M I L L E N N I U M IT... HAS... BEGUN... NOTHING IS FORSAKEN... Virtual Season Episode #417. "Where Shadows Fall" written by: Matt Asendorf and David Klein TEASER FADE IN: CLOSE ON - A TELEVISION SET its images blurred because of our proximity to the screen. The camera PULLS BACK to reveal an episode of "Charlie's Angels." The Angels are at a rural prison camp, chained together and dressed in the appropriate garb. INDIVIDUAL'S POV looking at the backside of a couch occupied by two people (JAMES and MARIE DEAN). The sound from the television they're watching is inaudible, their own laughter distant and echoing. We hear only distinct, heavy BREATHING. The Deans appear completely oblivious to the person standing behind them... watching them. The camera PANS RIGHT toward A KITCHEN The frame bounces with each step as we approach a drawer. A HAND suddenly reaches into view and slides the drawer open. Inside, dozens of knives of various size. The HAND chooses a long, serrated one and quietly slides the drawer back shut. FADE TO BLACK. FADE IN. CLOSE ON - A STUFFED BEAR its stuffing has begun to seep from its frayed brown body and its remaining black button eye is hanging loosely by a thread, all evidence of a child's affection. The camera PULLS BACK. INT. A DARKENED ROOM - NIGHT The TEDDY BEAR is wedged between a soiled mattress and the wall, visible only by cracks of faint light emanating from a WINDOW -- a window mostly obscured by the wooden boards that are nailed across its frame. The claustrophobic room is otherwise empty. The camera PANS LEFT through a doorway and begins to slowly creep down A DARKENED HALLWAY There are no pictures aligning the walls or furniture in the space. We again hear heavy BREATHING and a sound, possibly footsteps, rhythmically THUMPING as the camera PANS DOWN the hallway to a A DARKENED BEDROOM The BREATHING and THUMPING continues as the camera approaches a wide queen-sized bed occupied by a man and a woman (JAMES and MARIE DEAN) who are blissfully asleep under the covers. Suddenly, James opens his eyes! He sees nothing. After a moment, he carefully climbs from his bed as to not disturb Marie, but she wakes anyway. MARIE Something wrong? JAMES (lying) No. Bathroom. Marie mumbles something unintelligible against her pillow and turns on her side. James cautiously walks down the A DARKENED HALLWAY which is now curiously devoid of sound. But at his feet, the TEDDY BEAR stares up at him questioningly. He pauses. Then a sudden fear washes over him and he turns only to see the bedroom door slam shut! The THUMPING resumes from inside the bedroom and James struggles to open the locked door. Marie begins to scream loudly. James eventually kicks the door down and enters the A DARKENED BEDROOM and sees Marie face down on the bed in her own blood. He can't manage the strength to scream and instead frantically surveys the room. He sees nothing. He takes a step... and another... and another... until he is inches away from his wife's slashed body. BREATHING from behind. James turns to see his eight-year-old daughter, EVE, standing in the bedroom, her filthy clothes saturated with her mother's blood. She clutches her TEDDY BEAR in her left hand, the knife in the other. FADE OUT. ACT ONE BLACK. "The awful shadow of some unseen Power; Floats though unseen among us." -- Percy Bysshe Shelley FADE IN: INT. INSTITUTION - CORRIDOR - DAY FRANK BLACK and Doctor MELISSA HOLMES (mid-50s, casual dress of slacks and a cotton sweater, brunette hair clumsily grouped into a bun, and glasses that slip down the nose every minute or so) walk down a featureless white corridor, the sound of their FOOTSTEPS on linoleum echoes throughout. Legend INDICATES: North Central Correctional Institution Gardner, Massachusetts 23 Years Later DR. HOLMES I appreciate your willingness to travel all this way on my behalf, Mr. Black. Our staff is grateful to finally find someone with both an extensive background *and* an affinity for hard, thankless work. FRANK (chuckles) I'm flattered and grateful for your call, although surely a psychiatrist, one of your colleagues for example, would be more appropriate? DR. HOLMES As I mentioned earlier, I'd like your perspective on things. I've spent the past decade trying to understand Eve Eve Dean and, embarrassingly enough, I I haven't made much progress. I know by your reputation you have great insight into the criminal mind. I'm hoping you can provide me with some of my own. The parole hearing is now less than two weeks away. FRANK I doubt that will be sufficient time to properly evaluate Eve's condition. DR. HOLMES (a beat) Perhaps not. The pair turn a corner and approach a RECEPTION DESK which is equally as featureless and sanitized as the rest of the building. SHARON WALKER, a young woman dressed in drab gray looks up from her a stack of papers and, without smiling, extends a pen and form to Frank. WALKER (rehearsed) Sign here please. (she taps it with her finger) By doing so you understand that we can not be held responsible for any harm that may come to you during your visit to the institution. Frank first glances questioningly at Doctor Holmes and then obediently follows Sharon's directions. She takes the form without speaking and returns to her work. DR. HOLMES (smiles with sympathy) Follow me, Mr. Black. They continue past Reception and down several other long corridors before reaching a heavy metal door -- tightly locked shut. A sign above it: UNIT 17. Doctor Holmes reaches into her blouse and fishes out a plastic KEY CARD that had been suspended around her neck. She swipes the KEY CARD through the mechanism to the right of the door and it unlocks with a CLUNK. DR. HOLMES It's just through here. She swings the door open and Frank follows her through it. Halfway down the hall they stop in front of a door marked: #1120 DEAN, EVE. Frank looks through the window and sees Eve lying on her bed, eyes closed. DR. HOLMES I'll return after hour to escort you out of the building. Start with introductions and keep the questions light. Eve is not a violent individual so don't be bothered by Sharon's speech back there. The form is for insurance purposes. FRANK I understand. Doctor Holmes nods and swipes her KEY CARD for the second time. Frank pushes the door open and steps into the cell. INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY Eve Dean is an astonishingly beautiful woman of thirty-one without any physically alarming attributes. Frank is slightly taken back by the sight of her, as if he was expecting something exactly opposite. She opens her eyes at the sound of his entrance and sits up slowly and silently. The cell itself is spartan save for a bed and dresser, atop which sits a potted houseplant. There's also a small window opposite the door with a view of the outside. FRANK Hello, Miss Dean, I'm Frank Black. Has Doctor Holmes has explained you about why I've come this morning? Eve nods expressionless. FRANK I'm not a psychiatrist so I won't pretend to act like one and analyze you. I'm simply here to listen if you feel like talking. And if you're uncomfortable doing so, nobody is going to force you. (a beat) Perhaps you could tell me more about yourself -- your interests and such... Minutes seem to pass in silence. Eve turns her head toward the window which is obstructed by thick glass and a steel grating. HARD CUT TO: INT. A DARKENED ROOM - NIGHT The WINDOW from the TEASER -- mostly obscured by the wooden boards that are nailed across its frame. HARD CUT TO: INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY Frank follows Eve's gaze but does not share her flashback. He sees only A CHILD'S PLAYGROUND with sandbox, slide, and SWINGSET. Several young children are using the equipment under the supervision of two guards who are standing staunchly behind. EVE (V.O.) (quietly) The state has begun a program that allows the children of single mothers to stay within the prison... outside the general population, of course. At At first I found the idea spending one's childhood in this place revolting, but at least it's a... structured environment. A toddler scampers across the playground and climbs eagerly into a swing. She throws her weight back and forth in the saddle, pumping herself gradually higher and higher until six or eight feet off the ground. EVE (V.O.) Some women in the prison are mentally disturbed, others: crack addicts, petty thieves... Whatever their reason for being here they're obviously unfit to be mothers. *That* should be a crime. INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY FRANK It is. Eve quickly turns toward Frank, surprised as if she had forgotten he was