SCARY MEDICINE
by
Lanny Maude
FADE IN:
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - DAY
It's mid-day, the neighborhood is quiet. Kids are in school.
Parents are at work. Dr. Adjani's house doesn't stand out in
any way.
A car drives down the street and parks in front of the house.
VICTORIA climbs out of the car. She's an eighteen-year-old
waste of skin. She is pale with black hair that has a red dye
tint.
She's extensively pierced and tattooed and is wearing
unattractive clothing and clunky shoes.
She heads for the house.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
DR. ADJANI is dozing at the kitchen table. He's overweight,
unshaven, balding.
There's a partially-filled glass of whiskey in front of him. He
wakes when he hears the doorbell ring.
He takes a sip of whiskey before he gets up. He picks up a
scalpel from the table and tosses it across the room.
It sticks into a dart board next to a few other scalpels.
Satisfied with his aim, he leaves the kitchen.
IN THE FRONT ROOM - DAY
Adjani heads for the door and peeks through the peephole.
ANGLE through the peephole shows Victoria in all of her lens-
distorted glory.
He straightens up and opens the door.
ADJANI
Yes... can I help you?
VICTORIA
I'm Victoria.
She stands there waiting for a response from Adjani.
He just stares blankly, as if he doesn't understand what's
happening.
VICTORIA
I have an appointment.
ADJANI
Oh, yes.
He moves back out of the way.
ADJANI
Come in, please.
She slowly enters the house, looking around a little nervously.
He guides her into the front room.
ADJANI
This way.
They both enter the front room. He gestures for her to sit.
ADJANI
Have a seat.
VICTORIA
Thank you.
She sits.
He grabs a file folder from a stack on the end table before he
sits.
ADJANI
You have to sign some forms first.
VICTORIA
Of course.
He shuffles through the folder, pulls out a form, and sets it on
the coffee table in front of her.
ADJANI
This form is to certify that you are not a
law enforcement officer or part of any
investigation of me.
VICTORIA
You serious?
ADJANI
Very. I like to cover my bases.
She picks up the form and looks at it.
ADJANI
You can take it with you and come back
later, if you wish.
She doesn't answer but continues to read. She eventually signs
the form.
He picks it up.
He places the form back into the folder, pulls out another form,
and places it in front of her.
ADJANI
This form states that you have requested
this procedure
She picks up the form and looks at it.
ADJANI
It also releases me from any liability.
She looks up at him. She looks back to the form, reads some of
it. She signs it as well.
He scoops it up and looks at it briefly.
VICTORIA
A little paranoid, huh?
ADJANI
Sometimes you have to be.
He puts the form with the others.
ADJANI
You brought the money?
She pulls an envelope out of her bag and hands it to him.
VICTORIA
In cash. Just like you said.
He opens it and counts the money quickly. He stands and stuffs
the envelope in his pocket.
ADJANI
Come on back to the surgery. I'll show you
the instruments and explain the procedure.
She stands. He leaves and she follows.
IN THE SURGERY - DAY
The lights are off. Total blackness.
The door opens. The light from around the door streams into the
room.
Adjani reaches in and flips on the light switch.
The room used to be a large bedroom, but it was converted to a
make-shift operating room. It's very clean and well organized.
He stands back to let Victoria enter the room first. She looks
around with amazement as she walks in.
He follows her into the room and then gestures to a chair that
looks as if it belongs in a dentist's office.
ADJANI
Have a seat.
She sits slowly, still looking around the room.
He goes over to a covered roll-around tray. He pulls the cloth
off exposing an array of surgical instruments.
He moves the tray next to the chair then sits on a stool by the
chair.
She looks at the collection of gleaming stainless steel
instruments. She looks away.
ADJANI
You sure you're ready?
A beat.
VICTORIA
...yeah...
A beat.
VICTORIA
I'm just a little nervous.
ADJANI
Okay. That's normal. As you know, this
procedure isn't illegal. It's just very
controversial. Any questions to start with?
VICTORIA
Will you have to shave me?
ADJANI
No. That's not necessary. Studies have
shown there's virtually no reduction in the
chance of infection.
She nods as she listens to his very professional explanation.
ADJANI
Also, the psychological effect of not being
shaved enhances the healing process.
VICTORIA
How long will it take?
ADJANI
It's a simple procedure. It will probably
take about 15 minutes.
VICTORIA
Will I have any problems after?
ADJANI
There should be no problems. You'll be able
to leave in about an hour. I'll only use a
local anesthesia.
She looks at the instruments on the roll-away.
VICTORIA
How do you do it?
He picks up a device in a plastic package from the roll-away.
It looks like complex drill bit with large teeth.
He holds it where she can see it.
ADJANI
This is a disposable perforator. It will go
in a flexible drill shaft. That way I have
more freedom to move it around.
VICTORIA
Can we get started? I think if I wait much
longer, I may lose my nerve.
ADJANI
Okay.
He puts the perforator back on the roll-around. He then gets up
and adjusts the chair until she is in a reclining position.
ADJANI
Comfortable?
VICTORIA
I guess.
ADJANI
Good.
He straps her head down to the head-rest. He kicks the stool
around to the head end of the chair.
He sits and pulls the roll-around tray close. He grabs a couple
of rubber gloves from the tray and pulls them on.
ADJANI
I'm going to start with the anesthesia.
He grabs a syringe and a bottle of lidocaine. He fills the
syringe then settles in at her head. He uses a cotton ball with
alcohol to sterilize a spot on her head.
ADJANI
You'll feel a slight prick then a burning
sensation. It'll only last a few seconds.
He sticks her scalp with the needle. The discomfort shows in
her face.
He pulls the needle back out and rubs the injection site.
ADJANI
There. That's the worst of it.
VICTORIA
Good.
He carefully parts and separates her hair. He uses clips to
hold the hair out of the way in preparation for the incision.
ADJANI
I'm going to make a T-shaped incision. You
shouldn't feel this at all.
VICTORIA
Okay.
He chooses a scalpel and picks up a surgical sponge. He makes
the two cuts, the blood wells up slowly.
He holds the sponge over the incisions while he returns the
scalpel to the tray and gets a cotton swab.
ADJANI
I don't have an electrocautery, but this is
the next best thing to stop the bleeding.
He dips the swab in a jar of petroleum jelly. He lifts the
sponge and smears jelly across the cuts.
ADJANI
That does it.
A beat.
ADJANI
You doing okay?
VICTORIA
Yeah. I don't feel any of it.
He picks up an instrument with a special tip. It's flat, blunt,
and rounded.
ADJANI
Now I'll peel the skin back a little to
expose the skull.
He grabs the hair attached to the first flap and lifts a
little... enough to get the instrument in.
He moves the instrument back and forth, in and out in small
movements to free the skin.
When the flap is finally free, he holds it open by clipping the
attached hair back out of the way.
ADJANI
Now the other side.
He repeats the procedure on the other flap.
ADJANI
We'll just clean it up a little.
He soaks up the excess blood with another sponge.
He reaches up and pulls down a flexible drilling shaft that's
suspended from the ceiling. He unpacks and chucks the
perforator into the shaft and prepares to drill.
ADJANI
Okay. You'll feel some pressure here, but
that's all... no pain. It may be strange
because you'll be able to hear the drilling
in your head.
VICTORIA
(nervously)
I'm ready...
He moves his foot over the remote trigger for the drill and
tries it out. The perforator comes to life.
He lets off the switch and it stops.
He prepares to drill: perforator held in both hands. He clicks
the drill switch and moves in to start.
The perforator wobbles just a little when it first contacts the
bone, but it soon bites in.
Little chips and shavings of bone are thrown off by the cutting.
Victoria closes her eyes.
LATER
The perforator breaks through the last layer of bone and the
cutting section stops spinning.
Adjani releases the drill switch and the perforator's outer
casing stops spinning as well.
ADJANI
There. Everything alright?
Victoria opens her eyes.
VICTORIA
Yeah.
ADJANI
The main part of the procedure is done.
It's now just clean-up and close-up.
VICTORIA
Okay.
He gets another sponge and wraps it around the perforator. He
slowly pulls the perforator out.
As soon as it's clear, he closes the sponge over the opening.
The sponge is almost immediately saturated with blood and
cerebral fluid.
He lets the drill hang while he grabs another sponge. He
quickly swaps sponges over the hole.
This next sponge only gets a little wet. He slowly lifts the
sponge to look under it. No more blood.
He removes the sponge.
There is now a clean, circular hole in Victoria's skull. The
cerebral membrane is pulsing slightly with her heartbeat.
Adjani inspects the cut.
ADJANI
(to himself)
Good... very good.
(to Victoria)
It looks good. Now I just need to close up.
VICTORIA
Okay.
He releases the clips holding the skin flaps open. They close
on their own.
He turns to the tray and prepares the suture he'll use then
turns back to Victoria.
ADJANI
I'm going to use a running subcutaneous
suture. That way there'll be minimal
scarring and there won't be any stitches to
remove.
He pulls a lighted magnifier over her head and stitches the
incisions closed.
When that's completed, he peels off his rubber gloves and undoes
the strap that's holding her head in place.
ADJANI
I want you to rest for a little bit before
leaving. I'm going to turn the lights down.
You just close your eyes and relax.
She closes her eyes and moves around some in the chair to get
more comfortable.
He turns the lights off and leaves the room. The only light in
the room now comes through the door.
IN THE KITCHEN - DAY
Adjani enters. He looks at the almost-empty glass on the table.
He pulls a whiskey bottle from a cupboard, freshens the glass,
and takes a sip.
Before he sits down, he pulls the envelope of money out of his
pocket.
He extracts the money and checks the envelope for any markings
then he crumples the envelope and drops it on the table.
He takes another sip of whiskey.
IN THE SURGERY - DAY
The light from the door is still the only illumination in the
room.
A form momentarily passes through the light.
Adjani speaks quietly.
ADJANI
Are you awake?
VICTORIA
Yes.
ADJANI
Close your eyes. I'm going to turn on the
lights.
VICTORIA
Okay.
He flips the switch; the room returns to life.
She opens her eyes slowly as he walks toward her.
ADJANI
Let me check your incisions before you get
up.
He kicks his stool back into position at her head. He sits down
and puts on a fresh pair of rubber gloves from the tray.
He puts his fingers on her head and gently probes the incisions.
VICTORIA
Does it look okay?
ADJANI
Just fine.
He explains a few things while he removes the last hair clips
and carefully arranges he hair over the cuts.
ADJANI
The incisions will be tender for a while.
Don't brush your hair. Use only a comb, and
do that gently.
He picks up a small envelope from the tray and hands it to her.
ADJANI
Here are some painkillers. Just follow the
instructions inside.
VICTORIA
Thanks.
ADJANI
And don't wash your hair for a few days.
VICTORIA
Okay.
He stands, takes off his gloves, and holds out a hand.
ADJANI
Ready to get up?
She takes his hand and allows him to help her out of the chair.
ADJANI
How do you feel?
