Halloween: The Series.
     Episode 4.5: Whispers in the dark.

The Halloween Theme begins to play as we rise up over Haddonfield. The title card appears reading:

HALLOWEEN: the series
     
     The music becomes a far more rock and roll version of the theme tune and various images from seasons one and two flash up. The cast characters are named as:

Paul Rudd as TOMMY DOYLE
Carrie-Anne Moss as DEBRA LOOMIS
Johnny Depp as LONNIE ELAMB
Rebecca Gayheart as HELEN JACOBS
with 
Colin Baker as ADAM TRAVERS

We return to Tommy as his face comes peering through the right side of the frame. It appears he is staring at something… his eyes focused at an invisible person or object. The camera turns nearly upside down to reveal he is lying on his bed, gazing aimlessly at the ceiling. His head slightly moves upwards for the clock into view: it is presently 12:03 p.m. Tommy briefly rubs his face before getting up.  Fade to: Resting his elbow on the framing of the window, Tommy contemplates the exterior.
His hands grab a pair of jeans lying on the floor. 
 Tommy comes walking down the stairs, finding Mrs. Blankenship eating lunch. 

TOMMY
Good morning.

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Thank you, I’ll keep it in mind for tomorrow. 

Tommy reaches for a cereal box and a bowl on the counter. He sets everything on the table, as the only thing missing is milk… He opens the fridge to find none.

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
 I’ve noticed the fridge has been getting quite empty.

TOMMY
 No eye doctor for you this month I guess.

Tommy walks up to his room as we cut to him walking around a grocery store searching for the dairy section. 

TOMMY (V.O.)
Another day was to begin in Haddonfield. The month of March was hastily starting despite a slow passing of February. That’s what I thought anyway. I am in fact quite surprised to find myself in the middle of the second week, as one day poured into the other, leaving me indifferent in cause of their staggering similarity. Perhaps the ones I would remember the most would be best compared to slight bumps on a very long highway: Inconsistent jolts of pleasure or pain sprinkled throughout. 

Tommy grabs the milk and waits in line. We jump to him back at home; finally eating breakfast while Blankenship washes the dishes. 

TOMMY (V.O.)
The beginning of the week was marked by a rather strange event. An argument between Mrs. Blankenship and me had taken place over who should accomplish specific chores. She complained that I had been living there for a long period of time and yet did not do enough. It lasted two days, even after I had offered to shovel the snow outside. She shared her plans to send out ads for another ‘more helpful’ tenant. After I mentioned her last one was wanted for murder, she avoided me for another two days. 

Tommy finishes his bowl and puts it in the sink. He raises his eyes towards Mrs. Blankenship and turns on the hot water. After filling it up and letting the leftover milk and cereal flow out, he closes the water and looks at his watch. 

TOMMY
Already one.

He quickly gains his room to get his jacket and then pauses to gaze outside for a long moment.

TOMMY (V.O.)
Watching my Landrover from my room’s window, I was reminded I had forgotten to change my tires for the spring ones. I quickly added it to my list of things to do before running off, as once a week or so… I am not quite sure how it came about…  I regularly meet Adam to often discuss Thorn, ideas and perhaps strategies.

Cut to the streets as Tommy parks his car. Int. camper van: Adam and Tommy are sitting at his small table, talking with a book spread over it.

TOMMY (V.O.)
As my mind was fogged up by who was right and who was wrong, concerning me and Mrs. Blankenship, Adam was clearly consumed by the possible leads we could follow. He applied continuous logic and although I have never told him, I have always admired him. He was a man constantly occupied with thoughts and ideas, and I with… chores. 

Adam’s eyes turn to the van’s window as snow drips from it. Tommy takes a pen and writes off a name.

ADAM
What are you doing?

TOMMY
It’s clearly a dead end. 

ADAM
Not… necessarily. 

Tommy looks at the book and shrugs. His eyes turn to the window. 

TOMMY
Weather’s getting worse.

ADAM
Yes, that’s what I was telling myself. They’re announcing a storm soon. Rain, snow, who knows. Anyway I went to the library a few days ago and I found this book on cults. And it describes in many fascinating ways the way they tend to operate. There’s even one I found that works according to constellations too. Here, let me try and find it… maybe one day when you’re off work we could all gather and look into it. It has been a long time since, actually.

TOMMY (V.O.)
Indeed it has… Despite my many efforts, I am incapable of trying to find a way to describe myself as alone without sounding melodramatic. But it is the truth. Truth is not so much in the thinking of it but the feeling of it. I feel it’s been quite some time since I’ve been capable of truly ‘relating’, as they say, to anyone. I am under my own microscope, observing the way fear leads to isolation. In one of life’s cruel ironies, I am beginning to understand my father more and more: A man I do not shy from admitting I wasn’t very fond of. It would be safe to say he was incapacitated as a man by his own demons.  

ADAM
Tommy?

Int. Tommy’s room as he is sitting on his computer. He types in a few words and then a thought interrupts him. He gets up from his chair and walks to his calendar. 
A few dates are marked by events. His finger taps on a specific date: ‘Helen – 3:00 o’clock’. Tommy wearily checks his watch. We cut to a restaurant/bar with Tommy quickly walking inside, spotting Helen. She waves at him smiling. He throws his coat on the bench and sits down. 

HELEN
Hey.

TOMMY
How are you?

HELEN
I’ve been good.

TOMMY
Has the waitress come yet?

HELEN
Yeah, I told her two minutes ago to bring two coffees.

TOMMY
How could you know that’s what I wanted?  

HELEN
Tommy, from ever since I’ve known you, that’s what you always take.  

TOMMY
Ah.

A silence takes place until a waitress arrives with their coffees.

TOMMY
Thank you.

HELEN
Can I ask you a question?

TOMMY
You just did.

HELEN
No, seriously.

TOMMY
I always find it so funny when people say that.

HELEN
Do you think I look really young for my age?

TOMMY
I don’t think so why?

HELEN
I don’t know, the people have been staring at me ever since I came in. It would be nice if you don’t choose a bar next time we plan to meet. 

TOMMY
Sorry. I‘m used to coming here from time to time. So how’s school?
HELEN
It’s good.

TOMMY
You finished early?

HELEN
Actually… I sort of skipped last class. (Smiles)

TOMMY
Why’d you that for?!

HELEN
Relax, calm down. It wasn’t an important class anyway. I had this huge exam in second period, spent the whole week studying for it. I actually don’t remember doing anything else. (Sighs)

TOMMY
What about friends, family? Everyone alright?

HELEN
My mom and Garry are fine. I really see it in my mother on how she tries to constantly keep us together.  And keep us talking too. This morning when I was nervous about the exam, Garry told me everything was going to be fine. And it made me think… isn’t it funny, that no matter how dark things seem in life, it always comes together in the end? Slowly, slowly I’m realizing that.