still there. EVE Physical, yes. But it's difficult to prosecute the emotional neglect these children will more than likely suffer. FRANK Suffer as you did? EVE (a beat, then humorously) We're supposed to stick to introductions... and keep questions light. Doctor's rules. (a beat, then curiously) Do you have any children of your own, Mr. Black? Frank removes his wallet and flips through it until finding a photo of Jordan: smiling, clutching a soccer ball. He hands the photo to Eve. FRANK Her name's Jordan... The picture is a few years old. She's grown so much since then... EVE (smiling) She's beautiful. Suddenly, Eve regains her detached composure and returns the photo to Frank. She turns her attention back to the window and resumes her staring... EVE (a beat) Tell me about her. INT. INSTITUTION - CORRIDOR - DAY Doctor Holmes checks her watch and begins to walk down the corridor to Eve's cell, a clipboard secured firmly under her arm. She looks through the window of room #1120 and watches as Eve and Frank converse. After a moment she knocks and opens the door. INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY DR. HOLMES Sorry, time's up. (to Eve) Mr. Black has agreed to return tomorrow afternoon if that's all right with you Eve. EVE Yes, I'd like that very much, doctor. Goodbye Mr. Black. Frank looks briefly around the cell with pained regret that he has to leave her alone once again. FRANK (standing) I'll see you then Eve. Doctor Holmes steps aside and lets Frank quietly pass. She remains in the doorframe for a moment and gives Eve a reassuring nod. Then Eve watches her leave, the door CLUNKING in place. Silence fills the room. Eve sits on her bed, nervously rubbing the back of her left hand with her right thumb. She SIGHS HEAVILY and turns to face the window. INT. INSTITUTION - CHILD'S PLAYGROUND - DAY Outside, a young boy is sitting on the filthy ground, tears streaming down his cheeks. A supervisor sprints toward him and examines the bloody gash on his left knee. She places a bandage over the wound, dismissing it as another playground injury. Yet he continues to cry. INT. INSTITUTION - CORRIDOR - DAY Frank, accompanied by Doctor Holmes, is walking toward down the FRANK She's an intriguing woman: thoughtful, considerate... She seems genuinely concerned with the welfare of others, particularly the children of other inmates. (a beat) But she's distant... I'm hoping my own daughter will be the catalyst for her to open up with me. Perhaps if she sees the functional relationship we share, she'll be compelled to reveal what caused the failure of hers. Dr. Holmes nods in agreement. FRANK (CONT'D) But I'm curious, doctor. With her obvious progress and your glowing recommendations, why have her previous opportunities for parole been denied? DR. HOLMES Eve can be self-destructive. She's purposely sabotaged her parole hearings to deny herself the chance to leave the prison. The thought of it, well, terrifies her. (a beat) This prison and others like it have been her home for nearly twenty-five years. She knows no other life. FRANK Why now? What will make this time different? They turn yet another corridor. Doctor Holmes pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose and shifts her clipboard from one arm to the other. DR. HOLMES Although we've accepted Eve's desire to remain and accommodated her every way possible, she remains unhappy and disconnected. She has outgrown this environment and needs to reenter society. She knows this as well. They reach a familiar heavy metal door -- tightly locked the shut. Doctor Holmes finds her plastic KEY CARD and swipes it through the mechanism to the right of the door. It unlocks with a CLUNK. FRANK (almost an afterthought) Do you think it's possible for someone who committed a crime such as Eve's... to be redeemed for his actions? DR. HOLMES (a beat) I'm not sure I know what you mean. FRANK --Nevermind. Dr. Holmes hesitates before following Frank through the doorway and into the RECEPTION DESK where Sharon Walker sits, hunched over paperwork. She doesn't look up as Frank and Doctor Holmes walk by. DR. HOLMES I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Black Frank nods and continues without Doctor Holmes. She remains behind, tapping her fingers on the Reception desk, watching solemnly as Frank turns a corner and out of view. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. FRANK AND CATHERINE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON - THE FACE OF RICHARD ALLEN HANCE a mugshot on a newspaper. WIDER as we see it is at the top of a story. The headline reads, "FBI Catches Serial Killer Hance," while the subtitle reads, "Two agents die in process." The newspaper lies atop a coffee table. FRANK AND CATHERINE sit on the living room sofa. Frank looks disconsolate, while Catherine puts her arm around him. CATHERINE Those men knew the risk when they went into that building. You can't blame yourself what happened. FRANK I just can't shake it... When I close my eyes all I see are their frightened faces staring back up at me. CATHERINE You've seen worse, Frank. FRANK --Before they were always *just* evidence. I don't think it's registered quite so clearly until now how a person could have the life sucked out of them in an instant... (a beat) I know it wasn't my fault, that there was nothing I could do. But it doesn't change how I feel. Of all the crimes I've seen committed, all the criminals I've tracked down, I'm not sure if I've ever seen an... *inhuman monster* quite like Hance. He should be dead for what he did. And I had the chance. CATHERINE You can't think like that, Frank. That's not who you are and that's certainly not the man I married. FRANK (nods) On the drive back to the station I contemplated putting my gun to his temple, pulling that trigger, expelling all the anger and hate I felt toward him. (a beat) But you're right. That's not who I am. I guess that, despite the atrocities I've seen committed, there's a part of me that believes Hance, and everyone like him, is not beyond redemption. CATHERINE The victims I cousel... I could suffocate myself with their pain. (looking into Frank's eyes) But I honestly don't believe there's no one so far gone that they can't be helped as long as we're willing to go that extra mile. Frank rests his head on Catherine's shoulders and closes his eyes, smiling weakly. They embrace. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. EXT. A BEACH - DAY (1976) Eve (age, 8) walks along a seemingly endless sandy beach, a Golden Retriever tags along behind her. It's a picturesque view: the ocean lapping at the shore, the sun spilling over the distant hills, a lighthouse majestically perched in the distance... She removes her sandals and steps into the surf. The foamy water surrounds her up to her knees and she giggles in delight. Her dog watches this odd behavior and approaches cautiously before deciding to sprint unexpectedly full speed into the ocean. EVE (V.O.) Every year, my parents would rent a house on the beach. There was more than enough living space: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room and adjacent kitchen... The camera PANS LEFT away from the water to the house Eve is describing. The warpness of its wood exterior gives its features a certain rustic charm. A man, Eve's father James, steps from the house and onto the beach. He waves to Eve and calls her name, but his voice cannot be heard over the roar of the ocean. She turns somehow knowing and waves back. Then, with her dog following, walks toward the beachfront property. EXT. PORCH OF BEACH HOUSE - NIGHT (1976) Eve is sitting with her parents on the porch of their beach house, busily assembling a jigsaw puzzle and refusing their help. Eve's dog lies at their feet asleep. The terrible downpour outside is keeping them in. EVE (V.O., CONT'D) During thunderstorms, we would sit in the huge screened-in porch on the front of the house. It extended right onto the beach so we see the tumultuous waves and feel the dampness of the rain. Eve's mother walks into the house and quickly returns with a cotton blanket. She wraps it around her daughter with affection and encourages her to keep working. Eve looks up for an instant at the storm before continuing. EVE (V.O., CONT'D) I remember those silent, peaceful evenings with my parents more clearly than family reunions and block parties. The escape from normal life... it was like dreaming, but while awake. CLOSE ON the storm outside. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN: INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY Frank is sitting across from Eve, listening to her childhood memories with quiet reflection. She's sitting on her bed, facing the window like before, and staring out at the rainy weather. The CHILD'S PLAYGROUND is now empty, the swings are soaked and swaying in the forceful wind. INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY She shifts uncomfortably and forces a smile. FRANK Where did all go wrong? What happened in one year that would cause you to... (a beat, choosing words carefully) end up here? EVE I'm afraid my explanations would not answer that question. To this day, I don't know why parents my turned violent toward me. I only know that I had to defend myself and that I did. FRANK Tell me more about your parents. James and Marie. What do you mean they "turned violent." FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY (1976) Eve's mother Marie is making breakfast: pancakes and scrambled eggs. Her daughter is sitting at the kitchen table and scribbling in a coloring book. Marie hums quietly to herself, in tune with the radio that is playing "Afternoon Delight" by the Starland Vocal Band. Eve wrinkles her nose at this. EVE (V.O.) There was no change in my parent's behavior in the months leading up to the "abuse." They were working-class and well liked by our neighbors. Marie pushes the half a dozen coloring books aside and puts the food in front of Eve. James walks in wearing a plain white shirt and faded jeans and sits at the table next to Eve. He takes a fork and reaches for Eve's breakfast, but Marie swats his hand away and places a plate in front of him with satisfaction. They kiss and Eve wrinkles her nose yet again. EVE (V.O., CONT'D) My mother was a typical housewife and my father worked for a contracting company in Gardner. We didn't live extravagantly, our annual trip to the beach being the only exception. INT. HOLY ROSARY CHURCH - DAY (1976) The Dean family is sitting in a church pew, dressed in their Sunday best. Eve looks about restlessly as the PRIEST quotes scripture. PRIEST "They came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him." EVE (V.O.) My parents were strict Catholics. We went to mass every Sunday - no excuses and we said our prayers before every meal. They were known as faithful parishioners and were well-liked by the Church. PRIEST (CONT'D) "The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him." Eve yawns and gets up from her seat. She begins to walk causally down the middle aisle, distracting the other worshippers. The commotion breaks Marie's concentration and she turns to find her daughter has left her side. MARIE (turning around) Eve? PRIEST (CONT'D) "Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones." Marie bolts from her seat and runs to Eve who has begun conversing with an elderly gentleman and his wife. She grabs Eve by the arm and yanks her forcibly to the back of the church. The worshippers laugh at this display in amusement. James remains in the pew, fully engrossed in the sermon. PRIEST (CONT'D) "Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before crying out in a loud voice, 'What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!'" Eve cries in alarm and Marie looks around the church in embarrassment. She slaps Eve to silence her and the girl falls to floor. PRIEST (CONT'D) "He had been saying to him, 'Unclean spirit, come out of the man!'" Bored, the worshippers turn their attention back to the priest. Meanwhile, Marie continues to strike Eve as the girl screams in pain. FADE OUT. ACT TWO FADE IN: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) The room is brightly lit and adorned with colorful decorations: sky blue wallpaper, a miniature set of table and chairs, a variety of stuffed animals... In the center of the room is a comfortable-looking twin-sized bed occupied by Eve. Eve is lying under the sheets, clutching a stuffed TEDDY BEAR. Her eyes are closed and she's coughing loudly. Her parents stand above her, arguing with a doctor who is clutching a black medical bag and a clipboard. JAMES What do you mean you can't help her?! DOCTOR I've given her a thorough examination, Mr. Dean, but I can't say precisely what the cause of her illness is. Eve turns sharply and coughs hoarsely. DOCTOR (CONT'D) If you'd agree to bring your daughter to a hospital where we have the proper equipment-- MARIE Absolutely not. You want us to take Eve to a place filled with sick, dying people and expect her to get well?! She's staying here where her mother can take care of her. DOCTOR I assure you that your daughter will receive the best care-- MARIE Thank you, Doctor, but we won't be needing your services any longer. The doctor turns to James who stares back blank and emotionless. He takes one last look at Eve and then quickly exits the room. Marie sits on the edge of Eve's bed and while smiling, strokes her hair. MARIE Sssh... Mommy's going to take care of you. INT. HOLY ROSARY CHURCH - DAY (1976) A YOUNG MAN runs through a throng of people and approaches the PRIEST who is standing at the front of the church, conversing with several worshippers. They step back in surprise at his appearance. PRIEST Thomas?! What’s wrong? THOMAS (gasping for breath) Father, there’s a couple who need to see you immediately. They claim that... (looks around, then whispering) I think you better come quickly. The PRIEST nods his head in agreement and excuses himself from the worshippers who continue to stand in gaping wonder. INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) Eve remains under the sheets of her bed, now strapped down by two large elastic straps. Her parents and the PRIEST stand above her, quietly observing her strange, horrifying behavior. The PRIEST reaches out to her and, although her eyes are firmly shut, she screams at his presence and struggles violently under the straps! He promptly withdraws and turns toward her parents. PRIEST How long as she been like this? JAMES The seizures began yesterday, but she’s been sick for a week or more. PRIEST Has she seen a doctor? Have you taken her to a hospital? JAMES Yes. MARIE --But the doctor was of no help. And we decided Eve should remain here, under our constant supervision. The PRIEST sighs and turns away from them to ponder the situation. Marie leaves the room and a moment passes. She returns quickly with a Bible cupped her hands. MARIE (quietly) Father... The PRIEST turns back around and looks at Marie with concern. MARIE (CONT'D) Mark, Chapter Five... You said... She extends the Bible to the PRIEST and he shakes his head, denying the possibility of what he knows she is suggesting. Then, a high-pitched scream from Eve! PRIEST (sighs) I'll send for assistance immediately. CLOSE ON - A WINDOW with sunlight blazing through it. HANDS appear on screen, clutching a wooden plank, nails, and a metal hammer. The plank is placed across the WINDOW and forcibly hammered into the WINDOW's frame with a series of ear-shattering BANGs. The procedure continues until the WINDOW is entirely covered and we PULL BACK to reveal INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) now obscured in darkness. Eve remains strapped in her bed, struggling and moaning incoherently. James and Marie are standing above her, at her side and looking down. They turn in unison at the sound of a DOOR OPENING. An elderly man (FATHER DAVID) dressed in purple vestments enters the room without a word or so much as a glance to the Deans and proceeds to remove supplies from a large black case that he had brought with him. The PRIEST enters through the doorway and promptly gags at the stench that has filled the room since his last visit. He recovers quickly and walks over to Father David. PRIEST (whispering) Do you have everything you need? Father David pauses his sorting and then nods an affirmative "yes." The PRIEST walks over to James and Marie. PRIEST Father David is experienced in these matters. Well, more experienced than I. He will pursue every course of action possible to cure your daughter of her... ailment. (a beat) But please understand that possession in this form is a rarity these days and there are no guarantees. MARIE --We understand, Father. James looks at Marie doubtfully and she diverts her eyes. Eve screams and Marie winces. The insufferable sound continues as a voice disrupts them. FATHER DAVID We’re ready to begin. CLOSE ON - EVE'S FACE her eyes firmly shut, her upper lip trembling with fright. FATHER DAVID (O.C) "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirt. Amen." HARD CUT TO: EXT. A BEACH - DAY (1976) The camera rapidly PANS ALONG the serene coastline to a rocky outcropping upon which, Eve (age, 8) stands. Her dress billows in the