The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Teaser By: Dawn Steele (wherein the explanation is longer than the story part! ) Finally. What you (may) have been waiting for! My Forever Knight story. It's full of cliches, a predictable plot, some (hopefully) humorous bits, vampire action, FOD and Ravenette action, AND a serial killer! (sorry, no LaCroix. i must hang my head in shame...) Enjoy. I enjoyed writing it much. It was lots of fun to try and write in the script format. I'm not near ready to push my scribbles at JP yet, but I figure the FKFIC list might enjoy it. :) The story is set up into a teaser, 5 acts, and a tag. I've originally tried to maintain the same length splitting that the tv show adheres to, but it's longer than a "real" FK script would be. (C'est la vie!) Commercial breaks will be interspersed between the acts. Quite a few of these have been graciously donated by various listmembers. I don't have enough for 6 commercial (and I know you're breathing a sigh of relief...) so there will be just a couple and the others will be blank. (of course if you feel like sending me commercials at the last minute, the #5, and 6 breaks don't have anything...) The commercials and other comments (Producers, directors notes etc.) can be deleted from the story without effecting it too much (I hope). If you actually save this stuff and you find it detracts from the flow of the story (as a couple of beta readers said) then just delete them. Before we start the story, how about a little: British/Canadian->US dictionary (just because I'm perverse enough not to change them for the great majority of the readers). Division -> Precinct chesterfield -> sofa, couch serviette -> napkin pyjamas -> pajamas favour -> favor (and all the other ou -> o) Any others I'm sure you'll figure out. :) My test readers were of mixed opinions of several aspects of the story, so I've basically left those sections as is. It is intended to be a real script that might be sent to the story board. It was written for the FKFIC-L list, and contains a lot of "in" jokes that we've talked about on the lists. Comments are always welcome at . I'll be moving in two weeks, so I'm going to post the entire story this week. After that, you can send all the comments you want but I doubt I'll be reading them after the 14th. :) (many, many, many thanks to all the beta readers. Perri, Kathy, Jennise, Angela, Bea, Judy, Sandra, Helen, Deborah. If I forgot someone, you'll let me know... right? Also thanks to Allen Braunsdorf who donated his FK ASCII art to the cause. ) THE CASE OF THE KILLER BUBBLE BATH TEASER FADE IN: EXT - DOWNTOWN TORONTO - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING Night shot of downtown Toronto as seen from the Toronto Islands. INT. SMALL APARTMENT - NIGHT The inside hallway of a small, but neat apartment. It is dimly lit by the outside city lights. We see several deadbolts slowly being unlocked. A tall, dark-haired man, DANIEL CONNORS 35, moves slowly inside. He is clearly exhausted. After turning on the lights to the apartment, he makes his way to the bathroom. He drops his briefcase on the floor and then takes off his jacket and tie. They are dropped unceremoniously on the bathroom floor. Daniel sits down on the edge of the bathtub, and starts to run a bath. He then looks into the medicine cabinet. It is jammed full of bath crystals, oils, and other body products. He hesitates, then reaches for "Sensations: Pure Relaxation". He breaks the seal, and dumps a more than generous portion into the running water. INT. MAJORS' HOUSE - LIVING ROOM -NIGHT A young, blond man, BRIAN SANDERSON, 27, sits in the living room and watches a late-night comedy show. He is somewhat scruffy in appearance and wears old unfashionably worn out clothes. He does not fit into the somewhat luxurious surroundings. Brian looks up from the TV when he spots a flash of movement. He moves out into the hallway, and we see the back of ANGELA MAJORS, 29. She is wearing black silk pyjamas, and moving slowing down the hall. Brian runs after her with a worried expression on his face. Brian catches up to her as she is reaching for the basement door. It's covered with hand-made signs, "PRIVATE", "NO TRESPASSING", and "NO MEN ALLOWED". It also has a large, fancy sign saying simply "Sensations". BRIAN Angie? Are you okay? There is no response from Angela, who is just standing in front of the door, and trying repeatedly to open it. It's locked. Brian waves his hand in front of her open eyes. No response. BRIAN (sighs) This is getting to be annoying. Brian tugs on her arm, and turns her around. He starts heading her back towards their bedroom being careful not to wake her up. INT. CONNORS APARTMENT - BATHROOM - NIGHT Daniel is in the bathtub, covered with bubbles. He reads a business magazine and listens to the late night news on the radio at the same time. After his eyes close involuntarily a couple of times, he drops the magazine to the bathmat, and settles deeper into the tub. He takes a couple of slow deep breaths and visibly relaxes. Then he slips under the water, unconscious. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER He was brought across in 1228, Preyed on humans for their blood, Now he wants to be mortal again... To repay society for his sins, To emerge from his world of darkness, (insert theme song here...) ,-- ,-. ,-. ,-- , , ,-- ,-. |-- | | |-< |-- |/ |-- |-< ' `-' ' ' `-- ` `-- ' ' -_ -_=. ,, -tH5 9@_ B@J 1f ,ry$V!"=. 5@. -N#' -_ !t _G$s: _^Q@! y@~ - R_E. -GB@gDDGt%#$%%@@$@@@ |k |WE/ !@@E5 9@. Zp -@@_ T# @#$ @@ bwv& TE33 5# DF F@@ T& '3 7h _y#@b: [@@B' _@> DB ,7JI:"@'@@' 3@X E@4 [6! T@9 '-"&]_-. "@@_ .&oX# @C @@@r _&7-@@_ ;@f Z@J ^! l@# |@@%/ {@@t $@@ @A #@@@#BXNs' Q$- @@k !@@7 :@@] '$@H 3@@J s@@ @Q .!""IZ2' 98 G@4 ~@@~ -@@z -2E==J#@#- T@5 @$ I2 -@s '@@\ _#@E "#@@L@Z ' I@# ~: -@2 \@E- 2@@@' g@@@@8 'qp^, Z' ~#s :J. 1@@@~ 'T@@@B <@#H. i] ~@@@! .@@@k -'- ii (#@@t 3@@& -- "@a <* Commercial Break #1 (which I'm not posting.... ) FOREVER KNIGHT was brought to you by the makers of SUNSHINE cookies! A favourite with the kids! Perfect for those picnics out in the sun... I was originally intending to post 1 Act = 1 post, but then I remembered that 300 line rule... Comments, suggestions, constructive criticisms etc are always welcome. Dawn ------------- The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 1 (part 1/2) By: Dawn Steele ACT ONE FADE IN: INT- CONNORS APARTMENT - NIGHT. The apartment door has been left open, and... Nick and Schanke move inside. Nick has already detected the odour of the body from halfway down the hall. He looks at Schanke and waits for his reaction. SCHANKE Ugh! Worse than baby's nappies. NICK I think you have a point there, Schanke. The smell of the decomposing body has entrenched itself into the apartment. By the time they move into the bathroom, Schanke has his nose pinched shut. Nick sniffs, and then visibly winces. NICK Three guesses as to why the superintendent was worried enough to call it in. Daniel Connors' body had already been encased in a black body bag, and is lying on a stretcher. Two MEN wheel the body past Nick and Schanke. There is discoloured water all over the bathroom floor. Natalie, her hands encased in a double layer of rubber gloves, fills a large sample with the bath water. A uniformed forensics officer, BILL gathers up all of the different bath products into separate evidence bags. NATALIE Bill? Make sure you get a sample of everything. Bill nods, and continues to pack up the plethora of bath products. Nick gestures towards the small mountain of substances that Bill has already bagged. NICK You think it's one of these? NATALIE It's my best guess right now. No signs of struggle against an assailant. No obvious contusions, or indications that he was conscious when his head went under. Natalie carefully closes the bottle of discoloured water, and puts it in a styrofoam holder. Schanke shoves Nick aside to enter the bathroom. SCHANKE Evening, Natalie. (whistles, and nudges Nick in the ribs.) Did your beeper call you at an inconvenient time? NICK Ignore him Nat, you look... energetic. Nat stares at him, and then glances down at herself. She wears a light jacket overtop, but it does not disguise the exercise pants and tank top underneath. NATALIE (ruefully) I was out walking. The officer who picked me up didn't give me time to change. She catches herself in time before she picks at her hair. The scummy gloves are still on her hands. Natalie motions for them to exit the bathroom, and they all head for the living room. Nat takes off her gloves as she goes. Once there, Natalie starts to bring them up to speed. SCHANKE So why is everybody so interested? No signs of foul play. I'll admit it's a bit weird, but why all the attention? NATALIE This is the third body this week. The first was assumed to be an accident, and the second was found this morning. 