Method of Madness

Method of Madness by Jeremy Gabryszak

Revisions by Jeremy Gabryszak

Current Revisions by Jeremy Gabryszak, 5/25/13

12211 N. Oakwood Dr., St. John, IN, 46373 E-mail: moviexpert14@yahoo.com Cell: 708/217-1702 Š Copyright 2010 Jeremy Gabryszak

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT A rabbit chews on some grass. There is the sound of sticks cracking as something moves toward it.

INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - LOBOTOMY WING - SAME TIME A surgical glove clad hand grabs a ball pin hammer off of a table. The hammer rests its blunt end on a blue jean clad kneecap.

EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS The rabbit looks up and looks around with its ears up. The movement gets louder.

INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - LOBOTOMY WING - CONTINUOUS The hammer swings up. The hand twists the hammer around to the pin end.

The hammer slams on the kneecap.

EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS Suddenly, a fox leaps out and snatches the rabbit in it’s jaws. The rabbit screams.

CUT TO: INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - LOBOTOMY WING - SAME TIME MAX, 27, screams in agony. He is handsome with black hair and dark brown eyes.

Max is wearing a white t-shirt that has is drenched in sweat that shows off his muscular physique. He is breathing heavily as a figure, TWO IRISES, walks around him.

Max has a cut on his eyebrow that is bleeding. There is a few spots of blood on the shoulder of his shirt.

Two Irises is wearing a black overcoat but the face is never revealed. He/She speaks with a helium voice.

TWO IRISES Now it’s my turn to make you scream.

2.

Two Irises puts a looped end nail under Max’s fingernail.

TWO IRISES (CONT’D) Every pain inflicted on me. I’ll inflict on you.

The nail is hammered in. Max’s screams through his teeth.

DREAM SEQUENCE Max is in a building where a section of the wall is cut out.

He stands at the edge looking at the outside.

Max moves toward the edge and looks down but backs up. He turns around and the wall on the other side of the room starts moving toward him.

Max backs up and stops on the edge. The wall keeps moving toward him.

He grips the wall and closes his eyes. Max opens his eyes and a figure shrouded in darkness stands in front of him.

He smiles and reaches his hand out. The figure reaches its hand out and moves toward him.

Max’s happy face fades to shock as the figure knocks his hand away and shoves him. He falls off the edge.

Max screams. Right before he hits the pavement.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING - 10 MONTHS EARLIER Max sits up, breathing heavily. He quickly turns to see his wife ISABELLA, 26, sitting at the kitchen table, watching him.

She has a slight look of concern. Isabella is a beautiful woman with raven colored hair and beautiful blue eyes.

Max rubs his hair and smiles at Isabella.

MAX Morning.

ISABELLA Morning.

3.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - KITCHEN/DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Max wears a black t-shirt and blue plaid pajama pants.

Isabella wears a faded Police t-shirt and pink pajama pants.

She reads a magazine and eats a piece of toast while stealing glances at Max. Max eats a bowl of cereal and looks at her.

He takes a deep breath but has a look of disappointment.

Isabella looks up and opens her mouth as if she is about to speak.

Max looks up with a slight smile. She smiles and goes back to reading.

His smile fades. Max rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh.

MAX Our anniversary is tonight.

Isabella has a look of surprise. Max’s smile reappears.

MAX (CONT’D) Thought I forgot, didn’t you?

ISABELLA I kind of thought you did.

MAX I was thinking, if it’s okay with you, why don’t we go to P.J. Clarke’s like old times?

ISABELLA I’d like to...

MAX But? ISABELLA I’m worried. In a public place like that, I don’t want to lose it.

MAX You’ve been doing fine. I think you’ll be okay. Plus, you got the benefit of being on a date with the hottest cop in the city. I got the benefit of being on a date with the hottest woman in the Midwest.

Isabella smiles brightly.

4.

ISABELLA And what about me?

MAX Bring you.

They both laugh. Max kisses Isabella.

ISABELLA I guess I’m the lucky one.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max puts on dress pants and button up shirt. He puts on a shoulder holster and puts his Beretta in it.

Max grabs his detective badge. He breaths on it and rubs it on his shirt.

Max clips it on his belt. He grabs his leather trench coat and walks out.

ESTABLISHING SHOT - POLICE STATION INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - LATER Max stares at a picture of he and Isabella at Navy Pier. He has his arms wrapped around her and the both of them look like they are extremely happy.

A woman’s hand pats Max’s shoulder. It is LAURA, 29, Max’s partner.

LAURA How are you, today?

MAX Eh. Laura smiles and sits down at the desk across from him. She is beautiful with long black hair with golden blonde streaks that is wrapped up in a ponytail LAURA That bad.

MAX I’ve been better.

LAURA And Izzy?

5.

MAX A little better. She spoke to me, today. Even said good morning. A minute conversation.

LAURA That’s good.

MAX Even made plans for our anniversary.

LAURA So things are getting better. Why the “eh”?

MAX I still feel she hates me. I don’t blame her for hating me.

LAURA You took her out of there. Even knocked that orderly out.

MAX Yeah but that’s like putting a Flinstone band aid on a gunshot wound.

LAURA Weird terminology. At least, she’s home and not there.

MAX There? Why don’t you just say it?

Asylum, Looney Bin, mental hospital.

Max rubs his face with frustration.

LAURA I’m sorry. Sore subject. Let’s talk about something different. On Halloween, the theater is playing a special presentation of Freaks if you and Izzy are interested.

MAX Uh, no.

LAURA Why not?

6.

MAX That film gave me nightmares as a kid. Those god damn freaks with the knives in their mouths. Still gives me nightmares.

Laura laughs. She pretends she is writing things down on her hand.

LAURA (taking mental notes) Max. Handsome. Afraid of heights and afraid of the movie Freaks and clowns.

MAX A lot of people are afraid of clowns and heights.

LAURA Yeah but they know better than to let two idiots like Doherty and McCormick take a case because of that height fear. You know they use this against you.

MAX Yeah. If only they knew that wasn’t my biggest fear. Heights are my second and Freaks and clowns are a close third.

LAURA What’s your biggest fear? Isabella?

MAX No that ties for first. My biggest fear is that I’ll go insane and end up like all those saps that I arrest every other day.

Max looks down at the desk and back at the picture. Laura sees where Max is looking.

LAURA There’s more to that fear, isn’t there?

MAX No. LAURA Can I say something without you being offended?

7.

MAX Sure.

LAURA You’re a fucking idiot for cheating on Isabella.

Max bites his lip and squints his eye.

LAURA (CONT’D) Uh oh. You got that look.

MAX You didn’t think it was stupid that time we were in Minnesota.

Laura has a freaked out look and looks around frantically.

LAURA Why don’t you just yell that out loud? I’m pretty sure the Captain would like to know how we spent our free time.

MAX Sorry but you didn’t think it was a bad idea to cheat on Izzy then. Not that I regret it happening. It was great.

LAURA We just had to get it out of our systems.

MAX We sure did. And by the sounds of it, you really liked me getting it out into your system.

Laura smacks his hand and points at him, smiling.

LAURA Watch it.

MAX But you’re right. I am a fucking idiot. I’m an even bigger piece of shit that I threw her in a mental hospital instead of helping her out when she went through the bad period.

LAURA Did she ever find out about us?

8.

MAX No. At least, I don’t think so. She only knew about that informant.

LAURA The one you fucked before the mental hospital and while Isabella was still in there.

MAX Yeah, that one. But I came to my senses, though.

LAURA Did things end well?

MAX I was cool but she wasn’t.

LAURA You ever worry that might come back to bite you.

MAX No. I never worried.

There is a loud pound on his desk. Max’s face lets out annoyed sigh.

He looks to his right and sees DOHERTY, 48, a balding man with stubble. To his left is MCCORMICK, 56.

McCormick has light orangish hair that is receding. He has a moustache and an icy stare.

DOHERTY Worried? Is that wife going nuts?

Again?

The two laugh.

LAURA Guys, fuck off.

MCCORMICK Oh come on, Laura. We’re just giving boy wonder a hard time. If your wife is too much of a handful with your great work, send her my way.

The two walk away. There is static on the walkie talkie.

Max angrily snatches it.

9.

MAX The next homicide is going to be them if they keep it up.

LAURA Calm down and answer the call.

Max grabs the walkie talkie.

MAX (into walkie talkie) Go. DISPATCH (into walkie talkie) We have two homicides at Smith Grove Mental Hospital.

Max rubs his head.

FLASHBACK - MENTAL HOSPITAL Max, with shades on, stares as Isabella is led into the hospital. She looks back with tears in her eyes as the door shuts.

LAURA (O.S.) Want to take it? Max? BACK TO SCENE Max’s face is blank but he nods his head.

MAX Sure.

INT. MENTAL HOSPITAL - BREAK ROOM - LATER A Hispanic ORDERLY is sprawled out in a chair with a stab wound on the throat. A black orderly is halfway slid off of the chair with a knife stuck in his head.

Max looks at the knife in the head. He pulls the knife slowly out but not all the way.

LAURA What do you got?

10.

MAX The width of the knife wound on the throat is about a match to the width of the blade here so it is an obvious guess that our guy killed two orderlies with one knife. Two birds with one stone.

Laura walks over and looks at the knife. She slants her head and rubs it against Max’s cheek.

Max rolls his eyes and pushes her head away with his. She giggles.

He stands up and lightly taps her ass. She quickly stands up with an embarrassed look on his face.

DAY DREAM - EDGE OF BUILDING. Max turns to leave and suddenly sees he’s at the edge of the building. He turns around and the dark figure pushes him.

BACK TO SCENE Max falls back against the table. He is breathing heavily.

Laura’s happy face quickly changes to worry as she runs over to him.

LAURA You okay?

MAX Yeah. A little light-headedness.

EXT. MENTAL HOSPITAL - PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER Max walks outside and takes a deep breath. He looks over and sees ELI, 40, lurking around.

Eli has stubble and his hair stands up like he just got out of bed. He sees Max looking at him.

Eli quickly turns around and walks away.

MAX Hey! Eli takes off running. Max runs after him.

He pulls his phone out.

11.

MAX (CONT’D) (into phone) I got a runner coming to you! He was lurking around the crime scene.

Eli makes it to the street and Doherty tackles him. He is pulling Eli up but Eli quickly grabs Doherty’s gun.

Eli quickly stands behind Doherty with the gun to his neck.

Max stops and quickly draws his gun.

ELI Hold it! I’ll shoot your friend.

MAX He’s not my fucking friend. Tell me why were you here?

ELI I seen things.

MAX You kill those men?

Eli smiles.

ELI I might have. Or I might have seen who did. Now put the gun down or your friend gets it.

MAX First, he’s not my fucking friend.

For all the shit he says about my wife, I’ll give you a freebie to shoot his ass.

DOHERTY What!?

ELI You’re crazy.

MAX Lil bit. Second, let’s talk about what you saw.

Eli moves from behind Doherty.

ELI Ask the rab...

Max quickly draws and shoots the wrist and shoulder of Eli. Doherty elbows Eli in the nose.

12.

Eli falls on the ground, screaming. He grabs the gun with his other hand and Max shoots him three times.

Eli gets shot in the wrist, elbow, and bicep. Doherty kicks him in the face and stomach.

Max pulls Doherty away from him.

MAX Hey, cool it. You want his lawyer to have a field day.

Doherty slaps Max’s hand away and shoves him.

DOHERTY You use me for one of your mind games again, I’ll kill you.

Doherty walks away in a huff, bumping into Laura as he walks by.

LAURA Do I need to ask?

MAX Oh fuck him. (to Eli) Now, what were you saying before I shot you? Ask who?

ELI (painfully) Lawyer.

Max grabs Eli by his shot up right arm. Eli screams.

MAX What I’m helping you up? Ask who?

ELI The rabbit! Ask the rabbit!

MAX Get the fuck out of here.

Max pushes Eli back down hard on the wounded left arm. Eli screams as Max walks away.

ELI (O.S.) Beware the rabbit. It’s turned.

13.

INT. PJ CLARKES - EVENING Max cuts a piece of steak and eats it. A look of euphoria comes over his face.

Isabella smiles as she cuts a piece of baby back ribs and eats it.

MAX Good?

ISABELLA Always the best.

She has some barbecue sauce on her the edge of her lip. He licks his thumb lightly rubs the sauce off.

Max then licks the sauce off of his thumb.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) That was on my face.

MAX What like I haven’t licked something off of you before?

Isabella giggles and her face turns red.

MAX (CONT’D) So how was your day?

ISABELLA Uneventful. How was your day?

MAX Eventful.

ISABELLA What happened? New case?

MAX Yeah. Two orderlies at...well, got killed and I got a potential person of interest.

ISABELLA Really? That quick?

MAX He was lurking around the crime scene. Took Doherty hostage before I talked him down.

14.

ISABELLA That easy?

MAX Well, I actually I had to shoot him in both arms.

Isabella’s curious look fades to worry.

ISABELLA You could’ve been killed.

MAX Comes with the job.

ISABELLA Like I wasn’t worried enough today.

Isabella takes deep breaths and starts rubbing her forehead.

MAX You okay?

ISABELLA Yeah. This is what I was worried about.

MAX You want to get out of here.

Max waves at a waitress.

MAX (CONT’D) Check.

The waitress walks over.

WAITRESS Here you go. And how was the food?

MAX Excellent.

WAITRESS Pay that whenever you can. Have a good day.

MAX You, too.

The waitress walks away. Max nods his head and pulls his wallet out.

15.

ISABELLA Oh that’s so nice.

MAX What is?

ISABELLA You talk to me about changing and let’s have a great dinner but you can’t go two seconds without looking for the next girl to fuck.

Max is stunned.

MAX What the hell are you talking about?

ISABELLA You know what the hell I’m talking about!

Isabella stands up and sweeps the plates off of the table.

People stop and stare.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Hello, please stare at this asshole’s psychotic wife!

Isabella lets out a demented laugh and storms out. Max rubs his face in frustration and slams his hand on the table.

The manager walks up to him.

MANAGER Is there a problem?

MAX No. My wife is having problems. How much?

MANAGER I don’t know where to begin.

Max pulls out his badge.

MAX Pick a limit.

MANAGER Okay. Just leave and not bring her back here until you get her under control.

16.

MAX Fine.

Max walks out.

EXT. CHICAGO - STREET - MOMENTS LATER Max walks slowly up to his dark green Challenger. He looks at his wife sitting there in the passenger seat.

Max paces back and forth by the driver door. He rubs his face and gets in.

INT. CAR - CONTINUOUS Max stares ahead. Isabella looks down at the glove compartment.

ISABELLA Thank you for the free meal.

Max looks over confused.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) I guess being mentally ill has its benefits. Like getting thrown out of restaurants without having to pay.

Isabella’s serious face cracks up in laughter. Max busts up laughing.

MAX Welcome back.

ISABELLA Thank you. Let’s get home so you can welcome me properly.

Max’s face lights up.

MAX Yes, ma’am.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BATHROOM - LATER Max and Isabella are in the shower. He washes her hair and back.

Max opens his mouth and lets water spray into it. Isabella turns to face him and he spits the water at her.

17.

Isabella laughs and does the same back. He wraps his arms around her and starts kissing her passionately as he runs his hands down her body.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Max walks back into the room. Isabella has her arms and legs wrapped around him.

They slowly get on the bed, Max on top of Isabella. She moans with pleasure as he thrusts repeatedly.

FADE TO BLACK. FADE IN: INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING Max lies on the bed. The blankets cover his lower half but his foot sticks out.

He wakes up and looks around.

MAX Iz? INT. MAX’S HOUSE - KITCHEN/DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Isabella, wearing only Max’s button up shirt, cooks eggs. Max walks in, zipping up his pants but he is shirtless and bare foot.

He walks up and kisses her neck. Isabella smiles.

MAX Good morning.

ISABELLA Yes it is. Don’t foxes always go for the rabbit’s necks in attacks?

MAX Yeah. But he’s a predator trying to kill and eat the prey. I’m a predator just trying to make my prey smile.