TOMMY
That’s good… to have a positive outlook I mean. 

HELEN
I have to. Especially with this teacher I got this year. He is just about as close as a teacher could get to a military sergeant or something. 

TOMMY
Yeah, that bad?

HELEN
What about you? What have you been doing lately?  

TOMMY
Well… last week I saw Adam. 

HELEN
Oh, say hi for me if you see him. I saw him earlier last week too, in the streets. 

TOMMY
Sure. I’ll probably see him again this week or the next one. By the way, do you know anything about Lonnie? I tried to call him many times but I didn’t get an answer.

HELEN
I think he’s left town for a few days. Josh told me they had plans to go camping a few days ago. I’m not sure.

TOMMY
In this weather?

HELEN
I guess so. So you saw Adam recently… What for? Just talk?

TOMMY
I went to see how he was doing. It feels unusual when you’re used to see the same circle of people and then things slow down and you don’t see them as much.

HELEN
Tommy are you depressed?

Tommy looks at her, pausing. He shrugs his shoulders while timidly shaking his head.

TOMMY (V.O.)
Depressed, I certainly was not. 

Tommy shrugs as she accepts the answer.

TOMMY
No, I’m just tired. Many things going on that’s all. What about you? You work now?

HELEN
Not really. Just concentrating on school right now.

TOMMY
And skipping it from time to time. Ah, careful Helen, you were the one who told me once to have a dream and be faithful to it.

Helen smiles.

HELEN
And you told me that laughter was the best thing ever, much better than love because it can’t break your heart. So stop looking like the grim reaper and lighten up.

Tommy sarcastically makes a big smile, then completely drops it. Helen laughs.

TOMMY (V.O.)
No, depressed I wasn’t. (Conversation between them continues.) In fact, now that I think of it, I appreciate things more than ever what I have. Grief turned out to be a pastime I did not miss. Happiness would have been a result if only for the void that was left. 

Positions to fill:
-Manager
-Cashier manager
-Cashier. 
Please send your résumé’s here.

We jump to a later time, where Tommy and the store manager are sitting down. 

TOMMY (V.O.)
The following week my self-worth took a considerable rise as I was hired to manage the ‘cashier department’. The job apparently demanded quite some work and hours a week at the cashier register. After receiving my impressive résumé, which was faked of course, my employer immediately called me up for the interview. He was easily seduced by my conversational skills and took me up for the job. 
Tommy and the manager shake hands.

MANAGER
You’ve come at the right time indeed. We need people around this time, it gets quite busy. You’re hired.

Ext. streets as Tommy drives away.

TOMMY (V.O.)
I drove back home, staring at the streets and the people who walked them. My pride allowed me to feel as if I was part of common folk again. Meeting Helen, Adam and others, I came to realize one thing: It is perhaps due in part to my grand cynicism that I was surprised to discover that they actually respect me. During our conversations, my questions and answers mattered to them as much as theirs mattered to me. Things had clearly calmed down and I for one was ready to be taken seriously again.

Tommy suddenly changes route and parks in front of a store.
Cut to the boarding house as Mrs. Blankenship slowly but steadily walks towards Tommy. He is busy sweeping the floor, gathering a small pile of dust before getting rid of it in the garbage. 

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Thank you Tommy. I left the two garbage bags right there so you can take them out.

TOMMY
Yes… Oh I almost forgot. 

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Yes?

Tommy reaches for a bag on the table. He slips out a box and hands it to Mrs. Blankenship. She opens to, as she finds herself staring at a small telephone.

TOMMY
It’s a brand new phone box, or a cellular as they say. I figured we needed a new phone. The old one is all cracked and you can barely hear with it. It was time for a change. So if ever you want to make a call, you can use this one if you want.

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Oh thank you, that’s very thoughtful of you.

Mrs. Blankenship smiles and puts it on the table.

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Oh I almost forgot, a woman named Debra called.

She slips the box towards him and walks back to the living room. Int. Tommy’s room, where he closes the door behind him as he clutches on the cellular. He finally hangs up after having it let ring many times. We fade to the morning as Tommy stands before his window, looking outside. Cut to the grocery store with Tommy rushing inside.

MANAGER
You’re ten minutes late, Doyle. Get your uniform on and get ready because Saturdays are extremely busy days. 

TOMMY
Sorry sir, it won’t happen again.

Tommy is sitting at the counter, gazing outside. The store is quite empty, save perhaps for a fly. His hand passes over his shoulder again.
Int. Boarding house: nighttime. Tommy closes the door behind him. In appearance he is obviously tired. From the corner of his eye, Mrs. Blankenship viewing television in the living room becomes visible. He grunts his greeting and proceeds to go his room.
Once there he sits down at his desk. As we pan in closer we see he is writing his plans and responsibilities for the next day. Tommy extends his arm to grab the cellular phone out of its charger. He dials Debra’s number and waits for a response. He gets up, walking about, glancing at the chilly night. His mouth opens to speak as soon as he hears a voice. But it disappears and the ringing comes to the foreground again. 
Tommy halts his steps as he can hear some sort of interference. 

Tommy frowns. He takes a few steps back at the risk of breaking it up.
Tommy’s fingers are quick to switch on his recorder.
The conversation breaks up for a moment. Tommy opens his drawer and searches for a telephone pick up wire amidst his things with unimaginable stillness. He slowly plugs one end in his recorder and sets the other one on the phone.
A click sound follows and it appears the conversation has ended. Tommy remains still, making sure of this. His eyes glance over at the recorder, making sure the tape is still recording. He looks out the window, scanning his surroundings under the cloudy sky. Tommy closes and opens the phone again, waving it a little bit but nothing is heard except the dial tone again. There is a slight hesitation in his movements at first, but soon his finger dials a number. Tommy waits for a response. 

OFFICER (O.S.)
Haddonfield police station.

TOMMY
Yes, officer. I… don’t know where to start.

OFFICER (O.S.)
Go on.

TOMMY
I overheard a conversation between two men. I believe they are planning to harm someone… a woman.

OFFICER (O.S.)
Overheard? Harm? What do you mean?

TOMMY
There was an interference on my phone line. Two men were having a discussion, in a building. I believe one was paying the other in order to kill a woman.

Tommy waits for a response, but the officer is quite silent.

TOMMY
Hello?

OFFICER (O.S.)
Listen, legally we can’t do anything about it. If that is all you have as information, it could be anyone, anywhere. No offence, but if this is all you have going, you, yourself might as well be a joker with nothing better to do with your time.

Tommy does not reciprocate…

OFFICER (O.S.)
If you really want to, I could file a report in the meantime, but that’s the best I could do. What is your name?

