can grab her.
Liz looks at herself in the mirror, seriously considering staying
in the bathroom forever.
INT. TOPOLSKIıS OFFICE (LATER)
A picture of Kyle Valenti...along with the rest of his student
file in the hands of Miss Topolski. She idly flips through the
file, then pauses.
A KNOCK on the door.
Topolski puts the file in her desk, then turns to the door.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Come in.
Kyle opens the door, but hesitates.
KYLE
You wanted to see me?
MISS TOPOLSKI
Kyle. Sit down.
Kyle stares at her for a moment, then shakes his head and sits
down.
INT. HALLWAY (SAME)
Michael walks by Topolskiıs office and slows as he notices Kyle
going in. He thinks for a moment, then turns around and heads
back up the hallway.
INT. TOPOLSKIıS OFFICE (SAME)
Kyle regards Miss Topolski seriously for a moment before
speaking.
KYLE
(suspicious) Why do I have the feeling that Liz Parker has
something to do with this?
MISS TOPOLSKI
Well, Iıll admit that when I spoke with her this morning, you
came to mind as an alternate source of
information on her problems.
KYLE
Look, she doesnıt have any problems. Sheıs just fine.
Miss Topolski smiles slightly.
INT. ERASER ROOM (SAME)
Michael opens the door and he and Maria enter quietly. She begins
to speak, but he stops her firmly with his hand.
He gestures to the wall vent and they creep over, now able to see
and hear Topolski and Kyle from above.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Kyle, have you ever been so devastated or depressed by something
that you considered taking your own life?
KYLE
No. Never. I havenıt found anything worth that.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Then itıs probably very difficult for you to understand the
state Liz has been in lately. For a
person to be that desperate and conflicted within themselves,
there has to be some sort of serious psychological problem.
Maria looks outraged. Michael gestures for her to be quiet.
INT. TOPOLSKIıS OFFICE (SAME)
Kyle studies her intently.
KYLE
I donıt know what youıre getting at, but Liz is not crazy.
MISS TOPOLSKI
No, I wouldnıt use that term at all. I just want you to
understand what your position should be as
her closest companion. What she needs most right now from
you...is space. I fear that youıve become an excuse for her to
ignore the real problem. In other words-
KYLE
You want me to break up with Liz?
MISS TOPOLSKI
Not in those terms, no. She needs your support, of course. But
this morning, when we talked through things, there was a definite
tendency to funnel your thoughts and opinions through her mind.
Instead of turning to her own self consciousness to overcome the
problems within herself, sheıs simply replacing her thought
processes with the closest replica of yours that she can. That is
very dangerous to her, Kyle.
KYLE
So sheıs...
He looks nonplused.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Sheıs not getting better because youıre enabling her to remain
dependent on you. She needs to get
better on her own, without you to pick up the pieces.
Kyle sits, silent.
MISS TOPOLSKI
Just give it some thought, Kyle.
INT. ERASER ROOM (SAME)
Maria is all smiles.
She looks over at Michael and mouths, ³Thank you.² He grins
sardonically and makes a small bow.
INT. ENGLISH CLASS (MINUTES LATER)
Several students around Liz are watching her.
LIZ (V.O.)
This day has not turned out at all like I planned. These rumors
are turning my life into a sideshow. And three periods without
one sighting of the person I really came to school to see.
The bell rings and Liz jumps up, grabs her books and goes.
Maria is waiting for her outside.
MARIA
You are going to love me!
Liz smiles tentatively.
INT. BIOLOGY (LATER)
In the semidarkness, the class is watching a movie called ³The
Miracle of Birth.² All of the students look uncomfortable. Some
are laughing, some hiding their faces and some looking nauseous.
Liz is among the few of those looking interested.
But when the large screen is filled up with invasive video of the
female reproductive organs, Liz sneaks a look over at Max.
Of course, he happens to be looking her way. Max smiles
tentatively.
MAX
Hi. Itıs good to see you.
LIZ
Hi.
MAX
How are you?
LIZ
(quietly) Better. My parents are finally letting me spend some
time alone again, without any ³guards.² Thatıs been keeping me
sane.
MAX
Kyle still around?
LIZ
(big sigh) Yes, thatıs why I havenıt called. Honestly, heıs
been driving me crazy. But Michael, Maria and I have come up with
a plan.
Max smiles mischievously.
MAX
Count me in.
Liz smiles.
Just then, the class erupts into chaos. Liz glances up at the
screen and quickly hides her face behind her hand.
LIZ
Oh my god, is that what I think it is?
Max looks at the screen blankly, then quickly away.
VOICE FROM FILM
The male reproductive organs are located on the outside of the
human body...
Liz smiles, biting her lower lip as Max blushes.
MAX
Just donıt look.
And he doesnıt, either.
INT. HALLWAY (LATER)
Kyle is at his locker, getting books.
Liz comes up behind him and puts her hands over his eyes.
LIZ
Guess who?
KYLE
Liz...(pulls her hands down) What are you doing?