Max looks around curiously.

MAX (CONT’D) Have you seen my shirt?

18.

Max looks at Isabella.

MAX (CONT’D) Oh there it is.

Isabella smiles and poses with her hand on her hip.

ISABELLA You want me to take it off?

Max rubs his chin and raises his eyebrow. Isabella rolls her eyes.

MAX I’m thinking.

ISABELLA I’m wearing it.

Max rolls his eyes with fake annoyance.

MAX I guess you can wear it. On the condition that it comes off later.

ISABELLA Deal. I made you breakfast.

The cell phone rings from the other room. Max rolls his eyes.

MAX I’ll be right back.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS The cell phone vibrates on the wood of the dresser as it rings. Max answers it.

MAX (into phone) Hello?

There is a slight breathing. Max bites his lip and peeks out the door.

MAX (CONT’D) (into phone) I know this is you.

MISTRESS (V.O.) Hello.

19.

MAX (into phone) Hello. What do you want?

MISTRESS (V.O.) Can I see you?

MAX (into phone) You have information for me?

MISTRESS (V.O.) No. That’s not what I want to see you for.

MAX (into phone) That’s the only reason I’ll see you. Other than that, no.

MISTRESS (V.O.) We were so good together. Why can’t we get that back?

MAX (into phone) It was a moment of fucking weakness. I love my wife and I’m not leaving her. Stop calling me.

It was a small fling and that’s it.

Max slams the phone shut. He is unaware that Isabella is against the wall outside the door, listening.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - KITCHEN/DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max comes in dressed with a black button up shirt and new pants. He sees his plate of food is set up across from Isabella with her plate.

Isabella smiles and holds her hand out to the plate as if she is presenting the food. Max takes the plate and moves a chair and sits closer to her.

Isabella smiles as Max kisses her on the cheek.

MAX Thank you. It looks and smells great. As do you.

Max starts eating. Isabella stares at him attentively.

20.

ISABELLA So who called?

Max coughs as he swallows some eggs.

MAX It was the past calling.

ISABELLA And? MAX I told it to fuck itself cause the my present and future matter more.

Isabella smiles and hugs Max. Max takes a piece of egg and holds it between his teeth.

He rocks it up and down like a snake tongue. Isabella purses her lips and Max bounces his eyebrows.

Isabella eats the egg and kisses Max passionately at the same time. Max taps his fingers as he runs his hand up Isabella’s thigh.

MAX (CONT’D) Itsy bitsy spider, went up the water spout.

There is a car horn beep outside.

MAX (CONT’D) Down came the...

Max sighs.

MAX (CONT’D) Penis. God damn it.

He and Isabella turn to look at the sound. His head drops.

MAX (CONT’D) I can call off?

ISABELLA No. Go to work. I have a special night planned for you when you get home.

MAX Oh I can’t wait.

Max stands up and is about to walk out but turns back.

21.

MAX (CONT’D) Is clothing optional?

ISABELLA Well, this shirt is all I’m required to wear but no clothing required for you.

Max smiles.

MAX I’m looking forward to it.

EXT. MAX’S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER Max jogs out to Laura’s car. Isabella peeks out the curtains of the window and blows a kiss to him.

Max blows a kiss back and gets in the car.

INT. LAURA’S CAR - CONTINUOUS Laura stares at an extremely happy Max. LAURA So we have a good night?

MAX Yeah. Evening, night, and morning.

LAURA I can see that. Blowing kisses to each other and the fact she’s wearing your shirt.

MAX Yeah. We had a great night. So to the office or is there a scene of a crime?

LAURA Scene of crime. Got the call on the way here.

Max lets out a annoyed sigh and makes a fart sound with his lips.

MAX At least, I have a great night ahead of me.

Laura looks disappointed but Max does not notice.

22.

LAURA Good for you.

EXT. MAX’S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS The car pulls out and takes off.

EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS The car passes by a black car. The black car starts and drive up to Max’s house and parks.

The driver door opens and a steel toe boot clad foot steps out.

INT. LAURA’S CAR - SAME TIME Max look out the window. His cell phone keeps ringing.

Max looks at the caller ID and hits ignore.

LAURA You didn’t need to get that?

MAX Nope.

The phone rings again. Max angrily hits ignore.

LAURA Do I need to ask?

MAX It’s something you warned me about yesterday before those nitwits had to interrupt.

LAURA Oh geez. I thought you said it ended well.

MAX I was okay with it. She wasn’t.

The phone rings again.

MAX (CONT’D) Jesus Christ. She doesn’t know when to let up.

23.

LAURA Have you talked to her?

MAX Yeah. Dumb bitch called this morning and talking about getting our relationship back. We didn’t have a relationship. It was just a sex fling and that was it. I told her I love Isabella and to leave me alone.

EXT. CRYSTAL STREET - LATER The car stops behind some crime scene tape. Laura and Max get out.

She lifts the tape and walks through. He is about to step through but his phone rings.

MAX (into phone) (annoyed) Yes. ISABELLA (V.O.) You okay?

MAX (into phone) Oh. Yeah. Now that I’m hearing you.

Police work.

ISABELLA (V.O.) Well don’t get too stressed. You’ll go insane.

MAX (into phone) Ha ha.

Isabella giggles.

ISABELLA (V.O.) Can I paint a mural on the living room wall? Something I’ve wanted to do since I got back.

MAX (into phone) Baby, you can paint the house if you want to.

24.

ISABELLA (V.O.) Yeah. Aren’t you supposed to do that?

MAX (into phone) Damn, it was worth a try. I have to go bust a killer.

Isabella giggles.

ISABELLA (V.O.) Okay. Love you.

MAX (into phone) Love you, too.

Max hangs up the phone. Laura walks over.

LAURA And I love you...to investigate.

Max walks under the crime scene tape. People stand on the street like curious onlookers.

Max walks by a group of expensive dressed people. Two of whom are PEGGY, 22, and FILIPPO, 34.

Peggy is wearing a short black dress and her hair is pulled up into a bun. She texts on her phone, not even interested in the dead body nearby.

Filippo is lightly tanned Italian with short slicked back hair. He has light stubble and his shirt is unbuttoned at the top to show off some of his chest.

Filippo makes eye contact with Max. The two stare at one another until Max accidently bumps into a black Escalade.

PEGGY Hey, watch it cop. You know how expensive that car is?

MAX No, tell me.

PEGGY More than your house.

MAX My house is pretty expensive so I doubt it.

25.

Peggy scoffs and texts angrily. Max looks over his shoulder with a smirk.

He glances at the tires of the Escalade and continues walking to the dead body. A beautiful dark haired girl who’s face is beat up and bloody.

There is bruising on the chest and the wrist and leg is broken. Max kneels down to examine.

MAX (CONT’D) Cause of death?

LAURA It’s obvious. Trauma caused by car running over her.

Max looks at the face and neck some more. He looks at the clothes and notices a tread mark.

MAX We got a tread.

Max and Laura look at it.

LAURA Let me get forensics.

MAX Wait.

Max looks at the tread and looks over his shoulder at the Escalade. He stands up and happily walks up to the Escalade.

Peggy and Filippo run up to confront him.

PEGGY What do you think you are doing?

MAX I’m looking at the tires.

FILIPPO You need a warrant for that. We have a good lawyer.

MAX You don’t need a warrant to just look. And we’re on a public street so I can look at whatever I like.

Plus, your tire tread looks strangely familiar. Kinda like the tread that is across that girl’s face. Now that is probable cause.

26.

Max uses his arms to push them both aside. He runs his hand on each tire.

At the front driver side, his glove has blood on it. He smiles brightly.

MAX (CONT’D) New tire cleaner?

PEGGY I want my lawyer.

MAX That’s all you had to say. Book em, Danno.

Laura pulls out her handcuff and rolls her eyes at Max. As she is cuffing Peggy, Filippo is trying get in between Peggy and Laura.

LAURA Back off!

She pushes Filippo away. Laura gets the cuffs on Peggy and starts to lead her towards the car.

Filippo grabs Laura by the hair. She groans in pain.

Max walks over and punches Filippo in the nose, causing it to bleed. Filippo cradles his nose, crying and cursing in Italian.

MAX Man, that’s gotta hurt. Just hold your head up and don’t cry.

Max walks away laughing.

FILIPPO You’ll pay dearly for this.

Max flips him off.

MAX I’ve heard it before.

He walks up to the car. Peggy is already shrieking and crying in the back.

MAX (CONT’D) God, I think I’ll walk.

His cell phone rings. Max looks at it with a look of anger.

27.

Max sighs and answers.

MAX (CONT’D) (into phone) Stop fucking calling me. I’m serious.

MISTRESS (V.O.) We need to talk. About our future.

MAX (into phone) We don’t have any future.

MISTRESS (V.O.) I’m serious. We need to discuss things. It’s a matter of life and death.

MAX (into phone) You’re right. It is. Because I will kill you if you call me again.

Max angrily hangs up the phone.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - AFTERNOON Max walks up to his desk. Nearby are Doherty and McCormick sitting on each side of their desk.

Max looks up and gives a half assed salute.

MAX Gentlemen. And Doherty and McCormick.

MCCORMICK Hello, Maxwell.

Max rolls his eyes.

MAX I hate it when people say that.

Even my wife doesn’t call me that.

DOHERTY Well, she doesn’t call you anything when she is staring out of the beyond of the padded room.

28.

MAX You keep running that mouth and I’ll grab by you those strands of hair you still have and break your nose.

Doherty and McCormick act scared.

MCCORMICK So Columbo? How did you solve that case that fast?

MAX I’m just that good.

DOHERTY It seems too easy for a young shit like you to be that good.

MAX I don’t like jealousy. If Sherlock Holmes, BBC or CBS version, had a problem with my crime solving, I’d talk it out with him because he’s a great detective. You two, well, that’s a waste.

MCCORMICK You know what? Leave crime solving to great detectives.

DOHERTY Yeah.

MAX Okay. Let me know when they show up.

McCormick and Doherty start to fume. Max walks over, slicking his hair back.

He squints one eye and hunches over.

MAX (CONT’D) (Columbo voice) There’s just one more thing. Fuck you.

Doherty gets in Max’s face.

CAPTAIN (O.S.) What’s going on out here.

29.

The two turn to see the Captain, 53, standing by his office door with his arms folded. He wears a short sleeved dress shirt that show off his muscular forearms.

He has curly but slicked back orange and red hair.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) Detective in my office.

Doherty and Max start walking toward the office.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) Not you, Doherty. Max. Doherty storms back to my desk.

MAX Hey, Doherty? Rain check?

Max follows the Captain into the office.

INT. POLICE STATION - CAPTAIN’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS Max walks in and stands by the desk. The Captain sits down.

CAPTAIN Take a seat.

Blinds are on each window and are open. Cops walk by and peek in.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) Get out of here, will ya. What the fuck you think this is? High school?

There are commendations on the wall. On the desk, there are pictures that include the Captain and his family and him with a swordfish he caught.

MAX If this is about what happened out there, I’m sorry. That little weasel just keeps pushing my buttons.

CAPTAIN It’s not about him. Honest to god, you’re a better detective than he is anyway. Don’t tell him I said that.

The two chuckle.

30.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) So how you doing?

MAX Good.

CAPTAIN Wife?

MAX She’s good.

CAPTAIN So, wow on the case break in two minutes.

MAX I always have an eye for detail.

CAPTAIN You seen the tread and recognized it?

MAX It wasn’t hard. I just seen the tread a second ago. It was just a hunch that paid off.

CAPTAIN I am a bit concerned about the punching incident.

MAX Why? He attacked a fellow detective and I stepped in and subdued him.

CAPTAIN His nose is broken.

MAX He’s still subdued.

CAPTAIN Any idea who his lawyer is?

MAX No. CAPTAIN Christina Flanery.

31.

MAX Figures. Every guy I arrest she takes on. Out to prove some point against me.

CAPTAIN Just pray that the punching incident won’t hurt the case.

MAX Why would it? I punched a guy trying to obstruct justice. I didn’t punch the girl. Even though it would have been a good idea after hearing her ball in the car.

CAPTAIN Whatever you say. Remember you are the better detective.

MAX Better than you?

CAPTAIN Don’t push it.

Max stands up and grabs the door knob.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) Wait. The station has been getting a lot of calls.

MAX About?

CAPTAIN Some hysterical CI? MAX Jesus. She calls the station. It’s nothing. I’m taking care of it.

Max rolls his eyes and leaves the office.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME TIME Isabella still wears the dress shirt but she has a black bra and underwear on. She has small cans of paint next to her.

Isabella starts painting until she hears the floor creak. She turns around and sees a billhook being swung at her.

32.

Isabella screams and puts her hands up in defense but the billhook cuts off the tips of the fore and middle finger of her right hand.

INT. POLICE STATION - STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS Max lightly jogs up the stairs. His phone rings.

Max lets out a long annoyed breath. He answers.

MAX (into phone) Hello?

MISTRESS (V.O.) I still love you.

MAX (into phone) You’re calling my work now? I told you to stop this.

MISTRESS (V.O.) I lost a part of me when you left.

Max rolls his eyes and laughs with frustration.

MISTRESS (V.O.) Now you’ll learn about loss.

There is the sounds of screaming in the background before the call disconnects. Max stares at the phone for a second with a look of recognition.

He quickly pulls out his cell phone and dials.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - MOMENTS LATER Max walks up to his desk and quickly grabs his coat. The Captain talks with McCormick and Doherty nearby.

MAX Cap, you send that squad to the house?

CAPTAIN Already done. Waiting for a response.

MAX I’m heading over there now.

33.

LAURA Everything okay?

MAX Yeah. She called again. Before hanging up, she said I’ll learn about loss and then there was a scream and I swear it sounded like Izzy.

Before Laura responds, a uniformed cop, MADSEN, runs in.

MADSEN We got a homicide.

Max looks over his shoulder at Doherty and McCormick.

MAX Give it to the great mouse detectives. I have an emergency.

MADSEN Sir, it’s at your house.

Max’s smiles fades to fright. He runs out of the detective pool.

CAPTAIN Everyone over there now!

Laura, Doherty, the Captain, and McCormick follow.

EXT. MAX’S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER Max, in a squad car, drives through crime scene tape and crashes into another squad car. He runs toward the door.

Two cars stop behind the police cruiser Max drove. The Captain and Laura get out of one.

Doherty and McCormick get out of the other one.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Uniformed cops and forensic guy in jump suits try to stop Max but he pushes them out of the way. He trips over a forensics guy kneeling down to collect samples.

Max hits the ground with a thud. As he rolls over, his face squirming from the pain of the fall, he sees Isabella’s ravaged body.

34.

Isabella is still wearing the button up shirt but the front has blood all over it. The shirt is ripped open and the bra is gone.

Isabella’s body is decapitated. The head is gone and the neck wound where the head used to be is cauterized.

There is severe bruising on the left knee. The top tips of her right fore and middle finger are cut off perfectly.

There is a loop ended nail jammed into the fingernail of her left forefinger. On the counter is a strand of black hair and four front teeth covered in blood.

There is a note.

INSERT - NOTE THE HEAD WAS TOO PRETTY TO PASS UP SO I LEFT YOU SOME TOTEMS. TOOK THE BRA TO. THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ENJOY HER TITS A MOMENT LONGER. -Your New Friend BACK TO SCENE Max crawls toward her body and collapses to his knees. He rests his head on her stomach and cries.

Laura wipes a tear from her eye when she notices two white irises painted on the wall.

EXT. CEMETERY - ISABELLA’S GRAVE - A WEEK LATER - DAY Max, wearing his police dress uniform and sunglasses, stands at the front of the casket. He stares at the casket.

Other mourners are Laura and the Captain. They walk away from the casket but Max stays.

Laura lightly grabs Max’s arm.

MAX Just a few more minutes. I owe her that. I don’t want to leave her again.

She nods in agreement and walks away. Max rubs his eyes and looks up a hill and sees a figure watching him.

He squints his eyes to get a better look but the figure walks out of sight.

35.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Max has cleaning products against the wall. He is scrubbing the blood stain on the floor.