She thinks about it a moment.
VICTORIA
I don't know.
A beat.
VICTORIA
Maybe a little light headed.
ADJANI
That will go away. The pressure inside your
head will stabilize soon, probably before
you even get home.
VICTORIA
I feel something else. Almost...
A beat.
VICTORIA
...anxious, like something exciting is going
to happen.
ADJANI
That's good. You should notice that feeling
more now. Well, you're free to go if you
feel up to it.
She takes stock of herself.
VICTORIA
Will I need to come back?
ADJANI
No, only if you have problems.
She walks toward the door. He follows.
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - DAY
The front door opens and Victoria exits the house. Adjani stops
in the doorway.
She turns to face him and extends a hand.
VICTORIA
Thank you, Dr. Adjani.
ADJANI
You're welcome.
She goes to her car. She unlocks and opens the door, waves
before she gets in the car. He waves back briefly.
She drives off.
He sinks back into his house and closes the door.
The neighborhood is quiet.
FADE OUT.
A sudden intense buzzing sound.
A thud and the buzzing stops.
FADE IN:
INT. STRANGER'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY
DIRK STRANGER is sitting on the edge of the bed. All he has on
is boxer shorts. It's obvious that he's just waking up; his
eyes are still closed.
He rubs his face then sits a moment. It's as if he's trying to
decide whether or not to get up.
He finally makes up his mind. He playfully slaps the lump
that's still under the covers.
STRANGER
Come on. You too.
The lump mumbles and stirs a little while he leaves the room,
never quite opening his eyes.
Music suddenly blares from somewhere else in the house.
The lump grudgingly pulls down the covers. It's Stranger's
wife, SHIRLEY STONE.
She groans as she moves to a sitting position on the side of the
bed. She sleeps in an oversized T-shirt.
IN THE BATHROOM - DAY
Stone is putting on the last of her makeup. Stranger pops in,
his eyes never clearly coming in to view.
STRANGER
Gotta run. I have to go talk to a couple of
guys.
STONE
Okay.
He gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
STRANGER
See you at work, hon.
He leaves. She calls after him.
STONE
Bye.
She continues where she left off with the makeup.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
It is a small, unremarkable room with an entrance and two doors
leading to two offices.
Stone is the receptionist. She's sitting at the desk, updating
some files.
Stranger comes in through the entrance. He's wearing a full-
length leather duster and he still has on his sunglasses.
STRANGER
Hiya, sweets.
STONE
Morning.
STRANGER
Anything happening?
STONE
Nothing scheduled right now. I booted your
computer. It's ready to go.
STRANGER
Thanks.
He heads for his office.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger enters his office. He shrugs off his duster and hangs
it on a coat rack in the corner.
There is a gun holstered on the back of his belt.
He sits at his desk where his computer sits waiting. Behind him
is his shelf of trophies and oddities. It's things he's
collected while working on cases.
He points the web browser to www.mib.org. The screen comes up
plain, unassuming... just a sign-in screen.
He enters "Dirk Stranger" in the name space. The series of
characters he types for the password shows up as stars.
The system accepts his password and replies with a much better
looking screen.
A large red flashing box indicates that there is an urgent
message waiting.
He selects to read the urgent message.
The screen fills with unintelligible characters. He scans the
characters, understanding what they are saying.
He mumbles to himself.
STRANGER
No. This can't be...
He takes off his sunglasses and sets them on the desk, then
leans back in his chair and looks up from the computer.
His eyes can be seen for the first time. They're completely
black, even most of the scleras.
He recovers, decides what he must do next. He hits the reply
button and types:
"Request postponement of planetary recall.
Important work in progress."
He sits back and looks at what he's typed. He decides to add
more:
"If postponement is not possible, request
permission to allow return with local
spousal unit."
He selects translate and send. The text streams into the same
kind of characters that made up the original message.
When the translation is completed, "Queued for Transmission"
shows up on the screen.
He closes down the browser and shuts off the computer. He looks
up at nothing again and rubs his face.
He feels lost and unsure.
He gets up quietly and walks to the open door. He can see Stone
at her desk. He just watches her as she reads her book.
Finally, she can't take it anymore. She puts her book down,
looks at him.
STONE
What?
STRANGER
Nothing...
She suspects something is up. She shows a little more concern
this time.
STONE
What is it? What's wrong?
He's not ready to tell her yet so he makes up a story.
STRANGER
I was expecting an e-mail on one of my
cases. It didn't come through yet.
STONE
Don't worry. It'll show up.
STRANGER
Yeah, I'm probably just being impatient.
STONE
Meantime, you better put in your eyes, or at
least wear your glasses. You have a new
client coming in this morning.
He stands there a moment, as if in thought.
STRANGER
Okay...
He returns into his office and sits at his desk.
STONE (O.S.)
Use your contacts, dear. The glasses make
some people nervous.
STRANGER
I know. That's why I do it. That, plus the
contacts are uncomfortable.
STONE (O.S.)
Not for a new client. Just use the
contacts.
He opens a drawer and pulls out a small plastic container. He
opens the container and inside is a pair of scleral contacts
that look like real eyes.
He puts the contacts in his eyes. When finished, he looks
completely human.
He goes to a bookshelf and selects and old volume that he takes
back to his desk. He opens the book at a bookmark and begins to
read and take notes.
IN RECEPTION - DAY
GARRETT LEHMANN enters the room. He's dressed nicely: tie and
sport coat. He appears a little apprehensive.
STONE
May I help you?
LEHMANN
I'm Garrett Lehmann. I have an appointment.
STONE
Of course, Mr. Lehmann.
She stands and gestures toward a chair.
STONE
Please have a seat. Mr. Stranger will be
with you in a moment.
He sits as she heads for Stranger's office.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger is engrossed in his studies.
Stone pokes her head in the doorway.
STONE
Dirk...
He continues reading and writing.
STONE
Dirk!
He looks up, startled.
STRANGER
What?
She walks over to the desk.
STONE
What are you working on?
He looks at his notes and the book.
STRANGER
I've been doing research on a new theory. I
think some of the things that H.P. Lovecraft
wrote about were real.
She is skeptical.
STONE
Really?
STRANGER
Yes. If I can find enough time--
He stops himself, thinking how his time may have run out.
STONE
Dirk?
He looks up at her.
STRANGER
Sorry. I was saying I'd like to go to
Antarctica to verify some research.
He gets a little quieter.
STRANGER
But I don't know if I have time.
He lapses into silence.
STONE
Is everything okay?
He shakes it off, not wanting to tell her.
STRANGER
Yeah... just a lot on my mind, that's all.
STONE
Well, just remember I'm your wife. It's
okay to tell me things.
He looks at her and nods.
STRANGER
Okay, sweetheart. I'll remember.
A beat.
STONE
You ready for your new client?
STRANGER
Go ahead and send him in.
He puts his notes away as she leaves. He then closes the book
and returns it to the shelf.
As he turns away from the bookshelf, Lehmann appears in the
doorway.
LEHMANN
Mr. Stranger?
STRANGER
Come in, Mr. Lehmann.
Stranger returns to his desk.
STRANGER
Please sit down.
Both men sit. Stranger pulls a case sheet out of his desk.
STRANGER
Let me make sure I get your name spelled
right.
LEHMANN
It's Garrett Lehmann. Two R's, two T's, L-
E-H-M-A-N-N.
Stranger writes the name down and sets the sheet aside. He
leans back in his chair.
STRANGER
Now, what brings you here.
LEHMANN
Well, I talked to the police. They said
they can't help me, but one of the
detectives--
STRANGER
--Detective Cooper?
LEHMANN
Yes. He told me I could talk to you about
it.
STRANGER
What's your problem?
A beat.
LEHMANN
It's the house my wife and I just moved
into. We love the house, but...
He seems reluctant to continue.
STRANGER
But what, Mr. Lehmann?
LEHMANN
There's something wrong with one of the
rooms. A sound...
Stranger listens patiently.
LEHMANN
Late at night sometimes... it sounds like
someone is sobbing in there.
A beat.
LEHMANN
It's so faint you can hardly hear it, but
it's there.
STRANGER
You've never seen anything unusual in the
room?
LEHMANN
No. Whenever we go to look, there's nothing
there.
STRANGER
Is it okay if I come over tonight to take a
look?
LEHMANN
Yes. The sooner we get this taken care of,
the better.
Stranger grabs the case sheet.
STRANGER
What's your address?
LEHMANN
Eight-ten south Oak Crest.
Stranger writes it down on the case sheet.
STRANGER
And your phone number?
LEHMANN
555-0765.
Stranger continues writing.
STRANGER
What would be a good time?
LEHMANN
We never seem to notice it before 10
o'clock.
STRANGER
(stands)
I'll be over at ten.
Lehmann stands as well.
LEHMANN
Thank you, Mr. Stranger.
He holds out his hand. The two shake.
STRANGER
You're welcome.
He picks a business card off of his desk and hands it to
Lehmann.
STRANGER
Don't hesitate if you need to call me.
Lehmann takes the card.
LEHMANN
Thanks again.
He heads for the door.
STRANGER
See you tonight.
LEHMANN
Bye.
He leaves Stranger's office.
Stranger sits back down and scribbles some notes on the case
sheet.
EXT. LAKE - DAY
It's an out-of-the-way place. There are no boats on the water
and no people on the shore...
Except for Adjani.
He's fishing. It's his weekly ritual. He brings his fishing
pole and a bottle of whiskey with which to spend a few hours.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
An empty two-lane road. It's not big enough to call a street.
Not many people use this road.
Adjani is returning from his fishing trip. He notices that up
ahead, it looks like a car went off the road and down a slope.
He slows down, approaching cautiously, and stops where the car
left the road.
He climbs out of his car and eases his way to the wreckage. He
finds Lehmann still propped up in the driver's seat.
Adjani pulls Lehmann out of the car and checks him out. He is
alive, but unconscious.
Adjani starts to pull him back to the road, then he hears a car
drive by and stop.
He hears the car back up to where his car is parked. He rushes
up the slope without Lehmann.
The HELPFUL DRIVER of the other car rolls down his window.
HELPFUL DRIVER
Everything okay?
ADJANI
Yes. I just had to stop to take a leak.
HELPFUL DRIVER
Alright. Just thought I'd check,
considering this road isn't used much
anymore.
ADJANI
Thanks.
HELPFUL DRIVER
Take it easy.
He rolls his window back up. The two wave at each other as the
driver leaves.
Adjani waits until the car is out of sight before he heads back
down the slope.
He drags Lehmann to his car and stuffs him in the back seat. He
climbs behind the steering wheel and drives off.
EXT. LEHMANN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Stranger pulls up in front of the house. He parks his bike in
the driveway and walks to the front door.
He rings the doorbell.
MRS. LEHMANN answers the door by opening it just enough to look
out. The security chain is still in place.
She seems a bit worried.
MRS. LEHMANN
Can I help you?
STRANGER
Mrs. Lehmann?
MRS. LEHMANN
Yes...