wind. She crouches down to feel the spray of the frigid sea water and arches her neck toward the sun. She smiles. HARD CUT TO: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) Eve screams! She continues to struggle under the straps and the bed CREAKS as it rocks back and forth. Marie cries in alarm as the walls shake and pictures hanging on the wall fall with a SHATTER. Father David opens a leather-bound volume and begins reciting: FATHER DAVID "I exorcise thee, every unclean spirit, in the name of God (sign of the cross) the Father Almighty, and in the name of Jesus Christ, (sign of the cross) His Son, our Lord and Judge, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, that thou depart from this creature of God, Eve Dean which our Lord hath designed to call unto His holy temple, that it may be made the temple of the living God, and that the Holy Spirit (sign of the cross) may dwell therein. Through the same Christ our Lord, who shall come to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire." FATHER DAVID AND PRIEST (together) "Amen." Father David motions for the younger priest to approach Eve. The PRIEST does so cautiously, extending a crucifix with his left hand. Eve snaps her head away and hisses. The PRIEST jumps back! but works up enough courage to place a comforting hand on Eve's shoulder. PRIEST (whispering) Relax, child. Open your eyes and embrace the Father's words... Allow the darkness within you to be purged. Eve relaxes and Marie steps forward curiously. Father David spits into his palm and lightly touches Eve's right ear, then left ear. FATHER DAVID "Be opened!" HARD CUT TO: EXT. A BEACH - DAY (1976) Eve (age, 8) is crouched on a rocky outcropping, smiling with her neck arched toward the sun. Suddenly, a huge wave CRASHES into the outcropping! HARD CUT TO: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) Eve snaps her eyes open! She GASPS for breath and turns slowly toward the PRIEST. She mouths: "Help me" but he ignores her and allows the exorcism to continue. Father David rubs his spittle across Eve's nostrils. FATHER DAVID "And to you, O devil, begone! For the judgment of God is at hand. Do you renounce Satan?" Eve's silent pleas go unanswered from the PRIEST and her parents. She turns toward Father David. EVE (weakly) "I do... re... re... renounce him..." Father David smiles. FATHER DAVID "And all his works?" EVE (calmly) "I do renounce his works." James and Marie watch closely as Father David lifts a brass container and dips his thumb into the 'Oil of Catechumens'. He proceeds to annoint Eve upon the breast and shoulder, reciting: FATHER DAVID "I annoint thee with the salvation of Jesus Christ, our Lord, that tho mayest have life everlasting." FATHER DAVID AND PRIEST (together) "Amen." Father David swabs his thumb and Eve with cotton to remove the oil. Eve swallows and blinks slowly. Father David removes his purple stole and adorns a white one. FATHER DAVID "Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?" EVE "Yes, I believe." FATHER DAVID "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was born, and suffered for us?" EVE "I believe." FATHER DAVID "Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the remission of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting?" EVE "I believe." FATHER DAVID "Will you be baptized?" Eve nods weakly and Father David pours baptismal water of Eve's head in the form of a cross. She winces as the water spills over her. FATHER DAVID "I baptize you in the name of the *Father*, and of the *Son*, and of the *Holy Spirit*." He dips his thumb into the 'Holy Chrism' and annoints Eve across the crown of her head in the form of a cross. FATHER DAVID "May Almight God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He who hath regenerated you by water and the Holy Spirit, and given thee remission of all thy sins, annoint thee (sign of the cross) with the chrism of salvation, in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord; unto life everlasting." FATHER DAVID AND PRIEST (together) "Amen." FATHER DAVID "Peace be unto you." Father David swabs his thumb and Eve with cotton. He places a white linen cloth upon her head. FATHER DAVID "Receive this white garment, which mayest thou bear without stain before the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may have life everlasting." Eve begins BREATHING HEAVILY as she watches Father David picks up a book of matches. CLOSE ON - MATCHES as they're struck in a BLAZE of fire. Father David lights a candle and holds it above Eve. FATHER DAVID "Receive this burning light, and keep thy Baptism so as to be without blame: keep the commandments of God, that when the Lord shall come to the nuptials, you may meet Him together with all the saints in the heavenly court, and may have eternal life and live for ever and ever." The wax from the candle drips on the bed... FATHER DAVID AND PRIEST (together) "Amen." EVE (hesitantly) "Amen." Marie clutches James's hand and smiles triumphantly. The PRIEST turns away from Eve whose eyes beg the question: "Why?" The candle flickers and dwindles as the scene grows quiet. FATHER DAVID "Go in peace, and the Lord be with you." FADE OUT. ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. INSTITUTION - CHILD'S PLAYGROUND - DAY It is dark and dank, overcast with a good chance of rain. We focus on the jungle gym. Legend INDICATES: One Week Later A BOY, eight years old, runs into the picture. He laughs a loud, childlike giggle as he climbs onto the structure. He makes his way up to the slide and cascades down it, smiling broadly. INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY Eve is sitting in on her bed, her arms crossed against her body for warmth. She smiles weakly to Frank who is sits across from her. EVE (shivers) It's cold in here. FRANK Yeah, the heating's not working today. EVE I hate cold weather. (a beat) My parents insisted I ride the school bus like the other children in our neighborhood. I'd always throw a fit during the winter when I had to walk what seemed like miles to the bus stop. My mother would get angry as would my father, by extension. (a beat) Sometimes I just sit here and laugh at the absurdity of the situation. My father could have driven me to school on his way to work, but instead he'd rather I freeze so my classmates wouldn't be jealous of my advantage. He was constantly worried how people, especially my mother, perceived him... everyone *but* me. (a beat) Do people *ever* consider the full implications of their actions? FRANK It's true. People tend to shrink things down to their own perspectives and only consider the consequences of their actions as they pertain to them. And in the process, they forget to take in account anyone else that may be affected... even the people closest to them. (a beat) When a man has a tough day and takes his fustration out on his wife, he's not thinking of her feelings... He just wants that release. EVE Or when parents abuse their children. FRANK --Or when children refused to follow his parents' orders. Or when... Frank cuts himself off. EVE Or what? Frank doesn't respond, but the unspoken words hang over them: "Or when a child kills his parents." FRANK (changing the subject) It's amazing how little adults understand children. I know it's true. I love my daughter more than anything in the world, but the older she gets, the more I lose touch with her. The strangest thing is that I was a child once too but for some reason, I've shut myself off from that. It wasn't a conscious thing, it just happened. I look at her and I can't understand why she does some of the things she does. EVE We think we know more than children do, but they have this innocence and knowledge we don't share. A child should never robbed of that. (a beat) But ultimately, they'll emerge out of that shell and onto their own to have that purity of mind and soul stripped away... to have the corruption and pain of the adult world forced upon them... it seems wrong to me. (a beat) The worst thing is, my parents thought they were justified in what they were doing. We hold on her slightly mournful expression before we: INT. INSTITUTION - RECEPTION DESK - DAY Sharon Walker is talking on the phone, oblivious to Frank who is leaning on the desk with a look of annoyance on his face. FRANK (inobtrusively) Do you know if Dr. Holmes will be coming in today? She shakes her head and waves him off as she focuses on the call she is taking. Frank turns away SIGHING. As he turns, he sees Doctor Holmes walking towards him. FRANK Dr. Holmes. DR. HOLMES Hello, Frank. What's up? FRANK I was wondering if you might be able to help me with