MONTAGE -Isabella, holding Max’s phone, screams at Max. She shows him a text message.

MAX You’re overreacting!

ISABELLA Am I! She’s talking about having a wonderful night.

MAX So what? Like you’re not oogling the jogger running by here every day. How do I know you two aren’t having wonderful days when I’m at work, huh! And you shouldn’t be throwing blame around, frigid!

-Max starts scrubbing the blood stain with more ferocity.

-Isabella pulls out a knife and slashes at him and starts to cut her wrist.

-Max starts pounding the blood stain.

-Isabella is crying as she is dragged into the hospital. Max leans against his car.

MAX (CONT’D) This is for your own good, honey.

ISABELLA Max, please.

-Max stands up and kicks the cleaning products across the floor.

-Isabella getting electro shock therapy.

-Max starts punching the walls, denting them in.

-Isabella crying as the orderlies, the ones murdered earlier, show her dead rabbit babies. She cries until Max throws one against the window and punches the other.

-Isabella’s dead body

36.

BACK TO SCENE Max falls against the wall and slides down to the ground. He cries into his hand.

MAX (tearfully) I’m sorry.

Max backhands the wall and stares ahead. His eyes are red but his gaze is emotionless.

Max stands up and walks out.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Max opens a drawers. He moves a cigar box and some watches aside to reveal a switchblade that has a white ivory handle with a black dragon.

INT. POLICE STATION - CAPTAIN’S OFFICE - NEXT DAY Max bursts into the Captain’s office. The Captain is on the phone but is startled by Max’s entry.

MAX Where are we?

CAPTAIN I told you to take a few weeks off.

MAX I can’t. I need my job.

CAPTAIN You’re grieving. I’m worried about your mental state right now.

MAX My mental state is worse staying at home than out combing the city for the soon to be dead son of a bitch.

CAPTAIN Listen. We all feel for you but we’re not going to stand by and let you go on a killing spree through every deviant in the city.

MAX I might get lucky.

37.

CAPTAIN No. Laura and myself are on it. If we capture him or her, we will make sure he or she pays by the book.

MAX That’s if he or she don’t get super cunt Flanery to represent them.

Please keep me informed.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - MOMENTS LATER Max walks purposefully to the desk. Laura is on the phone.

MAX You got anything?

Laura looks up at Max and then hangs up.

LAURA The Captain wants you to stay out of it.

MAX You honestly think I will.

LAURA I know you won’t but you kill him and he wins.

Max rubs his face out of frustration. Laura stands up and puts her hands on Max’s shoulders.

Max just stares at his desk.

LAURA (CONT’D) We will get him and he’ll pay for what he’s done. But he’ll have to pay the right way.

He turns and walks away. She rubs her forehead with frustration.

Laura’s phone rings.

LAURA (CONT’D) (into phone) What do you want? You’re certain.

But that’s from a different case.

And he had a new head with him.

Laura quickly writes something down on her notepad and rips it off. She runs into the Captain’s office.

38.

Max appears and scribbles on the notepad until faded writing appears. He quickly walks away.

Laura walks back and grabs her phone. She is about to walk away when she glances back and sees the notepad.

LAURA (CONT’D) Oh shit.

INT. CHICAGO - ALLEY - LATER The CI stands against the wall next to the dumpster, biting his dirty nails. His teeth are yellowish.

The CI’s hair is down to his neck but the hairline recedes.

Max walk up to him.

CI Hello? And who might you be?

MAX What information you have?

CI Where’s Laura?

MAX Don’t worry about it. Worry about you giving me the right information. Now you say there’s a guy taking women’s heads as trophies. It wasn’t my case so I didn’t pay attention. But no my wife was killed under similar circumstances so it has my attention.

CI I may have some facts about a sick, rich individual who has an obsession with decapitating women and keeping the trophies.

MAX Who is this individual?

CI Well I can tell you...for a price.

MAX How about four pints?

39.

CI I don’t drink.

MAX I meant blood.

Max pulls out the switchblade and holds it to the CI’s throat.

CI What are you doing!?

MAX Let’s play a little game of left to right. Or right to left. How about both?

Max’s eye twitches. The CI starts to cry.

CI Okay. Okay! He had a new head with him. It looked like black hair.

MAX Name!

CI He’s at some apartment a few blocks from here. He’s some Italian guy.

Some rich model type. Phillip or flippy.

Max’s face reddens with anger.

MAX Filippo?

CI Yeah.

INT. APARTMENT - FILIPPO’S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER Filippo, with a cast on his nose, wipes a skull with a wash cloth. He is meticulous in cleaning it.

Filippo blows a breath on it. He lines it up neatly next to four other skulls.

There are the sounds of sirens that get louder. Filippo runs to the window and sees cop cars stopping around the building.

He runs to the other window and opens it.

40.

EXT. APARTMENT - FIRE ESCAPE - MOMENTS LATER Filippo grabs a bag from inside and pulls it out.

MAX (O.S.) Hey. He looks up and Max kicks him in the face. Max grabs Filippo and throws him over the rail.

EXT. APARTMENT - ALLEY - MOMENTS LATER Filippo lands in a pile of garbage bags and rolls out of it.

He stands up slowly.

Max lands in the garbage and quickly kicks Filippo’s knee, sweeping him on his back. He grabs Filippo by his hair and forcefully stands him up.

MAX Remember me?

FILIPPO You. MAX You told me I was going to pay dearly for this. I could have accepted that but decapitating my wife. You just crossed the line and you didn’t blink.

FILIPPO What are...

Max squeezes Filippo’s broken nose. Filippo screams in agony.

Max follows up with a knee to the groin. He then knees Filippo in the face.

MAX Let see how beautiful you are after I’m done with you.

Filippo holds his hands up.

FILIPPO Please. What did I do?

MAX You decapitated girls and you tortured my wife to death before killing her.

41.

FILIPPO I admit I’m sick. I have a sickness and I need to indulge it. But I did not hurt your wife. I didn’t know your wife. They’re all just skulls.

MAX My wife is more than a skull!

FILIPPO I didn’t hurt your wife.

MAX Where’s her head?

FILIPPO I can’t wait to my lawyer hears about this.

Max punches Filippo in the stomach and grabs him by the throat. He then slams Filippo against the wall and holds him there.

Max pulls out the switchblade.

MAX (mock Italian voice) You like skulls? I like eyeballs.

Max twirls the point of the blade by Filippo’s eye. Filippo’s face shakes.

Max backs up and throws it into Filippo’s shoe.

FILIPPO That nearly hit my toes.

MAX My wife’s head?

FILIPPO I don’t know what you are talking about or which one you mean?

MAX You like to play games? I have a great game.

Max pulls out a back up revolver. He empties out the rounds.

Max picks up one bullet and puts the bullet in. He spins the cylinder and slams it in.

42.

MAX (CONT’D) I like Russian roulette. You know how to play this?

A cheerful smile comes over Max’s face.

MAX Now the rules jail and I’ll dead and I’ll

(CONT’D) are you’re going to be dead. Or you’ll be be satisfied.

Max’s eye twitches. He puts the gun against Filippo’s face.

FILIPPO What are you doing?

MAX I like to ask six questions but one of us might not live to see all of them asked. Now, I asked you a question. I want the honest answer.

Max rubs Filippo’s cheek with the barrel of the gun. He then puts the barrel up to his eyelid.

MAX (CONT’D) Pretty eyes. I wouldn’t want to lose them. Now, honest answer.

FILIPPO My lawyer...

CLICK. Filippo lets out a little scream. He starts breathing heavily.

FILIPPO (CONT’D) You’re crazy.

MAX Little bit. Getting crazier.

Max puts the gun to his head.

MAX (CONT’D) Now here’s your chance. You want me to pay dearly?

Filippo’s eyes fill up with tears.

FILIPPO (crying) Please. I didn’t touch your wife.

(MORE)

43.

FILIPPO (CONT'D) I killed those other girls but I don’t even know where you live.

CLICK. Max has a look of disappointment.

MAX Your turn.

The gun is put up to the bridge of the nose. Filippo’s eyes go cross eyed looking at the gun.

FILIPPO Please. I never hurt your wife.

Isabel was her name?

CLICK. Filippo’s body twitches. A stain starts to form on his pants.

Max looks at the stain.

MAX You are really scared. Why can’t you answer my question?

Max starts dancing around, giggling.

MAX (CONT’D) We’re in the bonus round. You were seen with a black haired head.

FILIPPO That was given to me. Iris. Irises.

Max has a look of familiarity but shakes it off.

MAX You seriously love gambling with our lives.

Max opens his mouth and puts the gun barrel up it. He cocks the hammer back and winks.

Laura turns into alley with her gun drawn. She has a look of fright as she runs up to Max. LAURA No! Max screams as he pulls the trigger. Laura knocks the gun out of Max’s mouth.

44.

The gun fires, knicking Max’s ear. Filippo slides down the wall, crying.

Doherty and McCormick run over and handcuff a hysterical Filippo.

FILIPPO I’m so sorry. Please I’m sorry. He tried to fucking kill me!

The two detectives drag Filippo away but they stare at Max. Max kneels down and looks up at the sky with amazement.

LAURA What the fuck do you think you are doing!

Max stares at Laura with confusion because he cannot hear her over his ears ringing. The ringing stops.

MAX What are you doing here?

LAURA My CI told us after nearly having a heart attack because someone threatened to slit his throat. But forget that, you almost killed him.

You almost killed yourself. What the hell happened?

Everything starts spinning. Max stands up and stumbles a bit.

LAURA (CONT’D) Max? Max looks up and at her. He laughs.

Max walks forward and faints.

LAURA (O.S.) (CONT’D) Max! Max falls unconscious.

DREAM SEQUENCE - INT. LIVING ROOM Max sits at the coffee table in his living room. He cleans his gun and drinks a glass of vodka.

Max’s eyes are reddened by tears.

Suddenly, the television turns on.

45.

Max looks around in confusion. On the television, a scene from the movie Freaks plays where the circus freaks crawl after the female antagonist with knives in their mouths.

He shakes his head and turns the television off. It turns back on.

Max keeps turning the television off but it keeps coming back on. He tries changing the channels but every channel is the same thing.

Max stands up and kicks the television over, breaking it. He walks back to the table.

Max reaches for the gun but it falls off the table and slides under it. He gets on his hands and knees and grabs the gun.

Max looks up and two circus dwarves crawl toward him with knives in their mouth. He quickly jumps up and loads a clip into the gun and aims at the floor.

Max starts laughing and rubs his head. He tosses the gun on the couch and starts rubbing his neck.

Max looks up.

Suddenly, a chainsaw cuts through the ceiling.

It saws a circle and the circle falls to the floor, revealing a fire pole attached to it. Evil SWAT slide down the pole.

They all wear black tactical gear, helmets, red eye goggles, and steel skull masks on their mouths. Max runs to the front door.

The front door is broken to pieces as more SWAT guys burst through it. He then runs down a hallway with several windows and SWAT guys rappel through them.

Max looks around frantically and sees the gun on the couch.

He runs back to the couch, dodging the hands of SWAT guys trying to grab him.

Max grabs the gun and aims it at the SWAT guys creeping toward him with their arms outstretched. He pulls the trigger and the gun squirts water.

Max sees the gun has turned into a bright colored squirt gun.

He looks up at the fire pole and starts climbing it.

Max gets near the top when water runs down the pipe, causing him to slide back down. The SWAT guys all grab him and pounce on him.

46.

Max sinks into a quicksand of black clad bodies.

DREAM SEQUENCE CONT. - NIGHTMARE HOSPITAL Max wakes up on a queen sized bed in a dark room. He lies back and rubs his face.

Max’s attention is drawn to his wrist. He is wearing a mental hospital patient tag on his wrist.

The doors bursts open, revealing a light filled doorway.

Three silhouettes, two men and a women, appear in the light filled doorway.

They run up to the bed. Their faces appear in a faint light, revealing Laura, in a hospital nurse dress, and Doherty and McCormick, wearing white scrubs, all wearing a demonic clown make up.

Max tries to sit up but Laura pushes him back down. Doherty and McCormick forcefully slams Max’s arms down and strap his wrists.

Laura then straps his ankles.

LAURA (joyful) Get ready for a killer ride. Time to see the doctor.

The bed moves by itself through the door. It speeds down the hallway faster than usual.

Max looks at the cells as he speeds by. All the patients pound on the door.

Patients are all dressed up like classic serial killers like Dahmer, Bundy, and Gacy. They all chant.

PATIENTS Gooble Goble. Gooble Goble. We will make you one of us.

The bed is pushed into a pitched black room.

DREAM SEQUENCE CONT.- DOCTOR’S LAIR MAX (O.S.) (frantic) Hello. Who’s there!? What the hell is going on?

There is the sound of Max groaning in the darkness.

47.

MAX (O.S.) (CONT’D) What is wrong with my eyes?

When the lights turn on, Max is restrained to a chair that is sealed to the floor. He has metal clamps that hold his eyes open.

There is razor wire wrapped around his wrists. A small light turns on in front of him to reveal the silhouette of the DOCTOR. MAX (CONT’D) Who are you?

DOCTOR Hello, Maxwell. How are you feeling?

MAX (sarcastic) Well, not too fucking good. Who are you!

DOCTOR I’m going to try something and see your mental reaction to it. Do I have your consent?

MAX No! DOCTOR Well, that’s not your decision to make anymore.

The Doctor yanks a lever. The floor under the chair is revealed to be a revolving floor.

Max screams as the chair is flipped upside down. He is in darkness until lights slowly turn on, revealing Max is hanging upside down at the top of a elevator shaft.

Max screams as he sees the drop. The floor is revolved back.

DOCTOR (CONT’D) Well, I see fear of heights still afflicts you.

MAX Who are you? Why are you doing this!

48.

DOCTOR I’m the doctor. I’m here to make sure you’re mind can be strong or I can break it. What is it you fear the most? Besides going crazy which you are already experiencing.

MAX My wife.

DOCTOR Is her welfare the biggest fear?

MAX No. DOCTOR Then what is?

MAX That she would be hurt.

DOCTOR No. There’s something else, isn’t there?

MAX I don’t know what you’re talking about.

The doctor pulls a lever. The wires get tighter and cut into Max’s wrists.

The clamps get tighter on his eyes. Max’s face cringes.

DOCTOR You can’t lie to me, Maxwell. You can’t hide from yourself.

MAX What do you mean myself?

DOCTOR What is your worst fear? The fear you’ve had for a while. The one fear you’re afraid to tell everyone about.

Max takes a deep breath. The doctor shakes his head and pulls the lever.

Max’s face moans.

49.

DOCTOR (CONT’D) The pain and agony will just get worse.

MAX I was afraid...

DOCTOR Yes? MAX I was afraid that even if my wife was safe, she would eventually hurt me.

DOCTOR You experienced both those fears?

MAX Yes. DOCTOR Now, visualize it.

On the screen, Isabella lies on her back, crying and pleading. Max’s face contorts with anger.

A billhook is driven down into her throat.

MAX No! Max’s eyes water and a tear with slight trace of blood comes out of his eye.

DOCTOR You’re session is over. You may go.

And remember. Fear kills us all.

Max’s chair is driven into a doorway, bathed in white light.

DREAM SEQUENCE CONT. - EXIT Max, wearing a white shirt and pajama pants, stands on a horizontal escalator. There is a MAN, 70, with a suit at the end of it.

The man is the EXIT MAN. He wears a suit with a derby and speaks with a British accent.

EXIT MAN Hello.

50.

MAX Hello.

EXIT MAN Coming or going?

MAX Going.

EXIT MAN Here’s the exit.

The Exit Man points down a hallway. Max slowly walks down the hallway.

There is bright light at the end of it. He looks back at the Exit Man who just waves him to keep going.

Max walks to the bright light and sees that he is at the edge of a hole in a building. He quickly turns around and sees a figure shrouded in darkness walking up to him.

The figure comes into the light and it is Isabella. Her face is pale and zombie like and there is a nasty scar around her neck.

Isabella still has the nail in her left fore finger and the top tips of her right fore and middle finger are gone. She smiles and shoves Max off the edge.

