nowhereepisode1_5
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NOWHERE
Episode 1.5
"I Want to Believe"
Written by Joseph D. Blackerby
EXT. WHEATFIELD - NIGHT
A starless night with cloud cover shielding the moon. Wind
whistles through the wheatfield creating an eerie tune. A
RUSTLING breaks the wheat apart.
SHANE and CALVIN, both thirteen run through the field
gigging. Trying to keep up is RANDY, also 13, stocky and
clumsy. He stumbles and hits the ground hard.
RANDY
C'mon guys! Not so fast!
SHANE
You gotta work those legs Porky.
Now run!
Randy heaves to his feet and continues jogging. Finally he
catches up where Shane and Calvin have stopped. They point
to a dark shape in the near distance.
CALVIN
Okay Randy. If you want in, then
you gotta shake his hand.
With a GULP, Randy looks at the shape. It's a SCARECROW on a
post.
RANDY
And nothin' else?
SHANE
That's it. You do that, you're in
the club.
CALVIN
But watch out. I've heard it's
killed kids before. Sucks their
eyeballs out.
Shane pushes him forward and he inches forward, his heart
beating faster with every step. The Scarecrow looms above
him, the mask on the face turned to a jagged grin.
With a trembling hand, Randy reaches up, takes the hand.
RANDY
Hey guys! I did it!
The HAND SQUEEZES BACK!
Randy shrieks and stumbles back. The Scarecrow's head turns
and looks straight at him.
SCARECROW
Ha! You pissed your pants!
Only now does Randy realize he's been had. The Scarecrow
pulls the mask off to reveal KEVIN, 13, laughing like crazy.
Randy stands, eyes blazing.
RANDY
That's not funny!
KEVIN
Then why am I laughing? Oh c'mon,
you gotta admit it was a little
funny.
But Randy's face shows only fear. Now Kevin's getting
worried. A bright light suddenly shines down from above,
blinding them both. Randy backs away as a strange HUMMING
turns into a high pitched SQUEALING. Kevin tries to get off
the post, but finds he's stuck.
KEVIN
Hey! Help me!
But Randy runs as fast as he can. He trips on a rock and
falls heavily to the ground. He clumsily gets to his feet
but when he turns to the look, everything has gone dark
again. A hazy line of smoke lingers in the air. When he
walks back to the post, Kevin is gone.
EXT. WHEATFIELD - THE NEXT DAY
Several police cars surround the area and a group of
townspeople are gawking on the outside of the taped off area.
FOWLER (Edward Burns) gets out of his car and yawns as he
walks over to the crowd.
FOWLER
Can't this town go one night
without something weird happening?
He sees BANKS (Lake Bell) talking to some other officers and
heads over.
BANKS
Good morning. You look like hell.
FOWLER
Feel like it too. Still having
trouble sleeping. What do we got?
BANKS
Not quite sure yet. Looks like an
abduction, but the circumstances
are strange.
FOWLER
You don't say.
She leads him to the post and he now sees a large circle
around the post, burned into the ground.
FOWLER
Okay, I'll bite. Who did this?
A VOICE comes from behind the crowd.
VOICE (O.S.)
Not who. What.
The figure steps out. Dressed in a crisp business suit the
MAN (David Duchovny) flashes a badge in front of them.
CUSTER
Agent Bill Custer, FBI.
FOWLER
FBI? No offense, but what the hell
are you doing here?
Custer keeps the badge out -- tries to look intimidating.
CUSTER
May I ask who you are?
Fowler gets out his badge and waves it back at Custer.
FOWLER
Yeah, I got one of those too.
CUSTER
(looks at the badge)
Sorry Agent Fowler. Didn't realize
the FBI had someone out this way.
FOWLER
I get that a lot.
BANKS
What's your interest in this case?
CUSTER
I've been following a trail of
abductions across the country and
this is the latest stop. And you
are?
He locks eyes with her as he shakes her hand. It's hypnotic.
BANKS
Gretchen....Sheriff Gretchen Banks.
CUSTER
Pleased to meet you. Maybe I can
buy you lunch and can catch you up
on the case.
BANKS
I know just the place.
They start to walk back to the car when Fowler clears his
throat. When Banks turns back --
FOWLER
Maybe we should take some
statements from the witnesses?