something. DR. HOLMES Oh, what's that? Frank glances at Sharon and decides to lead Doctor Holmes away from the reception desk. FRANK Do you know the address of the house Eve lived in as a child? DR. HOLMES I actually on my way to see her, so I've got her file right here. Let me see... She opens it up and flips through it. DR. HOLMES Here we go... 825 Elm Street, in the residential district. FRANK Of Gardner? DR. HOLMES Yes. FRANK Thank you. (a beat) Oh, and one other thing. The doctor who had examed Eve before and after her arrest... Do you know where I could find him? DR. HOLMES I believe he's in a nursing home for alzheimer's patients. Why? FRANK It's nothing. DR. HOLMES (a beat) How are things progressing between you two? FRANK Well, honestly, I'm having a difficult time evaluating her. I feel certain things about this case, but I'm not sure if I can trust my instincts. DR. HOLMES How do you mean? FRANK I used to believe everyone deserved a second chance... But I've worked as a criminal profiler for more than half my life and seen too many *terrible* things to say my beliefs are still as strong. (a beat) My goal has always been to make the world a safer -- better place... But if I can't put my faith in humanity than what's the point? If there are truely people who have toppled into the abyss and can't be brought back, why bother? I sometimes feel powerless trying to stop the violence in society. (a beat) I guess I took this assignment to test myself... and, perhaps, to make a discernible difference. Frank SIGHS HEAVILY. FRANK (CONT'D) Do you remember when I first asked you if you believed criminals such as Eve could be redeemed for their actions? DR. HOLMES (hangs her head) Yes. With less than a week away from the parole hearing, I've been thinking about that a lot. (looks up at Frank) I wish I could help restore your faith in redemption, Mr. Black, but the answers seem intensely personal to you; I don't think it would mean anything unless you found those answers yourself. She turns in silence and begins walking toward Eve's cell, leaving Frank to contemplate her words. EXT. DEANS' HOUSE - DAY It is a decrepit-looking building. The blue paint is cracked and weathered, and even stripped bare in some places; There is a broken window; Leaves from the large trees which surround it cover the ground... Paradise lost. Frank enters the scene, taking it in for himself. He crunches his way through the omnipresent leaves and walks up the front steps to the door, pausing briefly as the wooden planks rattle loosely beneath his feet. He pushes the unlocked door open... INT. DEANS' HOUSE - DAY The inside is empty. There is no furniture, merely four walls to constitute a room; The wallpaper itself is peeling. HARD CUT TO: INT. FRANK AND CATHERINE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT This is the scene from the first act. Frank and Catherine sit on the living room sofa. FRANK On the drive back to the station I contemplated putting my gun to his temple, pulling that trigger, expelling all the anger and hate I felt toward him. (a beat) But you're right. That's not who I am. I guess that, despite the atrocities I've seen committed, there's a part of me that believes Hance, and everyone like him, is not beyond redemption. HARD CUT TO: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - DAY As Frank continues to make his way through the house. He moves into separate rooms, hardly distinguishable from each other. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. OREGON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY We see MAX BRUNELLI sitting and watching as Frank testifies against him to a PAROLE BOARD. Frank sits in a chair, directly facing members of the board who appear quite intimidating behind their oversized desk. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER Mr. Black, you're here as an expert witness as to this man's suitability for parole. FRANK Yes I am, sir. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER What is your conclusion? FRANK The man that committed these crimes has an overpowering sexual need. Precipitism in child sex crimes is among the highest in all criminal categories. If you let this man back into the world, he will find himself under unbearable pressure to resume. If you have sons and daughters, ask yourself, would you risk that to this man's remorse? Brunelli looks at Frank with sadness for a brief moment, then doward at his feet. The parole board members turn to each other in private discussion. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY Frank steps into another room. He sees bloodstains on the floor, scratch marks on the farthest wall caused by the rocking of Eve's bed, and the WINDOW -- still boarded after twenty-three years. Frank reacts to the offensive smell: urine and decay. This is Eve's room. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT (1976) Eve is sitting on the barren floor with several crayons spilled next to her. She's holding a piece of paper in her lap, drawing something... Slowly, we inch closer. We hear MUFFLED SOBS and, as we close in on Eve's face, we see that she has been crying. The camera PANS DOWN the drawing to reveal two people, identifiably a man and a woman, covered in a mess of blood. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY Frank walks over to the boarded WINDOW and places him palm on the wood. HARD CUT TO: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) Eve is fastened to her bed with straps as Father David stands over, reciting an incantation. She screams! HARD CUT TO: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY Frank kneels down in a corner of the room and picks Eve's TEDDY BEAR that had been tucked away in the shadows, forgotten. Its appearance is shameful but Frank smiles at its... innocence. A beat. EXT. DEANS' HOUSE - DAY Frank exits the house. As he does, he sees an elderly woman, BEATRICE PITTSTON (thin, wisened, in her late 60s), picking up the paper next door. FRANK Excuse me, ma'am. She looks up at him with surprise. FRANK Sorry, I don't mean to bother you, but did you know the family that lived in this house? He indicates the Dean residence. Pittston nods sadly. PITTSTON I did. FRANK Is there any chance you could talk to me about them? I'm investigating the murder of the husband and wife... INT. PITTSTON'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY It is a nicely furnished home and a striking contrast to the one Frank was just in. The shelves are dusted and occupied by family pictures, the floor is swept... the couch and chairs are covered in plastic cases. Frank smiles as he sits. He takes a notebook and pen out of his back pocket. FRANK So how long have you lived here? PITTSTON I've been here, since, let me see... (smiling) My memory's not quite what it used to be... (a beat, as she thinks) Hmm. I think since 1963. Yes, that's it, the year the president was shot. I was right in there. She points to the kitchen. PITTSTON Making an afternoon snack for my husband. He's passed away since, God rest his soul. FRANK And how well did you know the Deans next door? PITTSTON Oh, pretty well, I suppose. They weren't the most open people, but I always tried to get along with them as beast as possible. (a beat) May I ask why you're curious about their deaths now, so many years later? FRANK Their daughter is up for parole this week. Do you remember anything about her? About Eve? PITTSTON Eve... Yes, that girl was always a trouble-maker. FRANK (clearly surprised) In what way? PITTSTON (resentfully) She was a spoiled little girl with no respect for authority. She never wanted to do what her parents said. If they said left, she wanted to go right. If they said, inside, she wanted to be outside. I know children are like that sometimes, but she was contrary to the extreme. Very selfish. Why I remember, once... FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. DEANS' HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY (1976) James, Marie, Eve (age, 8), a younger Beatrice Pittston and her husband, Samuel Pittston sit around the dinner table. There is a beautiful meal on the table: a roast chicken, gravy, wild rice, corn bread... PITTSTON (V.O.) James and Marie had invited us to dinner one night. That is, me and my husband Samuel. They prepared an absolutely gorgeous meal. We see Eve breath heavily and crinkle her nose as she is served. PITTSTON (V.O., CONT'D) James told later remarked that Marie spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen. Samuel and I were amazed that a young mother could find the time, but not Eve. Oh, no. She pitched a fit. My