Max screams as he falls to the pavement. Before he hits the ground.

INT. MENTAL HOSPITAL - MAX’S ROOM - SAME TIME Max, in the corner wearing a straight jacket, sits up screaming. He looks around in confusion and is startled when he sees the Doctor and the Exit Man peeking through the window.

DOCTOR How are you today, Maxwell?

MAX I don’t know.

The viewing slot is closed.

51.

INT. MENTAL HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER The Doctor, 46, is a kind looking man wearing a suit with lab coat. He shakes his head disapprovingly as he writes on a clipboard.

The Exit Man, wearing the same attire, walks along side.

DOCTOR It’s sad.

EXIT MAN What is?

DOCTOR I just treated his wife and now I have to treat him.

EXT. MENTAL HOSPITAL - GATE - 10 MONTHS LATER Max walks up to the gate. It buzzes and squeals as it slides opens.

Max’s hair is unkempt and he has grown a beard.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - NEXT DAY Max, now with his hair short and clean shaven, walks through the office. Cops stop and stare at him as he walks by.

Doherty and McCormick stand by their desks with their arms folded, watching. Max gives a slight nod to them.

Laura walks in front of Max and gives him a hug. He stands there confused for a second but reciprocates the hug.

The Captain’s door opens. He gives a nervous smile and waves Max over.

INT. POLICE STATION - CAPTAIN’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS Max sits down. The Captain stares at him for a second but then rubs his nose and opens his drawer.

He hands Max his badge and gun.

CAPTAIN The gun is only allowed on you when you’re in the station or on case with Laura. You are not going to be alone with that.

52.

MAX That’s fine. I wouldn’t trust myself with it either.

CAPTAIN You’re cleared to back on duty but you’re working under Laura. You are going to attend all the mandated counseling and keep up with your medication. You don’t do that, then you’re not a cop and you’re back in the hospital.

MAX And I thought you had some bad news.

Max has a mischievous grin. The Captain laughs.

CAPTAIN I’m glad to see you didn’t lose your sense of humor.

Max takes the badge and gun and heads to the door.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) Well, I actually do have some bad news. The crime scene perv, the model demolition derby expert, and that Italian headhunter fuck are all on the streets.

Max quickly turns around.

MAX What?

CAPTAIN And that Italian asshole sued the state and got a nice house by the lake, a sports car, and some arsenal of medieval weaponry supposedly used by Joan of Arc or some girl like that.

Max punches the door.

MAX Christina.

CAPTAIN One and the same. I’ve always been curious to ask, why does she have such a hard on for you?

53.

MAX It could be many things. I’m a cop, she’s a lawyer. I’m aggressive with suspects. I used to date her.

CAPTAIN Date her? Seriously. Don’t tell me you cheated on her, too.

MAX No. The first girl I never cheated on.

CAPTAIN And the next girl you cheated on?

Max’s happy expression fades.

MAX Yeah.

CAPTAIN Oh, Jesus. I’m sorry.

CHRISTINA, 28, bursts into the office. She has hazel hair that is pulled tight into a bun.

Christina also wears a charcoal gray pants suit. She turns and is startled by Max. CHRISTINA What is he doing here?

CAPTAIN He’s been cleared for duty.

CHRISTINA Oh really. Let I remind you that he screwed up on those cases before because of his problem. I’m personally keeping an eye on all cases he works on to make sure that he doesn’t have a problem again.

MAX For your information, it’s not hard for one to have a problem like that, especially, when they seen the beaten and decapitated corpse of their wife.

CHRISTINA You mean the stupid bitch you left me for.

54.

The Captain’s eyes are wide open.

MAX Now. She was the stupid bitch I went out with more than six months after you and I broke up.

CHRISTINA It doesn’t matter. I told you that I would make you pay dearly...

The voice goes silent and all Max can see is her mouth moving. Max’s face contorts from pain.

When the pain stops, Christina has an evil grin.

CHRISTINA (CONT’D) What do you think of that?

MAX I’m sorry, what?

Christina opens the door and walks out.

CHRISTINA Hey, Captain. One slip up and he’s actually going to a real jail where he belongs and you’ll be out of a job.

MAX Hey, Christina. The truth is, I didn’t leave you for another woman.

I left you because you’re just a pain in the ass.

Christina scoffs and walks by detectives that stare at her.

MAX (CONT’D) Hey, Christina! I’m grieving. Sex is not the right thing for me right now but I appreciate you offering right in front of the Captain. He appreciates you offering him, too, when I said no.

Christina stomps and keeps walking by grinning detectives.

CHRISTINA What are you laughing at!

Max looks over at the grinning Captain and winks.

55.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - CONTINUOUS Max walks back to his desk to whistles and cat calls. He sits and lightly smacks the desk.

MAX Damn it.

LAURA Are you okay?

MAX Yeah. I’m a little pissed. What I can’t hit my desk in frustration anymore?

LAURA Well, it’s good to see you’re back.

What was that bullshit about?

MAX Just that fuckhead Flanery getting off all my suspects that I arrested before the hospital.

LAURA Even that asshole who took Doherty hostage?

MAX Him, too.

LAURA Don’t worry, he’ll lurk around again.

MAX And when that time comes, I’ll blow his head off.

A janitor walks by pushing his cart. The tires squeal as they move.

His face is not shown as his body is hunched and face is looking the other way. It is TWO IRISES in disguise.

LAURA You hear your roulette partner sued for a new house and car.

MAX And female weaponry.

Max flaps his hands like wings.

56.

LAURA I’m surprised that Peggy bitch didn’t sue.

MAX She probably will. I like nothing better than to break her face.

The two smile. Max looks around in boredom.

LAURA You have a place to stay. My place is open if you need it.

Laura gently rubs Max’s hand.

MAX I’d like that but honestly I just want to go home.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Max drinks and stares at the floor.

EXT. LOVER’S LANE - MIDNIGHT A blue Cadillac sits on top of a steep hill. The skyline of Chicago is beautifully lit up.

The windows are fogged up and there is giggling inside. POV moves toward the car.

The sound of gravel scrapes as it gets closer to the car.

INT. CADILLAC - CONTINUOUS Eli is on top of his GIRLFRIEND. He is kissing her neck and chest and her face is euphoric.

Black ears rise up by the window. The ears belong to a black rabbit mask that comes into view.

The mask belongs to Two Irises who is also wearing a black overcoat. Steam shoots out of the mouthpiece of the mask as he/she lets out a breath and slowly ducks back down.

Girlfriend sees the ears as they lower down.

GIRLFRIEND Stop. Stop.

57.

ELI What’s the matter?

GIRLFRIEND I just saw something out there.

ELI Would you relax? There’s nothing out here. It’s midnight. Plus it’s a lover’s lane spot so maybe someone else came out here for fun.

GIRLFRIEND I’m just scared. I want to go.

ELI Seriously? I just got out of jail and I can’t get even get some.

GIRLFRIEND I wasn’t the one messing around by a crime scene.

ELI I tried to tell them what I saw and they accuse me. I had a rough ten months.

GIRLFRIEND Let’s go back to my place. Warm apartment, warm bed.

Eli has mischievous grin.

ELI Yeah?

GIRLFRIEND Yeah.

ELI Let’s go.

Eli goes to start the car but it won’t start. He keeps cranking the ignition.

Eli hits the steering wheel.

ELI (CONT’D) Shit.

GIRLFRIEND Pop the hood. I’ll take a look.

58.

ELI What?

GIRLFRIEND I’m a mechanic, remember. I’ll take a look. Just keep a lookout.

Eli rolls his eyes and gets out.

EXT. LOVER’S LANE - CONTINUOUS The girlfriend rubs her arms as she looks around nervously.

ELI Will you come on before I get blue balls? There’s nothing out here.

Eli looks around and sees nothing. There is some rustling in the trees.

He gives a slight glance but waves it off. Eli sits back in the car.

The girlfriend looks at stuff with the engine.

ELI (O.S.) (CONT’D) Be careful of the lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my.

A double barrel shotgun hits the hood and slides to the windshield. Eli peers over the steering wheel.

Two Irises jumps down from the tree and lands on the hood, slamming it shut on the girlfriend’s hands. She screams in agony.

Eli falls back and presses himself against the seat in fright. Two Irises quickly grabs the double barrel and aims it at Eli. Eli’s mouth quivers as he starts crying. He puts his hands up in defense ELI (CONT’D) I told them nothing. I swear. I told them nothing. Please...

The words are cut off as the gun fires and Eli’s hand is obliterated and his head pretty much explodes. Two Irises reloads the gun and cocks the hammer back on both barrels.

He/She puts it up to the girlfriend’s quivering mouth.

59.

TWO IRISES I have something for you to suck on.

Finger pulls the trigger.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING There is a shotgun blast. Max sits up.

Max rubs his eyes and has a look of confusion because he is on the couch. He sees the shotgun murder scene from Maniac playing on the television.

On the coffee table is the DVD case for Maniac open. Max walks over and takes the DVD out of the player and puts it back into the case.

He rubs his shoulder and twirls his arm around. Max walks by a black overcoat.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS Max crosses the hallway into the kitchen. Isabella stands at the end of the hallway.

Max quickly jumps back and does not see anyone. He runs to the end of the hallway and sees no one is there.

Max rubs his head.

MAX Everything is going to be okay.

Everything is going to be okay.

His cell phone rings.

MAX (CONT’D) Or maybe not.

Max answers.

MAX (CONT’D) Yeah. Where? I’ll be there in twenty.

EXT. LOVER’S LANE - LATER Max, wearing a black dress shirt and pants, looks at Eli’s body and where his head used to be. He walks over and sees the girl’s body with her head pretty much gone.

60.

The body is still held by her hands trapped under the hood.

Max walks over and sees Isabella’s decapitated and ravaged body on the ground.

He starts to get light headed and walks to the edge of the hill. Max takes a deep breath and opens his eyes to see the big drop off of the hill and falls over to get away from the edge.

Laura runs over.

LAURA You okay?

Max brushes her off.

MAX Fine. Getting used to things again.

Will somebody get that girl’s hands out of the hood!

A CSI opens the hood and the girl’s body falls back. Doherty walks over with a smile on his face.

MAX (CONT’D) What the fuck are you smiling about?

DOHERTY I just go an ID on the headless driver. Eli Wolf.

MAX Are you serious?

DOHERTY C.O.D. Massive head loss caused by buckshot pellets.

MAX (whispering to himself) Got his head blown off by a shotgun? Shit.

DOHERTY What?

MAX From the movie Maniac. One of the top murder scenes in the movie was a guy getting his head blown off by a shotgun.

(MORE)

61.

MAX (CONT'D) Besides, I said the other day that if things were different, I would blow his head off. Somebody beat me to it.

DOHERTY Or? Where were you last night?

MAX At home.

DOHERTY Watching said movie?

MAX Maybe I was. If you’re trying to start something because you want me to leave his case to you. Don’t bother. You could have it. Prove yourself, asshole.

Max starts walking away. He starts rubbing his head.

LAURA Hey, get back here.

Max walks purposefully towards Laura.

MAX Give me one good fucking reason...

LAURA How about this?

Laura points to the passenger door. Max walks around and sees two white irises painted on the door.

INT. POLICE STATION - CAPTAIN’S OFFICE - LATER The blinds are open where Max is seen sitting outside the office like a student waiting to talk to the principal. Laura sits on the Captain’s desk.

CAPTAIN I don’t want him on the investigation. Especially after the iris find.

LAURA You have nothing to worry about.

62.

CAPTAIN Yes I do. He’s gonna have another psychotic break. Who knows this time he might actually finish his roulette game, if you know what I mean.

LAURA I’m the lead on this. I can keep an eye on him.

CAPTAIN You better be sure.

LAURA If not, I’ll take him to the hospital myself.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - CONTINUOUS Laura comes out of the Captain’s office. She waves for Max to follow.

LAURA So you’re sure you’re okay?

MAX Yeah. I’m fine.

Max playfully punches her in the arm.

LAURA We’re just worried you’ll have a break.

Max sees Christina storm into the detective pool and make a beeline for him.

MAX Well, I might have one now.

CHRISTINA You bastard. I knew you would slip up.

MAX What the fuck are you talking about?

INT. POLICE STATION - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER Laura gets coffee when Doherty and McCormick walk up.

63.

LAURA Not now guys.

MCCORMICK We’re not here to bust your chops.

We actually have a concern.

LAURA You have a concern?

DOHERTY Are you sure your partner is straight?

LAURA Oh Jesus.

DOHERTY I’m not trying to pull anything. If he did kill that Eli fuck, I’d actually like him more. I’m just worried that he’s going to snap and the wrong people are going to get hurt. That’s my genuine concern.

LAURA What makes you think he killed Wolf?

MCCORMICK Are you blind? The murder was copycat of a murder scene of a movie which he was watching. Not to mention the victim was a criminal he arrested and was exonerated. To top it off, didn’t he personally say he wanted to blow his head off.

LAURA He was just talking in frustration.

You both had said you wanted to kill Max before for his comments and jokes. We’re you guys deadly serious about killing him?

DOHERTY No. McCormick shakes his head disapprovingly.

64.

LAURA So there you go. Leave and don’t be doing any books investigation or the Captain and file a

him alone off the I will go to grievance.

Laura walks away, bumping into Doherty.

DOHERTY Keep protecting him, Laura. It won’t just end up bad for the bastard with the two irises.

EXT. MAX’S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - EVENING Max gets out of his car. Doherty and McCormick pass by the house in their car.

Max sees them and points. The car speeds away.

He walks up to his door and sees two white irises painted on it. Max draws his gun and runs inside.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max walks slowly in with his gun drawn. The house phone starts ringing.

The caller ID says UNKNOWN CALLER. Max ignores it until the phone stops ringing.

His cell phone rings and it says UNKNOWN CALLER. Max answers it.

There is breathing on the other end, followed by high pitched giggling.

TWO IRISES (V.O.) So you enjoy my handiwork?

MAX (into phone) Yeah I do. I would have enjoyed if it was just those assholes but I’m dying to meet you since you murdered my wife.

TWO IRISES (V.O.) Oh goody. I’m glad you’re home. Now the real fun can begin.

65.

MAX (into phone) No, the real fun is going to begin when I dig my fingernails into your neck and pull your fucking throat out!

TWO IRISES (V.O.) Temper. Temper.

MAX (into phone) Is this a temper? Oh goody. I want you to see and hear my temper and my fucking happiness when I make the last moments of your life the worst ever. I will give your more time than you gave Isabella. I will make you scream for her forgiveness! And I sure as hell hope that she makes your afterlife fucking miserable.

Max slams the phone shut. The house phone rings.

Max hits the button and sends the call straight to message.

The answering machine plays.

ISABELLA (V.O.) Hello, you’ve reached Isabella...

MAX (V.O.) And Max! ISABELLA (V.O.) Stop screaming. They know. You’ve missed both of us or were too busy to get the phone.

MAX (V.O.) Or getting busy.

ISABELLA (V.O.) Shut up, idiot. We’ll give you a call back.

Max’s eyes tear up as he hears Isabella’s laughter. The message plays.

It is the chorus part of the We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters plays. Max angrily grabs the answering machine and throws it against the wall.

66.

It breaks into pieces as Max starts to get light headed and stumbles toward the wall.

EXT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - NIGHT POV moves toward the window. Through the window, you can see Peggy talking, giggling, and drinking with GRETA, LIN, and NICOLE. The girls are all statuesque beauties. Lin is Chinese with black hair.

Greta and Nicole have red hair but Nicole’s is more darker.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME TIME Two Irises walks toward the window. He/She now wears a white rabbit mask with eye shadow and lipstick on it.

Two Irises walks to the left, running its hands on the window and tapping its fingers. Peggy walks over to the window and peeks out.

The inside is mostly white with paintings of splashy art. A spiked glove is on display in a glass case on a pedestal against the wall There is a big staircase at the front of the living room that leads upstairs. There is a fireplace next to the pedestal.

PEGGY Huh? Must be the wind or a tree branch.