Tommy hangs up the phone. He sighs and turns to face the recorder. He shuts it off and rewinds the tape.  

VOICE 2
I’m coming up… What’s her name?
VOICE 1
What?

VOICE 2
Her name.

Tommy raises the volume to the maximum but when the name is pronounced it is either too muffled or said too low. 
VOICE 2
I’m coming up.

He stops the tape. Tommy sits at his desk, lost in a land of thought. We fade to the next dawn with Tommy lying on his side, half-asleep, the rain pounding on his window and roof. He turns on his back and finally sits up. Cut to him driving down a road. Not a minute later, he parks near Debra’s house. Tommy rings once he arrives at the doorstep and patiently waits. Perhaps to his surprise, Debra the door opens soon after. Tommy seems a bit taken aback by her change of expression once she sees it is him. 

DEBRA
Oh Tommy.

TOMMY
Hi, Debra. 

DEBRA
Why don’t you come in?

Tommy follows her inside.

TOMMY
Sorry for the surprise. You weren’t expecting anyone were you?

DEBRA
No. No.  Come, come in the kitchen. You want coffee?

TOMMY
Sure.

DEBRA
So what have you been up to?

TOMMY
Oh nothing much, same old, same old. Work is slow. You?

DEBRA
God you’re so lucky. Instead, I’m flooded with work. The days pass by so fast I can’t seem to fit it all into one schedule. Still doing the same thing?

TOMMY
Well I got another job at some grocery place. I manage the cashier department.

DEBRA
Oh that’s great. 

The phone rings, Debra gets up.

DEBRA
Sorry, I’ve got to get that. 

TOMMY
Oh, do you have yesterday’s paper?

DEBRA
Oh my, got a bunch of them. Look on the counter over there.

Debra quickly disappears. Tommy walks over the other side of the kitchen and brings back the paper he wanted. He goes through it, looking for the obituary section near the end. He glances over the names having little to go on. Still, he rips it out and puts it in his pocket. He brings it back to the counter and retrieves today’s newspaper. Flipping through its pages, Tommy finds nothing of interest, even less about a murder. Safe to say, Tommy is relieved. Debra comes back in the kitchen.

DEBRA
Did you find what you wanted?

TOMMY
Kinda. Anyone important on the phone?

DEBRA
Oh stupid work again. There’s been a mistake, the new plates on our office doors indicating our names have been misplaced believe it or not, and I’m taking the blame because apparently he got his instructions through me. My boss has to call me again soon.

TOMMY
Well… here’s hoping he didn’t put the restroom one on your door. 

DEBRA (Laughs)
Right. What about you, is your boss insane too?

TOMMY
Pretty much. He has this intense fixation that his store is so busy, and clients are constantly flooding it, when in fact there’s barely fly.

DEBRA
Oh no, really?

TOMMY
Yeah, most of my work consists of trying to find a way not to fall asleep. 

DEBRA
Oh no. 

TOMMY
But I don’t know. I don’t know if I’ll stay. It’s sort of funny because sometimes you take a job to get to do something and there I am counting the pigeons. Ok so you’re the psychologist; tell me if this is normal…

DEBRA
No problem, I only charge 50 per hour.

TOMMY
Right.

DEBRA
Go on.

TOMMY
I’ve been having this weird attitude with myself lately. Let’s take earlier this week per example, I made a mistake in my schedule. I thought we were Wednesday instead of Monday, and on Wednesday I have to show up at five thirty at work because the store closes earlier for some reason. I show up there like an idiot…

The phone rings.

DEBRA
Sorry, I’ll be right back.

Debra runs out of her kitchen, while Tommy stares down in his cup before finishing it up. After waiting a few moments, she returns.

DEBRA
Tommy, I’m really sorry to have to do this to you. But…

TOMMY
Oh no, don’t worry, I had to go anyway.

DEBRA
Yeah, sorry. It was him again; he actually wants to set a meeting about it. 

Debra rolls her eyes as Tommy laughs. He fixes his coat and leads himself towards the door, with Debra following. 

TOMMY
Oh my, I almost forgot. Do you have a stereo amplifier; one you could lend me for a few days?

DEBRA
Sure. It’s in the living-room. I’m gonna have to run and get dressed or else I’m going to be late. Call me and come back soon.

Debra rushes to her room as Tommy heads for the amplifier. Cut to his room:
Tommy sits in his chair, positioned next to the amplifier and tape. He looks at it one moment, then presses the play button. 

 VOICE 1
She should not suspect one thing.

The unintelligible words come to pass, but yet it gives something Tommy to frown about...

VOICE 2
I’m coming up… what’s her name?
VOICE 1
What?

VOICE 2
Her name.

Tommy amplifies the volume to a near maximum… awaiting the pronunciation of the name. He slightly jumps as the name loudly echoes throughout the house and its walls. It seems to be…

VOICE 1
Laura…

Tommy stops the tape and immediately rewinds it.

VOICE 1
…suspect one thing.

Tommy amplifies the sound as what he thought were mumblings perhaps reveal themselves as something else…He stops and rewinds again. 

FEMALE VOICE
The sub-levels of ‘Department water & power’ are closed. Please refer your clients to your private offices.

The tape is stopped again and rewound. Tommy wants to make sure. He grabs the obituaries he ripped out and writes down Department water & power on the side.  Tommy brings out the yellow pages and searches in the D section. When finally arriving, he finds 2 different locations in Haddonfield. We cut to Tommy on the phone; a voice has just answered.

STORE OWNER (O.S.)
Radio, Electronics and co. how may I help you?

TOMMY
Yes, Hello. I don’t know if you remember me, but I bought a cellular phone from you a number of days ago. A black model, can’t seem to find the box right now.

STORE OWNER (O.S.)
Yes, I believe I remember you. Young man no?

TOMMY
Yes.

STORE OWNER (O.S.)
How is the phone?

TOMMY
Well see there’s a problem. I live in a very isolated area. In fact quite some distance from the city but yet I’ve been having some interferences from time to time when I have conversations. I’m very surprised about this as it never happened to me before…

STORE OWNER (O.S.)
Really? Well it depends on how far you are, because I’ll admit it can happen from time to time. The signal’s ratio is about ten miles, so sometimes another signal could interfere with yours. If you’re not satisfied you can bring it back. 

TOMMY
No thank you, it’s fine.

STORE OWNER (O.S.)
Alright.

TOMMY
Bye.