'Daniel Conners' was self-employed, or we might have found the body earlier. No obvious links between the victims, so we're operating on the assumption it's something all three victims used. NICK Random killings. Schanke winces and remembers his old friend -- the Provatek scare. SCHANKE Any leads? NATALIE The first one was investigated, but nothing turned up right away. You'll have to contact the investigating officers in the other Divisions. Look at their reports. Current theory is a bath product. The results haven't come back from forensics. NICK You're testing them all? Shouldn't be a problem, just look for the open bottle. Natalie stares at Nick in disbelief. NATALIE I take it you're a shower man? NICK Uh... yeah. Schanke interrupts. SCHANKE (gestures to express Nick's lack of understanding.) Let me explain this to you. As a husband of the premier 'Skin Pretty' salesperson in Toronto, I know that a true bath aficionado will have at least three to four different bath products at any one time. NATALIE This guy? Superintendent says the girlfriend moved out, but it looks like she left him the bathroom warehouse. We don't know which ones are his, hers... whatever. We had to bag almost a dozen different bath products. The first two cases were just as bad. NICK He didn't leave the top open? NATALIE He put it away. Either forensics finds something strange, or we need another victim. A lazy one. Schanke flops down on the couch, and starts to thumb through the business magazines on the coffee table. SCHANKE So who gets to tell the ex-girlfriend? Mommy, Daddy? etc. Schanke looks meaningfully towards Nick. continues directly into Act 1 (part 2/2) The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 1 (part 2/2) By: Dawn Steele INT - POLICE STATION - SMALL INTERROGATION ROOM Nick, and Schanke are in one of the smaller interrogation rooms. Schanke is busy trying to wash down a rather large piece of double chocolate doughnut with a cup of coffee. The comfortable silence is broken by a knock. A UNIFORMED OFFICER ushers in a slight woman, DEBORAH WILKENS 33. She has streaked blond hair and red puffy eyes. She's been crying. NICK Deborah Wilkens? I'm Detective Knight, and this is Detective Schanke. We need to ask you a few questions about Daniel Connors, and the contents of his apartment. Nick gestures towards a chair. Deborah hesitates and then sits down. DEBORAH Uh. Sure, I guess. We only broke up a few weeks ago. He was always so busy. I never got to see him to say... We were... (stops, then resumes in a steadier voice) What do you want to know? Deborah looks up, and absently reaches for one of the serviettes that had come with Schanke's doughnut. NICK (reassuringly) We've already checked out your alibi at the estimated time of death. You aren't a suspect at the moment. DEBORAH Who did it? The serviette is being methodically ripped into tiny pieces. NICK Did Mr. Connors have any enemies? DEBORAH (whispers) No. NICK It might have been an accident, but we're investigating it as an intentional homicide. We'll give you a chance later to try and remember if you know of any enemies. Schanke reaches over and places a pile of blown up pictures in front of Deborah. SCHANKE Right now, we'd like you to look at these, and try and tell us which ones you might have bought recently, or weren't open while you were living with Mr. Connors. Deborah begins studying the pictures closely, and separating them into piles. KNOCK at the door. An officer comes inside. It is the same uniformed officer who had escorted Deborah to the interrogation room. OFFICER#1 This just came in sir. It looks as if Detective O'Connell from the 45th managed to crack the case. They're on their way to the suspect's house now. EXT - MAJORS' HOUSE - NIGHT We see the cadillac drive up to a brick two story townhouse, roughly 100 years old. A small, but fussily landscaped yard. Nick and Schanke get out and head inside. INT - MAJORS' HOUSE -NIGHT Nick flips open his badge, and shows it to the officer at the door. NICK Where's the suspect? The young officer points towards the living room. OFFICER#2 Detective O'Connell is in the living room with the suspect, and her brother. Detective Taylor is downstairs with forensics getting samples. Nick and Schanke walk towards the living room. On the way, they start to hear the sound of a woman crying. Nick goes inside, and sees: Angela is crying. She has long dark brown hair with gentle curls. It drapes over her hands and covers her face as she cries. She is dressed in dark, grunge-like clothing. Another dark-haired man, DEREK MAJORS 39, sits on the couch with her and tries to comfort her. Nick's enhanced hearing picks up the words she murmurs underneath her breath. ANGELA Not again. I... I don't know if I can take it anymore... CLOSE UP: Nick's face as he gets that oh-so-familiar far away look in his eyes, and we head into: INT - DRESSING ROOM - FRANCE - CIRCA 1810 (Authors note: According to the timeline I stole from a Forever Knight ftp site, the earlier episode featuring Erica was set in approximately 1790's. The next appearance was labelled as 1800-1820's, with that weird Baroness in Germany. I'm setting mine in 1810. If, in another episode, you stick a flashback in between 1790 and 1810. Don't tell me. I don't want to know.) (Directors Note: To All Actors: Don't worry about a timeline. Vampires can be two places at once. They can fly after all.) Nick and Erica lounge in a backstage dressing room. The room is stuffed full of old costumes, clothes, and haphazard sets. Erica is already talking. ERICA ... I don't know if I can take it anymore, Nicholas. Erica leans back into a horse-hair filled couch, her gently curling brown hair covers her face for a moment before she impatiently flips it back. The couch is old, and moth-eaten. Much like most of their costumes. NICK Is Bernard bothering you with questions again? ERICA We're been travelling for fifteen years now. Bernard joined us as a young man. It's only natural to expect it, but I don't want to leave the troupe. NICK (sarcastically) So kill him, and throw him in the Seine. Nick stands across the room dressed in a loose white shirt. It is gathered at the wrists, and falls smoothly over his black breeches. Erica takes what Nick says at face value. ERICA Kill Bernard? (tired, and a bit depressed) I suppose it would be the sensible action... Nick walks barefoot across the room, and sits down on the couch next to Erica. He lifts her petticoat covered legs up over his lap. NICK But? ERICA I like Bernard. He writes such funny little scenes. You remember the one with the chicken feathers, and the crown? She gives an amused smile in remembrance. NICK What could make you forget? He reaches over, and starts to fiddle with the lacings of her corset. Erica looks at Nick, and knows what he is trying to do. She decides to let herself be distracted. ERICA I suppose... you could. Nick and Erica get into some heavy action. The sort of stuff the Knighties have been wanting to see all second season, but never get to. :) (The following paragraph paid for by a couple of Knighties) Erica starts to unbutton Nicks shirt and gradually reveals more of his chest. At the same time, Nick starts to plant kisses on her face and heads down towards her corset where he starts to pull at the lacings with his teeth. Erica ... (sorry. Times up.) INT - MAJORS HOUSE - NIGHT Schanke waves a hand in front of Nick's eyes, and tries to attract his attention. SCHANKE ...Nick? If you'd care to join us? Nick starts, then moves aside as Brian Sanderson shoulders past him into the living room. Brian wears custodial overalls, just back from work. Angela looks up, and immediately leaves Derek's arms to be comforted by Brian. Schanke and Nick cross the room to DETECTIVE O'CONNELL, 50. O'Connell wears a smartly tailored suit, and his intelligent eyes take in the new arrivals. NICK Detectives Knight, and Schanke. We're working on the Daniel Connors case. Could you fill us in? O'CONNELL Sure. O'Connell reaches over to his notebook, and starts to flip through it. O'CONNELL The woman's name is Angela Majors, that's her brother over there on the chesterfield, Derek Majors. The man who just came in is probably her boyfriend Brian Sanderson. NICK So what led you to Angela Majors? I wasn't aware that forensics had released any information yet. O'Connell is staring at Angela with a curious expression on his face. O'CONNELL There was a new case, it was reported about three this afternoon. (slightly amused) Apparently two lovebirds were... experimenting in the bathtub last night. One of them fell asleep, but the other one managed to pull him out before she collapsed on the bath mat. They woke up early this morning, no apparent ill effects, but they're being held in the hospital for testing. O'Connell pulls out a small flyer out of his pocket. He hands it to Nick. INSERT: The flyer Very professional. It reads: Sensations. A new high quality bubble bath product to get you relaxed. Available in rose, jasmine and unscented. BACK TO SCENE NICK Mix-up in the production method? Nick examines the flyer for another moment, then hands it over to Schanke. He looks at Angela, and Brian thoughtfully. O'CONNELL She'll probably get charged with murder. Her record and all... NICK Her record? O'CONNELL She spent five years in a psychiatric ward. Apparently she killed her father. Poisoning. On Nick, surprise on his face, and we: FADE OUT. END ACT ONE (insert "Toronto Skyline at Night #23", 4 seconds running time) commercial break #2 ...Lonely? Just call 555-6834, and I'll personally SOOTHE your.... ...marvellous gardening tool! Don't STRAIN your back! With this patented... (and in just 1.35 minutes...) Various commercials will be sent between the acts. I've only got 3 sets right now, so if you want to send me more... MORE! MORE! Commercial Break #2 commercials #1,2 concepts by Lois Clarkston . execution by Dawn Steele commercials #3,4 concept and execution by Dawn Steele ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #1 ANNOUNCER'S VOICE: Did the crashes of '29 and '81 get you down? Sell off the last of the family jewels? Tired of the grunge scene? Come on down to our new outlet! Designer clothes at a fraction of the original cost! You don't ask where we got them, and won't ask how you came by your money! Opening hours are between 23:00 to 0400 seven days a week. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ------ #2 ANNOUNCER'S VOICE This is a public service announcement brought to you by the Community and FKFIC-L list. VACHON'S VOICE Blood diseases are a serious problem. One that and not be ignored. It is not enough in these modern times to limit your limit your knowledge to hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders. AIDS. It's out there, and have to deal with it. Alternative sources available from a variety of sources. These can be used as a supplement or as a lifestyle choice. It's decision. Abstinence from human... contact is the only truly safe option, but for most that is not something to be considered. Safer... contact can be achieved. Learn the signs, and indications that might point to a potential problem. Remember. Even if you ask, they might not know themselves. Don't take the chance. Contact your local Community to learn the safe suppliers in city. Stay safe. We all want to live forever after all... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ------- #3 V.O. Bored with your ordinary hang out? (flash black and white picture of a very party) Want a bit of excitement, where no one knows your name? A place where you can let loose? (eyes perk up) Anything in particular you want to do? We're open for business. (flash the outdoor sign of "The Raven") Come inside. Meet some interesting people. Good music, great times and a stocked bar. (flash a colour picture of the inside of the Raven at its gothic best) Join us. (false Id's accepted at the door) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- - #4 V.O. (a disgustingly cheerful voice. You know. The kind that appears on the 7 pm news when you've dragged yourself out of bed for work and you haven't had a chance for... refreshments.) Gentle listeners! Love to travel? Explore new places and customs? Meet new people? (in a lower tone) Still complaining about modern restrictions and lack of courtesies? (back to obnoxious mode) Let us help you! We've got dozens of packaged tours! Travel the world and let US worry about the petty details. Safe housing wherever you go, and we'll even give detailed reports on the BEST places to eat. Enjoy the lap of luxury without worrying about a thing. Custom travel plans ARE available. Just call our 1-800-EVENING number or contact a local franchise. The "Evening" travel bureau. We get you the best rates. The friendliest people, and the details YOU need to know! The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 2 (part 1/2) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. accepted at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ ACT TWO FADE IN. INT - POLICE STATION - OUTSIDE COHEN'S OFFICE - NIGHT The police station is busy tonight. Lots of general activity going on in the background. Schanke sits at his desk, and tries to finish up a report. Nick sits on top of his desk, and stares off into space. Captain Amanda Cohen comes out of her office. COHEN Problems Knight? I would've thought you'd be busy on the McMurphy case. (beat) Or perhaps you'd like to go to the bathroom and meditate. Schanke smirks in the background, but continues to type. NICK Captain. I'm not satisfied with how the Connors case is being handled. They've stopped investigating other possibilities. COHEN Do you have a complaint about Detective O'Connell? He's one of the best detectives at the 45th. Nick hesitates, and picks up a glass container of "Sensation" off of his desk. He had picked it up at the Majors' household out of the box of bottles forensics carted away to test. NICK Nothing concrete. I'm just not so satisfied that Angela Majors is the only suspect we have. Derek Majors, and Brian Sanderson were also living there. Easy access. COHEN And no motive. Schanke leaned forward on his desk. He decides to brave the wrath of the dragon in order to join Nick's side. Sort of. SCHANKE Perhaps Nick has something there. (half sarcastically) I mean, he might have a hunch about it. COHEN I don't mind you going out on a limb once in a while, Knight. You have good instincts. (beat) Most of the time. Schanke starts to chant just loud enough that Nick will pick it up. SCHANKE Texas, Texas, Texas... Nick shoots him "The Look", and then turns back to Cohen. NICK So I can investigate it further? COHEN Clear it with O'Connell. I don't need the 45th up in arms over what might be a wild goose chase. Nick looks a bit smug. He's managed to sweet talk Cohen again. He flips the bottle of "Sensation" up into the air, catches it, and then drops it into his coat pocket. NICK Will do. EXT - THE RAVEN -NIGHT - ESTABLISHING A bouncer is at the door. He escorts a couple of young men outside as Nick pushes past. INT - THE RAVEN -NIGHT The usual frantic techno-industrial music plays in the background. The Raven is dimly lit, and the usual assortment of weird characters move throughout. Nick squeezes through the crowd and bumps into Alma as he goes. She gives him an appreciative caress and moves on she pickpockets the bottle of "Sensations" from his pocket. Nick finally reaches Janette at the bar. She argues quietly with a rather drunk patron. In the end, she takes the shot glass out of his hand, and looks into his eyes. JANETTE (heartbeats) Go home. The man sways for a minute, and then stumbles towards the doorway. Janette magically catches the attention of the bouncer at the door, and mouths the word "Taxi" at him. Message understood. NICK Doing your part in preventing an accident tonight? Janette throws him a somewhat exasperated look, and motions for a refill. JANETTE Car accidents are so... messy. (beat) Not to mention wasteful. All that potential.Spread out on the pavement. Nick grins and grabs Janette in a hug. He kisses her on the forehead. JANETTE Should I ask why you're here? A case? Perhaps you're seeking some degenerate low-life in my club? (beat) I chased them all out last week. I decided to only cater to the politically correct low-lives. (softly) What's on your mind? NICK Erica. And we go (with a Highlander style switch) to: INT - DRESSING ROOM - FRANCE - CIRCA 1810 It's a few days after the first flashback, just after a stage performance. BERNARD, 31 enters the room just after Erica. Nick lounges in the background but Bernard does not notice him. Erica's face is covered with greasepaint. She's decked out in pants, and her hair is shoved up into a hat. She ignores Bernard in the faint hope that he'll take the hint and leave. BERNARD You can not ignore me forever milady. I want an explanation. Erica slowly removes her hat, and shoots a quick glance in Nick's direction. She knows he is there, and her eyes plead for a quick interruption. ERICA For what? BERNARD You have not aged since I joined the troupe.I was only a young man then, but I remember. Erica gives a nervous laugh, and tosses a glare towards Nick. ERICA I am a player, Bernard. How many times have you seen me without my facepaint? BERNARD And Nicholas Burton? What of him? With a flash of movement, Nick is suddenly behind Bernard. He grabs Bernard's shoulder and whips him around -- keeping a firm grip. NICK What of Nicholas Burton? (he stares into Bernards eyes. heartbeat effect) There is nothing to interest you. Nicholas Burton, and Erica Hadden are normal players in the troupe. BERNARD (a bit dazed) Players? No... Erica has not... Erica moves to stand beside Bernard. She watches the small drama unfold. NICK (more intense heartbeats) You are not curious about Erica anymore. She is just a scandalous woman who plays in a troupe. A bit strange, but nothing to worry you. BERNARD No. Erica has not... Nick gives Bernard an impatient shake, and stares into his eyes. The heartbeat sound grows even larger, then fades off slowly. NICK Sleep. (beat) Sleep and forget you ever came in here after the show. Bernard slowly collapses, and Nick drags him over to the couch. NICK He is obsessed with you... I cannot persuade him. ERICA I told you. (beat) So much for six hundred years of experience. NICK You never complained before. Nick sits down on the couch beside Bernard's sleeping body and shoves it over to the other side when it starts to drape over him. Erica stares at Bernard with a sad expression. She had always made it a practice never to feed from the troupe, and now it seemed inevitable. ERICA Why must it be Bernard? Mortals can be so stubborn... Back to: INT - RAVEN - NIGHT Janette sees that Nick's consciousness (for lack of a better word) is back from the nineteenth century, and continues their conversation as if it had been uninterrupted. JANETTE Erica is dead and gone, Nichola. Some two-years or more. Why now? NICK Someone just reminded me of her. No real reason. JANETTE (sighs) And now you'll be brooding over the whole matter for days on end. Let it be. You met. You had fun for awhile. You broke up. (a bit exasperated) You hadn't seen her for almost two hundred years before she died. Hardly a close relationship. Nick gives Janette a gentle squeeze and then releases her. A far-away look is still in his eyes. NICK You're right -- as usual. JANETTE Mais oui. Nick reaches over to give her a kiss, and then he leaves. Miklos comes up to Janette and hands her the requested wine glass full of blood. Janette gazes after Nick's, and Alma slinks over. She makes a patently pretentious bow to Janette, and presents her with the bottle of "Sensations". MIKLOS What's that? ALMA (to Janette) A small, insignificant gesture of appreciation for all the... help you've given me in the past. She hands it over to Janette, and slinks off again. Janette examines the bottle of "Sensations". JANETTE A bath be nice... (to Miklos) Lock up for me when the night is over. I'm taking the rest of the night off. Miklos watches Janette leave, and we go to: (continuous to Act 2, part 2/2) The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 2 (part 2/2) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. accepted at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ EXT - NICK'S CAR - DRIVING SCENES (Producers note: Due to time constraints, I'm cutting this scene. We no longer need Canadian filler, and it's not necessary for the plot.) Nick drives towards the suburbs and the Majors' house. You can see scenes of the city flash by the windows. Schanke is still at the 96th with some paperwork. Nick pulls up before the Majors' house and starts to get out. He hesitates, and then sits back down. Nick picks up his car phone, and dials the 45th. We observe Nick's side of the conversation. NICK Yes. This is Detective Knight. I'd like to speak to Detective O'Connell please. Nick waits, somewhat impatiently. He starts to tap the wheel of his car. NICK Good Evening. ... Captain Cohen already called you? ... I don't know why she thought I wouldn't... I'd just like to talk to Derek Majors, and Brian Sanderson. ... I'll send you a copy of my report tomorrow. The other side of the conversation ends unexpectedly as O'Connell hangs up. Nick puts down the cellular phone