LIZ
Iım just happy to be back with you at school. Arenıt you glad Iım
here? Now we can spend all day together. Listen, I was hoping you
could come by the Crashdown after school. I have some work to do,
but Iıd feel so much better if you were there...
KYLE
Liz, I have practice, like every day for the next three months.
What are you thinking?
LIZ
I just wanted to be with you. I feel better when Iım with you.
Kyle stares at her.
KYLE
Well, Iım sorry. Basketball is very important to me. You know
that. Iıll drive you to the Cafe after
school, okay?
He strides off.
Liz smiles mischievously.
LIZ
Canıt wait.
Alex stops by the locker.
ALEX
Miss Parker, ladies and gentleman. I havenıt seen you looking
this well in a while. Feeling better?
Liz smiles at him.
LIZ
Thanks so much for the flowers and visits, Alex.
ALEX
Of course. Iıd do anything for you, Liz. Even when you try to ³shuffle
off this mortal coil² and leave
me.
Liz gives him a sorrowful look.
LIZ
Oh, Alex, I would never want to leave you. I think it was the
blood count thing that.. triggered it. I
was just...I was sick.
ALEX
Well, the next time you feel that sick, call me, PLEASE.
LIZ
I will. I promise.
She puts her arm through his and they walk down the hall.
LIZ
Do you know that people have been staring at me all day? Like
they expect me to pull out a knife and finish the job right in
front of them or something.
Alex gives her a look.
ALEX
No, actually, I think theyıre wondering if you really do have
AIDS.
Liz stops dead in her tracks.
LIZ
Thatıs the third rumor?
ALEX
Third? I must have missed one. Was it juicy?
Liz slaps him playfully on the arm, then quickly loses her smile.
LIZ
How am I going to live this down?
ALEX
You could take a blood test and have the results taped to your
locker for the next year. Or, better yet, weıll just tell
everyone that I have it, too. And weıll be ostracized together.
Sound fun?
Liz smiles.
INT. SHERIFFıS OFFICE (NIGHT)
Deputy comes in with an envelope.
DEPUTY
Sir, the results came back from the fingerprinting.
SHERIFF
Thank you.
He opens the packet, flips through a few papers and grins widely.
SHERIFF
Gotchaı.
INT. THE UFO CENTER
Max is working in the back archives, shelving books again.
Suddenly, Liz shows up at the door in her waitress outfit.
LIZ
Max?
Max looks up.
MAX
Liz. Hi.
Liz crosses to him shyly, holding a carry-out box.
LIZ
Special delivery.
He takes the box, noting how close she is.
MAX
Thanks. I didnıt realize you delivered.
LIZ
Only if you happen to be on very intimate terms with one of the
waitresses. (looking up at him through lowered lashes) I told my
Dad you needed it.
MAX
Iım sure I do.
LIZ
Of course, we do charge a fee.
She leans in ever so slightly...
MAX
Iım sure itıs worth it.
Liz smiles up at him...and he leans in, and then stops.
MAX
What about Kyle?
LIZ
Oh. Heıs about to break up with me.
MAX
(looking deeply into her eyes) Thatıs terrible.
LIZ
Yeah.
They lean in to kiss...
And Milton enters the room.
MILTON
Oh, I didnıt realize we had company.
Liz turns to him quickly.
LIZ
I was just...delivering this order. Iıd better go.
Liz smiles at Max and exits.
Milton watches her go and gives Max a sardonic smile.
MILTON
I didnıt realize they delivered.
MAX
Oh, yeah. Well, only if you know the right people.
He gets back to work.
INT. HALLWAY (NEXT DAY)
Kyle is waiting for Liz outside of their classroom. He looks very
serious as she approaches.
KYLE
Liz, I need to talk to you.
LIZ
Later. Actually, I need to get to class.
Max and Isabel are just getting settled in their desks at the
beginning of class. Liz walks in giving Max only the barest of
glances.
He canıt take his eyes off of her. Isabel gives him a
sympathetic look. Suddenly, there is a commotion at the front of
the room as the Sheriff and Deputy enter. They go straight to the
teacher, flashing papers and talking quietly.
A few students at the front who can hear them speaking
immediately look back at Max. Maria begins motioning to Liz.
LIZ
(whispering)What is it?
Max eyes them nervously.
As the Deputy turns toward him and walks down the aisle, Liz
looks back at Max with panic in her eyes. Helpless, she watches
as the Deputy stands above Max and motions for him to stand.
ISABEL
NO! Max...
Max stands slowly.
The Deputy grabs him and turns him around, pulling out handcuffs.
DEPUTY
You are under arrest for breaking and entering and attempted
murder. Anything you say can and will be used against you...
Max blinks several times and struggles to keep his face
emotionless. As the Deputy continues, Liz turns to Kyle for help.
LIZ
Kyle! Do something!
Kyle tries to wipe the smirk off of his face.
KYLE
I always told you he was trouble, Liz.
LIZ
This is wrong and you know it. Ask your father why heıs being
arrested. Please!
Kyle sighs as he looks at her, and then at Max being led down the
aisle.
KYLE
Fine.