Lord... Eve shakes her head and puts her hands up to her face. Marie looks imploringly at her, and tries to gently give her a little, but Eve swats the fork away, sending the food flying onto the floor. She begins to cry. PITTSTON (V.O., CONT'D) She was terrible. I remember that Marie was very gentle, very comforting, but the girl would have none of it. Eve picks up her plate, full of food, and flips it over, dumping her meal on the floor. PITTSTON (V.O., CONT'D) She actually threw her food on the floor! James gets up says something sternly to Eve as he tries to hold his temper. Eve gets up and walks to her room in protest. PITTSTON (V.O., CONT'D) My husband and I were shocked to say the least. Of course, James and Marie tried to make the best of it. The Deans smile nervously at their guests. PITTSTON (V.O., CONT'D) It was an awful situtation. That girl was just a menace. My Lord... FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. PITTSTON'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY Beatrice Pittston and Frank are sitting in the same position. Frank leans forward. FRANK Do you ever remember either of Eve's parents, James or Marie, ever getting... violent with her? Hitting her, maybe? Spanking her? PITTSTON Heaven's no. They were remarkably restrained, if you ask me. I would have whacked her hard after some of the stunts she pulled. FRANK Uh huh. He scribbles in his notebook as Pittston sits across from him, nodding to herself. INT. POLICE STATION - SQUADROOM - DAY We push through the squadroom towards the lieutenant's office as phones RING and detectives, duty officers, and interns walk about. Emblazoned on the door is a crest which reads, "Gardner Police Department Homicide." As we look THROUGH A GLASS WINDOW we see Frank sitting in a chair across from LT. MARK THORIN, a large man in his 50s with thick dark hair. INT. POLICE STATION - LT. THORIN'S OFFICE - DAY Thorin's desk is covered with files and memos. Frank takes his notebook and pen out again. FRANK So you were the primary on the Dean murders in 1976? LT. THORIN Yeah... 1976... I must be older than I thought. (chuckles) FRANK What do you remember about them? LT. THORIN The murders? Uh, let's see... I think the casefile is around here someplace. He digs through a stack of papers next to his desk. LT. THORIN (CONT'D) I had my secretary dig through about a half a million files just to find it after you called. She'll be pretty pissed if I lost it. (as he picks up a file) Ah. Here it is. He opens it up and flips through it. LT. THORIN James and Marie Dean. Oh yeah, I remember that one. September 10, 1976. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. EXT. DEANS' HOUSE - EARLY MORNING (1976) The scene consists of yellow crime scene tape and a squad car, parked in front of the house. An unmarked car belonging to the homicide department pulls up. A young Thorin and his partner, MICHAEL DEARBORN, exit the vehicle and walk up to the house, looking cold. They talk to each other as they approach the front steps although their conversation is inaudible. LT. THORIN (V.O.) My partner and I had just gone on duty when we were called to the scene. Now, I'm a pretty jaded detective, but my God... what I saw that day. It was tragic... Thorin and Dearborn enter the house. INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EARLY MORNING (1976) There is a uniformed POLICE OFFICER standing in the living room, waiting to guide them through the house. He leads Thorin and Dearborn through the living room and down the hallway into the bedroom where James and Marie lie dead, soaked in their own blood. A second POLICE OFFICER hovers over their bodies. Thorin watches as he lifts lifts the knife delicately and places it in a plastic evidence bag. LT. THORIN (shakes his head) And where's the daughter? The Police Officer gestures for the gentlemen to follow him. He takes them back down to the hall to EVE'S BEDROOM which is empty save for a soiled mattress and Eve who is curled up in the far corner, clutching her TEDDY BEAR. Her dress is soaked red with her parent's blood. She She looks up and locks eyes with Turning. CLOSE ON - EVE'S FACE and we see her eyes, grim and almost evil-looking. LT. THORIN (V.O., CONT'D) To this day, I've never forgotten the look on that girl's face. Sometimes I'll wake up late at night in a cold-sweat... with her haunting face engrained on my mind. She was so, I don't know, inhuman. She just glared at me and Mike as if she didn't even care that her parents were lying in the room down the hall, butchered to death. And I swear... she was proud of what she had done. Thorin stares wide-eyed at Eve, trying to understand what's happening but failing. He shakes his head in disbelief. Two additional POLICE OFFICERS approach from behind and walk over to Eve. She struggles futility as they lift her off the ground. Her TEDDY BEAR falls to the ground in a THUD. She stretches her arm for it and we continue to hear her MUFFLED cries as she's carried out of the room. FADE TO WHITE. FADE IN. INT. POLICE STATION - LT. THORIN'S OFFICE - DAY LT. THORIN She didn't look like a little girl; She didn't even look like a kid. It was as if something inside her took control and made her kill her own parents. (a beat) Mike wanted to press her further and find out why, but I remember what my lieutenant told me when I was rookie: "You sleep better if you don't know." I don't know if that's true or not, but I wouldn't want to sleep any worse than I do already. FRANK What do you remember about the crime itself? LT. THORIN Like I said, it was tragic. We found several drawings in the girl's bedroom that indicated the murders were premeditated. And the cuts made in the bodies were deep... made without remorse. HARD CUT TO: INT. OREGON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY We see MAX BRUNELLI sitting and watching as Frank testifies against him to a PAROLE BOARD. Frank sits in a chair, directly facing members of the board who appear quite intimidating behind their oversized desk. FRANK The man that committed these crimes has an overpowering sexual need. Precipitism in child sex crimes is among the highest in all criminal categories. If you let this man back into the world, he will find himself under unbearable pressure to resume. If you have sons and daughters, ask yourself, would you risk that to this man's remorse? Frank looks steely at the parole board. The parole board members turn to each other in private discussion. HARD CUT TO: INT. POLICE STATION - LT. THORIN'S OFFICE - DAY Frank stands up and extends his hand for Thorin to shake. They do. FRANK (solemnly) Thank you for your time, Lieutenant. Frank exits and Thorin pauses before closing the file for good. Too many bad memories... INT. HOLY ROSARY CHURCH - DAY The PRIEST from the second act, now significantly more aged, sits in a pew across from Frank. FRANK Did you feel justified in performing an exorcism on Eve Dean? PRIEST I wouldn’t have gone along with it if I hadn’t. FRANK But, in light of what happened following the exorcism, do you think it actually helped? Or do you think she only went along with it in order her suffering? PRIEST If Father David or I made a mistake, it was in underestimating the capacity for evil in that girl. HARD CUT TO: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) Eve screams! She continues to struggle under the straps and the bed CREAKS as it rocks back and forth. Marie cries in alarm as the walls shake and pictures hanging on the wall fall with a SHATTER. Father David opens a leather-bound volume and begins reciting: FATHER DAVID "I exorcise thee, every unclean spirit, in the name of God (sign of the cross) the Father Almighty, and in the name of Jesus Christ, (sign of the cross) His Son, our Lord and Judge, and in the power of the Holy Spirit..." His lips still move, but his voice fades into the B.G. PRIEST (V.O.) The exorcism was difficult. Moreso than Father David or I expected. I was fairly green at that point, and not so well traversed in the power of the evil that Satan can call upon. But I recognized it in that girl. Father David finishes the incantation. FATHER DAVID AND PRIEST (together, voices moving into the F.G.) "Amen." Father David motions for the younger priest to approach Eve. The PRIEST does so cautiously, extending a crucifix with his left hand. Eve snaps her head away and hisses. As she does so, we see a flash of the GEHENNA DEVIL. The PRIEST jumps back! PRIEST (V.O.) I saw it, more clearly than I have before or since. It was frightened and afraid of myself and Father David... it made no attempt to conceal itself from us. The PRIEST jumps