Tommy hangs up and plunges back into the yellow pages. His finger traces the location within that range. He rips out the address. 
   Cut to: Tommy parks near the mid-high structure, looking upwards as the offices are visible from the outside, despite the hard pounding rain.   
   Int. Department water & power: Going past a few people exiting the building, Tommy immediately notices the receptionist not too far away. To his right, he finds a staircase. He quickly glances over the names and their respective floors:
-HOLLIS GITTES 301
CHIEF ENGINEER  
-MURRAY GILL 204
-GEORGE STEWART 103
DEPUTY CHIEF IN DEPARTMENT
 Tommy quickly checks through the rest. He then notices a back exit that would lead to parking spaces. As the building is not too big, Tommy immediately notices he is being stared at by the receptionist. He turns back to the names plate on the wall for a moment but then feels obligated to speak to her. He makes his way to the desk, firmly looking into her eyes.

TOMMY
Yes… Hi, I’ve noticed you have three security cameras around placed specifically around this area.

She glares back inquisitively. Tommy brings out a slim black wallet from his pocket and timidly places it on the desk, careful not to open it.

TOMMY
I’d like to verify from a certain time last night, your tapes.

RECEPTIONIST
Oh that’s right. I was told you called. Yes, if you come in the back with me, I have the photographs you requested ready. 

Despite his surprise, Tommy follows as she leads him in a room behind the desk. The receptionist presents him with a large yellow envelope. Tommy briefly stares at her before opening it and quickly giving the first picture a look. It presents a grainy figure.

TOMMY
Why are these specifically photographs?

RECEPTIONIST
Huh? Oh, we have a new system. To cut back on budget we have this system that saves pictures of the area every five seconds. It saves us the whole bazillion tapes deal. These were the important ones with the man who probably broke in, at least that is what the investigation by your companions is suggesting.

Tommy nods.

TOMMY
Well…We want to thank you for your contributions miss. It is very appreciated. This evidence will be kept in our files and used if ever we catch this criminal.

Ext. Department water & power: Tommy exits the building by the back, desperately trying to hide the envelope as rain is still pouring down. He quickly runs out reaching a file of cars. He curiously looks around him and barely notices anyone on the parking lot. Tommy quickly ducks down and looks under the cars. His eyes look for something specific. Their slight pause confirms he has found it. Tommy gets back up again, this time looking at the plates. Careful as ever, he ducks down again behind a specific car. The pavement under it is dry, while the one under all the other cars is wet. Getting back up again, he takes a pen and writes the plate number as he has confirmed that this one has been parked there overnight. Tommy looks ahead of the car where a pole resides. It indicates a name: Townsend, to reserve space for the employee.
     Tommy’s room: He opens the envelope, reaching in for several photos. Their size is about two or three times the one of an average one. Tommy counts the total of six pictures.  
      Full screen photograph: Grainy but unmistakably a man walking into the main hall. He seems to be of average height, wearing a coat rendering the lower part of his face difficult to see. The photograph is dropped, revealing a clearer one. The man’s hands are raised, one grabbing a phone receiver, the other dialing a number. He drops it on the desk, revealing the next one. The man is now talking on the phone. The following one is similar, if only for his left hand that is slightly out of frame. The next one shows him in the same way, the only different detail with his hand in his pocket.
        Tommy’s face perhaps expresses disappointment in the banality of the pictures. He looks at them once more. Nothing comes to mind. He poses them on the counter and gazes out his window… We jump to a later time as Tommy is on the phone.

MANAGER
Hello?

TOMMY
Hello, this is Tommy Doyle…

MANAGER
Doyle…The cashier manager right?

TOMMY
Yes. I wanted to call you to let you know, I won’t be able to come in tomorrow. 

Int. restaurant at night: Tommy is eating by himself. Cut to: Tommy is making his way back to his home. He looks up on his rear-view mirror, the roads is empty. He puts his concentration ahead of him, his eyes glancing occasionally at the billboard advertisements on the side of the road. After a moment or so, one particularly catches his attention. His eyes lock on it for a while, but then looks ahead again. 
      It reads: You’re being followed… 
It showcases an attractive woman pointing at the other end of the road. Under her a subtitle reads: Use Comet oil!
Tommy smirks. His amusement ends when a gray vehicle appears on the road. A particular thought enters his mind, until he shakes it off. He quietly minds his business, driving his way home. He reaches the more familiar roads, soon arriving at his destination. As if unable to help himself, Tommy looks in the rear-view mirror again: The car has made the same turn as he did. Tommy speeds a little and takes a path he usually does not take. The gray car is finally gone…Once he finally reaches the boarding house; Tommy shoots a few suspicious glances around. We fade to the next morning in the boarding house kitchen, where Tommy finds Mrs. Blankenship snoring at the table. He heads for the fridge and brings out a sandwich. He throws it on a plate and walks before her, staring at her for a moment. Blankenship wakes with a tremble, startling Tommy.

TOMMY
Oops, sorry.

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Oh you frightened me. 

TOMMY
Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you up.

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Well it’s alright…. You coming down those steps like a prancing cattle woke me long before.         

TOMMY
Excuse me?

MRS. BLANKENSHIP 
That clinging was probably the change you owe me for the coffeepot, remember?

TOMMY
Oh right. I forgot.

Tommy fishes out coins from his pocket. Dropping them on the table, he curiously finds a piece of paper amidst them. He counts what he owes to Blankenship and takes back the rest. Tommy glances at the paper and then puts it back into his pocket. 

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
Thank you. 

TOMMY
You’re welcome. Excuse me, I remembered something I have to do.

Tommy gets rid of the plate and exits the kitchen, leaving Mrs. Blankenship puzzled.  

MRS. BLANKENSHIP
What in the world is he up to? Better hide my savings.

Int. Tommy’s room: as he is sitting at his desk, his fingers nervously tapping on the desk. Staring back at him is the piece of paper seen earlier. Scribbled on it is the plate number of the car. His fingers are nearly creating a cohesive rhythm, as he is lost in a land of thought. He picks up the phone and quickly flips through an old book. He dials the number.

 JOHN ROMAN (O.S.)
Hello.

TOMMY
It’s Doyle.

ROMAN (O.S.)
Hello?

TOMMY
Yes, Hello!

ROMAN (O.S.)
(Laughs hysterically) Sucker. Leave a message after the beep.

TOMMY
Roman, it’s… me, Doyle. From Lampkin Lane. It’s been quite a while but… I’m looking for some info on a license plate number. So if you know someone who can help me, give me a call. My new number is 564-7826.

Back in his room, Tommy looks closer over the picture with the man’s arm slightly out of frame. With the aid of a magnifying glass he examines the opposite end of the picture and sees that his arm actually reflects on the mirror. A small detail catches his attention. Tommy takes hold of a pair of scissors and cuts that part out.
         As we fade to a later time, Tommy puts down a blow-up of the arm he produced next to the picture. He reversed it in order to make it match with the picture. He glues both parts together, making them match as best as possible. The camera comes along his shoulder, then slides down his arm revealing what seems to be… a gun.
The home phone rings. Tommy hesitates to answer it, but the ring insists. He picks it up.