Max doesnıt even look back as he is led out the door. Kyle
saunters up to his father.
KYLE
Dad, not that I object in the least to this interruption, but why
are you hauling Max away?
SHERIFF
For the attempted murder of Liz Parker.
KYLE
What???
Isabel is too stunned to speak.
MARIA
WHAT???
Kyle turns to Liz with a stricken face.
KYLE
Liz...what the hell happened??
Liz looks at the sea of faces suddenly turned toward her, jumps
up and runs out of the room. Kyle hesitates a moment.
KYLE
Iıll be right back.
He exits.
Two students turn to the teacher, in various degrees of panic.
MARIA AND ISABEL
I need a hall pass!!
They glare at each other.
EXT. SCHOOL
Liz is on the Sheriffıs heels as he reaches the squad car.
LIZ
Sheriff Valenti...stop!
The Deputy is helping Max into the back seat.
LIZ
Sheriff, how can you hold Max for attempted murder when no one
has filed charges against him?
He leans against the car.
SHERIFF
Well, if heıs a murder suspect, I have a right to bring him in
for questioning. And, personally, I feel a little better having
him off the streets.
Lizıs eyes are panicked as she takes in Maxıs mute submission
and the Sheriffıs antagonistic smile.
SHERIFF
I expect weıll call you in for a statement later. Have a nice
day. (as Kyle walks up) Kyle, you get her back to class, now. Sheıs
been through a hell of a lot.
Liz watches them drive away helplessly.
KYLE
Liz? Liz...
Liz, her face set, finally turns to Kyle.
LIZ
What, Kyle?
Kyle is taken aback by her look.
KYLE
Maybe Iım missing something here, Liz. Did you, or did you not
try to commit suicide?
Lizıs mouth works for a moment, trying to come up with an
answer.
LIZ
I really donıt remember-
KYLE
Cut the crap, Liz. Did Max Evans try to kill you? Is that what
really happened?
LIZ
NO!! I have no idea why your father thinks that. Itıs crazy! You
have to tell him that.
KYLE
Not until I understand what did happen that night. Was Max in
your room for some reason?
LIZ
No! He wasnıt even near the apartment. I think he was working
that night...Iım almost positive he was.
KYLE
Then...who was it? (continues on as she stays silent) Look, My
Dad said it was attempted murder. Someone was there. Who was it?
Liz swallows nervously.
LIZ
I donıt know.
Kyle looks heavenward.
KYLE
Then why lie, Liz? (looking at her with contempt) Is it just
getting compulsive with you? I mean, didnıt you think that Iıd
like to know if someone tried to kill you? God! You even lied to
your parents!
LIZ
Kyle...Iım telling you, I donıt remember much about that night.
I was so out of it...
KYLE
But you saw someone. Someone was there with you.
LIZ
(hesitantly) Yes.
KYLE
And he, whoever it was...slashed your wrists?
LIZ
Yes...but...Kyle-
He cuts her off with a gesture.
KYLE
No. So I guess I was just a convenience for you. Topolski said
you were over the edge. Looks like she was right. Weıre through,
Liz. Find someone else to lie to.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
Isabel is on the phone, looking agitated.
ISABEL
Michael...where are you?
She abruptly hangs up, then dials another number.
ISABEL
Extension 231, please. (she waits nervously) Mom?...Please come
get me. We have to help Max.
Heıs...been arrested.
Across the hall at the other phone, Maria is nervously biting a
fingernail.
MARIA
God, Michael, where are you?
INT. JAIL
Maxıs face is hard to read as he is released from the handcuffs
and shoved in through the prison doors.
DEPUTY
The Sheriffıll be here in a few minutes to interrogate you. Just
get comfortable. Youıll be here a while.
Max looks at the deputy briefly as he shuts the door with a
clang. The deputy shuts the outer door slowly. Max is left alone
to think.
He closes his eyes and lays his head back on the wall.
INT. JAIL (LATER)
Sheriff Valenti enters the room.
SHERIFF
Max Evans, I knew youıd be here one day. But for murder? You
screwed up big, boy.
Max watches him with cold eyes.
SHERIFF
Iıll tell you right now, unless youıve got one hell of a
lawyer, youıre going down.
MAX
No. Iıd never hurt Liz. No one will believe you.
SHERIFF
Maybe thatıs because they donıt know the truth about you,
Evans. When they find out, theyıll believe anything I tell them.
Max looks down momentarily.
SHERIFF
And besides that, your fingerprints were the only ones other than
the family and Miss DeLucaıs who were on the handrail leading up
to the Parkerıs apartment. Itıs true that we never found the
murder weapon, but Iım sure we can find one...if we try hard
enough. (he leans against the bars nonchalantly) Now, despite the
evidence, we might be able to arrange a little exchange,
say...the truth about you in exchange for freedom.
MAX
You canıt hold me. I havenıt done anything wrong.
SHERIFF
Now thatıs a pure matter of opinion. And this is my town. I make
the laws here. If I say youıre a danger to others, whoıs to say
Iım wrong? (he smiles again) Iıll let you stew on that for a
while. You let me know what you decide.