BANKS
Oh -- yeah.
INT. LOBBY - WEEPING WILLOW HOTEL - DAY
JAKE (Jared Padalecki) bounds down the stairs pulling a
sweater over his head. He's surprised when he sees PAUL
(Mandy Patinkin) at the front desk.
JAKE
Hey Dad. Where's Mom?
PAUL
I gave her the morning off. She's
not feeling well. Where are you
headed?
JAKE
Just around. Something's going on
in the field behind Porter's house,
so I thought I'd check that out.
PAUL
Where's your new camera?
JAKE
Gone. It got broken.
PAUL
Sorry to hear that.
Jake waves good-bye and jogs out the door. Paul watches him
go -- he looks unsure.
INT. BLUE EYE CAFE - DAY
Banks and Custer sit across from each other. It's obvious
both are attracted to the other. Fowler sits on the side
looking like a third wheel.
PENNY (Sherilyn Fenn) saunters over and delivers their food.
PENNY
Who's the cutie?
BANKS
Penny, this is Agent Bill Custer.
PENNY
Another FBI guy? You boys just
multiply like rabbits, don'tcha?
With a wink she's gone, back to business. Custer turns back
to Banks.
CUSTER
This all started in northern New
Hampshire about six months ago.
Same M.O. every time. Mostly rural
towns, late at night. Any
witnesses report seeing a bright
light shine down just before the
victim vanishes.
FOWLER
What about the burn pattern around
the abduction point?
Custer looks annoyed at having his moment interrupted.
CUSTER
Same thing in every town. All we
can get back from trace is that
it's caused by a short burst of
intense heat.
BANKS
Have any of the victims been
recovered?
CUSTER
Sadly...no. Within three days the
victims are found, usually near the
same spot they were abducted.
Their bodies...they're mutilated
pretty badly. Like they've been
through severe torture. Or
experiments.
FOWLER
Agent Custer, you're not saying --
CUSTER
I don't think the perps are from
around here. Not this planet,
anyway.
FOWLER
Oh for crying out loud!
Banks is intrigued, maybe by the story, most likely by
Custer. Fowler gets up. Banks looks at him, surprised.
BANKS
Where are you going?
FOWLER
Thought I might try to get some
work done today.
He passes Penny as he heads for the door. Out of earshot of
Banks and Custer --
PENNY
They working on a new case?
FOWLER
Maybe if they can quit working on
each other.
Custer keeps his attention on Banks.
CUSTER
Some people have a hard time
accepting answers that defy an
explanation.
BANKS
Which is strange, because he's not
usually one of 'em.
Custer shrugs. Dips into his pie.
INT. DESTINY FBI OFFICE - DAY
Fowler listens to the annoying SCREECH of the modem as he
sits in front of his computer.
FOWLER
Stupid dial-up...
Once he's on, he types in some commands and finds newspaper
archives that talk about the abduction in New Hampshire.
Fowler picks up the phone and dials a number.
EXT. WHEATFIELD - DAY
Custer looks over the burnt circle surrounding the post,
feels the crisply burnt stalks of wheat. Banks investigates
the post.
BANKS
Hard to say what happened. Not
much evidence left behind.
CUSTER
That was the problem in the rest of
the cases. The crime scenes were a
little too perfect.
BANKS
What got you involved in this case?
CUSTER
I've always been attracted to cases
with some kind of 'unknown'
element. It usually puts me on the
outside of the FBI. Can't really
relate to them anyway. Bunch of
stuffy suits. What about you? How
long have you been in Destiny?
BANKS
As long as I can remember. This
place has always just felt like
home. Do you really think this is
a UFO doing this?
CUSTER
I can't think of another rational
explanation. Whatever the evidence
tells me is what I go with.
BANKS
That's not the first time I've
heard that.
CUSTER
Your FBI friend?
(off Banks' nod)
Maybe he's not as open minded as
you think.
BANKS
Fowler? He's a good man. Good
agent.
CUSTER
I'm gonna go off the professional
road a bit -- would you have dinner
with me tonight?
BANKS
You mean like a date? I don't know
if --
CUSTER
I can't explain it, but I feel a --
connection. I'm out of line, I'm
sorry.
BANKS
No, it's okay. I'd like that. Pick
me up at seven.