with an amused smile. INT - MAJORS' HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT With Angela Majors held for psychiatric evaluation, Brian Sanderson has moved out. Derek Majors is alone at the house when Nick arrives. Cut to: Nick puts away his badge, and sits down in the chair opposite Derek. NICK I'm just here to ask a few more questions. DEREK I... I don't know what to say. I had no idea my sister was... having problems again. NICK Has there been any unusual stress in her life lately? What about Brian Sanderson? Have they been getting along? DEREK Arguments? There have been a few lately. A lot more than usual. I didn't eavesdrop, but I couldn't help knowing they were happening. We all live in the same house after all. (beat) Or we used to. Brian's moved out. I can't say I'm too sorry. We never got along, and I've never approved of their relationship. NICK Any particular reason? DEREK No... Well... They met while Angela was undergoing treatment. Brian was there for his own problems. When life gets a little rough, he likes to set things on fire. NICK And you believe that... Nick has a attentive expression on his face. Lesson 101: Leading the interviewee on in the quest to obtain answers. DEREK I don't think they had a particularly healthy relationship. Co-dependence I think they call it. Angela has never dealt well with stress. She has blackouts where she can't remember what she's been doing, and she starts to sleepwalk. NICK Then you do believe she tampered with the chemicals in the bubble bath? Derek's face is stricken with anguish. He has already been asked this question, but it is clearly a painful subject. DEREK (softly) Yes. Not intentionally perhaps, but... Derek reaches over to the side table and picks up a picture. Angela and Derek are posed cheerfully in a outdoors scene. He thoughtfully traces her face. DEREK I... I encouraged her to leave him. To break it up. She's my sister. The closest blood relative I have... and my responsibility. Slip to: INT - DRESSING ROOM - FRANCE - CIRCA 1810 Nick and Erica face each other on the stage. Erica holds Nick's sleeve, and her face implores him to listen. ERICA Stay. Bernard wants you gone, but I will... NICK Choose between family and a lover? Nick grabs her hand and brings the fingertips up to his lips. He kisses them gently and then continues. NICK I am but water, and blood is so thick. Bernard is unworthy of you. He will not bring you happiness. Back to: INT - MAJORS' HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Nick picks up his coat, and stands up. As he starts to put it on, we see him pat the pocket. The bubble bath is gone. His voice is distracted when he speaks. NICK We'll be in contact. Nick turns towards door, and we cut to: INT - BASEMENT OF THE RAVEN - JANETTE'S APT. - BATHROOM Janette is fully immersed in the bath. The bubbles cover her body, just enough so that the story does not have to be labelled as ADULT. Her hair is piled on top of her head in damp ringlets, and the air is moist with hot, condensing water droplets. She sighs sensuously, and sinks further under the water. She's completely relaxed. Out of habit she reaches out to pick up the full goblet of blood placed on a small table beside the tub. She is about to take a sip, when... with a puzzled expression on her face, she puts the goblet back. For once... She's just not hungry. With a slight smile on her face, she stretches, and... slips under the water. FADE OUT END ACT TWO (insert "Toronto Skyline at Night #05", 4 seconds running time) commercial break #3 Itchy feet? .... This commercial set goes between Acts 2 and 3. It was brought to you through the effort of Dianne De Sha. :) The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath Commercial set #2 Concept and execution by Dianne De Sha #1 ******************************************* [all footage is black and white with red added as highlights for lips, etc.--real artsy; classical music in background] [a beautiful woman in a slinky evening dress exits the back of a club, glances about, then hurries down a darkened alley.] V.O.: "Exciting." [Woman reaches the end of the alley and is stopped by a hand on her shoulder. She spins around in surprise...] V.O.: "Dangerous." [...and lands in the arms of a man in fine evening clothes (we don't see his face).] V.O.: "Enthralling." [Close-up on his hand pulling the scarf from her neck, then of his lips at her throat--music swells...] V.O.: "Seductive." [Music drops off suddenly as we see the scarf fall in slow motion to the ground.] V.O.: " *Bloodlust*, the lethal new fragrance from Skin Pretty." [Shot of product against neutral background with scarf draped around it.] V.O.: "Available only through select distributors." #2 ******************************************* [Shots of _manly_ men doing _manly_, rugged, (slightly preposterous), out-doorsy things: kayaking, rock-climbing, standing manfully against a sunset...that sort of thing. Rugged rousing music to match. Then, just as we're about to hit testosterone over-load...] V.O.: "Once men strove to achieve, pitting themselves against the elements every day." [More manly stuff: horseback riding over mountain ridges, building log cabins from scratch.] V.O.: "Their clothing was the same--rugged, imbued with the spirit of the great outdoors." [Yet more manly stuff...maybe have one start a fire with his teeth or something.] V.O.: "Your man deserves no less. 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Screen & V.O.: "If you don't, you could regret it for an eternity." #4 ******************************************* [seductive music & V.O. begins:] Does your vampire have a wandering eye? ...Do you want to plan something really *special* for his next centennial? ....Or do you just need a little something to heat up your knight? Then we have what you're looking for at *Divia's Secret*. Other stores carry the slinky modern look, but what if your vamp's an old-fashioned sort of guy? Tempt him with the provocative fashions of _his_ time: from a Classical Greek hetaira, to a Han dynasty Chinese courtesan, to a Mediaeval French _fille de joie_. Whatever his background, we have something to heat up his blood. And now we've expanded into fashions for men! From bathhouse slave to Renaissance gigolo, bring back her memories of 'the good old days.' *Divia's Secret* Because fashions change and times change, but passion is forever.... ***************************************** >> Dianne Dianne la Mercenaire... -*- -*-"Nothing in this world can endure forever"-*- (last minute graffiti found on a wall in Pompeii) The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 3 (part 1/1) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. appreciated at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ Director's Note to Studio screenwriter: What was that *&#@$$! writer thinking of? This script is too long! I'm surprised JP even okayed it. This has more scenes that we'll have to cut than "Feeding the Beast". It was hard, but I've decided to cut all the scenes with LaCroix. They weren't absolutely necessary to the plotline, and NB has used up too many of his contract hours anyway. We're going to need him for "A More Permanent Hell". You'll cut have to cut and paste a bit. Fluff out some of the scenes in the Raven. It'll be a bit awkward, but we might as well get some scenes with Janette while we can. Contract renewal might be awkward. ACT THREE FADE IN INT - RAVEN - NIGHT Nick bursts through the doors of the Raven, only to be greeted by the supremely uninterested gazes of the usual crowd. He jostles his way to the bar, and grabs Miklos. NICK Where's Janette? MIKLOS Why do you want to know? She's taken the rest of the night off. NICK I need to see her right away! Is she downstairs? We see Janette appear behind Nick's back. She casually slips her arms around him. She's in a different outfit from earlier in the evening and her hair is still a bit damp. JANETTE Nichola! What has put you in such a state? I could feel you before you entered the building. NICK I was worried. Did you take that bottle of "Sensation"? Janette realizes that Alma didn't go to the trouble of buying the bottle. She's amused. JANETTE Alma gave it to me. It has an interesting scent. An unfamiliar one. You know how rare that is. NICK It's evidence. And perhaps dangerous. Don't you read the papers? JANETTE Those drownings? Nichola. You've been working with mortals too long. I've just had an unusually pleasant bath. NICK Nevertheless, I'd like it back. Janette's face is a perfect example of "neutral". She snaps her fingers, and a young blond/female vampire (last seen in "Curiouser and Curiouser") hurries over. JANETTE Anything to please you, Nichola. You'll get that bottle back before you know it. INT - DIVISION 45 POLICE LOCKUP - NIGHT A custodian's cart moves through the lockup shelves. The figure pushes the cart until it reaches the box of "Sensation" bottles. A hand reaches out and starts to slip the bottles into the garbage bag on the cart. INT - CORONER'S BLDG - MORGUE - NIGHT Natalie finishes some dictation on a suicide victim. Schanke leans against her desk, and waits for Nick to show up. He passes the time talking with Natalie. He's in mid-conversation when Nick enters. SCHANKE ... so Myra says she's going to visit her mother, and I say,'are you going to Florida to your step-mother, or to the graveyard?'