Return-Path: Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 21:42:53 PST Reply-To: TERESA STEVENSON Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: TERESA STEVENSON Subject: The Mousetrap (1/8) To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Usual disclaimers. Permission to archive. Comments to vampwrtr@aol.com FOREVER KNIGHT "The Mouse Trap " ACT ONE FADE IN: INT. RAVEN CELLAR - NIGHT The cellar is almost pitch-black. The only light in the room, is from the moon, which is coming through a very small window near the ceiling of one of the walls. The cellar is filled with racks upon racks of what appear to be wine bottles. In the shadows, we see a FIGURE in black, moving carefully through the racks, until it stops in front of one particular rack. The figure's POV; the rack is labeled, "Special Reserve, do not touch, LL ". CLOSE on the hands of the mysterious figure as the hands draw out a syringe and a bottle from a pocket. The liquid is drawn from the bottle, until the syringe is filled. Slowly, the hands begin to inject the corks of the bottles with the syringe. Off this, we, CUT TO: EXT. STREET IN TORONTO - NIGHT DETECTIVE NICK KNIGHT and DETECTIVE JEFFREY PLATT, late 30's, refined features, are in the Caddy, driving. KNIGHT How long did you say you'd been on the force, Jeffrey? PLATT About 14 years. KNIGHT I heard you were at the 19th precinct for over ten. What made you transfer? PLATT Time for a change. KNIGHT Oh. They drive along in uncomfortable silence for a few moments. Then, KNIGHT (CONT) Why the night shift? PLATT You ask a lot of questions. KNIGHT (smiling) I'm a detective. I'm supposed to ask questions. Nick's attempt at humor falls quite flat with Det. Platt. PLATT I like the night. KNIGHT (amused) Really? Platt just glares at Knight. Another awkward beat, then, KNIGHT (CONT) You don't talk much, do you? PLATT No. Knight rolls his eyes. Of all the people in the world he could have for a new partner, why this guy? KNIGHT Just thought it would pass the time.... Thankfully, a precinct call rescues Knight. DISPATCH (O.C.) 81 Kilo, suspected homicide. Proceed immediately to 145 Queen Street. Knight grabs the radio. KNIGHT 81 Kilo, affirmative. We're on our way. Off the Caddy as Knight pulls a U-turn, we, CUT TO: INT. APARTMENT, 145 QUEEN ST - NIGHT Nick and Platt enter what appears to be a typical crime scene. Police everywhere, taking finger prints, pictures, examining objects. On the floor lies a female body, face up, clutching her chest. DR. NATALIE LAMBERT enters. KNIGHT Nat, what have you got? NATALIE Female victim, approximately 35 years old. Looks like it might be some kind of drug overdose. Her name is Jane Makropoulos, she was a librarian. PLATT So if it's a suicide, why call us? Natalie looks at the man she doesn't know. KNIGHT Sorry, Dr. Natalie Lambert, this is my new partner, Jeffrey Platt. Platt just stares at her, grunts, but says nothing, then walks away. NATALIE He's a real charmer, isn't he? KNIGHT He, uh, doesn't talk much. NATALIE Dracula meets Frankenstein, how appropriate. KNIGHT Ha, ha. (re: the victim) What do you think? Suicide or Homicide? NATALIE Don't know yet. (off Nick's look) It could be just a drug OD.... KNIGHT ...but? NATALIE But so far, there's no sign of so much as an aspirin in this place. And I doubt that the deceased had time to clean up after herself. CLOSE on Nick as we, CUT TO FLASHBACK: INT. HOUSE C.1955 - NIGHT END PART 1/8 Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 21:50:57 PST Reply-To: TERESA STEVENSON Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: TERESA STEVENSON Subject: The Mousetrap (2/8) To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Usual disclaimers. Permission to archive. Comments to the author at vampwrtr@aol.com If you have problems with incomplete copies, garbage, etc, contact stevte00@hotmail.com and I'll be happy to send parts. CUT TO FLASHBACK: INT. HOUSE C.1955 - NIGHT Nick, LUCIEN LACROIX, and JANETTE DUCHARME are cleaning up a bloody mess. There are three bodies on the floor, all of whom have stakes in their chests, and are headless. JANETTE Who could have done this? LACROIX I warned Elias of this possibility. He would never listen......... KNIGHT You're certain it's a hunter? LaCroix stops what he is doing and glares at Nick. LACROIX Are you suggesting that one of our own kind did this? KNIGHT Not exactly. LACROIX Come, come, Nicholas, don't you believe that your precious mortals are capable of such a gruesome act? KNIGHT I didn't say that.... LaCroix gives Nick a "you didn't have to " look, then he leans down near one of the bodies. LACROIX (to body) I promise you Elias, this will not go unpunished. KNIGHT Leave it alone, LaCroix. LACROIX (hissing) Do not presume to dictate my behavior in this situation. I assure you, someone will pay for this... Nick grabs LaCroix by the arm, and the two of them glare at each other. KNIGHT Let it go. LaCroix snarls at Nick, and the two of them prepare to battle, eyes glowing. JANETTE Stop! Both of you. (beat) Is it not enough what we have already lost tonight? The two men look at Janette, and Nick backs down. KNIGHT You're right, Janette. Janette goes back to the task at hand, as does Nick. LaCroix leans into Nick's ear. LACROIX This is far from over, I promise you. (beat) And I always keep my promises. Off this, we, END FLASHBACK: INT. 145 QUEEN ST - CONTINUOUS KNIGHT Let me know what you find, Nat. Knight and his partner start moving away. NATALIE Oh, Nick... (off his look) You'll never guess what radio program was blasting when we arrived. KNIGHT Oldies but Goodies? NATALIE (slightly amused) Nope. The Nightcrawler. Off Nick's look, we, CUT TO: INT. SOUND BOOTH - NIGHT LaCroix, dressed in his usual black, is in the middle of a broadcast. A bottle of his Reserve is sitting nearby, almost empty, and he has a wine glass in one hand. LACROIX Entrapment, gentle listeners.... A fate that befalls many. (beat) You are trapped by your job, your mate, your responsibilities...or maybe you are ensnared by the charm of a lover. Perhaps it is a fantasy that has enticed you with its sweet fragrance of promise. Pick up the phone, the Nightcrawler would love to hear what has enticed each of you..... Off LaCroix, we, CUT TO: INT. MORGUE - NIGHT Natalie has just finished the autopsy on the victim from Queen Street. Nick enters. KNIGHT Well? Caught off guard, Natalie almost drops a specimen. NATALIE I hate it when you do that. KNIGHT Sorry. Any news? NATALIE Only that it definitely was a chemical substance that killed her. KNIGHT A substance? What substance? NATALIE That's just it, Nick. I don't know. KNIGHT You mean you haven't gotten the tox screen back... NATALIE No. I mean, the lab can't get a handle on what the components are. Whatever it is, it was far stronger than was needed to kill a human being. Ten people could have been taken out by it, and it's a drug we've never seen before. Nick is about to answer, when he feels woozy. He has to grab for the autopsy table to steady himself. Natalie is at his side in a flash. NATALIE (CONT) Nick? What's wrong? KNIGHT I don't know.... A few beats go by, and Nick seems better. NATALIE Are you okay? KNIGHT Yes. I just felt dizzy for a second. CLOSE on Nick as he realizes it wasn't him - he was sensing the dizziness, and it came from LaCroix. Nick's eyes widen with concern. NATALIE Nick? KNIGHT LaCroix. NATALIE What about him? KNIGHT Something's wrong. I've got to go. Nick tears out of the morgue, leaving Natalie wondering. NATALIE Nick..... (beat, muttering) Thy Master's Voice calleth.... Off Natalie shaking her head, we, CUT TO: EXT. SHOT OF RAVEN - NIGHT The Caddy comes to a screeching halt at the curb. Nick jumps out and quickly enters the Raven. We FOLLOW him into, INT. RAVEN - CONTINUOUS Nick rushes through the dancing bodies and the loud music, making his way toward the sound booth in the back. CUT TO: INT. SOUND BOOTH - CONTINUOUS LaCroix is sitting in the chair, leaning over the desk in front of him. He doesn't even acknowledge Nick's presence. Nick walks over to LaCroix, and tentatively reaches for his shoulder. KNIGHT LaCroix? (beat) What's wrong? LaCroix shakes Nick's hand off his shoulder, but doesn't move from the chair. LACROIX Well, Nicholas. To what do I owe this little visit? As LaCroix looks up at Nick, the normally pale face is even paler. KNIGHT (concerned) You don't look....well, LaCroix. (beat) Is there something wrong? LaCroix, trying to make light of the fact that he isn't feeling well, which should be impossible, smiles at Nicholas. LACROIX Of course not. (beat) However, I am touched to think that you dropped your mortal bonds for a moment, to rush over here.... Nick glares at LaCroix. KNIGHT I felt it, LaCroix. LACROIX Felt what? KNIGHT You were dizzy, light headed... LACROIX Nonsense. I think you've inhaled too much formaldehyde whilst visiting the good doctor. LaCroix pushes himself up and starts to move past Nick, but he loses his balance ever so slightly. Nick catches him. KNIGHT Something is wrong.... LaCroix, angered by his own weakness, growls at Nick, as he breaks from his grasp. LACROIX (overreacting) There is nothing wrong. (beat, dangerous) I'm sure you must have better things to do than to irritate me. LaCroix exits, leaving Nick to contemplate the big elephant in the room. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT - NIGHT Nick enters and sees Platt sit ting at his desk. Nick hesitates. For a moment, we think he might just leave, since Platt hasn't seen him, but shrugging to himself, he walks quickly to his own desk and opens a file folder. PLATT You hear about the mystery drug? Nick just nods. PLATT (CONT) You'd think with all the resources they have, the M.E.'s office would be able to give us a slightly clearer picture than, We don't know.' KNIGHT Sometimes things are not what they appear to be. CLOSE on Nick as he drifts into, FLASHBACK: EXT. STREET c.1955 - NIGHT Nick is following LaCroix from some distance away. It is unclear whether LaCroix is aware of his son or not. LaCroix ducks into a bar. Nicholas watches from a window, as LaCroix speaks to the bartender, hands the man some money, listens to the bartender, then heads back out the door. Nick follows him around a corner, and wham - LaCroix surprises him as he grabs Nick by the throat, slamming him up against a wall. LACROIX (hissing, angrily) Why are you following me, Nicholas? KNIGHT To stop you from killing. LACROIX Hunters are dangerous to all of us, Nicholas. I am merely doing the community a favor. KNIGHT You are seeking revenge. LACROIX And if I am? KNIGHT LaCroix, no good can come of it. Even if you have revenge now, a price will be paid later. LaCroix laughs as he releases the younger man. LACROIX These hunters are mere mortals, Nicholas. I have no fear of mortals. On LaCroix' exit, we, END FLASHBACK: INT. PRECINCT - CONTINUOUS Nick is jolted from his reverie by the RINGING of his phone. He picks up the receiver. KNIGHT Knight. NATALIE (O.C.) I found something interesting in the Makropoulos Case. Have you got time before dawn? KNIGHT Yeah, I'll be right there. Off the phone being hung up, we, CUT TO: INT. MORGUE - NIGHT Natalie is at her desk, sipping coffee and sifting through files. Nick enters. KNIGHT Well? NATALIE I found the needle entry mark, Nick. (off his look) Come here. We FOLLOW them into the exam room, where she walks over to the body. She lifts the head and turns the neck. CLOSE on two marks that, while much smaller, resemble bite marks. KNIGHT Those look like-- NATALIE --Miniature bite marks. They're definitely from a needle though. KNIGHT Why would someone want to make it look like a bite mark? NATALIE Someone is obviously making a statement. KNIGHT The victim....she's definitely-- NATALIE --Human? Yes. KNIGHT This doesn't make sense. NATALIE No, it doesn't. Unless of course, she were somehow connected to the community... KNIGHT I'm sure I don't know of her, but I'll check around. (beat) Thanks, Nat. He starts to leave. NATALIE By the way, how was LaCroix? KNIGHT Weird. NATALIE Weird? KNIGHT I, um, don't think he's feeling well. NATALIE (amused) What are you telling me Nick? That LaCroix has the equivalent of the vampire flu? KNIGHT I don't know. Concern crosses his face. NATALIE You're really worried about him, aren't you? KNIGHT It's probably nothing, and unless he asks for help, there's not a lot I can do anyway. NATALIE If you need anything, let me know. Nick smiles. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - DAWN LaCroix is tossing and turning in his bed. A few moans escape from his mouth. Off in the distance, we hear a phone RINGING, and then a machine clicking on. We, CUT TO: INT. LOFT - DAWN Nick is on the phone. We hear it RINGING, then the sound of a machine coming on. LACROIX (O.C.) Leave me a message after the tone.....if you dare. We hear a maniacal laugh from LaCroix on the tape, a BEEP, then, KNIGHT LaCroix? LaCroix, it's Nick. Pick up the phone. (beat) Call me at home when you get this message. (beat) Please. Nick hangs the phone up. His concern is growing. He glances toward the approaching dawn. He picks up the remote and closes the blinds. Not much more he can do until the sun has vanished. Off Nick, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - DAY LaCroix awakens with a start. He is soaked with blood sweat. He shakes his head wearily, as he puts a hand to his stomach, which is doing flip-flops. With a shaky hand, he reaches to the night stand, for a bottle. He doesn't bother with a glass, he just swigs from a bottle marked "Special Reserve ". Off this, we, FADE OUT: END ACT ONE END PART 2/8 Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 22:01:00 PST Reply-To: TERESA STEVENSON Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: TERESA STEVENSON Subject: The Mousetrap (3/8) To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Usual disclaimers. Permission to archive. Comments to the author at vampwrtr@aol.com Problems with the post to stevte00@hotmail.com Off his exit, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT LaCroix is lying on the couch, holding his stomach. His pallor is downright ghostly. We hear a KNOCK on the door. LaCroix makes no move to answer it. KNIGHT (O.C.) LaCroix? It's me....open up. LaCroix doesn't move. We hear a KEY in the lock, and the door opens. Nick enters. He sees LaCroix, who is now sitting up, on the couch, and goes to him. KNIGHT Why didn't you answer me? LACROIX Did it ever occur to you, that perhaps I did not answer the door, because I do not wish to be disturbed? Nick looks as though LaCroix slapped him. KNIGHT I came by earlier to see if you got my message, but you weren't here.... LACROIX I don't need you spying on me. KNIGHT I'm not spying, LaCroix. You just haven't seemed.....yourself lately, and I was......concerned. Nick gets a good look at the older man, and is struck by just how awful he appears. LaCroix is sweating, and black circles have formed under his eyes. Nick gently reaches over and puts a hand on LaCroix' forehead. LaCroix jerks away. KNIGHT (CONT) (astonished) LaCroix, you felt warm..... LaCroix stands up from the couch, almost loses his balance, but somehow hangs on. He stalks over to the bar, and pours himself a glass of "wine " from his Special Reserve. LACROIX You know as well as I, that I could not possibly be warm, Nicholas. Vampires do not get fevers. LaCroix' hands are shaking, and he's having a hell of a time getting the glass to his lips without Nick seeing the tremors in his hands. Without warning, LaCroix is doubled over in pain. Nick is up in an instant and at LaCroix' side. Nick takes a hold of LaCroix, and helps him to the couch. KNIGHT And I suppose now you're going to tell me, that it is normal for our kind to collapse in pain? LaCroix does not respond; he's clearly in agony, and his breath has become ragged. Nick eases him onto the couch, LaCroix stops fighting him, worn out. The concern on Nick's face is evident. LACROIX (through pain) It will pass, Nicholas. Just give me a moment.... KNIGHT LaCroix, you must tell me what's wrong. LACROIX (whispering) I don't know.... Nick reaches for the phone, picks it up and dials a number. LACROIX (CONT) (irritated) Who are you calling? KNIGHT Natalie. LaCroix feigns irritation, but is secretly relieved. Off LaCroix, clearly in pain, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - NIGHT LaCroix is in the bed, clad in pajamas, black of course. He looks about as bad as he feels, but he's trying