back! but works up enough courage to place a comforting hand on Eve's shoulder. HARD CUT TO: INT. HOLY ROSARY CHURCH - DAY The PRIEST shakes his head slowly as he looks at Frank who looks back on him with a lost expression. HARD CUT TO: INT. FRANK AND CATHERINE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT This is the scene from the first act. Frank and Catherine sit on the living room sofa. FRANK ... I guess that, despite the atrocities I've seen committed, there's a part of me that believes Hance, and everyone like him, is not beyond redemption. HARD CUT TO: INT. OREGON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY We see MAX BRUNELLI sitting and watching as Frank testifies against him to a PAROLE BOARD. Frank sits in a chair, directly facing members of the board who appear quite intimidating behind their oversized desk. FRANK ... If you let this man back into the world, he will find himself under unbearable pressure to resume. If you have sons and daughters, ask yourself, would you risk that to this man's remorse? Frank looks steely at the parole board. The parole board members turn to each other in private discussion. HARD CUT TO: INT. HOLY ROSARY CHURCH - DAY Frank stares blankly at the PRIEST. FRANK (thinking to himself) Is it possible? That she... she was... He trails off, lost in terrifying thought. FADE OUT. ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. NURSING HOME - DAY A man (DR. LEWIS CHAMBERS) is sitting at a bench, eating. He is in his early 70s, with a small, shrunken head, and a balding pate. He meticulously raises the fork to his mouth, as if afraid a sudden movement may cause him to drop it. Legend INDICATES: Excelsis Dei Convalescent Home Worcester, MA We hear FOOTSTEPS coming towards him and Frank down sits across from him. FRANK Excuse me, Dr. Chambers? DR. CHAMBERS Yes? FRANK My name is Frank Black. I'm doing some research into the murders of James and Marie Dean by their daughter, Eve, whose physical and mental condition you evaluated both before and after the murders. DR. CHAMBERS Yes. I remember Eve. Poor little girl. FRANK Why do you say that? DR. CHAMBERS Well, she struck me as a child you had lost complete control of her own self. Children always have an air of exuberance to them, but, somehow, not her. It was like she had seen and experienced too much and her life had just been snuffed out. Her eyes were... so dull. FRANK Do you have any idea why? Chambers looks around for a moment as he considers his answer. DR. CHAMBERS I believe it was her parents. FRANK (leaning forward) What made you think that? DR. CHAMBERS It was a feeling I got when I went to visit them. There was this... FRANK What? DR. CHAMBERS Tension, I guess. Things didn't seem normal. The relationship was absent of love, like it had been pushed out by something else. That was what was missing in Eve's eyes. FRANK Love? DR. CHAMBERS She was so cold... and sad. FRANK Why did her parents ask you to come evaluate Eve? DR. CHAMBERS I don't exactly but they refused to allow Eve to be treated in a hospital. My preliminary exam did show evidence of abuse: bruises, scratches... But I believe the real scars were internal. FRANK And after the murders? What Eve say to you? DR. CHAMBERS Well, I confronted her about her injuries. Now, as you no doubt know, most children play off the abuse on something else: "I fell down the stairs" or "I banged my arm on the table." Things like that. Not Eve, though. She bluntly told me, without hesitation, "James and Marie." Not "Mommy and Daddy" or "My parents" but "James and Marie" as if she was totally detached from them. (a beat) She didn't see them as anything other than the people who brought pain and suffering into her life. FRANK This may sound a little strange, but is there a possibility that Eve's parents thought she was... possessed? Did you seen anything in their behavior to indicate that? DR. CHAMBERS Possessed? It wouldn't surprise me; And it would certainly explain their quick dismissal of my evaluation... But the only thing that girl was possessed by was the need to stop the pain being inflicted upon her. A pause, as Frank mulls this over. HARD CUT TO: INT. FRANK AND CATHERINE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Frank and Catherine sit on the living room sofa. Frank looks disconsolate, while Catherine puts her arm around him. CATHERINE The victims I cousel... I could suffocate myself with their pain. (looking into Frank's eyes) But I honestly don't believe there's no one so far gone that they can't be helped as long as we're willing to go that extra mile. HARD CUT TO: INT. NURSING HOME - DAY Frank sits across from Chambers who has since resumed his meal. Frank takes a DEEP BREATH and asks: FRANK Dr. Chambers, do you believe in... redemption? DR. CHAMBERS (a beat) What's the point of living if you don't? Frank stares at him for a second before standing. FRANK (smiling) Thank you very much, Dr. Chambers. You've been very helpful. Chambers contemplates this awkward exchange as he watches Frank leave. After a beat, he continues eating... INT. COURTROOM - DAY Doctor Holmes sits in a chair facing the parole board which is composed of three members (PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1, #2, and #3). They appear preoccupied with other thoughts and not genuinely concerned with Eve's situation. Frank sits next to Eve, carefully watching the proceedings. Eve stares blankly ahead -- preoccupied herself. She nervously rubs the back of her left hand with her right thumb. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 What is the status of your patient, Eve Dean, Dr. Holmes? DR. HOLMES She has spent twenty-three years here at the North Central Correctional Institution, the last ten under my care. In that time, she has made considerable progress in almost every problem area. Her self-esteem is higher, her awareness of others has improved greatly, and she's demonstrated the ability to think situations through before acting. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 (somewhat rudely) I gather that was a problem, considering the circumstances of her crime. Doctor Holmes sighs and pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose. Frank frowns and shifts uncomfortably in his own chair. DR. HOLMES As I said, she has made considerable progress. I cannot foresee another such event happening were she to be released from prison. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 Eve has been up for parole three times prior to this hearing. What makes her more fit for reentry into the community now? DR. HOLMES As I said, Eve has been here for nearly a quarter-century. It is my belief that this facility has outlived its usefulness for her. Her progress has been impressive, but sh'e gone as far as she can go in this setting. To continue her rehabilitation, she must return to the real world. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 Assuming she was released, how would she survive? She has almost no skills to speak of and no resources... And I don't believe she has any surviving relatives to take her in... DR. HOLMES In my estimation, Eve Dean is a remarkable young woman and one with a strong will to survive. In my opinion, she would find a way. She has an interest in children. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #2 --Hah. I wouldn't let an ex-convict near my child. DR. HOLMES She needs the benefit of the doubt. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 Has she earned it? DR. HOLMES She has spent more than enough time within the confines of the prison system than most criminals... If the goal of the penal system is, as it claims, to rehabilitate, then it should realize when it has done its job sufficiently. They do call it the department of *corrections*... (a beat) In my opinion, the only thing that keeping her incarcerated would accomplish is additional penalty for actions that occured years ago. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 So you feel there is a statute of limitations on said actions? DR. HOLMES Of course not... But she's lost her parents and a quarter of her life. Isn't that punishment enough? PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #3 Assuming Eve was released back into society, what would contributions would she make? DR. HOLMES Eve has a very strong personality and is a very caring person. (she struggles to find words) She... she has a decency and a sense of right and wrong which is greater than most people's. She is very sensitive to injustice. INT. COURTROOM - DAY - A SHORT TIME LATER Frank takes notebook out from his back pocket and takes a seat opposite the parole board. BAILIFF Now addressing is Frank Black, former criminal consultant with the FBI and Millennium Group... on the behalf of Eve Dean. FRANK I'd like to read from a prepared statement, if I may. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 You may. Frank CLEARS HIS THROAT. FRANK When I first met Eve Dean, I wasn't quite sure what to think. What *do* you think when you look into the eyes of a murderer? The worst, usually. (a beat) I investigated a murder case this past September and yet admist Columbine and the recent sprees of child violence, I still found it difficult to accept that children could be capable of such malice... I've made a living looking inside the minds of killers, but it was different with Eve. It was hard to accept that she was once capable of murder. (a beat) And it is also my opinion that Eve did not commit those murders of her own free will... rather, she was forced. Eve turns her attention to Frank and Doctor Holmes, curious, leans over and WHISPERS something in her ear. FRANK Eve was not an easy to child to raise. From my investigation and interviews, the consensus was she could be both selfish and stubborn -- two qualities which are often difficult on parents. But it's likely that her parent's lack of tolerance only compounded her bad behavior. Eve's murder of her parents was a child's desperate attempt to escape the physical abuse she was subjected to. (a beat) But in their eyes, James and Marie Dean were convinced they were only looking out for Eve's best interest... and that she was resistant because she had been *possessed* by some supernatural evil. The parole board is taken back these allegations. Eve closes her eyes. HARD CUT TO: INT. DEANS' HOUSE - EVE'S BEDROOM - DAY (1976) Eve snaps her eyes open! She GASPS for breath and turns slowly toward the PRIEST. She mouths: "Help me" but he ignores her and allows the exorcism to continue. Father David rubs his spittle across Eve's nostrils. FATHER DAVID "And to you, O devil, begone! For the judgment of God is at hand. Do you renounce Satan?" Eve's silent pleas go unanswered from the PRIEST and her parents. She turns toward Father David. EVE (weakly) "I do... re... re... renounce him..." Father David smiles. HARD CUT TO: INT. COURTROOM - DAY Eve opens her eyes and SWALLOWS HARD. FRANK (CONT'D) The Deans employed the services of two Catholic priests to perform an exorcism. The Church still believes in the practice, but restrictions have been made since legistlations passed in the 80s. No formal medical tests were conducted on Eve, only a brief exam made by a Doctor Lewis Chambers. I spoke with him earlier... he noted signs of abuse. Eve described the experience to me and although it was most definitely horrifying, I'm guessing she toned it down for both of our benefits. (a beat) Eve murdered her parents... because she was afraid for her life. CLOSE ON - EVE'S FACE as tears begin slowly trickling down her cheeks. She wipes them with the back of her hand and smiles weakly to Doctor Holmes. FRANK (CONT'D) I always believed that even the most violent offenders were capable of rehabilitation... As an investigator, I had to believe I was making the world a better place and not merely apprehending criminals -- punishment for punishment's sake. (a beat) But following the death of my wife, I lost a little of my hope for the world. I began to view things with a certain paranoia and pessimism. Last year, for example, I testified against a man named Max Brunelli who had been suspected of child abuse. I was blinded by the severity of the crimes and forgot to look at the individual accused... I later discovered that he wasn't responsible at all. (a beat) So when I first met Eve I was skeptical, but determined to uncover the truth behind her crime. I needed to feel like I was once again doing something worthwhile -- on a human level. And it took a journey into her past to restore my faith in the future. (a beat) An unfair court ruling determined Eve should spend twenty-some years at North Central Correctional Institution... In that time, Eve has come to exorcise her own demons; She has been rehabilitated, and, I believe, has found redemption. Frank looks back toward Eve. Her face is expressionless... INT. COURTROOM - DAY - A SHORT TIME LATER Eve, calm and collected, sits before the parole board. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #2 How do you feel about the murders of your parents? EVE (a beat) What do you mean? PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #2 Do you feel remorse over them? EVE Over the events which led up to them, yes. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #2 But not over the acts themselves? EVE Well, of course! I'm sorry that it had to happen. (a beat) But I still believe that under those circumstances I made the right decision. I'm not saying I would necessarily do it again... PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #2 So are you saying you *wouldn't* do it again? EVE I... don't know. I was afraid for my life. Doctor Holmes turns and looks nervously at Frank. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #2 --Do you or do you not accept resposibility for your actions? By all acounts, you were sometimes a very difficult child. EVE Perhaps, but they were my parents. It was their job to instruct me not through violence and fear, but through love and understanding. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #3 So they decided to teach you through firm discipline? EVE They thought I was beyond reason -- beyond hope. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #2 And you were too frightened or... too ashamed to go to the police or the neighbors? EVE The priest I had known since birth betrayed me. I didn't believe anyone else would help. She stares coldly at the parole board and they turn to each other undecided. Eve stands and walks over to Doctor Holmes and Frank. EVE How did I do? DR. HOLMES (taking Eve's hand) You did great, Eve. INT. COURTROOM - DAY - A SHORT TIME LATER The quiet MURUMUR OF VOICES dies down as the parole board reaches a decision. Frank and Doctor Holmes stand supportively behind Eve as PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 addresses her: PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 This has not been an easy case to decide on. In all honesty, I could see it going either way. We see both ample evidence for Eve's release and for her continued incarceration. We don't doubt the claims she was abused, perhaps even pushed toward her actions... but we can't simply dismiss them. (a beat) Ultimately, it comes down to a question of whether or not Eve has been significantly rehabilitated. Should the actions of a distressed child be held against her twenty-three years later? Doctor Holmes and Mr. Black raise this question and we must agree... Eve has made noticeable improvements... Eve's grip tightens on Doctor Holmes's hand. The doctor smiles warmly back. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 (CONT'D) But unfortunately not enough. Doctor Holmes's face goes blank and Eve turns toward her in shock. PAROLE BOARD MEMBER #1 (CONT'D) Eve shows little remorse over the murder of her parents. We fail to see how we could, in good faith, authorize the release of a woman who committed premediated murder... and still doesn't fully admit she was wrong. Therefore, Eve Dean, your request for parole is denied. There are startled GASPS as the parole board's words set in. Frank puts his hand on Eve's shoulder and she lowers her head in sadness. INT. INSTITUTION - CORRIDOR - DAY Frank and Doctor Holmes are standing outside Eve's cell talking. FRANK How's she doing? DR. HOLMES All right, I guess. She's obviously disappointed, but she appears to be handling it well. (a beat) It's just so frustrating! Eve and I have both worked too hard to come away with nothing... FRANK They'll be another hearing. DR. HOLMES Yes, but if the criteria of the parole board doesn't change, I can't see Eve ever being released. She feels nothing towards her parents and she never will. All the therapy in the world won't change that. FRANK Perhaps... she will someday. INT. INSTITUTION - EVE'S CELL - DAY Eve sits on her bed, staring out her window onto A CHILD'S PLAYGROUND where we see a YOUNG GIRL enthusiastically running around the playground with her friends. She stops, claps her hands together, and laughs aloud. Suddenly, the YOUNG GIRL turns toward the prison wall and sees Eve watching through the window. CLOSE ON - EVE'S EYES filled with a new vibrance and warmth, more alive than they've ever been. FADE OUT. THE END