. NATALIE Oh boy. I see why you're in the doghouse again. SCHANKE Sometimes I wish my mouth had a automatic safety shut-off. Do you think a dozen red roses might help? NATALIE Two dozen might be better. (to Nick) I'm glad you finally decided to show up. Nick comes fully into the room and leans against her desk right next to Schanke. NICK Something unexpected came up. Did you get the final analysis on the "Sensation"? Natalie peels off her stained gloves, and then reaches between them to pick up a folder off her desk. She hands it over to Nick. NATALIE Read it, and weep. Angela Majors had developed a mild muscle relaxant. After it's dissolved in the water it can be absorbed through the skin, and enter the bloodstream. NICK Was it a registered drug? NATALIE Nope. Normal concentration is below the safety standards. She could still be charged under the "Drug Administration Act" though. (beat) It's not normally a lethal drug. The tainted bottles had hundreds of times the normal concentration. Causing unconsciousness, and a temporary paralysis. No long term effects. NICK Except death if you happen to be in the bathtub at the time. NATALIE Except death. I thought bathtubs were supposed to be a better solution for all those who watched "Psycho" in an impressionable state of mind. SCHANKE No showers, no baths. I hear you can get clean with a scouring of dry sand. NICK It's not the most pleasant of the three, Schank. Believe me, I know. (beat) Thanks for the info, Nat. (to Schanke) Let's go. I've got an interview set up with Brian Sanderson. Then we need to get more background information on Derek Majors. With a goodbye wave to Natalie, Nick heads out the door. Schanke follows. SCHANKE I'm actually invited? INT - THE RAVEN - NIGHT Janette is behind the bar. She is close to Miklos and whispers conspiratorially into his ear. A young male vampire, RICKEY comes up. It looks as though he has the jitters. Very hungry. He gives Janette a nervous glance, and then turns towards Miklos. RICKEY A bottle. MIKLOS Your tab is full. RICKEY (nervously) I got some money coming in next week. Janette nods her approval. Miklos passes over a bottle of blood and a glass. The two of them watch as Rickey quickly heads towards the back. MIKLOS What do you think it will do? JANETTE It won't hurt him. It might not even affect him. If it causes him heartburn... Rickey never pays off his tab anyway. EXT - SMALL RUNDOWN APT. BLDG - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING An old brick apartment building. Nick and Schanke walking inside. INT - SMALL, MESSY APT. - NIGHT A tense atmosphere. Brian Sanderson is on edge, and hostile towards the detectives. BRIAN I've already given my statement to Detective O'Connell. NICK Then perhaps we can cover unfamiliar territory, and you won't be bored. Why did you leave the Major's household? BRIAN Angie was the only reason I stayed there in the first place. Her brother's a creep. NICK How long have you been living there? BRIAN Almost two years now. Five months after Angie got out of the funny farm. SCHANKE So you two are... BRIAN Common law. Yeah. (beat) Not that Derek is pleased about it. I had to make a stink, or I wouldn't have been listed in the "guest" list at the hospital. NICK How is she? BRIAN Last time I saw her, she wasn't speaking to anyone. Guilt, I guess. SCHANKE According to Detective O'Connell's report, she confessed shortly after being taken to the psychiatric ward. BRIAN I don't know whether I'm surprised or not. She's been acting funny lately. Blackouts, sleepwalking. I thought it was just... SCHANKE Just what? Brian's face had gone from angry, to intense. Jealousy, and anger colours his voice when he speaks next. BRIAN Derek said we were breaking up, right? We weren't. I had finally latched onto a steady job, and Angie's business was taking off. We were planning on moving out of his 'lordship's digs' in a couple of months. Maybe get married... The interview is interrupted as both Nick's and Schanke's beepers go off simultaneously. Nick moves to a corner of the room, and dials the station. Phone conversation ensues. One sided. NICK Nick Knight.... When?... Why weren't we notified immediately? I know it's not our case... I'll talk to you later. With a slightly angry expression, Nick heads back towards Schanke, and Brian. By the time he gets to Brian, his face has settles into a more neutral cast, and his voice is sympathetic. NICK That was the police station. Angela Majors is in intensive care. Apparently she tried to commit suicide. FADE OUT END ACT THREE (insert "Toronto Skyline at Night #02", 4 seconds running time) Commercial Break #4 .... MUTE dum de dum de dah de dum de dah... (one session with a microwave, a bag of popcorn and 3.25 seconds later) whoops! MUTE This commercial break goes between Acts 3 & 4. Due to some recent additions, there actually will be another commercial set. Happy? Commercial Break #4 Commercial #1 concept and excution by Laurie Anderson Commercial #2 concept and execution by Dawn Steele Commercial #3 concept by Judith Freudenthal execution by Judith Freudenthal and Dawn Steele Commercial #4 concept and execution by Kathy Durrell ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ----- #1 "Sunblock 3000" (Opening shot: Guy in striped pajamas, rumpled hair, yawning and stretching as he sits in bed. In the act of stretching he displaces a black cat which has been lying on the bed. Cut to:black cat jumping from floor to window sill nearby. Cat bumps shades; they suddenly roll up. Cut to: close up of guy's face as it is hit with light-- eyes widen in look of shock. Cut to: open window, outside a big rising sun shines directly in. Cut to: shot of bed, a smoldering, smoking mass where the guy was sitting.) Voiceover: Has this ever happened to you? Cut to shot of product. Voiceover: Sunblock 3000. When one ray can ruin your day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ------- #2 Are YOU one of those TRADITIONAL types? Do you get TIRED of trying to get the dirt smudges off your clothes? Well... Take a LOOK at THIS!!! "Alucard's Heavy Hold" Just spray it on, and in just MINUTES... (shhhhhhhiiiissshhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) A SOLID, COMFORTABLE, yet, SEE THROUGH barrier will form over your layer of home earth! It PEELS off easily for those recommended monthly changes of earth. No more CLEANING BILLS! It pays for itself or your money back! And best of all... It's just $14.99/can. (cases of 24 are at a reduced price of $325!) Send money to: Alucard Enterprises 666 PieInTheSky St. Toronto Ontario (Sorry: no C.O.D. orders accepted, we lose too many delivery people.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ------- #3 Do you have dietary requirements? Are you having problems meeting them with ordinary, everyday foods? Why not try "Dr. Lambert's Nutritional Suppliment"? It even comes in several flavours for a more varied dining experience. "Dr. Lambert's Nutritional Suppliment" has changed life for the better. I can now dine out with my friends withoug feeling out of place. V.O. Available in "mix-your own" powders, and liquid format. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #4 Cut to tall blonde very well endowed female vampire with big fangs. She begins her monologue... "Tired of that same old blood?... Do you want more nutrition from your meals?... Then you need the POLYTRON! This amazing new device lets you get all the nutrition possible out of your meals. Not just the blood but all of the tissue. Let me demonstrate...." {She holds up a mouse and drops it into the device} Only the Polytron reduces an entire mouse to a soup-like homogenate in 30 seconds. This amazing device uses a unique method of tissue disruption by mechanical shearing and cavitation. Order now and we will include your free gift of the optional speed controller which maintains constant speed regardless of changes in your soup's viscosity. We'll also include an extra generator for use with larger meals. Look it's ready..." {She opens the lid, removes the bowl and takes a drink.} "That's delicious and nutritious! But if you aren't into drinking mice then you need our extra large size. It's capable of holding a whole human body. It's great for those large dinner parties. And the best part is the price. The regular size is only $599.99 and the extra- large size is only $1599.95 !!! That's a great deal. Order now" {The phone number pops up on the bottom of the screen and after a few seconds we FADE OUT} ------------------------------------- (NB: Kathy Durrell (nee King) would like everyone to note that, "There actually is a polytron which is for biological samples and their ad does say 'Only the Polytron reduces an entire mouse to a soup-like homogenate in 30 seconds' ".) (NB2: Kathy's name change only occurred a few weeks ago. No. She's not running from the law. She just got married and decided to be traditional and take her husbands last name. ) Okay. I originally intended to start posting the story on Monday and finish on Friday. Due a late start, I've decided to send out both Acts 3 and 4 today. It's not as if the fkfic-l is exploding anyway. :) I'll to get the last part out tomorrow for those who only have access during work, but it might not be sent until late in the day. Without futher babbling, here's.... The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 4 (part 1/2) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. accepted at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ ACT FOUR FADE IN EXT - POLICE STATION - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING Nighttime, police cars outside. Policemen moving in and out. INT - POLICE STATION - NIGHT Cohen talks quietly to another female police officer as Nick and Schanke walk in. She pats the officer on the shoulder reassuringly, then heads for her office. Framed in the doorway, she turns slightly and gestures commandingly towards Nick and Schanke. COHEN My office -- now. By the time they get there, Cohen is behind the desk. She leans back into her chair. For a few moments, she doesn't say anything, just stares at them (mostly Nick) meaningfully. COHEN I've just received a call from Detective O'Connell. He informed me of Angela Majors' suicide attempt. NICK I've been playing this one by the book, Captain. It was O'Connell case -- I didn't even go near her. COHEN That's reassuring. Now give me a reason why two paid employees of the city should continue wasting the taxpayers money when the main suspect has already confessed. (She motions to stop Nick from speaking) As far as I can see, you're just duplicating Detective O'Connell's research. Angela Majors has confessed, and the preliminary psychiatric reports indicates instability, depression, and paranoia. NICK The