Custer smiles at his success. Neither of them see Jake
watching from behind a distant tree in the woods.
EXT. DESTINY SHERIFF'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Banks locks up the office as Fowler comes down the sidewalk.
FOWLER
Closing up shop early?
BANKS
Just have some stuff to do.
FOWLER
With Agent Custer?
BANKS
Not that it's any of your business,
but yes.
FOWLER
Look Gretchen, something's not
right about that guy. He's just --
off. Don't you think it's strange
that this abduction happens and he
suddenly shows up? I checked with
the New Hampshire state office and
they claim they never sent an agent
out to the first abduction.
BANKS
Are you checking up on him?
FOWLER
I'm trying to solve this case.
Maybe you should try too.
BANKS
I am trying! You're acting like a
jealous boyfriend!
FOWLER
Jealous -- Banks I'm not --
BANKS
You haven't been here very long,
but soon you'll find out just like
me that small towns get lonely.
Leave this alone Fowler.
She abruptly walks away from him. He's dumbfounded.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - WEEPING WILLOW HOTEL - NIGHT
Inside the BATHROOM, Custer wears only a towel. He hums to
himself and then GARGLES -- he spits out mouthwash into the
sink. He slaps some aftershave on and strides out -- he's
acting like he's going to get lucky.
OUTSIDE THE ROOM -- Jake has his ear to the door. He listens
-- strains to hear. He straightens up as Paul walks by and
pretends to dust off a lamp shade.
When Paul passes, he puts his ear back to the door, but has
to flatten against the wall as the door flings open. Custer
struts out and heads down the stairs -- he doesn't see Jake.
Jake uses his master key and lets himself into Custer's room.
INSIDE THE ROOM -- Jake creeps to a suitcase in the corner.
He carefully sets it on the bed and opens it. All he finds
are clothes, neatly pressed.
A quick scan of the room doesn't reveal anything else --
until he sees something sticking out from under the bed. He
reaches in and pulls out what looks like photo paper.
When he sees what's on, he hurries out of the room.
INT. BLUE EYE CAFE - NIGHT
The cafe looks normal as ever except for the back corner
where the lights have been dimmed and is lit by candlelight
at the table of Banks and Custer.
BANKS
This is really nice. I didn't
expect this kind of atmosphere.
CUSTER
When there's only one restaurant in
town, you have to improvise.
BANKS
It's very sweet. I don't remember
the last time I was treated like a
woman.
(after a pause)
So what's your theory on these
abductions?
CUSTER
Gretchen, let's not talk business.
Not tonight.
Banks giggles in embarrassment and nods, but then there's an
uncomfortable silence. Then they both break into laughter.
BANKS
I don't know what else to talk
about.
INT. DESTINY FBI OFFICE - NIGHT
Fowler is engrossed in the internet, looking up more
information about the abductions. Jake knocks and comes in,
excited -- it startles Fowler.
FOWLER
Geez Jake, you scared the crap out
of me!
JAKE
I've been checkin' up on that
Custer guy.
FOWLER
What made you do that?
JAKE
Dunno. Something just isn't right
about him.
FOWLER
You got that feeling too? I
thought I was going nuts.
JAKE
I don't think he's a real agent.
FOWLER
I already checked. His name's in
the central database.
JAKE
But what about his picture?
He holds up the sheet of photo paper he found and it has
various shots of Custer looking very official.
FOWLER
No way.
Fowler quickly logs in to the FBI central database and does a
search on Bill Custer. When he clicks on the photo link,
both he and Jake wait and wait....and wait....
FOWLER
Stupid dial up...
Finally the picture comes up. They are both surprised to see
a very different looking man pop up on the screen.
FOWLER
I'll be damned. We got him!
EXT. DESTINY DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Banks and Custer walk hand in hand down the empty sidewalk.
When Banks shivers, Custer puts his coat around her.
BANKS
I've had a great time tonight.
CUSTER
You are a phenomenal woman
Gretchen. It's only been a day or
two, but somehow I already
feel...connected.
They stop and turn to face each other.
BANKS
This is all happening so fast...
CUSTER
Just let it happen.
He moves in for a kiss and she responds. Their lips almost
touch --
FOWLER (O.S.)
HEY!!
They both quickly turn to see Fowler running down the street.
Custer looks surprised. Banks just looks pissed.