TOMMY
Hello?

Nothing is heard over for the phone…

VOICE (O.S.)
Hey Doyle (Small burp escapes) Sorry.

TOMMY
Lonnie.
LONNIE (O.S.)
How’d you guess? So what’s going on?

TOMMY
Nothing much. To what do I owe the displeasure of your call?

LONNIE (O.S.)
Oh nothing, I was just lurking around your home…

TOMMY
Jolly.

LONNIE (O.S.)
Better make sure Mrs. Blankenship is dressed, I’m coming up!

TOMMY
Shudder.

Tommy looks at the gun on the picture one last time before putting everything in his drawer. We return at a later time, with Lonnie sitting at ease on Tommy’s bed. Tommy’s sitting at his desk. 

LONNIE
So what the hell have you been up to lately?

TOMMY
Nothing much. Work.

LONNIE
You know what I just remembered in one of those typically weird flashbacks?

TOMMY
What?

LONNIE
I was thinking about the time I stole one of those puzzle gimmicks, they used to be huge, and actually got caught.

TOMMY
Now there’s a story with a happy ending.

LONNIE
No, I’m serious. I stole this puzzle when I was a kid and I got caught. The store owner got so mad he started chasing me down the road, of course I wasn’t scared for one moment, but as I was running away… who do I bump into?

TOMMY
Me?

LONNIE
Your scary face, that’s right. Don’t you remember this?

TOMMY
As if you stealing something were such a rare incident to take place… anyway go on.

LONNIE
So I bump into you, all scared and shit, which I was faking by the way so you’d help me get away from the 300-pound man running after me. 

TOMMY
Oh Jesus, unwanted trip down memory lane. That’s when you came to my house, right? 

LONNIE
You better believe it. 

TOMMY
Of course, you didn’t last two seconds with my mother, who politely asked you to leave afterwards.

LONNIE
Just because of one silly dirty joke. And she promised me she would laugh. I hate people who don’t have a sense of humor, but it disturbs me when they pretend to have one. Of course I love your mother… Still you saved my ass by allowing me to come inside. I am now admitting I was pretty grateful…

TOMMY
Lonnie, the next day you put super-glue on my chair. My parents had to come and bring me a new pair of pants because anytime I’d try and stand up, I risked blinding one of the students. 

LONNIE
Well you know me; I have my special ways of sending a thank you. But you’re right, that was totally wrong of me… completely.

TOMMY
Of course.

LONNIE
You know me and my careless ways. But now that part of my life is over.

TOMMY
Oh really?

LONNIE
It’s true.

TOMMY
I went to visit Debra this morning. 

LONNIE
That rascal. She missed work again.

TOMMY
I want you to be careful about what you do Lonnie.

LONNIE
What the hell is this about?

TOMMY
Those careless ways, that way of acting like nothing matters. Like everything in the end comes together anyway, so it doesn’t matter.

LONNIE
What’s that supposed to mean?

TOMMY
I’m just telling you. Sometimes having your attitude can be dangerous. You can’t do that, acting care-free like that, especially around people you love , inevitably its gonna catch up with you at one point. And it might not be pretty. 

LONNIE
I’m sorry but who are you to speak? Not one year ago, you were acting in a very similar way as I was. And let me tell you, you hurt a bunch of people too. You know what it’s like and you should probably understand me more than anyone else. 

Tommy looks down; we sense a bit of pain injected in his eyes.

TOMMY
I know, and thus I speak from experience. I don’t want you to hurt her, she doesn’t deserve that. You know that. I live with the regret over my actions everyday of my life. It’s not anything to take lightly. 

LONNIE
Well like I said at some point you were that way too. Just not giving a shit about anything anymore. Now I’m not saying you’re still like that, because I noticed you’ve changed… 

TOMMY
Oh How so?

LONNIE
Well not in any major way I mean, you’ve changed, you’ve progressed. I notice it in you. I think you got tired of trying to protect yourself by acting that way, and you’re making efforts. That’s what I meant. You’re trying to be more open.

Lonnie hops off Tommy’s bed. 

LONNIE
I think Josh is here.

TOMMY
You’re expecting him?

LONNIE
Yeah, he dropped me off since he had to go to the bank, open an account or something.
TOMMY
Don’t you have a home?

LONNIE
Yeah, but Debra might... Uh, Who’s car is that?

TOMMY
(Shakes his head) Right.

Tommy looks over his window and to his surprise, notices the same gray vehicle he saw last night, parked outside. The vehicle’s motor is on, someone is inside. 

LONNIE
You were saying?

TOMMY
Huh?

Tommy looks back again, the car is driving away. 

LONNIE
Earth to Tommy…

Another car approaches the boarding house.

LONNIE
Oh there we go.

TOMMY
Josh has a car?

LONNIE
Yeah we borrowed one for the weekend.

TOMMY
‘Borrowed’?

LONNIE
Tommy, it’s not wise to act like a smart-ass with the king of smart asses. Later.

Lonnie pats him on the shoulder and then runs out. Tommy gazes out his window, watching Lonnie seemingly getting into an argument about who’s driving. He smirks as only a moment later everything is settled.

Tommy nearly jumps as his cell phone rings loudly. He looks for it, finding it under his covers. Before answering, Tommy looks outside, no trace of the car. 

TOMMY
Hello?

ROMAN (O.S.)
Hey, Doyle, it’s Roman. How are you my friend?

Tommy frowns.
TOMMY
Yeah, I was wondering if you could help me with something.

ROMAN (O.S.)
Sure, no problem man. The license plate info right?

TOMMY
Yeah.

We intercut between the present and later that night as we track around a corner of the restaurant/bar, finding a man resting against a street light.

ROMAN (O.S.)
My old friend Bill, he can do that for you.
What’s the license plate number?

Tommy reads him the number. 

ROMAN (O.S.)
Where would you want him to meet you?

TOMMY
I guess this bar I sometimes go to would be fine.

Tommy gives him the address as we return to the location where Tommy approaches the man, who looks like the average citizen. 

ROMAN (O.S.)
No, problem then. Duncan’s a good friend, you won’t have a problem with him.

As both men meet, Duncan reaches in his coat and slowly drags out an empty hand.

DUNCAN
Mind, if we do business near my car. I don’t like to do my work in public.

TOMMY
Sure.

Duncan shows him the way. His car parked near the back of the bar. Due to the lack of light, Tommy is unable to see clearly, but he spots two figures waiting in the car. Tommy puts a hand in his coat.

TOMMY
So here’s what I owe you. 