STRANGER
My name is Dirk Stranger. Your husband
asked me to stop by tonight.
She perks up. The door closes. Stranger hears the security
chain being removed.
The door re-opens and Mrs. Lehmann steps out.
MRS. LEHMANN
You talked to him? Where is he?
Stranger is uncertain.
STRANGER
We spoke this morning.
A beat.
STRANGER
Is something wrong?
MRS. LEHMANN
Garrett didn't come home tonight. I don't
know where he is.
Stranger thinks for a moment. He digs a card out of one of his
pockets and holds it out to Mrs. Lehmann.
STRANGER
If you haven't heard from him by tomorrow,
give me a call.
She takes the card and looks at it.
MRS. LEHMANN
You can help?
STRANGER
I might be able to help.
He looks at Mrs. Lehmann who is uncertain about what to do next.
STRANGER
Tell you what... if I don't hear from you or
Mr. Lehmann by tomorrow afternoon, I'll give
you a call.
MRS. LEHMANN
Okay...
STRANGER
I'll talk to you tomorrow.
He turns and leaves.
Mrs. Lehmann watches him walk away for a few seconds before she
backs into the house and closes the door.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - NIGHT
Lehmann is lying on Adjani's makeshift operating table while
Adjani prepares his equipment. Lehmann's shirt is now a
crumpled rag on the floor.
Lehmann stirs a little bit and lets out a small moan.
Adjani hears it. He turns around to look at Lehmann, who stirs
again.
ADJANI
No... we can't have you waking up.
Adjani grabs a rag and a bottle of ether from a cabinet. He
uses them to put Lehmann back under.
He sets the ether down and connects a slow-drip IV to Lehmann.
ADJANI
There. That should keep you quiet.
He rolls a cart next to the table on which Lehmann is
unconscious.
On the cart is a pair of peristaltic pumps and their controllers
as well as a jar. There is tubing connecting everything
together.
There is also a small oscilloscope on the cart.
Adjani puts a couple of probes on Lehmann's head and the
straight line on the scope becomes a tangled mass. Adjani looks
at the waveform on the scope and pats Lehmann on the head.
ADJANI
At least your brain is still working.
He puts on an apron.
ADJANI
Okay, let's go.
He picks a scalpel off of the instrument tray. He lines up and
makes a large incision down the center of Lehmann's chest.
LATER
Adjani has Lehmann's heart exposed. He takes two ends of tubing
from the pump cart and connects them at the heart. He turns on
the pumps and clamps off the heart.
He watches as the jar fills partially with blood before he opens
an oxygen bottle to bubble oxygen through the blood.
Adjani is satisfied with his makeshift heart/lung machine.
He removes Lehmann's heart. He washes it carefully and puts it
in a jar of preservative solution. He puts the jar in a
refrigerator.
He makes some final checks and adjusts the speed of the pumps
before leaving the room.
IN THE BEDROOM - NIGHT
The room is dark. Adjani's clothes are crumpled on a chair.
There is a bottle of whiskey on the night stand.
Adjani is sleeping.
IN THE SURGERY - NIGHT
Lehmann is being kept alive by Adjani's heart/lung machine. The
brain wave displayed on the oscilloscope is steady until...
One of the pump controllers blows out. The pump stops turning,
the level of blood in the jar drops.
The brain wave on the scope starts to get erratic.
It eventually fades down to a straight line.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Adjani rolls over and continues sleeping.
INT. STRANGER'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY
It's early morning. The alarm hasn't gone off yet. Stranger
and Stone are still sleeping.
Until the phone rings.
Stranger grabs the phone and holds it to the side of his head.
STRANGER
Hello...
A pause while he listens.
STRANGER
Yeah, Coop. What can I do for you?
EXT. ROAD - CONTINUOUS
DETECTIVE COOPER is standing next to the wreck of Lehmann's car.
He's got his cell phone to his ear.
There's a UNIFORMED OFFICER searching the car.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
COOPER
You know a guy named Lehmann?
STRANGER
Yeah. What happened? You find him?
COOPER
Nope. Found his car smashed up off the old
lake road. You looking for him?
STRANGER
No. I talked to him yesterday about a case.
When I went out to his house last night, his
wife hadn't seen him.
A beat.
STRANGER
Why are you at a car wreck?
COOPER
I was on my way in when I heard the call on
the radio. I was close, thought I'd take a
look. We found one of your cards in the
car. That's why I called.
STRANGER
You need me to come down, or anything?
COOPER
No, not unless you think you've got
something to contribute.
STRANGER
No. But I'll let you now if I come across
something that can help.
COOPER
Alright. See you later, Dirk.
STRANGER
Bye, Coop.
Stranger hangs up the phone and gets comfortable under the
covers when suddenly...
The alarm goes off.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Cooper turns to the officer.
COOPER
Is that tow truck on its way?
OFFICER
No, they're having some trouble with it.
Want me to find someone else who can drag it
out?
COOPER
Don't worry about it. Just tell them where
it is so they can pull it out when they get
a chance.
He climbs back up to his car, gets in, and drives away.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - DAY
Adjani comes in to see how Lehmann is doing.
He grabs a pair of rubber gloves and pulls them on. He looks at
the oscilloscope and is shocked to see a flat line displayed.
ADJANI
Oh, shit.
He quickly looks at the probe connections on Lehmann's head.
Finding those okay, he looks at the cart and notices the empty
oxygenator jar. He sees one pump not turning.
He checks the pump and the controller.
ADJANI
Dammit.
He looks at Lehmann's body. He rubs his chin and tries to
decide what to do next.
He springs into action. He shuts off the oxygen bottle first.
Then he removes the tubing from Lehmann's chest.
He makes sure he's got all of his stuff out of Lehmann before he
duct tapes Lehmann's chest closed.
He grabs Lehmann's clothes and starts to dress him.
INT. ADJANI'S CAR - DAY
ADJANI (V.O.)
If the car's gone, I'll just dump him in the
woods. If the car's there, that means
nobody's found it yet.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Adjani's car pulls to a stop at the side of the road. He gets
out so he can look over the edge.
Yes! The car's still there.
He extracts Lehmann from his trunk. With a bit of effort, he
gets Lehmann back down to the wrecked car.
He arranges Lehmann behind the steering wheel.
Adjani returns to his car and makes his getaway unobserved.
LATER
It's almost dusk when the tow truck finally shows up. The TOW
TRUCK DRIVER climbs out of the truck to look down at the wreck.
He releases the lock on the winch, grabs the hook, and heads
down to the car.
He gets to the car, but something isn't quite right. He walks
around it a little until he sees what looks like someone sitting
in the driver's seat.
TOW TRUCK DRIVER
What the hell...
He drops the winch cable and opens the door to find dead
Lehmann.
He pulls off one of his gloves so he can check for a pulse.
Finding no pulse, he quickly turns and scrambles back up the
slope to his tow truck.
INT. MORGUE, STORAGE - NIGHT
Cooper and Stranger are standing next to the sheet-covered body
of Lehmann.
ALEX, one of the coroner's assistants is also there.
ALEX
At first we thought it was a cult killing,
but then we found this.
He whips the sheet down to expose Lehmann's chest.
Cooper and Stranger lean in for a closer look.
ALEX
The heart was surgically removed. There's
no tearing, just clean cuts.
STRANGER
What makes this one different?
ALEX
Look here at the aorta.
They focus their attention.
ALEX
The aorta was clamped off. You can see the
tissue damage. And right here above the end
is another incision.
COOPER
What's that for?
ALEX
I don't know.
A beat.
ALEX
But I would say since clamps were used, he
was alive when this was done.
They all look at Lehmann's chest cavity, puzzled.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - NIGHT
Adjani is fiddling with the wiring and plumbing on the pumps of
his heart/lung machine. He reaches down and pulls another pump
out of a box on the floor.
He commences attaching the new pump.
IN THE KITCHEN - NIGHT
Adjani is sitting at the table with his ever-present glass of
whiskey. He tosses a scalpel at the dart board.
Not bad.
The sound of the TV carries in from the other room.
WEATHERMAN (O.S.)
Tomorrow, we can expect more of the same.
Another picture-perfect day. The East
Coast, however, is another story. They are
preparing for the next storm.
Adjani tosses another scalpel and takes another sip.
EXT. LAKE - DAY
Adjani is back at his favorite fishing place when an idea
suddenly strikes him.
He stands and looks back toward the road for a moment before he
makes up his mind. He quickly packs his fishing gear in his car
and leaves.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Adjani stops his car. He backs into an out-of-the-way place
between the trees.
Satisfied with his position, he pulls a notebook out of the
glove box and waits.
LATER
Adjani is snoozing.
He wakes when he hears the sound of a car on the road. The car
goes by, he looks at his watch and makes a notation in the
notebook.
LATER
It's starting to get dark.
Adjani decides he's seen enough so he leaves.
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Adjani gets home. He parks his car, grabs his fishing gear, and
heads into the house.
FADE TO:
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - DAY
It's early morning.
Adjani leaves his house carrying a shopping bag. He climbs into
his car and drives away.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Adjani tucks his car into the same spot as yesterday. He makes
sure his notebook is handy then pulls a can of nuts out of the
shopping bag.
He watches the road while munching on the nuts.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - NIGHT
Adjani returns from his surveillance.
He enters the kitchen, tosses the notebook on the table, and
goes straight for the whiskey bottle.
He pours himself a glass and takes a sip before he turns his
concentration on the notebook.
It appears that there are three people who use this road for
their work commutes. He circles the third morning entry.
IN THE GARAGE - NIGHT
Adjani is making caltrops.
He starts with a bunch of nails. He uses a grinder to remove
the heads and sharpen the other ends of two nails.
For the next step, he uses a vise to hold the nails so he can
bend them in the middle with a hammer. He pounds them to about
135 degrees.
For the final step, he holds one nail with the points up in the
vise and balances the other nail in the crook of the first. He
then uses a torch to solder the two nails together.
He holds the newly-manufactured caltrop with pliers before he
loosens the vise.
He sets the caltrop on his workbench so he can admire his new
toy.
He grabs another nail and starts grinding its head to a point.
LATER
Adjani spray paints his caltrop collection with flat black paint
so they'll be harder to see.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Adjani returns to his hiding place. He nervously checks his
watch. So far, so good.
He gets out of his car and quickly makes his way to the road.
He's carrying a bag.
When he gets to the road, he dumps his caltrop collection out of
the bag.
The caltrops bounce and scatter on the road. He's satisfied
with their placement, so he hurries back to the car.
Back in the car, he takes a calming sip of whiskey. He takes a
few deep breaths to relax before he turns his attention to the
road.
His timing was good. He doesn't have to wait very long before
MARIA comes driving down the road.
Her car hits the caltrops.
The tires blow, causing the car to swerve out of control and
crash.
ADJANI
Shit!
He only wanted to disable the car, not crash it.
He gets out of his car and runs to the wreck.
When he gets there, he sees a bloody, broken arm hanging out of
the driver's side window.