background checks on Derek Majors, and Brian Sanderson haven't come back yet. Cohen's face is noncommittal. COHEN And the McMurphy case? Are you "satisfied" with that? SCHANKE The McMurphy case isn't going anywhere. No witnesses, no motives, and no evidence. NICK No hurry. The McMurphy case can wait a day or two. I think we need to prove Angela Majors guilt one way or the other soon. Preferably before she regains consciousness. If she's innocent, it might give her the strength the hold on. Cohen studies the two men. She does not agree with their assessment of the McMurphy case. COHEN Twenty-four hours on the Majors case. Get some results. (beat) I also want the preliminary report of the McMurphy case by the end or your shift. Nick and Schanke turn to leave, but Cohen stops them before they get out the door. COHEN You might be interested to know that Detective O'Connell shares your doubts. As do I. Unfortunately for O'Connell, commanding officer is less of a soft touch. Nick gives her one of those patented "boyish grins", and follows Schanke out the door. They head towards their desks, and Nick picks up his phone. He pauses before he dials the number, then drops it back into the receiver. SCHANKE Whew! We have survived the dragon's den again. Schanke falls down into his chair, and stares curiously at Nick. NICK I don't think Angela Majors is guilty. SCHANKE No kidding. I thought you were just trying to annoy Myra by making sure I log in more overtime. NICK Just saving her the hassle of making you breakfast before you go to bed. (beat) I'm going to talk to Natalie. Call me if you find out anything. Nick heads for the door, and we go to: INT - THE RAVEN - NIGHT Janette and Miklos stand a little bit away from Rickey's booth. Rickey talks calmly to a sweet young mortal, a half filled bottle on the table. MIKLOS Well? JANETTE I haven't seen him this calm since before that with the Enforcers. (beat) Check into it. Janette's face is thoughtful as she takes a sip of her drink. She sensuously licks her lips, and then proceeds to quickly down the remaining blood. INT - CORONER'S OFFICE - NIGHT Natalie is catching up on paperwork. All her evening customers are tucked away for the night. NATALIE You want me to do what? NICK Translate. I've got the blood work-up on Angela Majors. It's been a long time since I kept up with changes in the medical profession. Nick hands her a piece of paper with Angela Majors blood work analysis on it. NATALIE Well ... it looks as if Angela was mixing uppers, and downers. Taking a lot of aspirin, and heading towards anemia. She hands him back the paper, and moves over to the sink to wash her hands. NATALIE Now why do you really want to see me? Lapsed medical degree or not, you've got enough police experience to decipher the what's on that paper. NICK Can't I just drop by to see my favourite medical examiner? NATALIE You don't have the right look in your eyes. NICK A look? NATALIE It's more of a twinkle. (beat) Business, or something to do with the hobby I'm not supposed to talk about? NICK Hobby. Whatever it is that Angela Majors developed, it seems to be able to affect us. NATALIE Us, as in...? NICK Vampires. Nick reaches into his pocket, and pulls out the half-filled bottle of "Sensation". NATALIE How? NICK Janette used some of the tainted supply. I thought she might be in trouble because for a short time I couldn't... I couldn't feel her prescence. (beat) I rushed over to the Raven. It was... strange. She wasn't hungry. I could tell. NATALIE And? I assume she hadn't just finished off a few bottles. NICK I'm always hungry. It's always at the edge of my consciousness. A nagging reminder that only goes away totally if we... overindulge. (beat) Janette wasn't drunk. NATALIE So the "Sensation" was absorbed into her bloodstream, and acted as an appetite suppressant? NICK I think so. Natalie just looks at Nick for a moment, then pulls out a black laboratory notebook from where it is hidden in the mess on her desk. NATALIE I assume you can get more of it? NICK There's an entire box at the Division 45 evidence lockup. I can get more. And we go to: INT - RAVEN - BACK ROOM - NIGHT Miklos pushes a bemused Rickey into the back room. It is heavily ornamented in a gothic fashion, and features several groups of chairs and a pool table in the centre. Janette stands by the pool table. She absently twirls the pool cue between her fingers. RICKEY What's going on? JANETTE Nothing for you to worry about. Miklos is just going to stay here with you for the next couple of hours and keep you company. MIKLOS We can share a few bottles, and see if your 8-ball skills have improved. RICKEY I'm not hungry. Janette points out the bottles sitting on a corner table to Miklos, and then starts to leave. JANETTE You will be. With a swish of her heavy skirt she exits the room. We hear the sound of a heavy lock clicking shut. continues directly into Act 4 (part 2/2) The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 4 (part 2/2) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. appreciated at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ INT - NICK'S CAR - DRIVING THROUGH TORONTO - NIGHT (Director's note: I've been scanning through some of the other driving scenes in previous episodes. Let's try for some Yonge street footage. There are enough weird characters near the Coroner's building that we won't even have to hire extras.) (Editor's note: Why did this scene even get shot? It's going straight to the cutting room floor.) Nick is in a pensive mood. He can sense something is wrong. This script is not quite following the normal pace that he is used to and it worries him. He is on his way back to the Division after his talk with Natalie at the Coroner's building. The car phone rings and he picks it up. Flash between Nick in the car, and Schanke sitting by a messy desk. NICK Nick Knight. SCHANKE Finally. You need to change your car phone number. 555-1212 is a good option. It's bad enough with all the 555 numbers in a city with a population in the millions, but you had to get the last four digits the same as directory assistance? (beat) It took four tries before they'd patch me through. NICK Do you have anything productive to tell me, Schank? I'm just pulling into the station now. SCHANKE (softly) Really? You're normally in Timbuktu by this point in the case. Nick puts the car phone down with more than necessary force, and we go inside to: INT - POLICE STATION - NIGHT Another busy shift in the police station. Suspects are being dragged to and fro, etc. SCHANKE Do you want the good news, the weird news or the bad news? NICK (exasperated) I've only been gone a half hour! (beat) The bad news. SCHANKE No change in Angela Major's condition. She's still listed as critical. Schanke pauses and waits for Nick to specify which type of news he would like next. NICK Give me the rest. SCHANKE The 45th just reported that someone got into the evidence lock-up, and stole the tainted bottles of "Sensation". (beat) It doesn't make sense. There's still the tainted bottles coming in from the stores, and the forensic tests. There was no point in stealing them. NICK I assume that was the weird news. How about some good news? SCHANKE Well, the weird news good news in a way. Proves someone else is out there. Good news... You want motives? We've got a motives. Brian Sanderson has a long young offenders record. Petty theft, joyriding, three cases of setting abandoned buildings on fire... NICK And? That already came up. SCHANKE And I talked to one of the doctors who treated him. Troubled home life. Ol' Brian tends to fixate on people. possessive. NICK So if he and Angela were breaking up... That doesn't make sense. If she goes to jail, or back to the institution, they wouldn't be able to be together. SCHANKE Revenge for thinking of leaving him? Maybe he figured on meeting up with her again in the funny farm. NICK What else have you got? SCHANKE Derek Majors. Stockbroker, and generally popular bachelor. His co-workers speak highly of him, and his credit rating is good. Derek doesn't even need to work, he apparently got a hefty trust fund from his parents. NICK How much? Their conversation is interrupted as the phone on Nick's desk rings. Schanke leans over and picks it up. Brian Sanderson is on the line. Flash between Nick and Schanke at the station, and Brian sitting in the Majors basement, surrounded by bottles of "Sensation". SCHANKE Hello? BRIAN This is Brian Sanderson. I'm at Angela Majors' house. (beat) I want to confess. And ... FADE OUT END OF ACT FOUR Commercial Break #5 The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath Commercial set #4 goes between acts 4 and 5 Commercials #1,2 concept and execution by James Kythe Walkswithwind Commercial #3 concept and execution by Lynn Messing Commercial #4 concepts by Perri Smith and Dawn Steele execution by Dawn Steele ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ----- #1 No rap. No country. No nonsense. No telling what we'll do.. but you can be sure it won't be.. ordinary. CERK radio. Where anything that's worth doing, is done in style. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- --------- #2 Tired of waiting for authors to finish posting a story? Tired of waiting for authors to *write* a story? Bored during a low traffic period? Annoyed with the lack of indiscretions happening in what would otherwise be a great story? Well, suffer no more! Now you can read stories starring your favourite Fk character, whenever you want! Dial up that modem and surf the web to the "FKFIC Web Page"!! Home to every story that's ever been made available for public perusal. No more waiting, no more frustrating delays! Simply type in the URL that appears at the bottom of your screen and instantly, hundreds of stories at your fingertips! So what are you waiting for? Start reading, today! -------------------------------------------------- #3 [Spark, Vachon, or other equally handsome vamp speaking throughout commercial. First picture is of police looking for evidence at a murder scene] V.O.: These days, it is difficult to get fresh refreshments. [Cut to beautiful female struggling to balance and carry a large crate filled with bottles of an unidentified red liquid.] V.O.: But bottled drinks are bulky, and take a lot of storage space. They also spoil quickly. [We now see the speaker.] That is why LaCroix beverage company has expanded its product line. We are proud to introduce our newest family of products: powdered, instant blood. In its dry form, it stays fresh indefinitely. When you wish to drink it, just add hot water. It comes in a variety of flavours, to please every palate. [As the previous line was read, we saw the following list: O-, A+, B-, AB, and Bovine] If you don't like our product, we'll cry, "Uncle!