Duncan approaches his car and reaches inside. Female voices are heard. Duncan smiles, while retrieving the files. Tommy walks closer to Duncan in order for them to exchange items. Two attractive females are sitting in the car, a blond and a red head, frowning. The blond and Tommy lock eyes… they know each other.   

DUNCAN
You and Roman, been good friends for a while?

TOMMY
Um, well last year we hanged around the same bar.

DUNCAN
He sure knows how to party. Right girls? Speaking of party, meet my two friends here. This is Lucy.

LUCY
Hey Tommy.

TOMMY (To Duncan)
Yeah, we met once.

DUNCAN
And this is the beautiful Margaret.

Tommy politely smiles at them both, while Duncan counts his money.

DUNCAN
Everything’s mighty fine. Yankee Doodle Dandy, get in touch if ever you need anything again, any business to take care of. You ask for these often?
TOMMY
Well… if I need anything I’ll know where to reach you.
DUNCAN
I was just wondering man. 

Time passes as Tommy sits down at the bar, eating a steak alone. The package is probably hidden in his coat. The wall ahead of him, behind the bar, is an aluminum reflective one. Tommy notices Duncan and his two friends are still wandering in the rain and looking about for no particular reason. Tommy frowns but resumes to eating. A moment later the reflection allows him to see the red head coming inside the restaurant, walking towards his direction. She stares at him and then decides to sit next to him. She looks at Tommy’s plate and then at him. He ignores her… 

MARGARET
Don’t you eat your green peas. They’re good for you, you know?

Tommy concentrates on his food.

TOMMY
I never eat them, don’t like green peas.

MARGARET
Wow, I like a man who knows what he wants. You remember my friend Lucy don’t you?

TOMMY
Mmh-hmm.

MARGARET
Of course you remember her. How could you forget? 

TOMMY
What do you want?

MARGARET
Oh don’t be talking all rough now. Not yet anyway. My friend Duncan… I don’t think he likes me. A woman feels these things. He fancies Lucy, he’d fancy her from a mile away. I was thinking maybe you and me could… you know, get together, have fun. Lucy told me you’re a really nice guy.

TOMMY
I’m sorry, that was another part of my life. 

MARGARET
Really?

Margaret puts her hand on the back of Tommy’s neck. He quickly pushes her away. A few close heads turn. Margaret gets up.

MARGARET
It’s ok.  Maybe I should pay you instead; Lucy told me your body is quite a sight. Apparently you got it all fucked up. (Whispers in his ear) She warned me were the delusional type. 

Expressing disgust thanks to her facial expression, Margaret walks around him and puts her hand over his left shoulder, pressing onto it. Once again, Tommy pushes her away, this time staring at her angrily. Margaret is already walking away, giggling quite loudly. 
Tommy turns back to his plate, watching her disappear from the bar. 
          Ext. Haddonfield: The sun is quietly setting amidst a light fog…
Int. Tommy’s car: Tommy steps in his car, warding off the raindrops on his coat. He takes out the pack containing the documents from his pocket. He leaves them briefly to dry his hair with the aid of a towel from the backseat and then resumes with his affairs. Tommy retrieves the identification papers, gazing at Townsend’s picture. His features reveal him as rather gentle looking, particularly his gray eyes but they might as well be deceiving. He sports short brown hair, full around the ear area but thinning in front, near his forehead. His face is decorated with wrinkles, near the eyes and a couple on the forehead, in fact, his birth date reveals he is forty-eight. The man’s complexion is quite pale but that might as well be in cause of the picture’s poor quality. 
         Behind that sheet, there’s a black and white blow-up of the man’s picture. Tommy goes back one sheet and carefully reads the man’s address. The sheet under the blow-up indicates the man’s occupation: Lead accountant of department of power and water. His office is numbered 304.  
          From the corner of the street, Duncan is watching Tommy’s car. After a moment, he disappears in the darkness, his eyes never leaving the car… 
Int. Tommy’s room: Tommy spreads the five pictures from the security camera over his desk. He includes the picture of Townsend. He looks over them carefully, frowning from concentration. 
The biggest close-up of the man on the phone is matched up with Townsend’s on the wall.  
 We cut to later on as a finger comes into frame, setting the recorder on. Its tape begins to play.
On photograph: The man walks into the main hall, then…
The man’s hands are raised, one grabbing a phone receiver, the other dialing a number
On Townsend photograph

VOICE (O.S.)
…7:45 a.m.… 

VOICE (O.S.)
…Inside building now despite…

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
Listen, It’s not going to be hard to do.

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
There’s nothing to assure me yet I’m not gonna get caught. 

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
The money isn’t enough?.

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
Speaking of that, we still have to discuss it.

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
Listen; just get rid of her.

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
Will you watch your mouth?

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
…when…

The conversation breaks up for a moment.

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
Are you looking at the obituaries?

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
Yeah

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
(Laughs) Are you looking at it now?
Find the paper, check it out.

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
No, I’m looking at it now.

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
It’s nice looking here, I must say. Are you coming up?

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
Roger (breaks up) I have it.

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
You brought it?

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
Yeah I have it with me.

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
She should not suspect one thing.

The words are becoming unintelligible.

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
I’m coming up… What’s her name?

VOICE 1 (O.S.)
What?

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
Her name.

Her name is mentioned, yet in too low a manner. 

VOICE 2 (O.S.)
I’m coming up.

On photograph: His mouth slightly open, the man is holding the phone to his ear.
We then focus on a naked part of the wall…

Tommy’s fingers come into frame, pasting a photograph next in the order on the wall. It is the one with the man revealing a gun. 

But as the next sentence is about to be said, a click is heard: Tommy has stopped the tape. His expression reveals he has discovered something he had not before. He leans in closer, gently rubbing a corner of the picture. He turns to one of his drawers and retrieves a magnifying glass.
     Tommy immediately inspects the area only to discover small numbers. The pictures seem to be coded. He checks through the same area of the rest of the pictures: they all are coded with date and time. They indicate the same date, reasonably enough matching the day he heard the conversation. And obviously there is a small lapse of time between each picture. As Tommy goes through the next picture, the one he intended to put up next, he notices a small curiosity. The picture showcasing the gun is not in the right order. The more banal one with his hand in his pocket comes before. 
     Tommy checks each one with the glass and begins putting them in order.

His hands, frozen in time, are not holding anything…

His hands have now reached in his pocket.

We pan down into the photograph, with every black and white pixel becoming visible, finally ending on the handgun the man is grasping onto.
       On Tommy as he inhales a deep breath. He turns to his chair and plops into it
Cut to Haddonfield police station: Tommy arrives inside, followed by both officers. 

OFFICER 1
Chief, we got him.

TOMMY
I’d like to speak to sheriff Redman, please.

OFFICER 2
Oh you’ll get a chance with him, don’t you worry.