Greta and Lin stand up and head to the stairs.

PEGGY (CONT’D) Where you losers going?

LIN Bath.

GRETA I’m tired.

PEGGY Oh come on. We have male entertainment and some candy of the Coke variety.

GRETA More for you guys then.

67.

Greta and Lin walk up stairs and head to the left out of sight. Peggy waves them off.

NICOLE Well, more action for us.

PEGGY Definitely. Bunch of light weights.

NICOLE You’re in a party mood.

PEGGY I should be. I’ve been in that county women’s jail for almost a fucking year.

NICOLE I’m curious but why did you run her over to begin with?

PEGGY We were bidding for that spiked glove and she outbid me. I really wanted it so I took it. And I had the greatest luck in the world of having a psycho fuck detective.

NICOLE Didn’t he have a breakdown cause his wife or whatever was murdered?

PEGGY The murderer did world a favor.

Like pale and black hair is in anymore.

NICOLE That’s really sick. Besides why did you want a spiked glove anyway?

PEGGY It goes good with the wall.

They look over and see her German Shepherd REBEL laying by the pedestal. Peggy gets up and walks over to the dog.

PEGGY (CONT’D) Get away from there you stupid ass.

Peggy kicks at the dog until it gets up with a grunt and moves. Rebel sits and stares at her.

Peggy catches the dog’s stare.

68.

PEGGY (CONT’D) What are you looking at?

There is a creak on the ceiling and Rebel looks up at it.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - GUEST BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Greta is lying on her face on the bed. She squirms a bit and starts to open her eyes.

Greta sees a pillow for a brief second until it slammed on her face. Two Irises sits on top of her holding the pillow down.

Greta’s arms swing wildly and scratch Irises’ neck. Two Irises pulls out a knife and stabs the pillow repeatedly.

The arms stop swinging and a circle of red starts to form on the pillow.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - HALLWAY/BALCONY - CONTINUOUS Two Irises slightly limps down the hallway, passing a balcony overlooking a unaware Peggy and Nicole.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS Lin is lying under the water. She slowly rises out of it when she gets hit in the face by the wooden handle of a toilet plunger.

Two Irises presses the plunger on her face and holds her down. She kicks and flails her arms around until she eventually drowns.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS An IPod is put on the adapter player. The song Barbie Girl plays.

Peggy dances with a bottle of champagne. Nicole heads to the stairs.

PEGGY Where you going?

NICOLE I’m going to get the losers up.

It’s becoming boring.

69.

PEGGY Yeah, you do that.

Peggy spins and looks at the fireplace and notices a fire poker is missing.

PEGGY (CONT’D) That’s odd.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS Nicole walks by a heater when the fire poker swings out and hits her in the knee. She goes to scream but she is whacked on the teeth with the poker.

Two Irises grabs her face and pushes it into the heater. The heater hisses and there are muffled screams as Nicole’s face burns.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Peggy is jumping in the air and spinning when the sound of glass breaking makes her scream. The pedestal is knocked over and the glass display case is shattered.

Rebel runs to the door. Peggy walks purposefully to the dog unaware that the spiked glove is gone.

She grabs Rebel by the collar and starts dragging it to the door which is slightly opened. Peggy pulls the door open.

PEGGY Now run away.

Rebel sits and stares outside.

PEGGY (CONT’D) What?

Peggy turns and Two Irises grabs her by the hair. She screams as Irises’ hand, wearing the spiked glove, is driven hard into her face.

Blood spills down Peggy’s dress as her body starts twitching and collapses to the ground. Two Irises’ hand comes toward the dog and pets its head.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - MORNING Max lays by the stairs. He wakes up and looks around frantically.

70.

Max pushes himself to his feet but he gets a sharp pain in his shoulder.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BATHROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max looks at his shoulder in the mirror. He is about to turn away and looks back and sees a scratch on the right side of his neck.

Max inspects it with curiosity and confusion. His cell phone rings.

MAX Yeah.

LAURA (V.O.) We got a multiple homicide. It’s our guy.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - MOMENTS LATER Max is about to walk out the front door when he looks at the floor. There are scuff marks that trail down the hallway.

He shrugs and takes a couple of pills before leaving.

INT. PEGGY’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max stands in the doorway and sees Peggy’s body. Her face is mangled.

Max starts to hyperventilate which Doherty and McCormick notice. Laura starts rubbing Max’s neck.

LAURA Just breath, okay. Breath.

MAX Okay.

Max takes deep breaths and he is calm.

DOHERTY I wonder if all killers do that when they return to the crime scene.

Laura shoots Doherty a glare. Max sees a torn up bra on the floor with dried up blood on it.

71.

MAX Blood on Black Lace. Cute.

DOHERTY Another movie of yours? Do I need to tell you how the killings went or would you know?

MAX Don’t tell me. One drowned, one had her face driven into a heater, one was suffocated and the last has a sharp object driven into her face.

That sound about right?

MCCORMICK Speaking like a true killer...I mean psychic. Well almost. The suffocated one had her face stabbed up, too.

Max looks at the bra and sees initials on the tag.

INSERT - INITIALS I.M. BACK TO SCENE MAX My wife’s.

Laura looks at it.

LAURA Oh my god. We’re going to get him, I swear.

Max nods his head and looks over at the pedestal that now stands. Now there is a blood red vase with two real white irises in it.

On the wall above are letters written in blood.

INSERT - MESSAGE I LIKE NOTHING BETTER THAN TO BREAK HER FACE. WELL, HOW DID I DO? BACK TO SCENE DOHERTY Don’t tell me you said that before.

72.

INT. POLICE STATION - CAPTAIN’S OFFICE - LATER Max sits across from the Captain. The Captain has his hands locked together on his desk and a look of disappointment.

CAPTAIN So you have something you want to tell me?

MAX About what?

CAPTAIN Come on. This is the second perp of yours exonerated and she was murdered. It just happened to be in a way you wished her to go.

MAX That doesn’t mean anything. I was just talking. I didn’t know that was against the law?

CAPTAIN It isn’t. But acting on those impulses is.

MAX I have not been acting on my impulses. I haven’t had any impulses.

CAPTAIN You’ve been taking your medication?

Right dosage and what not?

MAX Of course. I’m doing alright.

CAPTAIN What about the couple episodes you had at crime scenes?

MAX Just getting used to the blood again.

Captain purses his lips.

CAPTAIN Okay. We got some DNA under the fingernails of one of the vics.

(MORE)

73.

CAPTAIN (CONT'D) We’re running it and the purchases of irises that were sent to the vic. Apparently, she received them as a gift from a unknown person. Go home and we’ll call you when those results come in.

MAX You want me to go home for the day?

CAPTAIN Yes. MAX I don’t think...

CAPTAIN It wasn’t a suggestion. I can suspend you to make sure you go.

Max stands up.

MAX You think that’ll stop me?

INT. MAX’S CAR - LATER Max drives an unmarked home. He is driving down the road when he notices Isabella standing on the side of the road waving to him.

Max’s eyes lock on her and he does not pay attention to the road. He rear ends the car in front of him when they stop.

Max has a pain in his shoulder.

MAX God damn it.

EXT. CHICAGO - STREET - MOMENTS LATER The DRIVER in front of him is a forty something black man.

The driver’s WIFE sits in the car looking over her shoulder at Max as he approaches the Driver.

DRIVER What the fuck is your problem?

MAX I’m so sorry. I got distracted for a second and bam. Is it bad?

74.

DRIVER My tail light is cracked. Of course, it’s fucking bad. What the fuck you texting or something?

MAX Something. I thought I saw my wife on the street.

DRIVER Man, your fucking wife has nothing to do with hitting my car.

MAX Okay. Let me get you my insurance car.

Max pulls out his wallet and opens it. The flap containing his badge flips open.

DRIVER Okay. Here we go. A motherfucking cop.

WIFE Oh bullshit.

MAX Yeah, I’m getting you my insurance card. Hold on.

DRIVER Oh holding a badge gives you a right to hit a brother’s car and simply walk away from it.

MAX I’m not walking...

The Driver shoves Max a few times. Max starts experiencing light-headedness.

MAX (CONT’D) Wait.

DRIVER You better pay for this damage or I’m going to beat the shit out of you and your fucking wife.

Max grabs the Driver by his shirt collar.

75.

MAX If you keep mouthing off and not letting me do the right thing here, I’m going to crush your throat and shoot your wife in the face. You forgot the badge comes with a gun, asshole.

The Driver pushes Max away and quickly gets into his car.

DRIVER Let’s forget it ever happened.

The car speeds away. Max hears a call on his police radio.

RADIO (V.O.) We got a report of a homeless prowler in possession of what looks a bloody spiked weapon glove.

Possible murder weapon from model homicide earlier today.

Max grabs the receiver.

MAX (into radio) This is car 623 I got it.

Max starts driving.

CAPTAIN (V.O.) Max, I told you to go home for the day.

Max turns the radio off and drives with a grin.

MAX I didn’t hear anything.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER Max’s unmarked pulls up. He gets out and looks up at the twelve story abandoned building.

Max takes deep breaths and walks purposefully for the kicked in door. There is the sound of brakes squealing behind him.

A police cruiser shows up containing, Madsen, the patrol officer who reported Isabella’s homicide.

76.

MADSEN Sir, Captain has given me orders to stop you from entering the building.

MAX Hey, Madsen. How are you?

MADSEN I’m good. But you can’t go in there. Captain’s orders.

MAX I didn’t hear anything on the radio. I swore he said go in.

There is slight thud on Max’s unmarked. It is the spiked glove with dried up blood and a couple strands of blonde hair.

Max runs into the building. Madsen runs after him.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - STAIRWAY - MOMENTS LATER Max pulls his gun out. Madsen is behind him with his pistol drawn.

MAX We’re going to split and take each floor. There are no walls and nothing for him to hide behind so he won’t get away.

MADSEN Are you sure that’s a good idea?

MAX Yeah. We just cleared the first.

I’ll take the next one. You take the one above that.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - SECOND FLOOR - CONTINUOUS Max kicks the door open with his gun aimed. There is nothing on the floor except boarded up windows and old dusty newspapers lying on the ground.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS Madsen and Max get near the top. Max glances down and falls back against the wall, hyperventilating.

77.

MAX Fuck.

MADSEN Stay here. I’ll go get him.

MAX Wait.

Madsen runs up some steps and bursts through the door of the top floor. Max throws himself into the door for the eleventh.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ELEVENTH FLOOR - MOMENTS LATER This floor is the same as the others but there is a circular pillar near a window. A foot slightly sticks out.

Max quietly walks up to the pillar with his gun drawn.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - TOP FLOOR - SAME TIME Madsen walks around with his gun drawn. He sees a figure wearing a hoodie with a rabbit design on the back near the window.

MADSEN Freeze! Max, I got him.

Two Irises runs up to the window and climbs out it. Madsen runs to the window.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ELEVENTH FLOOR - MOMENTS LATER Max is at the pillar.

MAX Step out real slow.

There is no response. Max shoots the foot.

The body of a homeless fan falls over. His throat is slit.

MADSEN (O.S.) Max! He’s going out on the edge.

I’m in pursuit.

MAX No. No!

78.

EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING - TOP FLOOR EDGE - MOMENTS LATER Madsen peeks out the window and sees Two Irises sidle along the edge. He steps out and slowly sidles over.

Two Irises quickly climbs in a window.

MADSEN Max! He’s climbing back into the stairwell.

Madsen sidles over to the window and grabs a pipe. The pipe breaks off the wall.

Madsen quickly grabs the window sill. He is breathing heavily until a knife starts cutting into his fingers.

Madsen screams as the cuts causes him to lose his grip and fall.

TWO IRISES (O.S.) Sorry, butterfingers.

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ELEVENTH FLOOR - SAME TIME Max hears the scream and runs to the window. He sees Madsen fall to his death and pancake his police cruiser.

Max recoils at the sight of the big drop. There is high pitched maniacal laughter in the stairwell.

Max quickly stands up and runs to the stairwell. There is nobody there.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - LATER Laura, Doherty, and McCormick sit at their desks, watching the Captain’s office. There is the loud booming of him shouting.

INT. POLICE STATION - CAPTAIN’S OFFICE - SAME TIME CAPTAIN I told you to stay out of this for a good fucking reason! Now here you are at the scene of another crime!

I told you not to go into that building and to stand down and a good cop is dead now.

79.

MAX I didn’t tell him to follow me in.

I ran in and he followed me.

CAPTAIN Did you see the suspect?

MAX No. CAPTAIN Well that does it. You’re now the number one suspect in these murders until DNA clears you.

Max looks as if the whole world just fell on him. Laura bursts in with a file.

LAURA We got results but it’s not good.

They came back as DNA for Eli Wolf.

CAPTAIN The pumpkin in the Cadillac?

LAURA Yeah.

CAPTAIN Well, there was so much DNA in that car to choose from. (to Max) You go home. I’m serious this time.

MAX I will.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - CONTINUOUS Max grabs his keys from his desk. Doherty and McCormick smugly smile at him.

MCCORMICK How many more perps need to be killed before you’re satisfied?

MAX Fuck you.

DOHERTY I guess killing his wife wasn’t enough.

80.

MAX What did you say?

Max walks over to their desk. Doherty and McCormick stand up.

MAX (CONT’D) I didn’t hear you from all the way over there.

DOHERTY I guess killing your wife didn’t satisfy you.

Max punches Doherty. The momentum causes Doherty to flip over the desk.

McCormick punches Max in the face and shoves him into the wall. Max hits his shoulder, causing him to groan in pain.

McCormick slams Max into the wall. Max elbows him in the nose and side kicks him back.

McCormick lunges up to attack but the Captain grabs him and throws him back.

CAPTAIN What the fuck is going on out here!

Does this look like a fucking boxing ring!

McCormick groans.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) Cool your fucking jets, McCormick.

Doherty gingerly stands up and walks over.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) You two idiots will be fired if you keep up your shit.

Doherty and McCormick grudgingly nod and walk out, glaring at Max as they leave.

MAX (to Doherty) You talk about my fucking wife again and I’ll fucking gut you.

Max stands up and cradles his shoulder.

CAPTAIN You alright?

81.

MAX Yeah.

Max leaves.

INT. POLICE STATION - STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS Max slowly walks down the stairs. Laura jogs over.

LAURA What happened to your shoulder?

MAX I have no idea. I woke up with it in more pain the last couple of days.

LAURA Let me take you to a doctor.

INT. HOSPITAL - OBSERVATION - MOMENTS LATER Max grunts.

MAX Gah...fuck.

PHYSICIAN That should do it. Pretty nasty cut on your neck.

MAX What? Oh I don’t know. I woke up with that and the shoulder problem.

PHYSICIAN So your pain has increased with each morning?

MAX Yeah. How do you think this happened?

PHYSICIAN A pop of that sort. Have you been dragged recently?

Max is about to answer but a look of realization comes over his face.

82.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - LATER Max frantically looks at the floor but there are no scuff marks.

MAX They were here this morning.

LAURA What was?

MAX Scuff marks. I’ve passed out each time in the living room and I wake up either on the couch or by the stairs.

LAURA You passed out?

MAX I blacked out is more like it.

LAURA So you blacked out? What about the scratch on your neck?

MAX I seriously don’t know how I got that. The physician said that the shoulder came from being dragged and there were scuff marks this morning. Why are they not here now?

LAURA Max, are you sure you’re as well as you say you are?

MAX I am fine. I know what I saw. I can’t explain how the suspect got away or how I’m getting these injuries. The suspect left me a message over at the... shit I smashed the answering machine.

LAURA (skeptical) Yeah.

MAX Laura, you have to believe me. I am okay.

83.

LAURA Okay. Okay, I believe you. But if you feel any different, please call me.

MAX Will do.

Laura leaves, smiling at him as the door close.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max watches one of the murder scenes from Blood and Black Lace on the DVD player.

MAX Pretty good way to look at all angles of the case.

Max looks up at the ceiling.

MAX (CONT’D) Are you okay? I don’t know.

The scene is interrupted by a figure wearing a black rabbit mask.