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- -------- #4 [Opening scene of a closed desolate corner store.] V.O. Tired of not being able to get those small, but important items at a time convenient to YOU? [picture of a young woman wearing a fluorescent green outfit (hairband to shoes), popping gum and pushing a screaming infant in a shopping cart.] V.O. Do you find some stores full of irritating characters? [Picture of a dimly lit store. It contains rows upon rows of discounted merchandise. Body bags, empty wine bottles, corks, Alucard's Heavy Hold, dark make up, odd pieces of black clothing, fake fangs etc.] V.O. Come on down to dis-Count Dracula's Bargain Warehouse! [Flash of the front door sign. It has an embossed Sun and Moon on it. A flaming red dragon has a firm grip on both celestial object. The name of the store is displayed prominently.] V.O. We're open 24 hours a day for YOUR convenience! Whether you can come during the day or have an unfortunate sun allergy... We're always open! We have everything you could possibly need to feel comfortable in the "grunge" or "gothic" crowds. [flash by a group of young people with dead white skin, wearing heavy black make-up and ripped black clothing.] V.O. It's a gathering place. A happening place. A meeting place. And everything in the store is at ROCK bottom prices! [picture of a couple of vampires carrying heavy bags full of merchandise. They slip off out the back and take off with a blur of motion.] V.O. If you can't make the trip, don't WORRY! Our delivery staff are competent, reliable, and FAST! [Close up shot to the man behind the cash register. He's got bushy white eyebrows, luminous red eyes, white hair and pasty skin.] V.O. At "dis-Count Dracula's Warehouse" you're guaranteed to be satisfied! Any complaints can be taken directly to the owner, Tepes Alucard! V.O. We promise, and we deliver! The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 5 (part 1/2) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. appreciated at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ ACT FIVE FADE IN EXT - TORONTO SKYLINE - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT Shot of the CN tower, and close in towards the main section of downtown. INT - POLICE STATION - NIGHT Schanke presses the record button on the handy dandy multi-purpose police phone, and Nick leans close in order to overhear. Flip between Nick, and Schanke at the station, and Brian in the basement of the Majors house. Brian is pacing agitatedly. SCHANKE What are you confessing to, Mr. Sanderson? BRIAN I... I doped up Angie's bottles of "Sensation". I also broke into the police station, and stole the evidence. (bitterly) Just another janitor. Nick motions for Schanke to make sure Brian continues to talk, and he sweeps out of the room. SCHANKE (softly) Why are you coming forward now? Angela Majors has already confessed. BRIAN Angie. She was cutting me out. I couldn't take that so I messed up the bottles. I didn't think she'd try to take her own life. SCHANKE You want to help her. BRIAN Angie's so ... fragile. It took years for her to deal with the guilt of killing a father she hated. cut to: EXT - BACK OF POLICE STATION - NIGHT Nick takes a quick look to make sure no one is around to watch, then... takes off. INT - POLICE STATION - NIGHT SCHANKE (disbelieving) So you loved her so much, that you decided to heap more guilt on her? INT - MAJORS HOUSE - NIGHT BRIAN I ... I just did it, okay? She didn't know anything about it. And with that, Brian slams the telephone back into the receiver. He sits down on the floor, dejected, and despairing. INT - POLICE STATION - NIGHT Schanke looks at the now silent phone in disgust. SCHANKE Damn. Then he switches off the recorder, and heads towards Cohen's office in order to inform her of the new development. He's stopped by Officer #1, who hands over a few sheets of paper. OFFICER #1 Here you go, Detective. SCHANKE What's this? OFFICER #1 Financial records of Derek, and Angela Sanderson. Schanke stops and starts to automatically scan through the papers. At the end of the last page he pauses, a displeased expression on his face. SCHANKE Damn! Schanke's face is a mixture of disbelief, and relief. INT - MAJORS HOUSE - NIGHT Brian is slumped down on the floor. We pull back to see Derek Majors who stands halfway down the stairs. A satisfied look on his face, and a revolver held loosely in one hand. DEREK Self-sacrifice. How ... amusing. Brian jerks to his feet, startled, then freezes as he notices the gun now pointed threateningly at him. BRIAN What... what are you doing? DEREK Cleaning up a minor detail. (beat) They won't believe you, there's too much evidence against Angela. I made sure of that. Amazement dawns across Brian's face. He had truly believed Angela was the culprit. Then again, Brian isn't a member of MENSA either. BRIAN Why? DEREK I could go into a very long spiel where I reveal everything, but... I'm sure the police will be along shortly, and I intend to be far away by then. (waves the gun in front of Brian's face) Back into the corner. Brian slowly backs up, his nervous eyes search for a weapon. Derek climbs the stairs sideways, and keeps the gun pointed at Brian until he reaches the top. DEREK I never liked you. I was just planning on framing you by burning down this junkpile. Killing you in the bargain... I guess there's no such thing as a reformed pyromaniac. And with that Derek slips through the basement door. He slams it behind him. Brian quickly runs up the stairs, and tries to open the door. It's locked. Brian tries to force the door open. The piercing whine of a smoke detector fills the air. EXT - MAJORS HOUSE - NIGHT Nick lands on the grass, and stares at the house. Unaware of the conflict inside, he slips into: INT - DRESSING ROOM - FRANCE - CIRCA 1810 Nick stands in front of the dressing room door. He slowly opens it, and walks inside. Erica is there. She's not alone. Bernard lies on the couch, apparently asleep. Erica looks up from the writing desk as Nick comes in. Her face is anxious. ERICA Nicholas. I was not expecting you back so soon. Nick walks over to the couch, and looks down at Bernard. NICK I can see that. When were you going to tell me? ERICA It... wasn't planned Nicholas. You have to believe me. The troupe... my plays... what would I do without them? Erica moves closer to Bernard. Protectively close. She touches his face with a soft, almost maternal gesture. NICK That does not matter now. I can be gone before dawn. Nick turns around, and heads towards the door. His movement wakens Bernard, who sits up with eyes glowing and fangs extended. Erica slows down just enough to toss Bernard a bottle of blood and then hurries after Nick. She catches up with him in the middle of the empty stage. Nick and Erica face each other. Erica holds Nick's sleeve, and her face implores him to listen. ERICA Stay. Bernard wants you gone, but I will... NICK Choose between family and a lover? Nick grabs her hand and brings the fingertips up to his lips. He kisses them gently and then continues. NICK I am but water, and blood is so thick. Bernard is unworthy of you. He will not bring you happiness. ERICA You do not know that. NICK I know that he is obsessed with you. I know Bernard... and you. He will try to control you through the blood bond you now share, and you will let him... for a while. (Nick trails a finger down her face.) This is not the time for you to choose, so I do it for you. If I stay... We would both regret it. I will not share you with him, and he needs you right now. They face each other, and Nick softly caresses her face. Erica is sad, but relieved that Nick is not going to make the situation even more difficult than it already is. ERICA In spite of your dour predictions... I will miss you. (she smiles) And your sword. Nick sweeps her up into a close hug and they share one last passionate kiss. NICK We have all the time in the world, remember? Someday we will meet again. ERICA I look forward to that day. Nick walks off the dark, empty stage and leaves Erica behind. She stares after him for a moment, then turns around. She goes back to Bernard. (continues directly into part 2/2) The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Act 5 (part 2/2) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. accepted at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ EXT - MAJORS HOUSE - NIGHT Nick shakes his head as he comes out of the flashback. He does not realize what brought him out of it at first. The smoke alarm blares. Loudly. Faint traces of smoke come out of the first floor windows. Nick races towards the house. Flames are engulfing the first floor, and they spread much too fast. Nick steels himself, and then forces himself to go inside. NICK Sanderson?! With brief flashes of movement he starts to move through the house. Fire surrounds him, and Nick can't see which way to go. He closes his eyes to concentrate, and his hearing (insert strange sound effect here) picks up Brian's screams for help. He moves to the basement door. The fire has started to consume the door, and the flames are working their way through the wood. BRIAN Is someone there? Get me out of here! NICK Move away from the door! Brief shot of Brian in the basement, an old rag in front of his mouth to help with the smoke. He stumbles down a few steps. Nicks eyes glow