They wait for a moment as the sheriff is summoned. Redman immediately arrives, briefly glancing at Tommy and then at the officers.

REDMAN
Take off his cuffs.

Both officers’ faces express reservations about the sheriff’s orders, but they do it anyway.

REDMAN (To Tommy)
Come with me.

To the officers’ surprise, he takes Tommy in a small room behind the desk.
The room holds nothing but a small table and two chairs on each side. Both men take a seat, face to face.

TOMMY
Sheriff, I really need to talk to you.

REDMAN
I know, I know. I have to talk to you too. Right now you’re getting off easily. But I’m not so sure you’ll be as lucky the next time. I mean trying to break in, into a private office…

TOMMY
No, you don’t understand. Let me explain. Earlier this week, Wednesday or Tuesday night I think, I was on my cellular phone. Brand new phone I had just bought. That night, because of an interference I managed to overhear a conversation between two men in a building, I believe, in fact I’m sure they were planning to murder a woman. At first I thought it was one of their wives…

Redman nods in recognition. Tommy is about to continue but briefly pauses.

TOMMY
You know about this don’t you?

Redman nods, yet ignores the question.

REDMAN
Go on.

Tommy is a bit taken aback, but decides to go on anyway.

TOMMY
I taped part of it, but then I ca… I was told that it wouldn’t be of any use to police. Upon inspecting the tape, I realized where the location was. There was an announcer in the background naming the place, department of water & power. On the tape they also kept mentioning the obituaries, so I acquired them and found nothing of importance. When I finally saw the place, I specifically checked the parking lot. Since it had rained practically for days, I thought that any car that would have stayed there during the night, the pavement under it would have been dry, given that these men had plans to discuss and negotiate over night. There was only one car, the car of Mister Mark A. Townsend, which apparently did stay during the night. Information came into my hands and I knew of his address, workplace and everything. I did not find out however if he had a wife named Laura. 
Redman, I know I can trust you, that’s why I’m telling you this. This is very important, I think a murder took place. 

REDMAN
The woman?

TOMMY
No, no. A few days ago I managed to get pictures from the security tape by… and I’m sorry to admit it, by posing as an investigator. I’m sorry but I had to do it. The police I’m sure wouldn’t believe my story and I was sure I could make more use of them than they could. The pictures showcased this man who was hired to kill the woman. They show him talking on the phone, during that conversation. 

REDMAN
How do you know it was that same conversation?

TOMMY
The pictures are marked with time and date. They perfectly match the time I taped it. On the tape they mention the obituaries, the money and that they will meet in his office. On that last picture before he leaves, there was a small detail I found interesting. His left hand was out of the frame, but it reflected on a mirror beside him. Yet there was something particular about his hand. I cut it out, blew it up and it clearly, very clearly revealed he was holding a gun. Now, earlier in the conversation the man was lying in the conversation, clearly not on friendly terms with this Townsend. You probably heard about the broken window in the department? That was him, to probably make it look like an break-in. I can’t make the connection yet, as to why he would do that exactly. But if indeed they knew each other, perhaps this was a way of distancing himself if an investigation occurred. The break-in would make it look random.

REDMAN
But, an investigation for what exactly?

TOMMY
For the murder. Right before he left the phone, the man had taken out a gun, telling the man he’d be coming right up. Why would anyone do that?

Redman barely moves, perhaps having given up already.

REDMAN
But they told me the office was checked after your arrest. Everything was apparently fine. 

TOMMY
But they didn’t exactly investigate further than that did they?

REDMAN
Doyle, we can’t exactly start an investigation out of…

TOMMY
Listen, it doesn’t end there. It gets worse.

REDMAN
Ok, Go on.

TOMMY
After my visit to department of water & power, someone must have noticed me. Someone, in someway found out what I was doing. Because after a time, I couldn’t help but notice… Redman, someone is following me. Two nights ago, I spotted a car behind me. At first I wasn’t sure, but the memory of the car remained fresh. It was taking the same roads as I was, making the same turns as I was. Then, today, outside my house I spotted the same car. This person now knows where I live and probably much more than that. 

A silence sets in. Robbie looks downwards, briefly shaking his head.

REDMAN
I don’t know what to say. About all you’ve said. The murder… you meddling with the investigation… I also happen to know that you illegally obtained some of your information through a certain Bill Duncan.

TOMMY
And how would you know that?

REDMAN
Because I had you followed, Tommy.

TOMMY
The car?

Redman nods. 

REDMAN
Haddonfield police is also aware you posed as an investigator. The secretary pointed you out to them on the security tapes after she informed them one of their investigators picked up evidence. But identifying you got easier because of this.

Redman pulls out something from his pocket and slides on the table, near Tommy… it’s his slim black wallet.

REDMAN
You forgot this on the secretary’s counter. 

An uncomfortable pause takes place…

REDMAN
Unfortunately things don’t end there. Tommy, there’s no such thing as Bill Duncan. 

TOMMY
What?

REDMAN
Following your stunt at the department, my colleagues were sure you were associated with the break-in, at least, they were curious about what your interest in all this is was, but I quickly tried to dissuade them of that. They were especially curious after we traced a call back to you where a possible murder plot about killing a woman was reported. In the call you also mentioned it took place in a building. Anyway, nevertheless a discussion took place and we managed to get onto your phone line, including the signal of that cellular phone of yours. We found a way to reach John Roman and managed to make him recommend our Bill Duncan. When someone has a track record like his, it’s quite easy to do. He managed to bring along familiar company so everything would go smoothly… we knew you had Townsend’s name but little else. Most of the information you have Tommy is false, including
that picture. You were to be followed until a link between you, Townsend and the break-in would be clear. We got all our info we could take... Now I know you’re not telling the truth when you said you had no choice about taking those pictures. Things aren’t looking so good as of right now. You’re lying during my inquiries plus the count of tampering with our investigation, add the counts of affiliation with illegal activities, a past one being encounters with a prostitute… Tommy… You’re lucky you can’t get pinched for the little things. Officers outside are trying to keep a straight face with stuff like faking your resumes, failing to keep your boardinghouse mistress happy with your chores or your job because you have more ‘important’ things to do. I really wish you would have kept with your intentions of getting rid of the bad in your life and stuff like that.

TOMMY
You asshole.

REDMAN
That’s right, the old lady does talk a lot. You might want to bring that up with her. What I was getting to here…is, I’m in charge here now and I have to uphold the law. Now despite all of that, I know you are not a bad man. Whether you’re telling the truth or not, I don’t know. But I’ll believe you. Truth is, I’m letting you off the hook quite easy. But I don’t want to look like an asshole in front of everybody…

TOMMY
So what happens now?