TWO IRISES Hello, playmate.

Max quickly raises his head and looks at the screen.

TWO IRISES I love screwing with the question is: are are you not okay? Is unreal?

(CONT’D) your head. But you okay or this real or

The video goes away and the movie continues playing.

INT. LAURA’S HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - MOMENTS LATER Laura is putting on a robe as there is persistent knocking on the door. She quickly opens it.

Max is breathing heavily and holding the Blood and Black Lace DVD.

84.

INT. LAURA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max plays the same scene he was watching but there is no cut in video.

MAX Where the fuck is it?

LAURA (irritated) What?

MAX There was a video message from that sick fuck. He or she or whatever was wearing a black rabbit mask.

LAURA A black rabbit mask?

MAX Yeah. It was there and he was taunting me. And now it’s not here.

LAURA I’m going to call the doctor.

MAX Why? I’m not crazy. I’m okay! I’m going to be okay! Fuck, I just don’t know what’s going on anymore.

Laura rests her hands on his shoulders.

LAURA Let the doctor just do an evaluation so we can figure this out.

Max nods begrudgingly.

INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM - NEXT DAY Max is hooked up to a polygraph machine. A PSYCHIATRIST reads a screen and writes stuff down.

Laura and the Captain stand against the wall.

PSYCHIATRIST Okay, Maxwell. I’m going to ask you some questions and if you give me a truthful answer, there will be a beep. If not, there will a buzzer.

85.

MAX Okay.

PSYCHIATRIST Do you own a collection of slasher films and/or giallo films?

MAX Yes. BEEP. PSYCHIATRIST Did you kill Officer Madsen?

MAX No. There is no sound. The psychiatrist hits the machine.

PSYCHIATRIST Damn thing. Again, did you kill Officer Madsen?

MAX No. BEEP. Laura and the Captain breath a sigh of relief.

PSYCHIATRIST Have you committed any of these murders?

Max sits for a second.

PSYCHIATRIST (CONT’D) Max? Max looks at the Captain and Laura.

PSYCHIATRIST (CONT’D) Max? MAX I don’t know.

PSYCHIATRIST You don’t know what?

MAX The question is if I committed these murders? I don’t know.

86.

Laura, the Captain, and the Psychiatrist all look at the screen.

BEEP. INT. POLICE STATION - CAPTAIN’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER PSYCHIATRIST He told the truth for every question asked.

CAPTAIN What about the murder question?

PSYCHIATRIST He said he suffered from blackouts and woke up with strange injuries.

He might have committed these murders and not realize it’s happening.

CAPTAIN So what is he a schizo?

PSYCHIATRIST Could be. He could have dissociative identity disorder.

LAURA Multiple personalities?

PSYCHIATRIST Yes. Has he behaved strangely?

LAURA Well, he did claim there was some message for him left by the killer on his DVD. There was no message.

PSYCHIATRIST I recommend to you Captain that you remove him from duty. There is a chance that he could’ve faked recovery because being in the mental hospital was bringing back the memory of his wife too much.

CAPTAIN I’m going to do that. (to Laura) Are you okay with that?

87.

LAURA I”m not totally sure on the idea.

CAPTAIN You heard him. He’s seeing shit and he’s blacked out during these killings. I don’t want him on duty one day and he’s going to morph into super killer and kill a bunch of people. He was at the scene when a cop was killed and said there was a killer that only he had seen.

A uniformed cop comes in and hands Laura a sheet.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) What’s that?

LAURA Results on the iris purchase.

Thomas Reiner. He gave his address for a hotel in the north side.

INT. POLICE STATION - DETECTIVE POOL - MOMENTS LATER Laura sits at her desk. Max grabs the sheet.

LAURA You can’t look at that.

MAX Until the Captain tells me, I’m not fit for duty, I’m still a detective. Thomas Reiner?

LAURA You know the name?

MAX Yeah. He was an actor in a certain Bava slasher film.

LAURA Blood and Black Lace.

MAX He’s calling out to me.

LAURA Max, please let someone else handle this.

88.

MAX I’m just going to take a look.

LAURA You can’t...

Max walks away.

LAURA (CONT’D) Damn it.

Laura gets up but the Captain whistles from the door. He waves her back.

She passes Doherty walking by.

LAURA (CONT’D) Max seen that the suspect may be at the hotel. Please try and stop him.

DOHERTY Sure thing.

Laura goes into the office. Doherty quickly grabs his jacket.

McCormick is on the phone but he puts his hand over the receiver.

MCCORMICK Where you going?

DOHERTY The results came in and said the suspect is at the hotel. Psycho fuck saw the results and is heading there now.

MCCORMICK Let me finish this call and I’ll grab my jacket.

DOHERTY What call?

MCCORMICK Persistent calls on some missing person report on some woman. She was a CI for you know who.

Doherty’s face lightens up.

MCCORMICK (CONT’D) She disappeared the same time that his wife was murdered.

(MORE)

89.

MCCORMICK (CONT’D) Rumors were that they were an item when the wife was in the asylum.

Another notch on the gun belt.

DOHERTY Well, man the phones and let me know any further developments.

MCCORMICK You sure?

DOHERTY I can handle him. If he starts going crazy, I’m going to do what somebody should’ve done a long time ago.

EXT. POLICE STATION - ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER Max jogs down the stairs and walks outside. He bumps into Christina.

CHRISTINA Will you watch where...oh you.

MAX Oh hi. My dearest apologies and excuse me. I’m pretty sure you have a serial killer you need to get off for a new Lamborghini in your driveway.

CHRISTINA Actually, I’m here to see you.

MAX Oh really. About what? Couldn’t resist me anymore?

CHRISTINA Well, I couldn’t resist filing an injunction against you. You’re linked to three crime scenes, two of which victims were clients of mine. The injunction states you be removed from duty and thrown in jail.

MAX When is enough for you? I already lost my wife. I need to lose my job as well?

90.

CHRISTINA Having your wife’s head cut off is not an excuse for you to use the job to take your frustrations out on or satisfy your bloodlust.

MAX If I knock your head off, can you still take your frustrations out on my job and satisfy your bloodlust.

Max walks past, brushing her aside.

INT. HOTEL - ENTRANCE - LATER Max walks in. The floors are tan marble.

There is an Otis cage elevator in the center. There is a staircase on both sides.

There is a marble, circular front desk where a blonde receptionist reads something. Her face is covered by her hair.

There is a nook by the left staircase where there is a leather couch and television. A hand moves up behind Max and grabs his shoulder.

Max quickly spins around with his fist poised to punch. It is Doherty.

Max puts his fist down.

MAX What the fuck are you doing here?

DOHERTY Came to make sure your visit went smoothly.

MAX You’ve all people are worried about me?

DOHERTY No. Laura asked me to. But you start getting crazy and I’m going to shoot you.

MAX How you going to explain that to the Captain?

91.

DOHERTY I’ll think of something.

MAX (to receptionist) Thomas Reiner?

RECEPTIONIST Top floor. Room D. Max swallows nervously. Doherty points to the elevator.

DOHERTY You want to go on up and I’ll man down here?

Max looks up and sees the elevator goes high.

MAX No you can go up.

Doherty smiles.

DOHERTY Thought so.

He steps in the elevator and hits the lever. Doherty grins as the elevator goes up.

Max hears the television on and walks over to it. On the television, the finale of Monty Python’s Life of Brian plays.

The song Always Look On the Bright Side of Life starts playing. Max bitterly smiles and looks over at the desk and sees the receptionist is gone.

He shrugs and goes back to watching.

INT. ELEVATOR - SAME TIME The elevator keeps going up. Doherty looks up as he ascends.

The elevator stops. It starts again and then stops.

The elevator stops and starts.

DOHERTY Are you fucking kidding me!

The lights turn off as the elevator ascends. The elevator starts stopping and starting again.

92.

DOHERTY (CONT’D) What the hell is going on?

Doherty looks up and sees a person in a hooded jacket by the controls.

DOHERTY (CONT’D) Knock it off.

The figure flips him off. The lights start flickering on and off.

DOHERTY (CONT’D) I’m going to bust your head open in one second.

The elevator passes the top hotel floor and ascends to the maintenance level where the hooded figure is.

DOHERTY (CONT’D) Thank you saving me the walk, shithead.

When the elevator stops, the figure looks down with the hood on with his/her hands behind his/her back.

The door opens.

DOHERTY (CONT’D) You like to plays games, asshole.

I’ll play some fucking games.

Doherty smacks the hood off so the face is only revealed to him and not the audience. His face goes blank.

DOHERTY (CONT’D) What the...

Doherty is SUDDENLY stabbed in the sternum. Two Irises continues to stab him in the gut and chest.

Doherty puts his hands up to defend his face. Two Irises stabs him in the forearm a couple of times and through the hand.

Blood spills on the floor. Doherty spins around and falls face first against wall, smearing blood on it.

Two Irises stabs Doherty in the back a few times. He/She grabs him by the hair and slits his throat.

Blood sprays on the wall. Doherty grabs his throat and gurgles as blood seeps through his finger tips.

93.

Doherty’s hand presses against the glass of the wall and slowly slides down as he sinks to the corner of the elevator and dies.

INT. HOTEL - STAIRWAY - MOMENTS LATER Two Irises skips down the stair and drops the knife over the rail.

INT. HOTEL - ENTRANCE - SAME TIME Max is staring at the television when the bloody knife lands is pierced into the floor. He quickly runs up and sees the knife and looks up.

Max then runs up the stairs.

INT. HOTEL - STAIRWAY - MOMENTS LATER Max runs up one set of stairs as Two Irises passes on the stairway across. He hears the footsteps and quickly sights Two Irises running down the stairs.

Max runs back down.

INT. HOTEL - ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER Two Irises jumps down a single flight of stairs and runs down a hallway by the desk. Max does the same down his set of stairs and follows.

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER Max runs down a dark hallway. There is a slight light at the end where he can see the faint figure of Two Irises.

Two Irises turns right and disappears. Max breathes hard as he runs faster.

Max makes to the end of the hallway and almost slides to the floor as he quickly turns right. There is no one in the hallway.

Max is about to turn around when a door, that is slightly open, shuts. He hears the door shut and runs to the door.

94.

INT. PARKING GARAGE - MOMENTS LATER Max bursts through the door. He pulls out his gun and slowly walks down an aisle.

Max scans the area with his gun. There is a distant car starting behind him.

Max turns around but does not see anyone. As he walks by a car, the brake lights turn on and the white rear light, that signals a gear change, flashes.

Max continues walking as the car slowly backs up. The car is turned and aimed at Max. The car starts moving forward and SUDDENLY accelerates.

Max quickly turns around and jumps onto the back of parked car at the very last second.

He lands on his bad shoulder. Max screams in pain but shoots at the car with his good arm.

The car is going down a ramp to the next level when a bullet hole pierces the window and hits him/her in the arm. Two Irises crashes the car into a parked car as he/she tries to turn off the ramp.

Max runs down with his good arm aiming the gun. He quickly opens the driver side door and sees the hoodie on the passenger seat and the passenger door open.

Max hits the roof and slams his bad shoulder on the car to pop it back into place. He screams in pain as a Porsche down the aisle quickly backs up and speeds out of the garage.

EXT. HOTEL - PARKING GARAGE ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER Max runs down the ramp, running in front of a car trying to pull in. The driver curses and beeps his horn.

Max looks around frantically and notices the Porsche across the street at the valet stand of a restaurant.

EXT. RESTAURANT - ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER The Porsche is about to pull away when Max jumps in front of it with his gun drawn.

MAX Slowly get out of the car.

95.

The doors open. From the passenger side, FEDERICA, a beautiful Italian woman, steps out.

From the driver side, Filippo, the murder suspect from before, steps out. Max’s eyes brighten with anger.

MAX (CONT’D) Well, fancy seeing you again.

FILIPPO I’m going to sue you. This is harassment.

Max hits Filippo in the forehead with the butt of the gun and aims it at his head.

MAX Maybe you like to see some excessive force. Now you really fucked up. You killed a cop this time.

FILIPPO What?

VALET (O.S.) Wait!

A chubby Valet with curly hair and glasses runs over.

VALET (CONT’D) A valet brought the car to them.

MAX What are you talking about?

VALET A valet brought the car from the garage. Somebody new. I never seen them before. Hey, look.

The Valet points to a red jacket and wig on the ground. There is a bullet hole across the right sleeve.

EXT. HOTEL - ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER Max sits on a stretcher as an EMT looks at his shoulder.

MAX How is it?

96.

EMT You popped it in pretty good so you should be alright for the time being but you should get it checked out.

A stretcher with body bag is rolled out in front of Max. He looks away with disgust.

The Captain walks over with a look of disgust but slight disappointment. Max looks up at him.

MAX I should have went up in the elevator. It should be me in that bag, not him.

CAPTAIN Don’t say that. If this guy has such a fetish for tormenting you, he would have killed him downstairs.

MAX Did he kill the receptionist?

CAPTAIN There was no receptionist on duty.

Max lets out an irritated laugh.

MAX That’s bullshit. There was a blonde receptionist at the desk. The next moment she’s gone.

CAPTAIN Did you see her face?

MAX No. The hair covered it.

CAPTAIN You’re going to take a few weeks off. During that time, you’re going to have a full psych evaluation done.

Max stands up and gets in the Captain’s face.

MAX I...am...fine!

Christina walks up to them with a smug smile.

97.

MAX (CONT’D) Never mind. I’m not fine now.

CHRISTINA Well how we keep bumping heads. You see that man you pistol whipped is my client.

MAX Bullshit. I hit him once. You want to see pistol whipping, I’ll be more than happy to show you.

CHRISTINA Uh, not necessary. Captain, two of my clients are dead and a third is being constantly harassed.

MAX This is the first time I’ve saw him since he pissed his pants.

CHRISTINA Anyway, this detective is a suspect in not only their deaths but in the deaths of two officers. I’m going to file a very heavy lawsuit against the department unless you fire or suspend him.

Captain lets an annoyed sigh.

CAPTAIN Very well. Max, I’m going to have to suspend you until after the investigation is over. If you try to interfere with this investigation again, you’ll be fired and thrown in jail.

Christina has a bright smile and walks away with a bounce in her step. McCormick walks up with his hand out.

MCCORMICK Badge.

Max unclips his badge and stares at it. He shakes his head disapprovingly and puts it in McCormick’s hand.

MCCORMICK (CONT’D) If you had anything to do with his death, I’ll fucking kill you.

98.

McCormick walks away. Max starts walking away and punches the side of the ambulance really hard.

INT. HOTEL - ENTRANCE - LATER McCormick and a female uniformed cop with a ponytail look around. He smiles and signals to the door.

Christina walks in. She has the knife in a evidence bag.

McCormick taps on the officer’s shoulder.

MCCORMICK (to the officer) Stand outside and keep watch.

CHRISTINA So you got his fingerprints right?

MCCORMICK Right off the badge.

McCormick hands her fingerprint tape. Christina walks over to the television alcove and puts on surgical gloves.

She pulls out the knife and plants a fingerprint on the handle. The knife is revealed to be the switchblade that Max used against Filippo and the CI earlier.

EXT. HOTEL - ALLEY - SAME TIME The officer stomps out a cigarette. Two Irises, wearing a new hoodie, walks out of the shadows.

He/She creeps up and grabs the officer by the ponytail and sticks an ice pick into the officer’s head.

INT. HOTEL - ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS Christina put the knife back in the bag and plants it under the sofa.

MCCORMICK I’ll step outside. And my officer will signal me that she found something.

EXT. HOTEL - DOORS - CONTINUOUS McCormick walks up to his car. He looks around.

99.

MCCORMICK Hey, where’d you go?

McCormick sees feet sticking out of the alley. His phone rings.

MCCORMICK (CONT’D) Hello.

TWO IRISES (V.O.) Detective?

MCCORMICK Yes. TWO IRISES (V.O.) Behind you.

He turns around and is smacked hard across the forehead with a nightstick. A syringe is stabbed into his neck and McCormick passes out.