slightly, and he kicks the door. It flies off its hinges, and down into the basement. It narrowly misses Brian who coughs hoarsely. Brian is half unconscious from smoke inhalation. Nick helps Brian out of the basement only to be confronted with what has started to be an inferno. He covers Brian's head and arms with his leather jacket, and half drags half flies down the short hallway into the kitchen. NICK (softly) Merde!... I hate fires. With a crash they slam through the kitchen door, and into the back yard. Brian continues to cough harshly, and Nick sets him down in the patio chair. Wails from approaching fire trucks and police cars get closer. Nick watches as the firemen unload, and prepare for battle. BRIAN (coughing) Angie... NICK Angie's safe in the hospital. Who locked you in the basement? BRIAN Derek... Derek did it... Angie. Nick hands him over to the approaching paramedics, and flips open his cellular phone. He gets Schanke on the line. Flip between Nick at the Majors' house, and Schanke standing in the middle of a white hallway. They both use their cellular phones. SCHANKE Detective Schanke here. NICK Skank? I'm at the Majors' house with Sanderson. He said Derek Majors locked him in the basement. The house was set on fire. SCHANKE We have to find Derek Majors. We've got a primo motive. Turns out Derek is very, very broke. Angela Majors comes into her very trust fund when she turns thirty, or gets married. Apparently her father was a confirmed MCP. (beat) She turns thirty in three months. NICK (disgusted) And Derek planned on being in control of it. SCHANKE I've talked to the hospital security. They've been notified to keep an eye out for Derek. NICK Put out an APB on Majors. I'm going to the hospital. Nick slams shut his phone and puts it away. We flip back to Schanke. SCHANKE Nick? Nick? (sighs) The man couldn't wait another moment. We see Schanke walk a bit down the hall, and up to a nurses station. He is already at the hospital. INT - HOSPITAL HALLWAY - NIGHT Derek walks slowly down the hallway -- garbed in a doctor's robe. He spots a security guard near Angela's door, and hides around a corner till the guard starts to help a nurse with a jammed cart down the hall. Derek slips inside Angela's room. He sits down next her bed. Angela is still unconscious. Her forearms are bandaged, and a IV tube is attached to the top of her left hand. DEREK Angela... Are you going to wake up? I've made a mistake. I realize that now. He takes her right hand into his and starts to gently stroke the bandages on her forearm. DEREK The all-news radio channel already picked up the fire. Apparently Brian is on his way to emergency. I should have just left him alone. How many times have you told me to think things through before I do them? (He lets go of her arm, and it drops to the bed.) Now my plan is falling apart, and it's all your fault. Derek stands up and looks down at Angela. Anger tinges his voice. DEREK It was all going to work out. You'd be taken care of like you need to be, I could toss Brian out in the street where he belongs, and... and I'd have money again. (beat) You're not going to get away with ruining life. Derek reaches into his lab coat pocket, and pulls out a syringe. He pulls back the stopper -- it fills with air. cut to: EXT - HOSPITAL WINDOW LEDGE - NIGHT Nick is perched precariously on the window ledge, three stories up. He opens it a few inches and then it stops -- safety lock. The locks pop and fall off as he forces it open. INT - HOSPITAL - ANGELA'S ROOM - NIGHT Derek picks up her arm again, and is about to inject the needle into her biceps. With a blur of motion, Nick grabs him and pulls him away. He slams Derek into the visitor's chair, and carefully removes the syringe from his hand. Derek yells at the sudden development then stares at Nick. He falls apart. Angela is still oblivious. Nick looks at her while he roughly pulls Derek's arms behind his back and handcuffs him. NICK You don't know what you're missing. (to Derek) You're under arrest. Nick starts to push Derek out of the room when Schanke appears in the doorway. SCHANKE How'd you get here so fast? Schanke's eyes cloud up. Recent memories of an embarrassing episode wherein he believed Nick was a vampire popped to the forefront. SCHANKE Never mind. I really, don't want to know. And we: FADE OUT END OF ACT FIVE Commercial Break #6 This commercial set goes between Act 5, and the tag. Commercial #1 concept by Diane Trap execution by Dawn Steele Commercial #2 concept and execution by Dawn Steele Preview #1 concept and execution by Dawn Steele ------------------------------------------------------------------------ #1 familiar close cropped woman. she opens her mouth to start to sing...> V.O. Have you watched the sound of music more than a hundred times? V.O. Could you identify all those clips? V.O. Do you have a desire to know all the songs by heart? V.O. Despair no more! With this beautifully illustrated guide, and songbook you TOO can learn to singalong with Julie Andrews and the gang! V.O. Guaranteed to bring hours of happiness, and truly unforgettable memories! V.O. This offer is NOT available in stores! Send $59.99 (5 cassettes, book, Mr. Microphone) $79.99 (4 CD's, book, Mr. Microphone) (plus applicable pst and gst) Lucien's Music, Ltd. CERK Radio 75 Unidentified Street Toronto, Ontario V.O. Order now, and we'll include this beautifully edited tape of all the best clips of this great movie! (this commercial is dedicated to the Lurkers at lxd3@PO.CWPU.EDU . Thanks for all the fun. ) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- #2 V.O. Are you annoyed because of recent erroneous advertisements? V.O. Have you been spending fruitless hours on the computer trying to locate the Forever Knight fiction site? V.O. Don't despair! V.O. (can now see that James is speaking) I can guide you directly to the most informative and useful webpage in existence! V.O. Did you get that? It's the TRUE address to the FKFIC-L Web page! Previous announcements were slightly... misinformed. V.O. If you didn't get it... I'm sure this commercial will be re-aired. Heh heh heh... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preview #1 V.O. You are priviledged to view a special preview of the new, revamped Forever Knight. V.O. Exciting. V.O. Dangerous. V.O. Romantic. V.O. Mystical. V.O. Short-lived... (whoops!) (the picture wobbles, and then a new logo appears. Vachon Place: 90210.) V.O. USA is proud to announce our new show! Vampires are living and surviving in Seattle, and we'll show you their trial and tribulations as their credits cards are revoked! V.O. The season premiere guest stars Adrian Paul as a four hundred year immortal who manages to become Vachon's business lunch. Twice. Catch us, and be enthralled. V.O. Tuesday nights at 9 pm. ------------------------------------------------------------------- That's all she wrote. :) I was seriously running low on inspiration, tired, grumpy and depressed when I wrote the preview. I'm hoping for the best. Truly. :) I'd love to hear from you. Tell me if you liked my story. In fact... tell me if you didn't. Dawn steeleld@mcmaster.ca The Case of the Killer Bubble Bath, Tag (part 1/1) By: Dawn Steele Comments, praise, constructive criticism, etc. accepted at either steele@physun.physics.mcmaster.ca or steeleld@mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------ TAG FADE IN INT - HOSPITAL - ANGELA'S ROOM - NIGHT Angela is conscious, but still weak. She lies in her bed, and Brian sits in the visitor's chair. They are joined by a handclasp when Nick and Schanke enter. SCHANKE True love -- you gotta love it. The two detectives come into the room. Brian is still wary, but Angela is happy to see them. ANGELA Detectives Knight... Schanke. I don't know how to thank you. NICK How about you recover enough to get on the witness stand, and we'll call it even. ANGELA I suppose ... I just can't believe Derek would do that to me. (softly) Twice. BRIAN It's over, Angie. Derek is going to pay. ANGELA How can it be over? I was told for five years to deal with my guilt. Brainwashed into believing that I had killed my father just because Derek wanted his inheritance early. (Angela closes her eyes for a moment in pained remembrance.) Then I thought I had killed all those... innocent people. NICK Guilt. (beat) It's hell to live with. ANGELA Yes. Schanke pushes past Nick. Determined to lift the sad atmosphere, he moves up to Brian and starts to speak. SCHANKE Hey. It's all over. You two should be thinking of what you're going to do. Brian gives him a wry smile. BRIAN Well, Angie's going to get better, and I'm going to plead guilty on stealing the evidence from the lock-up. Hopefully Angie'll stick around till I'm free and clear, and then we're going to move into a new apartment. Angela gently squeezes Brian's hand. NICK At least you don't have to worry about money anymore. ANGELA Money. It was always about money. I'm tempted to just give the whole trust fund away... Did I tell you someone bought the exclusive rights to the formula and fabrication process for "Sensation"? I don't know why they paid so much. They'll never be able to put it on the market. NICK Who knows? Cut to: INT - THE RAVEN - NIGHT Janette, and Miklos stand in the wine cellar. Down amongst the rows, and rows of "wine" there is now a shelf full of bottles. They contain suspiciously familiar looking blue crystals. Janette picks one up. The bottle is more elegantly shaped, and the script on the label proclaims it as "Sweet Control". It also has a rather high price tag. JANETTE Temporary, but effective. (beat) I love being a modern entrepreneur. FADE OUT Roll Credits --------------------------------------------------------- That's it! My FK episode. A killer who could be picked out after the first act. A serial killer. A psycho. Some Nick, Schanke, Janette, and Natalie scenes. A brief nod to LC's absence. Commercials, notes, stops, incoherent lines. Characters that don't act or sound like their characters. ARGH! (i'm stopping now...) I hope you enjoyed it. :) Dawn steeleld@mcmaster.ca