desperately not to let it show. Nick is pacing, and Natalie is sitting on the edge of the bed, examining her reluctant patient, who's a bit squirmy. NATALIE Hold still. I can't get an accurate blood pressure reading with you squirming all over the place. LaCroix just glares at her, but tries to remain still. LACROIX Doctor, really, this is quite un-- NATALIE --Shh!! Will you hush? I can't hear if you're going to talk. She removes the cuff and takes the stethoscope out of her ears. LACROIX Well? NATALIE Well what? According to that blood pressure reading, you're dead. With effort, LaCroix smiles the smile of a shark. LACROIX Just as it should be. I told you both there's nothing to worry about, I'll be fine. KNIGHT LaCroix, you're not fine. (beat) For an ancient, you're nothing but a big baby. Natalie puts the stethoscope to LaCroix' chest and listens intently. LACROIX That damn thing is cold. (off Nat's & Nick's look) Well, it is. Nat glares at him again, and he shuts up. LaCroix leans back, into the pillows, suddenly feeling the wear from trying to put on a good face. NATALIE Your beat's a little fast for a vampire, but not that bad. Natalie touches his forehead, LaCroix jerks away. This scares Natalie a little, after all, it is LaCroix, sick or not. She tries to retain her lightness. NATALIE (CONT) Relax, I'm not going to bite. LACROIX (smiling weakly) No Doctor, but I might.... He coughs raspily as he feigns laughter at his own bad joke. Natalie glares at him, but puts her hand back on his forehead anyway. NATALIE Just be quiet. (beat) Nick, hand me that thermometer please. He feels too warm. Nothing is forthcoming. NATALIE (CONT) Nick? KNIGHT Sorry, what does it look like? NATALIE Never mind. She reaches into the bag, pulls out a thermometer, and moves to press it into LaCroix' ear. LACROIX What are you doing? NATALIE I'm just going to take your temperature. LaCROIX By sticking something in my ear? NATALIE Yes. She takes his temperature and frowns. KNIGHT Nat? Natalie looks worried now, and she gently runs a hand over LaCroix' forehead, this time he doesn't jerk away. NATALIE I'll bet you feel pretty damn lousy. (to Nick) His temperature is 101.4. KNIGHT That's not possible. NATALIE Instruments don't lie, Nick. (to LaCroix) What other symptoms have you felt? LaCroix says nothing, he stubbornly refuses to give in to the whole situation. KNIGHT LaCroix, if Natalie is to help you, you have to be honest with her. LaCroix glares at Nick, but he cannot ignore the fact that he feels like death warmed over. Begrudgingly, LACROIX My stomach is...queasy.....and I feel somewhat.....cold. NATALIE Headaches? LACROIX Dizzy, a little. Natalie pulls out a syringe and a vial. LaCroix looks at her with slightly raised eyebrows, which is about all he can muster. NATALIE I'm going to take a blood sample, and analyze it, to see if I can figure out what's making you so ill. LaCroix just nods, too tired to say a word. Natalie takes the blood sample. When she finishes, LaCroix involuntarily shivers. Gently, Natalie pulls the covers around him, protectively wrapping him up in them. NATALIE (CONT) Hang in there. We'll get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, you just get some rest. LaCroix' tired eyes close quickly. Natalie motions Nick to follow her. We FOLLOW them into, INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS KNIGHT You look worried, Nat. That scares me. NATALIE He looks like death warmed over, and I don't mean that as an undead' joke. He's running a high fever for a dead guy, and he's getting weaker by the moment. (beat) He tried to put on a brave face for our benefit, but-- KNIGHT --I know. Can you help him? Natalie shrugs, unsure. NATALIE I'll rush the blood test through.... KNIGHT And for now? NATALIE Stay with him, keep him warm, try to get him to drink water, along with.....feeding him. If he takes a turn for the worse, call me. And Nick, keep him in bed. A fever like that, no telling what damage he might do to himself if he starts wandering around. Nick nods. As Natalie is almost out the door, KNIGHT Nat, thanks. (beat) I know LaCroix appreciates it, even though he'll probably never say anything. Natalie exits. CLOSE on Nick, as we, CUT TO FLASHBACK: INT. LIVING ROOM C. 1955 - NIGHT Janette, cradling an obviously ill LaCroix in her arms, is sitting on the couch. Nick enters. KNIGHT What happened? JANETTE He went after the hunters, and they shot him with some drug. The dart is over there... She indicates a tranquilizer dart on the table. Nick picks it up and examines it. He smells it. KNIGHT Curare. The effects are not long lasting. He'll be fine tomorrow. JANETTE Nicolah, you must not allow him to go after them again. They might kill him. KNIGHT He should just leave them alone. He wouldn't have gotten shot, if he had just let it go. LaCroix moans. Janette tenderly soothes him by stroking his face. Nick starts up the stairs. LACROIX Nicholas? LaCroix reaches a hand out. Nick just glares at him. JANETTE (admonishing) Nicolah.... Nick comes back to LaCroix and takes the proffered hand between his own. Nick kneels next to his Master. KNIGHT You'll be all right, LaCroix. It is just curare. You'll be all right. LACROIX (slurring) I don't want you and Janette to go out alone. Hunters.... JANETTE Shh. Don't worry about us for now. Just go to sleep. LaCroix' eyes close, and Nick lets go of his hand. As he heads back up the stairs, he turns to Janette. KNIGHT The next time, he might not be so lucky. You should try and talk him out of it. JANETTE And you, Nicolah? KNIGHT I'll be leaving. (off her look) If he wants to chase hunters to satisfy his revenge, he'll do it without me. Off this, we, END FLASHBACK: INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Nick is snapped out of his memory by the sound of LaCroix' cries. We FOLLOW as Nick quickly moves into, INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS LaCroix is fighting with the sheets, and he is crying out. Nick sits down on the edge of the bed, and grabs a cloth from a bowl of water on a night stand. He gently dabs LaCroix' forehead with the compress. KNIGHT Shh. Relax, LaCroix. You'll be all right. (beat, whispering) You have to be. LaCroix calms down at the sound of Nick's voice, but he does not wake up. Off Nick's worried face, we, FADE OUT: END ACT TWO END PART 4/8 Return-Path: Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 20:34:49 PST Reply-To: TERESA STEVENSON Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: TERESA STEVENSON Subject: The Mousetrap (5/8) To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu Usual disclaimers. Permission to archive. Comments to the author at vampwrtr@aol.com Problems with the post to stevte00@hotmail.com You should see END PART 5/8 to have a complete post. ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. WORK STUDIO - DAY We see the back of a MAN (WOLLINGSFORD) in black, sitting at a work bench. It could be the same figure we saw at the top of the show, but we're not sure yet. PAN around him; we see a syringe and a bottle. Now we know it's the same man from the top of the show. CLOSE on a picture frame in his glove clad hands. The picture is of three young men, obviously taken in the mid-50's, given the clothes and hair styles. They are all smiling, like men having just returned from a successful fishing expedition, or a fruitful hunting trip. WOLLINGSFORD (O.C.) (to picture) Soon, very soon... Off the picture, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - DAY LaCroix is still very restless. Nick is sleeping in a chair next to the bed. LaCroix starts tossing violently in his sleep, his hands gripping the bed sheets. His forehead is covered in blood sweat. CLOSE on LaCroix' face, as we, CUT TO FLASHBACK: INT. WAREHOUSE c. 1955 - NIGHT Three MEN are in a large warehouse. These are the same men we saw in the picture frame earlier. They are all in their 20's, and they are working quite diligently on a project. As we get closer we see them loading tranquilizer darts with a drug, sharpening stakes, and putting crosses in pockets, along with vials of Holy Water. Hunters. CLOSE on the right hand of the 3RD MAN as he sharpens a stake; he has a very distinctive black onyx ring with a diamond in its center on his pinky finger. WIDEN, then, 1ST MAN We'll have him tonight, yes sir. 2ND MAN I'd had a piece of him the other night, if that woman hadn't shown up. 3RD MAN Our work is never done. There's always another one of which we must rid our world. (beat) Are you gentlemen ready? 