He looks over the situation, decides what he's going to do now.
He carefully moves Maria's arm from the window so that he can
open the door.
Maria is unconscious.
Adjani very carefully extracts her from the wreckage. He lays
her on the ground next to the car only to discover that her legs
were badly damaged.
He determines that he's going to have to tourniquet both legs
and her left arm if she's going to survive.
He tears some strips of cloth from her dress.
Using the cloth strips and some sticks, he applies the
tourniquets.
Once he's satisfied that she's stable, he lifts her and carries
her to his car.
He lays her on the hood of his car. He opens the trunk and
pulls out his doctor bag. He pulls a vial and a syringe out of
the bag.
He fills the syringe from the vial and injects Maria with the
contents.
That completed, he stuffs both his doctor bag and Maria in the
trunk.
He gets in his car and starts to drive away, but he suddenly
brakes.
ADJANI
Damn it!
He gets out of his car to run over and collect all of the
caltrops.
He gets all of the ones in the road, then pulls a few out of the
tires on Maria's car.
He gets back in his car, tossing all of the caltrops onto the
passenger side floorboard.
He drives away, confident that he is safe.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is sitting at her desk, playing solitaire on the computer.
Cooper enters the office. Stone looks up to see who it is.
STONE
(calling back to Stranger)
Dirk, Detective Cooper's here.
(to Cooper)
Hey, Coop.
COOPER
Shirl. How's it going?
STONE
Can't complain.
Stranger enters from his office.
COOPER
How are you, Dirk?
STRANGER
I'm okay. You?
COOPER
Yeah.
STRANGER
Business?
COOPER
Uh, huh.
STRANGER
Come on back.
Stranger heads for his office.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger enters followed by Cooper. They sit, Stranger behind
his desk, Cooper in front.
COOPER
We found another car on the old lake road.
STRANGER
Same M.O.?
COOPER
Difficult to say. This car was wrecked,
too. No body to be found. But all four
tires were damaged as well.
STRANGER
You didn't find another one of my cards, did
you?
COOPER
No, but we found a lot of blood. It's
obvious that someone was hurt. Hurt bad, is
my guess.
STRANGER
So now we wait to see if another body will
reappear?
COOPER
That's the plan right now.
STRANGER
Why tell me about it?
COOPER
Just wondering if you'd be interested in
helping out. I know you love a good
mystery.
STRANGER
You know, I've been meaning to get out and
do some camping.
COOPER
I can arrange to leave the car there for a
couple of days. Give whomever a chance to
return the body.
STRANGER
Okay. I'll watch at least one night.
COOPER
Thanks, Dirk.
STRANGER
I can't help but wonder what kind of person
could do something like that.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - DAY
It's dark.
A shape enters the darkness. The shape, which turns out to be
Adjani, uses his elbow to turn on the lights.
He's carrying Maria.
He lays her on the operating table and arranges her limbs. He
connects the slow-drip IV before he assesses the damage to each
limb, scribbling some notes on a clipboard.
He sets down the clipboard and wheels the oscilloscope next to
her so that he can connect the electrodes to her head.
He gets a signal on the scope.
He cuts through her blouse and bra. He then takes a scalpel and
makes a large incision down the middle of her chest.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, STRANGER'S OFFICE - DAY
Stone is sitting behind Stranger's desk.
Stranger is going through a small closet. He pulls out an old
army blanket.
STONE
How long will you be gone?
STRANGER
Just one night.
He tosses the blanket on a chair then returns to the closet.
STONE
What if nothing happens? Will you keep
watching?
Stranger turns to face her. He's holding a small tent roll.
STRANGER
No. I'm only in it for one night.
He puts the tent on the chair.
STRANGER
If nothing happens, Coop can watch. Or he
can get someone else to do it.
She looks at the blanket and tent on the chair.
STONE
Is that all you need? What about a sleeping
bag?
He walks to stand in front of her. She looks up at him as he
looks down.
STRANGER
Don't worry. It'll be a nice night. The
blanket will be enough.
STONE
What about food? We can go home first.
I'll fix something for you.
He tenderly cradles her face in his hands.
STRANGER
I'll be okay. I'll grab some burritos or
something on the way.
A beat.
STRANGER
Why are you so worried?
STONE
I don't know. I just feel like something is
going to happen.
He kisses her. A kiss of genuine affection. He then grabs the
tent and blanket from the chair.
STRANGER
Nothing's going to happen. I'll be home in
the morning before you leave for work.
She stands.
STONE
Be careful.
STRANGER
Aren't I always?
He leaves.
She walks to the door and raises her voice a bit as she answers
his rhetorical question.
STONE
No.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - DAY
Maria has been stabilized on the heart/lung machine.
Adjani is amputating her damaged limbs. He speaks to her as
he works.
ADJANI
When I am done with you, you will be perfect
in every way.
Off comes her arm. He just tosses it onto the floor.
He starts dressing her arm stump.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Stranger arrives at the crash site.
He parks his bike and dismounts. He looks inside the car first.
STRANGER
Ouch...
Finding nothing of interest, he looks around the car.
Nothing strange. A typical crash scene.
He gets down on his hands and knees to look under the car.
STRANGER
Hello. What are you?
He gets up and moves around to the other side of the car. He
reaches around to the back side of one of the tires and pulls
out a caltrop.
STRANGER
Well, there the proof that this wasn't an
accident.
He looks around. Where should he set up his tent?
He spies the same secluded spot in which Adjani hid.
STRANGER
That should do nicely.
He mounts his bike to move and hide it.
Once he's satisfied that the bike is not obvious, he pulls the
tent out of a saddlebag and starts to pitch it.
LATER
It's getting dark.
Stranger is in his tent. He's switching between watching the
wreck and munching on burritos.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - NIGHT
Maria is lying on the table. Or at least what's left of her.
One arm and two legs gone... one leg above the knee, the other
below the knee.
All but her head is covered by a thin sheet.
And her heart is sitting in the refrigerator next to Lehmann's
heart.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Adjani is sitting at the table.
He's got one hand wrapped around a glass of whiskey. He's using
the other hand to prop up his head.
ADJANI (V.O.)
What am I going to do? Where am I supposed
to get a new arm and legs?
EXT. ADJANI'S BACK YARD - NIGHT
It's a small yard. The grass is a bit long, but not to messy.
The back door to the house opens and out steps Adjani.
Forget the whiskey glass, he's carrying the bottle. He makes
his way to a lawn chair and plops down to think.
He looks around his yard. The sounds of children playing can be
heard. He takes a swallow then gazes out into nothingness.
Then he hears a new sound in the distance.
A siren.
He listens without thinking much of it. The siren gets closer.
He sits up, taking notice. The sound of the siren peaks as it
passes close by.
He figures out what he needs to do next.
ADJANI (V.O.)
The hospital!
He gets up and rushes into the house.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Adjani rushes in and heads straight for the junk drawer.
He sets his bottle on the counter so he can dive into the
drawer.
ADJANI (V.O.)
It's got to be in here somewhere.
He really starts digging, dropping some items on the floor,
setting others on the counter.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Adjani rushes in and moves directly to the TV.
There's a small wooden box on top of the TV. He grabs the box
and dumps the contents onto the coffee table.
A hand full of odds and ends scatters across the table. Adjani
grabs the key that was in the box.
He holds up the key to look at it.
ADJANI (V.O.)
Fire me, will you? I'll show you.
IN THE GARAGE - NIGHT
The light flicks on and Adjani enters. He selects a hacksaw
from the perf-board over the workbench then leaves, shutting off
the lights.
EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
It's late. Things are quiet. Especially around the back.
Adjani carefully walks to an inconspicuous door that is simply
marked with an "Authorized Persons Only Beyond This Point" sign.
He is carrying the hacksaw.
He pulls the key from his pocket and looks around one last time
before he unlocks and opens the door.
He quickly moves inside and closes the door.
Things are quiet again.
INT. MORGUE, OFFICE - NIGHT
Alex is sitting at his desk. He's got his feet up, and he's got
a book propped up on his stomach.
IN THE CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Adjani quietly advances through the corridor until he comes to
the partially open door to the morgue.
He stops to rest for a few seconds, leaning up against the wall.
Sneaking can be tiring.
He glances carefully through the door, sees Alex at his desk.
He pulls back to lean against the wall again.
ADJANI (V.O.)
What now?
IN THE OFFICE - NIGHT
Adjani's head slowly appears in the doorway. He's looking at
Alex.
What Adjani doesn't realize is that Alex is sleeping.
Adjani enters the room and starts toward Alex very slowly.
Alex's head suddenly nods.
Adjani freezes... until he figures out that Alex is asleep.
Adjani advances to Alex and stands right in front of him.
Nothing.
Alex is really out.
Adjani sneaks on toward the storage room.
IN STORAGE - NIGHT
Adjani enters and looks at the wall of drawers. He goes to one
end so he can start looking at the tags on the front of the
drawers.
He works his way down until he reads a tag that satisfies him.
He grabs the handle and pulls. The drawer makes some noise as
it slides out. Adjani freezes at the noise.
IN THE OFFICE - NIGHT
Adjani peeks around the corner.
Alex is still sleeping.
IN STORAGE - NIGHT
Adjani returns to the drawer.
He pulls it out the rest of the way. He lifts the sheet and
looks briefly at the face of the young woman on the slab.
He turns his attention to why he's here.
He moves the sheet to uncover her left arm. He inspects the arm
carefully, paying special attention to the fingers.
Satisfied, he measures off the arm with a tape measure. The
next step is to start cutting.
He brings the hacksaw up and starts sawing. The blade cuts
easily through the dead flesh.
Once the arm is separated, he sets the hacksaw on top of the
body. He pulls a piece of plastic wrap and a rubber band from
his pocket.
He covers the end of the arm so the blood won't ooze out all
over the place.
He takes the arm and the hacksaw to the examining table in the
center of the room.
Just as he's setting the arm and the hacksaw on the table, he
hears a noise from the office.
IN THE OFFICE - NIGHT
Adjani carefully peeks around the corner again.
Alex is still asleep in his chair, but his book is lying on the
floor.
IN STORAGE - NIGHT
Adjani returns to the open drawer. He moves the sheet so he can
look at the woman's legs. They look somewhat skinny.
It's not quite what Adjani wanted so he rearranges the sheet
over the woman and closes the drawer.
He starts reading the tags again. He comes to another drawer
tag that looks good.
He slides open the drawer. He lifts the sheet to see the face
of another young woman before he moves to the other end of the
drawer.
He uncovers the legs. They're more shapely than the legs of the
other woman. They're a bit more muscular.
Adjani is satisfied with his find.
He measures off the legs... one above the knee, one below the
knee. He grabs the hacksaw from the table and starts ripping.
The thick leg bones take a little more effort than the arm did.
LATER
Adjani sets the two severed legs, complete with plastic wrapped
ends, on the table next to the arm.
He sets down the saw as well so he can pull a folded trash bag
from his pocket.