BANKS
Fowler for the last time --
FOWLER
He's not who he says he is!
BANKS
What the hell are you talking
about?
FOWLER
He faked his badge!
Custer looks stunned.
CUSTER
Huh.
Not wasting another second he takes off down the sidewalk.
Fowler whips by Banks giving chase, but as he passes --
FOWLER
Sorry.
Banks YELLS in frustration. She feels in Custer's jacket
pocket and pulls out his FBI badge.
After just a few seconds, she scrapes the picture that was
carefully glued on top.
BANKS
Oh, this isn't fair.
EXT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS
Fowler weaves through the trees, trying to keep up with
Custer, but the forest is dark and full of mist. Suddenly a
SHOT rings out and Fowler hears a WHIZZING go straight by his
head.
FOWLER
Sonofabitch is shooting at me!
He draws his gun and returns fire in the direction of the
shot. Then he hears running again. He chases after.
EXT. OLD BARN - CONTINUOUS
Fowler emerges from the woods and sees a decrepid barn in
front of him. It's been abandoned for years and is perfectly
hidden from everything around it. Fowler quickly checks the
outside, then sneaks in.
INT. OLD BARN - CONTINUOUS
Fowler slides in, turning his flashlight on. Inside he sees
a large hot air balloon in material that looks like aluminum
foil. Two large spotlights are attached. Now the UFO story
makes sense.
Another bullet ZINGS by and Fowler takes cover. He sees a
shadow moving up in the loft. He fires and moves behind the
balloon. There in the corner is Kevin, hog-tied, but alive.
FOWLER
Give it up Custer! It's over!
Custer leans over the loft railing and fires again.
CUSTER
It's never over! You never give --
The floor beneath him suddenly splinters and collapses.
Custer falls through and lands heavily on the ground. The
gun spins away. Fowler quickly secures and cuffs him. He
raises Custer to his knees. Just when he's about to take a
breather, Banks hurries up and CRACKS Custer across the jaw,
knocking him out cold.
FOWLER
Good one Ban --
She then slaps Fowler's face and while gritting her teeth --
BANKS
Thank you.
She storms out of the barn.
EXT. OLD BARN - MORNING
Police cars and an ambulance surround the crime scene. Kevin
is getting checked out by the paramedics. Another transport
truck is parked there with a sign that reads: Chamberlain
Park Mental Hospital.
DR. PILEGI talks to Fowler and Banks.
PILEGI
We're damn lucky that you caught
him when you did. He's
exceptionally clever. He escaped
over two months ago and we've been
looking for him ever since.
BANKS
What's his real name?
PILEGI
We honestly don't know. He was
brought to us about seven years ago
after claiming he was abducted by
aliens. We just called him Patient
X.
FOWLER
Fitting somehow.
PILEGI
He finds a story to latch onto and
then mimics it down to the last
detail. I hate to think what would
have happened to that poor boy if
you hadn't caught him in time.
Two ORDERLIES bring Custer out, bound in a straight jacket.
He flails around wildly.
CUSTER
They're here! I'm telling you
they're here. THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!
(he sees Banks)
Baby? Come on baby, you can't
believe their lies!
Banks turns away, disgusted This makes Custer enraged.
CUSTER
THEY'VE GOTTEN TO YOU TOO!
The orderlies shove Custer into the back of the truck and
shut the doors.
PILEGI
And with that, I'll take my leave.
Thanks again.
He gets inside the truck.
BANKS
(to Fowler)
That man is way too good looking to
be insane. I'm sorry I hit you.
FOWLER
Ah, I deserved it. I don't know
what I was thinking. I guess I'm a
little protective of you.
BANKS
You at least could have waited
until I got laid.
Fowler's stunned face makes her laugh.
BANKS
I'm joking. Now if you'll excuse
me, I've got a gallon of Rocky Road
at home calling out to me.
She walks away and Fowler watches her go fondly.
INT. MENTAL HOSPITAL TRUCK
Custer finally stops struggling and lays still. A FEMALE'S
VOICE comes from the driver's seat.
FEMALE VOICE
You ready to head back? After all,
the truth is out there.
Custer strains his head to look. The DRIVER (Gillian
Anderson) gives him a grin and then a wink to us and drives
away.
FADE TO BLACK.
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.