2ND MAN Ready and waiting. 1ST MAN It's gonna be beautiful.... A figure in black crashes through the window, startling the three men. It is LaCroix, and he is vamped out. He grabs the nearest man and snaps his neck like a twig. The other two have sprung into action splashing him with Holy Water. As the Holy Water hits him, LaCroix hisses and growls, smoke rising from the spots where he is hit. He turns to the 2nd Man, and makes a move toward him, the man flings a crucifix in LaCroix' face. LaCroix spits and turns slightly away, but he is still advancing. The 3rd Man is coming from behind, a stake poised toward the vampire. LaCroix lunges at the 2nd man, and grabs him by the neck, snapping it easily. However, this gives the 3rd man time enough; he drives a stake through LaCroix' back, and into his heart. LaCroix turns, surprise on his features. As he falls to his knees, his hands reach up to the stake. LaCroix crumples to the floor. The 3rd Man begins splashing LaCroix' body with gasoline, preparing to finish his handiwork. Nick, vamped out, appears out of nowhere, and grabs the man's hand, right before he strikes the match. We hear the THUMPING of a human heart, as Knight begins to hypnotize him. KNIGHT Put the matches down. Now. The man, in a trance, hands the matches to Knight, who takes them. KNIGHT (CONT) You were never here tonight. You have no idea where your friends went. Vampires do not exist. They have never existed. Do you understand? 3RD MAN Vampires do not exist. I understand. KNIGHT Good. You will leave here, go home, and you will be terribly sleepy. You will have to go immediately to sleep. Do you understand? 3RD MAN Yes. The 3rd Man walks in a trance, out of the Warehouse. Nick turns to see the unconscious form of LaCroix, a bloody mess on the floor. He picks him up, and prepares to fly out with him. KNIGHT It's a good thing for you I felt the stake. Off Nick's exit, we, END FLASHBACK: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS LaCroix is screaming in his sleep. Nick is jolted awake by LaCroix, and is immediately vamped out, until he realizes that LaCroix is having a nightmare. Nick sits on the edge of the bed and grabs LaCroix by the shoulders, shaking him gently. KNIGHT LaCroix.....wake up. LaCroix does not wake up. KNIGHT (CONT) Come on, wake up.... With a scream, LaCroix bolts up, almost out of bed, Nick catches him. LaCroix grabs a hold of Nick for dear life. Reluctantly, Nick holds his mentor in an embrace. ANGLE Nick; LaCroix has never shown this kind of vulnerability to him, and Nick is touched by it, but taken aback at the same time. Trying to soothe him, Nick rubs his hand up and down LaCroix' back, gently. KNIGHT (CONT) It's okay, I'm here. It was just a dream, LaCroix. Shh.... Slowly, Nick lowers LaCroix back down to the bed. The older vampire is delirious with fever. LACROIX (agitated) The hunter.....did you get the hunter? KNIGHT What hunter? Nick grabs the cloth from the basin, and starts to press it to LaCroix' head. LACROIX You can't leave it undone... KNIGHT Shh...LaCroix, it was just a dream. There is no hunter here. LaCroix' fever is increasing, and Nick is beginning to fear the worst. He tries to restrain his mentor and soothe him, but it is to no avail. Knight grabs the bedside phone and dials a number. KNIGHT Nat, I need your help-- She can hear it in his voice. NATALIE (O.C.) --I'll be right there. He hangs up the phone. LaCroix reaches out for him. LACROIX Mon fils? Nick grabs the extended hand. KNIGHT Je suis ici, mon pere. Je suis ici. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. WORK STUDIO - DAY CLOSE on a 60-something year old right hand. We see the exact ring that the 3rd man of LaCroix' flashback was wearing, on the man's pinky finger. WIDEN to REVEAL, RALPH WOLLINGSFORD, 60's, looks a lot like the "3rd Man " from the 1955 flashback, only older, is sitting at a workbench. He is a man preparing for battle. A battle with the supernatural. A battle with a vampire. Carefully, he lays out his weapons: A crucifix, a vial of Holy Water, a Stake and some garlic. We see the picture Wollingsford was holding earlier, sitting on the work bench. He picks it up and looks at it. WOLLINGSFORD It won't be long gentlemen, until you will finally be avenged. Off Wollingsford preparing to wage his miniature war, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - DAY Natalie is removing a syringe from LaCroix' arm. Nick is standing by the bed, arms folded across his chest. Both of them look worried, but Natalie is acting like she may know more than she's telling, in that she is treating a man she has disliked for years, with the utmost gentleness. LaCroix looks miserable, but he's trying hard to keep up a good front. NATALIE (re: the shot) There, that should make you feel a little better. KNIGHT What did you give him? NATALIE Just a little something to help him relax, and hopefully something to get his fever down. CLOSE on LaCroix; he looks a little more than worried, along with resembling death warmed over, but he says nothing. Natalie looks at him, and sees the worry in the normally cool eyes. NATALIE Not to worry. Everything's gonna be just fine. LaCroix starts to speak, and it is obvious that it is a bit of an effort. LACROIX I'm not worried, Doctor. He smiles a half sharkish smile. In his current condition, he's not much of a threat. NATALIE Yes, ever the invincible intimidator. Natalie pats LaCroix' hand, and to her surprise he lets her. Lambert has never seen this Being so vulnerable, and somehow it scares her more than seeing him as his usual intimidating self. She starts to remove her hand, but LaCroix grabs a hold of it. They hold a look. LaCroix looks slightly more coherent, as though the shot Natalie gave him has helped a little. LACROIX (raspy) May I have a word with you, alone? Nick frowns, and Natalie looks at him. KNIGHT Nat? NATALIE It'll be fine, don't worry. KNIGHT (sotto to Nat) He's not exactly in control, you know. NATALIE Just keep your ears peeled.... Nick leans over and touches LaCroix' shoulder. KNIGHT (to LaCroix) Don't do anything I wouldn't do. LaCroix nods at Nick, and even that took more energy than he was prepared to give. Nick exits. NATALIE Why the clandestine talk? Nick'll hear everything we say anyway. You afraid I might tell someone that I've seen you in less than your carefully mannered persona? Her tone is playful, but the meaning behind it is honest. LACROIX Nicholas is...distraught, and not listening very carefully. (beat) Which one of us is going to tell him? NATALIE Tell him what? LACROIX Come now, Dr. Lambert. We both know I'm dying, and there's nothing you can do.... She starts to argue, but he squeezes her hand. She backs down. LACROIX (CONT) Even in my....weakened state, your thoughts are like an open book. (beat) You received the results of the blood test, didn't you? NATALIE (looks away) Yes. (off his look) There are chemicals in your blood, that I can't break down, and can't reverse. LACROIX (matter-of-fact) I've been poisoned. NATALIE Exactly. (long beat) Have you.......fed on any mortals this week? He glares at her. LACROIX Bottled only. NATALIE (clinical) I found a drug combination in your blood that is exact to two murder victims who came in this week. Of course, in your case it'll take longer, but-- She's immediately sorry for her last words. She didn't mean to become so unfeeling. She reaches for his face, tenderly, under, NATALIE (CONT) Oh LaCroix, I'm sorry...I didn't mean it like that. LaCroix gently but firmly takes the hand that has just touched his face, and he removes it, but he holds onto it. LACROIX It is quite all right, Doctor. (beat) Technically, I've been dead a long time already.... NATALIE I'm not giving up. A slight smile comes to his face; there's some part of him who admires this woman, if for nothing else, for her tenacity. LACROIX (whispering) You just might have improved our kind after all.... LaCroix sinks his head back into the