He unfolds the trash bag and puts all of the body parts in it.
He takes one last look around.
All of the drawers are closed.
He grabs the saw.
IN THE OFFICE - NIGHT
Alex is still asleep.
Adjani comes around the corner from the storage room. He fails
to navigate the corner correctly and his arm bumps the edge.
This causes the hacksaw to fall from his hand.
The sound of the hacksaw hitting the floor petrifies Adjani and
wakes up Alex.
They look at each other.
Adjani is not sure what to do; Alex is not sure what he's seeing
at first.
ALEX
Dr. Adjani? What are you doing here?
He gets up from the chair.
ALEX
You're not supposed to be here.
Adjani finally reacts. He moves quickly. He drops the bag and
grabs the hacksaw, then he rushes Alex.
Alex is caught off guard.
The blade that Adjani swipes across Alex's throat bites deeply.
The look of shock on Alex's face is obvious. He tries to
scream, but the only sound is a burble from his torn throat.
He sinks to his knees while staring in disbelief at Adjani. He
tries holding his throat together as he mouths the word "why" at
Adjani.
Adjani just stands there watching as Alex dies.
When Alex stops moving, Adjani retrieves the trash bag of body
parts. He looks at Alex as he's leaving.
ADJANI
Sorry, Alex...
He leaves.
EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
The back door to the morgue opens slightly.
Adjani pokes out his head and looks around.
Nothing.
No one waiting to arrest him, to catch him stealing arms and
legs.
He exits the building, making sure that the door closes behind
him.
He goes to his car. He puts the trash bag and hacksaw in the
trunk, gets in his car, and drives away.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Stranger is taking a leak on a tree. He buttons up his fly and
returns to his tent.
Back in his tent, he continues reading a paperback by
flashlight.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - NIGHT
Adjani flips on the light as he enters the room. He unslings
the bag from his shoulder.
He pulls out the limbs one at a time, and sets them in their
respective places on the sheet covering Maria.
He flips the sheet aside and starts with the left arm.
He removes the bag from the end then test fits the arm next to
her stump. He compares it to her right arm, and he even
measures it with a tape measure.
He marks the arm where he plans to trim it before attaching it.
He moves to the legs next. He test fits the leg that has the
knee attached to the stump that's missing the knee. That way,
he can get the leg length correct.
When finished with that leg, he moves to the other. Again, he
matches the legs to each other.
Once all three limbs are marked, he puts the legs on ice then
starts on the arm. He trims the arm first before opening the
flap on Maria's arm stump.
The actual attachment is a long, painstaking process.
Adjani anchors the bones together with small stainless steel
strips and hardware.
He then uses a pair of extreme magnification glasses so that he
can correctly connect blood vessels and nerves.
With the fine work completed, he removes the magnification
glasses and attaches the muscles.
Now that he's satisfied that all of the internals are finished,
he sutures the skin closed.
He follows up by wrapping the attachment point with gauze.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Stranger is fighting sleep to keep an eye on the wreck.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - NIGHT
Adjani is finishing the final sutures on the first leg. He then
wraps the wound with gauze.
He goes back to the arm and checks the fingers.
ADJANI
Good color.
He makes a quick check of the heart/lung machine.
ADJANI
I think this just might work.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Dawn breaks over Stranger's tent.
Stranger crawls out of the tent and stretches himself to life.
He takes a leisurely stroll to the wreck.
He takes one more look at the wreck. He looks inside and
outside on the off chance that he'll find some other clue.
Finding nothing else, he returns to strike his tent.
He quickly packs his stuff away on his bike. He takes one last
look at the caltrop.
STRANGER
I hope you'll help.
He tosses the caltrop in a saddlebag and makes sure everything
is secure.
He dons his duster, starts the bike, and leaves.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - DAY
Adjani is checking the toes on both of Maria's new legs. He
looks at the color and flexes them a little bit, very carefully.
ADJANI
You will be perfect.
He puts the sheet on her again. He leaves the room, turning off
the lights on his way.
IN THE KITCHEN - DAY
Adjani enters the room. He heads straight for the cupboard
where he pulls out a full whiskey bottle. He closes the
cupboard and continues on his way.
IN THE FRONT ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Adjani comes in with his whiskey bottle.
He plops down on the couch where he takes a few seconds to
relax. He opens the whiskey bottle and takes a long pull.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is sitting at her desk, typing on her computer.
One of the lobby chairs is occupied by BARRY "BIG" JOHNSON.
Johnson is a big guy... not really fat, just big. He's dressed
well. He's reading a magazine while waiting.
Stranger shows up.
STRANGER
Hi, Shirl.
STONE
Welcome back. Anything?
STRANGER
Not much. Time will tell.
He looks to Johnson. Shirley performs the introduction.
STONE
Dirk, this is Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson,
Dirk Stranger.
The two men shake hands.
STRANGER
Mr. Johnson.
JOHNSON
Mr. Stranger.
STONE
Mr. Johnson is interested in a job.
Stranger gestures toward his office.
STRANGER
Well, come on in.
He heads for his office, followed by Johnson.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger waves Johnson to a chair.
STRANGER
Have a seat.
JOHNSON
Thank you, Mr. Stranger.
STRANGER
Please, call me Dirk.
He sheds his coat onto the coat rack and heads for his chair.
JOHNSON
My first name's Barry, but most people call
me Big.
Stranger sits.
STRANGER
Big?
JOHNSON
Yeah. Most people say I don't look like a
Barry, I just look big. So it stuck as a
nickname.
STRANGER
You don't mind being known as Big Johnson?
Johnson shrugs.
JOHNSON
Doesn't bother me.
Stranger accepts it.
STRANGER
Okay, Big. You know what we do here?
JOHNSON
I know you investigate things other people
won't. I've seen a couple of short articles
in the paper.
STRANGER
Do you have any experience with
investigating?
JOHNSON
I was a Deputy Sheriff in Maine. Did my
share of investigating there.
STRANGER
Why'd you leave?
JOHNSON
I'm originally from here. The only reason I
was there was for my wife. After the
divorce, there was nothing to keep me there.
STRANGER
Why not go for a cop job?
JOHNSON
Couple of reasons. No cop jobs available.
And...
A beat.
JOHNSON
...I got kind of bored of the cop thing.
STRANGER
So why would you want to do it in private
practice?
JOHNSON
I wasn't bored with the investigating. I
love that part. I just hate all the red
tape and government crap that goes with it.
STRANGER
You know, it can be dangerous.
JOHNSON
I've seen my share of danger. It doesn't
scare me.
STRANGER
My last partner was killed as a direct
result of one of our investigations.
JOHNSON
Really? What happened?
STRANGER
We were investigating a coven of witches who
were practicing human sacrifice.
A beat.
STRANGER
John got caught. He became one of their
victims.
JOHNSON
Yow...
STRANGER
Still interested?
JOHNSON
You haven't managed to scare me away, if
that's what you mean.
Cooper pokes his head in the door. He raps on the door frame.
COOPER
Knock, knock.
Stranger and Johnson turn to look at Cooper.
STRANGER
Hey, Coop. Come on in.
Cooper recognizes Johnson.
COOPER
Big. How you doing?
Johnson stands. He shakes Cooper's hand.
JOHNSON
Good, Coop. You?
COOPER
Alright.
STRANGER
You two know each other?
Cooper and Johnson sit.
COOPER
Yeah, I knew Big before he got married and
left.
(to Johnson)
What're you doing here?
JOHNSON
Looking for a job.
(to Stranger)
I didn't bring a resume, but I can use Coop
as a reference.
Stranger looks at Cooper.
Cooper nods.
COOPER
I had one of the boys do a drive-by at the
wreck this morning.
A beat.
COOPER
I take it you had a quiet night.
STRANGER
Yeah. My own little campout.
He stands and walks to the coat rack. He pulls the caltrop out
of a pocket.
STRANGER
I did find this, though.
He holds the caltrop out for Cooper.
Cooper takes it.
COOPER
Where'd you find this?
Stranger returns to his seat.
STRANGER
It was stuck in the inner sidewall of one of
the tires.
COOPER
Well, I think we can rule out accident.
JOHNSON
What's the deal?
STRANGER
There was an accident where the body
disappeared.
COOPER
Then it reappeared.
STRANGER
As if that wasn't strange enough, the heart
was missing from the body.
JOHNSON
Cult killing?
COOPER
Possibly. This new accident may be
connected.
STRANGER
I spent the night last night waiting for
someone to return the body.
COOPER
I got my guys keeping an eye on it today.
JOHNSON
I'll help. I like camping.
Stranger and Cooper look at each other.
COOPER
He working for you now?
Stranger looks at Johnson.
Johnson treats him with a "how about it" look.
STRANGER
Sure. I'll give it a try.
JOHNSON
Cool!
He stands and extends a hand so he and Stranger can shake.
Stranger follows.
JOHNSON
Thanks.
The two sit again.
COOPER
Something else came up. It may be related
to the first wreck.
STRANGER
What is it?
COOPER
I think someone's collecting body parts.
JOHNSON
What happened?
COOPER
Someone ripped off the morgue. Killed Alex
in the process.
STRANGER
Alex? Dead?
COOPER
Yeah. Sorry to hear it. He was a good kid.
STRANGER
What was stolen?
COOPER
As near a we can tell, an arm and two legs.
JOHNSON
Oh, man. There's some sick people out
there.
STRANGER
Hopefully we'll get at least one of 'em.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
This is another section of road.
Johnson drives his car up and parks in an obvious turn-out at
the side of the road.
He gets out, looks around, then heads for the back of the car.
He opens the trunk to reveal a backpack. He shrugs on the pack,
closes the trunk, and starts hiking up the road.
LATER
It's late afternoon.
Johnson reaches the wreck. He takes a brief look at the wreck
before he pulls out a map that was drawn by Stranger.
The map shows where Stranger had set up his tent.
Johnson walks to the indicated location to pitch his own tent.
He also sets up a fold-up chair. He extracts a big sub sandwich
from his pack and plops into the chair to eat.
After a couple of bites, he checks the view to the wreck with
his binoculars. Satisfied that the binoculars will do the job,
he sets them aside and returns to his sandwich.
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - DAY
The sun is just starting to rise.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Adjani walks in carrying his fishing pole and tackle box. He
sets them on the table so he can get a bottle of whiskey from
the cupboard.
He retrieves the fishing gear and leaves.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Johnson is breaking down his camp. He stops when he hears the
sound of a car approaching.
INT. ADJANI'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Adjani can see where the wreck is in the distance. He starts to
slow.
EXT. ROAD - CONTINUOUS
Johnson sees Adjani's car slow and come to a stop. He quickly
grabs the binoculars.
Looking through the binoculars, he can see Adjani look at the
wreck, then look around as if to see if anyone is watching.
INT. ADJANI'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Adjani is done viewing the scene of his crime. He drives away,
feeling confident.
EXT. ROAD - CONTINUOUS
Johnson continues to watch through the binoculars as Adjani
drives away. He is able to get a good view of Adjani's license
plate.