REDMAN
You’ll spend the rest of the night in jail. You can go in the morning. That won’t be so bad, everything after that will be quiet. We’ll forget about this thing.

Redman gets up, waiting for Tommy to do the same. Tommy remains in his chair for a minute, as all is still not clear to him. But he gives up eventually, walking past Redman. Redman pats him on the shoulder and then points at the table. He waits for Tommy to pick up his slim black wallet and then opens the door. With Tommy ahead of him, Redman indicates with his head for officer 1 to lead him to the small cell near the back of the station. Tommy barely looks ahead, perhaps avoiding eye contact. He comes before his cell, which is small, grim and pasted only with white. A wooden shelf-like seat awaits Tommy. He sits down, crosses his arms as the gate is closed back. 
     We fade to: Tommy’s head tilts forward. He is nearly falling asleep in his seated position. We jump to a later time where the gate gets unlocked and pulled back by Officer 2 as he is waiting outside. A clash of the gate as it opens on itself causes Tommy to wake up from his rest. He gets up and exits the cell. Tommy is escorted out, walking into the dawn. 
        Int. Tommy’s room: Tommy throws an empty folder on his desk. His wall is empty. The tape in his recorder has been taken away. Tommy looks on and about his room, his face pale from lack of rest. He immediately squints at the vivid morning light leaking through his window and tries to block by putting his arm ahead of him. He turns over to the medium-seized amplifier and stares at it. 
        Int. Boarding house: Tommy’s room door gently creaks open as he comes out, holding a box. His feet slowly come one ahead of the other. He makes it to the front door until he feels a presence. He pauses and looks behind him. Mrs. Blankenship is creeping out from a door, gazing at Tommy.

TOMMY
I’m going out.

He is already out the door, whispering the final word of sentence.
Int. Tommy’s car: Tommy is holding his cellular close to his ear. 

DEBRA
Hello?

TOMMY
Hey Debra, it’s me Tommy.

DEBRA
Hey Tommy, how are you?

TOMMY
Pretty good. Listen, I’m parked right outside your house I was wondering if this was a good time for me to bring your amplifier over?

DEBRA
You’re so ridiculous Tommy.

Debra opens the door of her home, looking out for Tommy. 

TOMMY
See you later.

DEBRA
Later.

Tommy drags the box out of his car.

DEBRA
Come in.

In her kitchen, Debra pours Tommy a cup of coffee, both sitting face to face on sofas.

TOMMY
Thank you.

DEBRA
So how’s everything?

TOMMY
Ok, I guess. What about you?

DEBRA
Looking a little pale.

TOMMY
No, you’re kinda fine.

DEBRA
No, I meant you.

TOMMY
Yeah, didn’t get much sleep.

DEBRA
I know what that’s like. 

TOMMY
Not working today?

DEBRA
Stick to the happy topics.

TOMMY
Ah, it’s ok, I didn’t work either today.

DEBRA
Lucky, lucky.

TOMMY
Say, you received today’s newspaper?

DEBRA
Yes I did. Wait a minute.
Debra puts her cup down to fetch the newspaper in her kitchen and brings it back.

DEBRA
Politics are suddenly interesting? Wouldn’t ya know?

Tommy shrugs.

DEBRA
Well it’s more than I can say for other people.

Tommy looks up at her.

DEBRA
I made these come in daily through mail-order. Thought it would be interesting and educational for some person named Lonnie. But you can guess what his favorite past time was…

TOMMY
Making hats?

With her eyes opened wide, Debra slowly nods.

DEBRA
When I told him he could perhaps make a more intelligent use of them, he got offended. I hate it when people don’t have a sense of humor, but it disturbs me when they pretend to have one. 

Tommy offers her a sympathetic smile. He looks back into his newspaper, running through the pages, hoping to find anything. After getting to the end of it, he nearly throws the paper in frustration but then restrains himself. To his surprise he catches Debra quickly wiping a tear as she stares out the window from her seat. 

DEBRA
You know Tommy… I just don’t know what’s real or not anymore.

She does not want to be seen in such a state, but realizes she’s been seen. She turns to Tommy, innocently smiling as she wipes another tear. Tommy takes her hand into his.

TOMMY
It’s ok Debra, everything’s fine. 

He gets up and gets close to her.

TOMMY
I know how you feel. Everything’s fine.

DEBRA
I’m sorry, I didn’t want you to see me this way and bother you with this. 

TOMMY
Oh come on, in fact you should have talked to me about it.

DEBRA
It’s just, I keep thinking about it and it doesn’t make sense. It’s not fair.

TOMMY
I know what you mean.

Debra wipes her tears, brushing her sadness away. 

DEBRA
Really sorry. It’s not enough you have to endure that job, but my problems also. (Laughs) I’m fine now. What about you? Not having worked today, I’m sure that must have been pretty relaxing. No?

Tommy doesn’t say a word… He takes a deep breath. As his next words come out, the sound is drained out, allowing a voice-over to come over. Relying on Debra’s expression, we have a sense Tommy has started telling her his story…

TOMMY (V.O.)
Fourth and last week of March…

Cut to: Tommy looking out the window of his workplace. 

TOMMY (V.O.)
Time’s passing can be slow and agonizing as it can be healing. I have not decided yet… Whether I will keep working at a grocery store is also to be determined, though tonight I am to meet Adam again. He told me he has found a new book titled: ‘Tonight on the ring, Good vs. Evil.’ Relying on its title, I assume a ‘only best seller at the supermarket’ type of author wrote it. But according to Adam, some interesting facts about cults are part of the content. Concerning that, we have finally managed to gather everyone for a meeting on the topic. Whether Lonnie and Debra will be seated next to each other or apart, I am unsure. (Pause) To think of it… I don’t quite remember whether I’ve ever told her I loved her...  

We go back to Tommy and Debra, carrying on with their conversation as Tommy is heading for the door. They both hug before he leaves. We follow Tommy out as he walks back to his car…

TOMMY (V.O.)
Helen on the other hand continues to go to school, I frequently hold many conversations with her, probably because her innocence reminds that no one truly wonders about the meaning of life when they are happy. 

The images burns out until we are left with a white flickering light. 
The flickering ends, leaving us in the dark…

TOMMY (V.O.)
But… I must admit nothing has made me appreciate the morning’s sunrise better than having a cold bullet pierce through my shoulder. 
Where one must choose between boredom and suffering, good or bad, love and hate… Why am I still doubting whether I really have my say?

Halloween: The Series
Season Four
Episode 5
Whispers in the dark
By Robbie Red
Script Editor: Scarecrow Cenobite
Creative Consultant: Robbie Red 
Creative Consultant: Screamer009
Assistant producer: MysterioMan007
Produced by: Scarecrow Cenobite
Based on Characters created by John Carpenter & Debra Hill