pillow, exhaustion taking its toll. Natalie smiles slightly at him, realizing that LaCroix just paid her, what is for him, the ultimate compliment. His eyes close wearily, and Natalie slips her hand out from under his. NATALIE (sotto) Or I might have mucked up the gene pool.... END PART 5/8 ate: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 20:39:16 PST Reply-To: TERESA STEVENSON Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: TERESA STEVENSON Subject: The Mousetrap (6/8) To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu Usual disclaimers. Permission to archive. Comments to the author at vampwrtr@aol.com Problems with the post to stevte00@hotmail.com You should see END PART 6/8 to have a complete post. Off this we, CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT - NIGHT Platt enters from one direction, heading toward his desk. Reese enters from the direction of his office. REESE (to Platt) Where the hell is your partner? PLATT Omnipotent I am not. (off his look) I just arrived. REESE Knight is late. Tell him to see me as soon as he checks in. Reese stalks off. PLATT (muttering) Great, now I'm a glorified messenger. Off Platt's irritated face, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Natalie and Nick are in the middle of a discussion. She's catching him up to speed. KNIGHT How could LaCroix have ingested the same drugs that killed Makropoulos and Taft? NATALIE I don't know. It's not like somebody could just overpower him, stick him with a needle, and he have no knowledge of it. KNIGHT Obviously not in food.... NATALIE Hey - what about in his blood supply? Nick's eyes narrow a bit as he considers it. KNIGHT That would mean that someone gained access to LaCroix' private cellar, where he keeps his stock. Not very likely... NATALIE It's worth a look though, isn't it? Off Nick, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN CELLAR - NIGHT Natalie and Nick are in the cellar and he's holding a few of LaCroix' Special Reserve bottles while Natalie uses a syringe to extract the liquid out. She puts the blood into specimen bottles. NATALIE That oughta do it. I'll take these back to the lab and let you know. She starts off, but stops when Nick speaks. KNIGHT (re: LaCroix) Is there anything we can do for him? NATALIE I'll do my best, Nick, but if I can't isolate the compound that was used, an antidote of the wrong composition could kill him as surely as the poison. (beat) You gonna stay with him? KNIGHT I'll call in and see if I can book off. If not.... NATALIE I'll come back and check in on him. KNIGHT Are you sure you can handle him? NATALIE You know, Nick, maybe that intimidating exterior of his is really hiding the vulnerable heart of a softie... KNIGHT (are you nuts) Hardly. Don't forget what he is, Nat. He's ill right now and appears vulnerable, but trust me, he could turn on you out of pure instinct. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT - NIGHT Platt is sitting at his desk, when Nick comes zooming in, obviously late. PLATT Nice of you to join us, Knight. Captain wants to see you.... Nick is not in the mood, he says nothing, he just sits down at his desk and starts reviewing papers. PLATT (CONT) You hear me? KNIGHT Yeah, I'll see him as soon as I come up with a good reason for being late. Platt, for the first time, looks slightly amused by his partner. PLATT Who is this Nightcrawler guy? Nick looks up and almost looks through his partner. KNIGHT What? PLATT The Nightcrawler...his show was on the radio at both scenes. Then, at Taft's apartment, we find all those books on Vampires. Then there's the bite marks on the victims-- KNIGHT --The victims did not have bite marks. They were needle marks made to look like bite marks. PLATT Whatever. My point, is that maybe the perp is someone who fancies himself as one of the children of the night'. KNIGHT Do you actually hear the words that come out of your mouth? Platt doesn't even seem to hear Knight, he's on a roll. PLATT Maybe this wacko thinks that he is a vampire, and he's just making sure he tells us about it. Maybe this guy is a nightcrawler. Maybe he's the Nightcrawler... Nick just rolls his eyes, but plays along. KNIGHT Fine. You think it's the Nightcrawler. The only problem is, the time of death makes it impossible - the guy was on the air. PLATT Haven't you ever heard of tape? (off Nick's look) I called the station, and spoke to some flunkie, who told me that sometimes this guy tapes his show, so that he can have a night off. KNIGHT This is ridiculous... PLATT Think about it, Knight; vampire books, simulated bite marks in the necks of the victims, and a weird guy's radio show playin' at both scenes. (beat) I think this Nightcrawler guy might be our perp. Nick gets up and starts to head out. PLATT (CONT) Hey, where you goin'? KNIGHT I think your theory's a piece of work, Jeffrey, but you've given me some food for thought.... PLATT So you think I might be right about the Nightcrawler? KNIGHT Not a chance. But whoever it is, he does seem to have a fascination with myths... PLATT Hey....what do I tell Reese? Too late, Nick's gone. Off Platt, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - NIGHT Natalie is sitting by the bed, studying a drug book. LaCroix is in a restless sleep. She glances at him. He moans in his sleep. Natalie reaches for the cloth in the basin, wrings it out, and gently dabs at his forehead. It seems to soothe him enough, and he calms down a little. She shakes her head in worry at him, puts the cloth back, and is about to stand up when his hand grabs her, hard at the wrist. Natalie's POV; LaCroix is very much awake, and staring at her with golden eyes. She has sudden visions of becoming his midnight snack. He sits up and gets a hold of her around the shoulders. NATALIE LaCroix, it's Dr. Lambert. Relax, I was just checking to see that you're okay.... LaCroix growls at her. In his feverish delusion, he does not appear to know who she is, other than a possibly tasty mortal treat. Natalie puts her hands on his shoulders, in an attempt to put some distance between them. He is still very weak, and she has some success, but she is not free of him. NATALIE (CONT) LaCroix, think. You're not well, you're just reacting to the fever. (escalating) I'm just here to help you, not become a pop tart.... He bares his fangs at her, preparing to strike, and Natalie's fear gets the best of her, she screams. The scream seems to slightly startle the vampire, as it stops him from advancing any further. He stares at her in confusion, though he does not let go. Something's wrong with this, he knows it, but he doesn't know why. A perfectly good mortal to feed upon, but no, that's not right... Natalie is terrified. Tears have begun to run down her cheeks, and she is pleading for her life. NATALIE Please, LaCroix...think...please don't... LaCroix' eyes change back to their normal blue, and he stares at Lambert. LACROIX Natalie............. As he realizes what he was about to do, he glares at her, in anger. LACROIX (CONT) (angry) Why are you here? Natalie is still so frightened of him, she can't move or speak. LaCroix realizes he's still got her in a grip, and he eases off. The energy he's just expended begins to get the best of him, and he wearily sinks back into his pillows. Natalie is still crying, softly, and he hasn't yet let go of her arms completely. When he speaks, his voice is barely above a whisper from exhaustion. LACROIX (CONT) Doctor, you should not be here. It is too dangerous. You must go. Slowly Lambert comes back to her senses. She breaks from his grasp and retreats to the other side of the room. There is a certain regret in LaCroix' weary eyes; he would not have knowingly attacked the doctor, he was acting merely on instinct. There is nothing in the room except a deafening silence and an occasional sniffle emanating from Lambert. LACROIX (CONT) (weak) Forgive me.... LaCroix passes out. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. RECORDS ROOM - NIGHT Nick is ploughing through old newspaper articles and police reports. Most of the articles he's searching through are dated in the 1950's. He stops with a few tabloids, and the headlines claiming vampirical existence, and related articles about men who dedicate their lives to hunting them down. CLOSE on Nick, as he senses that something is wrong. In a flash, he is out the door. Off his vampiric exit, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Natalie is sitting at the table, Nick is pacing nearby. KNIGHT I told you to be careful.... NATALIE I'm fine, he didn't hurt me. He just scared me to death. Nick places a reassuring hand on Natalie's shoulder. KNIGHT I'm sorry Nat. NATALIE It's not your fault, Nick. I guess I always knew it could happen, I just didn't think he'd do it. KNIGHT I doubt that he knew what he was doing. NATALIE Maybe not. An awkward beat. NATALIE I got the results back from the cellar samples we took. (off his look) It's the same compound. Whoever is behind this, he knows what LaCroix is, and wants him dead. ANGLE Nick; a myriad of emotions cross his face. He closes his eyes, then reopens them. KNIGHT Why don't you go home and get some rest? NATALIE Nope. (off his look) If we're going to find an antidote, I have to be looking for one. Nick kisses her forehead. KNIGHT Thanks Nat. You really are a trouper. NATALIE Yeah, well, when he wakes up, you tell that Roman he's in deep shit with me.... A scream from the bedroom sends them both running. We FOLLOW them into, INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS LaCroix is screaming bloody murder, while fighting an invisible enemy. He is covered in blood sweat, and is completely tangled up in the bed sheets. Natalie hesitates at the door, Nick goes to LaCroix. KNIGHT Calm down, LaCroix. You're all right, just take it easy. LaCroix is completely agitated from fever. Nick doesn't know what to do. He looks at Natalie, who is still frozen at the door. KNIGHT (CONT) Nat, please, help him... The Doctor takes over. Natalie moves into the room, goes to her black bag, and prepares a syringe. She calmly moves to the bed, and sits down on the opposite side as Nick. NATALIE (to Nick) Hold him. Nick holds LaCroix down, and Natalie injects him with the syringe. After a few moments, LaCroix stops moaning and wrestling. Nick exhales a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. Natalie sets down the syringe, and reaches for the cloth in the basin. Carefully, she starts to clean off some of the blood from LaCroix' forehead and chest. Nick readjusts the sheets. It's time for hard questions. KNIGHT How much longer can he survive with this fever? NATALIE I honestly don't know, Nick, but I doubt that long. (off Nick's look) I'd say a day or two, tops. ANGLE Nick; the man he hates and loves will die if he doesn't find an answer. NATALIE (CONT) Our best chance is for you to find the maniac who did this, Nick. Knight glances at LaCroix' now still form. KNIGHT And if I don't, LaCroix' death will be on my head. Off Nick, we, FADE OUT: END ACT THREE End Part 6/8 Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 21:09:53 PST Reply-To: TERESA STEVENSON Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: TERESA STEVENSON Subject: The Mousetrap (7/8) To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Usual disclaimers. Permission to archive. Comments to the author at vampwrtr@aol.com Problems with the post to stevte00@hotmail.com You should see END PART 7/8 to have a complete post. ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. MORGUE - NIGHT Natalie is working diligently, testing antidotes on blood samples, with no luck thus far. She looks tired and a little worse for the wear. Nick enters. KNIGHT Hey Nat... She drops the vial she is holding. NATALIE Do you get some kind of perverse joy in sneaking up on the immortally challenged? Nick looks properly chastised. KNIGHT Sorry.... Natalie just glares at him. KNIGHT (CONT) Any luck? NATALIE Not yet. KNIGHT Me either. (beat) The strange thing is, I keep having this feeling of familiarity. NATALIE Familiarity how? KNIGHT In the M.O. of the killer. NATALIE How do you mean? KNIGHT I can't put my finger on it, but it's like deja vu. On a hunch I checked out some old newspaper articles, but so far, I've come up with a big fat zero. NATALIE (nickel drops) Did you leave LaCroix alone? KNIGHT Not exactly. (off her look) I left him with the little old lady who cleans his apartment. Natalie's eyes widen at this statement. NATALIE You left LaCroix with some poor, defenseless little old lady? (beat) Are you nuts? Nick is smiling. KNIGHT I'd hardly refer to Harriet as defenseless, Nat. Trust me. NATALIE Oh, I see. She's not immortally challenged. KNIGHT Exactly. Knight's phone RINGS, and so does Natalie's. He pulls the phone out of his pocket, she goes and answers hers. KNIGHT (CONT) Knight. (beat) When? (beat) Where?.........I'm on my way. He puts the phone back in his pocket. Natalie has finished her call as well. KNIGHT (CONT) There's been another murder. NATALIE Yeah, I know. I just got the call as well. KNIGHT Let's just hope he left me a bigger clue this time. As he is about to leave, his phone RINGS again. KNIGHT (CONT) Knight. (beat) Calm down, Harriet. What happened? (beat) Is he....all right? (beat) Well, I can't...no....Harriet, please, I need your help. (beat) Thanks, I owe you one. (beat) Okay, a big one. He puts his phone away. KNIGHT (CONT) (to Nat) That was Harriet. NATALIE So I gathered. What happened? KNIGHT He bit her. NATALIE He what? KNIGHT He woke up and bit her. NATALIE What did she do? KNIGHT Bit him back. (Nick shrugs) What else could she do? NATALIE (more serious) How is he? KNIGHT (somber) About the same. (re; crime scene) We'd better go.... Natalie nods. Off this, we, CUT TO: EXT. MR. POODLE'S FUNHOUSE - NIGHT Nick gets out of the caddy and walks toward the front door. We FOLLOW him into, INT. MR. POODLE'S FUNHOUSE - CONTINUOUS A normal police homicide scene - detectives, yellow tape, fingerprints being taken - except that in Mr. Poodle's Funhouse, it's all in an atmosphere of the supernatural. Nick's POV: Frankenstein standing in a laboratory; The Wolfman in London; Mirrors that deceive one's depth perception; and of course, the quintessential topping on the cake, Dracula. Dracula is also the scene of all the action. In the wax Dracula figure's arms, is a woman, 30's, fully clothed. She's clutching a picture. A crucifix is around her neck, a stake is lying on the ground, and a half empty vial marked Holy Water' is next to the stake. A portable radio is tuned to CERK, and a taped show of the Nightcrawler is being broadcast, for all to hear. There are two needle holes in her neck. Pinned onto the Count's cape is a policeman's badge. Around Dracula's neck is a sign that reads: "Beware the wolf in Sheep's clothing. " ANGLE Nick; the message is certainly not lost on him. PLATT There you are, Knight. I was beginning to wonder. KNIGHT Sorry, I was held up at the morgue. PLATT What, a gun-slingin' mummy? (off Nick's look) Great place for a murder scene, eh? Nick just looks strange ly at his partner. This guy's a little too out there, even for Knight. KNIGHT Not really. Platt points out the badge and the sign. PLATT What do you suppose is up with this? KNIGHT (uncomfortable) I'm sure I haven't a clue. Natalie enters. Platt moves away. NATALIE (re: Dracula) This a big enough clue for you? KNIGHT You don't know the half of it. (off her look) You see the picture the victim is clutching? (Nat nods) Those three men were hunters. Our paths crossed nearly forty years ago. NATALIE What happened? KNIGHT LaCroix killed two of them, and the third staked him for his trouble. NATALIE What happened to the third? KNIGHT I whammied him, and sent him on his way. NATALIE Looks like the whammy didn't stick. (beat) You think the third guy is the killer? KNIGHT Would make perfect sense wouldn't it? Dracula with a badge is pointing right to me. This guy must have seen me somewhere and it must have all come back to him. NATALIE And LaCroix? KNIGHT A little payback for the other two men, I suppose. It also explains why the Nightcrawler has been tuned in at every murder scene. NATALIE Why would a hunter turn into a killer? KNIGHT If he's fanatical enough, for him, as long as he kills my kind, the end justifies the means. NATALIE Doesn't make much sense. KNIGHT No, not to the sane. Reese enters. REESE Knight... KNIGHT Yeah, Cap. REESE I've got a few bones to pick with you, but first, we need to have a chat