He puts down the binoculars and pulls a pad of paper out of his
pack. He jots down the car's license plate number and a brief
description of Adjani.
He then finishes packing, dons the pack, and starts hiking back
to his car.
EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY
Johnson pulls up in front of the police station. He gets out of
his car and goes into the station.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
It's morning. The room is empty.
Empty, that is, until the door opens and Stone and Stranger
enter.
STRANGER
But if we start advertising, we'll get more
business than we can deal with. I'm already
pressed for time.
STONE
That's why I think we should hire Big full-
time. Cooper says he's a good man.
She sits at her desk as he continues to his office.
STRANGER
I guess it's worth considering.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger just makes it through the door.
STONE (O.S.)
(playfully)
Does that mean I won?
He turns around, ready to deliver his reply... but changes his
mind.
It's not worth it.
He hangs up his duster then sits behind his desk.
He fires up his computer and logs into mib.org. There's a
message waiting. He hits a key and the screen fills with
unintelligible characters.
He runs his hand across the screen as he reads.
STRANGER (V.O.)
Previous message regarding recall under
investigation. Considering existence of
local spousal unit in decision. Will advise
soon.
He rubs his face with one hand as he considers what he's just
read. At least there's some hope now.
He hears the sound of the front door opening...
JOHNSON (O.S.)
Morning, Shirley.
STONE (O.S.)
Hi, Big.
...Followed by the sound of the front door closing.
JOHNSON (O.S.)
Dirk here.
STONE (O.S.)
Go on back.
JOHNSON (O.S.)
Thanks.
Johnson soon appears in the doorway.
STRANGER
Hi, Big.
JOHNSON
Hey, Dirk. Cooper called me yesterday and
asked me to meet him here this morning.
Stranger indicates a chair for Johnson.
STRANGER
That's a good sign. It must mean there's a
lead.
JOHNSON
I gave him a license plate and description
of a man who stopped by the wreck, looked
around, then drove away.
They hear the front door open.
STONE (O.S.)
They're in there.
COOPER (O.S.)
Thanks, Shirl.
Cooper soon appears in the doorway.
STRANGER
Hey, Coop. How's it going?
COOPER
Hey, guys.
He pulls a picture out of his pocket and shows it to Johnson.
It's a mug shot.
COOPER
This the guy you saw?
Johnson takes the picture and studies it for a few seconds.
JOHNSON
Yeah, I'd say that's him.
He hands the picture back to Cooper, who passes it to Stranger.
Stranger studies the face.
COOPER
His name is Wolfram Adjani.
STRANGER
Wolfram?
COOPER
It's German. That picture was taken after
he was arrested for assault.
JOHNSON
What happened?
COOPER
Well, it seems Adjani is a doctor. Or more
accurately, was a doctor. An orderly tried
to prevent him from performing surgery while
drunk. He slashed the orderly with a
scalpel.
JOHNSON
Ouch!
COOPER
There's one last tidbit that makes it worth
checking Adjani deeper.
STRANGER
Let me guess. He used to practice at
Wyndham Community Hospital.
COOPER
Bingo. The same place that houses the
morgue where Alex was killed.
JOHNSON
What do you want us to do?
COOPER
We need more information. I don't think I
can get a search warrant on what we got so
far.
JOHNSON
I'll help you with some of the research.
Maybe we can find more.
COOPER
Good. How about you, Dirk? You in?
STRANGER
I'm in... but I won't bother you with the
details.
(smiles at Cooper)
That way you can't complain about my
methods.
EXT. ADJANI'S NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Not much activity.
MONA KELLY, Adjani's across-the-street neighbor is working in
her front-yard flower bed.
All is quiet until Stranger comes riding through.
Kelly looks up as he rides by.
He cruises up and down some of the streets, just to get a feel.
He eventually returns and pulls to a stop in front of Kelly's
house.
She is a bit frightened by Stranger, so she leaves the yard for
the safety of her house.
INT. KELLY'S HOUSE - DAY
Kelly looks through the window to see Stranger approaching her
house. She is scared now.
EXT. KELLY'S HOUSE - DAY
Stranger rings the doorbell.
No answer.
He knocks.
STRANGER
Ma'am. I'm a private investigator.
He pulls a card out of his pocket because he knows what's next.
The door opens a crack, the security chain obvious.
KELLY
Can I help you?
STRANGER
Ma'am, I'm a private investigator.
He holds the card for her in such a way that she doesn't need to
reach to get it.
STRANGER
I'd like to ask you a few questions
regarding an investigation.
KELLY
How do I know you're who you say you are?
STRANGER
You can call the police department and ask
them. Just ask whoever answers the phone.
They all know me. I'll wait.
KELLY
Okay.
She closes the door.
He turns to look up and down the street.
INT. KELLY'S HOUSE - DAY
Kelly dials the phone. She waits while the phone rings.
Someone finally answers.
KELLY
Hi. I need--
A beat.
KELLY
Yes, I'll hold.
EXT. KELLY'S HOUSE - DAY
Stranger is still taking in the sights, not that there's much to
see.
The door opens and he turns around.
Kelly has opened the door fully.
KELLY
Sorry about that.
STRANGER
Don't worry. I'm used to it. It helps to
look intimidating in my line of work.
KELLY
Come on in.
STRANGER
Thanks.
He enters the house and Kelly closes the door.
INT. KELLY'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY
Stranger and Kelly are sitting.
STRANGER
How well do you know Dr. Adjani?
KELLY
I know his name. That's about all.
STRANGER
You never talk to him?
KELLY
No. He just keeps to himself.
STRANGER
Have you ever noticed any unusual activity
across the street?
KELLY
I used to think he was doing abortions for
kids who didn't want their parents to know.
STRANGER
Why did you think that?
KELLY
Because I'd always see young girls going in.
They'd stay for a hour or two, then leave.
STRANGER
You said you used to think that.
KELLY
It's either something else, or he does more
than just abortions. I see boys go in too.
STRANGER
Anything else worth mentioning?
KELLY
Why do you want to know this? Is he in
trouble?
STRANGER
We're just trying to get some background
information on a related case. That's all.
A beat.
STRANGER
Anything besides his visitors?
KELLY
He goes fishing once a week. Pretty much
like clockwork.
STRANGER
Would you be willing to call me the next
time you see him go fishing?
She hesitates.
KELLY
I guess so.
He stands.
STRANGER
Thank you for your time.
She stands as well.
STRANGER
I'll let you get back to your flowers.
KELLY
Huh?
STRANGER
Your flowers. You were gardening when I
rode up.
KELLY
Oh, heavens. I forgot.
STRANGER
Well, I won't keep you any longer.
EXT. KELLY'S HOUSE - DAY
The front door opens and Stranger emerges. He waves back to
Kelly, who is standing in the doorway now.
KELLY
I'll let you know.
STRANGER
Bye.
He mounts up and rides away.
EXT. MORGUE - DAY
Stranger's bike is parked in the lot.
INT. MORGUE, OFFICE - DAY
Stranger is speaking with MAVERICK, another one of the coroner's
assistants.
STRANGER
I appreciate the help, Mav.
MAVERICK
No one wants to see this solved more than we
do. You know, the police were already here.
They talked to everyone... asked a lot of
questions.
STRANGER
I'm working with them. This may be related
to a case that we're both pursuing.
Detective Cooper thought it would be a good
idea for me to have a look here.
MAVERICK
Everyone liked Alex. I still can't believe
this happened.
STRANGER
I know, Mav. I liked him too. He was very
helpful... an all-around good guy.
Stranger is not sure how to ask the next question.
STRANGER
Is he... here?
It takes a moment for Maverick to understand Stranger's
question.
MAVERICK
No, the naval hospital agreed to help us.
Everyone here is just too close to it.
STRANGER
Well, let's see what we got here.
MAVERICK
Right this way.
He leads Stranger out of the office...
IN STORAGE
...And into the storage area.
MAVERICK
There were two bodies involved.
He walks toward a drawer.
MAVERICK
Whatever he was looking for, he was looking
for fresh.
He slides open the drawer.
Stranger positions himself on the other side of the drawer.
MAVERICK
You ready?
STRANGER
Unfortunately, it's nothing I haven't seen
before.
Maverick pulls back the leg-end of the sheet. There's not much
left of the legs.
Stranger looks closely at the cut end of the longer leg.
MAVERICK
It looks like it was removed with a saw. No
finesse... just hacked off.
Strangers straightens.
STRANGER
Is this the only one missing legs?
MAVERICK
Yeah. We checked all of the bodies after
this happened. Only two had been disturbed:
this one and the one missing an arm.
Stranger replaces and straightens the sheet.
STRANGER
Let's see the arm one.
Maverick closes the drawer then opens another one. He pulls
back the sheet to uncover the arm stump.
Stranger takes a closer look.
MAVERICK
Same technique. Sawed off.
STRANGER
Anything common between the two?
MAVERICK
Just that they're female and relatively
fresh.
STRANGER
Which is the fresher of the two?
MAVERICK
This one. In fact, she's the freshest
female we have.
STRANGER
Can you open both drawers at once?
MAVERICK
Sure.
He opens the first drawer again.
Stranger arranges the sheets on both so he can see their heads
and shoulders. He stands back to look.
MAVERICK
What are you looking for?
STRANGER
Just trying to figure out what happened?
He mentally compares the two. What could it be?
He moves to the body that is missing the arm and uncovers the
legs.
He looks, thinking.
He goes to the other drawer and uncovers what's left of the
legs.
He looks back and forth between the two.
MAVERICK
Something?
STRANGER
Look here.
(points to leg stump)
This leg would have had more shape, more
definition.
He moves to the other drawer. Maverick follows.
STRANGER
This one has skinny legs.
He shifts the sheet to uncover the remaining arm and studies it
briefly.
STRANGER
The arm's okay...
(back to legs)
...but the legs are skinny.
MAVERICK
What does it mean?
He looks at Maverick to explain his conclusion.
STRANGER
I think he started by taking the arm. Then
he looked at the legs and didn't like them,
so he moved to the next freshest body, whose
legs were okay.
MAVERICK
Why would anyone do that?
STRANGER
I don't know, Mav. Maybe we have a modern-
day Frankenstein running around.
MAVERICK
That's silly. That can't really happen.
STRANGER
Maybe there's someone out there who thinks
it can.
He starts straightening one of the sheets.
STRANGER
Let's get these two put away.
MAVERICK
Yeah...
He goes to the other one to straighten the sheet.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - DAY
Maria can be seen, not quite clearly, in the glow of the
instruments.
Adjani flips on the lights as he enters.
ADJANI
How are you this morning, my dear?
He takes a look at her new arm, paying special attention to the
fingers.
ADJANI
You're doing well today.
He moves on to inspect her feet, making sure that the toes look
good.
ADJANI
Nice color. You're about ready to get your
heart back. You will be proof. No one will
doubt my abilities after this.
Uh, oh. Can you say "insane?"