INT. HOTEL - ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS Christina walks back to the elevator. Two Irises, wearing a wig and the cop hat and jacket, walks up to her.

CHRISTINA I bet it was pretty nasty. But the only elevator you’re taking Max goes down.

She laughs until she is grabbed by the hair and slams her face into the door of the elevator. Christina turns around and backhands the officer, knocking the wig and hat off of his/her head.

Her eyes are in shock.

CHRISTINA (CONT’D) I can’t believe...

Two Irises grabs Christina by her ears and slams her head repeatedly against the steel bars of the elevator doors.

He/She opens the doors and pulls a dazed Christina’s head in the doorway.

Two Irises attaches a hook to the bars on the wall of the elevator’s interior. He/She hooks another end into Christina’s ponytail.

Two Irises shuts the door so it clamps on her neck. He/She hits the button to send the elevator up.

100.

Christina opens her eyes for a second and screams but its cut off by her neck being smashed between the top of the elevator door frame and the floor of the elevator. She starts spitting out blood as her neck gets crushed more and more.

The elevator descends and suddenly ascends faster, decapitating Christina. The body slams against the door and slides to the floor sitting up.

Blood sprays on Two Irises. He/She sticks two real white irises in the bloody stump.

Two Irises sticks a paint brush into the stump and starts writing a message on the floor.

FADE IN: INSERT - BLOODY MESSAGE FLESH RIPPED CLEAN TO THE BONE. AND THE BLOOD RUNS RED. MAX SHOULD EXPERIENCE NEW TIMES IN HIS FORMER BED. There is the rumbling of thunder.

EXT. MAX’S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - EVENING It is raining as Max pulls into the driveway. Laura is sitting on his porch.

MAX What the hell are you doing?

LAURA I needed to see you.

MAX Well, come inside. You’re soaked.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Max holds his hand to the couch, offering her a seat. Laura sits down as Max sits next to her.

LAURA I heard. You okay?

MAX I’m starting to hate that question because I really don’t know anymore.

(MORE)

101.

MAX (CONT'D) I don’t know what’s real or “unreal.” Maybe after what happened to Isabella, it woke up something in me that is so horrible and vile.

It feeds on my anger.

LAURA I don’t believe that.

MAX Why not?

LAURA I’ve seen you angry but you haven’t went on homicidal rampages because of it.

MAX Maybe I always wanted to and this entity just gives me what I want. I wished these people to die, horribly. And they died in the ways I wished it. How do you explain that?

LAURA Maybe there is no explanation.

People probably seen the suspect so maybe this suspect has you running through so many loops that you’re being pulled by his strings. Or hers.

MAX Maybe.

LAURA Why are you so obsessed with this killer?

MAX He’s probably the asshole who killed Isabella. I want him to pay.

Laura looks down and cries into her hands.

MAX (CONT’D) What?

LAURA I hate myself.

MAX Why?

102.

LAURA After that time in Minneapolis, I wished that Isabella would go away and you and I could be something.

Max looks stunned.

MAX Seriously?

LAURA Yes. I had that wish everyday and one day I stupidly prayed it would happen. It wasn’t a serious prayer but the very next day, she was dead.

Max sits down next to her and holds his arms out.

MAX Come here.

Laura’s face brightens up and Max wraps his arms around her.

LAURA I’m so sorry.

MAX It wasn’t your fault. My shirt and pants being wet is but that’s a different story.

Laura and Max laugh.

MAX (CONT’D) So you really wanted us to have a relationship after Minneapolis?

LAURA Yeah. I just thought we were so close and that time was amazing.

MAX Oh it was. You were amazing.

Laura looks up.

LAURA I was.

MAX Yeah. Still are.

Laura smiles.

103.

MAX (CONT’D) I think I need to get out of these clothes.

LAURA Me, too.

MAX Let’s get out of them then.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER Max is in blue and white plaid boxers and Laura is in black bra and underwear. They’re kissing and Max falls back on the bed.

Laura climbs on top of him and they start to kiss passionately. By the window overlooking the bed, lightning strikes.

Lightning strikes again and the silhouette of Two Irises in the rabbit mask stands there with his/her hands in the pockets of the overcoat. The lightning strikes again and the silhouette is gone.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MIDNIGHT There is drunken and uproarious laughter. The party occupants are Filippo, Federica, ANNA, RON, KYLIE, BOBBY, AND REBECCA. Anna is a pale but beautiful woman with brown hair. Bobby is a tall man with short black hair and a small porno moustache.

Rebecca has wavy blonde hair and too much eye shadow. Ron is a black bald man with a fade of hair and a moustache.

Kylie is bony blonde woman with a chubby face. The guys all wear dress shirts and pants and the girls, except for Federica, wear tight party dresses.

She wears a button up shirt and skirt.

FILIPPO I do have a medieval arsenal. It’s supposed to be here but it’s gone.

RON What arsenal to do you supposedly have?

FILIPPO A medieval miner’s pick axe.

104.

The group snickers.

FILIPPO (CONT’D) And a battle axe that Joan of Arc used.

BOBBY Did Joan of Arc give a stamp of approval on it?

The group laughs.

FILIPPO Oh fuck off.

FEDERICA Guys, he really does. He just forgot about the spear.

KYLIE There’s a spear?

ANNA You have such a wonderful girlfriend. She can vouch for your drunken bullshit.

Federica puts her glass down and heads toward the door.

FILIPPO Where you going?

FEDERICA I’m in the mood to try out the lake. No clothes necessary.

FILIPPO Really? Have fun.

FEDERICA Oh come on, honey. Come join me in lake.

FILIPPO It’s probably cold.

FEDERICA What if it isn’t?

FILIPPO Give me a minute.

105.

FEDERICA Fine. If anyone else wants to join, you’re more than welcome, too.

She leaves the room. Filippo and Anna smile at each other over their glasses.

EXT. LAKE - CONTINUOUS Federica unbuttons her shirt and tosses it on a small tree.

She looks back towards the house.

FEDERICA Come on you losers.

Federica glances at the tree and the shirt is gone.

FEDERICA (CONT’D) Didn’t I...

The shirt is wrapped around her throat and Two Irises drives his/her knee into Federica’s back and strangles her to death.

Two Irises steps over the body. He/She know wears the black rabbit mask with a jester hat.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Rebecca slaps Bobby on the knee and heads to the door.

BOBBY What are you doing?

REBECCA I’m thinking of taking her up on the offer of swimming in the lake.

BOBBY You crazy.

REBECCA Come on. You know you want to. Me, you, and Federica naked in the lake.

Rebecca smiles and walks out. Bobby sits back and jumps to his feet and skips toward the door.

FILIPPO Hey, you better not try anything.

106.

BOBBY (O.S.) Fuck you.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS Bobby is giggling as he looks down to undo his belt. When he looks up, the billhook is slammed into his face.

Bobby has a look of surprise as he falls over.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME TIME Filippo sits down next to Anna. She has an uncomfortable smile on her face.

FILIPPO Hello.

ANNA Hi. FILIPPO Well, truth be told, I was looking forward to getting you and Federica drunk enough for a three way. Since she is enjoying another three way, I’ll be all for having sex with you.

Anna curls her lips to hide a smirk.

ANNA Really? Well, my glass is dry.

Anna holds up her wine glass.

ANNA (CONT’D) Maybe if you get more of that red wine, I’ll be all for it.

Filippo stands up and fixes his collar.

FILIPPO Yes, my lady.

He walks to a door on the wall that leads downstairs. Ron and Kylie starts kissing.

She takes his hand and leads him upstairs. As they walk up, they are unaware that Bobby is being dragged slowly out of the doorway of the front door.

107.

Anna looks up at the stairs and at the door leading downstairs. She sees Filippo’s glass is still full with wine.

Anna pulls out a rufie and drops it in. She smiles when she hears a floor creak.

ANNA That’s not what you think it is.

Anna turns around and screams as a medieval style axe is swung down and decapitates her. Her head spins in the air and rolls across the table.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS Two Irises walks up the stairs dragging the spear. His/her footsteps with the spear bouncing off each step INTERCUTS with the bed banging against the wall.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS POV with the spear out in front moves into the bed room as Ron is on top of Kylie. The spear is stabbed down and impales Ron and Kylie together.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER The sound of Filippo singing gets loud as he jogs up the stairs. He gasps and drops the wine bottle when he sees Anna’s decapitated body and her head sat up on the table staring at him.

There is the sound of the hammer of a gun cocking. Max’s back up revolver is aimed at Filippo.

FILIPPO No. Please.

The revolver is stuck into Filippo’s mouth. Filippo has muffled cries.

TWO IRISES Let’s play a new game. How many clicks does it take for your life to end.

Filippo starts moaning as the trigger is pulled.

CLICK. CLICK.

108.

CLICK. TWO IRISES (CONT’D) Halfway there. I think I’m feeling lucky with number four.

CLICK. Filippo screams as the trigger is pulled.

The gun fires and brains splatter the wall.

TWO IRISES (CONT’D) Oh well, close enough.

EXT. LAKE - CONTINUOUS Rebecca is swimming naked in the lake with a look of serenity on her face. She bumps into something.

REBECCA Uh, hello.

The object is Federica’s body with a dead stare in her bloodshot eyes. Rebecca screams and swims really fast toward the shore.

REBECCA (CONT’D) Help! Bobby!

Rebecca gets out of the lake and quickly grabs her clothes and puts them on. She runs barefoot to her car.

Rebecca frantically searches her pockets for the keys.

REBECCA (CONT’D) Shit.

TWO IRISES (O.S.) Hi ho!

Rebecca turns around. A miner’s pickaxe swings and stabs her right through the mouth.

INT. FILIPPO’S LAKE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER There are two real white irises in the stump of Anna’s neck where her head used to be. There’s a message on the wall written in blood.

INSERT - BLOODY MESSAGE ALL WORK AND NO PLAY LEAVES MAX A DULL BOY.

109.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING Laura is asleep in the bed. Max is not there.

Her phone rings.

LAURA (into phone; sleepily) Hello?

CAPTAIN (V.O.) You need to find Max right away.

LAURA (into phone) Why? CAPTAIN (V.O.) There’s more murders and his name is written at each crime scene.

Laura shakes her head and looks over to the other side of the bed and sees Max is gone.

INT. MAX’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS Laura is dressed with her gun out. She sees Max lying against the wall with blood all over face and chest.

There is black overcoat next to him.

LAURA Put your hands up.

Max wakes up and rubs his neck. He looks around in confusion but gets startled by Laura aiming her gun at him.

MAX What’s going on?

LAURA I didn’t want to believe it was true.

Max rubs his face and sees blood. Laura pulls out her handcuffs.

INT. NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL - HOLDING CELL - AFTERNOON Max is restrained to a chair. He stares at the wall.

110.

INT. NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - SAME TIME Laura looks through the viewing window at him. The Captain walks up to her with his arms folded.

CAPTAIN How did you get to him so quickly?

LAURA I was at his house when I got the call.

CAPTAIN You slept at his house?

LAURA Among other things.

Captain rubs his face and shakes his head disapprovingly.

CAPTAIN Jesus. Minneapolis wasn’t enough.

LAURA I have to follow rules on who to sleep with now?

CAPTAIN Now but sleeping with somebody can cloud your judgement. He slipped out right under your nose.

LAURA I don’t know how he did it but he was confused and unaware of what was going on when I found him.

CAPTAIN That may be. You talk to him and see if he has recollection of last night.

An officer runs over and talks to the Captain.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D) I don’t care if the phone company gives you a hard time. You tell him that a cop is missing and you tell them they’ll be charged with obstruction of justice.

LAURA What happened?

111.

CAPTAIN McCormick went missing yesterday.

His phone was found outside the hotel of that bitch Flanery’s murder and he had an unknown call as his last call. I’m trying to get a number and a trace. Wonderful. I have a missing detective. A serial killer detective and a dead detective probably murdered by the killer one. And to top it off, I have a detective who loves to sleep with her partner while on the job.

Laura angrily slaps the Captain.

LAURA We weren’t on the job! I’m sorry I slapped you and I know you’ll fire me but I will prove to you that my judgement was not clouded.

Laura walks into the cell and slams the door in the Captain’s face.

CAPTAIN Please don’t be wrong. I’m scared to be wrong. I’m scared of losing more of my people.

INT. NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL - HOLDING CELL - CONTINUOUS Laura kneels down in front of Max. He is still staring at the wall.

LAURA Where are you?

MAX I don’t know.

LAURA Did you do it?

MAX I don’t even know anymore.

LAURA I’ll look into it to confirm everything. I’ll see about getting you out of here and under me or the Captain’s supervision.

112.

MAX Don’t bother. Everyone will be safer if I’m here.

LAURA Do you really believe that?

MAX Yes I do. I black out and people die. I get light-headedness but it goes away when I start to get violent. I have a dark impulse that is acting without me knowing it.

LAURA What about Isabella?

MAX I killed her.

LAURA What? What are you talking about?

MAX I called the phone company about the calls from the mistress. There was no calls from anywhere. So who was I talking to?

LAURA This is crazy. Her death has just got your mind twisted. Or maybe there is a killer and he’s playing a sick game.

MAX Or maybe I just lost my mind and never came back.

Max looks around in confusion.

MAX (CONT’D) What is this place? This isn’t the hospital.

LAURA That one closed down. This is the new one.

INT. LAURA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Laura reads locations of homicides and marks them on a map.

The dots make a circle.

113.

Laura circles the dots and notices a location in the center.

LAURA Oh my god.

She grabs the phone.

INT. NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL - HOLDING CELL - SAME TIME Max sits in the corner, hugging his knees. He starts rocking back and forth.

MONTAGE - MAX’S VISIONS OF THE MURDERS -Eli’s head being blown off with the shotgun. The shooter is revealed to be Max in a black overcoat. He reloads the shotgun and smiles as he aims the shotgun at Eli’s crying girlfriend.

MAX I have something for you to suck on.

-Max starts rubbing his eyes.

-The door opening to see a grinning Max. He drives the spiked glove into Peggy’s face.

-Madsen hanging onto the windowsill. Max runs up to the window. He grabs Madsen’s hand and slices it with a knife.

Madsen falls to his death.

MAX (CONT’D) Sorry, butterfingers.

-Max starts pulling at his hair.

-Doherty opening up the elevator to see a smiling Max waiting for him. Max starts stabbing him.

-Filippo’s murder. Max is wielding the gun.

MAX (CONT’D) Oh well, close enough.

-Isabella on the ground, crying. Her vision clears up to see Max standing over her, wielding the billhook. He smiles and slams the billhook down as she screams.

BACK TO SCENE Max falls on his back and starts screaming.

114.

INT. CAPTAIN’S CAR - MOMENTS LATER The Captain rolls his eyes as he listens on the phone.

CAPTAIN (into phone) What purpose does that serve?

INT. LAURA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME TIME LAURA I dotted each homicide. It’s a circle and there is one location in the center of the circle.

INTERCUT LAURA’S LIVING ROOM/CAPTAIN’S CAR CAPTAIN (into phone) Max’s house?

No. one The new

LAURA (into phone) The old mental hospital. The that Isabella and Max were at. last message said experience times in an old bed.

CAPTAIN (into phone) So you think that’s the bed this supposed killer is referring to?

LAURA (into phone) What other bed is there?

CAPTAIN (into phone) It’s a longshot.

LAURA (into phone) It’s a lead. I’m following up on it.

CAPTAIN (into phone) No you’re not. You’re going to stand down and I’ll have people look into it.

115.

LAURA (into phone) The hell you are. You’re going to let this sit because you believe all the bullshit about Max being a killer.

Laura slams the phone down.

CAPTAIN (into phone) Laura! Laura! Shit!

BACK TO SCENE EXT. STREET - MOMENTS LATER Laura’s car speeds down the street.

INT. CAPTAIN’S CAR - SAME TIME CAPTAIN (into radio) I need all Emergency Response teams to converge on the old mental hospital. We have a detective heading there now who will need backup. I’ll meet you on site.

EXT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER Laura’s car slowly drives in.

INT. LAURA’S CAR - SAME TIME Laura sees lights illuminating from the top floor. She turns her lights off.