with your friend, the Nightcrawler. KNIGHT I don't think LaCroix has anything to do with this... REESE Oh? If you have a theory, Detective Knight, now would be a good time. NATALIE (jumps in) Mr. LaCroix is...ill. Reese just stares at Lambert for a moment. REESE Are you his doctor or something? I thought you only dealt with the dead.... Nick and Nat exchange an amused glance. NATALIE I guess you could say I'm just branching out. REESE Are you telling me you're actually treating this looney tune? NATALIE Sort of..... Natalie looks at Nick for rescuing. Nick gives her a reluctant look, then gives in. A loud HEARTBEAT begins. Nick is looking directly into Reese's eyes. KNIGHT (whammying) Captain, I think we should check out the men in the picture. LaCroix has nothing to do with this. REESE You know, Knight, why don't you check into the men in the picture. It's a good place to start... KNIGHT Right. (to Nat) I'll call you later. NATALIE I'll be at the lab. Off Nick's exit, we, CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT - NIGHT Nick is at his desk, on the computer. He is checking for identities of the men in the picture. Three names come up on his screen: James Elrod, deceased 1955 Michael O'Connor, deceased 1955 Ralph Wollingsford, 64 years 135 North Martin Street That's what Nick has been looking for. He grabs his jacket and heads out. Off his exit, we, CUT TO: EXT. 135 NORTH MARTIN - NIGHT Nick is cautiously looking around the house. The lights are on. He decides on the direct approach. He walks up to the front door, and KNOCKS. No answer. Okay, the indirect approach then. Nick goes around to the back of the house, and lets himself in through a flight up to a second story open window. We FOLLOW him into, INT. WOLLINGSFORD'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS Nick cautiously walks through the house, and eventually, downstairs. Outside of the normal stuff, he sees nothing. Until he comes to the door to the basement. It's locked. He pries it open, and we FOLLOW him down the steps into, INT. WOLLINGSFORD'S STUDIO - CONTINUOUS Jackpot. Nick finds all of the tools of a hunter; stakes, crosses, Holy Water, books. He finds a newspaper clipping on the workbench. It is a picture of Knight and Schanke from a few years ago, when they received the Partners of the Month award. Knight is hit with the memory of his former partner. He puts the clipping down. At least now he knows how the Hunter discovered him. After poking through some of the pictures, Nick finds an autographed picture of the Nightcrawler. It reads, "To Ralph, Happy Hunting, The Nightcrawler. " KNIGHT (smiling) Oh LaCroix, if you only had known... There's no sign anywhere of any chemical substances. Nick folds the newspaper clipping and the picture of LaCroix into his jacket. It's removing evidence, but there is little choice. Nick leaves everything else as it is, and starts out. On his way, he sees a calendar on the wall. Today's date is circled in red and the initials "LL " are written in. ANGLE Nick as it hits him; the hunter plans to finish off LaCroix. Nick pulls out his cell phone, and punches in a number. KNIGHT (CONT) Nat, it's Nick. Meet me at LaCroix' place, but don't go in unless I'm there... Nick tosses the phone in his pocket, and flies up the stairs, exits the house and takes to the air. Off his exit, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - NIGHT LaCroix is unconscious. HARRIET, 70's, lithe, is sitting in the chair by his bed, reading an Anne Rice book. We hear a HEARTBEAT, Harriet quietly sets her book down on the chair, and takes a stance behind the door to the room. The door slowly opens. Wollingsford enters, stake poised. Harriet slams the door on his arm, and he drops the stake. When she opens the door however, he's ready, and he flings Holy Water in her face. She hisses, vamps out, but he's already moving with a crucifix, which sends her flying into a corner. Wollingsford picks up his stake on the way. Harriet recovers, and lunges at him, sending him smashing into the wall. To his credit, he's still holding the stake at his side. Harriet, unfortunately doesn't see it. As she leaps for him, he raises the stake, and it catches her square in the chest. Harriet falls to the floor, clutching her chest. Wollingsford withdraws a large blade from his overcoat, and with one clean sweep, he severs her head. LaCroix begins to stir. Wollingsford moves toward the bed, extracting a loaded syringe, wrapped in a paper bag, from his pocket. He quickly injects LaCroix with a large dose of chemicals. LaCroix opens his eyes and sees Wollingsford. It takes him a moment, but re cognition hits his eyes. However, he is so weak now, he can't move. Wollingsford laughs. WOLLINGSFORD How does it feel to be the hunted instead of the hunter? LaCroix just groans, his breathing is becoming more and more shallow. WOLLINGSFORD I've given you a big enough dose of this little beauty to kill ten of your kind, LaCroix. (beat) Perhaps I should stake you all the same. LaCroix, while gasping for breath, tries to speak. LACROIX You'd.....better stake...me, Mr. Wollingsford....or I shall find... ...a way....to kill..you. As Wollingsford is poised to strike, Nick breaks into the room, fully vamped. He flies at Wollingsford, throwing the man into the wall. Before Wollingsford gets up, Nick is on him again, tossing him into another wall. Natalie enters, black bag in hand. NATALIE Nick! No!!! You'll kill him... Nick stops, and after a moment, his eyes revert to blue. NATALIE (CONT) We need him to find out the drug combo he used. WOLLINGSFORD I'm not telling you a thing.... Nick searches the man's pockets for the bottles, but there are none. We hear a HEARTBEAT. KNIGHT Tell me what drugs you used. WOLLINGSFORD It didn't work forty years ago, it's not going to work now. Nick moves to strike the man, but Natalie stops him. NATALIE Nick, don't. Justice will be better served if you take him in. KNIGHT I'll get it out of him. One way or another... NATALIE I hope so, Nick, because I've got nothing else. Natalie sees Harriet and gasps. NATALIE (CONT) (re: Harriet) Oh my god! Is that Harriet? KNIGHT It was... (beat) See to LaCroix. I'm going to take this guy in.... I'll be back. NATALIE What about....Harriet? KNIGHT I'll send Aristotle for her. (beat, pleading) Nat... NATALIE I'll do my best to help him, Nick. END PART 7/8 Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 21:14:05 PST Reply-To: TERESA STEVENSON Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: TERESA STEVENSON Subject: The Mousetrap (8/8) To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Usual disclaimers. Permission to archive. Comments to the author at vampwrtr@aol.com Problems with the post to stevte00@hotmail.com You should see END PART 8/8 to have a complete post. Nick nods sadly and exits, dragging Wollingsford with him. Natalie moves to LaCroix, who is having a hard time breathing. She feels some trepidation at being left alone with him again, but she can sense that he wouldn't have the strength now to overpower her. She extracts a small, portable oxygen tank from her black bag, and gently slips the mask over LaCroix' face, and turns on the small tank. LaCroix stirs. His eyes are ice blue and look almost devoid of life. NATALIE (soothingly) Just take slow, easy breaths. The oxygen will help you. (muttering) Even if vampires don't need to breathe.... LaCroix reaches to pull the mask off, but Natalie catches his hand, which he promptly jerks away from her. NATALIE (CONT) Do me a favor and leave it on. It will help you, and right now you need all the help you can get. Natalie begins to busy herself with checking his vitals, and setting up a blood IV. CLOSE on LaCroix putting one of his cold hands over hers. Natalie, slightly startled, looks up at him, he's staring right into her eyes. They hold a long look. It is a look of question and compassion. The Roman General wants her to let him go, to let him die with dignity. For a moment, we aren't sure that Nat understands, then she nods as she removes the oxygen mask. LACROIX (gasping) Thank you... Natalie's eyes fill with tears, embarrassed, she looks away. LaCroix squeezes her hand as he lets go of it, and he tries to smile his shark-like smile at her, though he can't really muster it. All he can feel now is pain, and breathing is becoming more trouble than it's worth. His gasps increase. Natalie gently rubs her hand along the short span of his breast bone, trying to ease his breathing. NATALIE Easy now. Take slow breaths, it won't hurt as much. LACROIX (gasping) Nicholas... NATALIE He'll be here. LaCroix stoically nods, trying not to let her see the full extent of his pain. Natalie, not fooled by the stoicism, stokes his face with the back of her hand, trying to reassure the ancient. NATALIE (CONT) (whispering) He'll be here. ANGLE on LaCroix; He is not sure if he wants to bite Lambert for touching his face, or if he's grateful for the comfort. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - NIGHT Nick is becoming impatient with Wollingsford. Looks pass between Reese and Platt. KNIGHT You've said there is an antidote, Wollingsford. Where is it? WOLLINGSFORD (to Reese) I've told you to get him away from me. I told you what he is... REESE Oh yeah. You told me my Detective is a vampire. You'd better say a prayer that I don't send you up the River with no paddle boat, Mister. (beat, after thought) And if you don't start talking, I'll have him bite you.... Wollingsford looks frightened at that notion. Nick is pacing, and he suddenly whirls into Wollingsford's face. KNIGHT Where is it? PLATT (sotto to Knight) Relax, Nick. If you keep at him that way, he's never going to tell us. KNIGHT (sotto to Reese) LaCroix is going to die if we don't get this antidote. REESE Have you heard from Natalie? KNIGHT No. PLATT (to Wollingsford) Listen Wollingsford, if you don't help us, and this Nightcrawler guy dies, that's another dead body we're gonna pin to your rap sheet. One more you're gonna have ta stand trial for, and one more the judge is gonna send a up for. Now think about it, is it worth it? WOLLINGSFORD To get rid of his kind, absolutely. Nick makes a move toward Wollingsford, but Reese restrains him. Reese drags Nick out of the room. We FOLLOW them into, INT. PRECINCT - CONTINUOUS REESE What the hell has gotten into you? (beat) You'd think this LaCroix guy was part of your family or something.... ANGLE Nick; That pretty much sums it up.... Reese takes a good look at Knight. REESE (CONT) Nick? Is this guy related to you? Nick hesitates, as we, CUT TO MONTAGE OF FLASHES: A. LaCroix bringing Nick across B. Nick saving LaCroix from Diva C. LaCroix slamming Nick into a wall D. Nick staking LaCroix E. LaCroix helping Nick exorcize a demon For all of their arguing, jockeying, hissing, killing, and fighting, they are indeed family. END MONTAGE: INT. PRECINCT - CONTINUOUS Nick gets an odd expression on his face. As if he has just realized something for the first time in his long life. KNIGHT (almost whispering) He's my father. ANGLE Reese What? Wow... The phone on Nick's desk RINGS. He answers it, abruptly. KNIGHT (CONT) Knight. NATALIE (O.C.) Nick, you need to get here. Now. Her tone is not lost on him. He hangs up. His face says it all, LaCroix is dying. REESE Nick? KNIGHT He's dying....I have to go to him. Reese squeezes Knight's shoulder in sympathy, though he can hardly believe that LaCroix is Knight's father. REESE Where do I call you if we get the antidote? KNIGHT Mobile number... Off Nick's exit, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - NIGHT Natalie is still sitting on the edge of LaCroix' bed. Harriet's body is gone, Aristotle already having cleared it away. LaCroix' breaths are shallow and sharp, each one causing pain. Natalie is gently dabbing a cool cloth on his forehead, and he's fading fast. LACROIX (whispers between gasps) I'm so cold... Natalie responds by pulling the comforter and blankets around him more tightly. Some part of Natalie always thought she might be glad for this day: The day that LaCroix was gone from Nick's life, and therefore her life, for good. Now that it has arrived, she feels nothing but sadness and loss. LaCroix is shivering and his shallow gasps increase. He tries to reach out for her hand, but he doesn't have the strength. Natalie, surprised by the normally intimidating ancient's gesture, picks up his hand and holds it between both of hers. LACROIX (CONT) I...appreciate-- NATALIE --Shh, LaCroix. Hush... Exhausted, his eyes flutter closed. Nat does not try to stop the tears that are now burning hot down her cheeks. Where is Nick? As if on cue, Nick enters quickly. KNIGHT Nat? Natalie turns to him and he sees her face streaked with tears. KNIGHT (CONT) Is he... NATALIE No. He's been asking for you. Natalie gently lets go of LaCroix' hand, and stands so that Nick can have her place. Nick sits down and places his hand on LaCroix' arm, gripping it firmly. KNIGHT (softly) I'm here, LaCroix. LaCroix opens his eyes through great effort. His voice, barely audible is mostly raspy air, in between gasps. LACROIX Did you...'get'..your man? KNIGHT Yeah, I got him. (long beat) But I'm afraid that I haven't been able to get the antidote. Nick swallows hard, fighting back tears. Having to speak the truth aloud makes it more real somehow. KNIGHT (CONT) (struggling) LaCroix, I'm sorry....I should have been able to do something... Nick is fighting off the tears, unsuccessfully now. LACROIX Nicholas....it's ...all right. Perhaps...it is... my time... ...to go. KNIGHT LaCroix....... Nick is too emotional, and can't say anymore. Natalie puts a hand on Nick's shoulder. Even though it is he who is dying, LaCroix wishes he could comfort his son. LACROIX It's all right, Nicholas.... ANGLE Knight; No, it's not all right. It will never again be all right'. The silence is broken by Nick's phone, which RINGS a couple of times, before he is aware of it. He yanks it from his pocket angrily and answers. KNIGHT (thick voice) Knight. REESE (O.C.) Glove compartment of his car, 1989 dark green Taurus, it should be parked outside of the Raven... KNIGHT (to Nat) The antidote-- Nick tosses the phone and flies out of the room. NATALIE (sotto) Thanks be to.... She looks at LaCroix' pain filled form, and rethinks what she was going to say. NATALIE (CONT) (muttering) Well, thank somebody.... Taking a deep breath, Natalie moves in and prepares a syringe. She sits down on the bed and takes LaCroix' cold hand. This time, his hand grips hers tightly, the pain in his chest more than even he has ever known. His gasps are more ragged, and agony is the only thing that shows in his barely open blue eyes. The end is very near.... NATALIE Hang on....just a moment more... LaCroix chokes back a cry of pain, his eyes are tearing up in response to the agony he feels. Natalie swallows hard, knowing there is nothing she can do but wait. Nick reenters, carrying a med bottle. He hands it to Natalie, who empties it into the syringe. Just as she is about to inject LaCroix, Nick reaches to stop her. She stares back at him, what? KNIGHT What if it isn't really the antidote? NATALIE (re: LaCroix) Nick, look at him. There's no time.... What's real is real. Nick nods. Natalie injects the entire syringe into LaCroix' arm. For a moment, nothing happens; then LaCroix' eyes close, and his breathing ceases, as though he were dead. A tense beat, Nat and Nick exchange a defeated look. Then, LaCroix' breathing begins, and he doesn't seem to be in as much pain. The tiniest amount of color comes back into his cheeks, and the previously tensed muscles in his face begin to relax. KNIGHT Nat? NATALIE Don't know yet... They wait. Nick sits down on the opposite side of the bed as Natalie. Slowly, LaCroix opens his eyes. He's by no means out of the woods, but there's already a marked improvement. It's still a bit of an effort for him to speak, but ever the man (mortal or not), to have the last word, he does anyway. LACROIX I take it...that rumors of my death were greatly...exaggerated? Still sitting on the opposite side of the bed from Nat, a smiling Nick takes one of LaCroix' hands and just holds it; and LaCroix allows it. Natalie is busy checking LaCroix' vital signs. CLOSE on LaCroix, who has what one might call a rather blissful smile upon his face. It is the smile of a man with family around him. It is the smile of a man who has come back from the dead. It is the smile of an Immortal. FADE TO BLACK: THE END END PART 8/8