He straightens her sheet and checks the pumps and the IV.
Satisfied, he leaves, turning off the lights on his way out.
Maria is once again lit only by the glow of the instruments.
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - DAY
Adjani leaves the house carrying his fishing gear. He climbs
into his car and drives away.
EXT. KELLY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Kelly is working on her flowers. She watches as Adjani drives
away.
He pays no attention to her, just looks straight ahead.
She stands, brushes off the dirt, and heads for the house.
INT. KELLY'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Kelly retrieves Stranger's business card from the refrigerator.
She dials the phone and waits for someone to answer.
KELLY
Mr. Stranger, please.
There's a brief pause while she is questioned.
KELLY
He asked me to call. My name's Mona Kelly.
Another brief pause while the information is passed on.
KELLY
Thank you.
EXT. KELLY'S HOUSE - DAY
Stranger rolls up on his bike and parks in her driveway. He
gives a quick wave toward the house because he knows she's
watching through the window.
He takes a look up and down the street before crossing to
Adjani's house.
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger heads straight around to the back of the house. He
tries the door first on the off chance that it isn't locked.
No such luck.
He pulls out a set of lock picks and goes to work on the door.
After a little effort, he's able to open the door. He moves
inside and the door closes quietly.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Stranger looks around. One of the most surprising things he
sees is the dartboard, complete with scalpels.
There are empty whiskey bottles scattered around, and a
partially-filled one sitting on the table.
He checks the cupboards and the refrigerator.
Nothing unusual (for an alcoholic).
IN THE FRONT ROOM - DAY
Stranger finds more whiskey bottles mixed in with the normal
front room stuff.
He picks up the file folder on the coffee table and thumbs
through the pages.
STRANGER (V.O.)
Release forms?
He takes one form before returning the folder to the table. He
folds the form and shoves it into his pocket.
IN THE GARAGE - DAY
Stranger flips on the light. He looks from the doorway.
Like so many garages, it's a workshop instead of a car hole.
He takes a look on the workbench where, sitting next to a
whiskey bottle, there is a pile of caltrops.
He pulls out a bandana and carefully inspects one of the
caltrops.
Sure enough, it's just like the one he pulled out of the tire.
He sets it back on the workbench and stuffs the bandana back
into his pocket.
IN THE BEDROOM - DAY
Stranger walks in to see the bed unmade, clothes draped on a
chair, a whiskey bottle on the night stand. He looks in the
closet.
Nothing.
He wanders into the bathroom.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
He looks in the medicine cabinet.
Typical stuff.
He picks up a bottle of prescription medication and looks at the
label.
STRANGER (V.O.)
I would have expected more prescription
stuff.
He returns the bottle to the cabinet.
IN THE SURGERY - DAY
It's dark except for the lights from the equipment. The door
opens and the lights come on.
Stranger stands in the doorway, trying to process what he is
seeing. It finally sinks in.
STRANGER
Oh, no!
He rushes to Maria's side.
He's uncertain what to do. He looks at the IV and the pumps
circulating blood. He puts his fingers on her neck.
STRANGER (V.O.)
No pulse, but she's warm.
He pulls back the sheet to uncover the gauze-covered hole in her
chest. He carefully lifts a corner of the gauze so he can see
the tubing connections.
He shakes his head as he sets the gauze back into place.
He turns his attention on Maria's new arm. He looks closely at
the suture line.
STRANGER (V.O.)
It appears he's still a capable surgeon.
He replaces the sheet and moves to the other end of the table.
He uncovers her legs, verifying that he's found the missing body
parts. He covers her legs when he's done.
He looks around to see what else there is.
His gaze falls on the refrigerator. He opens it and finds it
filled with medicines and two hearts.
IN THE KITCHEN - DAY
Stranger goes straight to the phone. He dials and waits a
moment.
STRANGER
Detective Cooper, please. This is Dirk
Stranger.
INT. COOPER'S OFFICE - DAY
COOPER
Cooper here.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
STRANGER
Coop, I found the body parts from the
morgue.
COOPER
That you, Dirk.
STRANGER
Yeah, I also found the car accident victim.
She's alive... sort of.
COOPER
What do you mean, "sort of?"
STRANGER
You'll see when you get here.
COOPER
Adjani's?
STRANGER
Yeah.
COOPER
I'll get the warrant.
STRANGER
Forget the warrant. Get a team of doctors.
EXT. LAKE - DAY
Adjani's done fishing for the day. He's packing his stuff.
EXT./INT. ADJANI'S CAR - DAY
Adjani turns the corner to his house, only to discover that
there are emergency vehicles everywhere.
ADJANI
What the hell?
He drives by his house, willing himself to be insignificant.
Once he's sure nobody is following, he relaxes a little. But
only a little.
ADJANI
Shit, shit, shit...
His car continues down the street.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Adjani is sitting in the dark, watching the news.
NEWSCASTER
(on the television)
Paramedics were unable to save the
unidentified victim, who died at the scene.
Authorities are looking for this man,...
The picture on the TV changes to a photograph of Adjani.
NEWSCASTER
...Dr. Wolfram Adjani, for questioning. If
you see this man, please contact your local
authorities immediately.
The picture on the TV changes to an on-the-scene shot showing
Cooper in front of Adjani's house.
NEWSCASTER
We spoke with Detective Lance Cooper at the
scene.
COOPER
(on the television)
It was a tough case, but we were lucky to
get help from Dirk Stranger of Unusual
Investigations. He's the one who broke the
case.
INT. STRANGER'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stone and Stranger are also watching the news.
STRANGER
There's the advertising you wanted.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Adjani is scribbling on a notepad.
ADJANI
Dirk Stranger, huh? You ruin my work, I
ruin you, you asshole. Now I'll have to
start all over again.
EXT. MOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Life goes on outside of Adjani's room as he plans Stranger's
destruction.
FADE TO:
EXT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Adjani exits his room.
He's disguised himself in preparation for his next task. He's
wearing a wig. He's also shaved off all of the stubble and is
wearing a false mustache.
He gets into his car and drives away.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
The room is empty except for Stone sitting at her desk.
The door opens and in comes Adjani. He's wearing a light
jacket.
STONE
May I help you?
ADJANI
I'd like to talk to Mr. Stranger. I heard
about him on the news last night.
This brightens her a little. The "advertising" by Cooper on the
news is working.
STONE
One moment, please.
She stands and goes to Stranger's office.
IN THE OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stone pokes in the doorway.
STONE
Dirk. That advertising Cooper did for us on
the news has paid off.
STRANGER
What do you mean?
STONE
There's a man here to see you. Said he
heard about you on the news last night.
STRANGER
Okay, let's see what caliber of client
advertising can bring in.
Stone disappears.
A few seconds later, Adjani appears in the doorway.
ADJANI
Mr. Stranger?
Stranger stands and extends a hand.
STRANGER
Please, call me Dirk.
They shake hands. Stranger gestures toward a chair.
STRANGER
Have a seat, Mr. ...
ADJANI
Halloran. William Halloran.
He sits.
STRANGER
Can I take your jacket?
ADJANI
No, I'm comfortable with it on. Thanks.
STRANGER
What can I do for you, Mr. Halloran?
Adjani sidesteps the question. He focuses his look toward
Stranger's trophy shelves.
ADJANI
You've got some amazing things there.
Stranger follows Adjani's gaze to the shelves.
STRANGER
Yes. It's a bunch of odds and ends I've
collected during my investigations.
ADJANI
May I?
STRANGER
Of course.
Adjani rises and walks to the shelves.
Stranger stands behind him.
ADJANI
Some of these are amazing.
What Stranger doesn't see is that Adjani is pulling a heavy
pistol from his waistband.
ADJANI
Under different circumstances, I might enjoy
working with you.
Stranger doesn't quite understand Adjani's comment.
STRANGER
Excuse me?
Adjani turns around and smacks Stranger in the head with the
pistol.
IN RECEPTION - CONTINUOUS
Stones hears a crash from Stranger's office. She jumps up and
rushes over to find...
IN THE OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
...Adjani pointing the pistol at her. She sees Stranger on the
floor.
STONE
Dirk!
She starts toward him, but Adjani has a different idea.
ADJANI
Don't move!
STONE
What have you done to Dirk?
ADJANI
Don't worry. He's just sleeping. I
wouldn't kill him. That would make it too
easy for him. I want him to suffer.
STONE
Why are you doing this?
ADJANI
(matter-of-factly)
Revenge.
He advances toward her.
ADJANI
Now move.
She leaves the office.
IN RECEPTION - CONTINUOUS
Stone is followed by Adjani.
ADJANI
We're going to take a little trip. As long
as you cooperate, I won't come back and kill
him.
STONE
Don't worry. I'll do what you ask.
The front door opens and in walks Johnson.
JOHNSON
Hey, guys--
Adjani brandishes the gun.
ADJANI
Freeze!
Johnson was a cop. He knows when to take directions. He puts
his hands over his head.
JOHNSON
Okay. No problem. You're the boss.
ADJANI
You better believe it. You're coming with
us.
Johnson asks the question he doesn't want to ask.
JOHNSON
(to Stone)
Is Dirk okay?
ADJANI
He's okay only as long as you cooperate.
JOHNSON
Alright. I'm cooperating.
ADJANI
Now, let's all go for a ride.
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - DAY
The house is covered with police barricade tape. Adjani's car
is sitting in the driveway.
Around the back, the police tape across the back door has been
split.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - DAY
Adjani, Johnson, and Stone are in the room.
ADJANI
Both of you stand over there.
He gestures with the gun to the other side of the room.
Johnson and Stone do what he says.
Adjani watches them carefully as he lays the gun down on a
cabinet.
ADJANI
Don't do anything stupid. I can pick up
that gun and shoot before you can get across
the room.
JOHNSON
We're not going to do anything stupid.
We'll just wait here.
Adjani fills two syringes from a vial and sets them on the
operating table. He returns the vial to the cabinet and
retrieves his gun.
ADJANI
I want you to inject each other with those.
STONE
What is it?
ADJANI
It's just a sedative. That way I don't have
to stand here holding the gun on you.
JOHNSON
What if we don't do it?
ADJANI
Then I shoot one of you and inject the other
myself.
A beat.
JOHNSON
Okay.
He moves forward to get the syringes.
ADJANI
Slowly.
Johnson gets the syringes and returns to where he was standing
next to Stone. He hands one of the syringes to her.
JOHNSON
(to Stone)
You can shoot me first. Ever done it
before?
STONE
No.
JOHNSON
Then I guess it will be a learning
experience for both of us.
They trade shots.
ADJANI
Now put them back on the table.
Johnson holds out his hand. Stone puts her syringe in it.
He puts both syringes on the table and returns to Stone.
ADJANI
You might as well sit down and get
comfortable. It will be a few minutes
before those take effect.
JOHNSON
Can we have a couple of chairs.
ADJANI
No, the floor will do fine.
They sit on the floor with their backs to the wall and wait.