Laura passes by a black car.

FLASHBACK - DAY OF ISABELLA’S MURDER Laura drives by a black car after picking up Max from his house.

BACK TO SCENE LAURA That’s the car.

116.

As Laura drives forward, the ears of the rabbit mask slowly rise.

Suddenly, Two Irises stabs Laura in the shoulder.

Laura screams and accelerates. Two Irises puts her in a headlock with one arm and tries to grab hold of the wheel with the other.

Laura elbows Two Irises three times in the face. She speeds toward another abandoned car.

Two Irises quickly lunges forward and cuts the diagonal strap of Laura’s seat belt. He/She quickly buckles him/herself in the back seat.

The car crashes and Laura’s head smacks on the steering wheel. Two Irises head jerks forward with whiplash.

Laura’s head is bleeding and she slowly reaches for the center counsel. When she opens it, Two Irises foot slams down, closing the counsel and breaking Laura’s wrist.

Laura groggily cries. Two Irises grabs her by the hair and slams her head twice against the driver side window.

He/She slowly slits Laura’s throat. She gurgles as she holds her throat with her other hand.

Two Irises slowly slides out of the back seat and out the door. He/She opens driver side door.

Blood seeps through Laura’s fingers. Two Irises slowly takes off his/her mask, revealing the face.

Only Laura can see and she has a look of weak recognition.

Two Irises stabs Laura in the heart and twists the knife until Laura lets out a weak moan and dies.

The rabbit mask is put on Laura’s face.

INT. NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL - HOLDING CELL - MOMENTS LATER The viewing window opens up. The ORDERLY peeks in and grins.

ORDERLY You love experiencing old times in a new place.

Max opens his mouth to answer but has a look of realization.

117.

MAX Experience new times in an old bed.

Shit. (to orderly) Hey, I need a phone.

ORDERLY Why? MAX I got to call the Captain. I have news for him.

ORDERLY Whatever. Just stay here and shut up until the Captain is sure what to do with you.

MAX You know what, that’s it. I’ve had it. My nails are pretty sharp to do this.

Max starts scratching at his vanes.

ORDERLY Stop.

MAX I’m slitting my veins.

Some blood is drawn. The orderly quickly opens the door.

ORDERLY Against the wall.

Max is about to walk toward the wall when he throws an elbow back and hits the orderly in the head. The orderly hits Max in the eyebrow with the butt end of the baton, drawing blood.

Max kicks the orderly’s knee, causing him to drop to one knee. He elbows the orderly on the back of the neck and quickly grabs a syringe from the orderly’s belt.

Max injects the orderly and he passes out. He grabs the orderly’s keys and runs out.

EXT. NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL - FRONT GATE - MOMENTS LATER A car drives up to the gate. The gate rises and the GUARD starts to wave at the car.

118.

When the guard sees Max driving, he reaches and hits the gate button. Max speeds forward.

The gate closes and scrapes the car, emitting sparks.

EXT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - PARKING LOT - LATER The car speeds into the lot and stops behind Laura’s crashed car. Max gets out and sees the rabbit ears through the back window.

He runs forward and sees a body propped up on the seat with the rabbit mask. Max takes the mask off and sees it is Laura.

MAX Oh god.

He starts to tear up and as carefully takes her out of the car and lowers her to the ground. Max rubs her hair and kisses her forehead, getting some blood on his lips.

He sees the center counsel in Laura’s car open. Max gets inside the car and pulls a gun out of the counsel.

He pulls the slide back and walks purposefully towards the entrance. Max glances up and sees a silhouette peering out the window.

INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - FOYER - MOMENTS LATER We’ve Only Just Begun plays on the PA system.

Suddenly, there is the sound of rabbit screams.

Max aims his gun around in a circle. He has a pain in his head.

There are the sounds of Isabella and Laura screaming. All the screams play together like a symphony.

Max’s grasps his head and falls to his knees. He screams in anger and shoots the PA speaker.

INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS White Rabbit by Jefferson Starship plays. Max has his gun aimed with a flashlight as he walks up the stores.

119.

INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - 2ND FLOOR HALLWAY CONTINUOUS Near the end of the song, a blacklight is turned on. It reveals a highlighted “X” painted over the door of the lobotomy room.

Max slowly walks toward it and enters.

INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - LOBOTOMY WING - CONTINUOUS Max walks in with gun drawn. Blood runs from the cut on his eyebrow.

He rubs it away. There is a chair in the middle of the room.

Under the chair is a generator with spark plugs rigged to the chair making it an impromptu electric chair. There is a table set up next to it.

On the table, there is a ball pin hammer, a box of looped end nails, teeth drill, and a rectangular ended chisel. There is a large freezer in front of the chair.

Max walks toward it and opens it. It is full of ice and the cellophane wrapped head of Isabella sits in the middle of it.

He cries and caresses the cellophane. There is a figure moving behind him.

The figure wears a black hooded robe and silver, metallic rabbit mask. Max turns around with an evil grin.

MAX I got you now you motherfucker.

The figure stumbles forward, mumbling. Max pistol whips the figure and mercilessly shoots the entire clip into the figure.

He pulls off the mask to reveal McCormick. Max starts kicking the body.

McCormick’s body rolls on its left side. Max sees McCormick’s hands are tied behind his back.

There is no scratch on his neck. He inspects McCormick’s face and looks closer at his mouth.

Max pulls down McCormick’s jaw. His lips were super glued together.

120.

Suddenly, Max is stabbed in the back of the neck with a syringe.

He quickly turns around and pulls the trigger, but it just CLICKS. Max quickly pulls the syringe out of his neck. He gets really light-headed and falls against the chair.

Then the head moves. Hands come out of the ice.

A body rises out of the ice which the cellophane belongs to.

The body is a female.

She rips the cellophane off of her head and spits a breathing apparatus off. She then pulls frozen prosthetics off of her face to reveal Isabella alive!

Isabella looks over and smiles at Max as he passes out.

FADE TO BLACK. INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - LOBOTOMY WING - CONTINUOUS Max is woken by a sudden jolt. He is being electrocuted.

ISABELLA (O.S.) I guess it is harder to drag you with a shot arm and partially severed fingers then dragging you with partially severed fingers.

Isabella stands in front of him, wearing a pretty pink spring dress that drops just a little above the knee and is held by pink spaghetti straps. She is wearing surgical gloves.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Remember this dress. I wore it the day you swept me off of my feet.

Like a fox grabs a rabbit. On the neck right?

Isabella bites Max on the side of his neck, causing it to bleed a little. Max grinds his teeth and groans.

Isabella limps slightly which Max notices.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) It’s kind of hard to get medical attention for your knee when you’re supposed to be dead. A little gift from that past you supposedly told to take a hike.

121.

Isabella grabs the ball pin hammer. Max starts to squirm in the chair.

MAX What are you doing?

ISABELLA We’re married. Don’t you know.

What’s mine is yours.

Isabella raises the hammer in the air and spins it to the pin end. She slams the hammer on Max’s kneecap.

Max screams in agony.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) I thought a lot about what you said about foxes and rabbits. I guess that means you’re the predator and I’m the prey. Do you know the Native American folklore of the rabbit?

MAX (painfully) No. ISABELLA The rabbit stands for the trickster and the shape shifter. I got the trickster down right. I’ve tricked everyone, including yourself, into believing you lost your mind and you killed everyone, including me.

Isabella jumps up and down, clapping enthusiastically.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) I guess you can say I’m the shape shifter as well. Rabbit can go from something so cute and cuddly to something mean. What would happen if the fox came across that shape shifting rabbit? What if the rabbit turned into something that made the fox think twice about trying to attack? Now it’s the rabbit’s turn to make the fox scream.

Isabella takes a looped end nail out of the box.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Now it’s my turn to make you scream.

122.

Isabella puts the looped end under Max’s fingernail. Isabella waves the hammer by his face.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Every pain inflicted on me. I’m going to inflict on you.

She hammers the nail in. Max screams through his teeth.

Isabella shows Max her right hand where the top tip of her fore and middle finger are severed off.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) She got diagonally at the tip but I like things perfect and even.

She has a sad smile as she puts the chisel over Max’s forefinger. Isabella hammers it in.

Max starts crying as the chisel went halfway through.

Isabella rubs his face.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) It’s okay. I’m halfway. It’s almost done.

She hammers again and the top tip is severed off.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) In Yakuza culture, that’s a token of your failure. Like how you failed me. We got one more finger.

MAX No, please.

Isabella puts the chisel on the top tip of the middle finger and hammers down. It severs in one strike.

MAX (CONT’D) Ow, fuck!

Isabella puts her hand next to Max. ISABELLA Oh, sweetie. We got matching hands.

She kisses him on the forehead.

MAX Iz. I’m so sorry.

123.

ISABELLA Shut up! You have no fucking right to say you’re sorry. You lost that when you felt I was too crazy for you. I was too much of a fucking burden on your frantic sex life!

MAX Is that what this is about?

ISABELLA No. What this is about was how useless I felt? Why wasn’t I enough for you? Why couldn’t you love me like all those others? It got too much for me and I got sick. When I thought my husband would be there for me and give me that love I wanted so much, you threw me in a mental hospital.

Max’s falls forward in shame.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Do you know that they put me in a cell with a window open by a rabbit farm? They cut a hole in the fence and let a fox on there. Every night I had to hear a rabbit scream as they were killed. Those orderlies would laugh at me cause the screams made me cry and I would have nightmares. They even killed rabbit babies and taunt me with them.

Isabella wipes a tear from her eyes and smiles.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) But then things got clear.

Treatments helped me because they said I need a goal to get better.

My goal was to make you suffer. To make you scream. I was going to do this to you the night you got home.

The wonderful night. But the attack was a better blessing.

MAX How are you still alive?

ISABELLA All in good time. There’s another matching thing I need to do first.

124.

She grabs the gun and shoots Max in the arm. Max screams.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Throwing me in a mental hospital wasn’t good enough. You had to shoot me, too. You’re an evil bastard.

Isabella grabs a swiss army knife and pulls the little blade out. She saws a lock of Max’s hair.

Max’s face cringes until she is done.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) That’s for having to cut a lock of my hair off.

FLASHBACK - ISABELLA’S ATTACK Isabella paints two white irises on the wall. She hears the floor creak and woman with unkempt black hair swings a bill hook at her.

Isabella is then tied to a chair and the looped end of the nail is put under her fingernail. The woman, Mistress, makes the call.

MISTRESS (into phone) Now you’ll learn about loss.

The nail is hammered in. Isabella jerks around in pain and breaks out of the restraints.

The Mistress stomps her knee, causing her to collapse.

Isabella grabs a paintbrush and breaks it in half.

When the Mistress grabs Isabella by the hair, Isabella spins around and stabs her in the eye. She then tackles the Mistress to the ground and slams her head repeatedly until she is unconscious.

Isabella grabs the billhook and decapitates her. She runs around frantic and is about to grab the phone when she sees a case file about Filippo’s decapitation murders.

MONTAGE - ISABELLA FAKING HER DEATH -Isabella looks at her own body size and the Mistress’ body size.

ISABELLA (V.O.) Still like the same body size.

125.

Isabella switches clothes with the body.

-Isabella cleans up the blood.

ISABELLA (V.O.) If you’re wondering about the blood.

-Isabella, wearing her rabbit design hoodie, sneaks into the mental hospital and takes blood packets out of the fridge.

She also takes a few syringes and other drugs.

ISABELLA (V.O.) While you were at work before our dinner, I picked up an old souvenir. For good behavior, patients donated blood. The blood was put to good use. Also, did some other shopping as well. And I paid the orderlies back for my stay.

-Isabella stabs one sleeping orderly in the throat and sticks the knife into the head of another.

-Isabella dumps the blood onto the dress shirt the dead body now wears and where the head used to be.

-Isabella stomps the knee and severs the top tips of the fore and middle finger on the right hand. She does it to her own fingers and puts her own severed finger tips by the dead body’s hand.

-Isabella writes the eerie note. She cuts a strand of her own hair and takes pliers and pulls out her own four front teeth.

Isabella screams in agony as each tooth is pulled. Blood spills out of her screaming mouth. Then she starts laughing.

BACK TO SCENE Isabella pulls her four front teeth out, revealed to be dentures. She smiles with a huge gap in her mouth.

ISABELLA You like my smile. Is it still pretty? I drugged your medication and booze. That explained the blackouts and light-headedness. It also caused migraines so that is why you were pain when I played my symphony. And when you saw visions of me at home and other places, that was actually me. I’ve always been good at hiding.

126.

Isabella puts the dentures back in.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Me again. I really wanted to destroy you when I realized how much you still actually loved me.

If I really was murdered, would you actually make the killer’s last moments the worst ever?

MAX Yes. ISABELLA Then I decided that I needed to help you in the mean time. With all your problems.

FLASHBACK - MAX’S CONVERSATION WITH LAURA The janitor walks by the desk. It is revealed to be Isabella in disguise.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) So I helped.

MONTAGE - ISABELLA KILLING SPREE -Doherty knocks the hoodie off and Isabella’s face is shown.

She starts stabbing him.

-Christina knocks the hat and wig off. Isabella’s dark hair falls out. Christina is decapitated.

-Isabella, with the rabbit mask on, looks at Laura, who is holding her throat after it was slit. She takes the mask off to show her face before stabbing Laura in the heart.

BACK TO SCENE MAX I remember the first time I saw you. In that dress. I never had a good girlfriend in my life but there was something about you that drove me crazy. You were that goodness my life needed.

Isabella’s eyes water.

127.

MAX (CONT’D) I hated myself so much for cheating and I thought about biting a bullet every day for putting you in the hospital when I should’ve helped you. We’re not totally matched. You forgot about my front teeth.

Max smiles and opens his mouth more to show his front teeth.

Isabella smiles and grabs the teeth drill.

She puts straps around Max’s forehead and jaw to restrain his head. The drill starts and she focuses as the drill goes into his teeth.

Max’s lets out little cries and then a blood curdling scream.

EXT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - PARKING LOT - SAME TIME Police units arrive. The Captain checks Laura’s dead body and puts his coat over her.

CAPTAIN Let’s get in there!

INT. ABANDONED MENTAL HOSPITAL - LOBOTOMY WING - MOMENTS LATER Max smiles with cracked and bloody teeth. Isabella aims the gun at his head.

ISABELLA I’m glad we forgive one another but part of me still wants you to suffer.

She puts the gun to her head.

MAX No! Isabella hits a remote and starts electrocuting Max. ISABELLA You’re going to order my suicide and I want you to watch.

MAX Please. Don’t do this anymore.

128.

ISABELLA I’ll torture you until you say otherwise.

MAX Then do it. But I’ll give you a new ultimatum. You just keep torturing me or kill me. I’m not going to live through your death again.

Isabella cries and kisses him. She rests her forehead on his face.

ISABELLA Is that what you want? You really want me to kill you?

Max nods. Isabella walks over to the freezer and takes out the knife used in killing Laura.

It is the same switchblade with black dragon design. She puts it to his throat.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) Remember my birthday gift. I seen you used it a few times and I used it a few times.

MAX (crying) Just wait a minute. I’m sorry I’m just scared.

Isabella rubs his head.

ISABELLA It’s okay. I’ll try to be quick.

Isabella kisses him before stabbing him in the left side of his throat. Max gasps and his eyes pop wide open.

She pulls the knife to the right, viciously slitting his throat. Blood spills onto Max’s shirt, turning the front of it red.

Max starts convulsing and coughing up blood. Isabella starts crying hysterically on his chest.

She pulls away and her face is covered with his blood. Max convulses weakly.

Isabella rests her head against his heart and puts the gun to her head.

129.

ISABELLA (CONT’D) I’m glad we can be together.

Isabella shoots herself. The bullet goes through her head and into his heart.

Max lets out a slight gasp and his head falls forward.

Isabella’s head rests on his lap.

The Captain and SWAT arrive and see the aftermath. He steps forward and stares in disbelief.

DOCTOR (V.O.) And remember. Fear kills us all.

THE END