LATER
Johnson is out on the floor. Adjani has tied his wrists and
ankles.
Stone is up on the table. Adjani plans to continue his
experiments.
He cuts through her blouse and bra then grabs a scalpel.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, STRANGER'S OFFICE - DAY
Stranger is sitting in his chair with an ice pack on his head.
He has his eyes closed.
Cooper is in one of the other chairs.
COOPER
Just rest. There's no need to rush out.
I've already called for an APB on Halloran,
Shirley, and Big.
STRANGER
I just wish people would stop hitting me in
the head. I think my skull is being slowly
reshaped by all the damage.
Cooper stands.
COOPER
I'm going to go see if there's anything else
I can do. You sure you don't want me to
take you to the hospital?
STRANGER
I'll be alright. Takes more than a pistol-
whipping to stop me.
COOPER
At least wait a little bit before you go
charging out.
STRANGER
I will.
A beat.
COOPER
I'll call if I get anything.
STRANGER
Thanks.
COOPER
She'll be okay.
STRANGER
I know.
A beat.
An uncomfortable silence.
Both men not wanting to think the worst. Finally, Cooper
leaves.
Stranger sits there with his eyes closed, holding the ice pack
to his newest lump.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - DAY
Adjani crouches in front of Johnson. Johnson is still
unconscious.
ADJANI
Now, on to the next experiment.
He stretches Johnson flat out on the floor. He gets a cart and
rolls it next to Johnson.
There is a miniature version of Adjani's heart/lung machine on
it.
He crouches back down next to Johnson and makes a small incision
in Johnson's neck between his carotid artery and jugular vein.
He pulls two pieces of tubing down from the cart and prepares to
attach them to Johnson.
LATER
Adjani is on the other side of Johnson, connecting tubing into
that side, as well.
LATER
Adjani starts the heart/lung machine. The small jar fills with
blood and Adjani starts the oxygen flow from a small cylinder.
When he's satisfied that the machine is running, he clamps the
veins and arteries in Johnson's neck.
LATER
Adjani runs a scalpel all the way across the front of Johnson's
neck.
LATER
Adjani lifts Johnson's severed head onto the cart.
He sets it on a special platform that was designed to hold the
head upright.
He fills the base of the platform with preservative solution.
Once he's satisfied that the operation was successful, he gets a
vial from the cupboard. He uses a syringe to extract a few
drops of liquid from the vial and he dispenses it into Johnson's
blood jar.
Adjani sits down in front of the head and waits. He doesn't
have to wait very long.
Johnson's eyes open.
Adjani is a little startled, but he recovers quickly. Johnson
looks around as much as possible without moving his head.
ADJANI
Hello, Barry.
The eyes move back to fall on Adjani.
ADJANI
I take it that means you can hear.
Johnson tries to speak, but the words are silent.
JOHNSON
(mouthing)
What's happening?
Adjani is delighted. Johnson's head appears to be fully
functional.
ADJANI
I guess I'll have to learn lip reading.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, STRANGER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Stranger is preparing to leave for the day.
The phone suddenly screams for attention. Stranger reaches for
it.
STRANGER
Hello...
INT. KELLY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Kelly is on the other end of the phone call.
KELLY
Mr. Stranger?
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
STRANGER
Yes...
KELLY
This is Mona Kelly.
STRANGER
How can I help you, Miss Kelly?
KELLY
Well, I wasn't sure if I should call or not.
But then I figured I'd let you make the
decision.
Stranger is not in the mood for games.
STRANGER
What is it?
KELLY
Dr. Adjani's car is sitting in his driveway.
Stranger perks up a little.
STRANGER
What?
KELLY
The police tape is still on the house, but
Dr. Adjani's car is there.
Stranger has renewed hope now.
STRANGER
Thank you, Miss Kelly. You were right to
call me.
KELLY
I just wasn't sure.
STRANGER
Don't worry about it. I have to go now.
I'll talk to you later.
KELLY
Okay. Bye.
STRANGER
Bye.
He hangs up the phone.
He pulls his gun from its holster, opens the cylinder, and dumps
the silver bullets onto his desk.
He pulls open a drawer, from which he pulls some highly
efficient, self-defense ammunition. He loads these new
cartridges into his gun, closes the cylinder, and returns to the
gun to its holster.
He leaves to teach Adjani a terminal lesson.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, SURGERY - NIGHT
Adjani arranges the sheet over Stone. He checks her IV.
Looks good.
He checks the blood pumps.
They look okay, but he hears a strange sound. It's a kind of
low rumbling noise.
He rushes out of the room.
IN THE FRONT ROOM - NIGHT
Adjani looks out of the front window. There's Stranger parking
his bike in front of the house.
Adjani doesn't know what to do.
Stranger walks straight toward the front door.
Adjani retreats.
EXT. ADJANI'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
As Stranger approaches the front door, he pulls out his gun.
When he reaches the door, he simply shoots the handle and kicks
in the door.
INT. ADJANI'S HOUSE, FRONT ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stranger enters looking around. No one here. Keep moving.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Adjani is scared. He left his gun in the surgery. Now he's
trapped without a weapon.
Unless...
He looks at the scalpels on the table. He scoops them up just
as Stranger comes around the corner.
Even under pressure, Adjani knows how to throw a scalpel.
Stranger is taken completely by surprise. One of the scalpels
hits him in the thigh, causing him to drop to his knee.
Adjani throws again. A pair of scalpels hit Stranger in the
chest, causing him to double over.
Adjani uses the opportunity to rush past Stranger.
IN THE SURGERY - NIGHT
Adjani rushes in and grabs his gun. He rushes back out to
finish off Stranger.
IN THE KITCHEN - NIGHT
Adjani enters to find the kitchen empty. He looks around
quickly.
No Stranger.
There are just a few drops of blood on the floor next to some
scalpels.
Unfortunately for Adjani, the blood doesn't leave a trail.
IN THE GARAGE - NIGHT
Stranger finishes wrapping his leg with duct tape.
He uses his left hand to apply pressure to the wound in his
chest so he can hold his gun with his right hand.
IN THE SURGERY - NIGHT
Adjani rushes back into the room and closes the door. He looks
around, trying to figure out what to do next. He soon comes up
with a plan.
He puts his gun to Stone's head and waits.
He doesn't have to wait long. Stranger kicks the door open and
points his gun at Adjani. Adjani lets out a little scream.
ADJANI
Stop, or I'll kill her!
Stranger focuses on Adjani's target.
He finally realizes that Stone is under the sheet. He looks at
the equipment, understands what has happened.
STRANGER
NO!
Everything else fades out for him. There is no one else in the
room.
There is only Stone.
He moves toward her and Adjani backs away.
ADJANI
Stop!
Stranger doesn't hear him.
Adjani just backs away and watches as Stranger lowers his own
gun. Stranger pulls his hand away from his chest and the blood
stain starts to grow.
But nothing else matters.
Only Stone.
He lightly caresses her face, leaving a trail of his own blood.
STRANGER
Shirley...
He sets his gun on the table beside her so he can cradle her
face in both of his hands.
ADJANI
Get away from her!
Stranger doesn't hear.
STRANGER
Shirley... Everything will be okay.
Adjani has backed almost all of the way to the wall.
ADJANI
Stop it! Get away from her!
Stranger finally returns to the present.
He is aware of Adjani yelling behind him. He looks up,
painfully aware of what Adjani has done to the woman he loves.
ADJANI
Stop it or I'll shoot!
He quickly spins to face Adjani.
Adjani is startled.
He quickly points the gun at Stranger's face and pulls the
trigger, but Stranger is too quick. He grabs Adjani's wrist
just before the gun goes off.
The bullet clips Stranger's ear on its way past.
Adjani gets a terrified look on his face. He feels the strength
in Stranger's grip and knows he's no match.
Stranger grabs Adjani's wrist with both hands. He quickly turns
it back toward Adjani, breaking Adjani's arm to do it.
Adjani lets out a bloodcurdling scream of pain.
The gun is still in Adjani's hand, but it is pointed directly at
Adjani's face under Stranger's control.
STRANGER
You screwed with the wrong man.
He starts to squeeze the trigger.
Adjani knows he is going to die... right here, right now.
He starts to scream.
BANG!
His scream is halted and he crumples to the floor.
There is a faint voice from somewhere else in the house.
COOPER (O.S.)
Dirk!
STRANGER
In here, Coop.
He returns to Stone.
Cooper enters the room with his gun drawn. He quickly takes in
the scene and lowers his gun. He sees Stone on the table and
stares in disbelief.
He walks over to stand next to Stranger.
COOPER
(quietly)
You know we weren't able to save his last
victim.
Stranger pulls a card out of his pocket and hands it to Cooper.
STRANGER
Call the number on this card. Tell the
person who answers, "Stranger has a medical
emergency."
Cooper takes the card.
COOPER
Okay.
STRANGER
Be sure to say my name.
Cooper runs out to make the call. Stranger stays with Stone,
lightly caressing her face.
STRANGER
Don't worry. Everything will be okay. I'll
take care of you.
The blood from his chest wound is starting to form a small pool
at his feet.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Stranger is sitting in a chair next to the bed that contains
Stone. He's reading a book. He's not wearing his contacts or
sunglasses.
Stone opens her eyes and makes a small noise.
Stranger drops the book and stands where she can see him.
STRANGER
Shirley, can you hear me?
She just looks at him, as if she's trying to put the pieces
together.
STRANGER
Shirl?
He lightly touches her face.
STONE
Dirk?
The relief Stranger feels is obvious. He knows now that she
will be okay.
STRANGER
Hi, sweetheart.
STONE
Where am I?
STRANGER
You're in a hospital.
She looks around a little. It pains her to move.
STONE
Why does my chest hurt so much?
STRANGER
What's the last thing you remember?
She thinks for a moment.
STONE
I remember Big and I had to give each other
shots. Where's Big? Is he okay.
A beat.
STRANGER
Big didn't make it. I'm sorry.
STONE
Oh...
STRANGER
Do you remember the woman that Adjani was
using for his experiments?
STONE
I remember that she didn't make it. Why?
STRANGER
Adjani decided to continue his experiments.
He also decided that he needed to take
revenge on me for halting his experiments.
STONE
So he was going to do the same thing to me?
A beat.
STRANGER
He did the same thing to you.
STONE
But they couldn't save the other woman.
A beat.
STRANGER
I got some other people to help. Nothing
would have stopped me from saving you.
It finally dawns on Stone, Stranger isn't wearing his sunglasses
or contacts.
STONE
Dirk, where's your glasses? What if a nurse
comes in?
Just as she says this, a NURSE comes in. She leans over so
Stone can see her easily.
NURSE
Well, it's good to see you finally awake.
How are you feeling?
The nurse has a nice friendly face, caring smile, and all black
eyes, just like Stranger. Stone looks at Stranger, then back to
the nurse.
STRANGER
Do you remember when you said you wanted to
see my home world?
FADE TO BLACK.
The End
Scary Medicine is © 2000 Lanny Maude